Application of Volatilome Analysis to the Diagnosis of Mycobacteria Infection in Livestock

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are small molecular mass metabolites which compose the volatilome, whose analysis has been widely employed in different areas. This innovative approach has emerged in research as a diagnostic alternative to different diseases in human and veterinary medicine, which still present constraints regarding analytical and diagnostic sensitivity. Such is the case of the infection by mycobacteria responsible for tuberculosis and paratuberculosis in livestock. Although eradication and control programs have been partly managed with success in many countries worldwide, the often low sensitivity of the current diagnostic techniques against Mycobacterium bovis (as well as other mycobacteria from Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex) and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis together with other hurdles such as low mycobacteria loads in samples, a tedious process of microbiological culture, inhibition by many variables, or intermittent shedding of the mycobacteria highlight the importance of evaluating new techniques that open different options and complement the diagnostic paradigm. In this sense, volatilome analysis stands as a potential option because it fulfills part of the mycobacterial diagnosis requirements. The aim of the present review is to compile the information related to the diagnosis of tuberculosis and paratuberculosis in livestock through the analysis of VOCs by using different biological matrices. The analytical techniques used for the evaluation of VOCs are discussed focusing on the advantages and drawbacks offered compared with the routine diagnostic tools. In addition, the differences described in the literature among in vivo and in vitro assays, natural and experimental infections, and the use of specific VOCs (targeted analysis) and complete VOC pattern (non-targeted analysis) are highlighted. This review emphasizes how this methodology could be useful in the problematic diagnosis of tuberculosis and paratuberculosis in livestock and poses challenges to be addressed in future research.

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Stage-dependent effect of deferoxamine on growth of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v76.6.1250.1250 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 76 (6) ◽

pp. 1250-1255 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

S Whitehead ◽

TE Peto

Keyword(s):

Plasmodium Falciparum ◽

Growth Inhibition ◽

Antimalarial Activity ◽

Clinical Malaria ◽

Inhibitory Effect ◽

Parasite Development ◽

And Control ◽

Speed Of Onset

Abstract Deferoxamine (DF) has antimalarial activity that can be demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. This study is designed to examine the speed of onset and stage dependency of growth inhibition by DF and to determine whether its antimalarial activity is cytostatic or cytocidal. Growth inhibition was assessed by suppression of hypoxanthine incorporation and differences in morphologic appearance between treated and control parasites. Using synchronized in vitro cultures of Plasmodium falciparum, growth inhibition by DF was detected within a single parasite cycle. Ring and nonpigmented trophozoite stages were sensitive to the inhibitory effect of DF but cytostatic antimalarial activity was suggested by evidence of parasite recovery in later cycles. However, profound growth inhibition, with no evidence of subsequent recovery, occurred when pigmented trophozoites and early schizonts were exposed to DF. At this stage in parasite development, the activity of DF was cytocidal and furthermore, the critical period of exposure may be as short as 6 hours. These observations suggest that iron chelators may have a role in the treatment of clinical malaria.

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Simple Equations Pertaining to the Particle Number and Surface Area of Metallic, Polymeric, Lipidic and Vesicular Nanocarriers

Scientia Pharmaceutica ◽

10.3390/scipharm89020015 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 89 (2) ◽

pp. 15

Author(s):

M. R. Mozafari ◽

E. Mazaheri ◽

K. Dormiani

Keyword(s):

Drug Delivery ◽

Surface Area ◽

Particle Number ◽

Analytical Techniques ◽

Metallic Particles ◽

Nutraceutical Compounds ◽

Mathematical Formulas ◽

Simple Equations

Introduction: Bioactive encapsulation and drug delivery systems have already found their way to the market as efficient therapeutics to combat infections, viral diseases and different types of cancer. The fields of food fortification, nutraceutical supplementation and cosmeceuticals have also been getting the benefit of encapsulation technologies. Aim: Successful formulation of such therapeutic and nutraceutical compounds requires thorough analysis and assessment of certain characteristics including particle number and surface area without the need to employ sophisticated analytical techniques. Solution: Here we present simple mathematical formulas and equations used in the research and development of drug delivery and controlled release systems employed for bioactive encapsulation and targeting the sites of infection and cancer in vitro and in vivo. Systems covered in this entry include lipidic vesicles, polymeric capsules, metallic particles as well as surfactant- and tocopherol-based micro- and nanocarriers.

