Magnetic ethylene diamine-functionalized graphene oxide as novel sorbent for removal of lead and cadmium ions from wastewater samples

Abstract

In this paper, magnetic ethylene diamine-functionalized graphene oxide (MDFGO) as a novel sorbent was synthesized and applied for removal of Pb(II) and Cd(II) from real wastewater samples. The morphology and molecular structure of MDFGO were studied by different analytical methods. The effective parameters in adsorption efficiency of Pb(II) and Cd(II) were studied and optimized using experimental design. Under the optimal condition, the effective parameters including pH, sorbent dosage, shaking rate, and adsorption time were 6.2, 33.0 mg, 500 rpm, and 11 min, respectively. Mechanism of adsorption kinetic was investigated using the Lagergren pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models. It was found that adsorption of lead and cadmium ions in the MDFGO sorbent followed from pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) for the lead and cadmium ions uptake onto the MDFGO sorbent were calculated and indicated that the adsorption processes were spontaneous and endothermic in nature for both cations. In order to investigate the isotherm model for adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II), the experimental data were studied using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Harkins–Jura isotherm models. The results fitted well with Freundlich model for both metal ions. The new sorbent (MDFGO) was applied to remove Pb(II) and Cd(II) from battery wastewater and electroplating wastewater. The removal percentage of Pb(II) and Cd(II) were 99.6±0.5 and 99.4±0.6, respectively, and demonstrated that the new sorbent was very suitable for removal of lead and cadmium ion from the real wastewater samples.

Regional Epidemiology of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus among Adult Intensive Care Unit Patients following State-Mandated Active Surveillance

Abstract

Background

In 2007, Illinois became the first state in the United States to mandate active surveillance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The Illinois law applies to intensive care unit (ICU) patients; contact precautions are required for patients found to be MRSA-colonized. However, the effectiveness of a legislated "search and isolate" approach to reduce MRSA burden among critically ill patients is uncertain. We evaluated whether the prevalence of MRSA colonization declined in the 5 years after the start of mandatory active surveillance.

Methods

All hospitals with an ICU having ≥10 beds in Chicago, Illinois, USA were eligible to participate in single-day serial point prevalence surveys. We assessed MRSA colonization among adult ICU patients present at time of survey using nasal and inguinal swab cultures. The primary outcome was region-wide MRSA colonization prevalence over time.

Results

All 25 eligible hospitals (51 ICUs) participated in serial point prevalence surveys over 8 survey periods (2008 – 2013). A total of 3909 adult ICU patients participated in the point prevalence surveys, with 432 (11.1%) found to be colonized with MRSA (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.1% to 12.0%). The MRSA colonization prevalence among patients was unchanged during the study period; year-over-year relative risk for MRSA colonization was 0.97, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.05, P=0.48).

Conclusions

MRSA colonization prevalence among critically ill adult patients did not decline during the time period following legislatively mandated MRSA active surveillance. Our findings highlight the limits of legislated MRSA active surveillance as a strategy to reduce MRSA colonization burden among ICU patients.

Antibiotic resistance and the risk of recurrent bacteremia

Abstract

Background

Direct health effects of antibiotic resistance are difficult to assess. We quantified the risk of recurrent bacteremia associated with antibiotic resistance.

Methods

We extracted antimicrobial susceptibility testing data on blood isolates of Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., Enterococcus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus from the Dutch surveillance system for antimicrobial resistance between 2008 and 2017. First and first recurrent (4-30days) bacteremia episodes were categorized as susceptible, single non-susceptible or co-non-susceptible (I/R), to 3^rd generation cephalosporins -/+ carbapenems (Enterobacteriaceae), ceftazidime -/+ carbapenems (Pseudomonas spp.), aminopenicillins -/+ vancomycin (Enterococcus spp.), or MSSA/MRSA (S. aureus). We calculated absolute and relative risks of recurrent bacteremia after single- and co-non-susceptible vs. susceptible first bacteremia, estimated the crude population attributable effect of antibiotic resistance for the Netherlands, and calculated absolute risks of developing non-susceptible recurrent bacteremia after a susceptible first episode.

