Prenatal ethanol exposure decreases hippocampal /sup 3/H-vinylidene kainic acid binding in 45-day-old rats

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Farr, K.L.; Montano, C.Y.; Paxton, L.L.

1988-11-01

The effect of prenatal ethanol exposure on the kainate-sensitive subtype of glutamate receptor binding sites was studied using in vitro /sup 3/H-vinylidene kainic acid (VKA) autoradiography. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a liquid diet containing either 3.35% or 6.7% ethanol throughout gestation. Pair-fed dams received isocalorically matched liquid diets and a lab chow ad lib group served as control for paired feeding. At 45 days of age, the offspring were sacrificed and their brains analyzed for specific /sup 3/H-VKA binding. Compared to pair-fed controls, specific /sup 3/H-VKA binding was reduced by 13% to 32% in dorsal and ventral hippocampal CA3more » stratum lucidum, entorhinal cortex and cerebellum of 45-day-old rats whose mothers consumed either 3.35% or 6.7% ethanol diets. The binding site reductions were statistically significant only in the ventral hippocampal formation and entorhinal cortex of the 3.35% ethanol diet group rats. Saturation of binding studies in the ventral hippocampal formation of 3.35% ethanol rats indicated that the decrease in specific /sup 3/H-VKA binding was due to a decrease in the total number of binding sites. Given the excitatory effect of kainic acid on the spontaneous firing rate of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons, the reduction of kainate-sensitive glutamate binding in this region is consistent with the electrophysiological observation of decreased spontaneous activity of CA3 pyramidal neurons in fetal alcohol rats.« less

Spatiotemporal characterization of mTOR kinase activity following kainic acid induced status epilepticus and analysis of rat brain response to chronic rapamycin treatment.

PubMed

Macias, Matylda; Blazejczyk, Magdalena; Kazmierska, Paulina; Caban, Bartosz; Skalecka, Agnieszka; Tarkowski, Bartosz; Rodo, Anna; Konopacki, Jan; Jaworski, Jacek

2013-01-01

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that senses nutrient availability, trophic factors support, cellular energy level, cellular stress, and neurotransmitters and adjusts cellular metabolism accordingly. Adequate mTOR activity is needed for development as well as proper physiology of mature neurons. Consequently, changes in mTOR activity are often observed in neuropathology. Recently, several groups reported that seizures increase mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase activity, and such increased activity in genetic models can contribute to spontaneous seizures. However, the current knowledge about the spatiotemporal pattern of mTOR activation induced by proconvulsive agents is rather rudimentary. Also consequences of insufficient mTOR activity on a status epilepticus are poorly understood. Here, we systematically investigated these two issues. We showed that mTOR signaling was activated by kainic acid (KA)-induced status epilepticus through several brain areas, including the hippocampus and cortex as well as revealed two waves of mTOR activation: an early wave (2 h) that occurs in neurons and a late wave that predominantly occurs in astrocytes. Unexpectedly, we found that pretreatment with rapamycin, a potent mTOR inhibitor, gradually (i) sensitized animals to KA treatment and (ii) induced gross anatomical changes in the brain.

Spatiotemporal Characterization of mTOR Kinase Activity Following Kainic Acid Induced Status Epilepticus and Analysis of Rat Brain Response to Chronic Rapamycin Treatment

PubMed Central

Macias, Matylda; Blazejczyk, Magdalena; Kazmierska, Paulina; Caban, Bartosz; Skalecka, Agnieszka; Tarkowski, Bartosz; Rodo, Anna; Konopacki, Jan; Jaworski, Jacek

2013-01-01

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that senses nutrient availability, trophic factors support, cellular energy level, cellular stress, and neurotransmitters and adjusts cellular metabolism accordingly. Adequate mTOR activity is needed for development as well as proper physiology of mature neurons. Consequently, changes in mTOR activity are often observed in neuropathology. Recently, several groups reported that seizures increase mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase activity, and such increased activity in genetic models can contribute to spontaneous seizures. However, the current knowledge about the spatiotemporal pattern of mTOR activation induced by proconvulsive agents is rather rudimentary. Also consequences of insufficient mTOR activity on a status epilepticus are poorly understood. Here, we systematically investigated these two issues. We showed that mTOR signaling was activated by kainic acid (KA)-induced status epilepticus through several brain areas, including the hippocampus and cortex as well as revealed two waves of mTOR activation: an early wave (2 h) that occurs in neurons and a late wave that predominantly occurs in astrocytes. Unexpectedly, we found that pretreatment with rapamycin, a potent mTOR inhibitor, gradually (i) sensitized animals to KA treatment and (ii) induced gross anatomical changes in the brain. PMID:23724051

Everolimus is better than rapamycin in attenuating neuroinflammation in kainic acid-induced seizures.

PubMed

Yang, Ming-Tao; Lin, Yi-Chin; Ho, Whae-Hong; Liu, Chao-Lin; Lee, Wang-Tso

2017-01-21

Microglia is responsible for neuroinflammation, which may aggravate brain injury in diseases like epilepsy. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is related to microglial activation with subsequent neuroinflammation. In the present study, rapamycin and everolimus, both as mTOR inhibitors, were investigated in models of kainic acid (KA)-induced seizure and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation. In vitro, we treated BV2 cells with KA and LPS. In vivo, KA was used to induce seizures on postnatal day 25 in B6.129P-Cx3cr1 tm1Litt /J mice. Rapamycin and everolimus were evaluated in their modulation of neuroinflammation detected by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunostaining. Everolimus was significantly more effective than rapamycin in inhibiting iNOS and mTOR signaling pathways in both models of neuroinflammation (LPS) and seizure (KA). Everolimus significantly attenuated the mRNA expression of iNOS by LPS and nitrite production by KA and LPS than that by rapamycin. Only everolimus attenuated the mRNA expression of mTOR by LPS and KA treatment. In the present study, we also found that the modulation of mTOR under LPS and KA treatment was not mediated by Akt pathway but was primarily mediated by ERK phosphorylation, which was more significantly attenuated by everolimus. This inhibition of ERK phosphorylation and microglial activation in the hippocampus by everolimus was also confirmed in KA-treated mice. Rapamycin and everolimus can block the activation of inflammation-related molecules and attenuated the microglial activation. Everolimus had better efficacy than rapamycin, possibly mediated by the inhibition of ERK phosphorylation. Taken together, mTOR inhibitor can be a potential pharmacological target of anti-inflammation and seizure treatment.

Long-Term Intake of Uncaria rhynchophylla Reduces S100B and RAGE Protein Levels in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures Rats

PubMed Central

Tang, Nou-Ying; Ho, Tin-Yun; Chen, Chao-Hsiang

2017-01-01

Epileptic seizures are crucial clinical manifestations of recurrent neuronal discharges in the brain. An imbalance between the excitatory and inhibitory neuronal discharges causes brain damage and cell loss. Herbal medicines offer alternative treatment options for epilepsy because of their low cost and few side effects. We established a rat epilepsy model by injecting kainic acid (KA, 12 mg/kg, i.p.) and subsequently investigated the effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and its underlying mechanisms. Electroencephalogram and epileptic behaviors revealed that the KA injection induced epileptic seizures. Following KA injection, S100B levels increased in the hippocampus. This phenomenon was attenuated by the oral administration of UR and valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg). Both drugs significantly reversed receptor potentiation for advanced glycation end product proteins. Rats with KA-induced epilepsy exhibited no increase in the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 3, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and chemokine receptor type 2, which play a role in inflammation. Our results provide novel and detailed mechanisms, explaining the role of UR in KA-induced epileptic seizures in hippocampal CA1 neurons. PMID:28386293

Long-Term Intake of Uncaria rhynchophylla Reduces S100B and RAGE Protein Levels in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures Rats.

PubMed

Tang, Nou-Ying; Lin, Yi-Wen; Ho, Tin-Yun; Cheng, Chin-Yi; Chen, Chao-Hsiang; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2017-01-01

Epileptic seizures are crucial clinical manifestations of recurrent neuronal discharges in the brain. An imbalance between the excitatory and inhibitory neuronal discharges causes brain damage and cell loss. Herbal medicines offer alternative treatment options for epilepsy because of their low cost and few side effects. We established a rat epilepsy model by injecting kainic acid (KA, 12 mg/kg, i.p.) and subsequently investigated the effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and its underlying mechanisms. Electroencephalogram and epileptic behaviors revealed that the KA injection induced epileptic seizures. Following KA injection, S100B levels increased in the hippocampus. This phenomenon was attenuated by the oral administration of UR and valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg). Both drugs significantly reversed receptor potentiation for advanced glycation end product proteins. Rats with KA-induced epilepsy exhibited no increase in the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 3, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and chemokine receptor type 2, which play a role in inflammation. Our results provide novel and detailed mechanisms, explaining the role of UR in KA-induced epileptic seizures in hippocampal CA1 neurons.

Neuroprotective Effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures by Modulating Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Sprouting, Neuron Survival, Astrocyte Proliferation, and S100B Expression.

PubMed

Liu, Chung-Hsiang; Lin, Yi-Wen; Tang, Nou-Ying; Liu, Hsu-Jan; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2012-01-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR), which is a traditional Chinese medicine, has anticonvulsive effect in our previous studies, and the cellular mechanisms behind this are still little known. Because of this, we wanted to determine the importance of the role of UR on kainic acid- (KA-) induced epilepsy. Oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate the onset of epileptic seizure in animal tests. Hippocampal mossy fiber sprouting dramatically decreased, while neuronal survival increased with UR treatment in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas. Furthermore, oral UR for 6 weeks significantly attenuated the overexpression of astrocyte proliferation and S100B proteins but not γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABA(A)) receptors. These results indicate that oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate mossy fiber sprouting, astrocyte proliferation, and S100B protein overexpression and increase neuronal survival in KA-induced epileptic rat hippocampus.

The role of S-nitrosylation of kainate-type of ionotropic glutamate receptor 2 in epilepsy induced by kainic acid.

PubMed

Wang, Linxiao; Liu, Yanyan; Lu, Rulan; Dong, Guoying; Chen, Xia; Yun, Wenwei; Zhou, Xianju

2018-02-01

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease affecting millions of individuals. Kainate receptors, especially kainate-type of ionotropic glutamate receptor 2 (GluK2), play an important role in epileptogenesis. Recent data showed that GluK2 could undergo post-translational modifications in terms of S-nitrosylation (SNO), and affect the signaling pathway of cell death in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. However, it is unclear whether S-nitrosylation of GluK2 (SNO-GluK2) contributes to cell death induced by epilepsy. Here, we report that kainic acid-induced SNO-GluK2 is mediated by GluK2 itself, regulated by neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and the level of cytoplasmic calcium in vivo and in vitro hippocampus neurons. The whole-cell patch clamp recordings showed the influence of SNO-GluK2 on ion channel characterization of GluK2-Kainate receptors. Moreover, immunohistochemistry staining results showed that inhibition of SNO-GluK2 by blocking nNOS or GluK2 or by reducing the level of cytoplasmic calcium-protected hippocampal neurons from kainic acid-induced injury. Finally, immunoprecipitation and western blotting data revealed the involvement of assembly of a GluK2-PSD95-nNOS signaling complex in epilepsy. Taken together, our results showed that the SNO-GluK2 plays an important role in neuronal injury of epileptic rats by forming GluK2-PSD95-nNOS signaling module in a cytoplasmic calcium-dependent way, suggesting a potential therapeutic target site for epilepsy. © 2017 International Society for Neurochemistry.

Protective Mechanisms of Nitrone Antioxidants in Kanic Acid Induced Neurodegeneration

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-01-01

Hong, Dextromethorphan modulates the AP-1 DNA bind- Med. 14 (1993) 633-642. ing activity induced by kainic acid, Brain Res. 824 (1999) 125-132. [71 S.C...Hong, The effect of dextromethorphan on kainic acid-induced after kainic acid-induced seizures, Free Radical Biol. Med. 18 seizures in the rat...Bing, G., Bronstein, D., McMillian, M., Hong, J.-S. (1996) the effects of dextromethorphan on kainic acid-induced seizures in the rat. J. Neurotoxic

Effects of kainic acid on rat body temperature: unmasking by dizocilpine.

PubMed

Ahlenius, S; Oprica, M; Eriksson, C; Winblad, B; Schultzberg, M

2002-07-01

The effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of kainic acid (KA) and dizocilpine, alone or in combination, on body temperature of freely moving rats were examined. Injection of saline or dizocilpine (3.0 or 5.0 mg/kg) was followed after an hour by injection of saline or KA (10 mg/kg) and the body temperature was measured at different time points during the first 5 h. KA alone produced an initial short-lasting hypothermia followed by a longer-lasting hyperthermic effect. Administration of dizocilpine alone produced an early increase in core temperature. Pretreatment of KA-injected rats with dizocilpine potentiated the KA-induced hypothermic effect at 30 min and dose-dependently reduced the temperature measured at 1 h after KA-injection without influencing the ensuing hyperthermia.These data suggest that the KA-induced changes in body temperature do not necessarily involve the activation of NMDA-receptors as opposed to KA-induced behavioural changes that are blocked by dizocilpine in a dose-dependent manner. It is unlikely, therefore, that the KA-induced hyperthermia is a result of the KA-induced seizure motor activity. Furthermore, our findings indicate that KA-induced changes in core temperature may be used as a criterion of drug-responsiveness when the behavioural changes are blocked, e.g. with dizocilpine.

Neuroprotective Effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures by Modulating Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Sprouting, Neuron Survival, Astrocyte Proliferation, and S100B Expression

PubMed Central

Liu, Chung-Hsiang; Lin, Yi-Wen; Tang, Nou-Ying; Liu, Hsu-Jan; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2012-01-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR), which is a traditional Chinese medicine, has anticonvulsive effect in our previous studies, and the cellular mechanisms behind this are still little known. Because of this, we wanted to determine the importance of the role of UR on kainic acid- (KA-) induced epilepsy. Oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate the onset of epileptic seizure in animal tests. Hippocampal mossy fiber sprouting dramatically decreased, while neuronal survival increased with UR treatment in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas. Furthermore, oral UR for 6 weeks significantly attenuated the overexpression of astrocyte proliferation and S100B proteins but not γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors. These results indicate that oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate mossy fiber sprouting, astrocyte proliferation, and S100B protein overexpression and increase neuronal survival in KA-induced epileptic rat hippocampus PMID:21837247

Uncaria rhynchophylla and rhynchophylline improved kainic acid-induced epileptic seizures via IL-1β and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

PubMed

Ho, Tin-Yun; Tang, Nou-Ying; Hsiang, Chien-Yun; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2014-05-15

Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) has been used for the treatment of convulsions and epilepsy in traditional Chinese medicine. This study reported the major anti-convulsive signaling pathways and effective targets of UR and rhynchophylline (RP) using genomic and immunohistochemical studies. Epileptic seizure model was established by intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid (KA) in rats. Electroencephalogram and electromyogram recordings indicated that UR and RP improved KA-induced epileptic seizures. Toll-like receptor (TLR) and neurotrophin signaling pathways were regulated by UR in both cortex and hippocampus of KA-treated rats. KA upregulated the expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and brain-derived neurotrophin factor (BDNF), which were involved in TLR and neurotrophin signaling pathways, respectively. However, UR and RP downregulated the KA-induced IL-1β and BDNF gene expressions. Our findings suggested that UR and RP exhibited anti-convulsive effects in KA-induced rats via the regulation of TLR and neurotrophin signaling pathways, and the subsequent inhibition of IL-1β and BDNF gene expressions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

PHARMACOLOGIC SUPPRESSION OF OXIDATIVE DAMAGE AND DENDRITIC DEGENERATION FOLLOWING KAINIC ACID-INDUCED EXCITOTOXICITY IN MOUSE CEREBRUM

PubMed Central

Zaja-Milatovic, Snjezana; Gupta, Ramesh C.; Aschner, Michael; Montine, Thomas J.; Milatovic, Dejan

2008-01-01

Intense seizure activity associated with status epilepticus and excitatory amino acid (EAA) imbalance initiates oxidative damage and neuronal injury in CA1 of the ventral hippocampus. We tested the hypothesis that dendritic degeneration of pyramidal neurons in the CA1 hippocampal area resulting from seizure-induced neurotoxicity is modulated by cerebral oxidative damage. Kainic acid (KA, 1 nmol/5 μl) was injected intracerebroventricularly to C57Bl/6 mice. F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) and F4-neuroprostanes (F4-NeuroPs) were used as surrogate measures of in vivo oxidative stress and biomarkers of lipid peroxidation. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was quantified by evaluating citrulline level and pyramidal neuron dendrites and spines were evaluated using rapid Golgi stains and a Neurolucida system. KA produced severe seizures in mice immediately after its administration and a significant (p<0.001) increase in F2-IsoPs, F4-NeuroPs and citrulline levels were seen 30 min following treatment. At the same time, hippocampal pyramidal neurons showed significant (p<0.001) reduction in dendritic length and spine density. In contrast, no significant change in neuronal dendrite and spine density or F2-IsoP, F4-NeuroPs and citrulline levels were found in mice pretreated with Vitamin E (α-tocopherol, 100 mg/kg, ip) for 3 days, or with N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone (PBN, 200 mg/kg, ip) or ibuprofen (inhibitors of cyclooxygenase, COX, 14 μg/ml of drinking water) for 2 weeks prior to KA treatment. These findings indicate novel interactions among free radical-induced generation of F2-IsoPs and F4-NeuroPs, nitric oxide and dendritic degeneration, closely associate oxidative damage to neuronal membranes with degeneration of the dendritic system, and point to possible interventions to limit severe damage in acute neurological disorders. PMID:18556069

Resistance of neurofilaments to degradation, and lack of neuronal death and mossy fiber sprouting after kainic acid-induced status epilepticus in the developing rat hippocampus.

PubMed

Lopez-Picon, Francisco; Puustinen, Niina; Kukko-Lukjanov, Tiina-Kaisa; Holopainen, Irma E

2004-12-01

Neurofilament (NF) proteins, the major constituent of intermediate filaments in neurons, have an important role in cellular stability and plasticity. We have now studied the short-term (hours) and long-term (up to 1 week) effects of kainic acid (KA)-induced status epilepticus (SE) on the reactivity of NF proteins, and mossy fiber (MF) sprouting and neuronal death up to 4 weeks in 9-day-old rats. In Western blotting, the expression of the phosphorylation-independent epitopes of NF-L, NF-M, and NF-H rapidly but transiently increased after the treatment, whereas the phosphorylated NF-M remained elevated for 7 days. However, the treatment did not change the immunoreactivity of NF proteins, and no neuronal death or mossy fiber sprouting was detected at any time point. Our findings indicate seizure-induced reactivity of NF proteins but their resistance to degradation, which could be of importance in neuronal survival and may also prevent MF sprouting in the developing hippocampus.

Role of JNK isoforms in the kainic acid experimental model of epilepsy and neurodegeneration.

PubMed

Auladell, Carme; de Lemos, Luisa; Verdaguer, Ester; Ettcheto, Miren; Busquets, Oriol; Lazarowski, Alberto; Beas-Zarate, Carlos; Olloquequi, Jordi; Folch, Jaume; Camins, Antoni

2017-01-01

Chemoconvulsants that induce status epilepticus in rodents have been widely used over the past decades due to their capacity to reproduce with high similarity neuropathological and electroencephalographic features observed in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Kainic acid  is one of the most used chemoconvulsants in experimental models. KA administration mainly induces neuronal loss in the hippocampus. We focused the present review inthe c-Jun N-terminal kinase-signaling pathway (JNK), since it has been shown to play a key role in the process of neuronal death following KA activation. Among the three isoforms of JNK (JNK1, JNK2, JNK3), JNK3 is widely localized in the majority of areas of the hippocampus, whereas JNK1 levels are located exclusively in the CA3 and CA4 areas and in dentate gyrus. Disruption of the gene encoding JNK3 in mice renders neuroprotection to KA, since these animals showed a reduction in seizure activity and a diminution in hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. In light of this, JNK3 could be a promising subcellular target for future therapeutic interventions in epilepsy.

Intracerebroventricular kainic acid administration to neonatal rats alters interneuron development in the hippocampus.

PubMed

Dong, Hongxin; Csernansky, Cynthia A; Chu, Yunxiang; Csernansky, John G

2003-10-10

The effects of neonatal exposure to excitotoxins on the development of interneurons have not been well characterized, but may be relevant to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, the excitotoxin, kainic acid (KA) was administered to rats at postnatal day 7 (P7) by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion. At P14, P25, P40 and P60, Nissl staining and immunohistochemical studies with the interneuron markers, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD-67), calbindin-D28k (CB) and parvalbumin (PV) were performed in the hippocampus. In control animals, the total number of interneurons, as well as the number of interneurons stained with GAD-67, CB and PV, was nearly constant from P14 through P60. In KA-treated rats, Nissl staining, GAD-67 staining, and CB staining revealed a progressive decline in the overall number of interneurons in the CA1 and CA3 subfields from P14 to P60. In contrast, PV staining in KA-treated rats showed initial decreases in the number of interneurons in the CA1 and CA3 subfields at P14 followed by increases that approached control levels by P60. These results suggest that, in general, early exposure to the excitotoxin KA decreases the number of hippocampal interneurons, but has a more variable effect on the specific population of interneurons labeled by PV. The functional impact of these changes may be relevant to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia.

Establishment of a rhesus monkey model of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy using repetitive unilateral intra-amygdala kainic acid injections.

PubMed

Chi, Yajie; Wu, Bolin; Guan, Jianwei; Xiao, Kuntai; Lu, Ziming; Li, Xiao; Xu, Yuting; Xue, Shan; Xu, Qiang; Rao, Junhua; Guo, Yanwu

2017-09-01

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a common type of acquired epilepsy refractory to medical treatment. As such, establishing animal models of this disease is critical to developing new and effective treatment modalities. Because of their small head size, rodents are not suitable for comprehensive electroencephalography (EEG) evaluation via scalp or subdural electrodes. Therefore, a larger primate model that closely recapitulates signs of TLE is needed; here we describe a rhesus monkey model resembling chronic TLE. Eight monkeys were divided into two groups: kainic acid (KA) group (n=6) and saline control group (n=2). Intra-amygdala KA injections were performed biweekly via an Ommaya device until obvious epileptiform discharges were recorded. Video-EEG recording was conducted intermittently throughout the experiment using both scalp and subdural electrodes. Brains were then analyzed for Nissl and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) immunostaining. After 2-4 injections of KA (approximately 1.2-2.4mg, 0.12-0.24mg/kg), interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) were recorded in all KA-treated animals. Spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) accompanied by symptoms mimicking temporal lobe absence (undetectable without EEG recording), but few mild motor signs, were recorded in 66.7% (four of six) KA-treated animals. Both IEDs and seizures indicated a primary epileptic zone in the right temporal region and contralateral discharges were later detected. Segmental pyramidal cell loss and gliosis were detected in the brain of a KA-treated monkey. Through a modified protocol of unilateral repetitive intra-amygdala KA injections, a rhesus monkey model with similar behavioral and brain electrical features as TLE was developed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Kainic Acid-Induced Post-Status Epilepticus Models of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy with Diverging Seizure Phenotype and Neuropathology

PubMed Central

Bertoglio, Daniele; Amhaoul, Halima; Van Eetveldt, Annemie; Houbrechts, Ruben; Van De Vijver, Sebastiaan; Ali, Idrish; Dedeurwaerdere, Stefanie

2017-01-01

The aim of epilepsy models is to investigate disease ontogenesis and therapeutic interventions in a consistent and prospective manner. The kainic acid-induced status epilepticus (KASE) rat model is a widely used, well-validated model for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). As we noted significant variability within the model between labs potentially related to the rat strain used, we aimed to describe two variants of this model with diverging seizure phenotype and neuropathology. In addition, we evaluated two different protocols to induce status epilepticus (SE). Wistar Han (Charles River, France) and Sprague-Dawley (Harlan, The Netherlands) rats were subjected to KASE using the Hellier kainic acid (KA) and a modified injection scheme. Duration of SE and latent phase were characterized by video-electroencephalography (vEEG) in a subgroup of animals, while animals were sacrificed 1 week (subacute phase) and 12 weeks (chronic phase) post-SE. In the 12 weeks post-SE groups, seizures were monitored with vEEG. Neuronal loss (neuronal nuclei), microglial activation (OX-42 and translocator protein), and neurodegeneration (Fluorojade C) were assessed. First, the Hellier protocol caused very high mortality in WH/CR rats compared to SD/H animals. The modified protocol resulted in a similar SE severity for WH/CR and SD/H rats, but effectively improved survival rates. The latent phase was significantly shorter (p < 0.0001) in SD/H (median 8.3 days) animals compared to WH/CR (median 15.4 days). During the chronic phase, SD/H rats had more seizures/day compared to WH/CR animals (p < 0.01). However, neuronal degeneration and cell loss were overall more extensive in WH/CR than in SD/H rats; microglia activation was similar between the two strains 1 week post-SE, but higher in WH/CR rats 12 weeks post-SE. These neuropathological differences may be more related to the distinct neurotoxic effects of KA in the two rat strains than being the outcome of seizure burden

Amino terminus of substance P potentiates kainic acid-induced activity in the mouse spinal cord.

PubMed

Larson, A A; Sun, X

1992-12-01

Sensitization to the behavioral effects produced by repeated injections of kainic acid (KA) into the mouse spinal cord area has been previously shown to be abolished by pretreatment with capsaicin, a neurotoxin of substance P (SP)-containing primary afferent C-fibers. While SP has a variety of well characterized biological actions that are mediated by interactions of its COOH terminus with neurokinin receptors, more recently we have characterized an amino-terminally directed SP binding site. The present studies were initiated to determine whether behavioral sensitization to repeated injections of intrathecally administered KA is mediated by the COOH or NH2 terminal of SP. In the present studies, pretreatment with SP(1-7), an NH2-terminal fragment of SP, but not SP(5-11), a COOH-terminal fragment, potentiated KA-induced behavioral activity in mice. Pretreatment with [D-Pro2,D-Phe7]SP(1-7), an inhibitor of SP NH2-terminal binding, blocked the potentiative effect of SP(1-7) as well as the sensitization to repeated injections of KA. In contrast, [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP, a neurokinin antagonist, had little effect on behavioral sensitization to KA. The present study suggests that SP has an important modulatory role on excitatory amino acid activity in the spinal cord that is mediated by an action of the NH2 terminal of SP at a non-neurokinin receptor.

Aromatase inhibition by letrozole attenuates kainic acid-induced seizures but not neurotoxicity in mice.

PubMed

Iqbal, Ramsha; Jain, Gaurav K; Siraj, Fouzia; Vohora, Divya

2018-07-01

Evidence shows neurosteroids play a key role in regulating epileptogenesis. Neurosteroids such as testosterone modulate seizure susceptibility through its transformation to metabolites which show proconvulsant and anticonvulsant effects, respectively. Reduction of testosterone by aromatase generates proconvulsant 17-β estradiol. Alternatively, testosterone is metabolized into 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) by 5α-reductase, which is then reduced by 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase enzyme (3α-HSOR) to form anticonvulsant metabolite 3α-androstanediol (3α-Diol), a potent GABA A receptor modulating neurosteroid. The present study evaluated whether inhibition of aromatase inhibitor letrozole protects against seizures and neuronal degeneration induced by kainic acid (KA) (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in Swiss albino mice. Letrozole (1 mg/kg, i.p.) administered one hour prior to KA significantly increased the onset time of seizures and reduced the% incidence of seizures. Pretreatment with finasteride, a selective inhibitor of 5α-reductase and indomethacin, a selective inhibitor of 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase enzyme (3α-HSOR), reversed the protective effects of letrozole in KA-induced seizures in mice. Microscopic examination using cresyl violet staining revealed that letrozole did not modify KA-induced neurotoxicity in the CA1, CA3 and DG region of the hippocampus. Letrozole treatment resulted in the reduced levels of 17-β estradiol and elevated the levels of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 3α-Diol in the hippocampus. Finasteride and indomethacin attenuated letrozole-induced elevations of 5α-DHT and 3α-Diol. Our results indicate the potential anticonvulsant effects of letrozole against KA-induced seizures in mice that might be mediated by inhibiting aromatization of testosterone to 17β-estradiol, a proconvulsant hormone and by redirecting the synthesis to anticonvulsant metabolites, 5α-DHT and 3α-Diol. Acute aromatase inhibition, thus, might be used as an

Kainic Acid-Induced Excitotoxicity Experimental Model: Protective Merits of Natural Products and Plant Extracts

PubMed Central

Mohd Sairazi, Nur Shafika; Sirajudeen, K. N. S.; Asari, Mohd Asnizam; Muzaimi, Mustapha; Mummedy, Swamy; Sulaiman, Siti Amrah

2015-01-01

Excitotoxicity is well recognized as a major pathological process of neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases involving the central nervous system (CNS). In the animal models of neurodegeneration, excitotoxicity is commonly induced experimentally by chemical convulsants, particularly kainic acid (KA). KA-induced excitotoxicity in rodent models has been shown to result in seizures, behavioral changes, oxidative stress, glial activation, inflammatory mediator production, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and selective neurodegeneration in the brain upon KA administration. Recently, there is an emerging trend to search for natural sources to combat against excitotoxicity-associated neurodegenerative diseases. Natural products and plant extracts had attracted a considerable amount of attention because of their reported beneficial effects on the CNS, particularly their neuroprotective effect against excitotoxicity. They provide significant reduction and/or protection against the development and progression of acute and chronic neurodegeneration. This indicates that natural products and plants extracts may be useful in protecting against excitotoxicity-associated neurodegeneration. Thus, targeting of multiple pathways simultaneously may be the strategy to maximize the neuroprotection effect. This review summarizes the mechanisms involved in KA-induced excitotoxicity and attempts to collate the various researches related to the protective effect of natural products and plant extracts in the KA model of neurodegeneration. PMID:26793262

Anticonvulsant effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack. in rats with kainic acid-induced epileptic seizure.

PubMed

Hsieh, C L; Chen, M F; Li, T C; Li, S C; Tang, N Y; Hsieh, C T; Pon, C Z; Lin, J G

1999-01-01

This study investigated the anticonvulsant effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and the physiological mechanisms of its action in rats. A total of 70 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected for study. Thirty four of these rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: 1) CONTROL GROUP (n = 6): received intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of kainic acid (KA, 12 mg/kg); 2) UR1000 group (n = 10), 3) UR500 group (n = 6) 4) UR250 group, received UR 1000, 500, 250 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration, respectively; 5) Contrast group: received carbamazepine 20 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration. Behavior and EEG were monitored from 15 min prior to drug administration to 3 hours after KA administration. The number of wet dog shakes were counted at 10 min intervals throughout the experimental course. The remaining 36 rats were used to measure the lipid peroxide level in the cerebral cortex one hour after KA administration. These rats were divided into 6 groups of 6 rats as follows: 1) Normal group: no treatment was given; 2) CONTROL GROUP: received KA (12 mg/kg) i.p.; 3) UR1000 group, 4) UR500 group, 5) UR250 group, received UR 1000, 500, 250 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration, respectively; 6) Contrast group: received carbamazepine 20 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to KA administration. Our results indicated that both UR 1000 and 500 mg/kg decreased the incidence of KA-induced wet dog shakes, no similar effect was observed in the UR 250 mg/kg and carbamazepine 20 mg/kg group. Treatment with UR 1000 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, or 250 mg/kg and carbamazepine 20 mg/kg decreased KA-induced lipid peroxide level in the cerebral cortex and was dose-dependent. These findings suggest that the anticonvulsant effect of UR possibly results from its suppressive effect on lipid peroxidation in the brain.

Upregulation of GH, but not IGF1, in the hippocampus of the lactating dam after kainic acid injury

PubMed Central

Arellanes-Licea, Elvira C; Ávila-Mendoza, José; Ramírez-Martínez, Elizabeth C; Ramos, Eugenia; Uribe-González, Nancy; Arámburo, Carlos

2018-01-01

Lactation embodies a natural model of morphological, neurochemical, and functional brain plasticity. In this reproductive stage, the hippocampus of the female is less sensitive to excitotoxins in contrast to nulliparity. Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) are known to be neuroprotective in several experimental models of brain lesion. Here, activation of the GH–IGF1 pituitary–brain axis following kainic acid (7.5 mg/kg i.p. KA) lesion was studied in lactating and nulliparous rats. Serum concentrations of GH and IGF1 were uncoupled in lactation. Compared to virgin rats, the basal concentration of GH increased up to 40% but IGF1 decreased 58% in dams, and only GH increased further after KA treatment. In the hippocampus, basal expression of GH mRNA was higher (2.8-fold) in lactating rats than in virgin rats. GH mRNA expression in lactating rats increased further after KA administration in the hippocampus and in the hypothalamus, in parallel to GH protein concentration in the hippocampus of KA-treated lactating rats (43% vs lactating control), as detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Except for the significantly lower mRNA concentration in the liver of lactating rats, IGF1 expression was not altered by the reproductive condition or by KA treatment in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Present results indicate upregulation of GH expression in the hippocampus after an excitotoxic lesion, suggesting paracrine/autocrine actions of GH as a factor underlying neuroprotection in the brain of the lactating dam. Since no induction of IGF1 was detected, present data suggest a direct action of GH. PMID:29321175

JNK1 inhibition by Licochalcone A leads to neuronal protection against excitotoxic insults derived of kainic acid.

PubMed

Busquets, Oriol; Ettcheto, Miren; Verdaguer, Ester; Castro-Torres, Ruben D; Auladell, Carme; Beas-Zarate, Carlos; Folch, Jaume; Camins, Antoni

2018-03-15

The mitogen-activated protein kinase family (MAPK) is an important group of enzymes involved in cellular responses to diverse external stimuli. One of the members of this family is the c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK). The activation of the JNK pathway has been largely associated with the pathogenesis that occurs in epilepsy and neurodegeneration. Kainic acid (KA) administration in rodents is an experimental approach that induces status epilepticus (SE) and replicates many of the phenomenological features of human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Recent studies in our group have evidenced that the absence of the JNK1 gene has neuroprotective effects against the damage induced by KA, as it occurs with the absence of JNK3. The aim of the present study was to analyse whether the pharmacological inhibition of JNK1 by Licochalcone A (Lic-A) had similar effects and if it may be considered as a new molecule for the treatment of SE. In order to achieve this objective, animals were pre-treated with Lic-A and posteriorly administered with KA as a model for TLE. In addition, a comparative study with KA was performed between wild type pre-treated with Lic-A and single knock-out transgenic mice for the Jnk1 -/- gene. Our results showed that JNK1 inhibition by Lic-A, previous to KA administration, caused a reduction in the convulsive pattern. Furthermore, it reduced phosphorylation levels of the JNK, as well as its activity. In addition, Lic-A prevented hippocampal neuronal degeneration, increased pro-survival anti-apoptotic mechanisms, reduced pro-apoptotic biomarkers, decreased cellular stress and neuroinflammatory processes. Thus, our results suggest that inhibition of the JNK1 by Lic-A has neuroprotective effects and that; it could be a new potential approach for the treatment of SE and neurodegeneration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of glutamic acid analogues on identifiable giant neurones, sensitive to beta-hydroxy-L-glutamic acid, of an African giant snail (Achatina fulica Férussac).

PubMed Central

Nakajima, T.; Nomoto, K.; Ohfune, Y.; Shiratori, Y.; Takemoto, T.; Takeuchi, H.; Watanabe, K.

1985-01-01

The effects of the seven glutamic acid analogues, alpha-kainic acid, alpha-allo-kainic acid, domoic acid, erythro-L-tricholomic acid, DL-ibotenic acid, L-quisqualic acid and allo-gamma-hydroxy-L-glutamic acid were examined on six identifiable giant neurones of an African giant snail (Achatina fulica Férussac). The neurones studied were: PON (periodically oscillating neurone), d-RPLN (dorsal-right parietal large neurone), VIN (visceral intermittently firing neurone), RAPN (right anterior pallial neurone), FAN (frequently autoactive neurone) and v-RCDN (ventral-right cerebral distinct neurone). Of these, d-RPLN and RAPN were excited by the two isomers (erythro- and threo-) of beta-hydroxy-L-glutamic acid (L-BHGA), whereas PON, VIN, FAN and v-RCDN were inhibited. L-Glutamic acid (L-Glu) had virtually no effect on these neurones. alpha-Kainic acid and domoic acid showed marked excitatory effects, similar to those of L-BHGA, on d-RPLN and RAPN. Their effective potency quotients (EPQs), relative to the more effective isomer of L-BHGA were: 0.3 for both substances on d-RPLN, and 1 for alpha-kainic acid and 3-1 for domoic acid on RAPN. alpha-Kainic acid also had excitatory effects on FAN and v-RCDN (EPQ for both: 0.3), which were inhibited by L-BHGA but excited by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Erythro-L-tricholomic acid showed marked effects, similar to those of L-BHGA, on VIN (EPQ: 0.3) and RAPN (EPQ: 3-1), but produced weaker effects on PON and d-RPLN (EPQ: 0.1). DL-Ibotenic acid produced marked effects, similar to those of L-BHGA, on PON, VIN (EPQ for both: 1) and RAPN (EPQ: 1-0.3), but had weak effects on d-RPLN (EPQ: less than 0.1) and FAN (EPQ: 0.1). It had excitatory effects on v-RCDN (EPQ: 0.1). This neurone was inhibited by L-BHGA but excited by GABA. L-Quisqualic acid showed the same effects as L-BHGA on all of the neurones examined (EPQ range 30-0.1). It was the most potent of the compounds tested on RAPN (EPQ: 30-10), FAN (EPQ: 30) and v-RCDN (EPQ: 3). alpha-Allo-kainic

Uncaria rhynchophylla and Rhynchophylline inhibit c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation and nuclear factor-kappaB activity in kainic acid-treated rats.

PubMed

Hsieh, Ching-Liang; Ho, Tin-Yun; Su, Shan-Yu; Lo, Wan-Yu; Liu, Chung-Hsiang; Tang, Nou-Ying

2009-01-01

Our previous studies have shown that Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) can reduce epileptic seizures. We hypothesized that UR and its major component rhynchophylline (RH), reduce epileptic seizures in rats treated with kainic acid (KA) by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator-protein-1 (AP-1) activity, and by eliminating superoxide anions. Therefore, the level of superoxide anions and the DNA binding activities of NF-kappaB and AP-1 were measured. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were pre-treated with UR (1.0 g/kg, i.p.), RH (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.), or valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 days and then KA was administered intra-peritoneal (i.p.). The results indicated that UR, RH, and VA can reduce epileptic seizures and the level of superoxide anions in the blood. Furthermore, KA was demonstrated to induce the DNA binding activities of NF-kappaB and AP-1. However, these inductions were inhibited by pre-treatment with UR, RH, or VA for 3 days. Moreover, UR and RH were shown to be involved in the suppression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. This study suggested that UR and RH have antiepileptic effects in KA-induced seizures and are associated with the regulation of the innate immune system via a reduction in the level of superoxide anions, JNK phosphorylation, and NF-kappaB activation.

Prenatal choline deficiency does not enhance hippocampal vulnerability after kainic acid-induced seizures in adulthood

PubMed Central

Wong-Goodrich, Sarah J.E.; Tognoni, Christina M.; Mellott, Tiffany J.; Glenn, Melissa J.; Blusztajn, Jan K.; Williams, Christina L.

2011-01-01

Choline is a vital nutrient needed during early development for both humans and rodents. Severe dietary choline deficiency during pregnancy leads to birth defects, while more limited deficiency during mid- to late pregnancy causes deficits in hippocampal plasticity in adult rodent offspring that are accompanied by cognitive deficits only when task demands are high. Because prenatal choline supplementation confers neuroprotection of the adult hippocampus against a variety of neural insults and aids memory, we hypothesized that prenatal choline deficiency may enhance vulnerability to neural injury. To examine this, adult offspring of rat dams either fed a control diet (CON) or one deficient in choline (DEF) during embryonic days 12–17 were given multiple injections (i.p.) of saline (control) or kainic acid to induce seizures and were euthanized 16 days later. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, DEF rats were not more susceptible to seizure induction and showed similar levels of seizure-induced hippocampal histopathology, GAD expression loss, upregulated hippocampal GFAP and growth factor expression, and increased dentate cell and neuronal proliferation as that seen in CON rats. Although prenatal choline deficiency compromises adult hippocampal plasticity in the intact brain, it does not appear to exacerbate the neuropathological response to seizures in the adult hippocampus at least shortly after excitotoxic injury. PMID:21840511

Uncaria rhynchophylla upregulates the expression of MIF and cyclophilin A in kainic acid-induced epilepsy rats: A proteomic analysis.

PubMed

Lo, Wan-Yu; Tsai, Fuu-Jen; Liu, Chung-Hsiang; Tang, Nou-Ying; Su, Shan-Yu; Lin, Shinn-Zong; Chen, Chun-Chung; Shyu, Woei-Cherng; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2010-01-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack (UR) is a traditional Chinese herb and is used for the treatment of convulsive disorders, including epilepsy. Our previous study has shown that UR, as well as its major component rhynchophylline (RH), has an anticonvulsive effect and this effect is closely related to its scavenging activities of oxygen free radicals. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of (UR) on the expression of proteins using a proteomics analysis in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with kainic acid (KA)-induced epileptic seizures. We profiled the differentially expressed proteins on two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) maps derived from the frontal cortex and hippocampus of rat brain tissue 24 hours after KA-induced epileptic seizures. The results indicated that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and cyclophilin A were under expressed in frontal cortex by an average of 0.19- and 0.23-fold, respectively. In the frontal cortex, MIF and cyclophilin A were significantly decreased in the KA group and these decreases were confirmed by the Western blots. However, in the hippocampus, only cyclophilin A was significantly decreased in the KA group. In addition, in real-time quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), MIF and cyclophilin A gene expressions were also significantly under expressed in the frontal cortex, and only the cyclophilin A gene was also significantly under expressed in the hippocampus in the KA group. These under expressions of MIF and cyclophilin A could be overcome by the treatment of UR and RH. In conclusion, the under expressions of MIF and cyclophilin A in the frontal cortex and hippocampus in KA-treated rats, which were overcome by both UR and UH treatment, suggesting that both MIF and cyclophilin A at least partly participate in the anticonvulsive effect of UR.

Propolis ameliorates tumor nerosis factor-α, nitric oxide levels, caspase-3 and nitric oxide synthase activities in kainic acid mediated excitotoxicity in rat brain.

PubMed

Swamy, Mummedy; Suhaili, Dian; Sirajudeen, K N S; Mustapha, Zulkarnain; Govindasamy, Chandran

2014-01-01

Increased nitric oxide (NO), neuronal inflammation and apoptosis have been proposed to be involved in excitotoxicity plays a part in many neurodegenerative diseases. To understand the neuro-protective effects of propolis, activities of Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and caspase-3 along with NO and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were studied in cerebral cortex (CC), cerebellum (CB) and brain stem (BS) in rats supplemented with propolis prior to excitotoxic injury with kainic acid (KA). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n=6 rats per group) as Control, KA, Propolis and KA+Propolis. The control group and KA group have received vehicle and saline. Propolis group and propolis + KA group were orally administered with propolis (150 mg/kg body weight), five times every 12 hours. KA group and propolis +KA group were injected subcutaneously with kainic acid (15 mg/kg body weight) and were sacrificed after 2 hrs. CC, CB and BS were separated, homogenized and used for estimation of NOS, caspase-3, NO and TNF-α by commercial kits. Results were analyzed by one way ANOVA, reported as mean + SD (n=6 rats), and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The concentration of NO, TNF-α, NOS and caspase-3 activity were increased significantly (p<0.001) in all the three brain regions tested in KA group compared to the control. Propolis supplementation significantly (p<0.001) prevented the increase in NOS, NO, TNF-α and caspase-3 due to KA. Results of this study clearly demonstrated that the propolis supplementation attenuated the NOS, caspase-3 activities, NO, and TNF-α concentration and in KA mediated excitotoxicity. Hence propolis can be a possible potential protective agent against excitotoxicity and neurodegenerative disorders.

Parvalbumin interneurons and calretinin fibers arising from the thalamic nucleus reuniens degenerate in the subiculum after kainic acid-induced seizures

PubMed Central

Drexel, M.; Preidt, A.P.; Kirchmair, E.; Sperk, G.

2011-01-01

The subiculum is the major output area of the hippocampus. It is closely interconnected with the entorhinal cortex and other parahippocampal areas. In animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and in TLE patients it exerts increased network excitability and may crucially contribute to the propagation of limbic seizures. Using immunohistochemistry and in situ-hybridization we now investigated neuropathological changes affecting parvalbumin and calretinin containing neurons in the subiculum and other parahippocampal areas after kainic acid-induced status epilepticus. We observed prominent losses in parvalbumin containing interneurons in the subiculum and entorhinal cortex, and in the principal cell layers of the pre- and parasubiculum. Degeneration of parvalbumin-positive neurons was associated with significant precipitation of parvalbumin-immunoreactive debris 24 h after kainic acid injection. In the subiculum the superficial portion of the pyramidal cell layer was more severely affected than its deep part. In the entorhinal cortex, the deep layers were more severely affected than the superficial ones. The decrease in number of parvalbumin-positive neurons in the subiculum and entorhinal cortex correlated with the number of spontaneous seizures subsequently experienced by the rats. The loss of parvalbumin neurons thus may contribute to the development of spontaneous seizures. On the other hand, surviving parvalbumin neurons revealed markedly increased expression of parvalbumin mRNA notably in the pyramidal cell layer of the subiculum and in all layers of the entorhinal cortex. This indicates increased activity of these neurons aiming to compensate for the partial loss of this functionally important neuron population. Furthermore, calretinin-positive fibers terminating in the molecular layer of the subiculum, in sector CA1 of the hippocampus proper and in the entorhinal cortex degenerated together with their presumed perikarya in the thalamic nucleus reuniens. In

Activation of AKT/GSK3β pathway by TDZD-8 attenuates kainic acid induced neurodegeneration but not seizures in mice.

PubMed

Bhowmik, Malay; Khanam, Razia; Saini, Neeru; Vohora, Divya

2015-01-01

Activation of glycogen synthase kinase3β (GSK3β), an enzyme that regulates a multitude of cellular signaling pathways, is implicated in neurodegenerative processes observed in an array of CNS diseases. We examined the hypothesis that the pathological changes in an acute kainic acid (KA) induced excitotoxicity model, relevant to human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), could be sensitive to inhibition of GSK3β by 4-benzyl-2-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazolidine-3,5-dione (TDZD-8) treatment in Swiss albino mice. Immediate seizure responses due to KA were recorded. Neurodegenerative and morphogenic changes were examined by western blot analysis and light microscopy, respectively, 48 h after KA administration. Although tonic-clonic seizure episodes evoked by KA were unaffected, TDZD-8 pretreatment decreased KA mediated elevation in caspase-3 cleavage as well as increased Bcl2 and phospho-GSK3β (Ser9; pGSK3β(Ser9)) expression. Likewise, microscopic examination also revealed that pretreatment with TDZD-8 attenuated cell damage elicited by KA in the CA1, CA3 and DG regions. In all the above parameters, the combined effect of a sub-effective dose of sodium valproate (SVP) with TDZD-8 was higher than that of solitary TDZD-8 treatment. The findings suggest that activated GSK3β orchestrated neurodegenerative alterations following KA treatment and its inhibition by TDZD-8 affords a distinct neuroprotective profile by activating Akt/GSK3β pathway which might act upstream of Bax/Bcl2 and caspase-3 pathways. Compounds targeting GSK3β activity might represent a novel therapeutic option for exploration as an adjunct to conventional anti-epileptic drugs in preventing neurodegenerative processes in TLE. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Endocannabinoid-dependent protection against kainic acid-induced long-term alteration of brain oscillations in guinea pigs.

PubMed

Shubina, Liubov; Aliev, Rubin; Kitchigina, Valentina

2017-04-15

Changes in rhythmic activity can serve as early biomarkers of pathological alterations, but it remains unclear how different types of rhythmic activity are altered during neurodegenerative processes. Glutamatergic neurotoxicity, evoked by kainic acid (KA), causes hyperexcitation and acute seizures that result in delayed brain damage. We employed wide frequency range (0.1-300Hz) local field potential recordings in guinea pigs to study the oscillatory activity of the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, medial septum, and amygdala in healthy animals for three months after KA introduction. To clarify whether the activation of endocannabinoid (eCB) system can influence toxic KA action, AM404, an eCB reuptake inhibitor, and URB597, an inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase, were applied. The cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 was also tested. Coadministration of AM404 or URB597 with KA reduced acute behavioral seizures, but electrographic seizures were still registered. During the three months following KA injection, various trends in the oscillatory activities were observed, including an increase in activity power at all frequency bands in the hippocampus and a progressive long-term decrease in the medial septum. In the KA- and KA/AM251-treated animals, disturbances of the oscillatory activities were accompanied by cell loss in the dorsal hippocampus and mossy fiber sprouting in the dentate gyrus. Injections of AM404 or URB597 softened alterations in electrical activity of the brain and prevented hippocampal neuron loss and synaptic reorganization. Our results demonstrate the protective potential of the eCB system during excitotoxic influences. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prenatal choline deficiency does not enhance hippocampal vulnerability after kainic acid-induced seizures in adulthood.

PubMed

Wong-Goodrich, Sarah J E; Tognoni, Christina M; Mellott, Tiffany J; Glenn, Melissa J; Blusztajn, Jan K; Williams, Christina L

2011-09-21

Choline is a vital nutrient needed during early development for both humans and rodents. Severe dietary choline deficiency during pregnancy leads to birth defects, while more limited deficiency during mid- to late pregnancy causes deficits in hippocampal plasticity in adult rodent offspring that are accompanied by cognitive deficits only when task demands are high. Because prenatal choline supplementation confers neuroprotection of the adult hippocampus against a variety of neural insults and aids memory, we hypothesized that prenatal choline deficiency may enhance vulnerability to neural injury. To examine this, adult offspring of rat dams either fed a control diet (CON) or one deficient in choline (DEF) during embryonic days 12-17 were given multiple injections (i.p.) of saline (control) or kainic acid to induce seizures and were euthanized 16 days later. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, DEF rats were not more susceptible to seizure induction and showed similar levels of seizure-induced hippocampal histopathology, GAD expression loss, upregulated hippocampal GFAP and growth factor expression, and increased dentate cell and neuronal proliferation as that seen in CON rats. Although prenatal choline deficiency compromises adult hippocampal plasticity in the intact brain, it does not appear to exacerbate the neuropathological response to seizures in the adult hippocampus at least shortly after excitotoxic injury. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Uncaria rhynchophylla (miq) Jack plays a role in neuronal protection in kainic acid-treated rats.

PubMed

Tang, Nou-Ying; Liu, Chung-Hsiang; Su, Shan-Yu; Jan, Ya-Min; Hsieh, Ching-Tou; Cheng, Chin-Yi; Shyu, Woei-Cherng; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2010-01-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack (UR) is one of many Chinese herbs. Our previous studies have shown that UR has both anticonvulsive and free radical-scavenging activities in kainic acid (KA)-treated rats. The aim of the present study was to use the effect of UR on activated microglia, nitric oxide synthase, and apoptotic cells to investigate its function in neuroproction in KA-treated rats. UR of 1.0 or 0.5 g/kg was orally administered for 3 days (first day, second day, and 30 min prior to KA administration on the third day), or 10 mg/kg (intraperitoneal injection, i.p.) N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) 30 min prior to KA (2 microg/2 microl) was injected into the right hippocampus region of Sprague-Dawly rats. ED1 (mouse anti rat CD68), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunoreactive cells and apoptotic cells were observed in the hippocampus region. The results indicated that 1.0 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg of UR and 10 mg/kg of L-NAME reduced the counts of ED1, nNOS, iNOS immunoreactive cells and apoptotic cells in KA-treated rats. This study demonstrates that UR can reduce microglia activation, nNOS, iNOS and apoptosis, suggesting that UR plays a neuro-protective role against neuronal damage in KA-treated rats.

Altered mitochondrial acetylation profiles in a kainic acid model of temporal lobe epilepsy.

PubMed

Gano, Lindsey B; Liang, Li-Ping; Ryan, Kristen; Michel, Cole R; Gomez, Joe; Vassilopoulos, Athanassios; Reisdorph, Nichole; Fritz, Kristofer S; Patel, Manisha

2018-08-01

Impaired bioenergetics and oxidative damage in the mitochondria are implicated in the etiology of temporal lobe epilepsy, and hyperacetylation of mitochondrial proteins has recently emerged as a critical negative regulator of mitochondrial functions. However, the roles of mitochondrial acetylation and activity of the primary mitochondrial deacetylase, SIRT3, have not been explored in acquired epilepsy. We investigated changes in mitochondrial acetylation and SIRT3 activity in the development of chronic epilepsy in the kainic acid rat model of TLE. Hippocampal measurements were made at 48 h, 1 week and 12 weeks corresponding to the acute, latent and chronic stages of epileptogenesis. Assessment of hippocampal bioenergetics demonstrated a ≥ 27% decrease in the ATP/ADP ratio at all phases of epileptogenesis (p < 0.05), whereas cellular NAD+ levels were decreased by ≥ 41% in the acute and latent time points (p < 0.05), but not in chronically epileptic rats. In spontaneously epileptic rats, we found decreased protein expression of SIRT3 and a 60% increase in global mitochondrial acetylation, as well as enhanced acetylation of the known SIRT3 substrates MnSOD, Ndufa9 of Complex I and IDH2 (all p < 0.05), suggesting SIRT3 dysfunction in chronic epilepsy. Mass spectrometry-based acetylomics investigation of hippocampal mitochondria demonstrated a 79% increase in unique acetylated proteins from rats in the chronic phase vs. controls. Pathway analysis identified numerous mitochondrial bioenergetic pathways affected by mitochondrial acetylation. These results suggest SIRT3 dysfunction and aberrant protein acetylation may contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic epilepsy. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Serotonin depletion increases seizure susceptibility and worsens neuropathological outcomes in kainate model of epilepsy.

PubMed

Maia, Gisela H; Brazete, Cátia S; Soares, Joana I; Luz, Liliana L; Lukoyanov, Nikolai V

2017-09-01

Serotonin is implicated in the regulation of seizures, but whether or not it can potentiate the effects of epileptogenic factors is not fully established. Using the kainic acid model of epilepsy in rats, we tested the effects of serotonin depletion on (1) susceptibility to acute seizures, (2) development of spontaneous recurrent seizures and (3) behavioral and neuroanatomical sequelae of kainic acid treatment. Serotonin was depleted by pretreating rats with p-chlorophenylalanine. In different groups, kainic acid was injected at 3 different doses: 6.5mg/kg, 9.0mg/kg or 12.5mg/kg. A single dose of 6.5mg/kg of kainic acid reliably induced status epilepticus in p-chlorophenylalanine-pretreated rats, but not in saline-pretreated rats. The neuroexcitatory effects of kainic acid in the p-chlorophenylalanine-pretreated rats, but not in saline-pretreated rats, were associated with the presence of tonic-clonic convulsions and high lethality. Compared to controls, a greater portion of serotonin-depleted rats showed spontaneous recurrent seizures after kainic acid injections. Loss of hippocampal neurons and spatial memory deficits associated with kainic acid treatment were exacerbated by prior depletion of serotonin. The present findings are of particular importance because they suggest that low serotonin activity may represent one of the major risk factors for epilepsy and, thus, offer potentially relevant targets for prevention of epileptogenesis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Oral Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) reduces kainic acid-induced epileptic seizures and neuronal death accompanied by attenuating glial cell proliferation and S100B proteins in rats.

PubMed

Lin, Yi-Wen; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2011-05-17

Epilepsy is a common clinical syndrome with recurrent neuronal discharges in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Here we aim to determine the protective role of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR), an herbal drug belong to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), on epileptic rats. To address this issue, we tested the effect of UR on kainic acid (KA)-induced epileptic seizures and further investigate the underlying mechanisms. Oral UR successfully decreased neuronal death and discharges in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. The population spikes (PSs) were decreased from 4.1 ± 0.4 mV to 2.1 ± 0.3 mV in KA-induced epileptic seizures and UR-treated groups, respectively. Oral UR protected animals from neuronal death induced by KA treatment (from 34 ± 4.6 to 191.7 ± 48.6 neurons/field) through attenuating glial cell proliferation and S100B protein expression but not GABAA and TRPV1 receptors. The above results provide detail mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective action of UR on KA-induced epileptic seizure in hippocampal CA1 neurons. Crown Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Intracerebroventricular Kainic Acid-Induced Damage Affects Blood Glucose Level in d-glucose-fed Mouse Model

PubMed Central

Kim, Chea-Ha

2015-01-01

We have previously reported that the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of kainic acid (KA) results in significant neuronal damage on the hippocampal CA3 region. In this study, we examined possible changes in the blood glucose level after i.c.v. pretreatment with KA. The blood glucose level was elevated at 30 min, began to decrease at 60 min and returned to normal at 120 min after D-glucose-feeding. We found that the blood glucose level in the KA-pretreated group was higher than in the saline-pretreated group. The up-regulation of the blood glucose level in the KA-pretreated group was still present even after 1~4 weeks. The plasma corticosterone and insulin levels were slightly higher in the KA-treated group. Corticosterone levels decreased whereas insulin levels were elevated when mice were fed with D-glucose. The i.c.v. pretreatment with KA for 24 hr caused a significant reversal of D-glucose-induced down-regulation of corticosterone level. However, the insulin level was enhanced in the KA-pretreated group compared to the vehicle-treated group when mice were fed with D-glucose. These results suggest that KA-induced alterations of the blood glucose level are related to cell death in the CA3 region whereas the up-regulation of blood glucose level in the KA-pretreated group appears to be due to a reversal of D-glucose feeding-induced down-regulation of corticosterone level. PMID:25792867

Intracerebroventricular Kainic Acid-Induced Damage Affects Blood Glucose Level in d-glucose-fed Mouse Model.

PubMed

Kim, Chea-Ha; Hong, Jae-Seung

2015-03-01

We have previously reported that the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of kainic acid (KA) results in significant neuronal damage on the hippocampal CA3 region. In this study, we examined possible changes in the blood glucose level after i.c.v. pretreatment with KA. The blood glucose level was elevated at 30 min, began to decrease at 60 min and returned to normal at 120 min after D-glucose-feeding. We found that the blood glucose level in the KA-pretreated group was higher than in the saline-pretreated group. The up-regulation of the blood glucose level in the KA-pretreated group was still present even after 1~4 weeks. The plasma corticosterone and insulin levels were slightly higher in the KA-treated group. Corticosterone levels decreased whereas insulin levels were elevated when mice were fed with D-glucose. The i.c.v. pretreatment with KA for 24 hr caused a significant reversal of D-glucose-induced down-regulation of corticosterone level. However, the insulin level was enhanced in the KA-pretreated group compared to the vehicle-treated group when mice were fed with D-glucose. These results suggest that KA-induced alterations of the blood glucose level are related to cell death in the CA3 region whereas the up-regulation of blood glucose level in the KA-pretreated group appears to be due to a reversal of D-glucose feeding-induced down-regulation of corticosterone level.

A role for synaptic and network plasticity in controlling epileptiform activity in CA1 in the kainic acid-lesioned rat hippocampus in vitro.

PubMed Central

Bernard, C; Wheal, H V

1996-01-01

1. Stimulation of the surviving afferents in the stratum radiatum of the CA1 area in kainic acid-lesioned hippocampal slices produced graded epileptiform activity, part of which (> 20%) involved the activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. There was also a failure of synaptic inhibition in this region. In this preparation, we have tested the effects of low-frequency stimulation (LFS; 1 Hz for 15 min) on synaptic responses and epileptiform activity. 2. LFS resulted in long-term depression (LTD) of excitatory synaptic potentials (EPSPs), long-term decrease of population spike amplitudes (PSAs) and EPSP-spike (E-S) potentiation. Evoked epileptiform activity was reduced but neurons had a higher probability of discharge. LTD could be reversed by subsequent tetanic stimulation whereas E-S dissociation remained unchanged. Synaptic and network responses could be saturated towards either potentiation or depression. However, E-S potentiation was maximal following the first conditioning stimulus. 3. NMDA receptor-mediated responses were pharmacologically isolated. LFS resulted in LTD of synaptic responses, long-term decrease of PSAs and E-S depression. These depressions could not be reversed by subsequent tetanic stimulation. alpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and NMDA receptor-mediated responses were then measured in isolation before and following conditioning stimuli. LFS was shown to simultaneously produce LTD of AMPA and NMDA receptor-mediated responses. E-S potentiation of the AMPA component and E-S depression of the NMDA component occurred coincidentally. 4. LTD of AMPA and NMDA receptor-mediated responses were shown to be NMDA dependent. In contrast, E-S potentiation and depression occurred even when NMDA receptors were pharmacologically blocked. 5. These findings indicate that synaptic responses could be modified bidirectionally in the CA1 area of kainic acid-lesioned rat hippocampus in an NMDA receptor-dependent manner. However

Targeting of microRNA-21-5p protects against seizure damage in a kainic acid-induced status epilepticus model via PTEN-mTOR.

PubMed

Tang, Chongyang; Gu, Yunhe; Wang, Haiyang; Wu, Hongmei; Wang, Yu; Meng, Yao; Han, Zhibin; Gu, Yifei; Ma, Wei; Jiang, Zhenfeng; Song, Yuanyuan; Na, Meng; Lu, Dunyue; Lin, Zhiguo

2018-05-04

Studies have shown that microRNAs play a role in the development of epilepsy by regulating downstream target messenger (m)RNA. The present study aims to determine the changes associated with microRNA-21-5p (miR-21-5p) during epileptogenesis in a kainic acid rat model, and to assess whether the PTEN-mTOR pathway is a target of miR-21-5p. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to examine the quantitative expressions of miR-21-5p and PTEN, and Western blotting was used to test the activity of mTOR in the acute, latent, and chronic stages of epileptogenesis. The antagomir of miR-21-5p was injected into the intracerebroventricular space using a microsyringe. Neuronal death and epilepsy discharge were assessed by Nissl staining and electroencephalography (EEG), respectively. The Morris water maze (MWM) was used to assess the cognitive impairment in rats after status epilepticus (SE). Both miR-21-5p and mTOR were upregulated and PTEN was downregulated in rats during acute, latent, and chronic stages of epileptogenesis when compared with those of the control. After using antagomir miR-21-5p in vivo, miR-21-5p and mTOR decreased and the expression of PTEN increased compared with that in the SE model. The silencing of miR-21-5p diminished the number of abnormal spikes on EEG and decreased the number of neuron deletions on Nissl staining. The cognitive and memory impairment caused by epilepsy could also be improved after miR-21-5p knockdown in vivo. The results of the present study demonstrate that PTEN-mTOR is the target of miR-21-5p in a kainic acid model of epilepsy. The knockout of miR-21-5p decreases the neuronal damage in stages of epileptogenesis. The miR-21-5p/PTEN/mTOR axis may be a potential target for preventing and treating seizures and epileptic damage. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Behavior-associated Neuronal Activation After Kainic Acid-induced Hippocampal Neurotoxicity is Modulated in Time.