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Agitation Techniques to Enhance Drainage of Retained Hemothorax

Surgical Innovation ◽

10.1177/1553350620978002 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 155335062097800

Author(s):

Ian A. Makey ◽

Nitin A. Das ◽

Samuel Jacob ◽

Magdy M. El-Sayed Ahmed ◽

Colleen M. Makey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Trauma Surgery ◽

Control Group ◽

In Vivo Experiments ◽

Vibration Technique ◽

Retained Hemothorax ◽

And Control ◽

Negative Conclusion ◽

Benchtop Model

Background. Retained hemothorax (RH) is a common problem in cardiothoracic and trauma surgery. We aimed to determine the optimum agitation technique to enhance thrombus dissolution and drainage and to apply the technique to a porcine-retained hemothorax. Methods. Three agitation techniques were tested: flush irrigation, ultrasound, and vibration. We used the techniques in a benchtop model with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and pig hemothorax with tPA. We used the most promising technique vibration in a pig hemothorax without tPA. Statistics. We used 2-sample t tests for each comparison and Cohen d tests to calculate effect size (ES). Results. In the benchtop model, mean drainages in the agitation group and control group and the ES were flush irrigation, 42%, 28%, and 2.91 ( P = .10); ultrasound, 35%, 27%, and .76 ( P = .30); and vibration, 28%, 19%, and 1.14 ( P = .04). In the pig hemothorax with tPA, mean drainages and the ES of each agitation technique compared with control (58%) were flush irrigation, 80% and 1.14 ( P = .37); ultrasound, 80% and 2.11 ( P = .17); and vibration, 95% and 3.98 ( P = .06). In the pig hemothorax model without tPA, mean drainages of the vibration technique and control group were 50% and 43% (ES = .29; P = .65). Discussion. In vitro studies suggested flush irrigation had the greatest effect, whereas only vibration was significantly different vs the respective controls. In vivo with tPA, vibration showed promising but not statistically significant results. Results of in vivo experiments without tPA were negative. Conclusion. Agitation techniques, in combination with tPA, may enhance drainage of hemothorax.

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Effect of Processing on Fish Protein Antigenicity and Allergenicity

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10050969 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 969

Author(s):

Xingyi Jiang ◽

Qinchun Rao

Keyword(s):

Fish Species ◽

Protein Denaturation ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Protein Solubility ◽

Future Research ◽

Food Protein ◽

In Vivo Evaluation ◽

Fish Allergy

Fish allergy is a life-long food allergy whose prevalence is affected by many demographic factors. Currently, there is no cure for fish allergy, which can only be managed by strict avoidance of fish in the diet. According to the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee, 12 fish proteins are recognized as allergens. Different processing (thermal and non-thermal) techniques are applied to fish and fishery products to reduce microorganisms, extend shelf life, and alter organoleptic/nutritional properties. In this concise review, the development of a consistent terminology for studying food protein immunogenicity, antigenicity, and allergenicity is proposed. It also summarizes that food processing may lead to a decrease, no change, or even increase in fish antigenicity and allergenicity due to the change of protein solubility, protein denaturation, and the modification of linear or conformational epitopes. Recent studies investigated the effect of processing on fish antigenicity/allergenicity and were mainly conducted on commonly consumed fish species and major fish allergens using in vitro methods. Future research areas such as novel fish species/allergens and ex vivo/in vivo evaluation methods would convey a comprehensive view of the relationship between processing and fish allergy.