Results

Risk ratios for recurrent bacteremia after a first episode caused by a single- and co-non-susceptible bacteria, respectively, vs. susceptible first episodes, were 1.7 (95% CI 1.5-2.0) and 5.2 (2.1-12.4) for Enterobacteriaceae, 1.3 (0.5-3.1) and 5.0 (2.9-8.5) for Pseudomonas spp., 1.4 (1.2-1.7) and 1.6 (0.6-4.2) for Enterococcus spp., and 1.6 (1.1-2.4) for MRSA vs. MSSA. The estimated population annual number of recurrent bacteremias associated with non-susceptibility was 40. Risks of recurrent bacteremia caused by a non-susceptible pathogen after a susceptible first episode were at most 0.4% (Pseudomonas spp.).

Conclusions

Although antibiotic non-susceptibility was consistently associated with higher risks of recurrent bacteremia, the estimated number of additional recurrent episodes in the Netherlands (40 per year) was rather limited.

Acute Retroviral Syndrome is Associated with High Viral Burden, CD4 Depletion, and Immune Activation in Systemic and Tissue Compartments

Abstract

Background

Many individuals with acute HIV infection (AHI) experience acute retroviral syndrome (ARS), which is associated with adverse long-term clinical outcomes. We characterized clinical, virologic, and immunologic features of ARS and described the impact of early antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation.

Methods

Participants presenting for voluntary HIV testing were enrolled during AHI in Bangkok, Thailand. ARS was defined by ≥3 qualifying signs/symptoms. HIV burden, immunophenotypes, and biomarkers were stratified by ARS diagnosis at enrollment and after up to 96 weeks of ART.

Results

From 212,382 samples screened, 430 participants were enrolled during AHI, including 335 (78%) with ARS. Median age was 26 years and 416 (97%) were men. Sixty (14%) underwent sigmoid biopsy and 105 (24%) underwent lumbar puncture during AHI. Common symptoms included fever (93%), fatigue (79%), pharyngitis (67%) and headache (64%). Compared to those without ARS, participants with ARS were in later Fiebig stages with higher HIV RNA in blood, colon, and cerebrospinal fluid; higher total HIV DNA in blood; CD4 depletion in blood and colon; and elevated plasma TNFα, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer (all p-values <0.05). Subgroup analyses of Fiebig I/II participants (95 with ARS, 69 without) demonstrated similar findings. After 96 weeks of ART, TNFα and IL-6 were elevated in the ARS group (p-values <0.05) but other biomarkers equilibrated.

Conclusions

ARS was associated with high viral burden, CD4 depletion and immune activation across multiple body compartments during AHI and prior to ART. Persistent inflammation despite suppressive ART could contribute to increased morbidity in individuals who experience ARS.

Advances in Serodiagnostic Testing for Lyme Disease Are at Hand

Abstract

The cause of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, was discovered in 1983. A 2-tiered testing protocol was established for serodiagnosis in 1994, involving an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or indirect fluorescence antibody, followed (if reactive) by immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G Western immunoblots. These assays were prepared from whole-cell cultured B. burgdorferi, lacking key in vivo expressed antigens and expressing antigens that can bind non-Borrelia antibodies. Additional drawbacks, particular to the Western immunoblot component, include low sensitivity in early infection, technical complexity, and subjective interpretation when scored by visual examination. Nevertheless, 2-tiered testing with immunoblotting remains the benchmark for evaluation of new methods or approaches. Next-generation serologic assays, prepared with recombinant proteins or synthetic peptides, and alternative testing protocols, can now overcome or circumvent many of these past drawbacks. This article describes next-generation serodiagnostic testing for Lyme disease, focusing on methods that are currently available or near-at-hand.

Vivax malaria chemoprophylaxis: the role of Atovaquone-proguanil, compared to other options

Abstract

Background

Atovaquone-Proguanil is considered causal prophylaxis (inhibition of liver-stage schizonts) for Plasmodium falciparum, however, its causal prophylactic efficacy for P. vivax is not known. Travelers returning to non-endemic areas, provide a unique opportunity to study P. vivax prophylaxis.

Methods

A retrospective observational study. For 11 years Israeli rafters who had traveled to the Omo River in Ethiopia, a highly malaria endemic area, were followed for at least one year after their return. Malaria prophylaxis used during this period included: mefloquine, doxycycline, primaquine and atovaquone-proguanil. Prophylaxis failure was divided into early (within a month of exposure) and late malaria.