PubMed

Aguilar-Arredondo, Andrea; López-Hernández, Fernanda; García-Velázquez, Lizbeth; Arias, Clorinda; Zepeda, Angélica

2017-02-01

Kainic acid-induced (KA) hippocampal damage leads to neuronal death and further synaptic plasticity. Formation of aberrant as well as of functional connections after such procedure has been documented. However, the impact of such structural plasticity on cell activation along time after damage and in face of a behavioral demand has not been explored. We evaluated if the mRNA and protein levels of plasticity-related protein synaptophysin (Syp and SYP, respectively) and activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein mRNA and protein levels (Arc and Arc, respectively) in the dentate gyrus were differentially modulated in time in response to a spatial-exploratory task after KA-induced hippocampal damage. In addition, we analyzed Arc+/NeuN+ immunopositive cells in the different experimental conditions. We infused KA intrahippocampally to young-adult rats and 10 or 30 days post-lesion (dpl) animals performed a hippocampus-activating spatial-exploratory task. Our results show that Syp mRNA levels significantly increase at 10dpl and return to control levels after 30dpl, whereas SYP protein levels are diminished at 10dpl, but significantly increase at 30dpl, as compared to 10dpl. Arc mRNA and protein levels are both increased at 30dpl as compared to sham. Also the number of NeuN+/Arc+ cells significantly increases at 30dpl in the group with a spatial-exploratory demand. These results provide information on the long-term modifications associated to structural plasticity and neuronal activation in the dentate gyrus after excitotoxic damage and in face of a spatial-exploratory behavior. Anat Rec, 300:425-432, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Loss of Hippocampal Neurons after Kainate Treatment Correlates with Behavioral Deficits

PubMed Central

Maia, Gisela H.; Quesado, José L.; Soares, Joana I.; do Carmo, Joana M.; Andrade, Pedro A.; Andrade, José P.; Lukoyanov, Nikolai V.

2014-01-01

Treating rats with kainic acid induces status epilepticus (SE) and leads to the development of behavioral deficits and spontaneous recurrent seizures later in life. However, in a subset of rats, kainic acid treatment does not induce overt behaviorally obvious acute SE. The goal of this study was to compare the neuroanatomical and behavioral changes induced by kainate in rats that developed convulsive SE to those who did not. Adult male Wistar rats were treated with kainic acid and tested behaviorally 5 months later. Rats that had experienced convulsive SE showed impaired performance on the spatial water maze and passive avoidance tasks, and on the context and tone retention tests following fear conditioning. In addition, they exhibited less anxiety-like behaviors than controls on the open-field and elevated plus-maze tests. Histologically, convulsive SE was associated with marked neuron loss in the hippocampal CA3 and CA1 fields, and in the dentate hilus. Rats that had not experienced convulsive SE after kainate treatment showed less severe, but significant impairments on the spatial water maze and passive avoidance tasks. These rats had fewer neurons than control rats in the dentate hilus, but not in the hippocampal CA3 and CA1 fields. Correlational analyses revealed significant relationships between spatial memory indices of rats and neuronal numbers in the dentate hilus and CA3 pyramidal field. These results show that a part of the animals that do not display intense behavioral seizures (convulsive SE) immediately after an epileptogenic treatment, later in life, they may still have noticeable structural and functional changes in the brain. PMID:24409306

Low brain ascorbic acid increases susceptibility to seizures in mouse models of decreased brain ascorbic acid transport and Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Warner, Timothy A; Kang, Jing-Qiong; Kennard, John A; Harrison, Fiona E

2015-02-01

Seizures are a known co-occurring symptom of Alzheimer's disease, and they can accelerate cognitive and neuropathological dysfunction. Sub-optimal vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency, that is low levels that do not lead the sufferer to present with clinical signs of scurvy (e.g. lethargy, hemorrhage, hyperkeratosis), are easily obtainable with insufficient dietary intake, and may contribute to the oxidative stress environment of both Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to test whether mice that have diminished brain ascorbic acid in addition to carrying human Alzheimer's disease mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin 1 (PSEN1) genes, had altered electrical activity in the brain (electroencephalography; EEG), and were more susceptible to pharmacologically induced seizures. Brain ascorbic acid was decreased in APP/PSEN1 mice by crossing them with sodium vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2) heterozygous knockout mice. These mice have an approximately 30% decrease in brain ascorbic acid due to lower levels of SVCT2 that supplies the brain with ASC. SVCT2+/-APP/PSEN1 mice had decreased ascorbic acid and increased oxidative stress in brain, increased mortality, faster seizure onset latency following treatment with kainic acid (10 mg/kg i.p.), and more ictal events following pentylenetetrazol (50 mg/kg i.p.) treatment. Furthermore, we report the entirely novel phenomenon that ascorbic acid deficiency alone increased the severity of kainic acid- and pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. These data suggest that avoiding ascorbic acid deficiency may be particularly important in populations at increased risk for epilepsy and seizures, such as Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Decrease in level of APG-2, a member of the heat shock protein 110 family, in murine brain following systemic administration of kainic acid.

PubMed

Ogita, K; Takagi, R; Oyama, N; Okuda, H; Ito, F; Okui, M; Shimizu, N; Yoneda, Y

2001-09-01

APG-2 belongs to the heat shock protein 110 family. Although kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures are known to elicit expression of inducible heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in the brain, no investigation has been carried out on the APG-2 level after excitatory amino acid-induced seizures. By means of an immunoblot assay, we determined the levels of HSP70 and APG-2 in discrete brain structures of mice after a single intraperitoneal injection of KA or N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA). APG-2 level was significantly decreased in frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum three days after the administration of KA, while HSP70 level was increased in these regions following the administration. In any of these regions, APG-2 levels were returned to the control levels 10 days after the administration. However, no significant changes were observed in levels of both HSP70 and APG-2 in hypothalamus, midbrain, medulla-pons, and cerebellum of the mice. By contrast, NMDA administration did not significantly affect both levels in any of the regions examined. These findings indicate that the transient decrease in APG-2 expression is one of the intracellular events elicited by signals peculiar to KA, but not by those peculiar to NMDA, in telencephalon of murine brain.

Effect of pertussis and cholera toxins administered supraspinally on CA3 hippocampal neuronal cell death and the blood glucose level induced by kainic acid in mice.

PubMed

Kim, Chea-Ha; Park, Soo-Hyun; Sim, Yun-Beom; Sharma, Naveen; Kim, Sung-Su; Lim, Su-Min; Jung, Jun-Sub; Suh, Hong-Won

2014-12-01

The effect of cholera toxin (CTX) or pertussis toxin (PTX) administered supraspinally on hippocampal neuronal cell death in CA3 region induced by kainic acid (KA) was examined in mice. After the pretreatment with either PTX or CTX intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.), mice were administered i.c.v. with KA. The i.c.v. treatment with KA caused a neuronal cell death in CA3 region and PTX, but not CTX, attenuated the KA-induced neuronal cell death. In addition, i.c.v. treatment with KA caused an elevation of the blood glucose level. The i.c.v. PTX pretreatment alone caused a hypoglycemia and inhibited KA-induced hyperglycemic effect. However, i.c.v. pretreatment with CTX did not affect the basal blood glucose level and KA-induced hyperglycemic effect. Moreover, KA administered i.c.v. caused an elevation of corticosterone level and reduction of the blood insulin level. Whereas, i.c.v. pretreatment with PTX further enhanced KA-induced up-regulation of corticosterone level. Furthermore, i.c.v. administration of PTX alone increased the insulin level and KA-induced hypoinsulinemic effect was reversed. In addition, PTX pretreatment reduces the KA-induced seizure activity. Our results suggest that supraspinally administered PTX, exerts neuroprotective effect against KA-induced neuronal cells death in CA3 region and neuroprotective effect of PTX is mediated by the reduction of KA-induced blood glucose level. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd and the Japan Neuroscience Society. All rights reserved.

Regulation of blood glucose level by kainic acid in mice: involvement of glucocorticoid system and non-NMDA receptors.

PubMed

Kim, Chea-Ha; Park, Soo-Hyun; Sim, Yun-Beom; Kim, Sung-Su; Jung, Jun-Sub; Sharma, Naveen; Suh, Hong-Won

2017-02-28

Kainic acid (KA) is a well-known excitatory neurotoxic substance. In the present study, effects of KA-injected intraperitoneally (i.p.), intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) or intrathecally (i.t.) on the blood glucose level were investigated in ICR mice. We found that KA administered intraperitoneally (i.p.), intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) or intrathecally (i.t.) increased the blood glucose and corticosterone levels, suggesting that KA-induced hyperglycemia appeared to be due to increased blood corticosterone level. In support of this finding, adrenalectomy causes a reduction of KA-induced hyperglycemia and neuronal cell death in CA3 regions of the hippocampus. In addition, pretreatment with i.c.v. or i.t. injection of CNQX (6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2, 3-dione; a non-NMDA receptor blocker) attenuated the i.p. and i.c.v. administered KA-induced hyperglycemia. KA administered i.c.v. caused an elevation of the blood corticosterone level whereas the plasma insulin level was reduced. Moreover, i.c.v. pretreatment with CNQX inhibited the decrease of plasma insulin level induced by KA i.c.v. injection, whereas the KA-induced plasma corticosterone level was further enhanced by CNQX pretreatment. Our results suggest that KA administered systemically or centrally produces hyperglycemia. A glucocorticoid system appears to be involved in KA-induced hyperglycemia. Furthermore, central non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors may be responsible for KA-induced hyperglycemia.

Increase in α-tubulin modifications in the neuronal processes of hippocampal neurons in both kainic acid-induced epileptic seizure and Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Vu, Hang Thi; Akatsu, Hiroyasu; Hashizume, Yoshio; Setou, Mitsutoshi; Ikegami, Koji

2017-01-09

Neurodegeneration includes acute changes and slow-developing alterations, both of which partly involve common cellular machinery. During neurodegeneration, neuronal processes are impaired along with dysregulated post-translational modifications (PTMs) of cytoskeletal proteins. In neuronal processes, tubulin undergoes unique PTMs including a branched form of modification called glutamylation and loss of the C-terminal tyrosine residue and the penultimate glutamic acid residue forming Δ2-tubulin. Here, we investigated the state of two PTMs, glutamylation and Δ2 form, in both acute and slow-developing neurodegenerations, using a newly generated monoclonal antibody, DTE41, which had 2-fold higher affinity to glutamylated Δ2-tubulin, than to unmodified Δ2-tubulin. DTE41 recognised glutamylated Δ2-tubulin preferentially in immunostaining than in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting. In normal mouse brain, DTE41 stained molecular layer of the cerebellum as well as synapse-rich regions in pyramidal neurons of the cerebral cortex. In kainic acid-induced epileptic seizure, DTE41-labelled signals were increased in the hippocampal CA3 region, especially in the stratum lucidum. In the hippocampi of post-mortem patients with Alzheimer's disease, intensities of DTE41 staining were increased in mossy fibres in the CA3 region as well as in apical dendrites of the pyramidal neurons. Our findings indicate that glutamylation on Δ2-tubulin is increased in both acute and slow-developing neurodegeneration.

Strain-dependent effects of long-term treatment with melatonin on kainic acid-induced status epilepticus, oxidative stress and the expression of heat shock proteins.

PubMed

Atanasova, Milena; Petkova, Zlatina; Pechlivanova, Daniela; Dragomirova, Petya; Blazhev, Alexander; Tchekalarova, Jana

2013-10-01

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of both hypertension and epileptogenesis, therefore it could be used as a tool for studying co-morbidity of hypertension and epilepsy. Clinical data suggest that melatonin is a potent antioxidant that is effective in the adjunctive therapy of hypertension and neurodegenerative diseases. The present study aimed to explore and compare the efficacy of chronic pretreatment with melatonin infused via subcutaneous osmotic mini-pumps for 14 days (10 mg/kg per day) on kainic acid (KA)-induced status epilepticus, oxidative stress and expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 72 in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and normotensive Wistar rats. SHRs showed higher lipid peroxidation (LP) in the frontal cortex and hippocampus and decreased cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD/CuZn) production in the frontal cortex compared to Wistar rats. Status epilepticus (SE) induced by KA (12 mg/kg, i.p.) was accompanied by increased LP and expression of HSP 72 in the hippocampus of the two strains and increased SOD/CuZn production in the frontal cortex of SHRs. Melatonin failed to suppress seizure incidence and intensity though the latency for seizure onset was significantly increased in SHRs. Melatonin attenuated the KA-induced increase in the level of LP in the hippocampus both in SHRs and Wistar rats. However, an increased activity in SOD/CuZn and mitochondrial SOD Mn as well as reduced expression of HSP 72 in the hippocampus was observed only in Wistar rats pretreated with melatonin. Taken together, the observed strain differences in the efficacy of chronic melatonin exposure before SE suggest a lack of a direct link between the seizure activity and the markers of oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. © 2013.

Kainic acid-induced albumin leak across the blood-brain barrier facilitates epileptiform hyperexcitability in limbic regions.

PubMed

Noé, Francesco M; Bellistri, Elisa; Colciaghi, Francesca; Cipelletti, Barbara; Battaglia, Giorgio; de Curtis, Marco; Librizzi, Laura

2016-06-01

Systemic administration of kainic acid (KA) is a widely used procedure utilized to develop a model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Despite its ability to induce status epilepticus (SE) in vivo, KA applied to in vitro preparations induces only interictal-like activity and/or isolated ictal discharges. The possibility that extravasation of the serum protein albumin from the vascular compartment enhances KA-induced brain excitability is investigated here. Epileptiform activity was induced by arterial perfusion of 6 μm KA in the in vitro isolated guinea pig brain preparation. Simultaneous field potential recordings were carried out bilaterally from limbic (CA1, dentate gyrus [DG], and entorhinal cortex) and extralimbic regions (piriform cortex and neocortex). Blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown associated with KA-induced epileptiform activity was assessed by parenchymal leakage of intravascular fluorescein-isothiocyanate albumin. Seizure-induced brain inflammation was evaluated by western blot analysis of interleukin (IL)-1β expression in brain tissue. KA infusion caused synchronized activity at 15-30 Hz in limbic (but not extralimbic) cortical areas, associated with a brief, single seizure-like event. A second bolus of KA, 60 min after the induction of the first ictal event, did not further enhance excitability. Perfusion of serum albumin between the two administrations of KA enhanced epileptiform discharges and allowed a recurrent ictal event during the second KA infusion. Our data show that arterial KA administration selectively alters the synchronization of limbic networks. However, KA is not sufficient to generate recurrent seizures unless serum albumin is co-perfused during KA administration. These findings suggest a role of serum albumin in facilitating acute seizure generation. Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 International League Against Epilepsy.

Anterior thalamic nuclei deep brain stimulation reduces disruption of the blood-brain barrier, albumin extravasation, inflammation and apoptosis in kainic acid-induced epileptic rats.

PubMed

Chen, Ying-Chuan; Zhu, Guan-Yu; Wang, Xiu; Shi, Lin; Du, Ting-Ting; Liu, De-Feng; Liu, Yu-Ye; Jiang, Yin; Zhang, Xin; Zhang, Jian-Guo

2017-12-01

Objective The therapeutic efficacy of anterior thalamic nuclei deep brain stimulation (ATN-DBS) against seizures has been largely accepted; however, the effects of ATN-DBS on disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), albumin extravasation, inflammation and apoptosis still remain unclear. Methods Rats were distributed into four treatment groups: physiological saline (PS, N = 12), kainic acid (KA, N = 12), KA-sham-DBS (N = 12) and KA-DBS (N = 12). Seizures were monitored using video-electroencephalogram (EEG). One day after surgery, all rats were sacrificed. Then, samples were prepared for quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), western blot, immunofluorescence (IF) staining, and transmission electron microscopy to evaluate the disruption of the BBB, albumin extravasation, inflammation, and apoptosis. Result Because of the KA injection, the disruption of the BBB, albumin extravasation, inflammation and apoptosis were more severe in the KA and the KA-sham-DBS groups compared to the PS group (all Ps < 0.05 or < 0.01). The ideal outcomes were observed in the KA-DBS group. ATN-DBS produced a 46.3% reduction in seizure frequency and alleviated the disruption of the BBB, albumin extravasation, inflammatory reaction and apoptosis in comparison to the KA-sham-DBS group (all Ps < 0.05 or < 0.01). Conclusion (1) Seizures can be reduced using ATN-DBS in the epileptogenic stage. (2) ATN-DBS can reduce the disruption of the BBB and albumin extravasation. (3) ATN-DBS has an anti-inflammatory effect in epileptic models.

Role of the NH2-terminus of substance P in the inhibition by capsaicin of behavioral sensitization to kainic acid-induced activity in the adult mouse.

PubMed

Larson, A A; Sun, X

1994-01-01

Activation of primary afferent C-fibers by repeated intrathecal injection of kainic acid (KA) in mice is inhibited after pretreatment with capsaicin. The increased behavioral response to multiple injections of KA is thought to be brought about by an action of the NH2-terminus of substance P (SP). In light of our recent observation that the antinociceptive effect of capsaicin may also involve an action of the NH2-terminus of SP, we tested the hypothesis that capsaicin inhibits behavioral sensitization to KA by a desensitization to the action of the NH2-terminus of SP. Using adult mice, pretreatment (24 hr) with either capsaicin (0.8 micrograms) or SP(1-7) (1 and 10 nmol) attenuated sensitization of the behavioral response to four injections of 25 pmol of KA at 2-min intervals. Pretreatment with 10 nmol of the COOH-terminal SP fragment, SP(5-11), had no effect. [D-Pro2,D-Phe7]-SP(1-7), a SP NH2-terminal antagonist, injected 5 min before capsaicin or SP(1-7), inhibited the effects of both capsaicin and SP(1-7) on KA sensitization whereas the COOH-terminal neurokinin antagonist, [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]-SP, did not. The similarities in behavioral responses after treatment with SP(1-7) or capsaicin, together with the sensitivity of these effects to D-SP(1-7), suggest that SP released in response to capsaicin may inhibit subsequent KA-induced activity 24 hr later. This action of SP appears to be brought about by its NH2-terminus and/or an accumulation of its NH2-terminal metabolites after capsaicin treatment.

Effects of nateglinide and repaglinide administered intracerebroventricularly on the CA3 hippocampal neuronal cell death and hyperglycemia induced by kainic acid in mice.

PubMed

Kim, Chea-Ha; Park, Soo-Hyun; Sim, Yun-Beom; Kim, Sung-Su; Kim, Su-Jin; Lim, Su-Min; Jung, Jun-Sub; Suh, Hong-Won

2014-05-01

Meglitinides (nateglinide and repaglinide) are widely used oral drugs for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus. In the present study, the effects of meglinitides administered supraspinally on kainic acid (KA)-induced hippocampal neuronal cell death and hyperglycemia were studied in ICR mice. Mice were pretreated intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) with 30 μg of nateglinide and repaglinide for 10 min and then, mice were administered i.c.v. with KA (0.1 μg). The neuronal cell death in the CA3 region in the hippocampus was assessed 24h after KA administration and the blood glucose level was measured 30, 60, and 120 min after KA administration. We found that i.c.v. pretreatment with repaglinide attenuated the KA-induced neuronal cell death in CA3 region of the hippocampus and hyperglycemia. However, nateglinide pretreated i.c.v. did not affect the KA-induced neuronal cell death and hyperglycemia. In addition, KA administered i.c.v. caused an elevation of plasma corticosterone level and a reduction of the plasma insulin level. Furthermore, i.c.v. pretreatment with repaglinide attenuated KA-induced up-regulation of plasma corticosterone level. Furthermore, i.c.v. administration of repaglinide alone increased plasma insulin level and repaglinide pretreated i.c.v. caused a reversal of KA-induced hypoinsulinemic effect. Our results suggest that supraspinally administered repaglinide, but not nateglinide, exerts a protective effect against the KA-induced neuronal cells death in CA3 region of the hippocampus. The neuroprotective effect of repaglinide appears to be mediated by lowering the blood glucose level induced by KA. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of tolbutamide, glyburide and glipizide administered supraspinally on CA3 hippocampal neuronal cell death and hyperglycemia induced by kainic acid in mice.

PubMed

Kim, Chea-Ha; Park, Soo-Hyun; Sim, Yun-Beom; Kim, Sung-Su; Kim, Su-Jin; Lim, Su-Min; Jung, Jun-Sub; Suh, Hong-Won

2014-05-20

Sulfonylureas are widely used oral drugs for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus. In the present study, the effects of sulfonylureas administered supraspinally on kainic acid (KA)-induced hippocampal neuronal cell death and hyperglycemia were studied in ICR mice. Mice were pretreated intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) with 30μg of tolbutamide, glyburide or glipizide for 10min and then, mice were administered i.c.v. with KA (0.1μg). The neuronal cell death in the CA3 region in the hippocampus was assessed 24h after KA administration and the blood glucose level was measured 30, 60, and 120min after KA administration. We found that i.c.v. pretreatment with tolbutamide, glyburide or glipizide attenuated the KA-induced neuronal cell death in CA3 region of the hippocampus and hyperglycemia. In addition, KA administered i.c.v. caused an elevation of plasma corticosterone level and a reduction of the plasma insulin level. The i.c.v. pretreatment with tolbutamide, glyburide or glipizide attenuated KA-induced increase of plasma corticosterone level. Furthermore, i.c.v. pretreatment with tolbutamide, glyburide or glipizide causes an elevation of plasma insulin level. Glipizide, but not tolbutamide or glyburide, pretreated i.c.v. caused a reversal of KA-induced hypoinsulinemic effect. Our results suggest that supraspinally administered tolbutamide, glyburide and glipizide exert a protective effect against KA-induced neuronal cells death in CA3 region of the hippocampus. The neuroprotective effect of tolbutamide, glyburide and glipizide appears to be mediated by lowering the blood glucose level induced by KA. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The utility of ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists in the treatment of nociception induced by epidural glutamate infusion in rats.

PubMed

Osgood, Doreen B; Harrington, William F; Kenney, Elizabeth V; Harrington, J Frederick

2013-01-01

The authors have previously demonstrated that human herniated disc material contains high concentrations of free glutamate. In an experimental model, elevated epidural glutamate concentrations in the lumbar spine can cause a focal hyperesthetic state. Rats underwent epidural glutamate infusion in the lumbar spine by a miniosmotic pump over a 72-hour period. Some rats underwent coinfusion with glutamate and ionotropic glutamate antagonists. Nociception was assessed by von Frey fibers and by assessment of glutamate receptor expression in the corresponding dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The kainic acid antagonist, UBP 301, decreased epidural glutamate-based hyperesthesia in a dose dependent manner. Concordant with these findings, there was significant decrease in kainate receptor expression in the dorsal horn. The N-Methyl-4-isoxazoleproionic acid (NMDA) antagonist Norketamine also significantly diminished hyperesthesia and decreased receptor expression in the dorsal horn. Both UBP 301, the kainic acid receptor antagonist and Norketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, dampened epidural glutamate-based nociception. Focal epidural injections of Kainate or NMDA receptor antagonists could be effective treatments for disc herniation-based lumbar radiculopathy.

Neuronal Deletion of Caspase 8 Protects against Brain Injury in Mouse Models of Controlled Cortical Impact and Kainic Acid-Induced Excitotoxicity

PubMed Central

Krajewska, Maryla; You, Zerong; Rong, Juan; Kress, Christina; Huang, Xianshu; Yang, Jinsheng; Kyoda, Tiffany; Leyva, Ricardo; Banares, Steven; Hu, Yue; Sze, Chia-Hung; Whalen, Michael J.; Salmena, Leonardo; Hakem, Razqallah; Head, Brian P.; Reed, John C.; Krajewski, Stan

2011-01-01

Background Acute brain injury is an important health problem. Given the critical position of caspase 8 at the crossroads of cell death pathways, we generated a new viable mouse line (Ncasp8 −/−), in which the gene encoding caspase 8 was selectively deleted in neurons by cre-lox system. Methodology/Principal Findings Caspase 8 deletion reduced rates of neuronal cell death in primary neuronal cultures and in whole brain organotypic coronal slice cultures prepared from 4 and 8 month old mice and cultivated up to 14 days in vitro. Treatments of cultures with recombinant murine TNFα (100 ng/ml) or TRAIL (250 ng/mL) plus cyclohexamide significantly protected neurons against cell death induced by these apoptosis-inducing ligands. A protective role of caspase 8 deletion in vivo was also demonstrated using a controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and seizure-induced brain injury caused by kainic acid (KA). Morphometric analyses were performed using digital imaging in conjunction with image analysis algorithms. By employing virtual images of hundreds of brain sections, we were able to perform quantitative morphometry of histological and immunohistochemical staining data in an unbiased manner. In the TBI model, homozygous deletion of caspase 8 resulted in reduced lesion volumes, improved post-injury motor performance, superior learning and memory retention, decreased apoptosis, diminished proteolytic processing of caspases and caspase substrates, and less neuronal degeneration, compared to wild type, homozygous cre, and caspase 8-floxed control mice. In the KA model, Ncasp8 −/− mice demonstrated superior survival, reduced seizure severity, less apoptosis, and reduced caspase 3 processing. Uninjured aged knockout mice showed improved learning and memory, implicating a possible role for caspase 8 in cognitive decline with aging. Conclusions Neuron-specific deletion of caspase 8 reduces brain damage and improves post-traumatic functional

Changes in /sup 3/H-substance P receptor binding in the rat brain after kainic acid lesion of the corpus striatum

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mantyh, P.W.; Hunt, S.P.

1986-06-01

Previous studies have indicated that the substantia nigra contains the highest concentration of substance P-like immunoreactivity (SPLI) in the brain. Paradoxically, it also appears to contain one of the lowest concentrations of substance P receptors in the brain. One possibility is that the massive amount of SPLI blocks the binding of the radioligand to the substance P receptor and/or down-regulates the number of substance P receptors present in this structure. Since greater than 95% of the SPLI within the substantia nigra originates from the corpus striatum, we have lesioned this area and measured the changes in substance P receptor concentrationmore » in the substantia nigra and other corpus striatal projection areas. A semiquantitative autoradiographic technique for measuring the binding of /sup 3/H-substance P to substance P receptors was used in conjunction with tritium-sensitive film. 3H-substance P binding was measured in both the corpus striatum and its projection areas after kainic acid lesion of the corpus striatum. At either 4 or 21 d after the lesion there was approximately a 90% loss of substance P receptors in the rostral striatum, a 74% loss in the globus pallidus, a 57% increase in receptor number in lamina I and II of the ipsilateral somatosensory cortex, and no apparent change in the number of receptors in the substantia nigra pars reticulata, superior colliculus, and central gray. These findings suggest that the low concentration of substance P receptors found within the substantia nigra is not due the massive SPLI innervation, since removal of greater than 95% of the SPLI had no measurable effect on the concentration of substance P receptors.« less

Antiepileptic Effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla and Rhynchophylline Involved in the Initiation of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Phosphorylation of MAPK Signal Pathways in Acute Seizures of Kainic Acid-Treated Rats

PubMed Central

Hsu, Hsin-Cheng; Tang, Nou-Ying; Liu, Chung-Hsiang

2013-01-01

Seizures cause inflammation of the central nervous system. The extent of the inflammation is related to the severity and recurrence of the seizures. Cell surface receptors are stimulated by stimulators such as kainic acid (KA), which causes intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway transmission to coordinate a response. It is known that Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and rhynchophylline (RP) have anticonvulsive effects, although the mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop a novel strategy for treating epilepsy by investigating how UR and RP initiate their anticonvulsive mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered KA (12 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce seizure before being sacrificed. The brain was removed 3 h after KA administration. The results indicate that pretreatment with UR (1.0 g/kg), RP (0.25 mg/kg), and valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg) for 3 d could reduce epileptic seizures and could also reduce the expression of c-Jun aminoterminal kinase phosphorylation (JNKp) of MAPK signal pathways in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus brain tissues. Proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α remain unchanged, indicating that the anticonvulsive effect of UR and RP is initially involved in the JNKp MAPK signal pathway during the KA-induced acute seizure period. PMID:24381640

Antiepileptic Effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla and Rhynchophylline Involved in the Initiation of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Phosphorylation of MAPK Signal Pathways in Acute Seizures of Kainic Acid-Treated Rats.

PubMed

Hsu, Hsin-Cheng; Tang, Nou-Ying; Liu, Chung-Hsiang; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2013-01-01

Seizures cause inflammation of the central nervous system. The extent of the inflammation is related to the severity and recurrence of the seizures. Cell surface receptors are stimulated by stimulators such as kainic acid (KA), which causes intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway transmission to coordinate a response. It is known that Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and rhynchophylline (RP) have anticonvulsive effects, although the mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop a novel strategy for treating epilepsy by investigating how UR and RP initiate their anticonvulsive mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered KA (12 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce seizure before being sacrificed. The brain was removed 3 h after KA administration. The results indicate that pretreatment with UR (1.0 g/kg), RP (0.25 mg/kg), and valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg) for 3 d could reduce epileptic seizures and could also reduce the expression of c-Jun aminoterminal kinase phosphorylation (JNKp) of MAPK signal pathways in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus brain tissues. Proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1 β , IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor- α remain unchanged, indicating that the anticonvulsive effect of UR and RP is initially involved in the JNKp MAPK signal pathway during the KA-induced acute seizure period.

Subventricular Zone-Derived Neural Stem Cell Grafts Protect Against Hippocampal Degeneration and Restore Cognitive Function in the Mouse Following Intrahippocampal Kainic Acid Administration

PubMed Central

Miltiadous, Panagiota; Kouroupi, Georgia; Stamatakis, Antonios; Koutsoudaki, Paraskevi N.

2013-01-01

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a major neurological disease, often associated with cognitive decline. Since approximately 30% of patients are resistant to antiepileptic drugs, TLE is being considered as a possible clinical target for alternative stem cell-based therapies. Given that insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is neuroprotective following a number of experimental insults to the nervous system, we investigated the therapeutic potential of neural stem/precursor cells (NSCs) transduced, or not, with a lentiviral vector for overexpression of IGF-I after transplantation in a mouse model of kainic acid (KA)-induced hippocampal degeneration, which represents an animal model of TLE. Exposure of mice to the Morris water maze task revealed that unilateral intrahippocampal NSC transplantation significantly prevented the KA-induced cognitive decline. Moreover, NSC grafting protected against neurodegeneration at the cellular level, reduced astrogliosis, and maintained endogenous granule cell proliferation at normal levels. In some cases, as in the reduction of hippocampal cell loss and the reversal of the characteristic KA-induced granule cell dispersal, the beneficial effects of transplanted NSCs were manifested earlier and were more pronounced when these were transduced to express IGF-I. However, differences became less pronounced by 2 months postgrafting, since similar amounts of IGF-I were detected in the hippocampi of both groups of mice that received cell transplants. Grafted NSCs survived, migrated, and differentiated into neurons—including glutamatergic cells—and not glia, in the host hippocampus. Our results demonstrate that transplantation of IGF-I producing NSCs is neuroprotective and restores cognitive function following KA-induced hippocampal degeneration. PMID:23417642

Design and Synthesis of a Series of l-trans-4-Substituted Prolines as Selective Antagonists for the Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors Including Functional and X-ray Crystallographic Studies of New Subtype Selective Kainic Acid Receptor Subtype 1 (GluK1) Antagonist (2S,4R)-4-(2-Carboxyphenoxy)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic Acid.

PubMed

Krogsgaard-Larsen, Niels; Delgar, Claudia G; Koch, Karina; Brown, Patricia M G E; Møller, Charlotte; Han, Liwei; Huynh, Tri H V; Hansen, Stinne W; Nielsen, Birgitte; Bowie, Derek; Pickering, Darryl S; Kastrup, Jette Sandholm; Frydenvang, Karla; Bunch, Lennart

2017-01-12

Ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists are valuable tool compounds for studies of neurological pathways in the central nervous system. On the basis of rational ligand design, a new class of selective antagonists, represented by (2S,4R)-4-(2-carboxyphenoxy)pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (1b), for cloned homomeric kainic acid receptors subtype 1 (GluK1) was attained (K i = 4 μM). In a functional assay, 1b displayed full antagonist activity with IC 50 = 6 ± 2 μM. A crystal structure was obtained of 1b when bound in the ligand binding domain of GluK1. A domain opening of 13-14° was seen compared to the structure with glutamate, consistent with 1b being an antagonist. A structure-activity relationship study showed that the chemical nature of the tethering atom (C, O, or S) linking the pyrrolidine ring and the phenyl ring plays a key role in the receptor selectivity profile and that substituents on the phenyl ring are well accommodated by the GluK1 receptor.

Epileptogenesis following Kainic Acid-Induced Status Epilepticus in Cyclin D2 Knock-Out Mice with Diminished Adult Neurogenesis

PubMed Central

Kondratiuk, Ilona; Plucinska, Gabriela; Miszczuk, Diana; Wozniak, Grazyna; Szydlowska, Kinga; Kaczmarek, Leszek; Filipkowski, Robert K.; Lukasiuk, Katarzyna

2015-01-01

The goal of this study was to determine whether a substantial decrease in adult neurogenesis influences epileptogenesis evoked by the intra-amygdala injection of kainic acid (KA). Cyclin D2 knockout (cD2 KO) mice, which lack adult neurogenesis almost entirely, were used as a model. First, we examined whether status epilepticus (SE) evoked by an intra-amygdala injection of KA induces cell proliferation in cD2 KO mice. On the day after SE, we injected BrdU into mice for 5 days and evaluated the number of DCX- and DCX/BrdU-immunopositive cells 3 days later. In cD2 KO control animals, only a small number of DCX+ cells was observed. The number of DCX+ and DCX/BrdU+ cells/mm of subgranular layer in cD2 KO mice increased significantly following SE (p<0.05). However, the number of newly born cells was very low and was significantly lower than in KA-treated wild type (wt) mice. To evaluate the impact of diminished neurogenesis on epileptogenesis and early epilepsy, we performed video-EEG monitoring of wt and cD2 KO mice for 16 days following SE. The number of animals with seizures did not differ between wt (11 out of 15) and cD2 KO (9 out of 12) mice. The median latency to the first spontaneous seizure was 4 days (range 2 – 10 days) in wt mice and 8 days (range 2 – 16 days) in cD2 KO mice and did not differ significantly between groups. Similarly, no differences were observed in median seizure frequency (wt: 1.23, range 0.1 – 3.4; cD2 KO: 0.57, range 0.1 – 2.0 seizures/day) or median seizure duration (wt: 51 s, range 23 – 103; cD2 KO: 51 s, range 23 – 103). Our results indicate that SE-induced epileptogenesis is not disrupted in mice with markedly reduced adult neurogenesis. However, we cannot exclude the contribution of reduced neurogenesis to the chronic epileptic state. PMID:26020770

MDMA decreases glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 67-immunoreactive neurons in the hippocampus and increases seizure susceptibility: Role for glutamate.

PubMed

Huff, Courtney L; Morano, Rachel L; Herman, James P; Yamamoto, Bryan K; Gudelsky, Gary A

2016-12-01

3,4-Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) is a unique psychostimulant that continues to be a popular drug of abuse. It has been well documented that MDMA reduces markers of 5-HT axon terminals in rodents, as well as humans. A loss of parvalbumin-immunoreactive (IR) interneurons in the hippocampus following MDMA treatment has only been documented recently. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that MDMA reduces glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 67-IR, another biochemical marker of GABA neurons, in the hippocampus and that this reduction in GAD67-IR neurons and an accompanying increase in seizure susceptibility involve glutamate receptor activation. Repeated exposure to MDMA (3×10mg/kg, ip) resulted in a reduction of 37-58% of GAD67-IR cells in the dentate gyrus (DG), CA1, and CA3 regions, as well as an increased susceptibility to kainic acid-induced seizures, both of which persisted for at least 30days following MDMA treatment. Administration of the NMDA antagonist MK-801 or the glutamate transporter type 1 (GLT-1) inducer ceftriaxone prevented both the MDMA-induced loss of GAD67-IR neurons and the increased vulnerability to kainic acid-induced seizures. The MDMA-induced increase in the extracellular concentration of glutamate in the hippocampus was significantly diminished in rats treated with ceftriaxone, thereby implicating a glutamatergic mechanism in the neuroprotective effects of ceftriaxone. In summary, the present findings support a role for increased extracellular glutamate and NMDA receptor activation in the MDMA-induced loss of hippocampal GAD67-IR neurons and the subsequent increased susceptibility to evoked seizures. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

MDMA Decreases Gluatamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD) 67-Immunoreactive Neurons in the Hippocampus and Increases Seizure Susceptibility: Role for Glutamate

PubMed Central

Huff, Courtney L.; Morano, Rachel L.; Herman, James P.; Yamamoto, Bryan K.; Gudelsky, Gary A.

2016-01-01

3,4-Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) is a unique psychostimulant that continues to be a popular drug of abuse. It has been well documented that MDMA reduces markers of 5-HT axon terminals in rodents, as well as humans. A loss of parvalbumin-immunoreactive (IR) interneurons in the hippocampus following MDMA treatment has only been documented recently. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that MDMA reduces glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 67-IR, another biochemical marker of GABA neurons, in the hippocampus and that this reduction in GAD67-IR neurons and an accompanying increase in seizure susceptibility involve glutamate receptor activation. Repeated exposure to MDMA (3×10mg/kg, ip) resulted in a reduction of 37–58% of GAD67-IR cells in the dentate gyrus (DG), CA1, and CA3 regions, as well as an increased susceptibility to kainic acid-induced seizures, both of which persisted for at least 30 days following MDMA treatment. Administration of the NMDA antagonist MK-801 or the glutamate transporter type 1 (GLT-1) inducer ceftriaxone prevented both the MDMA-induced loss of GAD67-IR neurons and the increased vulnerability to kainic acid-induced seizures. The MDMA-induced increase in the extracellular concentration of glutamate in the hippocampus was significantly diminished in rats treated with ceftriaxone, thereby implicating a glutamatergic mechanism in the neuroprotective effects of ceftriaxone. In summary, the present findings support a role for increased extracellular glutamate and NMDA receptor activation in the MDMA-induced loss of hippocampal GAD67-IR neurons and the subsequent increased susceptibility to evoked seizures. PMID:27773601

Comparison of frailty of primary neurons, embryonic, and aging mouse cortical layers.

PubMed

Fugistier, Patrick; Vallet, Philippe G; Leuba, Geneviève; Piotton, Françoise; Marin, Pascale; Bouras, Constantin; Savioz, Armand

2014-02-01

Superficial layers I to III of the human cerebral cortex are more vulnerable toward Aβ peptides than deep layers V to VI in aging. Three models of layers were used to investigate this pattern of frailty. First, primary neurons from E14 and E17 embryonic murine cortices, corresponding respectively to future deep and superficial layers, were treated either with Aβ(1-42), okadaic acid, or kainic acid. Second, whole E14 and E17 embryonic cortices, and third, in vitro separated deep and superficial layers of young and old C57BL/6J mice, were treated identically. We observed that E14 and E17 neurons in culture were prone to death after the Aβ and particularly the kainic acid treatment. This was also the case for the superficial layers of the aged cortex, but not for the embryonic, the young cortex, and the deep layers of the aged cortex. Thus, the aged superficial layers appeared to be preferentially vulnerable against Aβ and kainic acid. This pattern of vulnerability corresponds to enhanced accumulation of senile plaques in the superficial cortical layers with aging and Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Pharmacology of glutamate sensitive synapses (I). Glutamate agonists (author's transl)].

PubMed

Shinozaki, H

1982-04-01

The actions of kainic acid, quisqualic acid, and ibotenic acid on the crayfish neuromuscular junction were described, and it was particularly interesting that the discrepancy between glutamate responses and EJPs was revealed by the use of kainic acid. On the other hand, there is increasing evidence showing that glutamate is an excitatory transmitter at the crayfish neuromuscular junction. At this stage, we are unable as yet to definitively support or reject glutamate's candidacy as the excitatory transmitter at the crayfish neuromuscular junction. The discrepancy revealed by the use of kainic acid may bring up some questions. Certainly, the differential action of kainic acid on the glutamate current and the excitatory synaptic current opens to doubt the transmitter role of glutamate. In the case of the study on a transmitter role for a substance of doubt status, the value of pharmacological studies seems to be greater in disproving than in asserting such the role. However, we have to consider the matter of the extra-junctional receptor postulated on the crayfish postsynaptic membrane as one of the major problems for pharmacological identification.

Differential regulation of preprotachykinin-A mRNA expression in striatum by excitation of hippocampal neurons.

PubMed

Brené, S; Lindefors, N; Herrera-Marschitz, M; Persson, H

1993-07-01

In this report we have studied the influence of hippocampal neurons on neuropeptide mRNA expression in both dorsal and ventral striatum in the rat. Intrahippocampal unilateral kainic acid injections were performed in control animals and in animals with a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-induced dopamine deafferentation of the striatum. In situ hybridization combined with quantitative image analysis was used to study the expression of preprotachykinin A mRNA encoding the neuropeptides substance P and neurokinin A. The 6-hydroxydopamine-induced lesion caused a decrease of preprotachykinin A mRNA levels in the ipsilateral dorsal striatum and in both sides of the ventral striatum. In normal rats, the intrahippocampal kainic acid injection caused a twofold increase in preprotachykinin A mRNA in the limbic parts of the striatum, which are innervated by the hippocampus. No effect of the kainic acid injection was seen in the lateral parts of the dorsal striatum, a region which does not appear to be innervated by the hippocampus. Animals with a 6-hydroxydopamine lesion showed a similar kainic acid-mediated increase in preprotachykinin A mRNA in parts of the ventral striatum. In the dopamine-lesioned dorsal striatum and ventral striatum the decreased preprotachykinin A mRNA levels were normalized by the intrahippocampal kainic acid injection. These results show that kainic acid-mediated excitation of hippocampal neurons causes a dopamine-independent induction of preprotachykinin A mRNA expression in parts of the ventral striatum, and reverses the dopamine deafferentation-induced decrease of preprotachykinin A mRNA in both dorsal and ventral striatum. Combined, our results suggest that hippocampal neurons can regulate preprotachykinin A mRNA expression in both the ventral and the dorsal striatum.

Substance P in the dorsal vagal complex inhibits medullary TRH-induced gastric acid secretion in rats.

PubMed

Yang, H; Taché, Y

1997-05-01

Neurons that contain substance P (SP) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in medullary midline raphe nuclei project to the dorsal vagal complex (DVC). The modulatory role of SP on basal gastric acid secretion (GAS) and TRH on DVC-induced stimulation of GAS was studied in urethan-anesthetized rats. The stable SP agonist, DiMe-C7 ([pGlu5, MePhe8, MeGly9]SP5-11, 50 and 100 pmol), injected unilaterally into the DVC reduced the GAS response (47 +/- 12 mumol/60 min) to coinjected TRH analog, RX 77368 (25 pmol), by 53% and 85%, respectively, whereas DiMe-C7 (100 pmol) alone had no effect on basal and pentagastrin-stimulated GAS. DiMe-C7 (100 pmol/site) inhibited the GAS response to kainic acid injected into the raphe pallidus (Rpa) when it was injected bilaterally into the DVC but not the hypoglossal nuclei. The SP nourokinin-1-receptor antagonist, CP-96,345, injected bilaterally into the DVC (1 nmol/ site) increased basal GAS (33 +/- 8 mumol/90 min) and potentiated the GAS response to kainic acid injected into the Rpa by 40%. These results suggest that SP acts on neurokinin-1 receptors in the DVC to reduce medullary TRH-induced stimulation of GAS in rats.

Anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging actions of two herbs, Uncaria rhynchophylla (MIQ) Jack and Gastrodia elata Bl., in kainic acid-treated rats.

PubMed

Hsieh, C L; Tang, N Y; Chiang, S Y; Hsieh, C T; Lin, J G

1999-01-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Jack (UR) and Gastrodia elata BI. (GE) are traditional Chinese herbs that are usually used in combination to treat convulsive disorders, such as epilepsy, in China. The aim of this study was to compare the anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging activities of UR alone and UR in combination with GE in rats. For the in vitro studies, brain tissues from 6 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with 120 microg/ml kainic acid (KA), with or without varied concentrations of UR or UR plus GE. For the in vivo studies, male SD rats (6 per group) received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of KA 12 mg/kg to induce epileptic seizures and generation of free radicals, with or without oral administration of UR 1 g/kg alone or UR 1 g/kg plus GE 1 g/kg. Epileptic seizures were verified by behavioral observations, and electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) recordings. These results showed that UR alone decreased KA-induced lipid peroxide levels in vitro, whereas UR plus GE did not produce a greater effect than UR alone. UR significantly reduced counts of wet dog shakes (WDS), paw tremor (PT) and facial myoclonia (FM) in KA-treated rats and significantly delayed the onset time of WDS, from 27 min in the control group to 40 min in the UR group. UR plus GE did not inhibit seizures more effectively than UR alone, but did further prolong the onset time of WDS to 63 min (P < 0.05 vs. UR alone). UR alone reduced the levels of free radicals in vivo, as measured by lipid peroxidation in the brain and luminol-chemiluminescence (CL) counts and lucigenin-CL counts in the peripheral whole blood, but the combination of GE and UR did not reduce free radical levels more markedly than UR alone. In conclusion, our results indicate that UR has anticonvulsive and free radical scavenging activities, and UR combined with GE exhibit greater inhibition on the onset time of WDS than UR alone. These findings suggest that the anticonvulsive effects of UR and

Protection against Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor Toxicity by Alpha- Adrenergic Agonists

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-10-28

acetvlthiocholine iodide (substrate). and 6.9 mM Dithiosnitrobenzoic acid . The absorbance at 412 nm was recorded for 2 rain. 1~1 RESULTS PART I...however, the drug has been shown to be quite effective in limiting seizure production in the audiogenic 1261 and kainic acid [31 animal models of...acetyicholinesterase inhibitor soman. Neurosci.Ltt. 78: 107-112. 3. Baran, H., Hortnagi, H. and Homykiewicz, 0. (1989). Kainic acid -induced seizures

Domoic acid excretion in dungeness crabs, razor clams and mussels.

PubMed

Schultz, Irvin R; Skillman, Ann; Woodruff, Dana

2008-07-01

Domoic acid (DA) is a neurotoxic amino acid produced by several marine algal species of the Pseudo-nitzschia (PN) genus. We studied the elimination of DA from hemolymph after intravascular (IV) injection in razor clams (Siliqua patula), mussels (Mytilus edulis) and Dungeness crabs (Cancer magister). Crabs were also injected with two other organic acids, dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and kainic acid (KA). For IV dosing, hemolymph was repetitively sampled and DA concentrations measured by HPLC-UV. Toxicokinetic analysis of DA in crabs suggested most of the injected dose remained within hemolymph compartment with little extravascular distribution. This observation is in sharp contrast to results obtained from clams and mussels which exhibited similarly large apparent volumes of distribution despite large differences in overall clearance. These findings suggest fundamentally different storage and elimination processes are occurring for DA between bivalves and crabs.

Treatment of Fatty Acid Oxidation Disorders

MedlinePlus

... Treatment of fatty acid oxidation disorders Treatment of fatty acid oxidation disorders E-mail to a friend Please ... this page It's been added to your dashboard . Fatty acid oxidation disorders are rare health conditions that affect ...

Neuroprotective actions of the synthetic estrogen 17alpha-ethynylestradiol in the hippocampus.

PubMed

Picazo, Ofir; Becerril-Montes, Adriana; Huidobro-Perez, Delia; Garcia-Segura, Luis M

2010-07-01

17alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2), a major constituent of many oral contraceptives, is similar in structure to 17beta-estradiol, which has neuroprotective properties in several animal models. This study explored the potential neuroprotective actions of EE2 against kainic and quinolinic acid toxicity in the hippocampus of adult ovariectomized Wistar rats. A decrease in the number of Nissl-stained neurons and the induction of vimentin immunoreactivity in astrocytes was observed in the hilus of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus after the administration of either kainic acid or quinolinic acid. EE2 prevented the neuronal loss and the induction of vimentin immunoreactivity induced by kainic acid at low (1 microg/rat) and high (10-100 microg/rat) doses and exerted a protection against quinolinic acid toxicity at a low dose (1 microg/rat) only. These observations demonstrate that EE2 exerts neuroprotective actions against excitotoxic insults. This finding is relevant for the design of new neuroprotective estrogenic compounds.

Human iPSC-Derived GABA Ergic Precursor Cell Therapy for Chronic Epilepsy

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-01

1) Induction of status epilepticus (SE) in young rats through kainic acid injections to generate rats exhibiting chronic TLE typified by SRS. (2...of status epilepticus (SE) via graded kainic acid injections, termination of acute seizures 2 hours after SE onset via diazepam injections and...injections to these rats to induce acute seizures or status epilepticus (SE) in 11 separate experimental sessions (n=8-12/session). These experiments

Treatment of menorrhagia during menstruation: randomised controlled trial of ethamsylate, mefenamic acid, and tranexamic acid.

PubMed Central

Bonnar, J.; Sheppard, B. L.

1996-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and acceptability of ethamsylate, mefenamic acid, and tranexamic acid for treating menorrhagia. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: A university department of obstetrics and gynaecology. SUBJECTS: 76 women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding. INTERVENTIONS: Treatment for five days from day 1 of menses during three consecutive menstrual periods. 27 patients were randomised to take ethamsylate 500 mg six hourly, 23 patients to take mefenamic acid 500 mg eight hourly, and 26 patients to take tranexamic acid 1 g six hourly. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Menstrual loss measured by the alkaline haematin method in three control menstrual periods and three menstrual periods during treatment; duration of bleeding; patient's estimation of blood loss; sanitary towel usage; the occurrence of dysmenorrhoea; and unwanted events. RESULTS: Ethamsylate did not reduce mean menstrual blood loss whereas mefenamic acid reduced blood loss by 20% (mean blood loss 186 ml before treatment, 148 ml during treatment) and tranexamic acid reduced blood loss by 54% (mean blood loss 164 ml before treatment, 75 ml during treatment). Sanitary towel usage was significantly reduced in patients treated with mefenamic acid and tranexamic acid. CONCLUSIONS: Tranexamic acid given during menstruation is a safe and highly effective treatment for excessive bleeding. Patients with dysfunctional uterine bleeding should be offered medical treatment with tranexamic acid before a decision is made about surgery. PMID:8806245

Effects of JIP3 on epileptic seizures: Evidence from temporal lobe epilepsy patients, kainic-induced acute seizures and pentylenetetrazole-induced kindled seizures.

PubMed

Wang, Z; Chen, Y; Lü, Y; Chen, X; Cheng, L; Mi, X; Xu, X; Deng, W; Zhang, Y; Wang, N; Li, J; Li, Y; Wang, X

2015-08-06

JNK-interacting protein 3 (JIP3), also known as JNK stress-activated protein kinase-associated protein 1 (JSAP1), is a scaffold protein mainly involved in the regulation of the pro-apoptotic signaling cascade mediated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Overexpression of JIP3 in neurons in vitro has been reported to lead to accelerated activation of JNK and enhanced apoptosis response to cellular stress. However, the occurrence and the functional significance of stress-induced modulations of JIP3 levels in vivo remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the expression of JIP3 in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and in a kainic acid (KA)-induced mouse model of epileptic seizures, and determined whether down-regulation of JIP3 can decrease susceptibility to seizures and neuron damage induced by KA. We found that JIP3 was markedly increased in TLE patients and a mouse model of epileptic seizures; mice underexpressing JIP3 through lentivirus bearing LV-Letm1-RNAi showed decreased susceptibility, delayed first seizure and decreased seizure duration response to the epileptogenic properties of KA. Subsequently, a decreased activation of JNK following seizure induction was observed in mice underexpressing JIP3, which also exhibited less neuronal apoptosis in the CA3 region of the hippocampus, as assessed three days after KA administration. We also found that mice underexpressing JIP3 exhibited a delayed pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling seizure process. Copyright © 2015 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Topical zinc oxide vs. salicylic acid-lactic acid combination in the treatment of warts.

PubMed

Khattar, Joe A; Musharrafieh, Umayya M; Tamim, Hala; Hamadeh, Ghassan N

2007-04-01

Warts are a common dermatologic problem. Treatment is painful, prolonged, and can cause scarring. To evaluate topical zinc oxide for the treatment of warts. This was a randomized, double-blind controlled trial of 44 patients. Twenty-two patients were given topical zinc oxide 20% ointment, and the other 22 received salicylic acid 15% + lactic acid 15% ointment twice daily. All patients were followed up for 3 months or until cure, whichever occurred first. All patients were observed for side-effects. Sixteen patients in the zinc group and 19 in the salicylic acid-lactic acid group completed the study. In the zinc oxide-treated group, 50% of the patients showed complete cure and 18.7% failed to respond, compared with 42% and 26%, respectively, in the salicylic acid-lactic acid-treated group. No patients developed serious side-effects. Topical zinc oxide is an efficacious, painless, and safe therapeutic option for wart treatment.

Discovery of a new class of ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists by the rational design of (2S,3R)-3-(3-carboxyphenyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid.

PubMed

Larsen, Ann M; Venskutonytė, Raminta; Valadés, Elena Antón; Nielsen, Birgitte; Pickering, Darryl S; Bunch, Lennart

2011-02-16

The kainic acid (KA) receptors belong to the class of glutamate (Glu) receptors in the brain and constitute a promising target for the treatment of neurological and/or psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia, major depression, and epilepsy. Five KA subtypes have been identified and named GluK1-5. In this article, we present the discovery of (2S,3R)-3-(3-carboxyphenyl)-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (1) based on a rational design process. Target compound 1 was synthesized by a stereoselective strategy in 10 steps from commercially available starting materials. Binding affinities of 1 at native ionotropic Glu receptors were determined to be in the micromolar range (AMPA, 51 μM; KA, 22 μM; NMDA 6 μM), with the highest affinity for cloned homomeric KA receptor subtypes GluK1,3 (3.0 and 8.1 μM, respectively). Functional characterization of 1 by two electrode voltage clamp (TEVC) electrophysiology at a nondesensitizing mutant of GluK1 showed full competitive antagonistic behavior with a K(b) of 11.4 μM.

Effects of alkali or acid treatment on the isomerization of amino acids.

PubMed

Ohmori, Taketo; Mutaguchi, Yuta; Doi, Katsumi; Ohshima, Toshihisa

2012-10-01

The effect of alkali treatment on the isomerization of amino acids was investigated. The 100×D/(D+L) values of amino acids from peptide increased with increase in the number of constituent amino acid residues. Furthermore, the N-terminal amino acid of a dipeptide was isomerized to a greater extent than the C-terminal residue. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Expression of mRNAs encoding dopamine receptors in striatal regions is differentially regulated by midbrain and hippocampal neurons.

PubMed

Brené, S; Herrera-Marschitz, M; Persson, H; Lindefors, N

1994-02-01

The glutamate analogue kainic acid was injected into the hippocampus of intact or 6-hydroxydopamine deafferented rats to investigate the influence of hippocampal neurons on the expression of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor mRNAs in subregions of the striatal complex and possible modulation by dopaminergic neurons. Quantitative in situ hybridization using 35S-labeled oligonucleotide probes specific for dopamine D1 and D2 receptor mRNAs, respectively, were used. It was found that an injection of kainic acid into the hippocampal formation had alone no significant effect on dopamine D1 or D2 receptor mRNA levels in any of the analyzed striatal subregions in animals analyzed 4 h after the injections. Kainic acid stimulation in the hippocampus ipsilateral to the dopamine lesion produced an increase in D1 receptor mRNA levels in the ipsilateral medial caudate-putamen, and a bilateral increase in core and shell of nucleus accumbens (ventral striatal limbic regions). A unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion alone caused an increase in D2 receptor mRNA in the lateral caudate-putamen (dorsal striatal motor region) ipsilateral to the lesion and an increase in D1 receptor mRNA in the accumbens core ipsilateral to the lesion. However, in dopamine-lesioned animals, dopamine D1 receptor mRNA levels were increased bilaterally in nucleus accumbens core and shell and in the ipsilateral medial caudate-putamen following kainic acid stimulation in the hippocampus ipsilateral to the dopamine lesion. These results indicate a differential regulation of the expression of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor mRNAs by midbrain and hippocampal neurons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Activity-induced and developmental downregulation of the Nogo receptor.

PubMed

Josephson, Anna; Trifunovski, Alexandra; Schéele, Camilla; Widenfalk, Johan; Wahlestedt, Claes; Brené, Stefan; Olson, Lars; Spenger, Christian

2003-03-01

The three axon growth inhibitory proteins, myelin associated glycoprotein, oligodendrocyte-myelin glycoprotein and Nogo-A, can all bind to the Nogo-66 receptor (NgR). This receptor is expressed by neurons with high amounts in regions of high plasticity where Nogo expression is also high. We hypothesized that simultaneous presence of high levels of Nogo and its receptor in neurons confers a locked state to hippocampal and cortical microcircuitry and that one or both of these proteins must be effectively and temporarily downregulated to permit plastic structural changes underlying formation of long-term memory. Hence, we subjected rats to kainic acid treatment and exposed rats to running wheels and measured NgR mRNA levels by quantitative in situ hybridization at different time points. We also studied spinal cord injuries and quantified NgR mRNA levels in spinal cord and ganglia during a critical postnatal period using real-time PCR. Strikingly, kainic acid led to a strong transient downregulation of NgR mRNA levels in gyrus dentatus, hippocampus, and neocortex during a time when BDNF mRNA was upregulated instead. Animals exposed to running wheels for 3 and 7, but not 1 or 21, days showed a significant downregulation of NgR mRNA in cortex, hippocampus and the dentate gyrus. NgR mRNA levels decreased from high to low expression in spinal cord and ganglia during the first week of life. No robust regulation of NgR was observed in the spinal cord following spinal cord injury. Together, our data show that NgR levels in developing and adult neurons are regulated in vivo under different conditions. Strong, rapid and transient downregulation of NgR mRNA in response to kainic acid and after wheel running in cortex and hippocampus suggests a role for NgR and Nogo-A in plasticity, learning and memory.

300 Area waste acid treatment system closure plan

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

LUKE, S.N.

1999-05-17

The Hanford Facility Dangerous Waste Permit Application is considered to be a single application organized into a General Information Portion (document number DOERL-91-28) and a Unit-Specific Portion. The scope of the Unit-Specific Portion includes closure plan documentation submitted for individual, treatment, storage, and/or disposal units undergoing closure, such as the 300 Area Waste Acid Treatment System. Documentation contained in the General Information Portion is broader in nature and could be used by multiple treatment, storage, and/or disposal units (e.g., the glossary provided in the General Information Portion). Whenever appropriate, 300 Area Waste Acid Treatment System documentation makes cross-reference to themore » General Information Portion, rather than duplicating text. This 300 Area Waste Acid Treatment System Closure Plan (Revision 2) includes a Hanford Facility Dangerous Waste Permit Application, Part A, Form 3. Information provided in this closure plan is current as of April 1999.« less

Comparison the effectiveness of pyruvic acid 50% and salicylic acid 30% in the treatment of acne.

PubMed

Jaffary, Fariba; Faghihi, Gita; Saraeian, Sara; Hosseini, Sayed Mohsen

2016-01-01

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicles and one of the most common skin diseases. The peeling method has been recently found to be effective for acne treatment. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of pyruvic acid 50% and salicylic acid 30% peeling in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. In a prospective single-blinded clinical trial, 86 patients with acne were randomly assigned into two groups. In both groups, the routine treatment of acne (topical solution of erythromycin 4%, triclorocarban soap, and sunscreen) were used twice a day for 8 weeks. In addition, salicylic acid 30% for the control group and pyruvic acid 50% for the case group were used. In both groups, acne severity index (ASI) was calculated before and at week 2, 4, 6, and 8 of the treatment. Patient satisfaction was assessed at the end of the treatment. Side effects were recorded using a checklist. In both groups, the reduction in the number of comedones, papules, and ASI were statistically significant ( P < 0.001) in the course of treatment. However, it was not significant regarding the number of pustules ( P = 0.09). None of the number of comedone, papules, pustules, and ASI was statistically different between study groups. Both treatment groups had similar side effects except for scaling in the fifth session, which was significantly lower in salicylic acid - treated patients ( P = 0.015). Both pyruvic acid 50% and salicylic acid 30% are effective in the improvement of mild to moderate acne with no significant difference in efficacy and side effects.

Comparison the effectiveness of pyruvic acid 50% and salicylic acid 30% in the treatment of acne

PubMed Central

Jaffary, Fariba; Faghihi, Gita; Saraeian, Sara; Hosseini, Sayed Mohsen

2016-01-01

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicles and one of the most common skin diseases. The peeling method has been recently found to be effective for acne treatment. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of pyruvic acid 50% and salicylic acid 30% peeling in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Materials and Methods: In a prospective single-blinded clinical trial, 86 patients with acne were randomly assigned into two groups. In both groups, the routine treatment of acne (topical solution of erythromycin 4%, triclorocarban soap, and sunscreen) were used twice a day for 8 weeks. In addition, salicylic acid 30% for the control group and pyruvic acid 50% for the case group were used. In both groups, acne severity index (ASI) was calculated before and at week 2, 4, 6, and 8 of the treatment. Patient satisfaction was assessed at the end of the treatment. Side effects were recorded using a checklist. Results: In both groups, the reduction in the number of comedones, papules, and ASI were statistically significant (P < 0.001) in the course of treatment. However, it was not significant regarding the number of pustules (P = 0.09). None of the number of comedone, papules, pustules, and ASI was statistically different between study groups. Both treatment groups had similar side effects except for scaling in the fifth session, which was significantly lower in salicylic acid – treated patients (P = 0.015). Conclusion: Both pyruvic acid 50% and salicylic acid 30% are effective in the improvement of mild to moderate acne with no significant difference in efficacy and side effects. PMID:27904577

Treatment of Irradiated Mice with High-Dose Ascorbic Acid Reduced Lethality

PubMed Central

Sato, Tomohito; Kinoshita, Manabu; Yamamoto, Tetsuo; Ito, Masataka; Nishida, Takafumi; Takeuchi, Masaru; Saitoh, Daizoh; Seki, Shuhji; Mukai, Yasuo

2015-01-01

Ascorbic acid is an effective antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Therefore, it is expected that ascorbic acid should act as a radioprotectant. We investigated the effects of post-radiation treatment with ascorbic acid on mouse survival. Mice received whole body irradiation (WBI) followed by intraperitoneal administration of ascorbic acid. Administration of 3 g/kg of ascorbic acid immediately after exposure significantly increased mouse survival after WBI at 7 to 8 Gy. However, administration of less than 3 g/kg of ascorbic acid was ineffective, and 4 or more g/kg was harmful to the mice. Post-exposure treatment with 3 g/kg of ascorbic acid reduced radiation-induced apoptosis in bone marrow cells and restored hematopoietic function. Treatment with ascorbic acid (3 g/kg) up to 24 h (1, 6, 12, or 24 h) after WBI at 7.5 Gy effectively improved mouse survival; however, treatments beyond 36 h were ineffective. Two treatments with ascorbic acid (1.5 g/kg × 2, immediately and 24 h after radiation, 3 g/kg in total) also improved mouse survival after WBI at 7.5 Gy, accompanied with suppression of radiation-induced free radical metabolites. In conclusion, administration of high-dose ascorbic acid might reduce radiation lethality in mice even after exposure. PMID:25651298

Hydrothermal-acid treatment for effectual extraction of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-abundant lipids from Nannochloropsis salina.