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Modelling the Human Placental Interface In Vitro—A Review

Micromachines ◽

10.3390/mi12080884 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 884

Author(s):

Marta Cherubini ◽

Scott Erickson ◽

Kristina Haase

Keyword(s):

Drug Testing ◽

Cell Types ◽

In Vitro Models ◽

Placental Development ◽

Scientific Challenge ◽

Induced Pluripotent ◽

And Function ◽

And Control

Acting as the primary link between mother and fetus, the placenta is involved in regulating nutrient, oxygen, and waste exchange; thus, healthy placental development is crucial for a successful pregnancy. In line with the increasing demands of the fetus, the placenta evolves throughout pregnancy, making it a particularly difficult organ to study. Research into placental development and dysfunction poses a unique scientific challenge due to ethical constraints and the differences in morphology and function that exist between species. Recently, there have been increased efforts towards generating in vitro models of the human placenta. Advancements in the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), microfluidics, and bioprinting have each contributed to the development of new models, which can be designed to closely match physiological in vivo conditions. By including relevant placental cell types and control over the microenvironment, these new in vitro models promise to reveal clues to the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction and facilitate drug testing across the maternal–fetal interface. In this minireview, we aim to highlight current in vitro placental models and their applications in the study of disease and discuss future avenues for these in vitro models.

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The Implications of Regulatory Framework for Topical Semisolid Drug Products: From Critical Quality and Performance Attributes towards Establishing Bioequivalence

Pharmaceutics ◽

10.3390/pharmaceutics13050710 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 710

Author(s):

Tanja Ilić ◽

Ivana Pantelić ◽

Snežana Savić

Keyword(s):

Statistical Power ◽

Failure Modes ◽

In Vitro Release ◽

Optimal Number ◽

Drug Products ◽

Pharmaceutical Equivalence ◽

And Performance ◽

Low Sensitivity

Due to complex interdependent relationships affecting their microstructure, topical semisolid drug formulations face unique obstacles to the development of generics compared to other drug products. Traditionally, establishing bioequivalence is based on comparative clinical trials, which are expensive and often associated with high degrees of variability and low sensitivity in detecting formulation differences. To address this issue, leading regulatory agencies have aimed to advance guidelines relevant to topical generics, ultimately accepting different non-clinical, in vitro/in vivo surrogate methods for topical bioequivalence assessment. Unfortunately, according to both industry and academia stakeholders, these efforts are far from flawless, and often upsurge the potential for result variability and a number of other failure modes. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the literature focused on amending regulatory positions concerning the demonstration of (i) extended pharmaceutical equivalence and (ii) equivalence with respect to the efficacy of topical semisolids. The proposed corrective measures are disclosed and critically discussed, as they span from mere demands to widen the acceptance range (e.g., from ±10% to ±20%/±25% for rheology and in vitro release parameters highly prone to batch-to-batch variability) or reassess the optimal number of samples required to reach the desired statistical power, but also rely on specific data modeling or novel statistical approaches.

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The Genus Lagochilus (Lamiaceae): A Review of Its Diversity, Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants10010132 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 132

Author(s):

Nilufar Z. Mamadalieva ◽

Davlat Kh. Akramov ◽

Ludger A. Wessjohann ◽

Hidayat Hussain ◽

Chunlin Long ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Secondary Metabolites ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

Iridoid Glycosides ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Future Research ◽

South Central ◽

Pharmacological Studies ◽

Central South

The genus Lagochilus (Lamiaceae) is native to Central, South-Central, and Eastern Asia. It comprises 44 species, which have been commonly used as herbal medicines for the treatments of various ailments for thousands of years, especially in Asian countries. This review aims to summarize the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of species from the genus Lagochilus to unveil opportunities for future research. In addition, we provide some information about their traditional uses, botany, and diversity. More than 150 secondary metabolites have been reported from Lagochilus, including diterpenes, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, triterpenoids, iridoid glycosides, lignans, steroids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, volatile, non-volatile and aromatic compounds, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and other secondary metabolites. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies on the crude extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds from Lagochilus species showed hemostatic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, cytotoxic, enzyme inhibitory, antispasmodic, hypotensive, sedative, psychoactive, and other activities.