Results

252 travelers were included.in the study. 62 (24.6%) travelers developed malaria, 56 (91.9%) caused by P. vivax, with 54 (87.1%) cases considered as late malaria. Among travelers using atovaquone-proguanil there were no cases of early P.falciparum or P. vivax malaria. However, 50.0% of atovaquone-proguanil users developed late vivax malaria, as did 46.5% and 43.5% of mefloquine and doxycycline users; respectively; only 2 (1.4%) primaquine users developed late malaria (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Short-course atovaquone-proguanil appears to provide causal (liver-schizont stage) prophylaxis for P. vivax, but is ineffective against late, hypnozoite-reactivation-related attacks. These findings suggest that primaquine should be considered as the chemoprophylactic agent of choice for areas with high co-circulation of P. falciparum and P. vivax.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Daily Text Messages To Support Adherence to PrEP In At-Risk for HIV Individuals: The TAPIR Study

Abstract

Background

Adherence is critical for efficacy of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Methods

Between 02/2013 and 02/2016, 398 men who have sex with men and transgender women were randomized 1:1 to receive individualized Texting for Adherence Building (iTAB) or standard care (SoC) for 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was dried blood spot (DBS) tenofovir (TFV-DP) concentrations at both week 12 and week 48 (or the last on-drug visit) of >719 fmol/punch consistent with ≥4 doses per week (i.e. adequate adherence). Secondary outcomes included DBS TFV-DP concentrations of >1246 fmol/punch consistent with 7 doses per week (i.e. near perfect adherence) and plasma FTC >350 ng/mL (consistent with dosing within the past 24 hours).

Results

Concentrations >719 fmol/punch of TFV-DP were found in 88.6% of participants at week 12 and 82.5% at week 48. For the primary endpoint the study arms did not differ (72.0% in iTAB and 69.2% in SoC, p>0.05). For the secondary composite endpoint of >1246 fmol/punch the iTAB arm was superior to SoC (33.5% vs 24.8%, p=0.06), reaching statistical significance when adjusting for age [Odds Ratio=1.56 (95% CI 1.00–2.42 p<0.05)]. At week 48, iTAB was superior to SoC for near-perfect adherence (51.0% vs. 37.4%, p=0.02). At week 12, iTAB was superior to SoC for dosing in past 24 hours by plasma FTC (47.5% versus 33.3%, p=0.007), but not at weeks 24, 36 and 48 (all P>0.05).

Conclusions

Automated text messaging is a low-burden tool that improves durability of near-perfect PrEP adherence.

Trial Registration

http://ift.tt/2kaPohP

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage using a newly designed metal stent with a thin delivery system: a preclinical study in phantom and porcine models

Abstract

Purpose

This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a newly designed self-expandable metal stent for endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) when it was delivered via three different stent delivery systems: a 7.5Fr delivery catheter with a bullet-shaped tip (7.5Fr-bullet), a 7Fr catheter with a bullet-shaped tip (7Fr-bullet), or a 7Fr catheter with a tee-shaped tip (7Fr-tee).

Methods

This experimental study utilized a porcine model of biliary dilatation involving ten pigs. In the animal study, technical feasibility and clinical outcomes of the stent when placed with each of the delivery systems were examined. In addition, a phantom model was used to measure the resistance of these delivery systems to advancement.

Results

Phantom experiments showed that, compared with 7Fr-bullet, 7Fr-tee had less resistance force to the advancement of the stent delivery system. EUS-BD was technically successful in all ten pigs. Fistulous tract dilation was necessary in 100% (2/2), 75% (3/4), and 0% (0/4) of the pigs that underwent EUS-BD using 7.5Fr-bullet, 7Fr-bullet, and 7Fr-tee, respectively. There were no procedure-related complications.

Conclusion

Our newly designed metal stent may be feasible and safe for EUS-BD, particularly when delivered by 7Fr-tee, because it eliminates the need for fistulous tract dilation.

Chrysophyllum cainito (apple-star): a fruit with gastroprotective activity in experimental ulcer models