PubMed

Lee, Ilgyu; Han, Jong-In

2015-09-01

Hydrothermal acid treatment, was adopted to extract eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from wet biomass of Nannochloropsis salina. It was found that sulfuric acid-based treatment increased EPA yield from 11.8 to 58.1 mg/g cell in a way that was nearly proportional to its concentration. Nitric acid exhibited the same pattern at low concentrations, but unlike sulfuric acid its effectiveness unexpectedly dropped from 0.5% to 2.0%. The optimal and minimal conditions for hydrothermal acid pretreatment were determined using a statistical approach; its maximum EPA yield (predicted: 43.69 mg/g cell; experimental: 43.93 mg/g cell) was established at a condition of 1.27% of sulfuric acid, 113.34 °C of temperature, and 36.71 min of reaction time. Our work demonstrated that the acid-catalyzed cell disruption, accompanied by heat, can be one potentially promising option for ω-3 fatty acids extraction. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization of selectively etched halloysite nanotubes by acid treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia-Garcia, Daniel; Ferri, Jose M.; Ripoll, Laura; Hidalgo, Montserrat; Lopez-Martinez, Juan; Balart, Rafael

2017-11-01

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are a type of naturally occurring inorganic nanotubes that are characterized by a different composition between their external and internal walls. The internal walls are mainly composed of alumina whilst external walls are composed of silica. This particular structure offers a dual surface chemistry that allows different selective surface treatments which can be focused on increasing the lumen, increasing porosity, etc. In this work, HNTs were chemically treated with different acids (sulphuric, acetic and acrylic acid), for 72 h at a constant temperature of 50 °C. As per the obtained results, the treatment with sulphuric acid is highly aggressive and the particular shape of HNTs is almost lost, with a remarkable increase in porosity. The BET surface area increases from 52.9 (untreated HNTs) up to 132.4 m2 g-1 with sulphuric acid treatment, thus showing an interesting potential in the field of catalysis. On the other hand, the treatment with acetic acid led to milder effects with a noticeable increase in the lumen diameter that changed from 13.8 nm (untreated HNTs) up to 18.4 nm which the subsequent increase in the loading capacity by 77.8%. The aluminium content was measured by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The final results using two systems, suggest a good correlation between the acid strength and the aluminium reduction. Consequently, is possible to conclude that new applications for HNTs can be derived from selective etching with acids. Sulphuric acid widens the potential of HNTs in the field of catalysis while weak acids such as acetic and acrylic acids give a controlled and homogeneous lumen increase with the corresponding increase in the loading capacity.

Uric acid is released in the brain during seizure activity and increases severity of seizures in a mouse model for acute limbic seizures.

PubMed

Thyrion, Lisa; Raedt, Robrecht; Portelli, Jeanelle; Van Loo, Pieter; Wadman, Wytse J; Glorieux, Griet; Lambrecht, Bart N; Janssens, Sophie; Vonck, Kristl; Boon, Paul

2016-03-01

Recent evidence points at an important role of endogenous cell-damage induced pro-inflammatory molecules in the generation of epileptic seizures. Uric acid, under the form of monosodium urate crystals, has shown to have pro-inflammatory properties in the body, but less is known about its role in seizure generation. This study aimed to unravel the contribution of uric acid to seizure generation in a mouse model for acute limbic seizures. We measured extracellular levels of uric acid in the brain and modulated them using complementary pharmacological and genetic tools. Local extracellular uric acid levels increased three to four times during acute limbic seizures and peaked between 50 and 100 min after kainic acid infusion. Manipulating uric acid levels through administration of allopurinol or knock-out of urate oxidase significantly altered the number of generalized seizures, decreasing and increasing them by a twofold respectively. Taken together, our results consistently show that uric acid is released during limbic seizures and suggest that uric acid facilitates seizure generalization. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Melorheostosis and its treatment with intravenous zoledronic acid

PubMed Central

Hollick, Rosemary Jane; Black, Alison; Reid, David

2010-01-01

We report a case of melorheostosis, a rare bone disorder characterised by mesodermal dysplasia, and its successful and prolonged treatment with the intravenous bisphosphonate zoledronic acid. The middle-aged man presented with pain and swelling of his tibia, which was diagnosed by imaging and bone biopsy as being due to melorheostosis. There was early symptom control after a single infusion of intravenous zoledronic acid. Prolonged symptom relief was accompanied by long-term suppression of the bone resorption marker β cross-laps. We suggest that melorheostosis can be treated with intravenous zoledronic acid and that treatment can be monitored by the use of a specific bone resorption marker. PMID:22479293

Neurohistochemical biomarkers of the marine neurotoxicant, domoic acid.

PubMed

Scallet, Andrew C; Schmued, Larry C; Johannessen, Jan N

2005-01-01

Domoic acid and its potent excitotoxic analogues glutamic acid and kainic acid, are synthesized by marine algae such as seaweed and phytoplankton. During an algal bloom, domoic acid may enter the food web through its consumption by a variety of marine organisms held in high regard as seafoods by both animals and humans. These seafoods include clams, mussels, oysters, anchovies, sardines, crabs, and scallops, among others. Animals, such as pelicans, cormorants, loons, grebes, sea otters, dolphins, and sea lions, which consume seafood contaminated with domoic acid, suffer disorientation and often death. Humans consuming contaminated seafood may suffer seizures, amnesia and also sometimes death. In addition to analytical measurement of domoic acid exposure levels in algae and/or seafood, it is useful to be able to identify the mode of toxicity through post-mortem evaluation of the intoxicated animal. In the present study, using the rat as an animal model of domoic acid intoxication, we compared histochemical staining of the limbic system and especially the hippocampus with degeneration-selective techniques (Fluoro-Jade and silver), a conventional Nissl stain for cytoplasm (Cresyl violet), a myelin-selective stain (Black-Gold), an astrocyte-specific stain (glial fibrillary acidic protein), early/immediate gene responses (c-Fos and c-Jun), as well as for heat shock protein (HSP-72) and blood-brain barrier integrity (rat IgG). The results demonstrate that the degeneration-selective stains are the biomarkers of domoic acid neurotoxicity that are the most useful and easy to discern when screening brain sections at low magnification. We also observed that an impairment of blood-brain barrier integrity within the piriform cortex accompanied the onset of domoic acid neurotoxicity.

Theobromine Inhibits Uric Acid Crystallization. A Potential Application in the Treatment of Uric Acid Nephrolithiasis

PubMed Central

Grases, Felix; Rodriguez, Adrian; Costa-Bauza, Antonia

2014-01-01

Purpose To assess the capacity of methylxanthines (caffeine, theophylline, theobromine and paraxanthine) to inhibit uric acid crystallization, and to evaluate their potential application in the treatment of uric acid nephrolithiasis. Materials and Methods The ability of methylxathines to inhibit uric acid nucleation was assayed turbidimetrically. Crystal morphology and its modification due to the effect of theobromine were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ability of theobromine to inhibit uric acid crystal growth on calculi fragments resulting from extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was evaluated using a flow system. Results The turbidimetric assay showed that among the studied methylxanthines, theobromine could markedly inhibit uric acid nucleation. SEM images showed that the presence of theobromine resulted in thinner uric acid crystals. Furthermore, in a flow system theobromine blocked the regrowth of post-ESWL uric acid calculi fragments. Conclusions Theobromine, a natural dimethylxanthine present in high amounts in cocoa, acts as an inhibitor of nucleation and crystal growth of uric acid. Therefore, theobromine may be clinically useful in the treatment of uric acid nephrolithiasis. PMID:25333633

d-Leucine: Evaluation in an epilepsy model.

PubMed

Holden, Kylie; Hartman, Adam L

2018-01-01

Current medicines do not provide sufficient seizure control for nearly one-third of patients with epilepsy. New options are needed to address this treatment gap. We recently found that the atypical amino acid d-leucine protected against acutely-induced seizures in mice, but its effect in chronic seizures has not been explored. We hypothesized that d-leucine would protect against spontaneous recurrent seizures. We also investigated whether mice lacking a previously-described d-leucine receptor (Tas1R2/R3) would be protected against acutely-induced seizures. Male FVB/NJ mice were subjected to kainic acid-induced status epilepticus and monitored by video-electroencephalography (EEG) (surgically implanted electrodes) for 4weeks before, during, and after treatment with d-leucine. Tas1R2/R3 knockout mice and controls underwent the maximal electroshock threshold (MES-T) and 6-Hz tests. There was no difference in number of calendar days with seizures or seizure frequency with d-leucine treatment. In an exploratory analysis, mice treated with d-leucine had a lower number of dark cycles with seizures. Tas1R2/R3 knockout mice had elevated seizure thresholds in the MES-T test but not the 6-Hz test. d-Leucine treatment was ineffective against chronic seizures after kainic acid-induced status epilepticus, but there was some efficacy during the dark cycle. Because d-leucine is highly concentrated in the pineal gland, these data suggest that d-leucine may be useful as a tool for studying circadian patterns in epilepsy. Deletion of the Tas1R2/R3 receptor protected against seizures in the MES-T test and, therefore, may be a novel target for treating seizures. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Postharvest treatments with salicylic acid, acetylsalicylic acid or oxalic acid delayed ripening and enhanced bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity in sweet cherry.

PubMed

Valero, Daniel; Díaz-Mula, Huertas M; Zapata, Pedro Javier; Castillo, Salvador; Guillén, Fabián; Martínez-Romero, Domingo; Serrano, María

2011-05-25

Sweet cherry cultivars ('Cristalina' and 'Prime Giant') harvested at commercial ripening stage were treated with salicylic acid (SA), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or oxalic acid (OA) at 1 mM and then stored for 20 days under cold temperature. Results showed that all treatments delayed the postharvest ripening process, manifested by lower acidity, color changes and firmness losses, and maintained quality attributes for longer periods than controls. In addition, total phenolics, anthocyanins and antioxidant activity increased in untreated fruit during the first 10 days of storage and then decreased, while in fruits of all treatments, these parameters increased continuously during storage without significant differences among treatments. Thus, postharvest treatments with natural compounds, such as SA, ASA or OA, could be innovative tools to extend the storability of sweet cherry with higher content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity as compared with control fruits.

Azelaic acid 15% gel in the treatment of rosacea.

PubMed

Gollnick, Harald; Layton, Alison

2008-10-01

Rosacea represents a chronic inflammatory dermatosis of uncertain pathophysiology. There are several associated risk factors and the need for long-term treatment is well recognized. This diverse disease is frequently difficult to manage and has a significant impact on quality of life. There are several topical and oral treatments available, of which azelaic acid 15% gel (Finacea) is the first new treatment for rosacea in more than a decade. Azelaic acid per se has multiple modes of action in rosacea, but an anti-inflammatory effect achieved by reducing reactive oxygen species appears to be the main pharmacological action. Clinical studies have shown that azelaic acid 15% gel is an effective and safe first-line topical therapeutic option in patients with mild-to-moderate papulopustular rosacea. Significant continuous improvement in the number of inflammatory lesions and in erythema has been shown over a period of 15 weeks. Adverse effects associated with azelaic acid 15% gel are mostly mild or transient and do not usually necessitate discontinuation of therapy.

Trichloroacetic Acid Versus Salicylic Acid in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris in Dark-Skinned Patients.

PubMed

Abdel Meguid, Azza Mahfouz; Elaziz Ahmed Attallah, Dalia Abd; Omar, Howida

2015-12-01

Treatment options for acne include chemical peeling. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) has been used for treating acne. The ability of TCA to diminish corneocyte cohesion and keratinocyte plugging addresses this mode of treatment. Salicylic acid is an excellent keratolytic agent. It is believed to function through solubilization of intercellular cement, thereby reducing corneocyte adhesion. Comparing the therapeutic efficacy of TCA 25% peels with those of salicylic acid 30% in patients with acne vulgaris. Twenty patients, Fitzpatrick skin Types III to V with facial acne, were enrolled. Twenty-five percent of TCA was applied to the right half of the face and 30% salicylic acid to the left half at 2-week interval for 2 months. Total improvement was more frequent with salicylic acid peeling (95%) versus (85%) with TCA. Total comedones improvement was more frequent with TCA peeling (80%) versus (70%) with salicylic acid. Improvement of inflammatory lesions was more frequent among the side treated with salicylic acid (85%) versus (80%) with TCA peeling. However, the results did not reach the statistical significance level. Trichloroacetic acid is more superior in treating comedonal lesions, whereas salicylic is more superior in treating inflammatory lesions, without significant different between their results.

Bile acid changes after high-dose ursodeoxycholic acid treatment in primary sclerosing cholangitis: relation to disease progression

PubMed Central

Sinakos, Emmanouil; Marschall, Hanns-Ulrich; Kowdley, Kris V.; Befeler, Alex; Keach, Jill; Lindor, Keith

2010-01-01

High-dose (28-30mg/kg/day) ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment improves serum liver tests in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) but does not improve survival and is associated with increased rates of serious adverse events. The mechanism for the latter undesired effect remains unclear. High-dose UDCA could result in the production of hepatotoxic bile acids, such as lithocholic acid (LCA), due to limited small bowel absorption of UDCA and conversion of UDCA by bacteria in the colon. We determined the serum bile acid composition in 56 patients with PSC previously enrolled in a randomized, double-blind controlled trial of high dose UDCA versus placebo. Samples for analysis were obtained at baseline and at the end of treatment. The mean changes in UDCA (16.86 vs 0.05 μmol/L) and total bile acid (17.21 vs −0.55 μmol/L) levels were significantly higher in the UDCA group (n=29) compared to placebo (n=27) when pretreatment levels were compared (p<0.0001). LCA was also markedly increased (0.22 vs 0.01 μmol/L) in the UDCA group compared to placebo (p=0.001). No significant changes were detected for cholic acid (CA), deoxycholic acid (DCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). Patients (n=9) in the UDCA group who reached clinical endpoints of disease progression (development of cirrhosis, varices, liver transplantation or death) tend to have greater increase in their post-treatment total bile acid levels (34.99 vs 9.21 μmol/L) (p<0.08) compared to those who did not. Conclusion High-dose UDCA treatment in PSC patients results in marked UDCA enrichment and significant expansion of the total serum bile acid pool including lithocholic acid. PMID:20564380

Azelaic acid (15% gel) in the treatment of acne rosacea.

PubMed

Gupta, Aditya K; Gover, Melissa D

2007-05-01

In December of 2002, the FDA approved azelaic acid 15% gel for the topical treatment of inflammatory papules and pustules of mild to moderate rosacea. Azelaic acid is a saturated dicarboxylic acid, which is naturally occurring and has been used in the treatment of rosacea, acne, and melasma. The 15% gel has a high efficacy and is generally well tolerated, with the local irritation (burning, stinging, itching, and scaling) being typically mild and transient. Azelaic acid 15% gel is considered effective and safe as a therapy for inflammatory papulo-pustular rosacea and is suitable for use on all skin types.

Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 increased subventricular zone stem cells proliferation.

PubMed

Pachenari, Narges; Kiani, Sahar; Javan, Mohammad

2017-09-01

The effects of Wnt signaling modifiers on cell proliferation, seem to be cell specific. Enhancing the proliferation of subventricular zone (SVZ) progenitors has been in the focus of research in recent years. Here we investigate the effect of CHIR99021, a Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 (GSk-3) inhibitor, on SVZ progenitor's proliferation both in vivo and in vitro. Neural stem cells were extracted from the adult C57bl/6 by mincing and trypsin treatment followed by culturing in specific medium. Sphere cells formed within about 7-10days and were characterized by immunostaining. Number of spheres and their size was assessed following exposure to different concentration of CHIR99021 or vehicle. For in vivo studies, animals received intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of CHIR99021 or vehicle for four days. A subgroup of animals, after 4days treatment with CHIR99021 received intranasal kainic acid to induce local neurodegeneration in CA3 area of hippocampus. Inhibition of GSk-3 by CHIR99021 increased neural progenitor proliferation and the effect of CHIR99021 was long lasting so that the treated cells showed higher proliferation even after CHIR99021 removal. In vivo administration of CHIR99021 increased the number of neural progenitors at the rims of lateral ventricles especially when the treatment was followed by kainic acid administration which induces neural insult. Results showed that direct administration of CHIR99021 into the culture medium or animal brain increased the number of SVZ progenitors, especially when a neural insult was induced in the hippocampus. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Azelaic acid 15% gel: in the treatment of papulopustular rosacea.

PubMed

Frampton, James E; Wagstaff, Antona J

2004-01-01

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring, straight-chain dicarboxylic acid which is effective in the treatment of rosacea, presumably on account of its anti-inflammatory properties. In randomized, double-blind, multicenter studies involving patients with moderate papulopustular facial rosacea, twice-daily topical application of azelaic acid 15% gel to the face was significantly more effective than twice-daily administration of either its vehicle (two studies) or metronidazole 0.75% gel (one study) in reducing inflammatory lesion counts and erythema severity. However, neither active treatment had a clinically discernable effect on telangiectasia. In all three studies, azelaic acid 15% gel recipients experienced continuous decreases in lesion counts and erythema throughout the 12- to 15-week treatment periods. However, the effects of metronidazole 0.75% gel plateauxed after 8 weeks. In other efficacy assessments in these studies, azelaic acid 15% gel was superior to its vehicle and metronidazole 0.75% gel in both the investigators' global assessment of rosacea and the investigators' end-of-study evaluation of overall improvement, and superior to its vehicle in the patients' end-of-study evaluation of overall improvement. The most frequent treatment-related cutaneous adverse events during administration of azelaic acid 15% gel include burning/stinging/tingling and pruritus (itching); however, these events are predominantly transient in nature and mild-to-moderate in intensity.

Postconditioning and anticonditioning: possibilities to interfere to evoked apoptosis.

PubMed

Burda, Jozef; Danielisová, Viera; Némethová, Miroslava; Gottlieb, Miroslav; Kravcuková, Petra; Domoráková, Iveta; Mechírová, Eva; Burda, Rastislav

2009-09-01

The aim of this study was to validate the ability of postconditioning, used 2 days after kainate intoxication, to protect selectively vulnerable hippocampal CA1 neurons against delayed neuronal death. Kainic acid (8 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce neurodegeneration of pyramidal CA1 neurons in rat hippocampus. Fluoro Jade B, the specific marker of neurodegeneration, and NeuN, a specific neuronal marker were used for visualization of changes 7 days after intoxication without and with delayed postconditioning (norepinephrine, 3.1 mumol/kg i.p., 2 days after kainate administration) and anticonditioning (Extract of Ginkgo biloba, 40 mg/kg p.o used simultaneously with kainate). Morris water maze was used on 6th and 7th day after kainate to test learning and memory capabilities of animals. Our results confirm that postconditioning if used at right time and with optimal intensity is able to prevent delayed neuronal death initiated not only by ischemia but kainate intoxication, too. The protective effect of repeated stress-postconditioning was suppressed if extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761, 40 mg/kg p.o.) has been administered together with kainic acid. It seems that combination of lethal stress and antioxidant treatment blocks the activation of endogenous protecting mechanism known as ischemic tolerance, aggravates neurodegeneration and, after repeated stress is able to cause cumulative damage. This observation could be very valuable in situation when the aim of treatment is elimination of unwanted cell population from the organism.

A KCNQ channel opener for experimental neonatal seizures and status epilepticus

PubMed Central

Raol, YogendraSinh H.; Lapides, David A.; Keating, Jeffery; Brooks-Kayal, Amy R.; Cooper, Edward C.

2009-01-01

Objective Neonatal seizures occur frequently, are often refractory to anticonvulsants, and are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Genetic and electrophysiological evidence indicates that KCNQ voltage-gated potassium channels are critical regulators of neonatal brain excitability. This study tests the hypothesis that selective openers of KCNQ channels may be effective for treatment of neonatal seizures. Methods We induced seizures in postnatal day 10 rats with either kainic acid or flurothyl. We measured seizure activity using quantified behavioral rating and electrocorticography. We compared the efficacy of flupirtine, a selective KCNQ channel opener, with phenobarbital and diazepam, two drugs in current use for neonatal seizures. Results Unlike phenobarbital or diazepam, flupirtine prevented animals from developing status epilepticus (SE) when administered prior to kainate. In the flurothyl model, phenobarbital and diazepam increased latency to seizure onset, but flupirtine completely prevented seizures throughout the experiment. Flupirtine was also effective in arresting electrographic and behavioral seizures when administered after animals had developed continuous kainate-induced SE. Flupirtine caused dose-related sedation and suppressed EEG activity, but did not result in respiratory suppression or result in any mortality. Interpretation Flupirtine appears more effective than either of two commonly used anti-epileptic drugs, phenobarbital and diazepam, in preventing and suppressing seizures in both the kainic acid and flurothyl models of symptomatic neonatal seizures. KCNQ channel openers merit further study as potential treatments for seizures in infants and children. PMID:19334075

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of combinations of hydroquinone, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid in the treatment of melasma.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Zeinab A; Gheida, Shereen F; El Maghraby, Gamal M; Farag, Zeinab E

2015-06-01

Various treatments are currently available for melasma. However, results are often disappointing. 1 To assess the efficacy and safety of combinations of hydroquinone, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid in the treatment of melasma after topical application. 2 To evaluate the dermoscopy as a tool in diagnosis and follow-up of melasma treatment. One hundred patients with mild, moderate-to-severe melasma were divided into five groups. Group I (twenty patients were treated with cream formula containing 4% hydroquinone), group II (twenty patients were treated with cream formula containing 4% hydroquinone + 10% glycolic acid), group III (twenty patients were treated with cream formula containing 4% hydroquinone + 0.01% hyaluronic acid), group IV (twenty patients were treated with cream formula containing 4% hydroquinone + 10% glycolic acid + 0.01% hyaluronic acid), and group V (twenty patients were treated with placebo cream). All patients were subjected to dermoscopic examination and digital photographs before and after treatment. The response and side effects were evaluated. Groups I, III, and IV showed highly significant changes in modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score after using the treatment. Group II showed significant change in mMASI score after using the treatment. The side effects were more reported in group II, followed by group IV, followed by group I, followed by group III. There was highly significant difference between the dermoscopic color findings before and after treatment. Vascularization was another dermoscopic finding. A cream formula containing 4% hydroquinone + 10% glycolic acid + 0.01% hyaluronic acid was very effective in treatment of melasma with tolerable side effects. Dermoscope is a valuable noninvasive tool in the diagnosis and follow-up of melasma treatment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Risk factors for symptomatic hypocalcaemia complicating treatment with zoledronic acid.

PubMed

Chennuru, S; Koduri, J; Baumann, M A

2008-08-01

The bisphosphonate zoledronic acid is commonly prescribed to prevent skeletal complications in patients with multiple myeloma or metastatic cancer. Although symptomatic hypocalcaemia is a potential risk of treatment, it has been thought to be uncommon. After seeing several episodes of symptomatic hypocalcaemia following zoledronic acid administration, we undertook a review to determine the incidence of this complication in our population and to attempt to identify risk factors. We reviewed the records of all patients receiving zoledronic acid in two teaching hospitals over a 2-year period. Findings collected included the indication for treatment, whether dosing was adjusted for creatinine clearance, coadministered medications, serum chemistries and clinical course. Of 120 patients who received a total of 546 zoledronic acid infusions, hypocalcaemia developed related to 55 infusions (10%) in 42 patients (35%). Symptomatic hypocalcaemia requiring i.v. supplementation occurred in 10 patients (8%), in spite of appropriate dose adjustment for creatinine clearance and despite prophylactic administration of oral calcium and vitamin D. More patients who became hypocalcaemic developed impairment of creatinine clearance during zoledronic acid treatment than in the group that remained normocalcaemic. Hypomagnesaemia was found in all patients who developed hypocalcaemia who had serum magnesium measured. Hypocalcaemia was common in our patient group following zoledronic acid treatment. Because of the prolonged elimination half-life of this agent (146 h), renal impairment occurring during a number of days after administration may increase risk. Hypomagnesaemia may further increase risk by blunting compensatory increase in parathyroid hormone secretion.

Gibberellic acid promoting phytic acid degradation in germinating soybean under calcium lactate treatment.

PubMed

Hui, Qianru; Wang, Mian; Wang, Pei; Ma, Ya; Gu, Zhenxin; Yang, Runqiang

2018-01-01

Phytic acid as a phosphorus storage vault provides phosphorus for plant development. It is an anti-nutritional factor for humans and some animals. However, its degradation products lower inositol phosphates have positive effects on human health. In this study, the effect of gibberellic acid (GA) on phytic acid degradation under calcium lactate (Ca) existence was investigated. The results showed that Ca + GA treatment promoted the growth status, hormone metabolism and phytic acid degradation in germinating soybean. At the same time, the availability of phosphorus, the activity of phytic acid degradation-associated enzyme and phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) increased. However, the relative genes expression of phytic acid degradation-associated enzymes did not vary in accordance with their enzymes activity. The results revealed that GA could mediate the transport and function of calcium and a series of physiological and biochemical changes to regulate phytic acid degradation of soybean sprouts. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Topical formic acid puncture technique for the treatment of common warts.

PubMed

Bhat, R M; Vidya, K; Kamath, G

2001-06-01

Warts are a common chronic skin disorder that can be cosmetically disfiguring and, depending on the location, cause inhibition of function. The presence of dozens of topical and systemic treatments for warts is a testament to the lack of a rapid, simple, uniformly effective, inexpensive, nonscarring, and painless treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of 85% formic acid application, an inexpensive therapy, for the treatment of warts. A placebo-controlled, nonrandomized, open trial was performed in 100 patients with common warts attending Father Muller's Medical College Hospital, Mangalore. Fifty patients received 85% formic acid application and 50 patients received placebo (water) using a topical application/needle puncture technique every other day. Ninety-two per cent of patients who received formic acid application showed complete disappearance of warts after a 3-4-week treatment period, compared to 6% in the placebo group. The results show that 85% formic acid application is a safe, economical, and effective alternative in the treatment of common warts with few side-effects and good compliance. A multicenter trial is needed to examine the efficacy and safety of this treatment.

Biomimetic Deposition of Hydroxyapatite by Mixed Acid Treatment of Titanium Surfaces.

PubMed

Zhao, J M; Park, W U; Hwang, K H; Lee, J K; Yoon, S Y

2015-03-01

A simple chemical method was established for inducing bioactivity of Ti metal. In the present study, two kinds of mixed acid solutions were used to treat Ti specimens to induce Ca-P formation. Following a strong mixed acid activation process, Ca-P coatings successfully formed on the Ti surfaces in the simulated body fluid. Strong mixed acid etching was used to increase the roughness of the metal surface, because the porous and rough surfaces allow better adhesion between Ca-P coatings and substrate. Nano-scale modification of titanium surfaces can alter cellular and tissue responses, which may benefit osseointegration and dental implant therapy. Some specimens were treated with a 5 M NaOH aqueous solution, and then heat treated at 600 °C in order to form an amorphous sodium titanate layer on their surface. This treated titanium metal is believed to form a dense and uniform bone-like apatite layer on its surface in a simulated body fluid (SBF). This study proved that mixed acid treatment is not only important for surface passivation but is also another bioactive treatment for titanium surfaces, an alternative to alkali treatment. In addition, mixed acid treatment uses a lower temperature and shorter time period than alkali treatment.

Potent anti-seizure effects of D-leucine

PubMed Central

Hartman, Adam L.; Santos, Polan; O’Riordan, Kenneth J.; Stafstrom, Carl E.; Hardwick, J. Marie

2015-01-01

There are no effective treatments for millions of patients with intractable epilepsy. High-fat ketogenic diets may provide significant clinical benefit but are challenging to implement. Low carbohydrate levels appear to be essential for the ketogenic diet to work, but the active ingredients in dietary interventions remain elusive, and a role for ketogenesis has been challenged. A potential antiseizure role of dietary protein or of individual amino acids in the ketogenic diet is understudied. We investigated the two exclusively ketogenic amino acids, L-leucine and L-lysine, and found that only L-leucine potently protects mice when administered prior to the onset of seizures induced by kainic acid injection, but not by inducing ketosis. Unexpectedly, the D-enantiomer of leucine, which is found in trace amounts in the brain, worked as well or better than L-leucine against both kainic acid and 6 Hz electroshock-induced seizures. However, unlike L-leucine, D-leucine potently terminated seizures even after the onset of seizure activity. Furthermore, D-leucine, but not L-leucine, reduced long-term potentiation but had no effect on basal synaptic transmission in vitro. In a screen of candidate neuronal receptors, D-leucine failed to compete for binding by cognate ligands, potentially suggesting a novel target. Even at low doses, D-leucine suppressed ongoing seizures at least as effectively as diazepam but without sedative effects. These studies raise the possibility that D-leucine may represent a new class of anti-seizure agents, and that D-leucine may have a previously unknown function in eukaryotes. PMID:26054437

Role of oxidative stress in epileptic seizures

PubMed Central

Shin, Eun-Joo; Jeong, Ji Hoon; Chung, Yoon Hee; Kim, Won-Ki; Ko, Kwang-Ho; Bach, Jae-Hyung; Hong, Jau-Shyong; Yoneda, Yukio; Kim, Hyoung-Chun

2013-01-01

Oxidative stress resulting from excessive free-radical release is likely implicated in the initiation and progression of epilepsy. Therefore, antioxidant therapies aimed at reducing oxidative stress have received considerable attention in epilepsy treatment. However, much evidence suggests that oxidative stress does not always have the same pattern in all seizures models. Thus, this review provides an overview aimed at achieving a better understanding of this issue. We summarize work regarding seizure models (i.e., genetically epilepsy-prone rats, kainic acid, pilocarpine, pentylenetetrazol, and trimethyltin), oxidative stress as an etiologic factor in epileptic seizures (i.e., impairment of antioxidant systems, mitochondrial dysfunction, involvement of redox-active metals, arachidonic acid pathway activation, and aging), and antioxidant strategies for seizure treatment. Combined, this review highlights pharmacological mechanisms associated with oxidative stress in epileptic seizures and the potential for neuroprotection in epilepsy that targets oxidative stress and is supported by effective antioxidant treatment. PMID:21672578

Effect of the non-NMDA receptor antagonist GYKI 52466 on the microdialysate and tissue concentrations of amino acids following transient forebrain ischaemia.

PubMed

Arvin, B; Lekieffre, D; Graham, J L; Moncada, C; Chapman, A G; Meldrum, B S

1994-04-01

The effect of the non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (non-NMDA) receptor antagonist 1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-methylenedioxy-5H-2,3-benzodiazepine hydrochloride (GYKI 52466) on ischaemia-induced changes in the microdialysate and tissue concentrations of glutamate, aspartate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was studied in rats. Twenty minutes of four-vessel occlusion resulted in a transient increase in microdialysate levels of glutamate, aspartate, and GABA in striatum, cortex, and hippocampus. Administration of GYKI 52466 (10 mg/kg bolus + 10 mg/kg/60 min intravenously starting 20 min before onset of ischaemia) inhibited ischaemia-induced increases in microdialysate glutamate and GABA in striatum without affecting the increases in hippocampus or cortex. Twenty minutes of four-vessel occlusion resulted in immediate small decreases and larger delayed (72 h) decreases in tissue levels of glutamate and aspartate. Transient increases in tissue levels of GABA were shown in all three structures at the end of the ischaemic period. At 72 h, after the ischaemic period, significantly reduced GABA levels were observed in striatum and hippocampus. GYKI 52466, given under identical conditions as above, augmented the ischaemia-induced decrease in striatal tissue levels of glutamate and aspartate, without significantly affecting the decreases in hippocampus and cortex. Twenty minutes of ischaemia resulted in a large increase in microdialysate dopamine in striatum. GYKI 52466 failed to inhibit this increase. Kainic acid (500 microM infused through the probe for 20 min) caused increases in microdialysate glutamate and aspartate in the striatum. GYKI 52466 (10 mg/kg bolus + 10 mg/kg/60 min) completely inhibited the kainic acid-induced glutamate release. In conclusion, the action of the non-NMDA antagonist, GYKI 52466, in the striatum is different from that in the cortex and hippocampus. The inhibition by GYKI 52466 of ischaemia-induced and kainate-induced increases in microdialysate

Acrylic acid removal by acrylic acid utilizing bacteria from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin manufactured wastewater treatment system.

PubMed

Wang, C C; Lee, C M

2006-01-01

The aim of this study is to isolate the acrylic acid utilizing bacteria from the ABS resin manufactured wastewater treatment system. The bacteria should have the ability to remove acrylic acid and tolerate the acrylonitrile and acrylamide toxicity. The aim is also to understand the performance of isolated pure strain for treating different initial acrylic acid concentrations from synthetic wastewater. The results are: twenty strains were isolated from the ABS resin manufactured wastewater treatment system and twelve of them could utilize 600 mg/l acrylic acid for growth. Seven of twelve strains could tolerate the acrylonitrile and acrylamide toxicity, when the concentration was below 300 mg/l. Bacillus thuringiensis was one of the seven strains and the optimum growth temperature was 32 degrees C. Bacillus thuringiensis could utilize acrylic acid for growth, when the initial acrylic acid concentration was below 1,690.4 mg/l. Besides this, when the initial acrylic acid concentration was below 606.8 mg/l, the acrylic acid removal efficiency exceeded 96.3%. Bacillus thuringiensis could tolerate 295.7 mg/l acrylamide and 198.4 mg/l acrylonitrile toxicity but could not tolerate 297.3 mg/l epsilon-caprolactam.

Treatment and prevention systems for acid mine drainage and halogenated contaminants

DOEpatents

Jin, Song [Fort Collins, CO; Fallgren, Paul H [Laramie, WY; Morris, Jeffrey M [Laramie, WY

2012-01-31

Embodiments include treatments for acid mine drainage generation sources (10 perhaps by injection of at least one substrate (11) and biologically constructing a protective biofilm (13) on acid mine drainage generation source materials (14). Further embodiments include treatments for degradation of contaminated water environments (17) with substrates such as returned milk and the like.

Glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity in neonatal hippocampal neurons is mediated by mGluR-induced release of Ca++ from intracellular stores and is prevented by estradiol

PubMed Central

Hilton, Genell D.; Nunez, Joseph L.; Bambrick, Linda; Thompson, Scott M.; McCarthy, Margaret M.

2008-01-01

Hypoxic/ischemic (HI) brain injury in newborn full-term and premature infants is a common and pervasive source of life time disabilities in cognitive and locomotor function. In the adult, HI induces glutamate release and excitotoxic cell death dependent on NMDA receptor activation. In animal models of the premature human infant, glutamate is also released following HI, but neurons are largely insensitive to NMDA or AMPA/kainic acid (KA) receptor-mediated damage. Using primary cultured hippocampal neurons we have determined that glutamate increases intracellular calcium much more than kainic acid. Moreover, glutamate induces cell death by activating Type I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Pretreatment of neurons with the gonadal steroid estradiol reduces the level of the Type I metabotropic glutamate receptors and completely prevents cell death, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach to excitotoxic brain damage in the neonate. PMID:17156362

Zoledronic acid: a review of its use in the treatment of osteoporosis.

PubMed

Deeks, Emma D; Perry, Caroline M

2008-01-01

Zoledronic acid (Aclasta; Reclast), a third-generation nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, is the first once-yearly treatment to have been approved for use in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis or at high risk of fracture. Intravenous zoledronic acid 5 mg once yearly is effective in reducing the risk of several types of fracture in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis or recent low-trauma hip fracture. Moreover, improvements in bone mineral density (BMD) and reductions in markers of bone turnover are also generally observed. Zoledronic acid is generally well tolerated. Additional comparative data are required to definitively position zoledronic acid with respect to other agents. In the meantime, intravenous zoledronic acid 5 mg once yearly is a convenient and effective treatment option that may have an advantage over some other agents, for which adherence to treatment regimens is a recognized problem.

Soil microbial community responses to acid exposure and neutralization treatment.

PubMed

Shin, Doyun; Lee, Yunho; Park, Jeonghyun; Moon, Hee Sun; Hyun, Sung Pil

2017-12-15

Changes in microbial community induced by acid shock were studied in the context of potential release of acids to the environment due to chemical accidents. The responses of microbial communities in three different soils to the exposure to sulfuric or hydrofluoric acid and to the subsequent neutralization treatment were investigated as functions of acid concentration and exposure time by using 16S-rRNA gene based pyrosequencing and DGGE (Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis). Measurements of soil pH and dissolved ion concentrations revealed that the added acids were neutralized to different degrees, depending on the mineral composition and soil texture. Hydrofluoric acid was more effectively neutralized by the soils, compared with sulfuric acid at the same normality. Gram-negative ß-Proteobacteria were shown to be the most acid-sensitive bacterial strains, while spore-forming Gram-positive Bacilli were the most acid-tolerant. The results of this study suggest that the Gram-positive to Gram-negative bacterial ratio may serve as an effective bio-indicator in assessing the impact of the acid shock on the microbial community. Neutralization treatments helped recover the ratio closer to their original values. The findings of this study show that microbial community changes as well as geochemical changes such as pH and dissolved ion concentrations need to be considered in estimating the impact of an acid spill, in selecting an optimal remediation strategy, and in deciding when to end remedial actions at the acid spill impacted site. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tranexamic acid-associated seizures: Causes and treatment.

PubMed

Lecker, Irene; Wang, Dian-Shi; Whissell, Paul D; Avramescu, Sinziana; Mazer, C David; Orser, Beverley A

2016-01-01

Antifibrinolytic drugs are routinely used worldwide to reduce the bleeding that results from a wide range of hemorrhagic conditions. The most commonly used antifibrinolytic drug, tranexamic acid, is associated with an increased incidence of postoperative seizures. The reported increase in the frequency of seizures is alarming, as these events are associated with adverse neurological outcomes, longer hospital stays, and increased in-hospital mortality. However, many clinicians are unaware that tranexamic acid causes seizures. The goal of this review is to summarize the incidence, risk factors, and clinical features of these seizures. This review also highlights several clinical and preclinical studies that offer mechanistic insights into the potential causes of and treatments for tranexamic acid-associated seizures. This review will aid the medical community by increasing awareness about tranexamic acid-associated seizures and by translating scientific findings into therapeutic interventions for patients. © 2015 The Authors Annals of Neurology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Neurological Association.

Zoledronic Acid for the Treatment and Prevention of Primary and Secondary Osteoporosis

PubMed Central

Rizzoli, René

2010-01-01

There is increasing interest in therapies that can be administered less frequently and/or avoid gastrointestinal irritation. The efficacy of once-yearly zoledronic acid (5 mg) in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis has been evaluated in different patient populations. In the 3-year HORIZON-Pivotal Fracture Trial in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, zoledronic acid reduced the risk of vertebral and hip fracture by 70% and 41%, respectively, versus placebo. The efficacy of zoledronic acid in preventing subsequent fracture in patients with a hip fracture was evaluated in the HORIZON-Recurrent Fracture Trial. New vertebral and nonvertebral fractures were significantly reduced by treatment initiated within 90 days of incident hip fracture, without evidence of delayed fracture healing. Data from a 1-year study show that a single zoledronic acid 5-mg infusion is superior to oral risedronate 5 mg/day for treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Increases in bone mineral density and decreases in bone turnover markers were significantly greater with zoledronic acid than with risedronate. Two different treatment regimens of zoledronic acid were found to be more effective than placebo for prevention of bone loss in postmenopausal women and reducing markers of bone turnover after 2 years. In conclusion, zoledronic acid 5 mg once-yearly infusion has demonstrated marked efficacy in the treatment and prevention of primary and secondary osteoporosis, with a combination of fracture risk reduction and prevention of bone loss at key sites. It is the only agent shown to reduce the incidence of fracture and mortality in patients with a previous low-trauma hip fracture. PMID:22870433

Salicylic acid peels for the treatment of acne vulgaris in Asian patients.

PubMed

Lee, Ho-Sup; Kim, Il-Hwan

2003-12-01

Salicylic acid peels have been introduced as a useful modality in acne treatment. Few studies have examined its efficacy and safety, especially in darker skin. To assess the efficacy and safety of salicylic acid peels as a treatment for acne vulgaris in Asian patients. Thirty-five Korean patients with facial acne were treated with 30% salicylic acid peels biweekly for 12 weeks. Lesion counts and Dr. Cunliffe's score were assessed by a blinded evaluator. Safety assessments and patient's evaluations were also recorded. Both inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesion counts were decreased in proportion to the duration of treatment. Dr. Cunliffe's acne grade was statistically significantly decreased after treatment. The side effects were tolerable in most cases, and all patients were pleased with their peel results. Stratum corneum hydration, skin surface lipid, skin pH, and transepidermal water loss were unchanged from baseline levels. Salicylic acid peels are an effective and safe therapy for acne vulgaris in Asian patients.

Effect of gibberellic acid and cold treatments on the germination of bitterbrush seed.

Treesearch

Burt R. McConnell

1960-01-01

A number of investigations have shown that treatment with gibberellic acid can replace the cold period required to break dormancy in certain seeds. In several instances, acid treatment has also caused significant increases in the root and top growth of seedlings. This combination of abilities suggests that the use of gibberellic acid in reseeding bitterbrush merits...

Recent Advances in Delivery of Drug-Nucleic Acid Combinations for Cancer Treatment

PubMed Central

Li, Jing; Wang, Yan; Zhu, Yu; Oupický, David

2013-01-01

Cancer treatment that uses a combination of approaches with the ability to affect multiple disease pathways has been proven highly effective in the treatment of many cancers. Combination therapy can include multiple chemotherapeutics or combinations of chemotherapeutics with other treatment modalities like surgery or radiation. However, despite the widespread clinical use of combination therapies, relatively little attention has been given to the potential of modern nanocarrier delivery methods, like liposomes, micelles, and nanoparticles, to enhance the efficacy of combination treatments. This lack of knowledge is particularly notable in the limited success of vectors for the delivery of combinations of nucleic acids with traditional small molecule drugs. The delivery of drug-nucleic acid combinations is particularly challenging due to differences in the physicochemical properties of the two types of agents. This review discusses recent advances in the development of delivery methods using combinations of small molecule drugs and nucleic acid therapeutics to treat cancer. This review primarily focuses on the rationale used for selecting appropriate drug-nucleic acid combinations as well as progress in the development of nanocarriers suitable for simultaneous delivery of drug-nucleic acid combinations. PMID:23624358

Recent advances in delivery of drug-nucleic acid combinations for cancer treatment.

PubMed

Li, Jing; Wang, Yan; Zhu, Yu; Oupický, David

2013-12-10

Cancer treatment that uses a combination of approaches with the ability to affect multiple disease pathways has been proven highly effective in the treatment of many cancers. Combination therapy can include multiple chemotherapeutics or combinations of chemotherapeutics with other treatment modalities like surgery or radiation. However, despite the widespread clinical use of combination therapies, relatively little attention has been given to the potential of modern nanocarrier delivery methods, like liposomes, micelles, and nanoparticles, to enhance the efficacy of combination treatments. This lack of knowledge is particularly notable in the limited success of vectors for the delivery of combinations of nucleic acids with traditional small molecule drugs. The delivery of drug-nucleic acid combinations is particularly challenging due to differences in the physicochemical properties of the two types of agents. This review discusses recent advances in the development of delivery methods using combinations of small molecule drugs and nucleic acid therapeutics to treat cancer. This review primarily focuses on the rationale used for selecting appropriate drug-nucleic acid combinations as well as progress in the development of nanocarriers suitable for simultaneous delivery of drug-nucleic acid combinations. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tracking acidic pharmaceuticals, caffeine, and triclosan through the wastewater treatment process.

PubMed

Thomas, Paul M; Foster, Gregory D

2005-01-01

Pharmaceuticals are a class of emerging contaminants whose fate in the wastewater treatment process has received increasing attention in past years. Acidic pharmaceuticals (ibuprofen, naproxen, mefenamic acid, ketoprofen, and diclofenac), caffeine, and the antibacterial triclosan were quantified at four different steps of wastewater treatment from three urban wastewater treatment plants. The compounds were extracted from wastewater samples on Waters Oasis hydrophilic-lipophilic balance solid-phase extraction columns, silylated, and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. For the chemicals studied, it was found that the majority of the influent load was removed during secondary treatment (51-99%), yielding expected surface water concentrations of 13 to 56 ng/L.

Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment of vanishing bile duct syndromes

PubMed Central

Pusl, Thomas; Beuers, Ulrich

2006-01-01

Vanishing bile duct syndromes (VBDS) are characterized by progressive loss of small intrahepatic ducts caused by a variety of different diseases leading to chronic cholestasis, cirrhosis, and premature death from liver failure. The majority of adult patients with VBDS suffer from primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a hydrophilic dihydroxy bile acid, is the only drug currently approved for the treatment of patients with PBC, and anticholestatic effects have been reported for several other cholestatic syndromes. Several potential mechanisms of action of UDCA have been proposed including stimulation of hepatobiliary secretion, inhibition of apoptosis and protection of cholangiocytes against toxic effects of hydrophobic bile acids. PMID:16773706

Bile acid malabsorption in chronic diarrhea: Pathophysiology and treatment

PubMed Central

Barkun, Alan; Love, Jonathan; Gould, Michael; Pluta, Henryk; Steinhart, A Hillary

2013-01-01

BACKGROUND: Bile acid malabsorption (BAM) is a common but frequently under-recognized cause of chronic diarrhea, with an estimated prevalence of 4% to 5%. METHODS: The published literature for the period 1965 to 2012 was examined for articles regarding the pathophysiology and treatment of BAM to provide an overview of the management of BAM in gastroenterology practice. RESULTS: BAM is classified as type 1 (secondary to ileal dysfunction), type 2 (idiopathic) or type 3 (secondary to gastrointestinal disorders not associated with ileal dysfunction). The estimated prevalence of BAM is >90% in patients with resected Crohn disease (CD) and 11% to 52% of unresected CD patients (type 1); 33% in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (type 2); and is a frequent finding postcholecystectomy or postvagotomy (type 3). Investigations include BAM fecal bile acid assay, 23-seleno-25-homo-tauro-cholic acid (SeHCAT) testing and high-performance liquid chromatography of serum 7-α-OH-4-cholesten-3-one (C4), to determine the level of bile acid synthesis. A less time-consuming and expensive alternative in practice is an empirical trial of the bile acid sequestering agent cholestyramine. An estimated 70% to 96% of chronic diarrhea patients with BAM respond to short-course cholestyramine. Adverse effects include constipation, nausea, borborygmi, flatulence, bloating and abdominal pain. Other bile acid sequestering agents, such as colestipol and colesevelam, are currently being investigated for the treatment of BAM-associated diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS: BAM is a common cause of chronic diarrhea presenting in gastroenterology practice. In accordance with current guidelines, an empirical trial of a bile acid sequestering agent is warranted as part of the clinical workup to rule out BAM. PMID:24199211

Generators of the brainstem auditory evoked potential in cat. I. An experimental approach to their identification.

PubMed

Melcher, J R; Knudson, I M; Fullerton, B C; Guinan, J J; Norris, B E; Kiang, N Y

1996-04-01

This paper is the first in a series aimed at identifying the cellular generators of the brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) in cats. The approach involves (1) developing experimental procedures for making small selective lesions and determining the corresponding changes in BAEP waveforms, (2) identifying brainstem regions involved in BAEP generation by examining the effects of lesions on the BAEP and (3) identifying specific cell populations involved by combining the lesion results with electrophysiological and anatomical information from other kinds of studies. We created lesions in the lower brainstem by injecting kainic acid which is generally toxic for neuronal cell bodies but not for axons and terminals. This first paper describes the justifications for using kainic acid, explains the associated problems, and develops a methodology that addresses the main difficulties. The issues and aspects of the specific methods are generally applicable to physiological and anatomical studies using any neurotoxin, as well as to the present BAEP study. The methods chosen involved (1) measuring the BAEP at regular intervals until it reached a post-injection steady state and perfusing the animals with fixative shortly after the last BAEP recordings were made, (2) using objective criteria to distinguish injection-related BAEP changes from unrelated ones, (3) making control injections to identify effects not due to kainic acid toxicity, (4) verifying the anatomical and functional integrity of axons in lesioned regions, and (5) examining injected brainstems microscopically for cell loss and cellular abnormalities indicating dysfunction. This combination of methods enabled us to identify BAEP changes which are clearly correlated with lesion locations.

Effect of Oxalic Acid Treatment on Sediment Arsenic Concentrations and Lability under Reducing Conditions

PubMed Central

Sun, Jing; Bostick, Benjamin C.; Mailloux, Brian J.; Ross, James M.; Chillrud, Steven N.

2016-01-01

Oxalic acid enhances arsenic (As) mobilization by dissolving As host minerals and competing for sorption sites. Oxalic acid amendments thus could potentially improve the efficiency of widely used pump-and-treat (P&T) remediation. This study investigates the effectiveness of oxalic acid on As mobilization from contaminated sediments with different As input sources and redox conditions, and examines whether residual sediment As after oxalic acid treatment can still be reductively mobilized. Batch extraction, column, and microcosm experiments were performed in the laboratory using sediments from the Dover Municipal Landfill and the Vineland Chemical Company Superfund sites. Oxalic acid mobilized As from both Dover and Vineland sediments, although the efficiency rates were different. The residual As in both Dover and Vineland sediments after oxalic acid treatment was less vulnerable to microbial reduction than before the treatment. Oxalic acid could thus improve the efficiency of P&T. X-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis indicated that the Vineland sediment samples still contained reactive Fe(III) minerals after oxalic acid treatment, and thus released more As into solution under reducing conditions than the Dover samples. Therefore, the efficacy of P&T must consider sediment Fe mineralogy when evaluating its overall potential for remediating groundwater As. PMID:26970042

Synthesizing Pt nanoparticles in the presence of methylamine: Impact of acetic acid treatment in the electrocatalytic activity of formic acid oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ooi, M. D. Johan; Aziz, A. Abdul

2017-05-01

Surfactant removal from the surface of platinum nanoparticles prepared by solution based method is a prerequisite process to accomplish a high catalytic activity for electrochemical reactions. Here, we report a possible approach of combining acid acetic with thermal treatment for improving catalytic performance of formic acid oxidation. This strategy involves conversion of amine to amide in acetic acid followed by surfactant removal via subsequent thermal treatment at 85 °C. This combined activation technique produced monodisperse nanoparticle with the size of 3 to 5 nm with enhanced formic acid oxidation activity, particularly in perchloric acid solution. Pt treated in 1 h of acetic acid and heat treatment of 9 h shows high electrochemical surface area value (27.6 m2/g) compares to Pt without activation (16.6 m2/g). The treated samples also exhibit high current stability of 0.3 mA/cm2 compares to the as-prepared mA/cm2). Shorter duration of acid wash and longer duration of heating process result in high electrocatalytic activity. This work demonstrates a possible technique in improving catalytic activity of platinum nanoparticles synthesized using methylamine as surfactant.

Hyper-thermal acid hydrolysis and adsorption treatment of red seaweed, Gelidium amansii for butyric acid production with pH control.

PubMed

Ra, Chae Hun; Jeong, Gwi-Taek; Kim, Sung-Koo

2017-03-01

Optimal hyper-thermal (HT) acid hydrolysis conditions for Gelidium amansii were determined to be 12% (w/v) seaweed slurry content and 144 mM H 2 SO 4 at 150 °C for 10 min. HT acid hydrolysis-treated G. amansii hydrolysates produced low concentrations of inhibitory compounds and adsorption treatment using 3% activated carbon. An adsorption time of 5 min was subsequently used to remove the inhibitory 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from the medium. A final maximum monosaccharide concentration of 44.6 g/L and 79.1% conversion from 56.4 g/L total fermentable monosaccharides with 120 g dw/L G. amansii slurry was obtained from HT acid hydrolysis, enzymatic saccharification, and adsorption treatment. This study demonstrates the potential for butyric acid production from G. amansii hydrolysates under non-pH-controlled as well as pH-controlled fermentation using Clostridium acetobutylicum KCTC 1790. The activated carbon treatment and pH-controlled fermentation showed synergistic effects and produced butyric acid at a concentration of 11.2 g/L after 9 days of fermentation.

Influence of low concentration acid treatment on lithium disilicate core/veneer ceramic bond strength

PubMed Central

Garcia, Rudan P.; Conti, Paulo CR.; Pereira, Jefferson R.; Valle, Accácio Ld.

2013-01-01

Objective: This study evaluated the influence of low concentration acid treatment on the shear bond strength between lithium disilicate (LD) infrastructure and veneering porcelain. The surface morphology characteristic after this acid treatment was also examined. Study Design: LD reinforced ceramic cylinders (n=10) (IPS e.max Press, Ivoclar-Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) were treated (LD-treated) with a low concentration acid solution (Invex Liquid – Ivoclar-Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) or not treated with the acid solution (LD-untreated). They were veneered with a glass ceramic (IPS e.max Ceram, Ivoclar-Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein). A metal ceramic group (CoCr) was tested as control. Shear bond strength (SBS) was conducted using a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min. Surface morphology characteristics after acid treatment were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Results: The acid treatment at low concentrations did not influence the SBS of the LD/veneering porcelain interface. The CoCr group showed the significant higher SBS value (35.59 ± 5.97 MPa), followed by LD-untreated group (27.76 ± 3.59 MPa) and LD-treated (27.02 ± 4.79 MPa). The fracture modes were predominantly adhesive for CoCr group and cohesive within the infrastructure for DL groups. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis showed no morphological differences between treated and untreated LD surfaces. Conclusions: Low concentration acid treatment did not improved SBS of veneering ceramic to LD and did not cause morphological changes on the LD surface. Key words:Lithium disilicate, glass ceramics, acid etching, shear bond strength, scanning electron microscopy. PMID:24455073

Comparison of efficacy of products containing azelaic acid in melasma treatment.

PubMed

Mazurek, Klaudia; Pierzchała, Ewa

2016-09-01

Melasma is one of the most frequently diagnosed hyperpigmentation changes on the skin of women's faces. Nearly 30% of women using oral estrogen therapy struggle with this problem. A common way of reducing melasma is the application of azelaic acid products. Comparison of efficacy of three dermocosmetic products, containing azelaic acid, in the reduction in melasma for women aged 35-55. A group of 60 women diagnosed with melasma were divided into three even, twenty-person subgroups. Each subgroup was assigned one dermocosmetic product containing azelaic acid. For 24 weeks, the patients applied the assigned product twice a day. The level of the colorant within the hyperpigmentation was marked before the treatment, after 1 month, after 3 months, and after 6 months of therapy. The pigmentation was measured using Mexameter(®) (Courage + Khazaka electronic, Germany). In addition, during each inspection, the patients' level of hydration, elasticity, and intensity of erythema was checked using Corneometer(®) , Reviscometer(®) . All dermocosmetics containing azelaic acid that were applied significantly contributed to the reduction in pigment in the pigmentary lesion. The largest decrease in the amount of pigment was observed in the first 3 months of use of the products. A combination containing 20% azelaic acid and mandelic acid, phytic acid, 4N-butyl resorcinol, and ferulic acid proved to be the most effective dermocosmetic III (Sesderma, Valencia, Spain). Dermocosmetics containing azelaic acid significantly contribute to the clearing of melasma. The effect depends on the treatment time, the acid concentration, and addition of other components. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Genetic deletion of the norepinephrine transporter decreases vulnerability to seizures

PubMed Central

Kaminski, Rafal M.; Shippenberg, Toni S.; Witkin, Jeffrey M.; Rocha, Beatriz A.

2005-01-01

Norepinephrine (NE) has been reported to modulate neuronal excitability and act as endogenous anticonvulsant. In the present study we used NE transporter knock-out mice (NET-KO), which are characterized by high levels of extracellular NE, to investigate the role of endogenous NE in seizure susceptibility. Seizure thresholds for cocaine (i.p.), pentylenetetrazol (i.v.) and kainic acid (i.v.) were compared in NET-KO, heterozygous (NET-HT) and wild type (NET-WT) female mice. The dose-response curve for cocaine-induced convulsions was significantly shifted to the right in NET-KO mice, indicating higher seizure thresholds. The threshold doses of pentylenetetrazol that induced clonic and tonic seizures were also significantly higher in NET-KO when compared to NET-WT mice. Similarly, NET-KO mice displayed higher resistance to convulsions engendered by kainic acid. For all drugs tested, the response of NET-HT mice was always intermediate. These data provide further support for a role of endogenous NE in the control of seizure susceptibility. PMID:15911120

Tranexamic acid for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding: efficacy and safety

PubMed Central

Leminen, Henri; Hurskainen, Ritva

2012-01-01

Tranexamic acid has proven to be an effective treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). It reduces menstrual blood loss (MBL) by 26%–60% and is significantly more effective than placebo, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral cyclical luteal phase progestins, or oral etamsylate, while the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system reduces MBL more than tranexamic acid. Other treatments used for HMB are oral contraceptives, danazol, and surgical interventions (endometrial ablation and hysterectomy). Medical therapy is usually considered a first-line treatment for idiopathic HMB. Tranexamic acid significantly improves the quality of life of women treated for HMB. The recommended oral dosage is 3.9–4 g/day for 4–5 days starting from the first day of the menstrual cycle. Adverse effects are few and mainly mild. No evidence exists of an increase in the incidence of thrombotic events associated with its use. An active thromboembolic disease is a contraindication. In the US, a history of thrombosis or thromboembolism, or an intrinsic risk for thrombosis or thromboembolism are considered contraindications as well. This review focuses on the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in the treatment of idiopathic HMB. We searched for medical literature published in English on tranexamic acid from Ovid Medline, PubMed, and Cinahl. Additional references were identified from the reference lists of articles. Ovid Medline, PubMed, and Cinahl search terms were “tranexamic acid” and “menorrhagia” or “heavy menstrual bleeding.” Searches were last updated on March 25, 2012. Studies with women receiving tranexamic acid for HMB were included; randomized controlled studies with a description of appropriate statistical methodology were preferred. Relevant data on the physiology of menstruation and the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of tranexamic acid are also included. PMID:22956886

Efficacy of topical azelaic acid gel in the treatment of mild-moderate acne vulgaris.

PubMed

Iraji, Fariba; Sadeghinia, Ali; Shahmoradi, Zabiholahi; Siadat, Amir Hossein; Jooya, Abolfazl

2007-01-01

Twenty percent azelaic acid gel is recommended as a topical treatment for acne due to its favorable profile. Our objective in this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 20% azelaic acid gel in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. This was a double blind, randomized clinical trial. Sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris were selected randomly to receive either azelaic acid gel or the vehicle gel alone. Patients were followed up every 15 days for a period of 45 days. The number of lesions and the acne severity index (ASI) were recorded and compared using Student's t-test. Total lesion count was reduced by 60.6% and 19.9% by azelaic acid gel and the placebo respectively (P = 0.002). ASI was reduced by 65.2% and 21.3% by azelaic acid gel and the placebo respectively (P = 0.001), i.e, azelaic acid gel was 3.06 times more effective than the placebo in reducing ASI. Azelaic acid gel can be used as an effective treatment in mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

Effect of postharvest methyl jasmonate treatment on fatty acid composition and phenolic acid content in olive fruits during storage.

PubMed

Flores, Gema; Blanch, Gracia Patricia; Del Castillo, María Luisa Ruiz

2017-07-01

The nutritional effects of both table olives and olive oil are attributed not only to their fatty acids but also to antioxidant phenolics such as phenolic acids. Delays in oil processing usually result in undesirable oxidation and hydrolysis processes leading to formation of free fatty acids. These alterations create the need to process oil immediately after olive harvest. However, phenolic content decreases drastically during olive storage resulting in lower quality oil. In the present study we propose postharvest methyl jasmonate treatment as a mean to avoid changes in fatty acid composition and losses of phenolic acids during olive storage. Contents of fatty acids and phenolic acids were estimated in methyl jasmonate treated olives throughout 30-day storage, as compared with those of untreated olives. Significant decreases of saturated fatty acids were observed in treated samples whereas increases of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids were respectively measured (i.e. from 50.8% to 64.5%, from 7.2% to 9.1% and from 1.5% to 9.3%). Also, phenolic acid contents increased significantly in treated olives. Particularly, increases of gallic acid from 1.35 to 6.29 mg kg -1 , chlorogenic acid from 9.18 to 16.21 mg kg -1 , vanillic acid from 9.61 to 16.99 mg kg -1 , caffeic acid from 5.12 to 12.55 mg kg -1 , p-coumaric acid from 0.96 to 5.31 mg kg -1 and ferulic acid from 4.05 to 10.43 mg kg -1 were obtained. Methyl jasmonate treatment is proposed as an alternative postharvest technique to traditional methods to guarantee olive oil quality when oil processing is delayed and olive fruits have to necessarily to be stored. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Emerging Technology Summary. ACID EXTRACTION TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF METAL CONTAMINATED SOILS

EPA Science Inventory

The Acid Extraction Treatment System (AETS) is intended to reduce the concentrations and/or teachability of heavy metals in contaminated soils so the soil can be returned to the site from which it originated. The objective of the project was to determine the effectiveness and com...

Azelaic acid in the treatment of papulopustular rosacea: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Liu, Rosemarie H; Smith, Molly K; Basta, Sameh A; Farmer, Evan R

2006-08-01

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of topical 20% azelaic acid cream and 15% azelaic acid gel compared with their respective vehicles and metronidazole gel in the treatment of papulopustular rosacea. Electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, and SciSearch through July or August 2004 and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through 2004 (issue 3). We performed hand searches of reference lists, conference proceedings, and clinical trial databases. Experts in rosacea and azelaic acid were contacted. Randomized controlled trials involving topical azelaic acid (cream or gel) for the treatment of rosacea compared with placebo or other topical treatments. Two authors independently examined the studies identified by the searches. Ten studies were identified, of which 5 were included (873 patients). Two authors independently extracted data from the included studies, then jointly assessed methodological quality using a quality assessment scale. Because standard deviation data were not available for 4 of the 5 studies, a meta-analysis could not be conducted. Four of the 5 studies demonstrated significant decreases in mean inflammatory lesion count and erythema severity after treatment with azelaic acid compared with vehicle. None of the studies showed any significant decrease in telangiectasia severity. Azelaic acid in 20% cream and 15% gel formulations appears to be effective in the treatment of papulopustular rosacea, particularly in regard to decreases in mean inflammatory lesion count and erythema severity. Compared with metronidazole, azelaic acid appears to be an equally effective, if not better, treatment option.

Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment on ileal absorption of bile acids in man as determined by the SeHCAT test.

PubMed

Eusufzai, S; Ericsson, S; Cederlund, T; Einarsson, K; Angelin, B

1991-09-01

The effects of urodeoxycholic acid on ileal absorption of bile acids and on serum bile acid and lipoprotein concentrations were studied. Eight healthy subjects were investigated. The gamma emitting bile acid analogue, SeHCAT, was given orally and its fractional catabolic rate and seven day retention were assessed by repeated external counting over the upper abdomen during the next seven days. Ursodeoxycholic acid was then given orally at a dose of 15 mg/kg/day for three weeks and the study was repeated during treatment. The fractional catabolic rate increased by 64% (mean (SD), 0.333 (0.159) v 0.203 (0.061)/day; p less than 0.05) and seven day retention decreased by 44% (15(10) v 27(10)%, p less than 0.001), indicating bile acid malabsorption. Total serum cholesterol fell from 5.79 (1.22) to 5.50 (1.18) mmol/l (p = 0.05), while serum ursodeoxycholic acid increased 22 fold (7.87 (2.67) v 0.34 (0.24) mumol/l, p less than 0.001). Five of the subjects continued taking 30 mg/kg/day of ursodeoxycholic acid for one week and showed an increase in fractional catabolic rate of 81% (0.300 (0.091) v 0.166 (0.037)/day; p less than 0.05) and a fall in seven day retention of 50% (16 (12) v 32 (8)%, p less than 0.01). There were significant reductions in total cholesterol (5.36 (1.71) v 6.08 (1.47) mmol/l; p less than 0.05) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.70 (1.33) v 4.58 (1.16) mmol/l; p less than 0.05). The results support the concept tht ursodeoxycholic acid treatment interferes with the absorption of endogenous bile acids, and emphasise the beneficial effects of this treatment of lipoprotein concentrations in man.

Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment on ileal absorption of bile acids in man as determined by the SeHCAT test.

PubMed Central

Eusufzai, S; Ericsson, S; Cederlund, T; Einarsson, K; Angelin, B

1991-01-01

The effects of urodeoxycholic acid on ileal absorption of bile acids and on serum bile acid and lipoprotein concentrations were studied. Eight healthy subjects were investigated. The gamma emitting bile acid analogue, SeHCAT, was given orally and its fractional catabolic rate and seven day retention were assessed by repeated external counting over the upper abdomen during the next seven days. Ursodeoxycholic acid was then given orally at a dose of 15 mg/kg/day for three weeks and the study was repeated during treatment. The fractional catabolic rate increased by 64% (mean (SD), 0.333 (0.159) v 0.203 (0.061)/day; p less than 0.05) and seven day retention decreased by 44% (15(10) v 27(10)%, p less than 0.001), indicating bile acid malabsorption. Total serum cholesterol fell from 5.79 (1.22) to 5.50 (1.18) mmol/l (p = 0.05), while serum ursodeoxycholic acid increased 22 fold (7.87 (2.67) v 0.34 (0.24) mumol/l, p less than 0.001). Five of the subjects continued taking 30 mg/kg/day of ursodeoxycholic acid for one week and showed an increase in fractional catabolic rate of 81% (0.300 (0.091) v 0.166 (0.037)/day; p less than 0.05) and a fall in seven day retention of 50% (16 (12) v 32 (8)%, p less than 0.01). There were significant reductions in total cholesterol (5.36 (1.71) v 6.08 (1.47) mmol/l; p less than 0.05) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.70 (1.33) v 4.58 (1.16) mmol/l; p less than 0.05). The results support the concept tht ursodeoxycholic acid treatment interferes with the absorption of endogenous bile acids, and emphasise the beneficial effects of this treatment of lipoprotein concentrations in man. PMID:1916489

Exogenous γ-aminobutyric acid treatment affects citrate and amino acid accumulation to improve fruit quality and storage performance of postharvest citrus fruit.

PubMed

Sheng, Ling; Shen, Dandan; Luo, Yi; Sun, Xiaohua; Wang, Jinqiu; Luo, Tao; Zeng, Yunliu; Xu, Juan; Deng, Xiuxin; Cheng, Yunjiang

2017-02-01

The loss of organic acids during postharvest storage is one of the major factors that reduces the fruit quality and economic value of citrus. Citrate is the most important organic acid in citrus fruits. Molecular evidence has proved that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt plays a key role in citrate metabolism. Here, we investigated the effects of exogenous GABA treatment on citrate metabolism and storage quality of postharvest citrus fruit. The content of citrate was significantly increased, which was primarily attributed to the inhibition of the expression of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD). Amino acids, including glutamate, alanine, serine, aspartate and proline, were also increased. Moreover, GABA treatment decreased the fruit rot rate. The activities of antioxidant enzymes and the content of energy source ATP were affected by the treatment. Our results indicate that GABA treatment is a very effective approach for postharvest quality maintenance and improvement of storage performance in citrus production. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[A comparison of medical versus surgical treatment in Barrett's esophagus acid control].

PubMed

Fernández Fernández, Nereida; Domínguez Carbajo, Ana B; João Matias, Diana; Rodríguez-Martín, Laura; Aparicio Cabezudo, Marta; Monteserín Ron, Luz; Jiménez Palacios, Marcos; Vivas, Santiago

2016-05-01

Barrett's oesophagus (BE) is an oesophageal injury caused by gastroesophageal acid reflux. One of the main aims of treatment in BE is to achieve adequate acid reflux control. To assess acid reflux control in patients with BE based on the therapy employed: medical or surgical. A retrospective study was performed in patients with an endoscopic and histological diagnosis of BE. Medical therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) was compared with surgical treatment (Nissen fundoplication). Epidemiological data and the results of pH monitoring (pH time <4, prolonged reflux >5min, DeMeester score) were evaluated in each group. Treatment failure was defined as a pH lower than 4 for more than 5% of the recording time. A total of 128 patients with BE were included (75 PPI-treated and 53 surgically-treated patients). Patients included in the two comparison groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic characteristics. DeMeester scores, fraction of time pH<4 and the number of prolonged refluxes were significantly lower in patients with fundoplication versus those receiving PPIs (P<.001). Treatment failure occurred in 29% of patients and was significantly higher in those receiving medical therapy (40% vs 13%; P<.001). Treatment results were significantly worse with medical treatment than with anti-reflux surgery and should be optimized to improve acid reflux control in BE. Additional evidence is needed to fully elucidate the utility of PPI in this disease. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and AEEH y AEG. All rights reserved.

Chemically Induced Damage to the Hippocampal Formation,

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-05-01

Ottersen, 0 P and Meldrum , B S (1980): The role of epileptic activity in hippocanpal and "remote" cerebral lesions induced by kainic acid , Brain Res...Toxicology (in press). PAPFR III: (manuscript) Naalsund, L U and Fonnum, F, 1986, Pifferences in anionic dependence of the synaptic efflux of D-aspartic acid ...and y-amino butyric acid , J Neurochem (in press). PAPER IV: (manuscript) Naalsund, L U, 1986, Hippocampal EEC in rats after chronic toluene inhalation

Treatment of Arctic wastewater by chemical coagulation, UV and peracetic acid disinfection.

PubMed

Chhetri, Ravi Kumar; Klupsch, Ewa; Andersen, Henrik Rasmus; Jensen, Pernille Erland

2017-02-16

Conventional wastewater treatment is challenging in the Arctic region due to the cold climate and scattered population. Thus, no wastewater treatment plant exists in Greenland, and raw wastewater is discharged directly to nearby waterbodies without treatment. We investigated the efficiency of physicochemical wastewater treatment, in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Raw wastewater from Kangerlussuaq was treated by chemical coagulation and UV disinfection. By applying 7.5 mg Al/L polyaluminium chloride (PAX XL100), 73% of turbidity and 28% phosphate was removed from raw wastewater. E. coli and Enterococcus were removed by 4 and 2.5 log, respectively, when UV irradiation of 0.70 kWh/m 3 was applied to coagulated wastewater. Furthermore, coagulated raw wastewater in Denmark, which has a chemical quality similar to Greenlandic wastewater, was disinfected by peracetic acid or UV irradiation. Removal of heterotrophic bacteria by applying 6 and 12 mg/L peracetic acid was 2.8 and 3.1 log, respectively. Similarly, removal of heterotrophic bacteria by applying 0.21 and 2.10 kWh/m 3 for UV irradiation was 2.1 and greater than 4 log, respectively. Physicochemical treatment of raw wastewater followed by UV irradiation and/or peracetic acid disinfection showed the potential for treatment of arctic wastewater.

Efficacy of combination of glycolic acid peeling with topical regimen in treatment of melasma.

PubMed

Chaudhary, Savita; Dayal, Surabhi

2013-10-01

Various treatment modalities are available for management of melasma, ranging from topical and oral to chemical peeling, but none is promising alone. Very few studies are available regarding efficacy of combination of topical treatment with chemical peeling. Combination of chemical peeling and topical regimen can be a good treatment modality in the management of this recalcitrant disorder. To assess the efficacy of combination of topical regimen (2% hydroquinone, 1% hydrocortisone and 0.05% tretinoin) with serial glycolic acid peeling in the treatment of melasma in Indian patients. Forty Indian patients of moderate to severe epidermal variety melasma were divided into two groups of 20 each. One Group i.e. peel group received topical regimen (2% hydroquinone, 1% hydrocortisone and 0.05% tretinoin) with serial glycolic acid peeling and other group i.e. control group received topical regimen (2% hydroquinone, 1% hydrocortisone, 0.05% tretinoin). There was an overall decrease in MASI from baseline in 24 weeks of therapy in both the groups (P value < 0.05). The group receiving the glycolic acid peel with topical regimen showed early and greater improvement than the group which was receiving topical regimen only. This study concluded that combining topical regimen (2% hydroquinone, 1% hydrocortisone and 0.05% tretinoin) with serial glycolic acid peeling significantly enhances the therapeutic efficacy of glycolic acid peeling. The combination of glycolic acid peeling with the topical regimen is a highly effective, safe and promising therapeutic option in treatment of melasma.

The use of hyaluronic and aminocaproic acid in the treatment of alveolar osteitis.

PubMed

Dubovina, Dejan; Mihailović, Branko; Bukumirić, Zoran; Vlahović, Zoran; Miladinović, Milan; Miković, Nikola; Lazić, Zoran

2016-11-01

Alveolar osteitis (AO), also known as “dry socket”, is relatively common post-extraction complication. It probably occurs due to excessive fibrinolytic activity in the coagulum and is characterized by intense pain sensations. The aim of this clinical study was to examine the role of hyaluronic acid and aminocaproic acid in the treatment of AO. The study included 60 patients with the clinical diagnosis of AO. All the patients were divided into two groups of 30 patients each according to the applied non-pharmacological measure: irrigation – irrigation of dry socket with sterile saline; curettage – careful curettage. Both of these groups were further divided into three subgroups regarding the applied treatment (hyaluronic acid; hyaluronic acid + aminocaproic acid; Alvogyl ®, an anesthetic and antiseptic paste), each with 10 patients, according to the following protocol: 0.2 mL of hyaluronic acid in the form of a 0.8% gel; 2 mL of aminocaproic acid and hyaluronic acid; Alvogyl®. During each visit, scheduled for every two days until complete absence of painful sensations, the patients had the therapeutic method repeated as at the first examination. At each control visit the number of present symptoms and signs of AO was recorded, as well as the level of pain (measured with a visual analogue scale). With the use of hyaluronic acid, with or without aminocaproic one, a statistically significantly faster reduction in pain sensations was achieved, along with the reduction in the number of symptoms and signs of AO compared to the use of Alvogyl®. Hyaluronic acid, applied alone or in combination with aminocaproic acid significantly reduces pain sensation, thus it can be successfully used in the treatment of AO.

Implant decontamination with phosphoric acid during surgical peri-implantitis treatment: a RCT.

PubMed

Hentenaar, Diederik F M; De Waal, Yvonne C M; Strooker, Hans; Meijer, Henny J A; Van Winkelhoff, Arie-Jan; Raghoebar, Gerry M

2017-12-01

Peri-implantitis is known as an infectious disease that affects the peri-implant soft and hard tissue. Today, scientific literature provides very little evidence for an effective intervention protocol for treatment of peri-implantitis. The aim of the present randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the microbiological and clinical effectiveness of phosphoric acid as a decontaminating agent of the implant surface during surgical peri-implantitis treatment. Peri-implantitis lesions were treated with resective surgical treatment aimed at peri-implant granulation tissue removal, bone recontouring, and pocket elimination. Fifty-three implant surfaces in 28 patients were mechanically cleaned and treated with either 35% phosphoric etching gel (test group) or sterile saline (control group). Microbiological samples were obtained during surgery; clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and at 3 months after treatment. Data were analyzed using multi-variable linear regression analysis and multilevel statistics. Significant immediate reductions in total anaerobic bacterial counts on the implant surface were found in both groups. Immediate reduction was greater when phosphoric acid was used. The difference in log-transformed mean anaerobic counts between both procedures was not statistical significant (p = 0.108), but there were significantly less culture-positive implants after the decontamination procedure in the phosphoric acid group (p = 0.042). At 3 months post-surgery, 75% of the implants in the control group and 63.3% of the implants in the test group showed disease resolution. However, no significant differences in clinical and microbiological outcomes between both groups were found. The application of 35% phosphoric acid after mechanical debridement is superior to mechanical debridement combined with sterile saline rinsing for decontamination of the implant surface during surgical peri-implantitis treatment. However, phosphoric acid as implant surface

Cost-effectiveness analysis of once-yearly injection of zoledronic acid for the treatment of osteoporosis in Japan.

PubMed

Moriwaki, K; Mouri, M; Hagino, H

2017-06-01

Model-based economic evaluation was performed to assess the cost-effectiveness of zoledronic acid. Although zoledronic acid was dominated by alendronate, the incremental quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was quite small in extent. Considering the advantage of once-yearly injection of zoledronic acid in persistence, zoledronic acid might be a cost-effective treatment option compared to once-weekly oral alendronate. The purpose of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of once-yearly injection of zoledronic acid for the treatment of osteoporosis in Japan. A patient-level state-transition model was developed to predict the outcome of patients with osteoporosis who have experienced a previous vertebral fracture. The efficacy of zoledronic acid was derived from a published network meta-analysis. Lifetime cost and QALYs were estimated for patients who had received zoledronic acid, alendronate, or basic treatment alone. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of zoledronic acid was estimated. For patients 70 years of age, zoledronic acid was dominated by alendronate with incremental QALY of -0.004 to -0.000 and incremental cost of 430 USD to 493 USD. Deterministic sensitivity analysis indicated that the relative risk of hip fracture and drug cost strongly affected the cost-effectiveness of zoledronic acid compared to alendronate. Scenario analysis considering treatment persistence showed that the ICER of zoledronic acid compared to alendronate was estimated to be 47,435 USD, 27,018 USD, and 10,749 USD per QALY gained for patients with a T-score of -2.0, -2.5, or -3.0, respectively. Although zoledronic acid is dominated by alendronate, the incremental QALY is quite small in extent. Considering the advantage of annual zoledronic acid treatment in compliance and persistence, zoledronic acid may be a cost-effective treatment option compared to alendronate.

High Dose and Delayed Treatment with Bile Acids Ineffective in RML Prion-Infected Mice.

PubMed

Norman, Grant; Campeau, Jody; Sim, Valerie L

2018-05-21

Prion diseases are a group of neurodegenerative diseases associated with the misfolding of the cellular prion protein (PrP C ) into the infectious form (PrP Sc ). There are currently no treatments for prion disease. Bile acids have the ability to protect hepatocytes from apoptosis and are neuroprotective in animal models of other protein folding neurodegenerative diseases including Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. Importantly, bile acids are approved for clinical use in patients with cirrhosis, and have recently been shown to be safe and possibly effective in pilot trials of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We previously reported that the bile acid, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), given early in disease, prolonged incubation periods in male RML-infected mice. Here we expand on this result to include tauro-ursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) treatment trials and delayed UDCA treatment. We demonstrate that, despite a high dose of TUDCA given early in disease, there was no significant difference in incubation periods between treated and untreated cohorts, regardless of sex. In addition, delayed treatment with a high dose of UDCA resulted in a significant shortening of the average survival time for both male and female mice when compared to their sex-matched controls, with evidence of increased BiP, a marker of apoptosis, in treated female mice. Our findings suggest that treatment with high dose TUDCA provides no therapeutic benefit and that delayed treatment with high dose UDCA is ineffective and could potentially worsen outcomes. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

Activation mechanism of melB tyrosinase from Aspergillus oryzae by acidic treatment.

PubMed

Fujieda, Nobutaka; Murata, Michiaki; Yabuta, Shintaro; Ikeda, Takuya; Shimokawa, Chizu; Nakamura, Yukihiro; Hata, Yoji; Itoh, Shinobu

2013-01-01

The pro form of recombinant tyrosinase from Aspergillus oryzae (melB) shows no catalytic activity, but acid treatment (around pH 3.5) of protyrosinase activates it to induce tyrosinase activity. Circular dichroism spectra, gel filtration analysis, and colorimetric assay have indicated that acid treatment around pH 3.5 induced the disruption of the conformation of the C-terminal domain covering the enzyme active site. These structural changes induced by the acid treatment may open the entrance to the enzyme active site for substrate incorporation. To compare the mechanism of hydroxylation by the acid-treated tyrosinase with that by trypsin-treated tyrosinase, a detailed steady-state kinetic analysis of the phenolase activity was performed by monitoring the O(2)-consumption rate using a Clark-type oxygen electrode. The results clearly show that the phenolase activity (phenol hydroxylation) of the activated tyrosinase involves an electrophilic aromatic substitution mechanism as in the case of mushroom tyrosinase (Yamazaki and Itoh in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 125:13034-13035, 2003) and activated hemocyanin with urea (Morioka et al. in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 128:6788-6789, 2006).

[Use of alpha-lipoic acid and omega-3 in postpartum pain treatment].

PubMed

Costantino, D; Guaraldi, C; Costantino, M; Bounous, V E

2015-10-01

Postpartum pain is a frequent condition that negatively affects women's quality of life, interferring with everyday life. Analgesic drugs and surgery are often contraindicated in pregnancy and during breast feeding. This review of the literature aims to evaluate the rational of the association of lipoic acid and omega-3 employ in the management of postpartum pain. Lipoic acid is a cofactor essential in mitochondrial metabolism with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Lipoic acid has been shown to be effective in neuropatic pain treatment in patients with sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and diabetic neuropathy. Omega-3 are known for their anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic activity. The peripheral and central activity of both substances allows to act on neuroinflammation mechanisms thus reducing cronicization of pain and also determining a potential improvement of women's emotional status. The preliminary data here presented confirm the positive effect of this association on the treatment of postpartum perineal pain. The supplementation of lipoic acid in association with omega-3 seems effective and safe for the treatment of chronic postpartum pain, allowing a pathogenetic approach to neuroinflammation, thus reducing the consumption of analgesic drugs, often contraindicated during breast-feeding.

Solution of Azelaic Acid (20%), Resorcinol (10%) and Phytic Acid (6%) Versus Glycolic Acid (50%) Peeling Agent in the Treatment of Female Patients with Facial Melasma.

PubMed

Faghihi, Gita; Taheri, Azam; Shahmoradi, Zabihollah; Nilforoushzadeh, Mohammad Ali

2017-01-01

Melasma, a common acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation, especially in women, is often resistant to therapy. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of azelaic acid, resorcinol and phytic acid solution in chemical peeling of melasma in comparison to 50% glycolic acid. This clinical trial was performed, on 42 female patients with bilateral melasma. Severity of melasma was assessed by melasma area and severity index (MASI). Combination of (20% azelaic acid + 10% resorcinol + 6% phytic acid) was used as a new peeling agent on the right side of the face and 50% glycolic acid on the left side every 2 weeks for 6 times. Follow-up was carried out for 3 months after the last session. Any decrease in MASI score and unwanted complications following peeling were evaluated and compared during the trial. Patients showed marked improvement as calculated with MASI score before and after treatment in both sides of the face. The efficacy of combination formula (azelaic acid, resorcinol and phytic acid) was similar to glycolic acid, but with fewer complications. There was no statistically difference in improvement between two groups ( P > 0.05). However, the patient's discomfort following procedures was significantly lower with azelaic acid, resorcinol and phytic compared with the glycolic acid peels ( P < 0.05) and there was the same duration in the beginning of the therapeutic response in both groups. Results showed that triple-combination was found to be an effective and safe peeling agent in the treatment of melasma and it was as effective as 50% glycolic acid peel.

DEVELOPMENT OF SRB TREATMENT SYSTEMS FOR ACID MINE DRAINAGE

EPA Science Inventory

Over the past decade, significant advances have been made in the development of sulfate- reducing bacteria (SRB) technology to treat acid mine drainage (AMD), Bench-scale testing, field demonstrations, and engineered applications of SRBs for the treatment of AMD will be presented...

Mobile Clinical Decision Support System for Acid-base Balance Diagnosis and Treatment Recommendation.

PubMed

Mandzuka, Mensur; Begic, Edin; Boskovic, Dusanka; Begic, Zijo; Masic, Izet

2017-06-01

This paper presents mobile application implementing a decision support system for acid-base disorder diagnosis and treatment recommendation. The application was developed using the official integrated development environment for the Android platform (to maximize availability and minimize investments in specialized hardware) called Android Studio. The application identifies disorder, based on the blood gas analysis, evaluates whether the disorder has been compensated, and based on additional input related to electrolyte imbalance, provides recommendations for treatment. The application is a tool in the hands of the user, which provides assistance during acid-base disorders treatment. The application will assist the physician in clinical practice and is focused on the treatment in intensive care.

Towards energy positive wastewater treatment by sludge treatment using free nitrous acid.

PubMed

Wang, Qilin; Hao, Xiaodi; Yuan, Zhiguo

2016-02-01

Free nitrous acid (FNA i.e. HNO2) was revealed to be effective in enhancing biodegradability of secondary sludge. Also, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria were found to be more susceptible to FNA than ammonium-oxidizing bacteria. Based on these findings, a novel FNA-based sludge treatment technology is proposed to enhance energy recovery from wastewater/sludge. Energy analysis indicated that the FNA-based technology would make wastewater treatment become an energy generating process (yielding energy at 4 kWh/PE/y; kWh/PE/y: kilowatt hours per population equivalent per year), rather than being a large energy consumer that it is today (consuming energy at 24 kWh/PE/y). Importantly, FNA required for the sludge treatment could be produced as a by-product of wastewater treatment. This proposed FNA-based technology is economically and environmentally attractive, and can be easily implemented in any wastewater treatment plants. It only involves the installation of a simple sludge mixing tank. This article presents the concept of the FNA-based technology. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of Sulfuric Acid Treatment of Halloysite on Physico-Chemic Property Modification

PubMed Central

Gaaz, Tayser Sumer; Sulong, Abu Bakar; Kadhum, Abdul Amir H.; Nassir, Mohamed H.; Al-Amiery, Ahmed A.

2016-01-01

Halloysite (HNT) is treated with sulfuric acid and the physico-chemical properties of its morphology, surface activity, physical and chemical properties have been investigated when HNT is exposed to sulfuric acid with treatment periods of 1 h (H1), 3 h (H3), 8 h (H8), and 21 h (H21). The significance of this and similar work lies in the importance of using HNT as a functional material in nanocomposites. The chemical structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The spectrum demonstrates that the hydroxyl groups were active for grafting modification using sulfuric acid, promoting a promising potential use for halloysite in ceramic applications as filler for novel clay-polymer nanocomposites. From the X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum, it can be seen that the sulfuric acid breaks down the HNT crystal structure and alters it into amorphous silica. In addition, the FESEM images reveal that the sulfuric acid treatment dissolves the AlO6 octahedral layers and induces the disintegration of SiO4 tetrahedral layers, resulting in porous nanorods. The Bruncher-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and total pore volume of HNTs showed an increase. The reaction of the acid with both the outer and inner surfaces of the nanotubes causes the AlO6 octahedral layers to dissolve, which leads to the breakdown and collapse of the tetrahedral layers of SiO4. The multi-fold results presented in this paper serve as a guide for further HNT functional treatment for producing new and advanced nanocomposites. PMID:28773741

Impact of Sulfuric Acid Treatment of Halloysite on Physico-Chemic Property Modification.

PubMed

Gaaz, Tayser Sumer; Sulong, Abu Bakar; Kadhum, Abdul Amir H; Nassir, Mohamed H; Al-Amiery, Ahmed A

2016-07-26

Halloysite (HNT) is treated with sulfuric acid and the physico-chemical properties of its morphology, surface activity, physical and chemical properties have been investigated when HNT is exposed to sulfuric acid with treatment periods of 1 h (H1), 3 h (H3), 8 h (H8), and 21 h (H21). The significance of this and similar work lies in the importance of using HNT as a functional material in nanocomposites. The chemical structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The spectrum demonstrates that the hydroxyl groups were active for grafting modification using sulfuric acid, promoting a promising potential use for halloysite in ceramic applications as filler for novel clay-polymer nanocomposites. From the X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum, it can be seen that the sulfuric acid breaks down the HNT crystal structure and alters it into amorphous silica. In addition, the FESEM images reveal that the sulfuric acid treatment dissolves the AlO₆ octahedral layers and induces the disintegration of SiO₄ tetrahedral layers, resulting in porous nanorods. The Bruncher-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and total pore volume of HNTs showed an increase. The reaction of the acid with both the outer and inner surfaces of the nanotubes causes the AlO₆ octahedral layers to dissolve, which leads to the breakdown and collapse of the tetrahedral layers of SiO₄. The multi-fold results presented in this paper serve as a guide for further HNT functional treatment for producing new and advanced nanocomposites.

The effects of long-term treatment with eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on hypoxia/rexoygenation injury of isolated cardiac cells in adult rats.

PubMed

Hayashi, M; Nasa, Y; Tanonaka, K; Sasaki, H; Miyake, R; Hayashi, J; Takeo, S

1995-09-01

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been epidemiologically demonstrated to decrease the incidence of ischaemic heart disease. The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of long-term treatment with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on hypoxia/reoxygenation injury of isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes. Rats, fed with standard rat chow, were treated with 100 to 1000 mg/kg/day EPA or 1000 mg/kg/day DHA for 4 weeks and their cardiomyocytes were isolated by collagenase treatment. The cardiomyocytes, approximately 90% of which were rod-shaped, were subjected to 150-min hypoxia/15-min reoxygenation, and their survivals at the ends of hypoxia and reoxygenation were determined. Treatment with either 1000 mg/kg/day of EPA or DHA resulted in a significant increase in the survival of the cardiomyocytes (39.9 +/- 1.1 and 38.3 +/- 3.0%, n = 14 and 8, respectively v 26.7 +/- 1.6%, n = 8, for untreated group). Treatment with EPA increased eicosapentaenoic (377% increase), oleic (25% increase) and linoleic acid (37% increase) contents in the myocardial total phospholipids without changes in the total phospholipid content, whereas treatment with DHA did not increase DHA incorporation into the myocardial phospholipids. The results suggest that EPA and DHA protect the myocardial cells against hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced injury. Although alterations in myocardial phospholipid composition were observed by treatment with EPA or DHA, the primary mechanism underlying the benefit of EPA or DHA intake is unlikely to be related to increased incorporation of their own fatty acids into the myocardial phospholipids, or the mechanism may be different in each n-3 unsaturated fatty acid employed.

Solution of Azelaic Acid (20%), Resorcinol (10%) and Phytic Acid (6%) Versus Glycolic Acid (50%) Peeling Agent in the Treatment of Female Patients with Facial Melasma

PubMed Central

Faghihi, Gita; Taheri, Azam; Shahmoradi, Zabihollah; Nilforoushzadeh, Mohammad Ali

2017-01-01

Background: Melasma, a common acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation, especially in women, is often resistant to therapy. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of azelaic acid, resorcinol and phytic acid solution in chemical peeling of melasma in comparison to 50% glycolic acid. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was performed, on 42 female patients with bilateral melasma. Severity of melasma was assessed by melasma area and severity index (MASI). Combination of (20% azelaic acid + 10% resorcinol + 6% phytic acid) was used as a new peeling agent on the right side of the face and 50% glycolic acid on the left side every 2 weeks for 6 times. Follow-up was carried out for 3 months after the last session. Any decrease in MASI score and unwanted complications following peeling were evaluated and compared during the trial. Results: Patients showed marked improvement as calculated with MASI score before and after treatment in both sides of the face. The efficacy of combination formula (azelaic acid, resorcinol and phytic acid) was similar to glycolic acid, but with fewer complications. There was no statistically difference in improvement between two groups (P > 0.05). However, the patient's discomfort following procedures was significantly lower with azelaic acid, resorcinol and phytic compared with the glycolic acid peels (P < 0.05) and there was the same duration in the beginning of the therapeutic response in both groups. Conclusion: Results showed that triple-combination was found to be an effective and safe peeling agent in the treatment of melasma and it was as effective as 50% glycolic acid peel. PMID:28299301

300 Area waste acid treatment system closure plan. Revision 1

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1996-03-01

This section provides a description of the Hanford Site, identifies the proposed method of 300 Area Waste Acid Treatment System (WATS) closure, and briefly summarizes the contents of each chapter of this plan.

Responses of soil buffering capacity to acid treatment in three typical subtropical forests.

PubMed

Jiang, Jun; Wang, Ying-Ping; Yu, Mengxiao; Li, Kun; Shao, Yijing; Yan, Junhua

2016-09-01

Elevated anthropogenic acid deposition can significantly affect forest ecosystem functioning by changing soil pH, nutrient balance, and chemical leaching and so on. These effects generally differ among different forests, and the dominant mechanisms for those observed responses often vary, depending on climate, soil conditions and vegetation types. Using soil monoliths (0-40cm) from pine forest (pioneer), coniferous and broadleaved mixed forest (transitional) and broadleaved forest (mature) in southern China, we conducted a leaching experiment with acid treatments at different pH levels (control: pH≈4.5; pH=3.5; pH=2.5). We found that pH3.5 treatment significantly reduced dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in leachate from the pioneer forest soil. pH2.5 treatment significantly increased concentrations of NO3(-), SO4(2-), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Al(3+), Fe(3+) and DOC in leachate from the pioneer forest soil, and also concentrations of NO3(-), SO4(2-), Mg(2+), Al(3+), Fe(3+) and DOC in leachate from the transitional forest soil. All acid treatments had no significant effects on concentrations of these chemicals in leachate from the mature forest soil. The responses can be explained by the changes in soil pH, acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) and concentrations of Al and Fe. Our results showed that acid buffering capacity of the pioneer or transitional forest soil was lower than that of the mature forest soil. Therefore preserving mature forests in southern China is important for reducing the adverse impacts of high acid deposition on stream water quality at present and into the future. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Kinetics of salivary pH after acidic beverage intake by patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

PubMed

Turssi, Cecilia P; Silva, Carolina S; Bridi, Enrico C; Amaral, Flavia Lb; Franca, Fabiana Mg; Basting, Roberta T

2015-01-01

The saliva of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances can potentially present a delay in the diluting, clearing, and buffering of dietary acids due to an increased number of retention areas. The aim of this clinical trial was to compare salivary pH kinetics of patients with and without orthodontic treatment, following the intake of an acidic beverage. Twenty participants undergoing orthodontic treatment and 20 control counterparts had their saliva assessed for flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity. There was no significant difference between salivary parameters in participants with or without an orthodontic appliance. Salivary pH recovery following acidic beverage intake was slower in the orthodontic subjects compared to controls. Patients with fixed orthodontic appliances, therefore, seem to be at higher risk of dental erosion, suggesting that dietary advice and preventive care need to be implemented during orthodontic treatment.

Mobile Clinical Decision Support System for Acid-base Balance Diagnosis and Treatment Recommendation

PubMed Central

Mandzuka, Mensur; Begic, Edin; Boskovic, Dusanka; Begic, Zijo; Masic, Izet

2017-01-01

Introduction: This paper presents mobile application implementing a decision support system for acid-base disorder diagnosis and treatment recommendation. Material and methods: The application was developed using the official integrated development environment for the Android platform (to maximize availability and minimize investments in specialized hardware) called Android Studio. Results: The application identifies disorder, based on the blood gas analysis, evaluates whether the disorder has been compensated, and based on additional input related to electrolyte imbalance, provides recommendations for treatment. Conclusion: The application is a tool in the hands of the user, which provides assistance during acid-base disorders treatment. The application will assist the physician in clinical practice and is focused on the treatment in intensive care. PMID:28883678

Toxic corneal epitheliopathy after intravitreal methotrexate and its treatment with oral folic acid.

PubMed

Gorovoy, Ian; Prechanond, Tidarat; Abia, Maravillas; Afshar, Armin R; Stewart, Jay M

2013-08-01

To determine whether oral folic acid can ameliorate an iatrogenic, visually significant corneal epitheliopathy, which commonly occurs with intravitreal injections of methotrexate for the treatment of intraocular lymphoma. We report 2 cases of visually significant corneal epitheliopathy occurring after intravitreal injections of methotrexate for intraocular lymphoma. The first patient did not receive any treatment for the corneal disease, and the second patient with bilateral intraocular lymphoma received 1 mg of oral folic acid daily, a commonly used dosage for patients on systemic methotrexate. In the first patient without treatment, there was a complete regression of the corneal epithelial disease only when the frequency of intravitreal methotrexate was reduced from weekly to monthly as per a commonly used dosage regimen for methotrexate. In the second patient, the corneal disease improved 80% within 1 week of initiating oral folic acid for her eye already experiencing severe epitheliopathy during her weekly dosing regimen of methotrexate and also had significantly decreased epithelial disease in her second eye that started weekly intravitreal methotrexate several weeks after beginning oral folic acid. Currently, oral folic acid supplements are recommended for patients using systemic methotrexate to minimize drug toxicity. We suggest a similar use in patients undergoing intravitreal methotrexate injections to decrease toxic effects on the corneal epithelium.

Treatment of infectious skin defects or ulcers with electrolyzed strong acid aqueous solution.

PubMed

Sekiya, S; Ohmori, K; Harii, K

1997-01-01

A chronic ulcer with an infection such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is hard to heal. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons often encounter such chronic ulcers that are resistant to surgical or various conservative treatments. We applied conservative treatment using an electrolyzed strong acid aqueous solution and obtained satisfactory results. The lesion was washed with the solution or soaked in a bowl of the solution for approximately 20 min twice a day. Fresh electrolyzed strong acid aqueous solution is unstable and should be stored in a cool, dark site in a sealed bottle. It should be used within a week after it has been produced. Here we report on 15 cases of infectious ulcers that were treated by electrolyzed strong acid aqueous solution. Of these cases, 7 patients were healed, 3 were granulated, and in 5, infection subsided. In most cases the lesion became less reddish and less edematous. Discharge or foul odor from the lesion was decreased. Electrolyzed strong acid aqueous solution was especially effective for treating a chronic refractory ulcer combined with diabetes melitus or peripheral circulatory insufficiency. This clinically applied therapy of electrolyzed strong acid aqueous solution was found to be effective so that this new therapeutic technique for ulcer treatment can now be conveniently utilized.

Comparison of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne vulgaris.

PubMed

Kessler, Edward; Flanagan, Katherine; Chia, Christina; Rogers, Cynthia; Glaser, Dee Anna

2008-01-01

Chemical peels are used as adjuvants for treatment of facial acne. No well-controlled studies have compared alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid peels in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne. To compare the efficacy of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne vulgaris. Twenty patients were recruited in this split-face, double-blind, randomized, controlled study. An alpha-hydroxy acid (30% glycolic acid) was applied to one-half of the face and a beta-hydroxy acid peel (30% salicylic acid) was applied contralaterally every 2 weeks for a total of six treatments. A blinded evaluator performed quantitative assessment of papules and pustules. Both chemical peels were significantly effective by the second treatment (p<.05) and there were no significant differences in effectiveness between the two peels. At 2 months posttreatment, the salicylic acid peel had sustained effectiveness. More adverse events were reported with the glycolic acid peel after the initial treatment. The glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels were similarly effective. The salicylic acid peel had sustained effectiveness and fewer side effects. Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid peels both offer successful adjunctive treatment of facial acne vulgaris.

Influence of pH-control in phosphoric acid treatment of titanium oxide and their powder properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Onoda, Hiroaki, E-mail: onoda@kpu.ac.jp; Matsukura, Aki

Highlights: • The photocatalytic activity was suppressed by phosphoric acid treatment. • The obtained pigment had small particles with sub-micrometer size. • By phosphoric acid treatment, the smoothness of samples improved. - Abstract: Titanium oxide that has the photocatalytic activity is used as a white pigment for cosmetics. A certain degree of sebum on the skin is decomposed by the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. In this work, titanium oxide was shaken with phosphoric acid at various pH to synthesize a novel white pigment for cosmetics. Their chemical composition, powder properties, photocatalytic activity, color phase, and smoothness were studied. The obtainedmore » materials indicated XRD peaks of titanium oxide, however, these peak intensity became weak by phosphoric acid treatment. These samples without heating and heated at 100 °C included the small particles with sub-micrometer size. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained powders became weak by phosphoric acid treatment at pH 4 and 5 to protect the sebum on the skin.« less

Spatiotemporal and Long Lasting Modulation of 11 Key Nogo Signaling Genes in Response to Strong Neuroexcitation

PubMed Central

Karlsson, Tobias E.; Wellfelt, Katrin; Olson, Lars

2017-01-01

Inhibition of nerve growth and plasticity in the CNS is to a large part mediated by Nogo-like signaling, now encompassing a plethora of ligands, receptors, co-receptors and modulators. Here we describe the distribution and levels of mRNA encoding 11 key genes involved in Nogo-like signaling (Nogo-A, Oligodendrocyte-Myelin glycoprotein (OMgp), Nogo receptor 1 (NgR1), NgR2, NgR3, Lingo-1, TNF receptor orphan Y (Troy), Olfactomedin, Lateral olfactory tract usher substance (Lotus) and membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MT3-MPP)), as well as BDNF and GAPDH. Expression was analyzed in nine different brain areas before, and at eight time points during the first 3 days after a strong neuroexcitatory stimulation, caused by one kainic acid injection. A temporo-spatial pattern of orderly transcriptional regulations emerges that strengthens the role of Nogo-signaling mechanisms for synaptic plasticity in synchrony with transcriptional increases of BDNF mRNA. For most Nogo-type signaling genes, the largest alterations of mRNA levels occur in the dentate gyrus, with marked alterations also in the CA1 region. Changes occurred somewhat later in several areas of the cerebral cortex. The detailed spatio-temporal pattern of mRNA presence and kainic acid-induced transcriptional response is gene-specific. We reveal that several different gene alterations combine to decrease (and later increase) Nogo-like signaling, as expected to allow structural plasticity responses. Other genes are altered in the opposite direction, suggesting that the system prepares in advance in order to rapidly restore balance. However, the fact that Lingo-1 shows a seemingly opposite, plasticity inhibiting response to kainic acid (strong increase of mRNA in the dentate gyrus), may instead suggest a plasticity-enhancing intracellular function of this presumed NgR1 co-receptor. PMID:28442990

Evaluation of Oxalic Acid Treatments against the Mite Varroa destructor and Secondary Effects on Honey Bees Apis mellifera

PubMed Central

Adjlane, Noureddine; Tarek, El-Ounass; Haddad, Nizar

2016-01-01

Background: The Varroa destructor varroasis is a very serious parasite of honeybee Apis mellifera. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Varroa treatment using organic acid (oxalic acid) in Algeria identifying its side effects on bee colonies. Methods: Treatment was conducted in one apiary consisting 30 colonies kept in Langstroth hives kind. Oxalic acid dripped directly on bees 5ml of this solution of oxalic acid per lane occupied by a syringe. Three doses were tested: 4.2, 3.2 and 2.1% oxalic acid is 100, 75 and 50 g of oxalic acid dehydrate in one litter of sugar syrup (1water to1 surge) concentration. Results: The percentage of average efficiency obtained for the first dose was 81%, 72.19% for the second dose, and 65% for third one, while the dose of 100 g oxalic acid causes a weakening of honey bee colonies. Conclusion: The experiments revealed that clear variation in the treatment efficiency among colonies that this might be related to brood presence therefore in order to assure the treatment efficiency oxalic acid should be part of a bigger strategy of Varroa treatment. PMID:28032102

Resistant starch improvement of rice starches under a combination of acid and heat-moisture treatments.

PubMed

Hung, Pham Van; Vien, Ngo Lam; Lan Phi, Nguyen Thi

2016-01-15

The effects of a combination of acid and heat-moisture treatment on formation of resistant starch (RS) and characteristics of high-amylose, normal and waxy rice starches were investigated in this study. The degrees of polymerization of the rice starches treated with citric acid, lactic acid or acetic acid were significantly reduced as compared to the native starches. The RS contents of acid and heat-moisture treated rice starches were in a range of 30.1-39.0%, significantly higher than those of native rice starches (6.3-10.2%) and those of heat-moisture treated rice starches (18.5-23.9%). The acid and heat-moisture treatments reduced swelling power and viscosity, but increased solubility of the starches, while the crystalline structure did not change. Among the organic acids used, citric acid had the most impact on starch characteristics and RS formation, followed by lactic acid and acetic acid. The results are useful in production of RS for functional food application. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of trichostatin A and valproic acid treatment regimens in a mouse model of kidney fibrosis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Van Beneden, Katrien, E-mail: kvbenede@vub.ac.be; Geers, Caroline; Pauwels, Marina

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are promising new compounds for the therapy of fibrotic diseases. In this study we compared the effect of two HDAC inhibitors, trichostatin A and valproic acid, in an experimental model of kidney fibrosis. In mice, doxorubicin (adriamycin) can cause nephropathy characterized by chronic proteinuria, glomerular damage and interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, as seen in human focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Two treatment regimens were applied, treatment was either started prior to the doxorubicin insult or delayed until a significant degree of proteinuria and fibrosis was present. Pre-treatment of trichostatin A significantly hampered glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, as didmore » the pre-treatment with valproic acid. In contrast, the development of proteinuria was only completely inhibited in the pre-treated valproic acid group, and not in the pre-treated trichostatin A animals. In the postponed treatment with valproic acid, a complete resolution of established doxorubicin-induced proteinuria was achieved within three days, whereas trichostatin A could not correct proteinuria in such a treatment regimen. However, both postponed regimens have comparable efficacy in maintaining the kidney fibrosis to the level reached at the start of the treatments. Moreover, not only the process of fibrosis, but also renal inflammation was attenuated by both HDAC inhibitors. Our data confirm a role for HDACs in renal fibrogenesis and point towards a therapeutic potential for HDAC inhibitors. The effect on renal disease progression and manifestation can however be different for individual HDAC inhibitors. - Highlights: • Valproic acid is a potent antiproteinuric drug, whereas trichostatin A is not. • Trichostatin A and valproic acid reduce kidney fibrosis in doxorubicin nephropathy. • Both valproic acid and trichostatin A attenuate renal inflammation.« less

Different ketogenesis strategies lead to disparate seizure outcomes.

PubMed

Dolce, Alison; Santos, Polan; Chen, Weiran; Hoke, Ahmet; Hartman, Adam L

2018-07-01

Despite the introduction of new medicines to treat epilepsy over the last 50 years, the number of patients with poorly-controlled seizures remains unchanged. Metabolism-based therapies are an underutilized treatment option for this population. We hypothesized that two different means of systemic ketosis, the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting, would differ in their acute seizure test profiles and mitochondrial respiration. Male NIH Swiss mice (aged 3-4 weeks) were fed for 12-13 days using one of four diet regimens: ketogenic diet (KD), control diet matched to KD for protein content and micronutrients (CD), or CD with intermittent fasting (24 h feed/24 h fast) (CD-IF), tested post-feed or post-fast. Mice were subject to the 6 Hz threshold test or, in separate cohorts, after injection of kainic acid in doses based on their weight (Cohort I) or a uniform dose regardless of weight (Cohort II). Mitochondrial respiration was tested in brain tissue isolated from similarly-fed seizure-naïve mice. KD mice were protected against 6 Hz-induced seizures but had more severe seizure scores in the kainic acid test (Cohorts I & II), the opposite of CD-IF mice. No differences were noted in mitochondrial respiration between diet regimens. KD and CD-IF do not share identical antiseizure mechanisms. These differences were not explained by differences in mitochondrial respiration. Nevertheless, both KD and CD-IF regimens protected against different types of seizures, suggesting that mechanisms underlying CD-IF seizure protection should be explored further. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Chloroethene dechlorination in acidic groundwater: Implications for combining fenton's treatment with natural attenuation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bradley, Paul M.; Singletary , Michael A.; Chapelle, Francis H.

2007-01-01

A sulfuric acid leak in 1988 at a chloroethene-contaminated groundwater site at the Naval Air Station Pensacola has resulted in a long-term record of the behavior of chloroethene contaminants at low pH and a unique opportunity to assess the potential impact of source area treatment technologies, which involve acidification of the groundwater environment (e.g., Fenton's-based in situ chemical oxidation), on downgradient natural attenuation processes. The greater than 75 percent decrease in trichloroethene (TCE) concentrations and the shift in contaminant composition toward predominantly reduced daughter products (dichloroethene [DCE] and vinyl chloride [VC]) that were observed along a 30-m groundwater flow path characterized by highly acidic conditions (pH = 3.5 ± 0.4) demonstrated that chloroethene reductive dechlorination can continue to be efficient under persistent acidic conditions. The detection of Dehalococcoides-type bacteria within the sulfuric acid/chloroethene co-contaminant plume was consistent with biotic chloroethene reductive dechlorination. Microcosm studies conducted with 14C-TCE and 14C-VC confirmed biotic reductive dechlorination in sediment collected from within the sulfuric acid/chloroethene co-contaminant plume. Microcosms prepared with sediment from two other locations within the acid plume, however, demonstrated only a limited mineralization to 14CO2 and 14CO, which was attributed to abiotic degradation because no significant differences were observed between experimental and autoclaved control treatments. These results indicated that biotic and abiotic mechanisms contributed to chloroethene attenuation in the acid plume at NAS Pensacola and that remediation techniques involving acidification of the groundwater environment (e.g., Fenton's-based source area treatment) do not necessarily preclude efficient chloroethene degradation.

The Efficacy and Safety of Azelaic Acid 15% Foam in the Treatment of Facial Acne Vulgaris.

PubMed

Hashim, Peter W; Chen, Tinley; Harper, Julie C; Kircik, Leon H

2018-06-01

Azelaic acid demonstrates anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-comedogenic, and anti-microbial effects. Azelaic acid 20% cream is currently approved for the treatment of acne vulgaris, and azelaic acid 15% foam has recently been approved for rosacea. Given the favorable tolerability profile of foam preparations, it is reasonable to assume that azelaic acid 15% foam could serve as a viable treatment option for facial acne. To examine the efficacy and safety of azelaic acid 15% foam in the treatment of moderate-to-severe facial acne Methods: Twenty subjects with moderate-to-severe facial acne vulgaris were enrolled in this two-center, open-label pilot study. All study subjects were treated with azelaic acid 15% foam for 16 weeks. Efficacy analyses were based on the change in facial investigator global assessment (FIGA) and changes in total, inflammatory, non-inflammatory lesion counts between baseline and week 16. There was a significant reduction in FIGA scores from baseline to week 16 (p = .0004), with 84% of subjects experiencing at least a 1 grade improvement, and 63% of subjects achieving a final grade of Clear or Almost Clear. All subjects experienced reductions in inflammatory and total lesion counts by week 16, and 89% of subjects experienced reductions in non-inflammatory lesions. Azelaic acid 15% foam was well tolerated, with almost all instances of erythema, dryness, peeling, oiliness, pruritus, and burning being of mild or trace degree, and most adverse effects resolving by the end of the study. Azelaic acid 15% foam is effective and safe in the treatment of facial acne vulgaris. Given the convenience of foam vehicles, azelaic acid 15% foam should be considered as a viable treatment option for this condition. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(6):641-645.

Reduction of circulating FABP4 level by treatment with omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters.

PubMed

Furuhashi, Masato; Hiramitsu, Shinya; Mita, Tomohiro; Omori, Akina; Fuseya, Takahiro; Ishimura, Shutaro; Watanabe, Yuki; Hoshina, Kyoko; Matsumoto, Megumi; Tanaka, Marenao; Moniwa, Norihito; Yoshida, Hideaki; Ishii, Junnichi; Miura, Tetsuji

2016-01-12

Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4/A-FABP/aP2) mainly expressed in adipocytes is secreted and acts as an adipokine. Increased circulating FABP4 level is associated with obesity, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. However, little is known about the modulation of serum FABP4 level by drugs including anti-dyslipidemic agents. Patients with dyslipidemia were treated with omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters (4 g/day; n = 14) containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for 4 weeks. Serum FABP4 level was measured before and after treatment. Expression and secretion of FABP4 were also examined in mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with EPA or DHA. Treatment with omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters significantly decreased triglycerides and serum FABP4 level (13.5 ± 1.5 vs. 11.5 ± 1.1 ng/ml, P = 0.017). Change in FABP4 level by omega-3 fatty acids was negatively correlated with change in levels of EPA + DHA (r = -0.643, P = 0.013), EPA (r = -0.540, P = 0.046) and DHA (r = -0.650, P = 0.011) but not change in the level of triglycerides or other fatty acid composition. Treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with EPA or DHA had no effect on short-term (2 h) secretion of FABP4. However, gene expression and long-term (24 h) secretion of FABP4 were significantly reduced by treatment with EPA or DHA. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease circulating FABP4 level, possibly by reducing expression and consecutive secretion of FABP4 in adipocytes. Reducing FABP4 level might be involved in suppression of cardiovascular events by omega-3 fatty acids.

The efficacy and safety of epsilon-aminocaproic acid treatment in patients with cirrhosis and hyperfibrinolysis.

PubMed

Gunawan, B; Runyon, B

2006-01-01

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis are at risk for hyperfibrinolysis; this is potentially fatal. epsilon-aminocaproic acid has been used to treat patients with hyperfibrinolysis; however, the data about its benefit in the setting of cirrhosis are minimal. To analyse the efficacy of epsilon-aminocaproic acid and its safety in cirrhotic patients with hyperfibrinolysis. All patients with an abnormal euglobin lysis time who were admitted to Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2002 were included in the study. Their medical records were reviewed and analysed. There were 60 cirrhotic patients with shortened euglobin lysis time. Fifty-two patients received epsilon-aminocaproic acid. Of the 52 patients, seven had one or more bleeding episodes with the subcutaneous or soft tissue bleeding as the most common indication for epsilon-aminocaproic acid use. Of the 37 patients, 34 (92%) had improvement or resolution of their bleeding. Only two (3%) patients had epsilon-aminocaproic acid treatment discontinued because of minor side effects, rash and lightheadedness. There were no thromboembolic complications of treatment. epsilon-aminocaproic acid was found to be effective and safe for treatment of hyperfibrinolysis in patients with cirrhosis.

Biochemical changes in grape rootstocks resulted from humic acid treatments in relation to nematode infection.

PubMed

Kesba, Hosny H; El-Beltagi, Hossam S

2012-04-01

To investigate the effect of humic acid on nematode infected, resistant and susceptible grapes in relation to lipid peroxidation and antioxidant mechanisms on selected biochemical parameters known as proactive substances. The grape rootstocks, superior, superior/freedom and freedom were reacted differently to Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis according to rootstock progenitor. Two weeks after inoculation, two commercial products of humic acid were applied at the rate of (2, 4 mL or grams/plant) as soil drench. After 4 months, nematode soil populations were extracted and counted. A subsample of roots from each plant was stained and gall numbers, embedded stages per root were calculated, final population, nematode build up (Pf/Pi), average of eggs/eggmass were estimated. Subsamples of fresh root of each treatment were chemically analyzed. Freedom reduced significantly the nematode criteria and build up. Humic acid granules appeared to be more suppressive to nematode build up on superior and the higher dose on superior/freedom than liquid treatments. On freedom, all treatments reduced significantly the nematode build up regardless to the material nature. The higher dose was more effective than the lower one. As a result of humic acid applications, the malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 contents were significantly reduced after humic acid treatments while the antioxidant compounds glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (ASA) and total phenol contents were significantly increased when compared with check. Antioxidant defense enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO)showed significant increase in their specific activities in treated plants compared with nematode treated check. Humic acid treatments improve the yield of grape by increasing the contents of antioxidant compounds and the specific activities of antioxidant enzymes.

Biochemical changes in grape rootstocks resulted from humic acid treatments in relation to nematode infection

PubMed Central

Kesba, Hosny H; El-Beltagi, Hossam S

2012-01-01

Objective To investigate the effect of humic acid on nematode infected, resistant and susceptible grapes in relation to lipid peroxidation and antioxidant mechanisms on selected biochemical parameters known as proactive substances. Methods The grape rootstocks, superior, superior/freedom and freedom were reacted differently to Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis according to rootstock progenitor. Two weeks after inoculation, two commercial products of humic acid were applied at the rate of (2, 4 mL or grams/plant) as soil drench. After 4 months, nematode soil populations were extracted and counted. A subsample of roots from each plant was stained and gall numbers, embedded stages per root were calculated, final population, nematode build up (Pf/Pi), average of eggs/eggmass were estimated. Subsamples of fresh root of each treatment were chemically analyzed. Results Freedom reduced significantly the nematode criteria and build up. Humic acid granules appeared to be more suppressive to nematode build up on superior and the higher dose on superior/freedom than liquid treatments. On freedom, all treatments reduced significantly the nematode build up regardless to the material nature. The higher dose was more effective than the lower one. As a result of humic acid applications, the malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 contents were significantly reduced after humic acid treatments while the antioxidant compounds glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (ASA) and total phenol contents were significantly increased when compared with check. Antioxidant defense enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO)showed significant increase in their specific activities in treated plants compared with nematode treated check. Conclusions Humic acid treatments improve the yield of grape by increasing the contents of antioxidant compounds and the specific activities of antioxidant enzymes. PMID:23569915

Effects of acid etching and adhesive treatments on host-derived cysteine cathepsin activity in dentin.

PubMed

Zhang, Wenhao; Yang, Weixiang; Wu, Shuyi; Zheng, Kaibin; Liao, Weili; Chen, Boli; Yao, Ke; Liang, Guobin; Li, Yan

2014-10-01

To analyze the effects of different processes during bonding on endogenous cysteine cathepsin activity in dentin. Dentin powder, prepared from extracted human third molars, was divided into 10 groups. Two lots of dentin powder were used to detect the effects of the procedure of protein extraction on endogenous cathepsin activity. The others were used to study effects of different acid-etching or adhesive treatments on enzyme activity. Concentrations of 37% phosphoric acid or 10% phosphoric acid, two etch-and-rinse adhesive systems, and two self-etching adhesive systems were used as dentin powder treatments. The untreated mineralized dentin powder was set as the control. After treatment, the proteins of each group were extracted. The total cathepsin activity in the extracts of each group was monitored with a fluorescence reader. In the control group, there were no significant differences in cathepsin activity between the protein extract before EDTA treatment and the protein extract after EDTA treatment (p > 0.05). The cathepsin activities of the three different extracts in the 37% phosphoric acid-treated group were different from each other (p < 0.05). The two acid-etching groups and two etch-and-rinse groups showed significant enzyme activity reduction vs the control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between those four groups (p > 0.05). Treating the dentin powder with any of the two self-etching adhesives resulted in an increase in cathepsin activity (p < 0.05). The activity of cysteine cathepsins can be detected in dentin powder. Treatment with EDTA during protein extraction exerted an influence on cathepsin activity. Acid etching or etch-and-rinse adhesive systems may reduce the activity of endogenous cathepsins in dentin. Self-etching adhesive systems may increase the enzyme activity.

Diagnosis and treatment of simple acid-base disorders.

PubMed

Ayers, Phil; Warrington, Laurie

2008-01-01

The ability to diagnose and treat acid-base disorders is an important component in the practice of the nutrition support clinician. A complete understanding of the basic principles of metabolic and respiratory disorders allows the practitioner to formulate educated decisions regarding fluids, parenteral nutrition salts, and the management of electrolytes. This review will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of common metabolic and respiratory disorders encountered in nutrition support practice.

Selective Interactions of Valeriana officinalis Extracts and Valerenic Acid with [H]Glutamate Binding to Rat Synaptic Membranes.

PubMed

Del Valle-Mojica, Lisa M; Ayala-Marín, Yoshira M; Ortiz-Sanchez, Carmen M; Torres-Hernández, Bianca A; Abdalla-Mukhaimer, Safa; Ortiz, José G

2011-01-01

Although GABA neurotransmission has been suggested as a mechanism for Valeriana officinalis effects, CNS depression can also be evoked by inhibition of ionotropic (iGluR) and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR). In this study, we examined if aqueous valerian extract interacted with glutamatergic receptors. Freshly prepared aqueous valerian extract was incubated with rat cortical synaptic membranes in presence of 20 nM [(3)H]Glutamate. Aqueous valerian extract increased [(3)H]Glutamate binding from 1 × 10(-7) to 1 × 10(-3) mg/mL. In the presence of (2S,1'S,2'S)-2-(Carboxycyclopropyl)glycine (LCCG-I) and (2S,2'R,3'R)-2-(2',3'-Dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine (DCG-IV), Group II mGluR agents, valerian extract markedly decreased [(3)H]Glutamate binding, while (2S)-2-amino-3-(3,5-dioxo-1,2,4-oxadiazolidin-2-yl) propanoic acid) (quisqualic acid, QA), Group I mGluR agonist, increased [(3)H]Glutamate binding. At 0.05 mg/mL aqueous valerian extract specifically interacted with kainic acid NMDA and AMPA receptors. Valerenic acid, a marker compound for Valeriana officinalis, increased the [(3)H]Glutamate binding after 1.6 × 10(-2) mg/mL, and at 0.008 mg/mL it interacted only with QA (Group I mGluR). The selective interactions of valerian extract and valerenic acid with Group I and Group II mGluR may represent an alternative explanation for the anxiolytic properties of this plant.

Neuroscience. Stout guards of the central nervous system.

PubMed

Mechoulam, R; Lichtman, A H

2003-10-03

Endocannabinoids have paradoxical effects on the mammalian nervous system: Sometimes they block neuronal excitability and other times they augment it. In their Perspective, Mechoulam and Lichtman discuss new work (Marsicano et al.) showing that activation of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 by the endocannabinoid anandamide protects against excitotoxic damage in a mouse model of kainic acid-induced epilepsy.

Treatment of purified terephthalic acid wastewater using a bio-waste-adsorbent bagasse fly ash (BFA).

PubMed

Verma, Shilpi; Prasad, Basheshwar; Mishra, Indra Mani

2017-01-01

Purified terephthalic acid (PTA) plant of a petrochemical unit generates wastewater having high pollution load. Acid treatment of this wastewater reduces the chemical oxygen demand (COD) load by more than 50%, still leaving substantial COD load (>1500 mg/L) which should be removed. The present study reports on the use of a bio-waste-adsorbent bagasse fly ash (BFA) for the reduction of COD and other recalcitrant acids from this wastewater. The BFA showed basic character and was mesoporous with a BET specific surface area of 82.4 m 2 /g. Optimum conditions for the adsorptive treatment of acid-pretreated PTA wastewater were found to be as follows: initial pH (pH i ) = 4, BFA dosage = 15 g/L, and contact time = 3 h. Adsorption treatment resulted in 58.2% removal of COD, 96.3% removal of terephthalic acid (TA), and 99.9% removal of benzoic acid (BA). TA and BA were removed from the pretreated PTA wastewater through precipitation and sedimentation of un-dissociated acid molecules inside the mesopores of the BFA. The results showed that the COD removed by the BFA followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Equilibrium sorption data were best correlated by the Freundlich isotherm. The process of adsorptive removal of COD was found to be exothermic. The change in the Gibbs free energy was found to be negative, suggesting that the adsorption process is spontaneous and feasible for the treatment of PTA wastewater.

[Efficacy of hyaluronic acid in the treatment of chronic gingivitis in children].

PubMed

Igić, Marija; Mihailović, Dragan; Kesić, Ljiljana; Apostolović, Mirjana; Kostadinović, Ljiljana; Janjić, Olivera Tricković; Milasin, Jelena

2011-12-01

Gingivitis is a common occurrence in children and may well be thought as a risk factor for the appearance and progression of the diseases of parodontal tissues. It is thus necessary to react in a timely and adequate fashion to prevent the disease to become serious and produce parodontopathy. The aim of the study was to establish the efficacy of hyaluronic acid in the treatment of chronic gingivitis in children. The study enrolled 130 children with permanent dentition. All of the examinees were divided into three groups: group I--50 patients with chronic gingivitis in which only the basic treatment was applied; group II--50 patients with chronic gingivitis in which hyaluronic acid was applied in addition to basic treatment; group III--30 examinees with healthy gingiva (control group). Assessment of oral hygiene and status of the gingiva and parodontium was done using the appropriate indexes before and after the treatment. Inflammation of the gingiva was monitored by way of cytomorphometric studies. The pretreatment values of the plaque index (PI) were high: in the group I PI was 1.94; in the group II PI was 1.68. After the treatment, the PI value was reduced to null in both groups (PI = 0). In the group III PI was 0.17. The bleeding index (B1) in the group I was 2.02 before and 0.32 after the treatment; the BI value in the group II was 1.74 before and 0.16 after the treatment. In the group III BI was 0. In the group I, the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) was 1.66 before and 0.32 after the treatment; in the group II, the CPITN value was 1.5 before and 0.24 after the treatment. In the group III, the CPITN value was 0. In the group I, the size of the nuclei of the stratified squamous epithelium of the gingiva was reduced, although not so much as the nuclear size in the group II of examinees. CONCLUSION. Basic treatment is able to successfully treat chronic gingivitis in children. The use of hyaluronic acid together with the basic treatment can

Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment on the altered progesterone and bile acid homeostasis in the mother-placenta-foetus trio during cholestasis of pregnancy

PubMed Central

Estiú, Maria C; Monte, Maria J; Rivas, Laura; Moirón, Maria; Gomez-Rodriguez, Laura; Rodriguez-Bravo, Tomas; Marin, Jose JG; Macias, Rocio IR

2015-01-01

Aim Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is characterized by pruritus and elevated bile acid concentrations in maternal serum. This is accompanied by an enhanced risk of intra-uterine and perinatal complications. High concentrations of sulphated progesterone metabolites (PMS) have been suggested to be involved in the multifactorial aetiopathogenesis of ICP. The aim of this study was to investigate further the mechanism accounting for the beneficial effect of oral administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which is the standard treatment, regarding bile acid and PMS homeostasis in the mother-placenta-foetus trio. Method Using HPLC-MS/MS bile acids and PMS were determined in maternal and foetal serum and placenta. The expression of ABC proteins in placenta was determined by real time quantitative PCR (RT-QPCR) and immunofluorescence. Results In ICP, markedly increased concentrations of bile acids (tauroconjugates > glycoconjugates >> unconjugated), progesterone and PMS in placenta and maternal serum were accompanied by enhanced concentrations in foetal serum of bile acids, but not of PMS. UDCA treatment reduced bile acid accumulation in the mother-placenta-foetus trio, but had no significant effect on progesterone and PMS concentrations. ABCG2 mRNA abundance was increased in placentas from ICP patients vs. controls and remained stable following UDCA treatment, despite an apparent further increase in ABCG2. Conclusion UDCA administration partially reduces ICP-induced bile acid accumulation in mothers and foetuses despite the lack of effect on concentrations of progesterone and PMS in maternal serum. Up-regulation of placental ABCG2 may play an important role in protecting the foetus from high concentrations of bile acids and PMS during ICP. PMID:25099365

Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment on the altered progesterone and bile acid homeostasis in the mother-placenta-foetus trio during cholestasis of pregnancy.

PubMed

Estiú, Maria C; Monte, Maria J; Rivas, Laura; Moirón, Maria; Gomez-Rodriguez, Laura; Rodriguez-Bravo, Tomas; Marin, Jose J G; Macias, Rocio I R

2015-02-01

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is characterized by pruritus and elevated bile acid concentrations in maternal serum. This is accompanied by an enhanced risk of intra-uterine and perinatal complications. High concentrations of sulphated progesterone metabolites (PMS) have been suggested to be involved in the multifactorial aetiopathogenesis of ICP. The aim of this study was to investigate further the mechanism accounting for the beneficial effect of oral administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which is the standard treatment, regarding bile acid and PMS homeostasis in the mother-placenta-foetus trio. Using HPLC-MS/MS bile acids and PMS were determined in maternal and foetal serum and placenta. The expression of ABC proteins in placenta was determined by real time quantitative PCR (RT-QPCR) and immunofluorescence. In ICP, markedly increased concentrations of bile acids (tauroconjugates > glycoconjugates > unconjugated), progesterone and PMS in placenta and maternal serum were accompanied by enhanced concentrations in foetal serum of bile acids, but not of PMS. UDCA treatment reduced bile acid accumulation in the mother-placenta-foetus trio, but had no significant effect on progesterone and PMS concentrations. ABCG2 mRNA abundance was increased in placentas from ICP patients vs. controls and remained stable following UDCA treatment, despite an apparent further increase in ABCG2. UDCA administration partially reduces ICP-induced bile acid accumulation in mothers and foetuses despite the lack of effect on concentrations of progesterone and PMS in maternal serum. Up-regulation of placental ABCG2 may play an important role in protecting the foetus from high concentrations of bile acids and PMS during ICP. © 2014 The British Pharmacological Society.