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Proanthocyanidins against Oxidative Stress: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Applications

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2018/8584136 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Lingyu Yang ◽

Dehai Xian ◽

Xia Xiong ◽

Rui Lai ◽

Jing Song ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Signaling Pathways ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Metabolic Diseases ◽

Low Cost ◽

Natural Agents ◽

Molecular Damage ◽

And Control

Proanthocyanidins (PCs) are naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds abundant in many vegetables, plant skins (rind/bark), seeds, flowers, fruits, and nuts. Numerousin vitroandin vivostudies have demonstrated myriad effects potentially beneficial to human health, such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, immunomodulation, DNA repair, and antitumor activity. Accumulation of prooxidants such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceeding cellular antioxidant capacity results in oxidative stress (OS), which can damage macromolecules (DNA, lipids, and proteins), organelles (membranes and mitochondria), and whole tissues. OS is implicated in the pathogenesis and exacerbation of many cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, dermatological, and metabolic diseases, both through direct molecular damage and secondary activation of stress-associated signaling pathways. PCs are promising natural agents to safely prevent acute damage and control chronic diseases at relatively low cost. In this review, we summarize the molecules and signaling pathways involved in OS and the corresponding therapeutic mechanisms of PCs.

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Foeniculum vulgareMill: A Review of Its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Contemporary Application, and Toxicology

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2014/842674 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-32 ◽

Cited By ~ 90

Author(s):

Shamkant B. Badgujar ◽

Vainav V. Patel ◽

Atmaram H. Bandivdekar

Keyword(s):

Traditional Medicine ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

New Drugs ◽

Future Research ◽

Foeniculum Vulgare ◽

Wide Range ◽

Research Findings ◽

Valuable Compounds

Foeniculum vulgareMill commonly called fennel has been used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments related to digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory systems. Additionally, it is also used as a galactagogue agent for lactating mothers. The review aims to gather the fragmented information available in the literature regarding morphology, ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology ofFoeniculum vulgare. It also compiles available scientific evidence for the ethnobotanical claims and to identify gaps required to be filled by future research. Findings based on their traditional uses and scientific evaluation indicates thatFoeniculum vulgareremains to be the most widely used herbal plant. It has been used for more than forty types of disorders. Phytochemical studies have shown the presence of numerous valuable compounds, such as volatile compounds, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and amino acids. Compiled data indicate their efficacy in severalin vitroandin vivopharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antinociceptive, antipyretic, antispasmodic, antithrombotic, apoptotic, cardiovascular, chemomodulatory, antitumor, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and memory enhancing property.Foeniculum vulgarehas emerged as a good source of traditional medicine and it provides a noteworthy basis in pharmaceutical biology for the development/formulation of new drugs and future clinical uses.

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Increased Renal Sensitivity to Aldosterone in the Potassium-Loaded Rat

Clinical Science ◽

10.1042/cs051315s ◽

1976 ◽

Vol 51 (s3) ◽

pp. 315s-317s

Author(s):

W. R. Adam ◽

J. W. Funder

Keyword(s):

Sodium Intake ◽

Control Diet ◽

High Potassium ◽

High Sodium ◽

Low Sodium Diet ◽

Low Sodium ◽

High K ◽

And Control

1. The renal response to aldosterone (urinary sodium and potassium excretion) was determined in adrenalectomized rats previously fed either a high potassium diet or a control diet. High K+ rats showed an enhanced response to aldosterone at all doses tested. 2. This enhanced response to aldosterone required the presence of the adrenal glands during the induction period, could be suppressed by a high sodium intake, but could not be induced by a low sodium diet. 3. No difference between high K+ and control rats could be detected in renal mineralocorticoid receptors, assessed by both in vivo and in vitro binding of tritiated aldosterone. 4. The method of the induction, and the mechanism of the enhanced response, remain to be defined.

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