Abstract

The gastroprotective potential of the methanolic extracts from peels (MEPe), seeds (MESe) and pulp (MEPu) of Chrysophyllum cainito L. (Sapotaceae) fruits was evaluated in mice using ethanol/HCl- and indomethacin-induced ulcer, as well as the antiulcer effect of the juice and flour from this fruit. The lowest oral gastroprotective dose of MEPe, MESe and MEPu against ethanol/HCl was 3, 3 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, all extracts increased mucin secretion at 176, 198 and 193%. Intraperitoneal administration of MEPe (0.3 mg/kg), MESe (0.3 mg/kg) and MEPu (1 mg/kg) also promoted gastroprotection against ethanol/HCl. In addition, MEPe (3 mg/kg, p.o), MESe (3 mg/kg, p.o) and MEPu (10 mg/kg, p.o) reduced indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in mice by 78, 70 and 50%, respectively. Regarding the mode of action, the gastroprotective effect of MEPe was decreased by the pre-administration of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM, a sulfhydryl group chelator, 10 mg/kg, i.p), glibenclamide (a potassium channel blocker, 10 mg/kg, i.p), yohimbine (10 mg/kg, i.p, an alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist, 10 mg/kg, i.p) and indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, 10 mg/kg, i.p). The gastroprotective effect of MESe was reduced by the pre-administration of NEM, glibenclamide, N-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, 70 mg/kg, i.p) and yohimbine, while MEPu had the gastroprotective effect decreased in animals pretreated with NEM and L-NAME. However, the extracts did not reduce gastric acid secretion. The supplementation with the flour from C. cainito fruit at 10% by 7 days, but not the juice intake, displayed gastroprotective potential, evidencing the fruit as a promising functional food. Together, the antiulcer effect of extracts of the C. cainito fruit in different experimental models was confirmed by the favoring of mucosal protective mechanisms among different, but complementary, modes of action. In parallel, the gastroprotective effects of the flour from C. cainito fruit were also described.

CFD modeling of hydro-biochemical behavior of MSW subjected to leachate recirculation

Abstract

The most commonly used method of operating landfills more sustainably is to promote rapid biodegradation and stabilization of municipal solid waste (MSW) by leachate recirculation. The present study is an application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to the 3D modeling of leachate recirculation in bioreactor landfills using vertical wells. The objective is to model and investigate the hydrodynamic and biochemical behavior of MSW subject to leachate recirculation. The results indicate that the maximum recirculated leachate volume can be reached when vertical wells are set at the upper middle part of a landfill (H _W/H _T = 0.4), and increasing the screen length can be more helpful in enlarging the influence radius than increasing the well length (an increase in H _S/H _W from 0.4 to 0.6 results in an increase in influence radius from 6.5 to 7.7 m). The time to reach steady state of leachate recirculation decreases with the increase in pressure head; however, the time for leachate to drain away increases with the increase in pressure head. It also showed that methanogenic biomass inoculum of 1.0 kg/m³ can accelerate the volatile fatty acid depletion and increase the peak depletion rate to 2.7 × 10⁻⁶ kg/m³/s. The degradation-induced void change parameter exerts an influence on the processes of MSW biodegradation because a smaller parameter value results in a greater increase in void space.

Enhanced activity and stability of La-doped CeO 2 monolithic catalysts for lean-oxygen methane combustion

Abstract

Effective utilization of coal bed methane is very significant for energy utilization and environment protection. Catalytic combustion of methane is a promising way to eliminate trace amounts of oxygen in the coal bed methane and the key to this technology is the development of high-efficiency catalysts. Herein, we report a series of Ce_1-xLa_xO_2-δ (x = 0–0.8) monolithic catalysts for the catalytic combustion of methane, which are prepared by citric acid method. The structural characterization shows that the substitution of La enhance the oxygen vacancy concentration and reducibility of the supports and promote the migration of the surface oxygen, as a result improve the catalytic activity of CeO₂. M-Ce_0.8La_0.2O_2-δ (monolithic catalyst, Ce_0.8La_0.2O_2-δ coated on cordierite honeycomb) exhibits outstanding activity for methane combustion, and the temperature for 10 and 90% methane conversion are 495 and 580 °C, respectively. Additionally, Ce_0.8La_0.2O_2-δ monolithic catalyst presents excellent stability at high temperature. These Ce_1-xLa_xO_2-δ monolithic materials with a small amount of La incorporation therefore show promises as highly efficient solid solution catalysts for lean-oxygen methane combustion.

Graphical abstract

ᅟ

Against the perceptual model of utterance comprehension

Abstract

What accounts for the capacity of ordinary speakers to comprehend utterances of their language? The phenomenology of hearing speech in one's own language makes it tempting to many epistemologists to look to perception for an answer to this question. That is, just as a visual experience as of a red square is often taken to give the perceiver immediate justification for believing that there is a red square in front of her, perhaps an auditory experience as of the speaker asserting that p gives the competent hearer immediate justification for believing that the speaker has asserted that p. My aim here is to offer reasons for resisting this temptation. I argue that the perceptual model cannot adequately account for the hearer's justification in many cases. The arguments here also allow us to draw certain further morals about the role of phenomenology in the epistemology of perception.