Impact of Surface Potential on Apatite Formation in Ti Alloys Subjected to Acid and Heat Treatments

PubMed Central

Yamaguchi, Seiji; Hashimoto, Hideki; Nakai, Ryusuke; Takadama, Hiroaki

2017-01-01

Titanium metal (Ti) and its alloys are widely used in orthopedic and dental fields. We have previously shown that acid and heat treatment was effective to introduce bone bonding, osteoconduction and osteoinduction on pure Ti. In the present study, acid and heat treatment with or without initial NaOH treatment was performed on typical Ti-based alloys used in orthopedic and dental fields. Dynamic movements of alloying elements were developed, which depended on the kind of treatment and type of alloy. It was found that the simple acid and heat treatment enriched/remained the alloying elements on Ti–6Al–4V, Ti–15Mo–5Zr–3Al and Ti–15Zr–4Nb–4Ta, resulting in neutral surface charges. Thus, the treated alloys did not form apatite in a simulated body fluid (SBF) within 3 days. In contrast, when the alloys were subjected to a NaOH treatment prior to an acid and heat treatment, alloying elements were selectively removed from the alloy surfaces. As a result, the treated alloys became positively charged, and formed apatite in SBF within 3 days. Thus, the treated alloys would be useful in orthopedic and dental fields since they form apatite even in a living body and bond to bone. PMID:28946646

Case Report: Valproic Acid and Risperidone Treatment Leading to Development of Hyperammonemia and Mania

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carlson, Teri; Reynolds, Charles A.; Caplan, Rochelle

2007-01-01

This case report describes two children who developed hyperammonemia together with frank manic behavior during treatment with a combination of valproic acid and risperidone. One child had been maintained on valproic acid for years and risperidone was added. In the second case, valproic acid was introduced to a child who had been treated with…

COMPOST-FREE BIOREACTOR TREATMENT OF ACID ROCK DRAINAGE - TECHNOLOGY CAPSULE

EPA Science Inventory

As part of the Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) program, an evaluation of the compost-free bioreactor treatment of acid rock drainage (ARD) from the Aspen Seep was conducted at the Leviathan Mine Superfund site located in a remote, high altitude area of Alpine Co...

PROTEASOME INHIBITOR TREATMENT REDUCED FATTY ACID, TRIACYLGLYCEROL AND CHOLESTEROL SYNTHESIS

PubMed Central

Oliva, Joan; French, Samuel W.; Li, Jun; Bardag-Gorce, Fawzia

2014-01-01

In the present study, the beneficial effects of proteasome inhibitor treatment in reducing ethanol-induced steatosis were investigated. A microarray analysis was performed on the liver of rats injected with PS-341 (Bortezomib, Velcade®), and the results showed that proteasome inhibitor treatment significantly reduced the mRNA expression of SREBP-1c, and the downstream lipogenic enzymes, such as fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), which catalyzes the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA, the rate-limiting step in fatty acid synthesis. ELOVL6, which is responsible for fatty acids long chain elongation, was also significantly down regulated by proteasome inhibitor treatment. Moreover, PS-341 administration significantly reduced the expression of acyl-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (AGPAT), and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), enzyme involved in triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis. Finally, PS-341 was found to down regulate the enzymes 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoenzymeA synthase (HMG-CoA synthase) that is responsible for cholesterol synthesis. Proteasome inhibitor was also found to play a role in intestinal lipid adsorption because apolipoproteins A (apoA-I, apoAII, apoA-IV and ApoCIII) were down regulated by proteasome inhibitor treatment, especially ApoA-II that is known to be a marker of alcohol consumption. Proteasome inhibitor treatment also decreased apobec-1 complementation factor (ACF) leading to lower level of editing and production of ApoB protein. Moreover apolipoprotein C-III, a major component of chylomicrons was significantly down regulated. However, lipoprotein lipase (Lpl) and High density lipoprotein binding protein (Hdlbp) mRNA levels were increased by proteasome inhibitor treatment. These results suggested that proteasome inhibitor treatment could be used to reduce the alcohol-enhanced lipogenesis and alcohol-induced liver steatosis. A morphologic analysis, performed on the liver of rats fed ethanol for one

The effect of dilute acid pre-treatment process in bioethanol production from durian (Durio zibethinus) seeds waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghazali, K. A.; Salleh, S. F.; Riayatsyah, T. M. I.; Aditiya, H. B.; Mahlia, T. M. I.

2016-03-01

Lignocellulosic biomass is one of the promising feedstocks for bioethanol production. The process starts from pre-treatment, hydrolysis, fermentation, distillation and finally obtaining the final product, ethanol. The efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic biomass depends heavily on the effectiveness of the pre-treatment step which main function is to break the lignin structure of the biomass. This work aims to investigate the effects of dilute acid pre-treatment on the enzymatic hydrolysis of durian seeds waste to glucose and the subsequent bioethanol fermentation process. The yield of glucose from dilute acid pre-treated sample using 0.6% H2SO4 and 5% substrate concentration shows significant value of 23.4951 g/L. Combination of dilute acid pre-treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis using 150U of enzyme able to yield 50.0944 g/L of glucose content higher compared to normal pre-treated sample of 8.1093 g/L. Dilute acid pre-treatment sample also shows stable and efficient yeast activity during fermentation process with lowest glucose content at 2.9636 g/L compared to 14.7583g/L for normal pre-treated sample. Based on the result, it can be concluded that dilute acid pre-treatment increase the yield of ethanol from bioethanol production process.

Evaluation of salicylic acid peeling in comparison with topical tretinoin in the treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

PubMed

Mohamed Ali, Basma Morad; Gheida, Shereen Farouk; El Mahdy, Nageh Ahmed; Sadek, Shery Nashaat

2017-03-01

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is an acquired hyperpigmentation that involves areas of prior cutaneous inflammation. In addition to prevention, there are a variety of medications and procedures used to treat PIH. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of salicylic acid peeling in comparison with topical tretinoin in the treatment of PIH. This study included forty-five patients with PIH lesions. The patients were divided into three groups, group I was treated with salicylic acid peeling 20-30%, group II was treated with topical tretinoin 0.1%, and group III was treated with combination of salicylic acid peel and topical tretinoin. The patients were assessed clinically to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of the treatment. Dermoscopy was carried out to the recurrent or nonimproved cases only. Combination of salicylic acid peel and topical tretinoin treatment showed significant clinical improvement of PIH than each treatment alone with no complications. There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between the three groups. There was nonsignificant difference between the efficacy of the treatment and the PIH type in the studied groups. There was nonsignificant difference between the efficacy of the treatment and the duration of the PIH except for group III. Combination treatment modality is believed to be preferred in the treatment of PIH due to its higher efficacy than single treatment alone, with well tolerability, less side effects, and low recurrence rate. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Citric acid treatment of chronic nonhealing ulcerated tophaceous gout with bursitis.

PubMed

Nagoba, Basavaraj S; Punpale, Ajay; Poddar, Ashok; Suryawanshi, Namdev M; Swami, Ganesh A; Selkar, Sohan P

2013-12-01

The ulceration associated with gout tophi is very difficult to treat because of impaired and halted local inflammatory response resulting from the gout treatment regimen. We report chronic nonhealing tophaceous gout with bursitis in an 80-year-old male, not responding to conventional treatment modality for months together. This nonhealing ulcer was treated successfully with local application of 3% citric acid ointment for 22 days.

Folinic acid treatment for schizophrenia associated with folate receptor autoantibodies.

PubMed

Ramaekers, V T; Thöny, B; Sequeira, J M; Ansseau, M; Philippe, P; Boemer, F; Bours, V; Quadros, E V

2014-12-01

Auto-antibodies against folate receptor alpha (FRα) at the choroid plexus that block N(5)-methyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF) transfer to the brain were identified in catatonic schizophrenia. Acoustic hallucinations disappeared following folinic acid treatment. Folate transport to the CNS prevents homocysteine accumulation and delivers one-carbon units for methyl-transfer reactions and synthesis of purines. The guanosine derivative tetrahydrobiopterin acts as common co-factor for the enzymes producing dopamine, serotonin and nitric oxide. Our study selected patients with schizophrenia unresponsive to conventional treatment. Serum from these patients with normal plasma homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 was tested for FR autoantibodies of the blocking type on serial samples each week. Spinal fluid was analyzed for MTHF and the metabolites of pterins, dopamine and serotonin. The clinical response to folinic acid treatment was evaluated. Fifteen of 18 patients (83.3%) had positive serum FR auto-antibodies compared to only 1 in 30 controls (3.3%) (χ(2)=21.6; p<0.0001). FRα antibody titers in patients fluctuated over time varying between negative and high titers, modulating folate flux to the CNS, which explained low CSF folate values in 6 and normal values in 7 patients. The mean±SD for CSF MTHF was diminished compared to previously established controls (t-test: 3.90; p=0.0002). A positive linear correlation existed between CSF MTHF and biopterin levels. CSF dopamine and serotonin metabolites were low or in the lower normal range. Administration of folinic acid (0.3-1mg/kg/day) to 7 participating patients during at least six months resulted in clinical improvement. Assessment of FR auto-antibodies in serum is recommended for schizophrenic patients. Clinical negative or positive symptoms are speculated to be influenced by the level and evolution of FRα antibody titers which determine folate flux to the brain with up- or down-regulation of brain folate intermediates

Mediation of the neuroprotective action of R-phenylisopropyl-adenosine through a centrally located adenosine A1 receptor.

PubMed Central

MacGregor, D. G.; Miller, W. J.; Stone, T. W.

1993-01-01

1. Systemic injections of kainic acid, 10 mg kg-1, into adult rats resulted in lesions in the hippocampus, as assessed by peripheral benzodiazepine ligand binding. Co-administration of clonazepam at 1 mg kg-1 or 0.2 mg kg-1 prevented major seizures associated with kainate injections, but did not alter significantly the production of hippocampal damage. 2. The co-administration of the adenosine A1 agonist R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA, 25 micrograms kg-1, i.p.) abolished the lesions induced by kainic acid. 3. The presence of the selective A1 antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (250 or 50 micrograms kg-1, i.p.) abolished the R-PIA neuroprotective action. 4. The A1/A2 antagonist, 8-(p-sulphophenyl)theophylline (20 mg kg-1, i.p.) which cannot cross the blood brain barrier, did not alter significantly the neuroprotective action of R-PIA, indicating that the neuroprotective action of the purine may be predominantly central. 5. The time course of the neuroprotection was also examined. R-PIA was effective when administered 2 h before or after kainate administration. 6. The results emphasise the potential utility of systemically active adenosine A1 receptor ligands in reducing CNS gliosis induced by the activation of excitatory amino acid receptors. PMID:8220909

Ethanol addition enhances acid treatment to eliminate Lactobacillus fermentum from the fermentation process for fuel ethanol production.

PubMed

Costa, M A S; Cerri, B C; Ceccato-Antonini, S R

2018-01-01

Fermentation is one of the most critical steps of the fuel ethanol production and it is directly influenced by the fermentation system, selected yeast, and bacterial contamination, especially from the genus Lactobacillus. To control the contamination, the industry applies antibiotics and biocides; however, these substances can result in an increased cost and environmental problems. The use of the acid treatment of cells (water-diluted sulphuric acid, adjusted to pH 2·0-2·5) between the fermentation cycles is not always effective to combat the bacterial contamination. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of ethanol addition to the acid treatment to control the bacterial growth in a fed-batch system with cell recycling, using the industrial yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae PE-2. When only the acid treatment was used, the population of Lactobacillus fermentum had a 3-log reduction at the end of the sixth fermentation cycle; however, when 5% of ethanol was added to the acid solution, the viability of the bacterium was completely lost even after the first round of cell treatment. The acid treatment +5% ethanol was able to kill L. fermentum cells without affecting the ethanol yield and with a low residual sugar concentration in the fermented must. In Brazilian ethanol-producing industry, water-diluted sulphuric acid is used to treat the cell mass at low pH (2·0) between the fermentative cycles. This procedure reduces the number of Lactobacillus fermentum from 10 7 to 10 4  CFU per ml. However, the addition of 5% ethanol to the acid treatment causes the complete loss of bacterial cell viability in fed-batch fermentation with six cell recycles. The ethanol yield and yeast cell viability are not affected. These data indicate the feasibility of adding ethanol to the acid solution replacing the antibiotic use, offering a low cost and a low amount of residue in the biomass. © 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Operational Lessons Leaned During bioreactor Demonstrations for Acid Rock Drainage Treatment

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Mine Waste Technology Program (MWTP) has emphasized the development of biologically-based treatment technologies for acid rock drainage (ARD). Progressively evolving technology demonstrations have resulted in significant advances in sulf...

Diclofenac in hyaluronic acid gel: an alternative treatment for actinic cheilitis

PubMed Central

LIMA, Giana da Silveira; da SILVA, Gabriela Ferrari; GOMES, Ana Paula Neutzling; de ARAÚJO, Lenita Maria Aver; SALUM, Fernanda Gonçalves

2010-01-01

Objective Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a precancerous lesion of the lip vermillion caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 3% diclofenac in 2.5% hyaluronic acid gel in the treatment of AC. Methods Thirty-four patients with chronic AC were treated twice a day with topical diclofenac during a period of 30 to 180 days. The individuals were followed up every 15 days by means of clinical examination and digital photographic documentation. Results Of the 27 patients that completed the study, 12 (44%) showed complete remission of the whitish plaques and exfoliative areas, and 15 (56%) had partial remission of the clinical picture of cheilitis. The latter group was submitted to excision of the leukoplakic areas which diagnosis varied from mild to moderate epithelial dysplasia. Conclusion The results suggest a promising role for diclofenac in hyaluronic acid gel in the treatment of AC. This treatment has the advantages of not being invasive and showing few side effects. PMID:21085813

Operational Lessons Learned During Bioreactor Demonstrations for Acid Rock Drainage Treatment

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Mine Waste Technology Program (MWTP) has emphasized the development of biologically-based treatment technologies for acid rock drainage (ARD). Progressively evolving technology demonstrations have resulted in significant advances in sul...

The effect of tranexamic acid for treatment irregular uterine bleeding secondary to DMPA use.

PubMed

Senthong, A-Jaree; Taneepanichskul, Surasak

2009-04-01

Evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid and placebo for controlling irregular uterine bleeding in depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) users. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 100 DMPA users attending the Family Planning Clinic King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. All users had abnormal bleeding. They were randomly divided in two groups; a group of 50 received tranexamic acid, 250 mg four times a day for 5 days and another group of 49 received placebo in the same manner. One subject dropped out from the study. Total day of bleeding/spotting and percentage of women in whom bleeding was stopped were analyzed at the end of weeks 1 and 4. The percentage of subjects in whom bleeding was stopped during the first week after initial treatment was significantly higher in the tranexamic acid group than the placebo group (88% vs. 8.2%, p < 0.001). During the follow-up period (4 weeks after initial treatment), a bleeding-free interval of > 20 days was found in 68% of subjects treated with tranexamic acid and 0% treated with placebo(p < 0.001). The mean number of bleeding/spotting days were also significantly different between the groups (5.7 +/- 2.5 vs. 17.5 +/- 7.2 days, p < 0.05). Tranexamic acid was more effective than placebo in short-term treatment of irregular uterine bleeding/spotting associated with DMPA use.

Antioxidative Peptides Derived from Enzyme Hydrolysis of Bone Collagen after Microwave Assisted Acid Pre-Treatment and Nitrogen Protection

PubMed Central

Lin, Yun-Jian; Le, Guo-Wei; Wang, Jie-Yun; Li, Ya-Xin; Shi, Yong-Hui; Sun, Jin

2010-01-01

This study focused on the preparation method of antioxidant peptides by enzymatic hydrolysis of bone collagen after microwave assisted acid pre-treatment and nitrogen protection. Phosphoric acid showed the highest ability of hydrolysis among the four other acids tested (hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and/or citric acid). The highest degree of hydrolysis (DH) was 9.5% using 4 mol/L phosphoric acid with a ratio of 1:6 under a microwave intensity of 510 W for 240 s. Neutral proteinase gave higher DH among the four protease tested (Acid protease, neutral protease, Alcalase and papain), with an optimum condition of: (1) ratio of enzyme and substrate, 4760 U/g; (2) concentration of substrate, 4%; (3) reaction temperature, 55 °C and (4) pH 7.0. At 4 h, DH increased significantly (P < 0.01) under nitrogen protection compared with normal microwave assisted acid pre-treatment hydrolysis conditions. The antioxidant ability of the hydrolysate increased and reached its maximum value at 3 h; however DH decreased dramatically after 3 h. Microwave assisted acid pre-treatment and nitrogen protection could be a quick preparatory method for hydrolyzing bone collagen. PMID:21151439

Gambogic acid-loaded biomimetic nanoparticles in colorectal cancer treatment

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhen; Qian, Hanqing; Yang, Mi; Li, Rutian; Hu, Jing; Li, Li; Yu, Lixia; Liu, Baorui; Qian, Xiaoping

2017-01-01

Gambogic acid (GA) is expected to be a potential new antitumor drug, but its poor aqueous solubility and inevitable side effects limit its clinical application. Despite these inhe rent defects, various nanocarriers can be used to promote the solubility and tumor targeting of GA, improving antitumor efficiency. In addition, a cell membrane-coated nanoparticle platform that was reported recently, unites the customizability and flexibility of a synthetic copolymer, as well as the functionality and complexity of natural membrane, and is a new synthetic biomimetic nanocarrier with improved stability and biocompatibility. Here, we combined poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) with red blood-cell membrane (RBCm), and evaluated whether GA-loaded RBCm nanoparticles can retain and improve the antitumor efficacy of GA with relatively lower toxicity in colorectal cancer treatment compared with free GA. We also confirmed the stability, biocompatibility, passive targeting, and few side effects of RBCm-GA/PLGA nanoparticles. We expect to provide a new drug carrier in the treatment of colorectal cancer, which has strong clinical application prospects. In addition, the potential antitumor drug GA and other similar drugs could achieve broader clinical applications via this biomimetic nanocarrier. PMID:28280328

The Efficacy and Safety of Azelaic Acid 15% Foam in the Treatment of Truncal Acne Vulgaris.

PubMed

Hoffman, Lauren K; Del Rosso, James Q; Kircik, Leon H

2017-06-01

INTRODUCTION: Truncal acne is often associated with facial acne, but there are fewer options for an effective topical treatment on the trunk. Given the advent of foam formulations with enhanced percutaneous absorption and convenient application due to easy spreadability on skin, the previously held idea that effective treatment of truncal acne requires oral treatment is challenged. Azelaic acid cream has been previously approved for acne vulgaris, thus azelaic acid foam may be a viable treatment option for truncal acne.

STUDY DESIGN: A single-center, open label pilot study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of azelaic acid 15% foam as a treatment modality for moderate truncal acne. Use for facial acne was also allowed and monitored during the study.

RESULTS: Twice-daily application of azelaic acid 15% foam to affected areas resulted in a 1-grade reduction in truncal investigator global assessment (IGA) scores in nearly all patients (16/18). Eight out of 18 patients (44%) were rated as Clear or Almost Clear in the trunk by the end of the study. There were also improvements in facial IGA scores; 9 of 18 patients (50%) exhibited a 1-grade improvement in IGA scores and 11 of 18 were Clear or Almost Clear by the end of the study. A significant reduction in lesion counts was found throughout the study and the medication was well tolerated.

CONCUSION: Azelaic acid 15% foam was effective in treating moderate truncal acne and facial acne in this pilot study. Given the efficacy and convenience of the foam vehicle, azelaic acid may be considered as a viable option for treatment of acne vulgaris, including on the trunk. Further studies are suggested in a larger population of patients, including adult females with acne.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(6):534-538.

A clinical pilot study of lignin--ascorbic acid combination treatment of herpes simplex virus.

PubMed

Lopez, Blanca Silvia Gonzalez; Yamamoto, Masaji; Utsumi, Katsuaki; Aratsu, Chiaki; Sakagami, Hiroshi

2009-01-01

Antiviral drugs as well as natural remedies have been used to reduce symptoms and the rate of recurrences of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, a common disease. To evaluate anti-HSV-1 activity of a pine cone lignin and ascorbic acid treatment, a clinical pilot study was carried out. Forty-eight healthy patients of both genders between 4 and 61 years old (mean: 31+/-16 years), with active lesions of HSV-1, took part in the study. According to the HSV-1 stage at the presentation, the patients were classified into the prodromic (16 patients), erythema (11 patients), papule edema (1 patient), vesicle/pustule (13 patients) and ulcer stages (7 patients). One mg of lignin-ascorbic acid tablet or solution was orally administered three times daily for a month. Clinical evaluations were made daily the first week and at least three times a week during the second week after the onset and every six months during the subsequent year to identify recurrence episodes. The patients who began the lignin-ascorbic acid treatment within the first 48 hours of symptom onset did not develop HSV-1 characteristic lesions, whereas those patients who began the treatment later experienced a shorter duration of cold sore lesions and a decrease in the symptoms compared with previous episodes. The majority of the patients reported the reduction in the severity of symptoms and the reduction in the recurrence episodes after the lignin-ascorbic acid treatment compared with previous episodes, suggesting its possible applicability for the prevention and treatment of HSV-1 infection.

[Tranexamic acid as first-line emergency treatment for episodes of bradykinin-mediated angioedema induced by ACE inhibitors].

PubMed

Beauchêne, C; Martins-Héricher, J; Denis, D; Martin, L; Maillard, H

2018-05-04

Episodes of acquired bradykinin-mediated angioedema due to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may result in fatal outcomes. There is no consensus regarding emergency pharmacological management of these episodes. Treatment options include icatibant and C1INH concentrate. Tranexamic acid is administered for moderate episodes. Its efficacy in the treatment of ACE inhibitor-induced episodes of angioedema is not established. The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the benefits of emergency tranexamic acid administration in the management of ACE inhibitor-induced episodes of angioedema. Retrospective analysis of the medical files of patients who consulted between 2010 and 2016 in two French tertiary care hospitals for a bradykinic angioedema attributed to an ACE treatment. All of them had received tranexamic acid as a first line treatment. Thirty three patients who had experienced severe episode of angioedema were included. Twenty seven patients showed significant improvement when treated with tranexamic acid alone. The six remaining patients were treated with icatibant (5/33) or C1INH concentrate (1/33), due to partial improvement after tranexamic acid therapy. None of the patients were intubated, no fatalities were recorded and no side effects were reported. Tranexamic acid is an easily accessible and affordable therapy that may provide effective treatment for ACE inhibitor-induced episodes of angioedema. It may help while waiting for a more specific treatment (icatibant and C1INH concentrate) that is at times unavailable in emergency departments. Copyright © 2018 Société Nationale Française de Médecine Interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Acid mine treatment with open limestone channels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ziemkiewicz, P.F.; Brant, D.L.; Skousen, J.G.

1996-12-31

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is often associated with mining of pyritic coal and metal deposits. Typical AMD associated with coal mines in the eastern US can have acidity and iron concentrations ranging from the teens to the thousands of mg/l. Aluminum and manganese can be present in concentrations ranging from zero to the low hundreds of mg/l. Much attention has been devoted to developing inexpensive, limestone (LS)-based systems for treating AMID with little or no maintenance. However, LS tends to coat with metal hydroxides when exposed to AMID in an oxidized state, a process known as {open_quotes}armoring{close_quotes}. It is generallymore » assumed that once armored, LS ceases to neutralize acid. Another problem is that the hydroxides tend to settle into plug the pore spaces in LS beds forcing water to move around rather than through the LS. While both are caused by the precipitation of metal hydroxides, armoring and plugging are two different problems. Plugging of LS pores can be avoided by maintaining a high flushing rate through the LS bed. Armoring, however, occurs regardless of water velocity. This study investigated the influence of armoring on LS solubility and the implications of armoring and plugging on the construction of open (oxidizing) LS channels for treating AMD. We evaluated the AMID treatment performance of armored and unarmored LS in oxidizing environments both in laboratory and field studies.« less

Stream ecosystem response to limestone treatment in acid impacted watersheds of the allegheny plateau

USGS Publications Warehouse

McClurg, S.E.; Petty, J.T.; Mazik, P.M.; Clayton, J.L.

2007-01-01

Restoration programs are expanding worldwide, but assessments of restoration effectiveness are rare. The objectives of our study were to assess current acid-precipitation remediation programs in streams of the Allegheny Plateau ecoregion of West Virginia (USA), identify specific attributes that could and could not be fully restored, and quantify temporal trends in ecosystem recovery. We sampled water chemistry, physical habitat, periphyton biomass, and benthic macroinvertebrate and fish community structure in three stream types: acidic (four streams), naturally circumneutral (eight streams), and acidic streams treated with limestone sand (eight streams). We observed no temporal trends in ecosystem recovery in treated streams despite sampling streams that ranged from 2 to 20 years since initial treatment. Our results indicated that the application of limestone sand to acidic streams was effective in fully recovering some characteristics, such as pH, alkalinity, Ca2+, Ca:H ratios, trout biomass and density, and trout reproductive success. However, recovery of many other characteristics was strongly dependent upon spatial proximity to treatment, and still others were never fully recovered. For example, limestone treatment did not restore dissolved aluminum concentrations, macroinvertebrate taxon richness, and total fish biomass to circumneutral reference conditions. Full recovery may not be occurring because treated streams continue to drain acidic watersheds and remain isolated in a network of acidic streams. We propose a revised stream restoration plan for the Allegheny Plateau that includes restoring stream ecosystems as connected networks rather than isolated reaches and recognizes that full recovery of acidified watersheds may not be possible. ?? 2007 by the Ecological Society of America.

Modulating protein adsorption onto hydroxyapatite particles using different amino acid treatments

PubMed Central

Lee, Wing-Hin; Loo, Ching-Yee; Van, Kim Linh; Zavgorodniy, Alexander V.; Rohanizadeh, Ramin

2012-01-01

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a material of choice for bone grafts owing to its chemical and structural similarities to the mineral phase of hard tissues. The combination of osteogenic proteins with HA materials that carry and deliver the proteins to the bone-defective areas will accelerate bone regeneration. The study investigated the treatment of HA particles with different amino acids such as serine (Ser), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (Asp) and arginine (Arg) to enhance the adsorption ability of HA carrier for delivering therapeutic proteins to the body. The crystallinity of HA reduced when amino acids were added during HA preparation. Depending on the types of amino acid, the specific surface area of the amino acid-functionalized HA particles varied from 105 to 149 m2 g–1. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme were used as model proteins for adsorption study. The protein adsorption onto the surface of amino acid-functionalized HA depended on the polarities of HA particles, whereby, compared with lysozyme, BSA demonstrated higher affinity towards positively charged Arg-HA. Alternatively, the binding affinity of lysozyme onto the negatively charged Asp-HA was higher when compared with BSA. The BSA and lysozyme adsorptions onto the amino acid-functionalized HA fitted better into the Freundlich than Langmuir model. The amino acid-functionalized HA particles that had higher protein adsorption demonstrated a lower protein-release rate. PMID:21957116

Efficacy of Boric Acid as a Treatment of Choice for Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media and Its Ototoxicity.

PubMed

Adriztina, Indri; Adenin, Linda Irwani; Lubis, Yuliani Mardiati

2018-01-01

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is one of the most common chronic infectious diseases worldwide, especially affecting children. The patients or the parents of the affected children are often worried about the cost of medical visits, prescription medicines, or inconsistently effective medication. The complications of CSOM have been greatly reduced because of the development of antibiotics; however, the irrational use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of organisms resistant to the commonly used drugs. Owing to the increase in antibiotic resistance, the development of new treatments that will efficiently eradicate infectious microorganisms has become imperative. Boric acid solutions are effective in the treatment of CSOM because of their acidic effect. Various databases, such as the PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and SciELO, were searched for references related to the efficacy of boric acid in the treatment of mucosal CSOM, as well as its ototoxicity. The search revealed that boric acid is relatively effective in treating CSOM, especially at a high concentration. Boric acid in distilled water was found safe in animal studies. However, the ototoxicity of boric acid concentrations higher than 4% needs further evaluation, considering the effectivity of boric acid at high concentrations.

Efficacy of Boric Acid as a Treatment of Choice for Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media and Its Ototoxicity

PubMed Central

Adenin, Linda Irwani; Lubis, Yuliani Mardiati

2018-01-01

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is one of the most common chronic infectious diseases worldwide, especially affecting children. The patients or the parents of the affected children are often worried about the cost of medical visits, prescription medicines, or inconsistently effective medication. The complications of CSOM have been greatly reduced because of the development of antibiotics; however, the irrational use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of organisms resistant to the commonly used drugs. Owing to the increase in antibiotic resistance, the development of new treatments that will efficiently eradicate infectious microorganisms has become imperative. Boric acid solutions are effective in the treatment of CSOM because of their acidic effect. Various databases, such as the PubMed, The Cochrane Library, and SciELO, were searched for references related to the efficacy of boric acid in the treatment of mucosal CSOM, as well as its ototoxicity. The search revealed that boric acid is relatively effective in treating CSOM, especially at a high concentration. Boric acid in distilled water was found safe in animal studies. However, the ototoxicity of boric acid concentrations higher than 4% needs further evaluation, considering the effectivity of boric acid at high concentrations. PMID:29383205

Treatment of Menorrhagia with Tranexamic Acid. A Double-blind Trial

PubMed Central

Callender, Shei La T.; Warner, G. T.; Cope, E.

1970-01-01

In a double-blind trial tranexamic acid (Cyclokapron) 1 g. four times a day for the first four days of menstruation, significantly decreased menstrual blood loss in women with menorrhagia for which no organic cause had been found. No difference in side-effects was noted between the active and placebo treatment. PMID:4919554

Combined treatment with caffeic and ferulic acid from Baccharis uncinella C. DC. (Asteraceae) protects against metabolic syndrome in mice.

PubMed

Bocco, B M; Fernandes, G W; Lorena, F B; Cysneiros, R M; Christoffolete, M A; Grecco, S S; Lancellotti, C L; Romoff, P; Lago, J H G; Bianco, A C; Ribeiro, M O

2016-03-01

Fractionation of the EtOH extract from aerial parts of Baccharis uncinella C. DC. (Asteraceae) led to isolation of caffeic and ferulic acids, which were identified from spectroscopic and spectrometric evidence. These compounds exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to be effective in the prevention/treatment of metabolic syndrome. This study investigated whether the combined treatment of caffeic and ferulic acids exhibits a more significant beneficial effect in a mouse model with metabolic syndrome. The combination treatment with caffeic and ferulic acids was tested for 60 days in C57 mice kept on a high-fat (40%) diet. The data obtained indicated that treatment with caffeic and ferulic acids prevented gain in body weight induced by the high-fat diet and improved hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. The expression of a number of metabolically relevant genes was affected in the liver of these animals, showing that caffeic and ferulic acid treatment results in increased cholesterol uptake and reduced hepatic triglyceride synthesis in the liver, which is a likely explanation for the prevention of hepatic steatosis. In conclusion, the combined treatment of caffeic and ferulic acids displayed major positive effects towards prevention of multiple aspects of the metabolic syndrome and liver steatosis in an obese mouse model.

Altered expression of the voltage-gated calcium channel subunit α2δ-1: A comparison between two experimental models of epilepsy and a sensory nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain

PubMed Central

Nieto-Rostro, M.; Sandhu, G.; Bauer, C.S.; Jiruska, P.; Jefferys, J.G.R.; Dolphin, A.C.

2014-01-01

The auxiliary α2δ-1 subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels is up-regulated in dorsal root ganglion neurons following peripheral somatosensory nerve damage, in several animal models of neuropathic pain. The α2δ-1 protein has a mainly presynaptic localization, where it is associated with the calcium channels involved in neurotransmitter release. Relevant to the present study, α2δ-1 has been shown to be the therapeutic target of the gabapentinoid drugs in their alleviation of neuropathic pain. These drugs are also used in the treatment of certain epilepsies. In this study we therefore examined whether the level or distribution of α2δ-1 was altered in the hippocampus following experimental induction of epileptic seizures in rats, using both the kainic acid model of human temporal lobe epilepsy, in which status epilepticus is induced, and the tetanus toxin model in which status epilepticus is not involved. The main finding of this study is that we did not identify somatic overexpression of α2δ-1 in hippocampal neurons in either of the epilepsy models, unlike the upregulation of α2δ-1 that occurs following peripheral nerve damage to both somatosensory and motor neurons. However, we did observe local reorganization of α2δ-1 immunostaining in the hippocampus only in the kainic acid model, where it was associated with areas of neuronal cell loss, as indicated by absence of NeuN immunostaining, dendritic loss, as identified by areas where microtubule-associated protein-2 immunostaining was missing, and reactive gliosis, determined by regions of strong OX42 staining. PMID:24641886

Treatment of olive mill wastewater by chemical processes: effect of acid cracking pretreatment.

PubMed

Hande Gursoy-Haksevenler, B; Arslan-Alaton, Idil

2014-01-01

The effect of acid cracking (pH 2.0; T 70 °C) and filtration as a pretreatment step on the chemical treatability of olive mill wastewater (chemical oxygen demand (COD) 150,000 m/L; total organic carbon (TOC) 36,000 mg/L; oil-grease 8,200 mg/L; total phenols 3,800 mg/L) was investigated. FeCl3 coagulation, Ca(OH)2 precipitation, electrocoagulation using stainless steel electrodes and the Fenton's reagent were applied as chemical treatment methods. Removal performances were examined in terms of COD, TOC, oil-grease, total phenols, colour, suspended solids and acute toxicity with the photobacterium Vibrio fischeri. Significant oil-grease (95%) and suspended solids (96%) accompanied with 58% COD, 43% TOC, 39% total phenols and 80% colour removals were obtained by acid cracking-filtration pretreatment. Among the investigated chemical treatment processes, electrocoagulation and the Fenton's reagent were found more effective after pretreatment, especially in terms of total phenols removal. Total phenols removal increased from 39 to 72% when pretreatment was applied, while no significant additional (≈10-15%) COD and TOC removals were obtained when acid cracking was coupled with chemical treatment. The acute toxicity of the original olive mill wastewater sample increased considerably after pretreatment from 75 to 89% (measured for the 10-fold diluted wastewater sample). An operating cost analysis was also performed for the selected chemical treatment processes.

Assessment of clinical practice guideline methodology for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with intra-articular hyaluronic acid.

PubMed

Altman, Roy D; Schemitsch, Emil; Bedi, Asheesh

2015-10-01

Clinical practice guidelines are of increasing importance in the decision making for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Inconsistent recommendations regarding the use of intra-articular hyaluronic acid for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis have led to confusion among treating physicians. Literature search to identify clinical practice guidelines that provide recommendations regarding the use of intra-articular hyaluronic acid treatment for knee osteoarthritis was conducted. Included guidelines were appraised using the AGREE II instrument. Guideline development methodologies, how the results were assessed, the recommendation formation, and work group composition were summarized. Overall, 10 clinical practice guidelines were identified that met our inclusion criteria. AGREE II domain scores were variable across the included guidelines. The methodology utilized across the guidelines was heterogeneous regarding the evidence inclusion criteria, analysis of evidence results, formulation of clinical practice recommendations, and work group composition. The recommendations provided by the guidelines for intra-articular hyaluronic acid treatment for knee osteoarthritis are highly inconsistent as a result of the variability in guideline methodology. Overall, 30% of the included guidelines recommended against the use of intra-articular hyaluronic acid in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, while 30% deemed the treatment an appropriate intervention under certain scenarios. The remaining 40% of the guidelines provided either an uncertain recommendation or no recommendation at all, based on the high variability in reviewed evidence regarding efficacy and trial quality. There is a need for a standard "appropriate methodology" that is agreed upon for osteoarthritis clinical practice guidelines in order to prevent the development of conflicting recommendations for intra-articular hyaluronic acid treatment for knee osteoarthritis, and to assure that treating physicians who

COMPOST-FREE BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF ACID ROCK DRAINAGE, TECHNICAL EVALUATION BULLETIN

EPA Science Inventory

As part of the Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) program, an evaluation of the compost-free bioreactor treatment of acid rock drainage (ARD) from the Aspen Seep was conducted at the Leviathan Mine Superfund site located in a remote, high altitude area of Alpine Co...

Survival mechanism of Escherichia coli O157:H7 against combined treatment with acetic acid and sodium chloride.

PubMed

Lee, Sun-Young; Kang, Dong-Hyun

2016-05-01

The combination of salt and acid is commonly used in the production of many foods, including pickles and fermented foods. However, in our previous studies, the addition of salt significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of acetic acid on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in laboratory media and pickled cucumbers. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the mechanism by which salt confers resistance against acetic acid in E. coli O157:H7. The addition of high concentrations (up to 9% or 15% [w/v]) of salt increased the resistance of E. coli O157:H7 to acetic acid treatment. Combined treatment with acetic acid and salt showed varying results among different bacterial strains (an antagonistic effect for E. coli O157:H7 and Shigella and a synergistic effect for Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus). The addition of salt increased the cytoplasmic pH of E. coli O157:H7, but decreased the cytoplasmic pH of L. monocytogenes and S. aureus on treatment with acetic acid. Therefore, the addition of salt increases the acid resistance of E. coli O157:H7 possibly by increasing its acid resistance response and consequently preventing the acidification of its cytoplasm by organic acids. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Selective Interactions of Valeriana officinalis Extracts and Valerenic Acid with [3H]Glutamate Binding to Rat Synaptic Membranes

PubMed Central

Del Valle-Mojica, Lisa M.; Ayala-Marín, Yoshira M.; Ortiz-Sanchez, Carmen M.; Torres-Hernández, Bianca A.; Abdalla-Mukhaimer, Safa; Ortiz, José G.

2011-01-01

Although GABA neurotransmission has been suggested as a mechanism for Valeriana officinalis effects, CNS depression can also be evoked by inhibition of ionotropic (iGluR) and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR). In this study, we examined if aqueous valerian extract interacted with glutamatergic receptors. Freshly prepared aqueous valerian extract was incubated with rat cortical synaptic membranes in presence of 20 nM [3H]Glutamate. Aqueous valerian extract increased [3H]Glutamate binding from 1 × 10−7 to 1 × 10−3 mg/mL. In the presence of (2S,1′S,2′S)-2-(Carboxycyclopropyl)glycine (LCCG-I) and (2S,2′R,3′R)-2-(2′,3′-Dicarboxycyclopropyl)glycine (DCG-IV), Group II mGluR agents, valerian extract markedly decreased [3H]Glutamate binding, while (2S)-2-amino-3-(3,5-dioxo-1,2,4-oxadiazolidin-2-yl) propanoic acid) (quisqualic acid, QA), Group I mGluR agonist, increased [3H]Glutamate binding. At 0.05 mg/mL aqueous valerian extract specifically interacted with kainic acid NMDA and AMPA receptors. Valerenic acid, a marker compound for Valeriana officinalis, increased the [3H]Glutamate binding after 1.6 × 10−2 mg/mL, and at 0.008 mg/mL it interacted only with QA (Group I mGluR). The selective interactions of valerian extract and valerenic acid with Group I and Group II mGluR may represent an alternative explanation for the anxiolytic properties of this plant. PMID:21584239

Glycyrrhizic Acid in the Treatment of Liver Diseases: Literature Review

PubMed Central

Li, Jian-yuan; Cao, Hong-yan; Cheng, Gen-hong; Sun, Ming-yu

2014-01-01

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is a triterpene glycoside found in the roots of licorice plants (Glycyrrhiza glabra). GA is the most important active ingredient in the licorice root, and possesses a wide range of pharmacological and biological activities. GA coupled with glycyrrhetinic acid and 18-beta-glycyrrhetic acid was developed in China or Japan as an anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antiallergic drug for liver disease. This review summarizes the current biological activities of GA and its medical applications in liver diseases. The pharmacological actions of GA include inhibition of hepatic apoptosis and necrosis; anti-inflammatory and immune regulatory actions; antiviral effects; and antitumor effects. This paper will be a useful reference for physicians and biologists researching GA and will open the door to novel agents in drug discovery and development from Chinese herbs. With additional research, GA may be more widely used in the treatment of liver diseases or other conditions. PMID:24963489

Omega-3 fatty acids: evidence basis for treatment and future research in psychiatry.

PubMed

Freeman, Marlene P; Hibbeln, Joseph R; Wisner, Katherine L; Davis, John M; Mischoulon, David; Peet, Malcolm; Keck, Paul E; Marangell, Lauren B; Richardson, Alexandra J; Lake, James; Stoll, Andrew L

2006-12-01

To determine if the available data support the use of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) for clinical use in the prevention and/or treatment of psychiatric disorders. The authors of this article were invited participants in the Omega-3 Fatty Acids Subcommittee, assembled by the Committee on Research on Psychiatric Treatments of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Published literature and data presented at scientific meetings were reviewed. Specific disorders reviewed included major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, borderline personality disorder and impulsivity, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Meta-analyses were conducted in major depressive and bipolar disorders and schizophrenia, as sufficient data were available to conduct such analyses in these areas of interest. The subcommittee prepared the manuscript, which was reviewed and approved by the following APA committees: the Committee on Research on Psychiatric Treatments, the Council on Research, and the Joint Reference Committee. The preponderance of epidemiologic and tissue compositional studies supports a protective effect of omega-3 EFA intake, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in mood disorders. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials demonstrate a statistically significant benefit in unipolar and bipolar depression (p = .02). The results were highly heterogeneous, indicating that it is important to examine the characteristics of each individual study to note the differences in design and execution. There is less evidence of benefit in schizophrenia. EPA and DHA appear to have negligible risks and some potential benefit in major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, but results remain inconclusive in most areas of interest in psychiatry. Treatment recommendations and directions for future research are described. Health benefits of omega-3 EFA may be especially important in patients with psychiatric

Cadmium Phytoavailability and Enzyme Activity under Humic Acid Treatment in Fluvo-aquic Soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Borui; Huang, Qing; Su, Yuefeng

2018-01-01

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the cadmium (Cd) availability to pakchois (Brassica chinensis L.) as well as the enzyme activities in fluvo-aquic soil under humic acid treatment. The results showed that the phytoavailability of Cd in soil decreased gradually as humic acid concentration rose (0 to 12 g·kg-1), while the activities of urease (UE), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and catalase (CAT) kept increasing (P < 0.05). The correlation analysis indicated that humic acid was effective for reducing the devastation to soil enzymes due to the Cd pollution. In conclusion, humic acid is effective for the reduction of both Cd phytoavailability and the damage to enzyme activities due to Cd pollution in fluvo-aquic soil

Does zinc moderate essential fatty acid and amphetamine treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?

PubMed

Arnold, L E; Pinkham, S M; Votolato, N

2000-01-01

Zinc is an important co-factor for metabolism relevant to neurotransmitters, fatty acids, prostaglandins, and melatonin, and indirectly affects dopamine metabolism, believed intimately involved in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To explore the relationship of zinc nutrition to essential fatty acid supplement and stimulant effects in treatment of ADHD, we re-analyzed data from an 18-subject double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover treatment comparison of d-amphetamine and Efamol (evening primrose oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid). Subjects were categorized as zinc-adequate (n = 5), borderline zinc (n = 5), and zinc-deficient (n = 8) by hair, red cell, and urine zinc levels; for each category, placebo-active difference means were calculated on teachers' ratings. Placebo-controlled d-amphetamine response appeared linear with zinc nutrition, but the relationship of Efamol response to zinc appeared U-shaped; Efamol benefit was evident only with borderline zinc. Placebo-controlled effect size (Cohen's d) for both treatments ranged up to 1.5 for borderline zinc and dropped to 0.3-0.7 with mild zinc deficiency. If upheld by prospective research, this post-hoc exploration suggests that zinc nutrition may be important for treatment of ADHD even by pharmacotherapy, and if Efamol benefits ADHD, it likely does so by improving or compensating for borderline zinc nutrition.

Tomato type and post-treatment water rinse affect efficacy of acid washes against Salmonella enterica inoculated on stem scars of tomatoes and product quality.

PubMed

Fan, Xuetong; Gurtler, Joshua B; Sokorai, Kimberly J B

2018-09-02

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of post-treatment rinsing with water on the inactivation efficacy of acid treatments against Salmonella inoculated onto stem scar areas of two types of tomatoes. In addition, impact on fruit quality was investigated during 21 days post-treatment storage at 10 °C. A four-strain cocktail of Salmonella enterica (S. Montevideo, S. Newport, S. Saintpaul, and S. Typhimurium) was inoculated onto stem scar areas of grape and large round tomatoes. The inoculated fruits were then treated for 2 min with the following solutions: water, 2% lactic acid +2% acetic acid +2% levulinic acid, 1.7% lactic acid +1.7% acetic acid +1.7% levulinic acid, and 3% lactic acid +3% acetic acid. After treatments, half of the fruits were rinsed with water while another half were not rinsed. Non-inoculated grape tomatoes for quality analysis were treated with the same solutions with and without subsequent water rinse. Results demonstrated that the acid combinations reduced populations of Salmonella enterica on the stem scar area of grape tomatoes by 1.52-1.90 log CFU/fruit, compared with the non-treated control while water wash and rinse removed the bacterium by only 0.23-0.30 log CFU/fruit. On the stem scar of large round tomatoes, the same acid treatments achieved 3.54 log CFU/fruit reduction of the pathogen. The varying response to the acid washes between grape and large round tomatoes seems to be related to the differences in surface characteristics of stem scar areas observed with SEM. Rinsing with water after acid combination treatments did not significantly affect the efficacy of the treatments in either grape or large round tomatoes. Acidic off-odor was detected on fruits treated with acid combination without water rinse 1 day after treatment while water rinse eliminated the off-odor. The acid treatments with and without water rinse did not consistently affect appearance, color, firmness, or lycopene or ascorbic acid contents of

Budesonide treatment is associated with increased bile acid absorption in collagenous colitis.

PubMed

Bajor, A; Kilander, A; Gälman, C; Rudling, M; Ung, K-A

2006-12-01

Bile acid malabsorption is frequent in collagenous colitis and harmful bile acids may play a pathophysiological role. Glucocorticoids increase ileal bile acid transport. Budesonide have its main effect in the terminal ileum. To evaluate whether the symptomatic effect of budesonide is linked to increased uptake of bile acids. Patients with collagenous colitis were treated with budesonide 9 mg daily for 12 weeks. Prior to and after 8 weeks of treatment, the (75)SeHCAT test, an indirect test for the active uptake of bile acid-s, measurements of serum 7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, an indicator of hepatic bile acid synthesis, and registration of symptoms were performed. The median (75)SeHCAT retention increased from 18% to 35% (P < 0.001, n = 25) approaching the values of healthy controls (38%). The 7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one values decreased significantly among those with initially high synthesis (from 36 to 23 ng/mL, P = 0.04, n = 9); however, for the whole group the values were not altered (19 ng/mL vs. 13 ng/mL, P = 0.23, N.S., n = 19). The normalization of the (75)SeHCAT test and the reduction of bile acid synthesis in patients with initially high synthetic rate, suggests that the effect of budesonide in collagenous colitis may be in part due to decreased bile acid load on the colon.

Protective Effect of Resveratrol on the Brain in a Rat Model of Epilepsy.

PubMed

Li, Zhen; You, Zhuyan; Li, Min; Pang, Liang; Cheng, Juan; Wang, Liecheng

2017-06-01

Accumulating evidence has suggested resveratrol as a promising drug candidate for the treatment of epilepsy. To validate this, we tested the protective effect of resveratrol on a kainic acid (KA)-induced epilepsy model in rats and investigated the underlying mechanism. We found that acute resveratrol application partially inhibited evoked epileptiform discharges in the hippocampal CA1 region. During acute, silent and chronic phases of epilepsy, the expression of hippocampal kainate glutamate receptor (GluK2) and the GABA A receptor alpha1 subunit (GABA A R-alpha1) was up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. Resveratrol reversed these effects and induced an antiepileptic effect. Furthermore, in the chronic phase, resveratrol treatment inhibited the KA-induced increased glutamate/GABA ratio in the hippocampus. The antiepileptic effects of resveratrol may be partially attributed to the reduction of glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and the enhancement in GABAergic inhibition.

Recurrent Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: Peritransplant Factors and Ursodeoxycholic Acid Treatment Post-Liver Transplant

PubMed Central

Guy, Jennifer E.; Qian, Peiqing; Lowell, Jeffrey A.; Peters, Marion G.

2014-01-01

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) recurs after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in up to one-third of patients. These patients are typically asymptomatic, can be identified by abnormal liver biochemistries, and have evidence of histologic recurrence on liver biopsy. The effect of treatment on recurrence has not been determined. This pilot study evaluates the factors associated with recurrent PBC and describes our experience using ursodeoxycholic acid treatment in this patient population. Forty-eight patients with PBC were followed for at least 1 yr post-OLT, and 27 patients (56%) developed abnormal serum alkaline phosphatase. Seventeen patients (35%) had evidence of recurrent PBC by liver biopsy. Patients with recurrent PBC had a trend toward longer warm ischemia times and more episodes of acute cellular rejection in the first year posttransplant, but this was not significant in multivariate analysis. Donor or recipient age, donor and recipient cytomegalovirus status, and dose of immunosuppression did not correlate with recurrence of PBC. Those patients diagnosed with recurrent PBC were placed on ursodeoxycholic acid, 15 mg/kg daily, with improvement in serum alkaline phosphatase in the majority. In conclusion, recurrent PBC is not infrequent post-OLT, and ursodeoxycholic acid can be used with some benefit post-OLT. Treatment effects on long-term survival are not known. PMID:16184542

Inhibition of hyaluronic acid formation sensitizes chronic myelogenous leukemia to treatment with doxorubicin.

PubMed

Uchakina, Olga N; Ban, Hao; Hostetler, Bryan J; McKallip, Robert J

2016-11-01

In the current study we examined the ability of 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU), which can inhibit hyaluronic acid synthesis, to sensitize K562 chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells to doxorubicin therapy. Exposure of K562 cells to doxorubicin led to increased hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) gene expression and increased levels of cell surface hyaluronic acid. Furthermore, exposure of K562 cells to exogenous HA caused resistance to doxorubicin-induced cell death. The combination of low dose 4-MU and doxorubicin led to increased apoptosis when compared to higher doses of any agent alone. Additionally, treatment with 4-MU led to a significant reduction in doxorubicin-induced increase in HA cell surface expression. Mechanistically, 4-MU treatment led to an increase in p38 activation and PARP cleavage. The role of p38 in 4-MU/doxorubicin-treated K562 cells was confirmed when p38 inhibitors led to protection from 4-MU/doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Together, results from this study suggest that treatment with 4-MU increases the sensitivity of CML to chemotherapeutics by decreasing their HA-mediated resistance to apoptosis. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Lipogenesis and lipid peroxidation in rat testes after long-term treatment with sucrose and tannic acid in drinking water.

PubMed

Mašek, T; Starčević, K

2017-05-01

We studied the influence of long-term treatment with sucrose and tannic acid in drinking water on the fatty acid profile and lipid peroxidation in rat testes. Male Wistar rats were supplemented with sucrose (30% w/v) or with sucrose and tannic acid (sucrose 30% w/v, tannic acid 0.1% w/v) in drinking water. The treatment with sucrose elevated blood glucose levels in the plasma (p < .05) and decreased the testis weight (p < .05) and testis index (p < .05) of the rats. Sucrose treatment increased monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and C22:6n3, and decreased n6 fatty acids in testis tissue. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased after sucrose administration in plasma (p < .05) and testis tissue (p < .01). The addition of tannic acid led to the decrease in lipid peroxidation in the plasma (p < .05) and testis (p < .05), a further increase in MUFA and decrease in n6 fatty acids. In conclusion, sucrose significantly altered the testis fatty acid profile with an increase in MUFA and C22:6n3, and a decrease in n6 fatty acids. Tannic acid attenuated oxidative stress and hyperglycaemia, but it did not improve pathological changes in the fatty acid composition of the testis. © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Effect of ascorbic acid postharvest treatment on enzymatic browning, phenolics and antioxidant capacity of stored mung bean sprouts.

PubMed

Sikora, Małgorzata; Świeca, Michał

2018-01-15

Enzymatic browning limits the postharvest life of minimally processed foods, thus the study selected the optimal inhibitors of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and evaluated their effect on enzymatic browning, phenolics and antioxidant capacity of stored mung bean sprouts. The sprouts treated with 2mM and 20mM ascorbic acid had a lowered PPO activity; compared to the control by 51% and 60%, respectively. The inhibition was reflected in a significant decrease in enzymatic browning. The sprouts treated with 20mM ascorbic acid had 22% and 23% higher phenolic content after 3 and 7days of storage, respectively. Both storage and ascorbic acid treatment increased potential bioaccessibility of phenolics. Generally, there was no effect of the treatments on the antioxidant capacity; however, a significant increase in the reducing potential was determined for the sprouts washed with 20mM ascorbic acid. In conclusion, ascorbic acid treatments may improve consumer quality of stored sprouts. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Alkyl polyglucose enhancing propionic acid enriched short-chain fatty acids production during anaerobic treatment of waste activated sludge and mechanisms.

PubMed

Luo, Jingyang; Feng, Leiyu; Chen, Yinguang; Sun, Han; Shen, Qiuting; Li, Xiang; Chen, Hong

2015-04-15

Adding alkyl polyglucose (APG) into an anaerobic treatment system of waste activated sludge (WAS) was reported to remarkably improve the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially propionic acid via simultaneously accelerating solubilization and hydrolysis, enhancing acidification, inhibiting methanogenesis and balancing carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio of substrate. Not only the production of SCFAs, especially propionic acid, was significantly improved by APG, but also the feasible operation time was shortened. The SCFAs yield at 0.3 g APG per gram of total suspended solids (TSS) within 4 d was 2988 ± 60 mg chemical oxygen demand (COD) per liter, much higher than that those from sole WAS or sole WAS plus sole APG. The corresponding yield of propionic acid was 1312 ± 25 mg COD/L, 7.9-fold of sole WAS. Mechanism investigation showed that during anaerobic treatment of WAS in the presence of APG both the solubilization and hydrolysis were accelerated and the acidification was enhanced, while the methanogenesis was inhibited. Moreover, the activities of key enzymes involved in WAS hydrolysis and acidification were improved through the adjustment of C/N ratio of substrates with APG. The abundance of microorganisms responsible for organic compounds hydrolysis and SCFAs production was also observed to be greatly enhanced with APG via 454 high-throughput pyrosequencing analysis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tranexamic Acid in the Treatment of Melasma: A Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Perper, Marina; Eber, Ariel Eva; Fayne, Rachel; Verne, Sebastian Hugo; Magno, Robert James; Cervantes, Jessica; ALharbi, Mana; ALOmair, Ibrahim; Alfuraih, Abdulkarem; Nouri, Keyvan

2017-06-01

Melasma is a common acquired pigmentary disorder marked by irregular hyperpigmented macules or patches and most commonly occurs in women of darker skin color. It is a chronic often-relapsing condition that causes negative psychosocial effects in those affected. Current treatments such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, and retinoids, among others, demonstrate variable efficacy and side-effect profiles. We conducted a comprehensive literature review examining the use of tranexamic acid (TA), a well-known anti-fibrinolytic agent, in the treatment of melasma. TA delivered orally, topically, and through physical methods works via the inhibition of ultraviolet (UV)-induced plasmin activity in keratinocytes. Predefined search terms were entered into PubMed. Articles were then independently screened by two authors to include only those written in the English language and relating to human subjects with at least mild melasma. The search identified 28 articles, 15 of which met the criteria for full review. The review revealed that TA treatment for melasma is equally effective or more effective than other standard therapies and may induce fewer side effects. Our comprehensive review suggests that TA may be a promising treatment option for melasma because of its demonstrated effectiveness alone and in combination with other modalities as well as its limited side-effect profile.

PERIODS OF VERTEBRAL COLUMN SENSITIVITY TO BORIC ACID TREATMENT IN CD-1 MICE IN UTERO

EPA Science Inventory

Periods of vertebral column sensitivity to boric acid treatment in CD-1 mice in utero.

Cherrington JW, Chernoff N.

Department of Toxicology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA. jana_cherrington@hotmail.com

Boric acid (BA) has many uses as...

[New-generation proton pump inhibitors: progress in the treatment of peptic acid diseases?].

PubMed

de Korwin, Jean-Dominique; Ducrotté, Philippe; Vallot, Thierry

2004-06-19

EFFECTS AND INCONVENIENCIES OF THE OLDER PRODUCTS: The proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are now universally considered the treatment of choice for management of gastric-acid-related diseases, mainly gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These drugs share similar properties: general structure, acid-activation step, covalent binding to the proton pump of the gastric parietal cell via the production of covalent disulphide bonds, relatively stable inhibition of H+,K+-ATPase. However, the older PPIs (omeprazole, lansoprazole et pantoprazole) have notable limitations. These drugs exhibit substantial interpatient variability and may have significant interactions with other drugs. These first-generation PPIs also do not achieve a rapid and sustained suppression of gastric acid, leading to the development of new acid-pump antagonists. The new-generation PPIs, esomeprazole and rabeprazole, offer several pharmacokinetic advantages: lower oxidative hepatic metabolism rate via the CYP 2C19 reducing the activity variations due to genetic polymorphisms and decreasing the risk of significant drug-drug interactions (advantages mainly for rabeprazole), lower metabolic clearance of esomeprazole (S-enantiomer of omeprazole) increasing plasma concentrations and acid suppression of this new PPI, higher accumulation of rabeprazole in the parietal cell due to its higher pKa. Gastric pH studies and therapeutic trials have demonstrated significant advantages of esomeprazole and rabeprazole compared with the older PPIs, which omeprazole is the prototype: a greater inhibition of acid secretion, a more rapid onset of action to provide reflux symptoms relief over 24 hours with lower GERD-related cost for rabeprazole, a sustained acid suppression, cost-effectiveness advantages for esomeprazole in the healing and maintenance of erosive esophagitis compared with lansoprazole, reduced potential for clinically significant drug-drug interactions with rabeprazole compared with omeprazole and

Effects of topical application of B-Resorcinol and Glycyrrhetinic acid monotherapy and in combination with fractional CO2 laser treatment for benign hand hyperpigmentation treatment.

PubMed

Grippaudo, Francesca Romana; Di Russo, Pier Paolo

2016-12-01

Hand solar lentigines are frequent benign lesions of elderly population, requiring longtime treatments with topical agents or laser to lighten. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of CO 2 fractional laser photothermolysis followed by topical application of B-Resorcinol and Glycyrrhetinic acid vs. only topical B-Resorcinol and Glycyrrhetinic acid application for hand solar lentigines treatment. Hand solar lentigines of eleven volunteers were divided into two groups: Group A spots received CO 2 fractional laser photothermolysis followed by 4 weeks topical application of B-Resorcinol and Glycyrrhetinic acid, and Group B spots received only 4 weeks topical treatments. All hands were photographed, and hand solar lentigines scanned with dermatoscope at the beginning of the study (T 0 ), 1 month after laser treatment (T 1 ), and at the end of the study (T 2 ) to document spots dimensions and color. A blinded dermatologist evaluated dermoscopic T 0 and T 2 images. The considered variables were assessed for significance by the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test. In all volunteers, investigators and blinded dermatologist's evaluation hand solar lentigines features improved, with no statistical differences in the two groups. Topical application of B-Resorcinol and Glycyrrhetinic acid is effective to lighten hand solar lentigines after 4 weeks of treatment, with or without a previous fractional laser photothermolysis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

In vivo treatment of Propionibacterium acnes infection with liposomal lauric acids.

PubMed

Pornpattananangkul, Dissaya; Fu, Victoria; Thamphiwatana, Soracha; Zhang, Li; Chen, Michael; Vecchio, James; Gao, Weiwei; Huang, Chun-Ming; Zhang, Liangfang

2013-10-01

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a Gram-positive bacterium strongly associated with acne infection. While many antimicrobial agents have been used in clinic to treat acne infection by targeting P. acnes, these existing anti-acne agents usually produce considerable side effects. Herein, the development and evaluation of liposomal lauric acids (LipoLA) is reported as a new, effective and safe therapeutic agent for the treatment of acne infection. By incorporating lauric acids into the lipid bilayer of liposomes, it is observed that the resulting LipoLA readily fuse with bacterial membranes, causing effective killing of P. acnes by disrupting bacterial membrane structures. Using a mouse ear model, we demonstrated that the bactericidal property of LipoLA against P. acne is well preserved at physiological conditions. Topically applying LipoLA in a gel form onto the infectious sites leads to eradication of P. acnes bacteria in vivo. Further skin toxicity studies show that LipoLA does not induce acute toxicity to normal mouse skin, while benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, the two most popular over-the-counter acne medications, generate moderate to severe skin irritation within 24 h. These results suggest that LipoLA hold a high therapeutic potential for the treatment of acne infection and other P. acnes related diseases. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

FLUCONAZOLE AND BORIC ACID FOR TREATMENT OF VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS--NEW WORDS ABOUT OLD ISSUE.

PubMed

Khameneie, K M; Arianpour, N; Roozegar, R; Aklamli, M; Amiri, M M

2013-04-01

To compare boric acid as an effective treatment for VVC compared to fluconazole. We also studied the efficiency of these drugs in preventing recurrence of VVC. A cross sectional, randomized, double-blind study. Gynaecology clinic of Imam Reza hospital, Tehran - Iran Women with signs and symptoms related to Vulvo Vaginal Candidiasis. Seventy five patients out of total 150 patients with signs and symptoms related to Vulvo Vaginal Candidiasis were treatedwith boric acidpowder everynight for a week and the remaining 75 patients received Fluconazole. The cure rate in first group was 46.7% but the cure rate in second group was 37.3%. The difference was not statistically significant (P>0.3). Difference between the efficacy of the two drugs was not significant either (P=0.47). The recurrence rate among patients in first group was 35% while it was 32% in second group. Their difference was not statistically significant (P=0.54). According to our findings, treatment of vaginal candidiasis with boric acid is as effective as fluconazole. The availability of boric acid and its relatively low cost suggests it as a safe and effective drug for treatment of candidiasis.

[Treatment of interstitial cystitis by intravesical instillation of hyaluronic acid: A prospective study on 31 patients].

PubMed

Van Agt, S; Gobet, F; Sibert, L; Leroi, A-M; Grise, P

2011-03-01

We evaluate the efficacy of hyaluronate acid instillation for treatment of interstitial cystitis (IC). From March 2008 to May 2009, a prospective study included 31 patients. We used the new definition of IC established by the ICS in 2002. Patients have a urinalysis, a cystoscopy, a hydrodistension test and bladder biopsies. The urodynamic evaluation was not systematic. Patients received weekly six instillations of 40mg (50ml) intravesical hyaluronate acid. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of treatment with two specific questionnaires of interstitial cystitis filled before and after 6 weeks of treatment: the O'Leary-Sant and Pelvic pain and Urgency/Frequency (PUF). Four groups were defined: good response, partial response, poor response and no response. They were composed by 14 patients (45%), two (7%), seven (22%) and eight patients (26%). We obtained 52% positive response (good response and partial response) after 6 weeks of treatment. Patients with cystoscopy and histology abnormal had a response rate of 60%. No serious side effects were observed. Hyaluronate acid has a place in the treatment of interstitial cystitis with an efficiency comparable to other treatments and good tolerance. The response rate to treatment can be improved by better selection of patients, particularly those having a cystoscopy and histology abnormal. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Dietary hyperoxaluria is not reduced by treatment with lactic acid bacteria

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Secondary hyperoxaluria either based on increased intestinal absorption of oxalate (enteric), or high oxalate intake (dietary), is a major risk factor of calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Oxalate-degrading bacteria might have beneficial effects on urinary oxalate excretion resulting from decreased intestinal oxalate concentration and absorption. Methods Twenty healthy subjects were studied initially while consuming a diet normal in oxalate. Study participants were then placed on a controlled oxalate-rich diet for a period of 6 weeks. Starting with week 2 of the oxalate-rich diet, participants received 2.6 g/day of a lactic acid bacteria preparation for 5 weeks. Finally, subjects were examined 4 weeks after treatment while consuming again a normal-oxalate diet. Participants provided weekly 24-hour urine specimens. Analyses of blood samples were performed before and at the end of treatment. Results Urinary oxalate excretion increased significantly from 0.354 ± 0.097 at baseline to 0.542 ± 0.163 mmol/24 h under the oxalate-rich diet and remained elevated until the end of treatment, as did relative supersaturation of calcium oxalate. Plasma oxalate concentration was significantly higher after 5 weeks of treatment compared to baseline. Four weeks after treatment, urinary oxalate excretion and relative supersaturation of calcium oxalate fell to reach initial values. Conclusions Persistent dietary hyperoxaluria and increased plasma oxalate concentration can already be induced in healthy subjects without disorders of oxalate metabolism. The study preparation neither reduced urinary oxalate excretion nor plasma oxalate concentration. The preparation may be altered to select for lactic acid bacteria strains with the highest oxalate-degrading activity. PMID:24330782

Regulatory Mechanisms Involved in the Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-03-01

neurotoxic dopamine analog that is taken up by nigral dopaminergic cells where it is metabolized to highly reactive oxygen free radicals that cause ...brain regions is elevated after other types of brain insults, including ischemia and hypoglycemia (see Lindvall et al. 1994 for review). Lindvall et a1...with kainic acid were also reported. These investigators also reported significant increases in BDNF mRNA levels in cultures of neonatal astrocytes

[The treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia in patients on dialysis: folic acid or the high-flow polysulphonic membrane?].

PubMed

Lovcić, Vesna; Kes, Petar; Zeljko, Reiner; Kusec, Vesna

2006-06-01

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of high-flow and low-flow hemodialysis (HD), with simultaneous treatment with folic acid and vitamin B12, on total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration in plasma of dialyzed patients. The planned clinical observation included 46 patients of both sexes, aged 21-82, treated with bicarbonate dialysis for a mean of 4.7 years. The patients were divided into group A, subsequently dialyzed by use of high-flow polysulphonic membrane (AN 69ST, Nephral 300), and group B that continued to be dialyzed by use of low-flow diacetate membrane (Diacepal 14 and 16). The subjects in both groups received 30 mg of folic acid at the end of each dialysis (3 times a week), and 500 g of vitamin B12 at the end of every other dialysis. The method of stable isotopic dilution mass spectrometry was used to measure tHcy. Folic acid was determined by the test based on ion capture technology. Vitamin B12 was determined by MEIA. An increase in the concentration of tHcy was observed in 39/46 (85%) patients with a mean concentration of 24.76 +/- 11.04 micromol/L. The mean concentration of folic acid and vitamin B12 was within the normal limits. In the group dialyzed by high-flow dialyzer, the values of tHcy and folic acid decreased (18.74 +/- 2.95 micromol/L and 13.90 +/- 6.78 pmol/L) after hemodialysis, which was significant compared to the initial value (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). At four weeks of treatment, tHcy concentration before HD showed a significant decrease both in the group dialyzed by high-flow dialyzer (15.10 +/- 4.26 mmol/L, p<0.01) and in the group dialyzed by low-flow dialyzer (12.54 +/- 3.87 micromol/L, p<0.01) compared to the measure before HD and before the treatment. There was no statistically significant difference (z -0.40, p>0.68) in the percentage of tHcy change between the group treated by high-flow dialyzer and the group treated by low-flow dialyzer in the measurements before HD and before the treatment with folic acid

In vitro digestion and physicochemical characteristics of corn starch mixed with amino acid modified by low pressure treatment.

PubMed

Ji, Ying

2018-03-01

The digestibility and molecular structure of corn starch mixed with amino acid modified by low-pressure treatment (LPT) was investigated. Amino acid induced a significant increase in the slowly digestible starch (SDS) and decrease in the rapidly digestible starch (RDS) after LPT. The reason is the formation of ester bond between the molecular chains of amino acid and starch. Low pressure treatment altered greatly the morphology of corn starch mixed with or without amino acid. After LPT, less ordered Maltese and more granule fragments were observed for starch-amino acid complex. An increase in size distribution was obvious after LPT and the size distribution curves provided from a new variety. We found that higher enthalpy and relative crystallinity of the starch-amino acid complex were associated with a higher SDS content. It can be inferred that LPT had a greater impact on the digestion and structural characterization of corn starch mixed with amino acids. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanism of chlorogenic acid treatment on femoral head necrosis and its protection of osteoblasts.

PubMed

Zhang, Mingjuan; Hu, Xianda

2016-07-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of chlorogenic acid on hormonal femoral head necrosis and its protection of osteoblasts. The study established a femoral head necrosis model in Wistar rats using Escherichia coli endotoxin and prednisolone acetate. The rats were divided into five groups and were treated with different concentrations of chlorogenic acid (1, 10 and 20 mg/kg). The main detected indicators were the blood rheology, bone mineral density, and the hydroxyproline and hexosamine (HOM) contents. At a cellular level, osteoblasts were cultured and treated by drug-containing serum. Subsequently, cell proliferation and the osteoblast cycle were measured using flow cytometry, and the protein expression levels of Bax and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) were detected using western blotting. Chlorogenic acid at a concentration of 20 mg/kg (high-dose) enhanced the bone mineral density of the femoral head and femoral neck following ischemia. Simultaneously, blood flow following the injection of prednisolone acetate was significantly improved, and the HOM contents of the high-dose chlorogenic acid group were significantly different. The results from the flow cytometry analysis indicated that chlorogenic acid can efficiently ameliorate hormone-induced necrosis. The osteoblasts were isolated and cultured. The MTT colorimetric assay showed that chlorogenic acid at different densities can increase the proliferation capabilities of osteoblasts and accelerate the transition process of G 0 /G 1 phase to S phase, as well as enhance mitosis and the regeneration of osteoblasts. Western blotting detection indicated that chlorogenic acid may prohibit the decrease of Bcl-2 and the increase of Bax during apoptosis, thereby inhibiting osteoblast apoptosis and preventing the deterioration of femoral head necrosis. In conclusion, chlorogenic acid at the density of 20 mg/kg is effective in the treatment of hormonal femoral head necrosis, which may be

Cyclosporine A and palmitic acid treatment synergistically induce cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Luo, Yi, E-mail: yi.luo@pfizer.com; Rana, Payal; Will, Yvonne

Immunosuppressant cyclosporine A (CsA) treatment can cause severe side effects. Patients taking immunosuppressant after organ transplantation often display hyperlipidemia and obesity. Elevated levels of free fatty acids have been linked to the etiology of metabolic syndromes, nonalcoholic fatty liver and steatohepatitis. The contribution of free fatty acids to CsA-induced toxicity is not known. In this study we explored the effect of palmitic acid on CsA-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells. CsA by itself at therapeutic exposure levels did not induce detectible cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. Co-treatment of palmitic acid and CsA resulted in a dose dependent increase in cytotoxicity, suggesting thatmore » fatty acid could sensitize cells to CsA-induced cytotoxicity at the therapeutic doses of CsA. A synergized induction of caspase-3/7 activity was also observed, indicating that apoptosis may contribute to the cytotoxicity. We demonstrated that CsA reduced cellular oxygen consumption which was further exacerbated by palmitic acid, implicating that impaired mitochondrial respiration might be an underlying mechanism for the enhanced toxicity. Inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) attenuated palmitic acid and CsA induced toxicity, suggesting that JNK activation plays an important role in mediating the enhanced palmitic acid/CsA-induced toxicity. Our data suggest that elevated FFA levels, especially saturated FFA such as palmitic acid, may be predisposing factors for CsA toxicity, and patients with underlying diseases that would elevate free fatty acids may be susceptible to CsA-induced toxicity. Furthermore, hyperlipidemia/obesity resulting from immunosuppressive therapy may aggravate CsA-induced toxicity and worsen the outcome in transplant patients. -- Highlights: ► Palmitic acid and cyclosporine (CsA) synergistically increased cytotoxicity. ► The impairment of mitochondrial functions may contribute to the enhanced toxicity. ► Inhibition of JNK activity

α-Lipoic acid treatment of aged type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with acute cerebral infarction.

PubMed

Zhao, L; Hu, F-X

2014-01-01

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of α-lipoic acid in the treatment of aged type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated with acute cerebral infarction. 90 patients were randomly divided into two groups, on the basis of conventional treatment. The experiment group was administrated with α-lipoic acid, while only Vitamin C for the control group, for 3 consecutive weeks. Before and after the experiment, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured and scored with the NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), and the changes of blood glucose, insulin function and other indicators were observed. After the treatment, the plasma SOD and GSH-Px levels increased, while MDA decreased (p < 0.05), with statistical significance when compared with the control group (p < 0.01). NIHSS score, blood glucose, blood lipids and HOMA-IA of the experiment group decreased significantly (p < 0.01); and no significant adverse reactions were found in both groups. α-lipoic acid was safe and effective in the treatment of aged T2DM complicated with acute cerebral infarction, significantly reducing the patient's oxidative stress, blood glucose and lipid levels and being able to improve islet function.

Increased colonic bile acid exposure: a relevant factor for symptoms and treatment in IBS.

PubMed

Bajor, Antal; Törnblom, Hans; Rudling, Mats; Ung, Kjell-Arne; Simrén, Magnus

2015-01-01

Bile acids may play a role in the pathogenesis of IBS. We investigated the potential effects of bile acids entering the colon and its role in the symptom pattern in IBS. We measured 75Se-labelled homocholic acid-taurine (75SeHCAT) retention, and serum levels of 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 19 in patients with IBS (n=141) and control subjects (75SeHCAT n=29; C4 and FGF19 n=435). In patients with IBS stool frequency and form, as well as GI symptom severity were registered, and in a proportion of patients colonic transit time and rectal sensitivity were measured (n=66). An 8-week open-label treatment with colestipol was offered to patients with 75SeHCAT <20%, and the effect of treatment was evaluated with IBS severity scoring system and adequate relief of IBS symptoms. Compared with controls, patients with IBS had lower 75SeHCAT values (p=0.005), higher C4c levels (C4 corrected for cholesterol) (p<0.001), but similar FGF19 levels. Abnormal 75SeHCAT retention (<10%) was seen in 18% of patients, whereas 23% had elevated C4c levels. Patients with IBS with 75SeHCAT retention <10% had more frequent stools, accelerated colonic transit time, rectal hyposensitivity, a higher body mass index, higher C4c and lower FGF19 levels. Colestipol treatment improved IBS symptoms (IBS severity scoring system 220±109 vs. 277±106; p<0.01), and 15/27 patients fulfilled criteria for treatment response (adequate relief ≥50% of weeks 5-8). Increased colonic bile acid exposure influences bowel habit and colonic transit time in patients with IBS. A high response rate to open label treatment with colestipol supports this, but placebo-controlled studies are warranted. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Intermittent minodronic acid treatment with sufficient bone resorption inhibition prevents reduction in bone mass and strength in ovariectomized rats with established osteopenia comparable with daily treatment.

PubMed

Kimoto, Aishi; Tanaka, Makoto; Nozaki, Kazutoshi; Mori, Masamichi; Fukushima, Shinji; Mori, Hiroshi; Shiroya, Tsutomu; Nakamura, Toshitaka

2013-07-01

This study examined and compared the effects of four-week intermittent and daily administrations of minodronic acid, a highly potent nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, on bone mineral density (BMD), bone strength, bone turnover, and histomorphometry on established osteopenia in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Fourteen-week-old female F344 rats were OVX or sham-operated. At 12 weeks post surgery, minodronic acid was orally administered once every 4 weeks at 0.2, 1, and 5 mg/kg and once daily at 0.006, 0.03, and 0.15 mg/kg for 12 months. The total dosing amount was comparable between the two dosing regimens. The levels of urinary deoxypyridinoline and serum osteocalcin were measured to assess bone turnover. BMD as assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, bone structure and dynamical changes in vertebral trabecula and biomechanical properties were measured ex vivo at 12 months to assess bone content and material properties. Minodronic acid dose-dependently ameliorated the decrease in BMD of lumbar vertebrae and the femur in both treatment regimens similarly. Minodronic acid suppressed elevated urinary levels of deoxypyridinoline, a bone resorption marker, and reduced the serum levels of osteocalcin, a bone formation marker. In the mechanical test at 12 months of treatment, minodronic acid dose-dependently ameliorated the reduction in bone strength in femur and vertebral body. There is no significant difference in parameters between the two regimens except maximal load of lower doses in lumbar vertebral body and absorption energy of middle doses in femur. With these parameters with significant differences, values of the intermittent regimen were significantly lower than that of daily repeated regimen. Bone histomorphometric analysis of the lumbar vertebral body showed that minodronic acid significantly ameliorated the decrease in bone mass, trabecular thickness and number, and the increase in trabecular separation, bone resorption indices (Oc.S/BS and N.Oc/BS), and

Maleic acid treatment of biologically detoxified corn stover liquor.

PubMed

Kim, Daehwan; Ximenes, Eduardo A; Nichols, Nancy N; Cao, Guangli; Frazer, Sarah E; Ladisch, Michael R

2016-09-01

Elimination of microbial and enzyme inhibitors from pretreated lignocellulose is critical for effective cellulose conversion and yeast fermentation of liquid hot water (LHW) pretreated corn stover. In this study, xylan oligomers were hydrolyzed using either maleic acid or hemicellulases, and other soluble inhibitors were eliminated by biological detoxification. Corn stover at 20% (w/v) solids was LHW pretreated LHW (severity factor: 4.3). The 20% solids (w/v) pretreated corn stover derived liquor was recovered and biologically detoxified using the fungus Coniochaeta ligniaria NRRL30616. After maleic acid treatment, and using 5 filter paper units of cellulase/g glucan (8.3mg protein/g glucan), 73% higher cellulose conversion from corn stover was obtained for biodetoxified samples compared to undetoxified samples. This corresponded to 87% cellulose to glucose conversion. Ethanol production by yeast of pretreated corn stover solids hydrolysate was 1.4 times higher than undetoxified samples, with a reduction of 3h in the fermentation lag phase. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Occurrence of carboxylic acids in different steps of two drinking-water treatment plants using different disinfectants.

PubMed

Jurado-Sánchez, Beatriz; Ballesteros, Evaristo; Gallego, Mercedes

2014-03-15

The occurrence of 35 aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids within two full scale drinking-water treatment plants was evaluated for the first time in this research. At the intake of each plant (raw water), the occurrence of carboxylic acids varied according to the quality of the water source although in both cases 13 acids were detected at average concentrations of 6.9 and 4.7 μg/L (in winter). In the following steps in each treatment plant, the concentration patterns of these compounds differed depending on the type of disinfectant applied. Thus, after disinfection by chloramination, the levels of the acids remained almost constant (average concentration, 6.3 μg/L) and four new acids were formed (butyric, 2-methylbutyric, 3-hydroxybenzoic and 2-nitrobenzoic) at low levels (1.1-5 μg/L). When ozonation/chlorination was used, the total concentration of the carboxylic acids in the raw water sample (4.7 μg/L) increased up to 6 times (average concentration, 26.3 μg/L) after disinfection and 6 new acids (mainly aromatic) were produced at high levels (3.5-100 μg/L). Seasonal variations of the carboxylic acids under study showed that in both plants, maximum levels of all the analytes were reached in the coldest months (autumn and winter), aromatic acids only being found in those seasons. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Occurrence of neutral and acidic drugs in the effluents of Canadian sewage treatment plants.

PubMed

Metcalfe, Chris D; Koenig, Brenda G; Bennie, Don T; Servos, Mark; Ternes, Thomas A; Hirsch, Roman

2003-12-01

Samples of influent (untreated) and effluent (treated) from 18 sewage treatment plants (STPs) in 14 municipalities in Canada were analyzed for residues of selected prescription and nonprescription drugs. Several neutral and acidic drugs were detected in effluents, including analgesic/anti-inflammatory agents, lipid regulators, and an antiepileptic drug, carbamazepine. Residues were extracted from effluents by solid-phase extraction, followed by either methylation and analysis of acidic drugs by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry or direct analysis of neutral drugs by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Analgesic/anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, as well as the metabolite of acetylsalicyclic acid, salicylic acid, were often detected in final effluents at microg/L concentrations. The acidic lipid regulator, clofibric acid, and the analgesic/anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac were not detected in any final effluent samples, which is not consistent with data from Europe. The precursor to clofibric acid, clofibrate, is not widely prescribed as a lipid regulator in Canada. However, the lipid regulators bezafibrate and gemfibrozil were detected in some samples of influent and effluent. The chemotherapy drugs ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide and the anti-inflammatory phenazone were not detected in influent or effluent samples, but the vasodilator drug pentoxyfylline was detected at ng/L concentrations in some final effluents. The widespread occurrence of carbamazepine at concentrations as high as 2.3 microg/L may be explained by use of this drug for other therapeutic purposes besides treatment of epilepsy and its resistance to elimination in STPs. The rates of elimination of ibuprofen and naproxen appeared to be elevated in STPs with hydraulic retention times for sewage greater than 12 h.

The use of gibberellic acid as a presowing treatment for cherrybark and Nuttall oak acorns

Treesearch

John C. Adams; Joshua P. Adams; R. A. Williams

2010-01-01

The use of gibberellic acid to enhance growth and development in plants has been shown in many species. Gibberellic acid is a naturally occurring hormone that can, in certain concentrations, affect dormancy, flowering, fruit set, growth, frost protection, root formation, and other growth processes. The positive effect on germination by this hormone treatment could help...

Treatment of oxidative stress in brain of ovariectomized rats with omega-3 and lipoic acid.

PubMed

Behling, Camile S; Andrade, Alexey S; Putti, Jordana S; Mahl, Camila D; Hackenhaar, Fernanda S; da Silva, Ana Carolina A; e Silva, Mélany Natuane C; Salomon, Tiago B; Dos Santos, Carla E I; Dias, Johnny F; Benfato, Mara S

2015-12-01

Postmenopausal women are often affected by a group of metabolic disorders related to oxidative stress. Alternative treatments that can improve the quality of life of these women have been the subject of recent studies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response to oxidative stress in the brains of rats following ovariectomy, and to determine enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant responses when the animals received 3 months of dietary supplementation. Ovariectomy produced changes in antioxidant profiles characterized by reductions in glutathione S-transferase activity, H2 O2 consumption, superoxide dismutase activity, and vitamin C levels and increases in protein carbonylation. Docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA) supplementation restored these parameters to normal values and increased values of other antioxidants (glutathione peroxidase and total glutathione). However, DHA supplementation also increased protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation. Eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation produced no changes in antioxidants, but decreased lipid peroxidation. Lipoic acid supplementation increased consumption of H2 O2 and decreased protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that the antioxidant response to omega-3 varies in different tissues, and in this study DHA treatment had a prooxidant effect in the brain. Lipoic acid treatment, on the other hand, had a protective effect, reducing markers of oxidative damage. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Sanitizing with peracetic acid (PAA)- An alternative treatment to use in aquaculture ...?

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Because of the lack of approved treatments for fish disease, disinfectants were tested to treat fish pathogens. One of these substances is peracetic acid (PAA). PAA is an agent used for disinfection in aquaculture, but it must be investigated thoroughly in order to mitigate diseases without harmful ...

Efficacy and Safety of Zoledronic Acid for Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PubMed

Wang, Chao

We conducted a meta-analysis based on eligible studies to assess the efficacy and safety of zoledronic acid treatment for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for eligible studies that assessed the efficacy of zoledronic acid in the prevention of fractures among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The primary outcomes were new vertebral fracture, nonvertebral fracture, and hip fracture. Secondary outcomes were bone mineral density (BMD) and safety outcomes. A fixed-effect or random-effect model was used to pool the estimates according to the heterogeneity among the included studies. Eight randomized controlled trials, involving 13,335 patients, were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled results showed that treatment with zoledronic acid significantly reduced the incidences of nonvertebral fractures, vertebral fractures, and hip fractures, as compared with placebo. Zoledronic acid was also associated with significant improvement in BMD at lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and trochanter. However, the incidence of any adverse events was higher in the zoledronic acid group than that in the control group, and serious adverse events were comparable between the 2 groups. This meta-analysis indicated that zoledronic acid could significantly reduce the fracture risk and increase BMD in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Furthermore, it would not result in serious adverse events. Zoledronic acid could be used as an effective and well-tolerated treatment for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Cryotherapy versus salicylic acid for the treatment of plantar warts (verrucae): a randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

Hewitt, Catherine; Hicks, Kate; Jayakody, Shalmini; Kang’ombe, Arthur Ricky; Stamuli, Eugena; Turner, Gwen; Thomas, Kim; Curran, Mike; Denby, Gary; Hashmi, Farina; McIntosh, Caroline; McLarnon, Nichola; Torgerson, David; Watt, Ian

2011-01-01

Objective To compare the clinical effectiveness of cryotherapy versus salicylic acid for the treatment of plantar warts. Design A multicentre, open, two arm randomised controlled trial. Setting University podiatry school clinics, NHS podiatry clinics, and primary care in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Participants 240 patients aged 12 years and over, with a plantar wart that in the opinion of the healthcare professional was suitable for treatment with both cryotherapy and salicylic acid. Interventions Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen delivered by a healthcare professional, up to four treatments two to three weeks apart. Patient self treatment with 50% salicylic acid (Verrugon) daily up to a maximum of eight weeks. Main outcome measures Complete clearance of all plantar warts at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were (a) complete clearance of all plantar warts at 12 weeks controlling for age, whether the wart had been treated previously, and type of wart, (b) patient self reported clearance of plantar warts at six months, (c) time to clearance of plantar wart, (d) number of plantar warts at 12 weeks, and (e) patient satisfaction with the treatment. Results There was no evidence of a difference between the salicylic acid and cryotherapy groups in the proportions of participants with complete clearance of all plantar warts at 12 weeks (17/119 (14%) v 15/110 (14%), difference 0.65% (95% CI –8.33 to 9.63), P=0.89). The results did not change when the analysis was repeated but with adjustment for age, whether the wart had been treated previously, and type of plantar wart or for patients’ preferences at baseline. There was no evidence of a difference between the salicylic acid and cryotherapy groups in self reported clearance of plantar warts at six months (29/95 (31%) v 33/98 (34%), difference –3.15% (–16.31 to 10.02), P=0.64) or in time to clearance (hazard ratio 0.80 (95% CI 0.51 to 1.25), P=0.33). There was also no evidence of a difference in the number of plantar

Furan formation from fatty acids as a result of storage, gamma irradiation, UV-C and heat treatments.

PubMed

Fan, Xuetong

2015-05-15

The effects of gamma and UV-C irradiation in comparison with thermal processing and storage at 25°C on formation of furan from different fatty acids were investigated. Results showed that furan was generated from polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acid during thermal (120°C, 25 min) and UV-C (11.5 J/cm(2)) treatments. Gamma irradiation (up to 20 kGy) did not induce formation of significant amounts of furan from any of the fatty acids studied. Storage of unsaturated fatty acid emulsions at 25°C for 3 days led to the formation of furan (7-11 ng/mL) even without prior thermal or non-thermal treatments. pH significantly impacted furan formation with >3.5 times more furan formed at pH 9 than at pHs 3 or 6 during 3 days at 25°C. The addition of Trolox, BHA, and propyl gallate had no significant effect on furan formation from linolenic acid while α-tocopherol and FeSO4 promoted furan formation. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Intravenous zoledronic acid for the treatment of osteoporosis: The evidence of its therapeutic effect

PubMed Central

Lewiecki, E Michael

2010-01-01

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mineral density and poor bone quality resulting in reduced bone strength and increased risk of fracture. Oral bisphosphonates, first-line therapy for most patients with osteoporosis, are associated with suboptimal adherence to therapy due to factors that include a complex dosing regimen and gastrointestinal intolerance in some patients. Intravenous bisphosphonates address these limitations through infrequent injectable dosing that assures 100% bioavailability. Intravenous zoledronic acid is the newest bisphosphonate to be approved for the treatment of osteoporosis. Aims: This review assesses the evidence for the therapeutic effects of intravenous zoledronic acid for the treatment of osteoporosis. Evidence review: Zoledronic acid 5 mg administered as an annual 15-min intravenous infusion has been shown to reduce the risk of vertebral fractures, hip fractures, and other fractures in a three-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in women and men with a recent surgical repair of low-trauma hip fracture, it reduced the risk of new clinical fractures and improved survival. In both studies, zoledronic acid was associated with a good safety profile and was generally well tolerated. Zoledronic acid has the potential to improve clinical outcomes by reducing the risk of fracture in patients with osteoporosis. Clinical value: Intravenous zoledronic acid 5 mg every 12 months reduces fracture risk in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis and in women and men with recent low-trauma hip fracture. PMID:20694061

Comparative study of 15% TCA peel versus 35% glycolic acid peel for the treatment of melasma

PubMed Central

Puri, Neerja

2012-01-01

Background: Chemical peels are the mainstay of a cosmetic practitioner's armamentarium because they can be used to treat some skin disorders and can provide aesthetic benefit. Objectives: To compare 15% TCA peel and 35% glycolic acid peel for the treatment of melasma. Material and Methods: We selected 30 participants of melasma aged between 20 and 50 years from the dermatology outpatient department and treated equal numbers with 15% TCA and 35% glycolic acid. Results: Subjective response as graded by the patient showed good or very good response in 70% participants in the glycolic acid group and 64% in the TCA group. Conclusions: There was statistically insignificant difference in the efficacy between the two groups for the treatment of melasma. PMID:23130283

Update on marine omega-3 fatty acids: management of dyslipidemia and current omega-3 treatment options.

PubMed

Weintraub, Howard

2013-10-01

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is currently the primary target in the management of dyslipidemia, and statins are first-line pharmacologic interventions. Adjunct therapy such as niacins, fibrates, bile acid sequestrants, or cholesterol absorption inhibitors may be considered to help reduce cardiovascular risk. This review discusses the need for alternative adjunct treatment options and the potential place for omega-3 fatty acids as such. The cardiovascular benefits of fish consumption are attributed to the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and a variety of omega-3 fatty acid products are available with varied amounts of EPA and DHA. The product types include prescription drugs, food supplements, and medical foods sourced from fish, krill, algal and plant oils or purified from these oils. Two prescription omega-3 fatty acids are currently available, omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters (contains both EPA and DHA ethyl esters), and icosapent ethyl (IPE; contains high-purity EPA ethyl ester). A pharmaceutical containing free fatty acid forms of omega-3 is currently in development. Omega-3 fatty acid formulations containing EPA and DHA have been shown to increase LDL-C levels while IPE has been shown to lower triglyceride levels without raising LDL-C levels, alone or in combination with statin therapy. In addition, recent studies have not been able to demonstrate reduced cardiovascular risk following treatment with fibrates, niacins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, or omega-3 fatty acid formulations containing both EPA and DHA in statin-treated patients; thus, there remains a need for further cardiovascular outcomes studies for adjunct therapy. Copyright © 2013 The Author. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Impact of treatment processes on the removal of perfluoroalkyl acids from the drinking water production chain.

PubMed

Eschauzier, Christian; Beerendonk, Erwin; Scholte-Veenendaal, Petra; De Voogt, Pim

2012-02-07

The behavior of polyfluoralkyl acids (PFAAs) from intake (raw source water) to finished drinking water was assessed by taking samples from influent and effluent of the several treatment steps used in a drinking water production chain. These consisted of intake, coagulation, rapid sand filtration, dune passage, aeration, rapid sand filtration, ozonation, pellet softening, granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, slow sand filtration, and finished drinking water. In the intake water taken from the Lek canal (a tributary of the river Rhine), the most abundant PFAA were PFBA (perfluorobutanoic acid), PFBS (perfluorobutane sulfonate), PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid). During treatment, longer chain PFAA such as PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid) and PFOS were readily removed by the GAC treatment step and their GAC effluent concentrations were reduced to levels below the limits of quantitation (LOQ) (0.23 and 0.24 ng/L for PFOS and PFNA, respectively). However, more hydrophilic shorter chain PFAA (especially PFBA and PFBS) were not removed by GAC and their concentrations remained constant through treatment. A decreasing removal capacity of the GAC was observed with increasing carbon loading and with decreasing carbon chain length of the PFAAs. This study shows that none of the treatment steps, including softening processes, are effective for PFAA removal, except for GAC filtration. GAC can effectively remove certain PFAA from the drinking water cycle.The enrichment of branched PFOS and PFOA isomers relative to non branched isomers during GAC filtration was observed during treatment. The finished water contained 26 and 19 ng/L of PFBA and PFBS. Other PFAAs were present in concentrations below 4.2 ng/L The concentrations of PFAA observed in finished waters are no reason for concern for human health as margins to existing guidelines are sufficiently large.

Combinational treatment with retinoic acid derivatives in non-small cell lung carcinoma in vitro.

PubMed

Choi, Eun Jung; Whang, Young Mi; Kim, Seok Jin; Kim, Hyun Jin; Kim, Yeul Hong

2007-09-01

The growth inhibitory effects of four retinoic acid (RA) derivatives, 9-cis RA, 13-cis RA, N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-HPR), and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) were compared. In addition, the effects of various combinations of these four agents were examined on non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell-lines, and on the expressions of retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs) on these cells. At the clinically achievable concentration of 1 microM, only 4-HPR inhibited the growths of H1299 and H460 cells-lines. However, retinoic acid receptor beta(RAR beta) expression was up-regulated on H460 and H1299 cells treated with 1 microM of ATRA, 13-cis RA, or 9-cis RA. All NSCLC cell lines showed growth inhibition when exposed sequentially to 1 microM ATRA and 0.1 microM 4-HPR. In particular, sequential treatment with 1 microM ATRA or 13-cis RA and 4-HPR markedly inhibited H1703 cell growth; these cells exhibited no basal RAR beta expression and were refractory to 4-HPR. However, in NSCLC cell lines that expressed RAR beta, the expressional levels of RAR beta were up-regulated by ATRA alone and by sequential treatment with ATRA and 4-HPR. 4-HPR was found to be the most active of the four agents in terms of NSCLC growth-inhibition. Moreover, sequential treatments with ATRA or 13-cis RA followed by 4-HPR were found to have synergistic growth-inhibitory effects and to regulate RAR expression.

Efficacy of Lactic Acid, Lactic Acid-Acetic Acid Blends, and Peracetic Acid To Reduce Salmonella on Chicken Parts under Simulated Commercial Processing Conditions.

PubMed

Ramirez-Hernandez, Alejandra; Brashears, Mindy M; Sanchez-Plata, Marcos X

2018-01-01

The poultry processing industry has been undergoing a series of changes as it modifies processing practices to comply with new performance standards for chicken parts and comminuted poultry products. The regulatory approach encourages the use of intervention strategies to prevent and control foodborne pathogens in poultry products and thus improve food safety and protect human health. The present studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial interventions for reducing Salmonella on inoculated chicken parts under simulated commercial processing conditions. Chicken pieces were inoculated by immersion in a five-strain Salmonella cocktail at 6 log CFU/mL and then treated with organic acids and oxidizing agents on a commercial rinsing conveyor belt. The efficacy of spraying with six different treatments (sterile water, lactic acid, acetic acid, buffered lactic acid, acetic acid in combination with lactic acid, and peracetic acid) at two concentrations was evaluated on skin-on and skin-off chicken thighs at three application temperatures. Skinless chicken breasts were used to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of lactic acid and peracetic acid. The color stability of treated and untreated chicken parts was assessed after the acid interventions. The lactic acid and buffered lactic acid treatments produced the greatest reductions in Salmonella counts. Significant differences between the control and water treatments were identified for 5.11% lactic acid and 5.85% buffered lactic acid in both skin-on and skin-off chicken thighs. No significant effect of treatment temperature for skin-on chicken thighs was found. Lactic acid and peracetic acid were effective agents for eluting Salmonella cells attached to chicken breasts.

Q-switched Nd: YAG laser versus trichloroacetic acid peeling in the treatment of melasma among Egyptian patients.

PubMed

Moubasher, Alaa E A; Youssef, Eman M K; Abou-Taleb, Doaa A E

2014-08-01

Melasma is a common disorder of facial hyperpigmentation that is often resistant to treatment. To evaluate the efficacy of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling in comparison with double frequency Q-switched neodymium-doped:yttrium aluminum garnet (QS-Nd:YAG) laser in the treatment of melasma. Sixty-five adult Egyptian female patients with melasma were enrolled in this study. Wood light was used for determination of the histological type of melasma. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to treatment modalities: peeling with different concentrations of TCA and double frequency QS-Nd:YAG laser. Trichloroacetic acid peeling was performed every 2 weeks up to 8 sessions, whereas laser treatment was performed every month up to 6 sessions. Melasma area and severity index (MASI) score was used before and after treatment for evaluation. Improvement percentage of MASI score was significantly higher among patients treated with TCA 25% (p < .001). Epidermal type of melasma was significantly improved compared with the dermal type (p = .0029). Q-switched neodymium-doped:yttrium aluminum garnet laser showed the highest incidence of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (53.3%). Trichloroacetic acid peeling is effective in the treatment of melasma, TCA 25% was the most effective concentration. Q-switched neodymium-doped:yttrium aluminum garnet laser is not recommended in the treatment of melasma because it was associated with the highest incidence of complications.

Short communication: rearrangement of rumenic Acid in ruminant fats: a marker of thermal treatment.

PubMed

Destaillats, F; Japiot, C; Chouinard, P Y; Arul, J; Angers, P

2005-05-01

Rumenic (cis-9,trans-11 18:2) acid is the main conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomer in milk and other ruminant fats. Anhydrous regular and high-CLA butterfats were heated at 200 degrees C for 2, 4, and 6 h under atmospheric conditions. [1,5] Sigmatropic isomerization of rumenic acid occurred, resulting in the formation of trans-8,cis-10 18:2 acid, as determined by mass spectrometry of its 4,4-dimethyloxazoline derivative. Rate of isomerization was monitored by gas-liquid chromatography, using a 120-m capillary column coated with 70% equivalent cyanoalkylpolysiloxane polymer, and reaction was of first order. Furthermore, [1,5] sigmatropic rearrangement product analysis can be used as an indicator of heat treatment of natural fats and oils containing CLA.

Effects of high pressure treatment and temperature on lipid oxidation and fatty acid composition of yak (Poephagus grunniens) body fat.

PubMed

Wang, Qiang; Zhao, Xin; Ren, Yanrong; Fan, Enguo; Chang, Haijun; Wu, Hongbin

2013-08-01

Effects of high-pressure treatment (100 MPa to 600 MPa) on lipid oxidation and composition of fatty acids in yak body fat at 4 °C and 15 °C were investigated for up to 20 days storage. 400 and 600 MPa treatments increase the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) 335% and 400% (p<0.05), respectively. Composition analysis shows that 600 MPa treatment induces a lower (p<0.05) percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and C22:6 decreased significantly. A significant decrease in PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 PUFA values was observed at the end of storage. Samples treated at the lower pressures gave good sensory acceptability. It is concluded that a higher-pressure treatment is important in catalyzing lipid oxidation and the evolution of fatty acids in pressure-treated yak body fat. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A randomized clinical trial of high eicosapentaenoic acid omega-3 fatty acids and inositol as monotherapy and in combination in the treatment of pediatric bipolar spectrum disorders: a pilot study.

PubMed

Wozniak, Janet; Faraone, Stephen V; Chan, James; Tarko, Laura; Hernandez, Mariely; Davis, Jacqueline; Woodworth, K Yvonne; Biederman, Joseph

2015-11-01

We conducted a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of high eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 fatty acids and inositol as monotherapy and in combination in children with bipolar spectrum disorders. Participants were children 5-12 years of age meeting DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for bipolar spectrum disorders (bipolar I or II disorder or bipolar disorder not otherwise specified [NOS]) and displaying mixed, manic, or hypomanic symptoms. Subjects with severe illness were excluded. Subjects were randomized to 1 of 3 treatment arms: inositol plus placebo, omega-3 fatty acids plus placebo, and the combined active treatment of omega-3 fatty acids plus inositol. Data were collected from February 2012 to November 2013. Twenty-four subjects were exposed to treatment (≥ 1 week of study completed) (inositol [n = 7], omega-3 fatty acids [n = 7], and omega-3 fatty acids plus inositol [n =10]). Fifty-four percent of the subjects completed the study. Subjects randomized to the omega-3 fatty acids plus inositol arm had the largest score decrease comparing improvement from baseline to end point with respect to the Young Mania Rating Scale (P < .05). Similar results were found for the Children's Depression Rating Scale (P < .05) and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (P <.05). Results of this pilot randomized, double-blind, controlled trial suggest that the combined treatment of omega-3 fatty acids plus inositol reduced symptoms of mania and depression in prepubertal children with mild to moderate bipolar spectrum disorders. Results should be interpreted in light of limitations, which include exclusion of severely ill subjects, 54% completion rate, and small sample size. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01396486. © Copyright 2015 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.

Inhaled Pyrazinoic Acid Esters for the Treatment of Tuberculosis.

PubMed

Young, E F; Perkowski, E; Malik, S; Hayden, J D; Durham, P G; Zhong, L; Welch, J T; Braunstein, Miriam S; Hickey, Anthony J

2016-10-01

Analog development of existing drugs and direct drug delivery to the lungs by inhalation as treatments for multiple and extensively drug resistant (MDR and XDR) tuberculosis (TB) represent new therapeutic strategies. Pyrazinamide (PZA) is critical to drug sensitive TB therapy and is included in regimens for MDR TB. However, PZA-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains threaten its use. Pyrazinoic acid esters (PAEs) are PZA analogs effective against Mtb in vitro, including against the most common PZA resistant strains. However, PAEs require testing for TB efficacy in animal models. PAEs were delivered daily as aqueous dispersions from a vibrating mesh nebulizer to Mtb infected guinea pigs for 4 weeks in a regimen including orally administered first-line TB drugs. PAEs tested as a supplement to oral therapy significantly reduced the organ bacterial burden in comparison to infected, untreated control animals. Thus, PAE aerosol therapy is a potentially significant addition to the regimen for PZA resistant MDR-TB and XDR-TB treatment. Interestingly, low dose oral PZA treatment combined with standard therapy also reduced bacterial burden. This observation may be important for PZA susceptible disease treatment. The present study justifies further evaluation of PZA analogs and their lung delivery to treat TB.

Comparative study of therapeutic effects of 20% azelaic acid and hydroquinone 4% cream in the treatment of melasma.

PubMed

Farshi, Susan

2011-12-01

  Melasma is an irregular brown or grayish-brown symmetric facial hypermelanosis, often affecting women, especially those living in areas with intense ultraviolet radiation.   Comparison of therapeutic effects of 20% azelaic acid and 4% hydroquinone cream in the treatment of melasma.   Twenty-nine women with melasma were recruited. Fifteen patients were treated with 4% hydroquinone cream and 14 patients were treated with azelaic acid cream for 2 months. The cream was applied twice daily. A broad-spectrum sunscreen was used concomitantly by both groups. The Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) scores were determined prior to treatment and at each follow-up.   The mean MASI score before treatment was 7.2 ± 3.2 in the hydroquinone group and 7.6 ± 3.5 in the azelaic acid group, with no significant difference between them (t-test, CI 95% = -2.9 to 2.2). One month after treatment, the mean MASI score reached 6.7 ± 3.4 with hydroquinone and 6.3 ± 3.4 with azelaic acid with no significant difference between them (t-test, CI 95% = -2.2 to 3). After 2 months' treatment, the MASI score was 6.2 ± 3.6 with hydroquinone and 3.8 ± 2.8 with azelaic acid, a significant statistical difference (t-test, CI 95% = 0.03-4.9).   In conclusion, this study suggests that 20% azelaic acid cream applied twice daily may be more effective than hydroquinone 4% in reducing mild melasma. However, because this was an open trial, it is suggested that further studies involving large groups of patients be conducted to achieve a more conclusive result. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The EVERT (effective verruca treatments) trial protocol: a randomised controlled trial to evaluate cryotherapy versus salicylic acid for the treatment of verrucae.

PubMed

Cockayne, E Sarah

2010-02-08

Verrucae are a common, infectious and sometimes painful problem. The optimal treatment for verrucae is unclear due to a lack of high quality randomised controlled trials. The primary objective of this study is to compare the clinical effectiveness of two common treatments for verrucae: cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen versus salicylic acid. Secondary objectives include a comparison of the cost-effectiveness of the treatments, and an investigation of time to clearance of verrucae, recurrence/clearance of verrucae at six months, patient satisfaction with treatment, pain associated with treatment, and use of painkillers for the treatments. This is an open, pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial with two parallel groups: cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen delivered by a healthcare professional for a maximum of 4 treatments (treatments 2-3 weeks apart) or daily self-treatment with 50% salicylic acid for a maximum of 8 weeks. Two hundred and sixty-six patients aged 12 years and over with a verruca are being enrolled into the study. The primary outcome is complete clearance of all verrucae as observed on digital photographs taken at 12 weeks compared with baseline and assessed by an independent healthcare professional. Secondary outcomes include self-reported time to clearance of verrucae, self-reported clearance of verrucae at 6 months, cost-effectiveness of the treatments compared to one another, and patient acceptability of both treatments including possible side effects such as pain. The primary analysis will be intention to treat. It is planned that recruitment will be completed by December 2009 and results will be available by June 2010. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN18994246.

Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment in patients with cystic fibrosis at risk for liver disease.

PubMed

Siano, Maria; De Gregorio, Fabiola; Boggia, Bartolo; Sepe, Angela; Ferri, Pasqualina; Buonpensiero, Paolo; Di Pasqua, Antonio; Raia, Valeria

2010-06-01

Meconium ileus has been detected as a risk factor for development of liver disease in cystic fibrosis, with influence on morbidity and mortality. To evaluate the effect of early treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid in patients with cystic fibrosis and meconium ileus to prevent chronic hepatic involvement and to explore the potential role of therapy on clinical outcomes. 26 cystic fibrosis patients with meconium ileus (16 M, mean age 8,4 years, range 3,5-9) were assigned to two groups: group 1 (14 patients) treated early with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCAe); group 2 (12 patients) treated with ursodeoxycholic acid at the onset of cystic fibrosis liver disease (UDCAd). Anthropometric data, pulmonary function tests, pancreatic status, complications such as diabetes, hepatic involvement and Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonisation were compared among groups. A higher prevalence of cystic fibrosis chronic liver disease was observed in the UDCAd group with a statistically significant difference at 9 years of age (p<0.05). Chronic infection by P. aeruginosa was found in 7% of UDCAe and 33% of UDCAd (p<0.05). No differences were observed in nutritional status and other complications. Early treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid may be beneficial in patients at risk of developing cystic fibrosis chronic liver disease such as those with meconium ileus. Multicentre studies should be encouraged to confirm these data. Copyright 2009 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Compounds formed by treatment of corn (Zea mays) with nitrous acid.

PubMed

Archer, M C; Hansen, T J; Tannenbaum, S R

1980-01-01

Nitrohexane has been identified as a major product formed following treatment of corn (Zea mays) with nitrous acid. Preliminary evidence suggests that another compound isolated from the nitrosated corn is an unsaturated nitrolic acid. As an aid to the analysis of N-nitro compounds, we have characterized the response of a chemiluminescence detector (Thermal Energy Analyzer) as a function of pyrolysis chamber temperature for several nitrosamines and for an aliphatic C-nitroso compound, an aromatic C-nitro compound, a nitramine and an alkyl nitrite. The response-temperature profiles are valuable in distinguishing among the various compounds and in optimizing the sensitivity of the detector for use in chromatography. Other tests, including photolysis and stability toward nitrite-scavenging reagents, further aid in distinguishing among the various compounds.

Neuroprotective Mechanisms Activated in Non-seizing Rats Exposed to Sarin

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-04

after kainic acid-induced seizures. Brain Res. 1424, 1–8. Johnson, E.A., Kan, R.K., 2010. The acute phase response and soman-induced status epilepticus ...2011. Comparison of status epilepticus models induced by pilocarpine and nerve agents – a systematic review of the underlying aetiology and adopted...2007) Nqo2 Loss of Nqo1 and Nqo2 leads to altered intracellular redox status , decreased expression and activation of NF-κB, and altered

Treatment of vinasse from tequila production using polyglutamic acid.

PubMed

Carvajal-Zarrabal, Octavio; Nolasco-Hipólito, Cirilo; Barradas-Dermitz, Dulce Ma; Hayward-Jones, Patricia M; Aguilar-Uscanga, Ma Guadalupe; Bujang, Kopli

2012-03-01

Vinasse, the wastewater from ethanol distillation, is characterised by high levels of organic and inorganic matter, high exit process temperature (ca. 90°C) and low pH (3.0-4.5). In this study, the treatment of tequila vinasse was achieved by a flocculation-coagulation process using poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA). Results showed that the use of PGA (250-300 ppm) combined with sodium hypochlorite and sand filtration managed to remove about 70% of the turbidity and reduced chemical oxygen demand (COD) by 79.5% with the extra benefit of colour removal. PGA showed its best flocculating activity at pH 2.5-3.5 and a temperature of 30-55°C. Such a treatment may be a solution for small tequila companies for which other solutions to deal with their vinasse may not be economically affordable. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

E-p-Methoxycinnamic acid protects cultured neuronal cells against neurotoxicity induced by glutamate

PubMed Central

Kim, So Ra; Sung, Sang Hyun; Jang, Young Pyo; Markelonis, George J; Oh, Tae H; Kim, Young Choong

2002-01-01

We previously reported that four new phenylpropanoid glycosides and six known cinnamate derivatives isolated from roots of Scrophularia buergeriana Miquel (Scrophulariaceae) protected cultured cortical neurons from neurotoxicity induced by glutamate. Here, we have investigated the structure-activity relationships in the phenylpropanoids using our primary culture system. The α,β-unsaturated ester moiety and the para-methoxy group in the phenylpropanoids appeared to play a vital role in neuroprotective activity. This suggested that E-p-methoxycinnamic acid (E-p-MCA) might be a crucial component for their neuroprotective activity within the phenylpropanoid compounds. E-p-MCA significantly attenuated glutamate-induced neurotoxicity when added prior to an excitotoxic glutamate challenge. The neuroprotective activity of E-p-MCA appeared to be more effective in protecting neurons against neurotoxicity induced by NMDA than from that induced by kainic acid. E-p-MCA inhibited the binding of [propyl-2,3-3H]-CGP39653 and [2-3H]-glycine to their respective binding sites on rat cortical membranes. However, even high concentrations of E-p-MCA failed to inhibit completely [propyl-2,3-3H]-CGP39653 and [2-3H]-glycine binding. Indeed, E-p-MCA diminished the calcium influx that routinely accompanies glutamate-induced neurotoxicity, and inhibited the subsequent overproduction of nitric oxide and cellular peroxide in glutamate-injured neurons. Thus, our results suggest that E-p-MCA exerts significant protective effects against neurodegeneration induced by glutamate in primary cultures of cortical neurons by an action suggestive of partial glutamatergic antagonism. PMID:11877337

LIME TREATMENT LAGOONS TECHNOLOGY FOR TREATING ACID MINE DRAINAGE FROM TWO MINING SITES

EPA Science Inventory

Runoff and drainage from active and inactive mines are someof the most environmentally damaging land uses i the US. Acid Mine drainage (AMD) from mining sites across the country requires treatment because of high metal concentrations that exceed regulatory standards for safe disc...

Intranigral transplants of a GABAergic cell line produce long-term alleviation of established motor seizures.

PubMed

Castillo, Claudia G; Mendoza-Trejo, Soledad; Aguilar, Manuel B; Freed, William J; Giordano, Magda

2008-11-03

We have previously shown that intranigral transplants of immortalized GABAergic cells decrease the number of kainic acid-induced seizures [Castillo CG, Mendoza S, Freed WJ, Giordano M. Intranigral transplants of immortalized GABAergic cells decrease the expression of kainic acid-induced seizures in the rat. Behav Brain Res 2006;171:109-15] in an animal model. In the present study, recurrent spontaneous behavioral seizures were established by repeated systemic injections of this excitotoxin into male Sprague-Dawley rats. After the seizures had been established, cells were transplanted into the substantia nigra. Animals with transplants of control cells (without hGAD67 expression) or with sham transplants showed a death rate of more than 40% over the 12 weeks of observation, whereas in animals with M213-2O CL-4 transplants, the death rate was reduced to less than 20%. The M213-2O CL-4 transplants significantly reduced the percentage of animals showing behavioral seizures; animals with these transplants also showed a lower occurrence of stage V seizures than animals in the other groups. In vivo and in vitro analyses provided evidence that the GABAergic cells show sustained expression of both GAD67 and hGAD67 cDNA, as well as increased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the ventral mesencephalon of transplanted animals. Therefore, transplantation of GABA-producing cells can produce long-term alleviation of behavioral seizures in an animal model.

Prenatal corticosteroid exposure alters early developmental seizures and behavior

PubMed Central

Velíšek, Libor

2011-01-01

In humans, corticosteroids are often administered prenatally to improve lung development in preterm neonates. Studies in exposed children as well as in children, whose mothers experienced significant stress during pregnancy indicate behavioral problems and possible increased occurrence of epileptic spasms. This study investigated whether prenatal corticosteroid exposure alters early postnatal seizure susceptibility and behaviors. On gestational day 15, pregnant rats were injected i.p. with hydrocortisone (2× 10 mg/kg), betamethasone (2× 0.4 mg/kg) or vehicle. On postnatal day (P)15, seizures were induced by flurothyl or kainic acid (3.5 or 5.0 mg/kg). Horizontal bar holding was determined prior to seizures and again on P17. Performance in the elevated plus maze was assessed on P20-22. Prenatal exposure to betamethasone decreased postnatal susceptibility to flurothyl-induced clonic seizures but not to kainic acid-induced seizures. Prenatal hydrocortisone decreased postnatal weight but did not affect seizure susceptibility. Hydrocortisone alone did not affect performance in behavioral tests except for improving horizontal bar holding on P17. A combination of prenatal hydrocortisone and postnatal seizures resulted in increased anxiety. Prenatal exposure to mineralocorticoid receptor blocker canrenoic acid did not attenuate, but surprisingly amplified the effects of hydrocortisone on body weight and significantly worsened horizontal bar performance. Thus, prenatal exposure to excess corticosteroids alters postnatal seizure susceptibility and behaviors. Specific effects may depend on corticosteroid species. PMID:21429712

Safinamide: from molecular targets to a new anti-Parkinson drug.

PubMed

Caccia, C; Maj, R; Calabresi, M; Maestroni, S; Faravelli, L; Curatolo, L; Salvati, P; Fariello, R G

2006-10-10

Ideal treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD) aims at relieving symptoms and slowing disease progression. Of all remedies, levodopa remains the most effective for symptomatic relief, but the medical need for neuroprotectant drugs is still unfulfilled. Safinamide, currently in phase III clinical trials for the treatment of PD, is a unique molecule with multiple mechanisms of action and a very high therapeutic index. It combines potent, selective, and reversible inhibition of MAO-B with blockade of voltage-dependent Na+ and Ca2+ channels and inhibition of glutamate release. Safinamide has neuroprotective and neurorescuing effects in MPTP-treated mice, in the rat kainic acid, and in the gerbil ischemia model. Safinamide potentiates levodopa-mediated increase of DA levels in DA-depleted mice and reverses the waning motor response after prolonged levodopa treatment in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. Safinamide has excellent bioavailability, linear kinetics, and is suitable for once-a-day administration. Therefore, safinamide may be used in PD to reduce l-dopa dosage and also represents a valuable therapeutic drug to test disease-modifying potential.

Short- and long-term changes in sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) gene expression after postharvest jasmonic acid treatment

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Jasmonic acid is a natural plant hormone that induces native defense responses in plants. Sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) root unigenes that were differentially expressed 2 and 60 days after a postharvest jasmonic acid treatment are presented. Data include changes in unigene expression relative to wate...

Synthesis of stable TiO2 nanotubes: effect of hydrothermal treatment, acid washing and annealing temperature.

PubMed

López Zavala, Miguel Ángel; Lozano Morales, Samuel Alejandro; Ávila-Santos, Manuel

2017-11-01

Effect of hydrothermal treatment, acid washing and annealing temperature on the structure and morphology of TiO 2 nanotubes during the formation process was assessed. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis were conducted to describe the formation and characterization of the structure and morphology of nanotubes. Hydrothermal treatment of TiO 2 precursor nanoparticles and acid washing are fundamental to form and define the nanotubes structure. Hydrothermal treatment causes a change in the crystallinity of the precursor nanoparticles from anatase phase to a monoclinic phase, which characterizes the TiO 2 nanosheets structure. The acid washing promotes the formation of high purity nanotubes due to Na + is exchanged from the titanate structure to the hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. The annealing temperature affects the dimensions, structure and the morphology of the nanotubes. Annealing temperatures in the range of 400 °C and 600 °C are optimum to maintain a highly stable tubular morphology of nanotubes. Additionally, nanotubes conserve the physicochemical properties of the precursor Degussa P25 nanoparticles. Temperatures greater than 600 °C alter the morphology of nanotubes from tubular to an irregular structure of nanoparticles, which are bigger than those of the precursor material, i.e., the crystallinity turn from anatase phase to rutile phase inducing the collapse of the nanotubes.

Influence of starter culture ratios and warm room treatment on free fatty acid and amino acid in Swiss cheese.

PubMed

Ji, T; Alvarez, V B; Harper, W J

2004-07-01

Quantification of water-soluble volatile free fatty acids (FFA) and free amino acids (FAA) was performed as a ripening index and an indirect measure of flavor development in Swiss-type cheeses. The objective of this research was to assess the effect of warm room treatment (WRT) and usage ratio of starter cultures, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus helveticus vs. propionibacteria, on the concentration of FFA and FAA in pilot plant-scale Swiss cheese. A capillary gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector was used for the analysis of FFA in Swiss cheese. Free amino acids were analyzed by the Cd-ninhydrin method. Starter culture ratios did not affect development of FAA during the cheese ripening. However, duration of WRT had an effect on the concentration of FAA in the Swiss cheese. Free amino acids increased considerably during WRT. A continuous increase in FAA was shown during 70-d ripening time after WRT. The concentrations of C2:0 and C3:0 fatty acids were affected by starter culture ratios after 2-wk WRT, but these differences had mostly disappeared after 3-wk WRT. Similar concentrations of FFA and FAA reported in previous studies were developed in Swiss cheese with a 3-wk WRT and a 0.33:1 ratio of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus helveticus to propionibacteria.

Effectiveness of chlorine, organic acids and UV treatments in reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Yersinia enterocolitica on apples.

PubMed

Escudero, M E; Velázquez, L; Favier, G; de Guzmán, A M

2003-06-01

This study assessed the effectiveness of 200 and 500 ppm of chlorine and organic acids (0.5% lactic acid and 0.5% citric acid) in wash solutions, and UV radiation for reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Yersinia enterocolitica on apples contaminated by two different methods. Residual levels of these pathogens after different treatments were compared. On dip inoculated apples, Y. enterocolitica reductions of 2.66 and 2.77 logs were obtained with 200 and 500 ppm chlorine combined with 0.5% lactic acid, respectively. The E. coli O157:H7 population decreased 3.35 log with 0.5% lactic acid wash solution, and 2.72 and 2.62 logs after 500 ppm chlorine and 500 ppm chlorine plus 0.5% lactic acid treatments, respectively. Similar reductions were obtained with UV radiation. On spot inoculated apples, significant (p < 0.05) decreases of 4.67 and 4.58 logs were observed in E. coli O157:H7 and Y. enterocolitica levels, respectively, after 500 ppm chlorine plus 0.5% lactic acid treatment as compared with the control. In sectioned apples, microorganisms infiltrated in inner core region and pulp were not significantly (p < 0.05) affected by disinfection treatments. No pathogens were detected in the natural microflora on apples. Reductions such as those obtained with 500 ppm chlorine plus 0.5% lactic acid solution were very proximal to the 5-log score required by FDA for apple disinfection.

Bile acid malabsorption investigated by selenium-75-homocholic acid taurine ((75)SeHCAT) scans: causes and treatment responses to cholestyramine in 298 patients with chronic watery diarrhoea.

PubMed

Borghede, Märta K; Schlütter, Jacob M; Agnholt, Jørgen S; Christensen, Lisbet A; Gormsen, Lars C; Dahlerup, Jens F

2011-12-01

The liver produces and secretes bile acids into the small intestine. In the small intestine, most of the bile acids are absorbed in the distal ileum with portal vein transportation back to the liver and resecretion (enterohepatic recycling). Increased spillover of bile acids from the small intestine into the colon (bile acid malabsorption) may affect the secretion of colonic water and electrolytes and result in watery diarrhoea. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of bile acid malabsorption and treatment responses to cholestyramine with (75)SeHCAT scanning among patients suffering from chronic watery diarrhoea. This was a retrospective study that included all patients who received a (75)SeHCAT scan over a five-year period (2004-2009). In total, 298 patients (198 females, 100 men) with a median age of 42 years (range 16-82 years) were investigated. Bile acid malabsorption ((75)SeHCAT retention<15% after seven days) was identified in 201 patients (68%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 62%-73%). Bile acid malabsorption due to ileal dysfunction (Type I) was found in 77 patients, idiopathic bile acid malabsorption (Type II) was found in 68 patients and 56 patients with other conditions had bile acid malabsorption (Type III). Of the 150 patients who were able to take cholestyramine continuously, 108 patients (71%, CI: 63%-78%) reported a positive effect on their bowel habits. Bile acid malabsorption is a frequent problem in patients with chronic watery diarrhoea. Treatment with bile acid binders was effective regardless of type and severity. Copyright © 2011 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Treatment of palmoplantar warts with a diphencyprone and salicylic acid ointment.

PubMed

Armour, Katherine; Orchard, David

2006-08-01

We report on 50 consecutive suitable patients with one or more palmoplantar warts who were treated with a patient-applied ointment comprising 0.1% diphencyprone and 15% salicylic acid in white soft paraffin. All patients sensitized to diphencyprone were followed up clinically and assessed by patient questionnaire. The intention to treat success rate in this series was 88%. The time to wart clearance ranged from less than 4 weeks to 4 months. In our patient group, 90% rated their treatment as 'excellent' or 'good', whereas 10% stated that the reaction induced by diphencyprone was 'too severe'. Our results are compared with those previously published using diphencyprone in the treatment of palmoplantar warts.

New approach in the treatment of data from an acid-base potentiometric titrationI. Monocomponent systems of monofunctional acids and bases.

PubMed

Maslarska, Vania; Tencheva, Jasmina; Budevsky, Omortag

2003-01-01

Based on precise analysis of the acid-base equilibrium, a new approach in the treatment of experimental data from a potentiometric titration is proposed. A new general formula giving explicitly the relation V=f([H(+)]) is derived, valid for every acid-base titration, which includes mono- and polyfunctional protolytes and their mixtures. The present study is the first practical application of this formula for the simplest case, the analysis of one monofunctional protolyte. The collected mV data during the titration are converted into pH-values by means of an auto pH-calibration procedure, thus avoiding preliminary preparation of the measuring system. The mentioned pH-calibration method is applicable also in water-organic mixtures and allows the quantitative determination of sparingly soluble substances (particularly pharmaceuticals). The treatment of the data is performed by means of ready-to-use software products, which makes the proposed approach accessible for a wide range of applications.

Antiepileptogenic Effect of Subchronic Palmitoylethanolamide Treatment in a Mouse Model of Acute Epilepsy.

PubMed

Post, Julia M; Loch, Sebastian; Lerner, Raissa; Remmers, Floortje; Lomazzo, Ermelinda; Lutz, Beat; Bindila, Laura

2018-01-01

Research on the antiepileptic effects of (endo-)cannabinoids has remarkably progressed in the years following the discovery of fundamental role of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in controlling neural excitability. Moreover, an increasing number of well-documented cases of epilepsy patients exhibiting multi-drug resistance report beneficial effects of cannabis use. Pre-clinical and clinical research has increasingly focused on the antiepileptic effectiveness of exogenous administration of cannabinoids and/or pharmacologically induced increase of eCBs such as anandamide (also known as arachidonoylethanolamide [AEA]). Concomitant research has uncovered the contribution of neuroinflammatory processes and peripheral immunity to the onset and progression of epilepsy. Accordingly, modulation of inflammatory pathways such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was pursued as alternative therapeutic strategy for epilepsy. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous fatty acid amide related to the centrally and peripherally present eCB AEA, and is a naturally occurring nutrient that has long been recognized for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Neuroprotective and anti-hyperalgesic properties of PEA were evidenced in neurodegenerative diseases, and antiepileptic effects in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), maximal electroshock (MES) and amygdaloid kindling models of epileptic seizures. Moreover, numerous clinical trials in chronic pain revealed that PEA treatment is devoid of addiction potential, dose limiting side effects and psychoactive effects, rendering PEA an appealing candidate as antiepileptic compound or adjuvant. In the present study, we aimed at assessing antiepileptic properties of PEA in a mouse model of acute epileptic seizures induced by systemic administration of kainic acid (KA). KA-induced epilepsy in rodents is assumed to resemble to different extents human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) depending on the route of KA administration; intracerebral (i

Influence of fenofibrate treatment on triacylglycerides, diacylglycerides and fatty acids in fructose fed rats.

PubMed

Kopf, Thomas; Schaefer, Hans-Ludwig; Troetzmueller, Martin; Koefeler, Harald; Broenstrup, Mark; Konovalova, Tatiana; Schmitz, Gerd

2014-01-01

Fenofibrate (FF) lowers plasma triglycerides via PPARα activation. Here, we analyzed lipidomic changes upon FF treatment of fructose fed rats. Three groups with 6 animals each were defined as control, fructose-fed and fructose-fed/FF treated. Male Wistar Unilever Rats were subjected to 10% fructose-feeding for 20 days. On day 14, fenofibrate treatment (100 mg/kg p.o.) was initiated and maintained for 7 days. Lipid species in serum were analyzed using mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS; LC-FT-MS, GC-MS) on days 0, 14 and 20 in all three groups. In addition, lipid levels in liver and intestine were determined. Short-chain TAGs increased in serum and liver upon fructose-feeding, while almost all TAG-species decreased under FF treatment. Long-chain unsaturated DAG-levels (36:1, 36:2, 36:4, 38:3, 38:4, 38:5) increased upon FF treatment in rat liver and decreased in rat serum. FAs, especially short-chain FAs (12:0, 14:0, 16:0) increased during fructose-challenge. VLDL secretion increased upon fructose-feeding and together with FA-levels decreased to control levels during FF treatment. Fructose challenge of de novo fatty acid synthesis through fatty acid synthase (FAS) may enhance the release of FAs ≤ 16:0 chain length, a process reversed by FF-mediated PPARα-activation.

Comparison of salicylic acid 30% peel and pneumatic broadband light in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne vulgaris.

PubMed

Thuangtong, Rattapon; Tangjaturonrusamee, Chinmanat; Rattanaumpawan, Pinyo; Ditre, Chérie M

2017-07-01

Acne patients experience not only a medical disease but also an aesthetic condition, and this latter complication greatly motivates patients to seek out the best treatment regimen to hasten improvement in their appearance. The available clinical procedures for acne treatment include salicylic acid 30% peel and pneumatic broadband light (PBBL). The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of salicylic acid 30% peel and PBBL treatments in patients with mild to moderately severe facial acne vulgaris. Twelve patients were recruited for a 12-week prospective, single-blind, randomized, split-face study. Patients were treated with a salicylic acid 30% peel on one side of the face and PBBL treatment was administered on the opposite side of the face for 6 consecutive weeks without other acne treatments. At every visit, treatment evaluations were performed using a modified Global Acne Grading Score (mGAGS), acne quality of life (QOL) questionnaire, Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBPRS) assessments, and clinical photography. Improvement in acne symptoms was observed for both treatment procedures without significant differences and with minimal side effects. Salicylic acid 30% peel and PBBL were well tolerated in our study, and both clinical procedures were efficacious and well-tolerated by the patients.

Targeted Alteration of Dietary Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids for the Treatment of Post Traumatic Headaches

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-01

AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-15-2-0059 TITLE: Targeted Alteration of Dietary Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids for the Treatment of Post -Traumatic...Acids for the Treatment of Post - 5b. GRANT NUMBER Traumatic Headaches 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER Kimbra Kenney, M.D...SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT Post -traumatic headache (PTH) is a common problem in military personnel due to their high rate of traumatic brain

A gaseous acetic acid treatment to disinfect fenugreek seeds and black pepper inoculated with pathogenic and spoilage bacteria.

PubMed

Nei, Daisuke; Enomoto, Katsuyoshi; Nakamura, Nobutaka

2015-08-01

Contamination of spices by pathogenic and/or spoilage bacteria can be deleterious to consumer's health and cause deterioration of foods, and inactivation of such bacteria is necessary for the food industry. The present study examined the effect of gaseous acetic acid treatment in reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Enteritidis and Bacillus subtilis populations inoculated on fenugreek seeds and black pepper. Treatment with gaseous acetic acid at 0.3 mmol/L, 0.6 mmol/L and 4.7 mmol/L for 1-3 h significantly reduced the populations of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Enteritidis on black pepper and fenugreek seeds at 55 °C (p < 0.05). The gas treatments at 4.7 mmol/L were more effective in inactivating the pathogens than the treatment at 0.3 mmol/L. An approximately 5.0 log reduction was obtained after 3 h of treatment with 4.7 mmol/L acetic acid. No significant reductions in the population of B. subtilis spores inoculated on fenugreek seeds and black pepper were obtained after the gas treatments at 0.3 mmol/L or 0.6 mmol/L (p > 0.05). However, the gas treatment at 4.7 mmol/L significantly reduced B. subtilis spores (p < 0.05), and 4.0 log CFU/g and 3.5 log CFU/g reductions on fenugreek seeds and black pepper, respectively, were obtained after 3 h of treatment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of 4% Hydroquinone vs 0.75% Kojic Acid Cream in the Treatment of Facial Melasma.

PubMed

Monteiro, Rochelle C; Kishore, B Nanda; Bhat, Ramesh M; Sukumar, D; Martis, Jacintha; Ganesh, H Kamath

2013-03-01

Melasma is a common acquired cause of facial hyperpigmentation seen predominantly among females with significant psychological and social impact. It is often recalcitrant to treatment. Several topical hypopigmenting agents have been used to combat melasma. Hydroquinone and Kojic Acid are well established monotherapeutic agents for treating melasma. This study focuses mainly on the efficacy of once daily application of 4% Hydroquinone and 0.75% Kojic Acid cream (containing 0.75% Kojic acid and 2.5% vitamin C) so as to determine an effective modality of treatment for facial melasma. A total number of 60 patients with facial melasma attending the Out-patient department of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprosy, Fr. Muller Medical College Hospital, Mangalore from Oct 2008-April 2010 were studied. Patients were allocated alternately to group A and group B. Group A patients received 4% Hydroquinone cream and group B patient received a Kojic Acid cream (which contained 0.75% Kojic acid and 2.5% vitamin C) and were advised to apply topically once daily at night. Patients were followed up on 4(th), 8(th) and 12(th) week. At each visit side effects were noted and clinical response to treatment was calculated using the MASI score. Chi square test, student 't' test. At the 4(th) week post treatment evaluation, facial hyperpigmentation responded early to 4% Hydroquinone cream than to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream. At the end of 12 week treatment period, 4% Hydroquinone cream had an overall superiority to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream as a topical hypopigmenting agent. The results of the study show that 4% Hydroquinone cream is a better topical hypopigmenting agent with rapid rate of clinical improvement when compared to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream.

Results of endovesical hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome.

PubMed

Porru, D; Cervigni, M; Nasta, L; Natale, F; Lo Voi, R; Tinelli, C; Gardella, B; Anghileri, A; Spinillo, A; Rovereto, B

2008-05-01

The aim of our study was to test the effect of a more viscous compound than existent hyaluronic acid formulation in helping to restore a defective glycosaminoglycan layer, and therefore in improving Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome (IC/PBS) symptoms when administered intravesically in IC/PBS patients. A total of 23 female patients completed the study. Patients received endovesical administration of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate in normal saline, 40 ml, weekly for 12 weeks and then bi-weekly for 6 months, if there was initial response. After 12 weeks treatment both Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problem Index (ICSI/ICPI), pelvic pain and Urgency/Frequency Symptom Scale (PUF) showed a mean significant improvement, which was maintained thereafter. The average number of voidings and mean voiding volumes revealed significant improvement after the 12 weeks' treatment period, with a significant reduction and increase, respectively. Mean voiding volume increased from 143 ml to 191, which apparently was not reflected in a corresponding reduction of number of daily voids (from 15,5 to 14). VAS values decreased from 5,4 to 3,6 (pain) and from 6,0 to 3,5 (urgency) after the treatment cycle, showing a significant improvement. In our preliminary experience, the administration of intravesical hyaluronic acid plus chondroitine sulphate appears to be a safe and efficacious method of treatment in IC/PBS.

Differences in phosphatidic acid signalling and metabolism between ABA and GA treatments of barley aleurone cells.

PubMed

Villasuso, Ana Laura; Di Palma, Maria A; Aveldaño, Marta; Pasquaré, Susana J; Racagni, Graciela; Giusto, Norma M; Machado, Estela E

2013-04-01

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is the common lipid product in abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellic acid (GA) response. In this work we investigated the lipid metabolism in response to both hormones. We could detect an in vivo phospholipase D activity (PLD, EC 3.1.4.4). This PLD produced [(32)P]PA (phosphatidic acid) rapidly (minutes) in the presence of ABA, confirming PA involvement in signal transduction, and transiently, indicating rapid PA removal after generation. The presence of PA removal by phosphatidate phosphatase 1 and 2 isoforms (E.C. 3.1.3.4) was verified in isolated aleurone membranes in vitro, the former but not the latter being specifically responsive to the presence of GA or ABA. The in vitro DGPP phosphatase activity was not modified by short time incubation with GA or ABA while the in vitro PA kinase - that allows the production of 18:2-DGPP from 18:2-PA - is stimulated by ABA. The long term effects (24 h) of ABA or GA on lipid and fatty acid composition of aleurone layer cells were then investigated. An increase in PC and, to a lesser extent, in PE levels is the consequence of both hormone treatments. ABA, in aleurone layer cells, specifically activates a PLD whose product, PA, could be the substrate of PAP1 and/or PAK activities. Neither PLD nor PAK activation can be monitored by GA treatment. The increase in PAP1 activity monitored after ABA or GA treatment might participate in the increase in PC level observed after 24 h hormone incubation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Content and traffic of taurine in hippocampal reactive astrocytes.

PubMed

Junyent, Fèlix; De Lemos, Luisa; Utrera, Juana; Paco, Sonia; Aguado, Fernando; Camins, Antoni; Pallàs, Mercè; Romero, Rafael; Auladell, Carme

2011-02-01

Taurine is one of the most abundant free amino acids in the mammalian central nervous system, where it is crucial to proper development. Moreover, taurine acts as a neuroprotectant in various diseases; in epilepsy, for example, it has the capacity to reduce or abolish seizures. In the present study, taurine levels has been determine in mice treated with Kainic Acid (KA) and results showed an increase of this amino acid in hippocampus but not in whole brain after 3 and 7 days of KA treatment. This increase occurs when gliosis was observed. Moreover, taurine transporter (TAUT) was found in astrocytes 3 and 7 days after KA treatment, together with an increase in cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase (csd) mRNA, that codifies for the rate-limiting enzyme of taurine synthesis, in the hippocampus at the same times after KA treatment. Glial cultures enriched in astrocytes were developed to demonstrate that these cells are responsible for changes in taurine levels after an injury to the brain. The cultures were treated with proinflammatory cytokines to reproduce gliosis. In this experimental model, an increase in the immunoreactivity of GFAP was observed, together with an increase in CSD and taurine levels. Moreover, an alteration in the taurine uptake-release kinetics was detected in glial cells treated with cytokine. All data obtained indicate that astrocytes could play a key role in taurine level changes induced by neuronal damage. More studies are, therefore, needed to clarify the role taurine has in relation to neuronal death and repair. Copyright © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Proteomic analysis of the molecular response of Raji cells to maslinic acid treatment.

PubMed

Yap, W H; Khoo, K S; Lim, S H; Yeo, C C; Lim, Y M

2012-01-15

Maslinic acid, a natural pentacyclic triterpene has been shown to inhibit growth and induce apoptosis in some tumour cell lines. We studied the molecular response of Raji cells towards maslinic acid treatment. A proteomics approach was employed to identify the target proteins. Seventeen differentially expressed proteins including those involved in DNA replication, microtubule filament assembly, nucleo-cytoplasmic trafficking, cell signaling, energy metabolism and cytoskeletal organization were identified by MALDI TOF-TOF MS. The down-regulation of stathmin, Ran GTPase activating protein-1 (RanBP1), and microtubule associated protein RP/EB family member 1 (EB1) were confirmed by Western blotting. The study of the effect of maslinic acid on Raji cell cycle regulation showed that it induced a G1 cell cycle arrest. The differential proteomic changes in maslinic acid-treated Raji cells demonstrated that it also inhibited expression of dUTPase and stathmin which are known to induce early S and G2 cell cycle arrests. The mechanism of maslinic acid-induced cell cycle arrest may be mediated by inhibiting cyclin D1 expression and enhancing the levels of cell cycle-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p21 protein. Maslinic acid suppressed nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity which is known to stimulate expression of anti-apoptotic and cell cycle regulatory gene products. These results suggest that maslinic acid affects multiple signaling molecules and inhibits fundamental pathways regulating cell growth and survival in Raji cells. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

[PREPARATIONS OF PAMIDRONOVIC ACID IN COMPLEX TREATMENT ON OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA].

PubMed

Zyma, A M; Guk, Yu M; Magomedov, O M; Gayko, O G; Kincha-Polishchuk, T A

2015-07-01

Modern view of drug therapy in the complex treatment of orthopedic manifestations of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) was submitted. Developed and tested system of drug correction of structural and functional state of bone tissue (BT) using drugs pamidronovic acid, depending on osteoporosis severity and type of disease. Such therapy is appropriate to apply both independently and in conjunction with surgery to correct deformations of long bones of the lower extremities. Effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed methods of drug therapy was proved, most patients resume features walking and support.

Effect of quarantine treatments on the carbohydrate and organic acid content of mangoes (cv. Tommy Atkins)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cruz, J. N.; Soares, C. A.; Fabbri, A. D. T.; Cordenunsi, B. R.; Sabato, S. F.

2012-08-01

Brazil is one of the largest mango producers and the third largest mango exporter worldwide. Irradiation treatment and its commercial feasibility have been studied in our country to make it possible to develop new markets and, consequently, to compete with the major exporters of mangoes, Mexico and India. This work was designed to compare irradiation treatment with the hot water dip treatment in mangoes cv. Tommy Atkins for export and to verify that the main attributes for acceptance, color and texture, as well as carbohydrate and organic acid contents, were maintained. In this study, the fruit was divided into groups: control, hot water dip-treated (46 °C for 90 min), and irradiation-treated at doses of 0.4 kGy and 1.0 kGy. The fruit was stored at low temperature (11 °C±2) for 14 days and then at room temperature (23 °C±2) until the end of the study. The results indicated that the fruit given a dose of 1.0 kGy remained in a less advanced stage of ripening (stage 3) throughout the storage period, but experienced a greater loss of texture in the beginning of the experiment. It was noted that only the control group had higher levels of citric acid and succinic acid on the last day of the experiment. There were no significant differences in the total sugar content between any treatment groups. Gamma radiation can be used as a quarantine treatment and does not interfere negatively with the quality attributes of mangoes.

Copper-Sulfate Pentahydrate as a Product of the Waste Sulfuric Acid Solution Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marković, Radmila; Stevanović, Jasmina; Avramović, Ljiljana; Nedeljković, Dragutin; Jugović, Branimir; Stajić-Trošić, Jasna; Gvozdenović, Milica

2012-12-01

The aim of this study is synthesis of copper-sulfate pentahydrate from the waste sulfuric acid solution-mother liquor generated during the regeneration process of copper bleed solution. Copper is removed from the mother liquor solution in the process of the electrolytic treatment using the insoluble lead anodes alloyed with 6 mass pct of antimony on the industrial-scale equipment. As the result of the decopperization process, copper is removed in the form of the cathode sludge and is precipitated at the bottom of the electrolytic cell. By this procedure, the content of copper could be reduced to the 20 mass pct of the initial value. Chemical characterization of the sludge has shown that it contains about 90 mass pct of copper. During the decopperization process, the very strong poison, arsine, can be formed, and the process is in that case terminated. The copper leaching degree of 82 mass pct is obtained using H2SO4 aqueous solution with the oxygen addition during the cathode sludge chemical treatment at 80 °C ± 5 °C. Obtained copper salt satisfies the requirements of the Serbian Standard for Pesticide, SRPS H.P1. 058. Therefore, the treatment of waste sulfuric acid solutions is of great economic and environmental interest.

A STUDY COMPARING CHEMICAL PEELING USING MODIFIED JESSNER'S SOLUTION AND 15%TRICHLOROACETIC ACID VERSUS 15% TRICHLOROACETIC ACID IN THE TREATMENT OF MELASMA

PubMed Central

Safoury, Omar Soliman; Zaki, Nagla Mohamed; El Nabarawy, Eman Ahmad; Farag, Eman Abas

2009-01-01

Background: Melasma is a symmetric progressive hyperpigmentation of the facial skin that occurs in all races but has a predilection for darker skin phenotypes. Depigmenting agents, laser and chemical peeling as classic Jessner's solution, modified Jessner's solution and trichloroacetic acid have been used alone and in combination in the treatment of melasma. Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the therapeutic effect of combined 15% Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and modified Jessner's solution with 15% TCA on melasma. Materials and Methods: Twenty married females with melasma (epidermal type), with a mean age of 38.25 years, were included in this study. All were of skin type III or IV. Fifteen percent TCA was applied to the whole face, with the exception of the left malar area to which combined TCA 15% and modified Jessner's solution was applied. Results: Our results revealed statistically highly significant difference between MASI Score (Melasma Area and Severity Index) between the right malar area and the left malar area. Conclusion: Modified Jessner's solution proved to be useful as an adjuvant treatment with TCA in the treatment of melasma, improving the results and minimizing postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. PMID:20049268

Combined Treatment with Hyaluronic Acid and Mesalamine Protects Rats from Inflammatory Bowel Disease Induced by Intracolonic Administration of Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid.

PubMed

Chiu, Chih-Tung; Kuo, Sheng-Nan; Hung, Shao-Wen; Yang, Cheng-Yao

2017-05-30

Drugs such as mesalamine (5-ASA) are currently recommended for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To reduce the frequency of their administration and improve their therapeutic effect, this study investigated the adhesion efficacy, wound healing promotion, and decrease in inflammation in ulcers in the colonic tissue of rats with colitis after combined treatment with hyaluronic acid (HA) and 5-ASA (IBD98-M). HA-fluoresceinamine (FL) conjugates successfully adhered to the mucosal layer and were conjugated in the vascular tissue. In addition, macroscopic and microscopic observations indicated that colonic injuries reduced significantly after treatment with IBD98-M. Compared with PBS and 5-ASA treatment alone, treatment with IBD98-M more effectively reduced bowel inflammation and promoted colonic mucosal healing in TNBS-induced colitis. IBD98-M treatment also reduced myeloperoxidase activity and the expression levels of cyclooxygenase 2 and tumor necrosis factor-αin the colitis tissue. In conclusion, IBD98-M treatment strongly promoted wound healing in colonic injuries and significantly inhibited MPO activity in the inflamed colon tissue of rats. Combined treatment with HA and 5-ASA can accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammatory reaction in rat colitis.

Treatment with docosahexaenoic acid after hypoxia–ischemia improves forepaw placing in a rat model of perinatal hypoxia-ischemia

PubMed Central

Berman, Deborah R; Liu, YiQing; Barks, John; Mozurkewich, Ellen

2010-01-01

Objective Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a dietary fatty acid with neuroprotective properties. We hypothesized that DHA treatment after hypoxia-ischemia (HI) would improve function and reduce brain volume loss in a perinatal rat model. Study design Seven-day-old Wistar rat pups from 7 litters (N=84) underwent right carotid ligation, followed by 8% O2 for 90 minutes. Fifteen minutes after HI, pups were divided into 3 treatment groups (intraperitoneal injections of DHA 1, 2.5 or 5 mg/kg) and 2 control groups (25% albumin or saline). At 14 days, rats underwent vibrissae-stimulated forepaw placing testing, and bilateral regional volumes were calculated for cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and hemisphere. Results Post HI treatment with DHA significantly improved vibrissae forepaw placing (complete responses: 8.5±2 treatment vs. 7.4±2 controls; normal=10; p = 0.032, t-test). Post injury DHA treatment did not attenuate brain volume loss in any region. Conclusion Post-hypoxia-ischemia DHA treatment significantly improves functional outcome. PMID:20691409

Effectiveness, safety, and effect on quality of life of topical salicylic acid peels for treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in dark skin.

PubMed

Joshi, Smita S; Boone, Susan L; Alam, Murad; Yoo, Simon; White, Lucile; Rademaker, Alfred; Helenowski, Irene; West, Dennis P; Kundu, Roopal V

2009-04-01

There are no randomized split-face model studies investigating treatments for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) in dark skin. To assess the efficacy, safety, and effect on quality of life of salicylic acid peels for PIH in dark skin. Ten subjects with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes IV to VI were randomized to receive two 20% salicylic acid peels followed by three 30% salicylic acid peels to half of the face. The contralateral half remained untreated. Response was evaluated by photography reviewed by three blinded dermatologists. The Visual Analog Scale, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and treatment quality questionnaire were administered. Improvement of PIH on the treatment side according to each rater (p=.81, p=.81, p=.42) and according to the raters combined (p=.11) approached but did not reach statistical significance. Subjects' Visual Analog Scale scores indicated significantly greater improvement of PIH on the treatment side than in the control (p=.004). Quality of life measured according to the DLQI improved after treatment but not statistically significantly so (p=.13). Treatment had no significant adverse effects. Salicylic acid peels are safe in this population. Although patients rated them as clinically effective, blinded raters found a brief series of peels to have less efficacy. Measured quality of life improved nominally.

EVALUATION OF PUVASOL AND PUVASOL WITH TOPICAL BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE PLUS SALICYLIC ACID LOTION IN THE TREATMENT OF SCALP PSORIASIS.

PubMed

Kar, P K; Ramasastry, C V; Dhaka, R S

1999-04-01

The efficacy and safety of betamethsone dipropionate 0.05% with salicylic acid 2% scalp lotion was evaluated in 60 patients with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis. Out of 120 patients with scalp psoriasis 60 patients received PUVASOL alone and 60 patients received PUVASOL alongwith lotion 0.05% betamethasone dipropionate with 2% salicylic acid scalp application for 3 weeks. The erythema, induration, scales and pruritus steadily improved in patients throughout the 3 weeks treatment course with betamethasone dipropionate with salicylic acid scalp application. At the end of therapy 84.3% of those patients receiving PUVASOL and betamethasone dipropionate-salicylic acid combination had 75% improvement of their scalp psoriasis versus 34.9% of those patients using PUVASOL alone. Complete clearing of the scalp was seen in 35% patients receiving therapy with topical betamethasone-salicylic acid and 11.6% with PUVASOL alone. Local side effects were primarily burning and stinging in 5 (83%) cases treated with topical betamethasone salicylic acid scalp application and 1 (1.6%) receiving PUVASOL alone. Combined therapy with PUVASOL and topical betamethasone dispropionate 0.05% with salicyclic acid 2% application appears to be safe and an effective treatment for scalp psoriasis.

Enhanced Biocide Treatments with D-amino Acid Mixtures against a Biofilm Consortium from a Water Cooling Tower.

PubMed

Jia, Ru; Li, Yingchao; Al-Mahamedh, Hussain H; Gu, Tingyue

2017-01-01

Different species of microbes form mixed-culture biofilms in cooling water systems. They cause microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and biofouling, leading to increased operational and maintenance costs. In this work, two D-amino acid mixtures were found to enhance two non-oxidizing biocides [tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS) and NALCO 7330 (isothiazoline derivatives)] and one oxidizing biocide [bleach (NaClO)] against a biofilm consortium from a water cooling tower in lab tests. Fifty ppm (w/w) of an equimass mixture of D-methionine, D-leucine, D-tyrosine, D-tryptophan, D-serine, D-threonine, D-phenylalanine, and D-valine (D8) enhanced 15 ppm THPS and 15 ppm NALCO 7330 with similar efficacies achieved by the 30 ppm THPS alone treatment and the 30 ppm NALCO 7330 alone treatment, respectively in the single-batch 3-h biofilm removal test. A sequential treatment method was used to enhance bleach because D-amino acids react with bleach. After a 4-h biofilm removal test, the sequential treatment of 5 ppm bleach followed by 50 ppm D8 achieved extra 1-log reduction in sessile cell counts of acid producing bacteria, sulfate reducing bacteria, and general heterotrophic bacteria compared with the 5 ppm bleach alone treatment. The 10 ppm bleach alone treatment showed a similar efficacy with the sequential treatment of 5 ppm bleach followed by 50 ppm D8. The efficacy of D8 was found better than that of D4 (an equimass mixture of D-methionine, D-leucine, D-tyrosine, and D-tryptophan) in the enhancement of the three individual biocides against the biofilm consortium.

Enhanced Biocide Treatments with D-amino Acid Mixtures against a Biofilm Consortium from a Water Cooling Tower

PubMed Central

Jia, Ru; Li, Yingchao; Al-Mahamedh, Hussain H.; Gu, Tingyue

2017-01-01

Different species of microbes form mixed-culture biofilms in cooling water systems. They cause microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and biofouling, leading to increased operational and maintenance costs. In this work, two D-amino acid mixtures were found to enhance two non-oxidizing biocides [tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS) and NALCO 7330 (isothiazoline derivatives)] and one oxidizing biocide [bleach (NaClO)] against a biofilm consortium from a water cooling tower in lab tests. Fifty ppm (w/w) of an equimass mixture of D-methionine, D-leucine, D-tyrosine, D-tryptophan, D-serine, D-threonine, D-phenylalanine, and D-valine (D8) enhanced 15 ppm THPS and 15 ppm NALCO 7330 with similar efficacies achieved by the 30 ppm THPS alone treatment and the 30 ppm NALCO 7330 alone treatment, respectively in the single-batch 3-h biofilm removal test. A sequential treatment method was used to enhance bleach because D-amino acids react with bleach. After a 4-h biofilm removal test, the sequential treatment of 5 ppm bleach followed by 50 ppm D8 achieved extra 1-log reduction in sessile cell counts of acid producing bacteria, sulfate reducing bacteria, and general heterotrophic bacteria compared with the 5 ppm bleach alone treatment. The 10 ppm bleach alone treatment showed a similar efficacy with the sequential treatment of 5 ppm bleach followed by 50 ppm D8. The efficacy of D8 was found better than that of D4 (an equimass mixture of D-methionine, D-leucine, D-tyrosine, and D-tryptophan) in the enhancement of the three individual biocides against the biofilm consortium. PMID:28861053

Mobilization of Cr(VI) from chromite ore processing residue through acid treatment.

PubMed

Tinjum, James M; Benson, Craig H; Edil, Tuncer B

2008-02-25

Batch leaching studies on chromite ore processing residue (COPR) were performed using acids to investigate leaching of hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), with respect to particle size, reaction time, and type of acid (HNO(3) and H(2)SO(4)). Aqueous Cr(VI) is maximized at approximately 0.04 mol Cr(VI) per kg of dry COPR at pH 7.6-8.1. Cr(VI) mobilized more slowly for larger particles, and the pH increased with time and increased more rapidly for smaller particles, suggesting that rate limitations occur in the solid phase. With H(2)SO(4), the pH stabilized at a higher value (8.8 for H(2)SO(4) vs. 8.0 for HNO(3)) and more rapidly (16 h vs. 30 h), and the differences in pH for different particle sizes were smaller. The acid neutralization capacity (ANC) of COPR is very large (8 mol HNO(3) per kg of dry COPR for a stable eluate pH of 7.5). Changes to the elemental and mineralogical composition and distribution in COPR particles after mixing with acid indicate that Cr(VI)-bearing solids dissolved. However, concentrations of Cr(VI) >2800 mg kg(-1) (>50% of the pre-treatment concentration) were still found after mixing with acid, regardless of the particle size, reaction time, or type of acid used. The residual Cr(VI) appears to be partially associated with poorly-ordered Fe and Al oxyhydroxides that precipitated in the interstitial areas of COPR particles. Remediation strategies that use HNO(3) or H(2)SO(4) to neutralize COPR or to maximize Cr(VI) in solution are likely to require extensive amounts of acid, may not mobilize all of the Cr(VI), and may require extended contact time, even under well-mixed conditions.

A review of omeprazole use in the treatment of acid-related disorders in children.

PubMed

Zimmermann, A E; Walters, J K; Katona, B G; Souney, P E; Levine, D

2001-05-01

Acid peptic disease is a common problem, with a similar prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults and children. The presentation of GERD in infants and children varies from crying, irritability, or sleep disturbance to feeding difficulties, vomiting, or rumination. Helicobacter pylori (HP)-related diseases and gastric and duodenal ulcers are much more common in adults than in children, who are more likely to have gastritis or duodenitis. However, because HP infection is most likely acquired in childhood, treatment of children with endoscopically documented active HP disease may minimize the potential risk for peptic ulcer or gastric cancer in adulthood, although this is yet to be proved. Omeprazole has been shown to be effective in the treatment of acid-related diseases. This paper reviews the literature on the use and administration of omeprazole for the treatment of GERD, peptic ulcer disease, HP infection, and other acid-related conditions in children. Studies were identified through searches of MEDLINE and Science Citation Index for the period 1986 to November 2000, and from the reference lists of identified articles. The search terms used included omeprazole, proton pump inhibitor (PPI), children, pediatrics, routes of administration, GERD, HP infection, esophagitis, and administration. In addition, the manufacturer of omeprazole was asked for relevant unpublished information. Marketed and extemporaneous formulations of omeprazole have been administered to children aged 2 months to 18 years for the treatment of erosive esophagitis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, HP infection, and related conditions at dosages of 5 to 80 mg/d (0.2-3.5 mg/kg/d) for periods ranging from 14 days to 36 months with a low incidence of adverse effects. The initial dose most consistently reported to heal esophagitis and provide relief of symptoms of GERD appears to be 1 mg/kg per day. In uncontrolled clinical trials and case reports to date, omeprazole has been

Evolution of plasma homovanillic acid (HVA) levels during treatment in schizo-affective disorder.

PubMed

Galinowski, A; Castelnau, C; Spreux-Varoquaux, O; Bourdel, M C; Olie, J P; Loo, H; Poirier, M F

2000-11-01

1. Plasma Homovanillic Acid (p HVA) levels were measured by HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) in 5 schizo-affective depressed patients receiving a standardized treatment. (lithium, chlorpromazine and clomipramine) during 4 weeks. 2. Four patients were pretreated, without a washout period. 3. No significant difference was observed between patients and normal controls at baseline. Under treatment, pHVA levels increased (p<0.02) with clinical improvement (MADRS and PANSS scores). 4. Although effects of medications prior to the study period were not controlled, these findings suggest that depressed schizo-affective patients may have normal pHVA levels that increase with clinical improvement, unlike schizophrenic patients whose increased pHVA concentrations decline with neuroleptic treatment.

Seizure tests distinguish intermittent fasting from the ketogenic diet

PubMed Central

Hartman, Adam L.; Zheng, Xiangrong; Bergbower, Emily; Kennedy, Michiko; Hardwick, J. Marie

2010-01-01

Summary Purpose Calorie restriction can be anticonvulsant in animal models. The ketogenic diet was designed to mimic calorie restriction and has been assumed to work by the same mechanisms. We challenged this assumption by profiling the effects of these dietary regimens in mice subjected to a battery of acute seizure tests. Methods Juvenile male NIH Swiss mice received ketogenic diet or a normal diet fed in restricted quantities (continuously or intermittently) for ~ 12 days, starting at 3–4 weeks of age. Seizures were induced by the 6 Hz test, kainic acid, maximal electroshock, or pentylenetetrazol. Results The ketogenic and calorie-restricted diets often had opposite effects depending on the seizure test. The ketogenic diet protected from 6 Hz–induced seizures, whereas calorie restriction (daily and intermittent) increased seizure activity. Conversely, calorie restriction protected juvenile mice against seizures induced by kainic acid, whereas the ketogenic diet failed to protect. Intermittent caloric restriction worsened seizures induced by maximal electroshock but had no effect on those induced by pentylenetetrazol. Discussion In contrast to a longstanding hypothesis, calorie restriction and the ketogenic diet differ in their acute seizure test profiles, suggesting that they have different underlying anticonvulsant mechanisms. These findings highlight the importance of the 6 Hz test and its ability to reflect the benefits of ketosis and fat consumption. PMID:20477852

Differential conserted activity induced regulation of Nogo receptors (1-3), LOTUS and Nogo mRNA in mouse brain.

PubMed

Karlsson, Tobias E; Koczy, Josefin; Brené, Stefan; Olson, Lars; Josephson, Anna

2013-01-01

Nogo Receptor 1 (NgR1) mRNA is downregulated in hippocampal and cortical regions by increased neuronal activity such as a kainic acid challenge or by exposing rats to running wheels. Plastic changes in cerebral cortex in response to loss of specific sensory inputs caused by spinal cord injury are also associated with downregulation of NgR1 mRNA. Here we investigate the possible regulation by neuronal activity of the homologous receptors NgR2 and NgR3 as well as the endogenous NgR1 antagonist LOTUS and the ligand Nogo. The investigated genes respond to kainic acid by gene-specific, concerted alterations of transcript levels, suggesting a role in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, Downregulation of NgR1, coupled to upregulation of the NgR1 antagonist LOTUS, paired with upregulation of NgR2 and 3 in the dentate gyrus suggest a temporary decrease of Nogo/OMgp sensitivity while CSPG and MAG sensitivity could remain. It is suggested that these activity-synchronized temporary alterations may serve to allow structural alterations at the level of local synaptic circuitry in gray matter, while maintaining white matter pathways and that subsequent upregulation of Nogo-A and NgR1 transcript levels signals the end of such a temporarily opened window of plasticity.

Differential Conserted Activity Induced Regulation of Nogo Receptors (1–3), LOTUS and Nogo mRNA in Mouse Brain

PubMed Central

Karlsson, Tobias E.; Koczy, Josefin; Brené, Stefan; Olson, Lars; Josephson, Anna

2013-01-01

Nogo Receptor 1 (NgR1) mRNA is downregulated in hippocampal and cortical regions by increased neuronal activity such as a kainic acid challenge or by exposing rats to running wheels. Plastic changes in cerebral cortex in response to loss of specific sensory inputs caused by spinal cord injury are also associated with downregulation of NgR1 mRNA. Here we investigate the possible regulation by neuronal activity of the homologous receptors NgR2 and NgR3 as well as the endogenous NgR1 antagonist LOTUS and the ligand Nogo. The investigated genes respond to kainic acid by gene-specific, concerted alterations of transcript levels, suggesting a role in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, Downregulation of NgR1, coupled to upregulation of the NgR1 antagonist LOTUS, paired with upregulation of NgR2 and 3 in the dentate gyrus suggest a temporary decrease of Nogo/OMgp sensitivity while CSPG and MAG sensitivity could remain. It is suggested that these activity-synchronized temporary alterations may serve to allow structural alterations at the level of local synaptic circuitry in gray matter, while maintaining white matter pathways and that subsequent upregulation of Nogo-A and NgR1 transcript levels signals the end of such a temporarily opened window of plasticity. PMID:23593344

Contribution of early Alzheimer's Disease-related Pathophysiology to the Development of Acquired epilepsy.

PubMed

Gschwind, Tilo; Lafourcade, Carlos; Gfeller, Tim; Zaichuk, Mariana; Rambousek, Lukas; Knuesel, Irene; Fritschy, Jean-Marc

2018-06-04

Aberrant epileptic activity is detectable at early disease stages in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and in AD mouse models. Here, we investigated in young ArcticAβ mice whether AD-like pathology renders neuronal networks more susceptible to development of acquired epilepsy induced by unilateral intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid (IHK). In this temporal lobe epilepsy model, IHK induces a status epilepticus followed after two weeks by spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS). ArcticAβ mice exhibited more severe status epilepticus and early onset of SRS. This hyperexcitable phenotype was characterized in CA1 neurons by decreased synaptic strength, increased kainic acid-induced LTP, and reduced frequency of spontaneous inhibitory currents. However, no difference in neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, axonal reorganization or adult neurogenesis was observed in ArcticAβ mice compared to wildtype littermates following IHK-induced epileptogenesis. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression was reduced at baseline and its IHK-induced elevation in mossy fibers and granule cells was attenuated. However, although this alteration might underlie premature seizure onset, neutralization of soluble Aβ species by intracerebroventricular Aβ-specific antibody application mitigated the hyperexcitable phenotype of ArcticAβ mice and prevented early SRS onset. Therefore, development of seizures at early stages of AD is mediated primarily by Aβ species causing widespread changes in synaptic function. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

A review of treatment strategies for hydrofluoric acid burns: current status and future prospects.

PubMed

Wang, Xingang; Zhang, Yuanhai; Ni, Liangfang; You, Chuangang; Ye, Chunjiang; Jiang, Ruiming; Liu, Liping; Liu, Jia; Han, Chunmao

2014-12-01

Hydrofluoric acid (HF), a dangerous inorganic acid, can cause severe corrosive effects and systemic toxicity. HF enters the human body via where it contacts, such as skin and mucosa, alimentary and respiratory tracts, and ocular surfaces. In the recent years, the incidence of HF burn has tended to increase over time. The injury mechanism of HF is associated primarily with the massive absorption of HF and the release of hydrogen ions. Correct diagnosis and timely treatment are especially important for HF burns. The critical procedure to treat HF burn is to prevent on-going HF absorption, and block the progressive destruction caused by fluoride ions. Due to the distinct characteristics of HF burns, the topical treatment, as well as systemic support, has been emphasised. Whereas, management of patients with HF burns remains a great challenge in some situations. To date, there has been no widely accepted protocol for the rescue of HF burns, partly due to the diversity of HF burns. This paper overviews the current status and problems of treatment strategies for HF burns, for the purpose of promoting the future researches and improvement. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Effect of zoledronic acid used in the root surface treatment of late replanted teeth: a study in rats.

PubMed

Mori, Graziela Garrido; Janjacomo, Daniela Maria de Mendonça; Nunes, Daniele Clapes; Castilho, Lithiene Ribeiro

2010-01-01

This study evaluated the use of zoledronic acid, a resorption inhibitor, as a medication for root resorption treatment of late replanted teeth. Twenty-four maxillary right central incisors of rats were avulsed and kept dry for 30 min. Then, the teeth were divided into 2 groups. In group I, root surface was treated with 2% sodium fluoride for 20 min; in group II, 10-6M zoledronic acid solution was used for 20 min. All root canals were filled with calcium hydroxide. Next, teeth were replanted in their respective sockets. After 15 and 60 days post-replantation, the animals were killed and the anatomic pieces were obtained and prepared for microscopic and morphometric analyses. The results showed that zoledronic acid was capable of limiting the occurrence of root resorption and preserving cementum resorption. Further research must be performed to confirm the use of zoledronic acid in root surface treatment of late replanted teeth.

Surface modification of polylactic acid films by atmospheric pressure plasma treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kudryavtseva, V. L.; Zhuravlev, M. V.; Tverdokhlebov, S. I.

2017-09-01

A new approach for the modification of polylactic acid (PLA) materials using atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) is described. PLA films plasma exposure time was 20, 60, 120 s. The surface morphology and wettability of the obtained PLA films were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the sitting drop method. The atmospheric pressure plasma increased the roughness and surface energy of PLA film. The wettability of PLA has been improved with the application of an atmospheric plasma surface treatment. It was shown that it is possible to obtain PLA films with various surface relief and tunable wettability. Additionally, we demonstrated that the use of cold atmospheric pressure plasma for surface activation allows for the immobilization of bioactive compounds like hyaluronic acid (HA) on the surface of obtained films. It was shown that composite PLA-HA films have an increased long-term hydrophilicity of the films surface.

Parallel Electrochemical Treatment System and Application for Identifying Acid-Stable Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts

DOE PAGES

Jones, Ryan J. R.; Shinde, Aniketa; Guevarra, Dan; ...

2015-01-05

There are many energy technologies require electrochemical stability or preactivation of functional materials. Due to the long experiment duration required for either electrochemical preactivation or evaluation of operational stability, parallel screening is required to enable high throughput experimentation. We found that imposing operational electrochemical conditions to a library of materials in parallel creates several opportunities for experimental artifacts. We discuss the electrochemical engineering principles and operational parameters that mitigate artifacts int he parallel electrochemical treatment system. We also demonstrate the effects of resistive losses within the planar working electrode through a combination of finite element modeling and illustrative experiments. Operationmore » of the parallel-plate, membrane-separated electrochemical treatment system is demonstrated by exposing a composition library of mixed metal oxides to oxygen evolution conditions in 1M sulfuric acid for 2h. This application is particularly important because the electrolysis and photoelectrolysis of water are promising future energy technologies inhibited by the lack of highly active, acid-stable catalysts containing only earth abundant elements.« less

Supercritical carbon dioxide treatment as a method for polymorph preparation of deoxycholic acid.

PubMed

Tozuka, Yuichi; Kawada, Dai; Oguchi, Toshio; Yamamoto, Keiji

2003-09-16

A new polymorph of deoxycholic acid (DCA) was formed by using a supercritical carbon dioxide treatment. Deoxycholic acid crystals were stored in a pressure vessel purged with carbon dioxide at 12MPa, 60 degrees C for definite intervals. After storage for 1h in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2), new X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks, not found in the bulk DCA crystal, were observed at 2theta = 7.4 degrees, 9.7 degrees and 14.0 degrees. The intensities of the new diffraction peaks increased with an increase in storage time, whereas the intensities of the diffraction peaks due to bulk DCA crystal decreased. On the DSC curves, the crystals obtained showed an exothermic peak at around 155 degrees C followed by the melting peak of bulk DCA crystal at 175 degrees C. By the temperature-controlled powder XRD measurement, the crystals obtained were found to be a metastable form of DCA. The polymorphs of DCA have not been reported; therefore, the SC-CO2 treatment would be a peculiar method to obtain a DCA polymorph.

Enhanced conductivity of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) film by acid treatment for indium tin oxide-free organic solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chun-Chiao; Huang, Chih-Kuo; Hung, Yu-Chieh; Chang, Mei-Ying

2016-08-01

An acid treatment is used in the enhancement of the conductivity of the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) thin film, which is often used as the anode in organic solar cells. There are three types of acid treatment for PEDOT:PSS thin film: hydrochloric, sulfuric, and phosphoric acid treatments. In this study, we examine and compare these three ways with each other for differences in conductivity. Hydrochloric acid results in the highest conductivity enhancement, from 0.3 to 1109 S/cm. We also discuss the optical transmittance, conductivity, surface roughness, surface morphology, and stability, as well as the factors that can influence device efficiency. The devices are fabricated using an acid-treated PEDOT:PSS thin film as the anode. The highest power conversion efficiency was 1.32%, which is a large improvement over that of the unmodified organic solar cell (0.21%). It is comparable to that obtained when using indium tin oxide (ITO) as an electrode, ca. 1.46%.

Effective treatment of PAH contaminated Superfund site soil with the peroxy-acid process.

PubMed

Scott Alderman, N; N'Guessan, Adeola L; Nyman, Marianne C

2007-07-31

Peroxy-organic acids are formed by the chemical reaction between organic acids and hydrogen peroxide. The peroxy-acid process was applied to two Superfund site soils provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Initial small-scale experiments applied ratios of 3:5:7 (v/v/v) or 3:3:9 (v/v/v) hydrogen peroxide:acetic acid:deionized (DI) water solution to 5g of Superfund site soil. The experiment using 3:5:7 (v/v/v) ratio resulted in an almost complete degradation of the 14 EPA regulated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Bedford LT soil during a 24-h reaction period, while the 3:3:9 (v/v/v) ratio resulted in no applicable degradation in Bedford LT lot 10 soil over the same reaction period. Specific Superfund site soil characteristics (e.g., pH, total organic carbon content and particle size distribution) were found to play an important role in the availability of the PAHs and the efficiency of the transformation during the peroxy-acid process. A scaled-up experiment followed treating 150g of Bedford LT lot 10 soil with and without mixing. The scaled-up processes applied a 3:3:9 (v/v/v) solution resulting in significant decrease in PAH contamination. These findings demonstrate the peroxy-acid process as a viable option for the treatment of PAH contaminated soils. Further work is necessary in order to elucidate the mechanisms of this process.

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid treatment on the antioxidant properties of strawberry fruit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Cong; Luo, Ya; Mo, Fan; Ling, Yajie; Mo, Qin; Luo, Shu; Tang, Haoru

2018-04-01

`Benihoppe' strawberry treated with nordihydroguaiareticacid (NDGA) as materials, the main bioactive compounds and antioxidation capacity of fruits were studied and compared. In the experiment, the contents of anthocyanin, vitamin C, flavonoid and total phenol and the antioxidant ability (FRAP) of strawberry fruit were measured. The results showed that NDGA had no obvious effect on the content of anthocyanin and flavonoid of strawberry, but the inhibitory effect on the content of total phenol, vitamin C and antioxidant activity were observed, and especially the inhibition of total phenol was the most. Taken together, nordihydroguaiaretic acid treatment inhibited the antioxidant activity of strawberry fruits.

Oil sands thickened froth treatment tailings exhibit acid rock drainage potential during evaporative drying.

PubMed

Kuznetsov, Petr; Kuznetsova, Alsu; Foght, Julia M; Siddique, Tariq

2015-02-01

Bitumen extraction from oil sands ores after surface mining produces different tailings waste streams: 'froth treatment tailings' are enriched in pyrite relative to other streams. Tailings treatment can include addition of organic polymers to produce thickened tailings (TT). TT may be further de-watered by deposition into geotechnical cells for evaporative drying to increase shear strength prior to reclamation. To examine the acid rock drainage (ARD) potential of TT, we performed predictive analyses and laboratory experiments on material from field trials of two types of thickened froth treatment tailings (TT1 and TT2). Acid-base accounting (ABA) of initial samples showed that both TT1 and TT2 initially had net acid-producing potential, with ABA values of -141 and -230 t CaCO₃ equiv. 1000 t(-1) of TT, respectively. In long-term kinetic experiments, duplicate ~2-kg samples of TT were incubated in shallow trays and intermittently irrigated under air flow for 459 days to simulate evaporative field drying. Leachates collected from both TT samples initially had pH~6.8 that began decreasing after ~50 days (TT2) or ~250 days (TT1), stabilizing at pH~2. Correspondingly, the redox potential of leachates increased from 100-200 mV to 500-580 mV and electrical conductivity increased from 2-5 dS m(-1) to 26 dS m(-1), indicating dissolution of minerals during ARD. The rapid onset and prolonged ARD observed with TT2 is attributed to its greater pyrite (13.4%) and lower carbonate (1.4%) contents versus the slower onset of ARD in TT1 (initially 6.0% pyrite and 2.5% carbonates). 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing analysis revealed rapid shift in microbial community when conditions became strongly acidic (pH~2) favoring the enrichment of Acidithiobacillus and Sulfobacillus bacteria in TT. This is the first report showing ARD potential of TT and the results have significant implications for effective management of pyrite-enriched oil sands tailings streams/deposits. Copyright © 2014

Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux with polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer and dextranomer/hyaluronic acid in adults.

PubMed

Turk, Akif; Selimoglu, Ahmet; Demir, Kadir; Celik, Osman; Saglam, Erkin; Tarhan, Fatih

2014-01-01

Aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer and polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer in endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux disease in adult patients with and without chronic renal failure. Thirty two patients (12 female, 20 male) with a total of 50 renal units were treated for vesicoureteral reflux. There were 26 (81%) chronic renal failure patients. The success of treatment was evaluated by voiding cystouretrography at 3rd and 12th months after subureteric injection. The persistence of reflux was considered as failure. Patients were divided into two groups according to injected material. Age, sex, grade of reflux and treatment results were recorded and evaluated. Reflux was scored as grade 1 in seven (14%), grade 2 in 16 (32%), grade 3 in 21 (42%) and grade 4 in six (12%) renal units. There was not patient with grade 5 reflux. Fourteen renal units (28%) were treated with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (group 1) and 36 renal units (72%) were treated with polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer (group 2). The overall treatment success was achieved at 40 renal units (80%). The treatment was successful at 11 renal units (79%) in group 1 and 29 renal units (81%) in group 2 (p = 0.71). There was not statistically significant difference between two groups with patients with chronic renal failure in terms of treatment success (p = 1.00). The effectiveness of two bulking agents was similar in treatment of vesicoureteral reflux disease in adult patients and patients with chronic renal failure.

Effect of tocopherol treatment on deterioration of edible oil quality (acid value, carbonyl value, free fatty acid and radical activity).

PubMed

Ogata, Fumihiko; Tanaka, Yuko; Kawasaki, Naohito

2014-01-01

In this study, waste edible oil was prepared by both heat and aeration treatment, and the increasing inhibitive effect of tocopherol treatment on the acid value (AV) and carbonyl value (CV) of the oil was investigated. The AV and CV of waste edible oil treated with tocopherol were 0.1-1.0% lower than those of the nontreated oil, indicating that tocopherol exerted a radical-scavenging activity. The concentration of tocopherol decreased with time, while that of the remaining 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals increased. These results suggest that the addition of tocopherol proved to be useful for preventing the deterioration of waste edible oil.

Effect of treatment with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic (thioctic) acid on heart and kidney microvasculature in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

PubMed

Tayebati, Seyed Khosrow; Tomassoni, Daniele; Di Cesare Mannelli, Lorenzo; Amenta, Francesco

2016-01-01

Endothelial cells represent an important vascular site of signaling and development of damage during ischemia, inflammation and other pathological conditions. Excessive reactive oxygen species production causes pathological activation of endothelium including exposure of cell to adhesion molecules. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) are members of the immunoglobulin super-family which are present on the surface of endothelial cells. These molecules represent important markers of endothelial inflammation. The present study was designed to investigate, with immunochemical and immunohistochemical techniques, the effect of treatment with (+/-)-alpha lipoic (thioctic) acid and its enantiomers on heart and kidney endothelium in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Arterial hypertension is accompanied by an increased oxidative stress status in the heart characterized by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nucleic acid oxidation increase. The higher oxidative stress also modifies adhesion molecules expression. In the heart VCAM-1, which was higher than ICAM-1 and PECAM-1, was increased in SHR. ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and PECAM-1 expression was significantly greater in the renal endothelium of SHR. (+/-)-Alpha lipoic acid and (+)-alpha lipoic acid treatment significantly decreased TBARS levels, the nucleic acid oxidation and prevented adhesion molecules expression in cardiac and renal vascular endothelium. These data suggest that endothelial molecules may be used for studying the mechanisms of vascular injury on target organs of hypertension. The effects observed after treatment with (+)-alpha lipoic acid could open new perspectives for countering heart and kidney microvascular injury which represent a common feature in hypertensive end-organs damage.

Glutamate Excitotoxicity Linked to Spermine Oxidase Overexpression.

PubMed

Pietropaoli, Stefano; Leonetti, Alessia; Cervetto, Chiara; Venturini, Arianna; Mastrantonio, Roberta; Baroli, Giulia; Persichini, Tiziana; Colasanti, Marco; Maura, Guido; Marcoli, Manuela; Mariottini, Paolo; Cervelli, Manuela

2018-02-03

Excitotoxic stress has been associated with several different neurological disorders, and it is one of the main causes of neuronal degeneration and death. To identify new potential proteins that could represent key factors in excitotoxic stress and to study the relationship between polyamine catabolism and excitotoxic damage, a novel transgenic mouse line overexpressing spermine oxidase enzyme in the neocortex (Dach-SMOX) has been engineered. These transgenic mice are more susceptible to excitotoxic injury and display a higher oxidative stress, highlighted by 8-Oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine increase and activation of defense mechanisms, as demonstrated by the increase of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) in the nucleus. In Dach-SMOX astrocytes and neurons, an alteration of the phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated subunits of glutamate receptors increases the kainic acid response in these mice. Moreover, a decrease in excitatory amino acid transporters and an increase in the system x c - transporter, a Nrf-2 target, was observed. Sulfasalazine, a system x c - transporter inhibitor, was shown to revert the increased susceptibility of Dach-SMOX mice treated with kainic acid. We demonstrated that astrocytes play a crucial role in this process: neuronal spermine oxidase overexpression resulted in an alteration of glutamate excitability, in glutamate uptake and efflux in astrocytes involved in the synapse. Considering the involvement of oxidative stress in many neurodegenerative diseases, Dach-SMOX transgenic mouse can be considered as a suitable in vivo genetic model to study the involvement of spermine oxidase in excitotoxicity, which can be considered as a possible therapeutic target.

Effects of NMDA and non-NMDA ionotropic glutamate receptors in the medial preoptic area on body temperature in awake rats.

PubMed

Sengupta, Trina; Jaryal, Ashok Kumar; Mallick, Hruda Nanda

2016-10-01

Glutamate when microinjected at the medial preoptic area (mPOA) influences brain temperature (T br ) and body temperature (T b ) in rats. Glutamate and its various receptors are present at the mPOA. The aim of this study was to identify the contribution of each of the ionotropic glutamatergic receptors at the mPOA on changes in T br and T b in freely moving rats. Adult male Wistar rats (n=40) were implanted with bilateral guide cannula with indwelling styli above the mPOA. A telemetric transmitter was implanted at the peritoneum to record T b and locomotor activity (LMA). A precalibrated thermocouple wire implanted near the hypothalamus was used to assess T br . Specific agonist for each ionotropic glutamate receptor was microinjected into the mPOA and its effects on temperature and LMA were measured in the rats. The rats were also microinjected with the respective ionotropic receptor antagonists, 15min prior to the microinjection of each agonist. Amongst amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and kainic acid, AMPA increased T b and LMA when injected at the mPOA. Specific antagonists for AMPA receptors was able to attenuate this increase (p<0.005). Pharmacological blockade of NMDA was able to lower T br only. Microinjection of kainic acid and its antagonist had no effect on the variables. The finding of the study suggests that activation of the AMPA receptors at the mPOA, leads to the rise in body temperature. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ferulic acid chronic treatment exerts antidepressant-like effect: role of antioxidant defense system.

PubMed

Lenzi, Juliana; Rodrigues, Andre Felipe; Rós, Adriana de Sousa; de Castro, Amanda Blanski; de Castro, Bianca Blanski; de Lima, Daniela Delwing; Magro, Débora Delwing Dal; Zeni, Ana Lúcia Bertarello

2015-12-01

Oxidative stress has been claimed a place in pathophysiology of depression; however, the details of the neurobiology of this condition remains incompletely understood. Recently, treatments employing antioxidants have been thoroughly researched. Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic compound with antioxidant and antidepressant-like effects. Herein, we investigated the involvement of the antioxidant activity of chronic oral FA treatment in its antidepressant-like effect using the tail suspension test (TST) and the forced swimming test (FST) in mice. The modulation of antioxidant system in blood, hippocampus and cerebral cortex was assessed after stress induction through TST and FST. Our results show that FA at the dose of 1 mg/kg has antidepressant-like effect without affecting locomotor activity. The stress induced by despair tests was able to decrease significantly the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the blood, catalase (CAT) in the blood and cerebral cortex and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the cerebral cortex. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBA-RS) levels were increased significantly in the cerebral cortex. Furthermore, the results show that FA was capable to increase SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities and decrease TBA-RS levels in the blood, hippocampus and cerebral cortex. These findings demonstrated that FA treatment in low doses is capable to exert antidepressant-like effect with the involvement of the antioxidant defense system modulation.

Role of liver fatty acid binding protein in hepatocellular injury: effect of CrPic treatment.

PubMed

Fan, Weijiang; Chen, Kun; Zheng, Guoqiang; Wang, Wenhang; Teng, Anguo; Liu, Anjun; Ming, Dongfeng; Yan, Peng

2013-07-01

This study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of chromium picolinate (CrPic, Fig. 1) hepatoprotective activity from alloxan-induced hepatic injury. Diabetes is induced by alloxan-treatment concurrently with the hepatic injury in mice. In this study, we investigate the protective effect of CrPic treatment in hepatic injury and the signal role of liver fatty acid binding protein in early hepatocellular injury diagnostics. In this study, alanine aminotransferase (ALT; EC 2.6.1.2) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; EC 2.6.1.1) levels in the alloxan group were higher 71% and 50%, respectively, than those of the control group (ALT: 14.51±0.74; AST: 22.60±0.69). The AST and ALT levels in CrPic group were of minimal difference compared to the control groups. Here, CrPic exhibited amelioration alloxan induced oxidative stress in mouse livers. A significant increase in liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) was observed, which indicates increased fatty acid utilization in liver tissue [1]. In this study, the mRNA levels of L-FABP increased in both the control (1.1 fold) and CrPic (0.78 fold) groups compared the alloxan group. These findings suggest that hepatic injury may be prevented by CrPic, and is a potential target for use in the treatment of early hepatic injury. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nitrogen fertilization and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria treatments affected amino acid content of cabbage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dursun, Atilla; Yildirim, Ertan; Ekinci, Melek; Turan, Metin; Kul, Raziye; Karagöz, Fazilet P.

2017-04-01

This study was designed to determine the influence of a nitrogen fixing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculation (seed coating and seedling dipping) and 6 doses of nitrogen (0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200 kg ha-1) application on amino acid contents of cabbage. Coating and seedling dipping applications caused a significant increase in values histidine, glycine, thionin, arginine and alanine of cabbage. Highest glutamate, serine, asparagines and glutamine contents were obtained from 160-200 kg ha-1 nitrogen dose applied plants. As a result, the use of bacteria treatments provides means of improving amino acid contents in cabbage.

Temperature dependence and P/Ti ratio in phosphoric acid treatment of titanium dioxide and powder properties.

PubMed

Onoda, H; Matsukura, A

2015-02-01

Titanium dioxide has photocatalytic activity and is used as a white pigment for cosmetics. A certain degree of sebum on the skin is decomposed by the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. In this work, titanium dioxide was shaken with phosphoric acid to synthesize a white pigment for cosmetics. Titanium dioxide was treated with 0.1 mol/L of phosphoric acid at various P/Ti molar ratios, and then shaken in hot water for 1 h. The chemical composition, powder properties, photocatalytic activity, colour phase, and smoothness of the obtained powder were studied. The obtained materials indicated XRD peaks of titanium dioxide, however the peaks diminished subsequent to phosphoric acid treatment. The samples included small particles with sub-micrometer size. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained powders decreased, decomposing less sebum on the skin. Samples prepared at high P/Ti ratio with high shaking temperature indicated low whiteness in in L*a*b* colour space. The shaking and heating temperature and P/Ti ratio had influence on the smoothness of the obtained materials. Phosphoric acid treatment of titanium dioxide is an effective method to inhibit photocatalytic activity for a white pigment. © 2014 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.

Treatment of perfluoroalkyl acids by heat-activated persulfate under conditions representative of in situ chemical oxidation.

PubMed

Bruton, Thomas A; Sedlak, David L

2018-04-21

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are a class of organic contaminants notable for their extreme persistence. The unique chemical properties of these compounds make them difficult to remove from water using most standard water treatment techniques. To gain insight into the possibility of remediating contaminated groundwater by in situ chemical oxidation with heat-activated persulfate, PFAA removal and the generation of transformation products were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Solution pH had a strong influence on the removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), resulting in its transformation into shorter-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) at pH values below 3. The presence of chloride and aquifer sediments decreased the efficiency of the process by less than 25% under conditions likely to be encountered in drinking water aquifers. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was not transformed by heat-activated persulfate under any of the conditions tested. Despite challenges related to the need to manipulate aquifer pH, the possible generation of undesirable short-chain PFCAs and chlorate, and metals mobilization, heat-activated persulfate may be a useful treatment technology for sites contaminated with PFCAs and fluorotelomer-based compounds, including those used in current-generation aqueous film-forming foams. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Topical isotretinoin vs. topical retinoic acid in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

PubMed

Domínguez, J; Hojyo, M T; Celayo, J L; Domínguez-Soto, L; Teixeira, F

1998-01-01

This is a clinical, prospective, and longitudinal study comparing the efficacy and incidence of averse effects of topical isotretinoin against those of topical retinoic acid in the treatment of acne vulgaris. The 30 participants were recruited from the patients attending the outpatient clinic of the Department of Dermatology of "Dr Manuel Gea González" General Hospital in Mexico City. They belonged to either sex and any race, their ages ranged between 13 and 30 years, and they presented with 15 to 100 facial inflammatory lesions (papulo-pustules) and/or 15 to 100 noninflammatory lesions (comedones) and no more than three nodulo-cystic lesions. The criteria of exclusion were as follows: pregnancy or lactation, systemic treatment with steroids, antibiotics, antiandrogens, or oral retinoids in the preceding 24 months, treatment with ultraviolet radiation, hypersensitivity to retinoids, or a severe systemic illness. From 44 interviewed patients, 14 were excluded. A detailed clinical history was obtained from the remaining individuals, the degree of seborrhea was recorded, and acne lesions were counted. Each patient received either isotretinoin gel 0.05% or retinoic acid cream 0.05%. The patients were instructed to wash their faces in the mornings and evenings with a neutral soap, and to apply the product after the evening cleansing. The patients were examined again after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment and, at each appointment, the number of lesions was recorded and the severity of acne was graded according to the classification of Plewig and Kligman. The seriousness of the adverse effects, such as stinging, pruritus, erythema, xerosis, and desquamation, was evaluated blindly by an investigator who did not know what group the patient belonged to, and graded as 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, and 3 = severe. The efficacy of each drug was determined by the reduction in the number of lesions between weeks 0 and 12 of treatment. An excellent response corresponded to a 76

Effects of long-term treatment with eicosapentaenoic acid on the heart subjected to ischemia/reperfusion and hypoxia/reoxygenation in rats.

PubMed

Takeo, S; Nasa, Y; Tanonaka, K; Yabe, K; Nojiri, M; Hayashi, M; Sasaki, H; Ida, K; Yanai, K

1998-11-01

The effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and long-term treatment with EPA-ethylester (EPA-E) were examined in perfused rat hearts subjected to ischemia/reperfusion and adult rat cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation. EPA (0.1 microM) improved postischemic contractile dysfunction of the ischemic/reperfused heart. EPA (10 microM) attenuated hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced morphological deterioration of cardiomyocytes. The results suggest the presence of direct cardioprotective effects of EPA. Rats were orally treated for 4 weeks with 1 g/kg/day of EPA-E to elucidate ex vivo effects of EPA, and the fatty acid composition of cardiac phospholipids was determined. The percent ratio of EPA in total fatty acids of cardiac phospholipids increased whereas that of arachidonic acid decreased. The percent ratio of n-3/n-6 fatty acid did not increase. Treatment with EPA-E did not improve the post-ischemic contractile function, but attenuated the ischemia/reperfusion-induced release of prostaglandins during reperfusion. Treatment with EPA-E preserved a better morphological appearance of the cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation. The results suggest that the mechanisms responsible for cytoprotective effects of hypoxic/reoxygenated cardiomyocytes or inhibition of metabolic alterations of the ischemic/reperfused heart by long-term EPA-E treatment did not contribute substantially to recovery of post-ischemic contractile dysfunction. The direct in vitro effects of EPA may play a role in the protection of the heart from ischemia/reperfusion or hypoxia/reoxygenation injury.

Chronic oral treatment with 13-cis-retinoic acid (isotretinoin) or all-trans-retinoic acid does not alter depression-like behaviors in rats.

PubMed

Ferguson, Sherry A; Cisneros, F Javier; Gough, B; Hanig, Joseph P; Berry, Kimberly J

2005-10-01

Oral treatment with the anti-acne drug Accutane (isotretinoin, 13-cis-retinoic acid) has been associated with suicide ideation and depression. Here, depression-like behaviors (i.e., behavioral despair and anhedonia) were quantified in adult Sprague-Dawley rats gavaged daily beginning at postnatal day (PND) 82 with 13-cis-RA (7.5 or 22.5 mg/kg) or all-trans-retinoic acid (10 or 15 mg/kg ). Tested at PND 130-131 in the Forced Swim Test, 7.5 mg/kg 13-cis-RA marginally decreased immobility and slightly increased climb/struggle durations whereas neither all-trans-retinoic acid group differed from controls. Voluntary saccharin solution (0.03%) intake at PND 102-104 and PND 151-153 was not different from controls in any treated group, although all RA-treated groups had lower intakes. Swim speed in a water maze at PND 180 was similar across groups, indicating no RA-induced differences in physical ability. Open field activity was mildly decreased at PND 91 in 7.5 mg/kg-treated males only, but it was within the control range at PND 119, 147, and 175. Thus, at serum levels similar to those in humans receiving the drug, chronic 13-cis-RA treatment did not severely affect depression-like behaviors in rats. These data do not substantiate the hypothesis of 13-cis-RA-induced depression.

Azelaic acid in the treatment of acne in adult females: case reports.

PubMed

Vargas-Diez, E; Hofmann, M A; Bravo, B; Malgazhdarova, G; Katkhanova, O A; Yutskovskaya, Y

2014-01-01

Acne, one of the most common skin problems in dermatological practice, is a condition that affects not only adolescents but also adults. While approximately 80% of cases occurring in adulthood are persistent from teenage years, around 20% are described as 'late-onset' disease, appearing for the first time in adulthood. The disease can be triggered by hormonal changes (including a change from one contraceptive to another), or it can be induced by certain nonhormonal medications, emotional stress, and various underlying diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome. In many cases acne becomes a chronic skin condition with undulating activity, including improvement and relapse phases, and is often experienced as a major psychological burden. It is, therefore, even more important to provide an effective as well as a safe and tolerable treatment. The spectrum of topical acne treatments has expanded substantially in recent years and various topical medications are available, ranging from azelaic acid, antibiotics, retinoids and benzoyl peroxide to several fixed combinations of these active compounds. The following case collection illustrates how 15% azelaic acid gel, as a well-established monotherapy, can be successfully employed to treat mild-to-moderate forms of adult female acne. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The botanical molecule p-hydroxycinnamic acid as a new osteogenic agent: insight into the treatment of cancer bone metastases.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Masayoshi

2016-10-01

Bone homeostasis is maintained through a balance between osteoblastic bone formation and osteoclastic bone resorption. Bone loss with aging is induced by decreasing in osteoblastic bone formation and increasing in osteoclastic bone resorption, thereby leading to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis with its accompanying decrease in bone mass is widely recognized as a major public heath problem. Pharmacologic and nutritional factors may play a role in the prevention and treatment of bone loss with aging. p-Hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA), which stimulates bone mineralization in mouse bone tissues in vitro, has been found to be present in the leafstalk of wasabi (Wasabi japonica MATSUM) among various food and plants. Other phenolic acids including cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid and 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid did not have osteogenic effects. HCA was demonstrated to stimulate osteoblastic bone formation and suppresses osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro by antagonizing activation of the nuclear factor kappa B. Oral administration of HCA was found to exhibit restorative effects on bone loss induced by ovariectomy and diabetic states, supporting a role in the treatment of osteoporosis. Moreover, HCA was demonstrated to prevent the suppressed osteoblastic mineralization and the enhanced osteoclastogenesis in mouse bone marrow cells cocultured with bone metastatic MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells in vitro. The botanical molecule HCA, as a new osteogenic agent, is suggested to play a role in the treatment of cancer bone metastases. This review will discuss an advanced recent finding that HCA may be a useful agent to treat bone metabolic disorder.

Safety of oral alpha-lipoic acid treatment in pregnant women: a retrospective observational study.

PubMed

Parente, E; Colannino, G; Picconi, O; Monastra, G

2017-09-01

Alpha-lipoic acid is a natural molecule, which directly or by means of its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid, exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, very helpful also in preventing miscarriage and preterm delivery. Used as dietary supplement alpha-lipoic acid was demonstrated to be safe for living organisms even when administered at high doses. However, no study was made so far to verify the safety of its continuous administration on a substantial number of pregnant women. The present investigation was performed to answer this issue. An observational retrospective study was carried out analyzing 610 expectant mothers. They had been treated daily by oral route with 600 mg alpha-lipoic acid, for at least 7 weeks during gestation. The primary outcome was to verify alpha-lipoic acid safety in the mother and infant. Maternal safety was assessed by monitoring for adverse reactions, physical and clinical examination, including a morbidity assessment. Laboratory and clinical examinations were performed monthly. Neonatal safety was assessed by the evaluation of birth weight, gestational age, Apgar scores, neonatal death with the related cause of death. Data collected from the Birth Registry of Campania Region were used as control. This study provided a very clear and reassuring picture about the safety of alpha-lipoic acid oral treatment during pregnancy. No adverse effect was noticed in mothers or newborns. The two sets of monitored data, from treated and controls, were completely superimposable or, in some cases, better in alpha-lipoic acid group. Our results open a reassuring scenario regarding the administration of alpha-lipoic acid during pregnancy.

Long-term effect of medical treatment of diarrhoea in 377 patients with SeHCAT scan diagnosed bile acid malabsorption from 2003 to 2016; a retrospective study.

PubMed

Damsgaard, B; Dalby, H R; Krogh, K; Jørgensen, S M D; Arveschough, A K; Agnholt, J; Dahlerup, J F; Jørgensen, S P

2018-04-01

Excessive amounts of bile acids entering the colon due to bile acid malabsorption cause chronic bile acid diarrhoea. Diagnosis is possible by measuring the retention fraction of orally ingested 75 Selenium homotaurocholic acid (SeHCAT). The knowledge of long-term effects of medical treatment is sparse. To describe diarrhoea, adherence to treatment, treatment effects and quality of life in a large, well-defined cohort of patients with bile acid diarrhoea. A retrospective survey was performed among 594 patients with bile acid malabsorption verified by SeHCAT scans at our unit between 2003 and 2016. Questionnaires about medical history, diarrhoea, use of medication, and quality of life scores were mailed to all patients. Among 594 patients 377 (69%) responded. Among respondents, 121 (32%) had bile acid diarrhoea due to ileal disease or resection (type 1), 198 (52%) idiopathic bile acid diarrhoea (type 2) and 58 (16%) bile acid diarrhoea due to other non-ileal disease, mainly cholecystectomy (type 3). At follow-up, half of the patients, 184 (50%), reported improvement of diarrhoea. However, 273 patients (74%) still reported diarrhoea and 234 (62%) regularly used anti-diarrhoeal medication. In spite of treatment, 235 (64%) considered reduced quality of life by diarrhoea and 184 (50%) reported that diarrhoea was unaltered or worse than before established diagnosis. Many patients with bile acid diarrhoea continue to have bothersome diarrhoea in spite of correct diagnosis and treatment. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Liver injury after aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid treatment of hemorrhoids.

PubMed

Yoshikawa, Kenichi; Kawashima, Reimi; Hirose, Yuki; Shibata, Keiko; Akasu, Takafumi; Hagiwara, Noriko; Yokota, Takeharu; Imai, Nami; Iwaku, Akira; Kobayashi, Go; Kobayashi, Hirohiko; Kinoshita, Akiyoshi; Fushiya, Nao; Kijima, Hiroyuki; Koike, Kazuhiko; Saruta, Masayuki

2017-07-21

We are reporting a rare case of acute liver injury that developed after an internal hemorrhoid treatment with the aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA) regimen. A 41-year-old man developed a fever and liver injury after undergoing internal hemorrhoid treatment with a submucosal injection of ALTA with lidocaine. The acute liver injury was classified clinically as hepatocellular and pathologically as cholestastic. We could not classify the mechanism of injury. High eosinophil and immunoglobulin E levels characterized the injury, and a drug lymphocyte stimulation test was negative on postoperative day 25. Fluid replacement for two weeks after hospitalization improved the liver injury. ALTA therapy involves injecting chemicals into the submucosa, from the rectum to the anus, and this is the first description of a case that developed a severe liver disorder after this treatment; hence, an analysis of future cases as they accumulate is desirable.

Shelf-life extension of vacuum-packaged meat from pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) by lactic acid treatment.

PubMed

Pfeifer, Agathe; Smulders, Frans J M; Paulsen, Peter

2014-07-01

We investigated the influence of lactic acid treatment of pheasant meat before vacuum-packaged storage of 3, 7, and 10 d at +6°C on microbiota and pH. Breast muscle samples were collected from carcasses of slaughtered as well as from hunted (shot) wild pheasants. Immersion of meat samples in 3% (wt/wt) lactic acid for 60 s effectuated a significant drop in pH of approximately 0.5 to 0.7 units, which remained during the entire storage period. In parallel, total aerobic counts of such treated and stored samples were on an average 1.5 to 1.7 log units lower than in non-acid-treated samples. Similar results were found for Enterobacteriaceae. A significant decrease in pH was measured at d 7 and 10 in the acid-treated samples in comparison with the untreated ones. In summary, the immersion of pheasant breast meat cuts in dilute lactic acid significantly reduced microbiota during vacuum-packed storage, even at slight temperature abuse conditions. © 2014 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Removal of Anabaena flos-aquae in water treatment process using Moringa oleifera and assessment of fatty acid profile of generated sludge.

PubMed

Moreti, Livia O R; Coldebella, Priscila Ferri; Camacho, Franciele P; Carvalho Bongiovani, Milene; Pereira de Souza, Aloisio Henrique; Kirie Gohara, Aline; Matsushita, Makoto; Fernandes Silva, Marcela; Nishi, Letícia; Bergamasco, Rosângela

2016-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the coagulation/flocculation/dissolved air flotation (C/F/DAF) process using the coagulant Moringa oleifera (MO) seed powder, and to analyse the profile of fatty acids present in the generated sludge after treatment. For the tests, deionized water artificially contaminated with cell cultures of Anabaena flos-aquae was used, with a cell density in the order of 10(4) cells mL(-1). C/F/DAF tests were conducted using 'Flotest' equipment. For fatty acid profile analyses, a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector was used. It was seen that the optimal dosage (100 mg L(-1)) of MO used in the C/F/DAF process was efficient at removing nearly all A. flos-aquae cells (96.4%). The sludge obtained after treatment contained oleic acid (61.7%) and palmitic acid (10.8%). Thus, a water treatment process using C/F/DAF linked to integral MO powder seed was found to be efficient in removing cells of cyanobacteria, and produced a sludge rich in oleic acid that is a precursor favourable for obtaining quality biodiesel, thus becoming an alternative application for the recycling of such biomass.

Acute inhibition of neurosteroid estrogen synthesis suppresses status epilepticus in an animal model

PubMed Central

Sato, Satoru M; Woolley, Catherine S

2016-01-01

Status epilepticus (SE) is a common neurological emergency for which new treatments are needed. In vitro studies suggest a novel approach to controlling seizures in SE: acute inhibition of estrogen synthesis in the brain. Here, we show in rats that systemic administration of an aromatase (estrogen synthase) inhibitor after seizure onset strongly suppresses both electrographic and behavioral seizures induced by kainic acid (KA). We found that KA-induced SE stimulates synthesis of estradiol (E2) in the hippocampus, a brain region commonly involved in seizures and where E2 is known to acutely promote neural activity. Hippocampal E2 levels were higher in rats experiencing more severe seizures. Consistent with a seizure-promoting effect of hippocampal estrogen synthesis, intra-hippocampal aromatase inhibition also suppressed seizures. These results reveal neurosteroid estrogen synthesis as a previously unknown factor in the escalation of seizures and suggest that acute administration of aromatase inhibitors may be an effective treatment for SE. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.12917.001 PMID:27083045

Two-stage combined treatment of acid mine drainage and municipal wastewater.

PubMed

Deng, Dongyang; Lin, Lian-Shin

2013-01-01

This study examined the feasibility of the combined treatment of field-collected acid mine drainages (AMD, pH = 4.2 ± 0.9, iron = 112 ± 118 mg/L, sulfate = 1,846 ± 594 mg/L) and municipal wastewater (MWW, avg. chemical oxygen demand (COD) = 234-333 mg/L) using a two-stage process. The process consisted of batch mixing of the two wastes to condition the mixture solutions, followed by anaerobic biological treatment. The mixings performed under a range of AMD/MWW ratios resulted in phosphate removal of 9 to ∼100%, the mixture pH of 6.2-7.9, and COD/sulfate concentration ratio of 0.05-5.4. The biological treatment consistently removed COD and sulfate by >80% from the mixture solutions for COD/sulfate ratios of 0.6-5.4. Alkalinity was produced in the biological treatment causing increased pH and further removal of metals from the solutions. Scanning electron microscopy of produced sludge with energy dispersion analysis suggested chemical precipitation and associated adsorption and co-precipitation as the mechanisms for metal removal (Fe: >99%, Al: ∼100%, Mn: 75 to ∼100%, Ca: 52-81%, Mg: 13-76%, and Na: 56-76%). The study showed promising results for the treatment method and denoted the potential of developing innovative technologies for combined management of the two wastes in mining regions.

Prospective study of polydimethylsiloxane vs dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection for treatment of vesicoureteral reflux.

PubMed

Moore, Katherine; Bolduc, Stéphane

2014-12-01

Endoscopic injection of a bulking agent is becoming a first-line treatment for low grade vesicoureteral reflux. We prospectively compared the efficacy of 2 such products commercially available in Canada. A total of 275 patients with documented grade I to V vesicoureteral reflux were prospectively enrolled in a comparative study between April 2005 and February 2011 to be randomly treated endoscopically with either polydimethylsiloxane (Macroplastique®) or dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (Deflux®). Of the ureters 202 were treated with polydimethylsiloxane and 197 with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer. Patients were followed with voiding cystourethrography at 3 months and renal ultrasonography at 3 months and at 1 year. Median followup was 4.3 years. The primary outcome was surgical success (resolution vs nonresolution), and secondary outcomes included occurrence of adverse events. Vesicoureteral reflux was fully corrected in 182 of 202 ureters (90%) treated with polydimethylsiloxane, compared to 159 of 197 (81%) treated with dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer (p <0.05). Obstruction was found in 5 ureters. Univariate and multivariate analyses did not allow identification of any characteristics that could explain the significant difference in the success rates except for the type of product used. We present the largest known prospective evaluation comparing 2 bulking agents for the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux. Endoscopic injection of polydimethylsiloxane resulted in a better success rate than dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer. The rate of resolution obtained with the latter is lower than those previously published due to the inclusion of high grade reflux. Copyright © 2014 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Binary Solvent Extraction of Tocols, γ-Oryzanol, and Ferulic Acid from Rice Bran Using Alkaline Treatment Combined with Ultrasonication.

PubMed

Truong, Hoa Thi; Luu, Phuong Duc; Imamura, Kiyoshi; Matsubara, Takeo; Takahashi, Hideki; Takenaka, Norimichi; Boi, Luu Van; Maeda, Yasuaki

2017-06-21

Alkaline treatment (Alk) combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) (Alk+UAE) was examined as a means of extracting tocols and γ-oryzanol from rice bran into an organic phase while simultaneously recovering ferulic acid into an aqueous phase. The tocols and γ-oryzanol/ferulic acid yields were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence and UV detection. The effects of extraction conditions were evaluated by varying the Alk treatment temperature and extraction duration. The maximum yields of tocols and γ-oryzanol were obtained at 25 °C over a time span of 30 min. When the temperature was increased to 80 °C, the yield of ferulic acid increased dramatically, whereas the recovery of γ-oryzanol slightly decreased. Employing the Alk+UAE procedure, the recovered concentrations of tocols, γ-oryzanol, and ferulic acid were in the ranges of 146-518, 1591-3629, and 352-970 μg/g, respectively. These results are in good agreement with those reported for rice bran samples from Thailand.

Investigation of titanium dioxide/ tungstic acid -based photocatalyst for human excrement wastewater treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Fei; Wang, Can; Xiao, Kemeng; Gao, Yufeng; Zhou, Tong; Xu, Heng

2018-05-01

An activated carbon (AC) coated with tungstic acid (WO3)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposites photocatalytic material (ACWT) combined with Three-phase Fluidized Bed (TFB) was investigated for human excrement wastewater treatment. Under the ultraviolet (UV) and fluorescent lamp illumination, the ACWT had shown a good performance on chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total nitrogen (TN) removal but inefficient on ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) removal. Optimized by Taguchi method, COD and TN removal efficiency was up to 88.39% and 55.07%, respectively. Among all the parameters, the dosage of ACWT had the largest contribution on the process. Bacterial community changes after treatment demonstrated that this photocatalytic system had a great sterilization effect on wastewater. These results confirmed that ACWT could be applied for the human excrement wastewater treatment.

Drug-induced Fanconi syndrome associated with fumaric acid esters treatment for psoriasis: a case series.

PubMed

Balak, Deepak M W; Bouwes Bavinck, Jan Nico; de Vries, Aiko P J; Hartman, Jenny; Neumann, Hendrik A Martino; Zietse, Robert; Thio, Hok Bing

2016-02-01

Fumaric acid esters (FAEs), an oral immunomodulating treatment for psoriasis and multiple sclerosis, have been anecdotally associated with proximal renal tubular dysfunction due to a drug-induced Fanconi syndrome. Few data are available on clinical outcomes of FAE-induced Fanconi syndrome. Descriptive case series with two cases of Fanconi syndrome associated with FAE treatment diagnosed at two Dutch university nephrology departments, three cases reported at the Dutch and German national pharmacovigilance databases and six previously reported cases. All 11 cases involved female patients with psoriasis. The median age at the time of onset was 38 years [interquartile range (IQR) 37-46]. Patients received long-term FAEs treatment with a median treatment duration of 60 months (IQR 28-111). Laboratory tests were typically significant for low serum levels of phosphate and uric acid, while urinalysis showed glycosuria and proteinuria. Eight (73%) patients had developed a hypophosphataemic osteomalacia and three (27%) had pathological bone fractures. All patients discontinued FAEs, while four (36%) patients were treated with supplementation of phosphate and/or vitamin D. Five (45%) patients had persisting symptoms despite FAEs discontinuation. FAEs treatment can cause drug-induced Fanconi syndrome, but the association has been reported infrequently. Female patients with psoriasis treated long term with FAEs seem to be particularly at risk. Physicians treating patients with FAEs should be vigilant and monitor for the potential occurrence of Fanconi syndrome. Measurement of the urinary albumin:total protein ratio is a suggested screening tool for tubular proteinuria in Fanconi syndrome.

Multi-organ sarcoidosis treatment with fumaric acid esters: a case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Zouboulis, Christos C; Lippert, Undine; Karagiannidis, Ioannis

2014-01-01

Sarcoidosis is a rare, systemic disease that is characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs, including the skin. As the etiology remains unknown, the treatment of sarcoidosis is challenging. We present a 47-year-old female patient with progressive, multi-organ sarcoidosis who had a complete clinical improvement of the skin lesions, a moderate reduction in pulmonary opacities on chest X-ray, a marked subjective improvement in general status and pulmonary efficiency and a marked reduction in serum angiotensin-converting enzyme and soluble interleukin-2 receptor after 6 months of therapy with fumaric acid esters. The present case and similar reports in the literature highlight the probable efficacy of fumaric acid esters in the treatment of sarcoidosis and other non-infectious, granulomatous diseases. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Will a single periarticular lidocaine-corticosteroid injection improve the clinical efficacy of intraarticular hyaluronic acid treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis?

PubMed

Ertürk, Cemil; Altay, Mehmet Akif; Altay, Nuray; Kalender, Ali Murat; Öztürk, İbrahim Avşin

2016-11-01

A local injection of corticosteroid-lidocaine into the periarticular soft tissue structures is used commonly for rapid pain relief. It is hypothesized that knee pain associated with knee osteoarthritis would be relieved quickly and effectively in patients receiving intraarticular hyaluronic acid combined with a periarticular lidocaine-corticosteroid injection. To test this hypothesis, the clinical effect of the combined treatment with hyaluronic acid injection alone in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis as compared in this prospective single-blinded randomized trial. This study included 70 patients. Group 1 (n = 35) received intraarticular hyaluronic acid injections only, whereas group 2 (n = 35) received intraarticular hyaluronic acid injections combined with a single local injection of corticosteroid-lidocaine. Injections were administered to the most painful areas of the anterior or posterior medial condyle of the femur or tibia. The outcome was measured by independent assessors (blinded to treatment) using a linear VAS pain scale and WOMAC and HSS knee scores. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks. During the first 3 weeks, group 2 patients showed significantly better all scores than did group 1 patients (p < 0.01). However, no significant differences were detected at 6, 12, 26 or 52 weeks (n.s.). The combined treatment may lead to earlier pain relief compared with intraarticular hyaluronic acid alone in patients with knee osteoarthritis and can be considered a useful adjunctive treatment modality. This combined method may provide early return to patient's daily activity. Therapeutic study, Level I.

Delayed Docosahexaenoic Acid Treatment Combined with Dietary Supplementation of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Promotes Long-Term Neurovascular Restoration After Ischemic Stroke.

PubMed

Pu, Hongjian; Jiang, Xiaoyan; Hu, Xiaoming; Xia, Jinchao; Hong, Dandan; Zhang, Wenting; Gao, Yanqin; Chen, Jun; Shi, Yejie

2016-12-01

Prophylactic dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) has been shown to remarkably ameliorate ischemic brain injury. However, the therapeutic efficacy of n-3 PUFA administration post-stroke, especially its impact on neurovascular remodeling and long-term neurological recovery, has not been fully characterized thus far. In this study, we investigated the effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation, as well as in combination with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) injections, on long-term stroke outcomes. Mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) before randomly assigned to four groups to receive the following: (1) low dose of n-3 PUFAs as the vehicle control, (2) intraperitoneal DHA injections, (3) n-3 PUFA dietary supplement, or (4) combined treatment of (2) and (3). Neurological deficits and brain atrophy, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and glial scar formation were assessed up to 28 days after MCAO. Results revealed that groups 2 and 3 showed only marginal reduction in post-stroke tissue loss and attenuation of cognitive deficits. Interestingly, group 4 exhibited significantly reduced tissue atrophy and improved cognitive functions compared to groups 2 and 3 with just a single treatment. Mechanistically, the combined treatment promoted post-stroke neurogenesis and angiogenesis, as well as reduced glial scar formation, all of which significantly correlated with the improved spatial memory in the Morris water maze. These results demonstrate an effective therapeutic regimen to enhance neurovascular restoration and long-term cognitive recovery in the mouse model of MCAO. Combined post-stroke DHA treatment and n-3 PUFA dietary supplementation thus may be a potential clinically translatable therapy for stroke or related brain disorders.

d-chiro-Inositol and alpha lipoic acid treatment of metabolic and menses disorders in women with PCOS.

PubMed

Cianci, Antonio; Panella, Marco; Fichera, Michele; Falduzzi, Cristina; Bartolo, Manuela; Caruso, Salvatore

2015-06-01

To evaluate the effects of the combination of d-chiro-inositol (DCI) and alpha lipoic acid on menses and metabolic disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Forty-six women (26 study group subjects and 20 controls) of reproductive age with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria were enrolled in this prospective study. Fasting serum samples were collected from each woman. Homeostasis model of insulin resistance, insulin levels, lipid profile, frequency of menstrual cycles, number of ovarian peripheral cysts and BMI of both groups were investigated at baseline and after 180 days. Clinical and metabolic aspects of women on DCI and lipoic acid treatment underwent improvement (p < 0.5) with respect to the control group. Regarding lipid profile, no statistically difference was observed in total cholesterol and triglycerides levels in both groups at follow-up with respect the baseline values (p = NS). DCI and alpha lipoic acid treatment has been thought because it plays an essential role in mitochondrial specific pathways that generate energy from glucose and its potent effect as antioxidant. The association might have a strong impact on metabolic profile even with a short-term treatment. Further investigations are needed to evaluate other effects on reproductive physiology of women with PCOS.

Sequential electrokinetic treatment and oxalic acid extraction for the removal of Cu, Cr and As from wood.

PubMed

Isosaari, Pirjo; Marjavaara, Pieti; Lehmus, Eila

2010-10-15

Removal of Cu, Cr and As from utility poles treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) was investigated using different one- to three-step combinations of oxalic acid extraction and electrokinetic treatment. The experiments were carried out at room temperature, using 0.8% oxalic acid and 30 V (200 V/m) of direct current (DC) or alternating current in combination (DC/AC). Six-hour extraction removed only 15%, 11% and 28% and 7-day electrokinetic treatment 57%, 0% and 17% of Cu, Cr and As from wood chips, respectively. The best combination for all the metals was a three-step process consisting of pre-extraction, electrokinetics and post-extraction steps, yielding removals of 67% for Cu, 64% for Cr and 81% for As. Oxalic acid extraction prior to electrokinetic treatment was deleterious to further removal of Cu, but it was necessary for Cr and As removal. Chemical equilibrium modelling was used to explain the differences in the behaviour of Cu, Cr and As. Due to the dissimilar nature of these metals, it appeared that even more process sequences and/or stricter control of the process conditions would be needed to obtain the >99% removals required for safe recycling of the purified wood material. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors. Part 91. Metal Complexes of Heterocyclic Sulfonamides as Potential Pharmacological Agents in the Treatment of Gastric Acid Secretion Imbalances

PubMed Central

Ilies, Marc A.; Scozzafava, Andrea

2000-01-01

Zinc, magnesium, aluminum and copper complexes of several potent, clinically used carbonic anhydrase (CA) sulfonamide inhibitors, such as acetazolamide, methazolamide, ethoxzolamide and benzolamide were tested for their possible applications as antacids, in experimental animals. Gastric acid secretion parameters 3 days after treatment with these CA inhibitors (2 × 500 mg, twice a day), in dogs with chronic gastric fistulas, led to the observation that the gastric acid parameters BAO (the basal acid output), and MAO (the maximal acid output after stimulation with histamine) were drastically reduced, as compared to the same parameters in animals that did not receive these enzyme inhibitors. These are promising results for the possible use of metal complexes of heterocyclic sulfonamides as treatment alternatives (alone or in combination with other drugs) for gastric acid secretion imbalances. PMID:18475926

Triheptanoin - a medium chain triglyceride with odd chain fatty acids: a new anaplerotic anticonvulsant treatment?

PubMed Central

Borges, Karin; Sonnewald, Ursula

2012-01-01

The triglyceride of heptanoate (C7 fatty acid), triheptanoin, is a tasteless oil used to treat rare metabolic disorders in USA and France. Heptanoate is metabolized by β-oxidation to provide propionyl-CoA, which after carboxylation can produce succinyl-CoA, resulting in anaplerosis – the refilling of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Heptanoate is also metabolized by the liver to the “C5 ketones”, β-ketopentanoate and/or β-hydroxypentanoate, which are released into the blood and thought to enter the brain via monocarboxylate transporters. Oral triheptanoin has recently been discovered to be reproducibly anticonvulsant in acute and chronic mouse seizures models. However, current knowledge on alterations of brain metabolism after triheptanoin administration and anaplerosis via propionyl-CoA carboxylation in the brain is limited. This review outlines triheptanoin’s unique anticonvulsant profile and its clinical potential for the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy. Anaplerosis as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of epilepsy is discussed. More research is needed to elucidate the anticonvulsant mechanism of triheptanoin and to reveal its clinical potential for the treatment of epilepsy and other disorders of the brain. PMID:21855298

Response of jujube fruits to exogenous oxalic acid treatment based on proteomic analysis.

PubMed

Wang, Qing; Lai, Tongfei; Qin, Guozheng; Tian, Shiping

2009-02-01

In this study, we found that oxalic acid (OA) at the concentration of 5 mM could delay jujube fruit sene-scence by reducing ethylene production, repressing fruit reddening and reducing alcohol content, which consequently increased fruit resistance against blue mold caused by Penicillium expansum. In order to gain a further understanding of the mechanism by which OA delays senescence and increases disease resistance of jujube fruit, we used a proteomics approach to compare soluble proteome of jujube fruits treated with water or 5 mM OA for 10 min. A total of 25 differentially expressed proteins were identified by using electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Among these proteins, alcohol dehydrogenase 1, which plays a direct role in ethanol metabolism, was repressed, and the abundances of three photosynthesis-related proteins was enhanced in jujube fruit after OA treatment. The protein identified as a cystathionine beta-synthase domain-containing protein, which can regulate ethylene precursors, was also induced by OA treatment. The activity of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase was significantly suppressed in OA-treated jujube fruit. In addition, three proteins related to the defense/stress response were up-regulated by OA, and contributed to the establishment of systemic resistance induced by OA in jujube fruits. These results indicated that OA treatment might affect ethanol and ethylene metabolism, resulting in delaying senescence, and increase resistance of jujube fruits against fungal pathogens.

COMPOST-FREE BIOREACTOR TREATMENT OF ACID ROCK DRAINAGE LEVIATHAN MINE, CALIFORNIA INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION REPORT

EPA Science Inventory

As part of the Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) program, an evaluation of the compost-free bioreactor treatment of acid rock drainage (ARD) from the Aspen Seep was conducted at the Leviathan Mine Superfund site located in a remote, high altitude area of Alpine Co...

Evaluation of continuous 4 day exposure to peracetic acid as a treatment for Ichthyophthirius multifiliis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infests all species of freshwater fish and can cause severe economic losses in fish breeding. The most effective treatment, malachite green, has been banned in Europe and North America for use in food-fish production. Peracetic acid (PAA) was foun...

Concurrent Lactic and Volatile Fatty Acid Analysis of Microbial Fermentation Samples by Gas Chromatography with Heat Pre-treatment.

PubMed

Darwin; WipaCharles; Cord-Ruwisch, Ralf

2018-01-01

Organic acid analysis of fermentation samples can be readily achieved by gas chromatography (GC), which detects volatile organic acids. However, lactic acid, a key fermentation acid is non-volatile and can hence not be quantified by regular GC analysis. However the addition of periodic acid to organic acid samples has been shown to enable lactic acid analysis by GC, as periodic acid oxidizes lactic acid to the volatile acetaldehyde. Direct GC injection of lactic acid standards and periodic acid generated inconsistent and irreproducible peaks, possibly due to incomplete lactic acid oxidation to acetaldehyde. The described method is developed to improve lactic acid analysis by GC by using a heat treated derivatization pre-treatment, such that it becomes independent of the retention time and temperature selection of the GC injector. Samples containing lactic acid were amended by periodic acid and heated in a sealed test tube at 100°C for at least 45 min before injecting it to the GC. Reproducible and consistent peaks of acetaldehyde were obtained. Simultaneous determination of lactic acid, acetone, ethanol, butanol, volatile fatty acids could also be accomplished by applying this GC method, enabling precise and convenient organic acid analysis of biological samples such as anaerobic digestion and fermentation processes. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A Case of Tranexamic Acid as Adjunctive Treatment for Chronic Subdural Hematoma with Multiple Recurrences

PubMed Central

Mikkelsen, Ronni; Anker-Møller, Thorkil; Hvas, Anne-Mette; Sunde, Niels

2017-01-01

Patient: Male, 64 Final Diagnosis: Chronic subdural hematoma Symptoms: Aphasia • headache • paresis Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Burr hole evacuation • Tranexamic acid Specialty: Neurosurgery Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurosurgical condition that is treated using a cranial burr hole evacuation procedure, but recurrence is common. The use of anticoagulant therapy can increase the risk of developing a recurrent subdural hematoma. We present a challenging case of a patient on long-term anticoagulant therapy following previous aortic and aortic valve surgery who had CSDH with multiple recurrences and was ultimately treated with tranexamic acid as an adjunct to surgery. Case Report: A male patient in his mid-sixties presented with a headache and bilateral CSDH. Apart from a mechanical heart valve, he was otherwise healthy. A standard burr hole evacuation was performed, but the left hematoma and symptoms recurred after three months, and he presented with additional symptoms of aphasia and right-hand weakness. He had an additional three procedures followed by recurrences over a period of six weeks. Following his fifth and final surgical procedure, he was given postoperative intravenous tranexamic acid 10 mg/kg four times during the first 24 hours with dalteparin sodium 9,500 international units (IU) twice daily. His symptoms resolved, and after nine months he had no residual hematoma, and no thromboembolic complications occurred. Conclusions: This case has demonstrated that tranexamic acid can be used as an adjunctive treatment to surgery when dealing with recurring CSDH, even in patients who require concomitant anticoagulant therapy. Although clinical trials are underway to evaluate tranexamic acid as a medical treatment for CSDH, this case report may support further studies that include patients with risk factors for thromboembolic disease. PMID:28912416

The importance of early treatment with tranexamic acid in bleeding trauma patients: an exploratory analysis of the CRASH-2 randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Roberts, Ian; Shakur, Haleema; Afolabi, Adefemi; Brohi, Karim; Coats, Tim; Dewan, Yashbir; Gando, Satoshi; Guyatt, Gordon; Hunt, B J; Morales, Carlos; Perel, Pablo; Prieto-Merino, David; Woolley, Tom

2011-03-26

The aim of the CRASH-2 trial was to assess the effects of early administration of tranexamic acid on death, vascular occlusive events, and blood transfusion in trauma patients with significant haemorrhage. Tranexamic acid significantly reduced all-cause mortality. Because tranexamic acid is thought to exert its effect through inhibition of fibrinolysis, we undertook exploratory analyses of its effect on death due to bleeding. The CRASH-2 trial was undertaken in 274 hospitals in 40 countries. 20,211 adult trauma patients with, or at risk of, significant bleeding were randomly assigned within 8 h of injury to either tranexamic acid (loading dose 1 g over 10 min followed by infusion of 1 g over 8 h) or placebo. Patients were randomly assigned by selection of the lowest numbered treatment pack from a box containing eight numbered packs that were identical apart from the pack number. Both participants and study staff (site investigators and trial coordinating centre staff ) were masked to treatment allocation. We examined the effect of tranexamic acid on death due to bleeding according to time to treatment, severity of haemorrhage as assessed by systolic blood pressure, Glasgow coma score (GCS), and type of injury. All analyses were by intention to treat. The trial is registered as ISRCTN86750102, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00375258, and South African Clinical Trial Register/Department of Health DOH-27-0607-1919. 10,096 patients were allocated to tranexamic acid and 10,115 to placebo, of whom 10,060 and 10,067, respectively, were analysed. 1063 deaths (35%) were due to bleeding. We recorded strong evidence that the effect of tranexamic acid on death due to bleeding varied according to the time from injury to treatment (test for interaction p<0.0001). Early treatment (≤1 h from injury) significantly reduced the risk of death due to bleeding (198/3747 [5.3%] events in tranexamic acid group vs 286/3704 [7.7%] in placebo group; relative risk [RR] 0.68, 95% CI 0.57-0.82; p<0

Sequential lignin depolymerization by combination of biocatalytic and formic acid/formate treatment steps.

PubMed

Gasser, Christoph A; Čvančarová, Monika; Ammann, Erik M; Schäffer, Andreas; Shahgaldian, Patrick; Corvini, Philippe F-X

2017-03-01

Lignin, a complex three-dimensional amorphous polymer, is considered to be a potential natural renewable resource for the production of low-molecular-weight aromatic compounds. In the present study, a novel sequential lignin treatment method consisting of a biocatalytic oxidation step followed by a formic acid-induced lignin depolymerization step was developed and optimized using response surface methodology. The biocatalytic step employed a laccase mediator system using the redox mediator 1-hydroxybenzotriazole. Laccases were immobilized on superparamagnetic nanoparticles using a sorption-assisted surface conjugation method allowing easy separation and reuse of the biocatalysts after treatment. Under optimized conditions, as much as 45 wt% of lignin could be solubilized either in aqueous solution after the first treatment or in ethyl acetate after the second (chemical) treatment. The solubilized products were found to be mainly low-molecular-weight aromatic monomers and oligomers. The process might be used for the production of low-molecular-weight soluble aromatic products that can be purified and/or upgraded applying further downstream processes.

A comparison of Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae) and Sphagnum quinquefarium (Sphagnaceae) in treatment of acid mine water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Falbo, M.B.; Weaks, T.E.

Tests were conducted under greenhouse conditions to evaluate the ability of Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae) and Sphagnum quinquefarium (Sphagnaceae) to ameliorate acid mine water discharged from coal operations. In addition, the survivorship and growth rate of E. crassipes (water-hyacinth), cultured in toxic acid mine water, were determined. The results of both short- and long-term studies indicated that E. crassipes readily reduced levels of heavy metals in acid mine water while the plants exhibited few signs of toxicity. Patterns of reduction of pollutants, for both E. crassipes and S. quinquefarium indicated that treatment efficiency could be improved by the periodic harvesting ofmore » plants. It is suggested that the ease with which water-hyacinths can be introduced into wetlands and harvested cannot be economically duplicated with other plants currently in use in treating acid mine water.« less

Review article: pH, healing and symptom relief with rabeprazole treatment in acid-related disorders.

PubMed

Robinson, M

2004-11-01

Control of gastric acid secretion by antisecretory agents has been the cornerstone of therapy in the successful management of all acid-related disorders, including gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and duodenal and gastric ulcer. Treatment efficacy has been strongly correlated with degree and duration of acid suppression within the 24-h period and with total duration of therapy. All proton pump inhibitors are highly effective for the healing of ulcers and erosive oesophagitis. All have closely similar mechanisms of action, yet important pharmacological differences exist, which can significantly impact certain aspects of their clinical efficacy. Rabeprazole's rapid activation over a wide pH range may be the explanation for its early onset of effective acid inhibition compared with other proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole. Like rabeprazole, esomeprazole is also a potent inhibitor of gastric acid at steady state, although it is thought that rabeprazole may provide enhanced first-day acid suppression compared with esomeprazole. First-day antisecretory efficacy should produce faster symptom relief, a hypothesis supported by clinical data. Moreover, drugs with pharmacological profiles that include both rapid onset and potent antisecretory effects should help control healthcare costs by reducing the need for otherwise commonly used twice-daily proton pump inhibitor administration.

Cost-effectiveness of cryotherapy versus salicylic acid for the treatment of plantar warts: economic evaluation alongside a randomised controlled trial (EVerT trial)

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Abstract Background Plantar warts (verrucae) are extremely common. Although many will spontaneously disappear without treatment, treatment may be sought for a variety of reasons such as discomfort. There are a number of different treatments for cutaneous warts, with salicylic acid and cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen being two of the most common forms of treatment. To date, no full economic evaluation of either salicylic acid or cryotherapy has been conducted based on the use of primary data in a pragmatic setting. This paper describes the cost-effectiveness analysis which was conducted alongside a pragmatic multicentre, randomised trial evaluating the clinical effectiveness of cryotherapy versus 50% salicylic acid of the treatment of plantar warts. Methods A cost-effectiveness analysis was undertaken alongside a pragmatic multicentre, randomised controlled trial assessing the clinical effectiveness of 50% salicylic acid and cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen at 12 weeks after randomisation of patients. Cost-effectiveness outcomes were expressed as the additional cost required to completely cure the plantar warts of one additional patient. A NHS perspective was taken for the analysis. Results Cryotherapy costs on average £101.17 (bias corrected and accelerated (BCA) 95% CI: 85.09-117.26) more per participant over the 12 week time-frame, while there is no additional benefit, in terms of proportion of patients healed compared with salicylic acid. Conclusions Cryotherapy is more costly and no more effective than salicylic acid. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN18994246 [controlled-trials.com] and National Research Register N0484189151. PMID:22369511

Intravenous Hyaluronidase with Urokinase as Treatment for Rabbit Retinal Artery Hyaluronic Acid Embolism.

PubMed

Chiang, ChengAn; Zhou, ShuangBai; Chen, ChuHsin; Ho, Dave S; Zhang, HuiZhong; Liu, Kai

2016-12-01

Although various salvage methods have been proposed to treat intraretinal artery hyaluronic acid embolism, their applications are still limited by various factors. The authors investigated the effectiveness of intravenous hyaluronidase with urokinase for resolving retinal artery hyaluronic acid embolism. The anatomy of rabbit ophthalmic and fundus arteries (retinal and choroid artery) was studied. Approximately 0.35 ml of hyaluronic acid was injected into the ophthalmic artery to create a retinal artery embolism model. The rabbits were grouped randomly (groups A, B, C, D, E, and F) and given hyaluronidase with urokinase intravenously at different postobstruction time points (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 minutes). Saline was given to the control group. Fundus vascular (retinal and choroid artery) reperfusion status and the effectiveness of the solution on the obstruction of each group were observed for 5 days. The animal model closely imitated actual hyaluronic acid ophthalmic/retinal artery obstructions. Three vascular conditions were observed after hyaluronidase with urokinase injection: total, partial, and no reperfusion. Groups A, B, and C showed a significantly higher overall solution effectiveness rate (total/partial reperfusion) compared with the control group (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.005, respectively). Solution effectiveness in groups D, E, and F showed no difference compared with the control group (p = 0.628, p = 1.000, and p = 1.000, respectively). The effectiveness of the solution drops dramatically if given after 30 minutes of obstruction. The authors' method can indeed help resolve retinal artery hyaluronic acid obstruction. Intravenous hyaluronidase with urokinase technique shows possible potential to become a standardized treatment protocol for intraretinal artery hyaluronic acid embolism with further clinical tests.

Study on treatment technology of wastewater from hydrolysis of acid oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yuejin; Lin, Zhiyong; Han, Yali

2017-06-01

In this paper, the degumming of ferric chloride, calcium hydroxide after the removal of acid acidification hydrolysis of waste oil as raw material, through the treatment process to purify the wastewater. Choose different chemical additives, investigation of different temperature, pH value and other factors, find the best extraction condition. Through the orthogonal test of sodium carbonate, sodium oxalate, barium carbonate, compared with three kinds of chemical additives. The best chemical assistant is sodium carbonate, the best treatment temperature is 80 degrees Celsius, pH value is 8.0. After the reaction, the content of calcium and iron ions were determined by suitable methods. The removal rate of calcium ion is 98%, the removal rate of iron ion is 99%, and the effect of calcium and iron ion precipitation on the subsequent evaporation operation is reduced. Finally, the comparison is made to clarify the Dilute Glycerol water solution.

Study on Treatment of acidic and highly concentrated fluoride waste water using calcium oxide-calcium chloride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, T.; Gao, X. R.; Zheng, T.; Wang, P.

2016-08-01

There are problems with treating acidic waste water containing high concentration fluorine by chemical precipitation, including the low sludge setting velocity and the high difficulty of reaching the criterion. In Heilongjiang province, a graphite factory producing high-purity graphite generates acidic waste water with a high concentration of fluorine. In this paper, the effect of removals on the concentration of fluoride with the combined treatment of calcium oxide and calcium chloride were discussed with regard to acid waste water. The study improved the sludge characteristics by using polyacrylamide (PAM) and polymeric aluminum chloride (PAC). The effect of different coagulants on sludge was evaluated by the sludge settlement ratio (SV), sludge volume index (SVI) and sludge moisture content. The results showed that the optimal combination for 100 ml waste water was calcium oxide addition amount of 14 g, a calcium chloride addition amount of 2.5 g, a PAM addition amount of 350 mg/L, and the effluent fluoride concentration was below 6 mg/L. PAM significantly improved the sludge settling velocity. The sludge settlement ratio reduced from 87.6% to 60%. The process for wastewater treatment was easily operated and involved low expenditure.

Fate of Vibrio parahaemolyticus on shrimp after acidic electrolyzed water treatment.

PubMed

Wang, Jing Jing; Sun, Wen Shuo; Jin, Meng Tong; Liu, Hai Quan; Zhang, Weijia; Sun, Xiao Hong; Pan, Ying Jie; Zhao, Yong

2014-06-02

The objective of this study was to investigate the fate of Vibrio parahaemolyticus on shrimp after acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) treatment during storage. Shrimp, inoculated with a cocktail of four strains of V. parahaemolyticus, were stored at different temperatures (4-30 °C) after AEW treatment. Experimental data were fitted to modified Gompertz and Log-linear models. The fate of V. parahaemolyticus was determined based on the growth and survival kinetics parameters (lag time, λ; the maximum growth rate, μmax; the maximum growth concentration, D; the inactivation value, K) depending on the respective storage conditions. Moreover, real-time PCR was employed to study the population dynamics of this pathogen during the refrigeration temperature storage (10, 7, 4 °C). The results showed that AEW treatment could markedly (p<0.05) decrease the growth rate (μmax) and extend the lag time (λ) during the post-treatment storage at 30, 25, 20 and 15 °C, while it did not present a capability to lower the maximum growth concentration (D). AEW treatment increased the sensitivity of V. parahaemolyticus to refrigeration temperatures, indicated by a higher (p<0.05) inactivation value (K) of V. parahaemolyticus, especially for 10 °C storage. The results also revealed that AEW treatment could completely suppress the proliferation of V. parahaemolyticus in combination with refrigeration temperature. Based on above analysis, the present study demonstrates the potential of AEW in growth inhibition or death acceleration of V. parahaemolyticus on seafood, hence to greatly reduce the risk of illness caused by this pathogen during post-treatment storage. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical and Sensory Evaluation of Silicone and Polylactic Acid-Based Remedial Treatments for Elevated Methoxypyrazine Levels in Wine.

PubMed

Botezatu, Andreea; Kemp, Belinda S; Pickering, Gary J

2016-09-16

Alkylmethoxypyrazines (MPs) are a class of compounds that can elicit undesirable aroma and flavor characteristics in wine, and resist remediation using traditional wine making approaches. MPs are grape-derived constituents as well as contaminants from Coccinellidae beetles present during wine processing; the latter eliciting an off-flavor referred to as 'ladybug taint'. In this study we investigated the capacity of two plastic polymers-one silicone-based, the other polylactic acid-based-applied with varying surface areas to reduce concentrations of isopropylmethoxypyrazine (IPMP), sec-butylmethoxypyrazine (SBMP) and isobutylmethoxypyrazine (IBMP) in a Merlot wine using multi-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and headspace solid phase microextraction (SPME-MDGCMS). The impact of treatments on the sensory characteristics of the wine (descriptive analysis) and volatile aroma compounds (VOCs) (SPME-MDGCMS) was also investigated. Results showed substantial reductions for all of the target odorants: up to 38%, 44% and 39% for IPMP, SBMP and IBMP, respectively, for the silicone polymer, and up to 75%, 78% and 77% for IPMP, SBMP and IBMP, respectively, for the polylactic acid polymer. These polymers had no or minimal effect on VOCs at applications of 200 cm²/L for silicone or for all polylactic acid treatments. Sensory impacts were less clear, but generally showed minimal effect from the treatments. Taken overall, the data confirm the utility of both polylactic acid and silicone polymers in reducing elevated levels of grape-derived MPs, as well as potentially improving wine contaminated by ladybug taint.

Effect of combination treatment of gamma irradiation and ascorbic acid on physicochemical and microbial quality of minimally processed eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussain, Peerzada R.; Omeera, A.; Suradkar, Prashant P.; Dar, Mohd A.

2014-10-01

Gamma irradiation alone and in combination with ascorbic acid was tested for preventing the surface browning and maintaining the quality attributes of minimally processed eggplant. Eggplant samples after preparation were subjected to treatment of gamma irradiation in the dose range of 0.25-1.0 kGy and to combination treatments of ascorbic acid dip at a concentration of 2.0% w/v and gamma irradiation (dose range 0.5-2.0 kGy) followed by storage at 3±1 °C, RH 80%. Studies revealed inverse correlation (r=-0.93) between the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, browning index and the treatments of ascorbic acid and gamma irradiation. Combinatory treatment of 2.0% w/v ascorbic acid and 1.0 kGy gamma irradiation proved to be significantly (p≤0.05) effective in inhibiting the PPO activity, preventing the surface browning and maintaining the creamy white color and other quality attributes of minimally processed eggplant up to 6 days of refrigerated storage. Sensory evaluation revealed that control and 0.25 kGy irradiated samples were unacceptable only after 3 days of storage. Samples irradiated at 0.5 kGy and 0.75 kGy were unacceptable after 6 days of storage. Microbial analysis revealed that radiation processing of minimally processed eggplant at 1.0 kGy with and without ascorbic acid resulted in around 1 and 1.5 log reduction in yeast and mold count as well as bacterial count just after treatment and 6 days of storage therefore, enhances the microbial safety.

A successful treatment of life-threatening bleeding from polycystic kidneys with antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid.

PubMed

Vujkovac, Bojan; Sabovic, Miso

2006-10-01

We describe a successful treatment of a severe, persistent bleeding from both kidneys in a patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) with tranexamic acid (TXA), a potent antifibrinolytic agent. The bleeding could not be controlled by intensive conservative treatment, it became life-threatening and urgent bilateral nephrectomy was intended. Since local and systemic hyperfibrinolysis play a role in bleeding in ADPKD patients, we tried TXA treatment. In fact, the massive bleeding promptly stopped, and haematuria gradually ceased. Removal of both kidneys was prevented. After 5 days both ureters became obstructed by blood clots, but placing J-catheters in each pyelon successfully solved this complication. Our case shows that it is reasonable to try antifibrinolytic treatment with TXA in such devastating uncontrolled bleeding.

Influence of lactic acid and post-treatment recovery time on the heat resistance of Listeria monocytogenes.

PubMed

Omori, Yasuo; Miake, Kiyotaka; Nakamura, Hiromi; Kage-Nakadai, Eriko; Nishikawa, Yoshikazu

2017-09-18

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lactic acid (LA) with and without organic material at various post-treatment recovery times on the heat resistance of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). LA decreased Lm numbers; however, the effect was remarkably attenuated by the presence of organic matter. Five strains of Lm were treated with LA and the listericidal effects were compared. The effect of LA varied depending on the strain, with ≥3.0% (w/w) LA required to kill the Lm strains in a short time. The heat resistance of Lm treated with LA was examined with respect to the time interval between the acid treatment and the subsequent manufacturing step. The heat resistance of Lm was shown to significantly increase during the post-treatment period. Heat tolerance (D value) increased up to 3.4-fold compared with the non-treated control bacteria. RNA sequencing and RT-PCR analyses suggested that several stress chaperones, proteins controlled by RecA and associated with high-temperature survival, were involved in the mechanism of enhanced heat resistance. These results are applicable to manufacturers when LA and heat treatment methods are utilized for the effective control of Lm in foods. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

BDNF restores the expression of Jun and Fos inducible transcription factors in the rat brain following repetitive electroconvulsive seizures.

PubMed

Hsieh, T F; Simler, S; Vergnes, M; Gass, P; Marescaux, C; Wiegand, S J; Zimmermann, M; Herdegen, T

1998-01-01

The expression of inducible transcription factors was studied following repetitive electroconvulsive seizures (ECS), c-Fos, c-Jun, JunB, and JunD immunoreactivities were investigated following a single (1 x ECS) or repetitive ECS evoked once per day for 4, 5, or 10 days (4 x ECS, 5 x ECS, or 10 x ECS). Animals were killed 3 or 12 h following the last ECS. Three hours after 1 x ECS, c-Fos was expressed throughout the cortex and hippocampus. After 5 x ECS and 10 x ECS, c-Fos was reexpressed in the CA4 area, but was completely absent in the other hippocampal areas and cortex. In these areas, c-Fos became only reinducible when the time lag between two ECS stimuli was 5 days. In contrast to c-Fos, intense JunB expression was inducible in the cortex and hippocampus, but not CA4 subfield, after 1 x ECS, 5 x ECS, and 10 x ECS. Repetitive ECS did not effect c-Jun and JunD expression. In a second model of systemic excitation of the brain, repetitive daily injection of kainic acid for 4 days completely failed to express c-Fos, c-Jun, and JunB after the last application whereas injection of kainic acid once per week did not alter the strong expressions compared to a single application of kainic acid. In order to study the maintenance of c-Fos expression during repetitive seizures, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was applied in parallel for 5 or 10 days via miniosmotic pumps and permanent cannula targeted at the hippocampus or the parietal cortex. Infusion of BDNF completely reinduced c-Fos expression during 5 x ECS or 10 x ECS in the cortex ipsilaterally to the cannula and, to a less extent, also increased the expression of c-Jun and JunB when compared to saline-treated controls. BDNF had no effect on the expression patterns in the hippocampus. ECS with or without BDNF infusion did not change the expression patterns of the constitutive transcription factors ATF-2, CREB, and SRF. These data demonstrate that various transcription factors substantially differ in their

Drug-induced Fanconi syndrome associated with fumaric acid esters treatment for psoriasis: a case series

PubMed Central

Balak, Deepak M.W.; Bouwes Bavinck, Jan Nico; de Vries, Aiko P.J.; Hartman, Jenny; Neumann, Hendrik A. Martino; Zietse, Robert; Thio, Hok Bing

2016-01-01

Background Fumaric acid esters (FAEs), an oral immunomodulating treatment for psoriasis and multiple sclerosis, have been anecdotally associated with proximal renal tubular dysfunction due to a drug-induced Fanconi syndrome. Few data are available on clinical outcomes of FAE-induced Fanconi syndrome. Methods Descriptive case series with two cases of Fanconi syndrome associated with FAE treatment diagnosed at two Dutch university nephrology departments, three cases reported at the Dutch and German national pharmacovigilance databases and six previously reported cases. Results All 11 cases involved female patients with psoriasis. The median age at the time of onset was 38 years [interquartile range (IQR) 37–46]. Patients received long-term FAEs treatment with a median treatment duration of 60 months (IQR 28–111). Laboratory tests were typically significant for low serum levels of phosphate and uric acid, while urinalysis showed glycosuria and proteinuria. Eight (73%) patients had developed a hypophosphataemic osteomalacia and three (27%) had pathological bone fractures. All patients discontinued FAEs, while four (36%) patients were treated with supplementation of phosphate and/or vitamin D. Five (45%) patients had persisting symptoms despite FAEs discontinuation. Conclusions FAEs treatment can cause drug-induced Fanconi syndrome, but the association has been reported infrequently. Female patients with psoriasis treated long term with FAEs seem to be particularly at risk. Physicians treating patients with FAEs should be vigilant and monitor for the potential occurrence of Fanconi syndrome. Measurement of the urinary albumin:total protein ratio is a suggested screening tool for tubular proteinuria in Fanconi syndrome. PMID:26798466

Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Mandelic Acid, and Phytic Acid Combination Peels in Melasma.

PubMed

Sarkar, Rashmi; Garg, Vijay; Bansal, Shivani; Sethi, Sumit; Gupta, Chitra

2016-03-01

Melasma is acquired symmetric hypermelanosis characterized by light-to-deep brown pigmentation over cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and nose. Treatment of this condition is difficult and associated with high recurrence rates. Chemical peels have become a popular modality in the treatment of melasma. To compare the therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of glycolic acid (35%) versus salicylic-mandelic (SM) acid (20% salicylic/10% mandelic acid) versus phytic combination peels in Indian patients with melasma. Ninety patients diagnosed with melasma were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 30 patients each. Group A received glycolic acid (GA-35%) peel, Group B received SM acid, and Group C received phytic combination peels. Each group was primed with 4% hydroquinone and 0.05% tretinoin cream for 4 weeks before treatment. Chemical peeling was done after every 14 days in all groups until 12 weeks. Clinical evaluation using melasma area and severity index (MASI) score and photography was recorded at every visit and follow-up was done until 20 weeks. There was a decrease in MASI score in all 3 groups but it was statistically significantly lower in Group A than Group C (p = .00), and it was also statistically significantly lower in Group B than Group C (p = .00) but there was no statistically significant difference between Groups A and B (p = .876). Objective response to treatment evaluated by reduction in MASI scoring after 12 weeks was 62.36% reduction in GA group, 60.98% reduction in SM group, and 44.71% in phytic acid group. It is concluded that GA (35%) and SM acid peels are both equally efficacious and a safe treatment modality for melasma in Indian skin, and are more effective than phytic acid peels. Salicylic-mandelic peels are better tolerated and more suitable for Indian skin.

Treatment of actinic cheilitis by photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid and blue light activation.

PubMed

Zaiac, Martin; Clement, Annabelle

2011-11-01

Actinic cheilitis (AC), a common disorder of the lower lip, should be treated early to prevent progression to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) activated by blue light for the treatment of AC. Fifteen patients with clinically evident or biopsy-proven AC received two treatments with ALA PDT with blue light activation. Treatments were spaced three to five weeks apart. Most patients achieved 65% to 75% clearance three to five weeks after the first treatment and all achieved more than 75% clearance one month after the second treatment. Three patients achieved complete clearance. Pain and burning during irradiation were absent or mild. All patients said they would repeat the procedure. ALA PDT with 417 nm blue light is a promising option for the treatment of AC of the lower lip.

Suitability of antioxidant capacity, flavonoids and phenolic acids for floral authentication of honey. Impact of industrial thermal treatment.

PubMed

Escriche, Isabel; Kadar, Melinda; Juan-Borrás, Marisol; Domenech, Eva

2014-01-01

Total antioxidant activity, physicochemical parameters, and the profile of flavonoids and phenolic acid compounds were evaluated for: their ability to distinguish between the botanical origins of four types of Spanish honey, the impact of industrial thermal treatment, and the effect of the year of collection. Citrus honey had the lowest levels of all the analysed variables, then rosemary and polyfloral, and honeydew the highest ones. Botanical origin affects the profile of flavonoids and phenolic compounds sufficiently to permit discrimination thanks to the predominance of particular compounds such as: hesperetin (in citrus honey); kaempferol, chrysin, pinocembrin, caffeic acid and naringenin (in rosemary honey) and myricetin, quercetin, galangin and particularly p-coumaric acid (in honeydew honey). The impact of industrial thermal treatments is lower than the expected variability as a consequence of the year of collection, though neither factor has enough influence to alter these constituent compounds to the point of affecting the discrimination of honey by botanical origin. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ursodeoxycholic Acid for Treatment of Enlarged Polycystic Liver.

PubMed

Iijima, Takashi; Hoshino, Junichi; Suwabe, Tatsuya; Sumida, Keiichi; Mise, Koki; Kawada, Masahiro; Imafuku, Aya; Hayami, Noriko; Hiramatsu, Rikako; Hasegawa, Eiko; Sawa, Naoki; Takaichi, Kenmei; Ubara, Yoshifumi

2016-02-01

Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and polycystic liver disease (PLD) often have elevated serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is used to treat biliary tract diseases, but its effect on PLD remains unclear. UDCA was administered for 1 year at a dose of 300 mg daily to seven PLD patients with elevated ALP or GGT levels who were selected for this treatment by experienced clinicians. Laboratory data and liver volumes were compared among three time points: 1 year before UDCA treatment, at the start of UDCA therapy, and 1 year after the start of therapy. Median GGT did not show a significant change between 1 year before UDCA (180 IU/L) and the start of UDCA therapy (209 IU/L), but it decreased significantly to 98 IU/L after 1 year of UDCA therapy (P = 0.015 vs. the start of therapy). ALP showed a significant increase from 1 year before UDCA (456 IU/L) to the start of UDCA therapy (561 IU/L), and then decreased significantly after 1 year of UDCA therapy (364 IU/L). Median liver volume did not show any significant changes among these three time points of assessment. UDCA may be effective for reducing biliary enzyme levels and inhibiting the growth of liver cysts in patients with PLD. © 2015 International Society for Apheresis, Japanese Society for Apheresis, and Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy.

Efficacy and safety of once-daily metronidazole 1% gel compared with twice-daily azelaic acid 15% gel in the treatment of rosacea.

PubMed

Wolf, John E; Kerrouche, Nabil; Arsonnaud, Stephanie

2006-04-01

Rosacea is an inflammatory dermatologic disorder characterized by the presence of facial erythema, visible blood vessels, papules, and pustules. The National Rosacea Society has established a classification system that identifies 4 distinct rosacea subtypes based on clinical presentation: erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous, and ocular. The goal of topical therapy for rosacea is to reduce inflammatory lesion counts; decrease intensity of erythema; and reduce symptoms such as stinging, burning, and pruritus. Metronidazole and azelaic acid are thought to reduce the inflammation associated with rosacea by inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species produced by neutrophils. Both metronidazole 1% gel and azelaic acid 15% gel recently have been approved for the treatment of rosacea. The current study was conducted to compare the once-daily application of metronidazole 1% gel with twice-daily applications of azelaic acid 15% gel for the treatment of patients with moderate rosacea (N=160). Both treatments showed similar reductions in inflammatory lesion counts (77% for metronidazole 1% gel and 80% for azelaic acid 15% gel) and high success rates in both global severity (53.7% vs 56.4% for metronidazole 1% gel and azelaic acid 15% gel, respectively) and erythema (42.7% vs 42.3% for metronidazole 1% gel and azelaic acid 15% gel, respectively). On average, the efficacy (including reduction in erythema) of the once-daily application of metronidazole 1% gel and twice-daily applications of azelaic acid 15% gel were similar.

Gender and body size affect the response of erythrocyte folate to folic acid treatment.

PubMed

Winkels, Renate M; Brouwer, Ingeborg A; Verhoef, Petra; van Oort, Floor V A; Durga, Jane; Katan, Martijn B

2008-08-01

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) differs between men and women for some vitamins, but not for folate. The RDA for folate is derived mainly from metabolic studies in women. We assessed if men differ from women in their response of erythrocyte folate to folic acid supplementation. We used data from 2 randomized placebo-controlled trials with folic acid: a 3-y trial in which subjects ingested 800 mug/d of folic acid (294 men and 112 women) and a 12-wk trial in which 187 men and 129 women ingested 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, or 800 microg/d of folic acid in a parallel design (n = 38-42 per treatment group). In the 3-y trial, the erythrocyte folate concentration increased 10% (143 nmol/L, [95%CI 46, 241]) less in men than in women. In the 12-wk trial, regression analysis showed that the response of erythrocyte folate upon folic acid intake for men was 47 nmol/L lower than for women (P for beta(gender) = 0.022); for an intake of 800 microg/d folic acid, this resulted in a 5% lower response in men than in women. Differences in lean body size explained 56% of the difference in response of erythrocyte folate between men and women in the 3-y trial and 70% in the 12-wk trial. Men need more folic acid than women to achieve the same erythrocyte folate concentration, mainly because men have a larger lean body mass. This could be an indication that the RDA for folate should be higher for men than for women, or that the RDA should be expressed per kilogram of lean body mass.

Acid treatment and formation of MnWO4 belts for NH3-SCR performance of MnWOx/TiO2 catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zekai; Lu, Weizhe; Zhang, Xinying; Liu, Huayan; Lu, Hanfeng

2018-06-01

NH3-SCR is an important technology to remove NOx, and non-V based catalysts development is still a hot topic in the field. To improve N2 selectivity, acid treatment was carried out to modify the properties of a MnWOx/TiO2 catalyst. Influences of acid concentration, time and temperature on the catalyst were investigated. The TEM results showed that the acid treatment removed more MnO2 species than Mn2O3 and MnWO4 and disclosed more crystal faces of the active species. The active species even formed hollow structures by Ostwald ripening mechanism, which was then corroded by acid to form the nanobelts on the surface. The working temperature window of the MnWOx/TiO2 catalyst was thereby moved to the high temperature attitude and the N2 selectivity is clearly improved.

Enhancement of Power Conversion Efficiency of TiO₂-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells on Various Acid Treatment.

PubMed

Sireesha, Pedaballi; Sun, Wei-Gang; Su, Chaochin; Kathirvel, Sasipriya; Lekphet, Woranan; Akula, Suri Babu; Li, Wen-Ri

2017-01-01

The surface modification of the TiO2 photoelectrode film is one of the promising ways to improve the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). In this work for the acid treatment of TiO2 powder, fluorine containing compounds such as trifluoroacetic acid was carried out to enhance the properties of photoanode. In order to investigate the effect of trifluoroacetyl group, the TiO2 nanopowders were also treated with different acids such as acetic acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid and their properties were compared. The TiO2 powders treated with both acetic acid and TFA have possessed smooth surface morphologies as well as enhanced particle dispersions with reduced particle sizes. Photoelectrodes prepared for these two kinds of TiO2 powders accommodated high amounts of dye loading and exhibited excellent light transmittance (wavelength region of 400–600 nm). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis showed the smallest radius of the semicircle which indicates the enhanced rate of electron transport for the cell based photoelectrode with trifluoroacetic acid treated TiO2 powder. The solar cell from the untreated TiO2 film showed the power conversion efficiency of 8.86% and the highest efficiency of 9.51% was achieved by the cell fabricated from trifluoroacetic acid treated TiO2 film.

Update on lysosomal acid lipase deficiency: Diagnosis, treatment and patient management.

PubMed

Camarena, Carmen; Aldamiz-Echevarria, Luis J; Polo, Begoña; Barba Romero, Miguel A; García, Inmaculada; Cebolla, Jorge J; Ros, Emilio

2017-05-10

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LALD) is an ultra-rare disease caused by a congenital disorder of the lipid metabolism, characterized by the deposition of cholesterol esters and triglycerides in the organism. In patients with no enzyme function, the disease develops during the perinatal period and is invariably associated with death during the first year of life. In all other cases, the phenotype is heterogeneous, although most patients develop chronic liver diseases and may also develop an early cardiovascular disease. Treatment for LALD has classically included the use of supportive measures that do not prevent the progression of the disease. In 2015, regulatory agencies approved the use of a human recombinant LAL for the treatment of LALD. This long-term enzyme replacement therapy has been associated with significant improvements in the hepatic and lipid profiles of patients with LALD, increasing survival rates in infants with a rapidly progressive disease. Both the severity of LALD and the availability of a specific treatment highlight the need to identify these patients in clinical settings, although its low prevalence and the existing clinical overlap with other more frequent pathologies limit its diagnosis. In this paper we set out practical recommendations to identify and monitor patients with LALD, including a diagnostic algorithm, along with an updated treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.