Wound healing activity of Streptocaulon juventas root ethanolic extract

ABSTRACT

Streptocaulon juventas is a well-known plant that has antimicrobial activity, in vitro antiplasmodial activity, anti-proliferative activity, and antioxidant activity. In this study, we showed experimental evidence that proved that Streptocaulon juventas root ethanolic extract has wound healing activities. First, in a mouse excision wound model, Streptocaulon juventas root ethanolic extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day significantly reduced the wound closure time. After 7 days, the wound granulation tissue in mice treated with the extract exhibited a 2.3-fold decrease in inflammatory cells, a 1.7-fold increase in fibroblasts and enhanced angiogenesis. Molecular analysis also revealed that after wounds were treated with Streptocaulon juventas root ethanolic extract, TNF-α and NF-κB1 gene expression were down-regulated by 4.7 and 3.7 times, respectively. In contrast, TGF-β1 and VEGF gene expression were up-regulated by 1.9 and 6.5 times, respectively. Taken together, our experimental data strongly demonstrate that the ethanolic extract from Streptocaulon juventas root displays remarkable wound healing activity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Survival study of treatment adherence by patients given oral oxibutynin for hyperhidrosis

Abstract

Introduction

In recent years, increasing use has been made of oral anticholinergics such as oxybutynin for the management of hyperhidrosis. The primary aim of this study is to determine the variables associated with adherence to this treatment, and secondarily to obtain data on its effectiveness, safety and adverse effects.

Material and methods

Prospective study of patients with hyperhidrosis, at any location, receiving treatment with oral oxybutynin in the period 2007-2016. Epidemiological variables, treatment details, effectiveness and adverse effects were recorded. Effectiveness was determined according to the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) at baseline, at 3 and 12 months and in successive visits. A descriptive analysis was performed, and Cox's bivariate and multivariate regressions were calculated to determine the variables associated with treatment adherence.

Results

201 patients (140 women) with a mean age of 34 years were included. The mean initial HDSS score was 3.8 and the median follow-up period was 29 months. At 3 months, 84.57% of the patients had responded to treatment (excellent response: 72.94%), but adverse effects were reported by 68.2%. At 12 months, 54.23% had responded (excellent response: 79.82%), with adverse effects in 75.2%. The main variable associated with greater adherence was affected areas: palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The following variables were associated with poorer adherence: onset of hyperhidrosis in adolescence, failure to provide an incrementally increasing, individualised dose, initial HDSS score of 3, and partial initial response. The multivariate analysis confirmed the association between the onset of hyperhidrosis during adolescence, the failure to provide a progressively increasing dose, and palmar affectation.

Discussion

This study was conducted to identify the variables associated with adherence to treatment by hyperhidrosis patients treated with oral oxybutynin. This information would facilitate selection of patients for this treatment and enhance our understanding of the biological behaviour of such anticholinergics when used to treat hyperhidrosis.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Testing the role of fiscal policy in the environmental degradation: the case of Turkey

Abstract

This study introduces a new research topic that investigates the relationship between fiscal development and carbon emissions in Turkey through testing Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. Annual data covering the period, 1960–2013, has been used and in addition to gross domestic product and energy consumption, fiscal policy variables have been regressed on the level of carbon emissions in Turkey. Results reveal that fiscal policies and carbon emissions are in long-term equilibrium relationship in Turkey; carbon dioxide emission level converges towards long-term paths as contributed by fiscal policy. The effects of fiscal aggregates on the level of carbon dioxide emissions are negatively significant revealing that growth in fiscal aggregates leads to declines on the levels of carbon emissions. This proves that as far as environmental effects are concerned, fiscal policies regarding energy sector is successful in Turkey. Thus, the major finding of this study confirmed the validity of the fiscal policy-induced EKC hypothesis in the case of Turkey.

Essence, necessity, and definition

Abstract

What is it for something to be essential to an item? For some time, it was standard to think that the concept of necessity alone can provide an answer: for something to be essential to an item is for it to be strictly implied by the existence of that item. We now tend to think that this view fails because its analysans is insufficient for its analysandum. In response, some argue that we can supplement the analysis in terms of necessity with a further condition. In this paper I argue that this view is untenable in its current form. I then provide a glimmer of hope to those who think that essence is at least partially analyzable in terms of necessity.

Modulation of collagen population under honey assisted wound healing in diabetic rat model

Publication date: Available online 7 December 2017
Source:Wound Medicine
Author(s): Satarupa Sarkar, Amrita Chaudhary, Tanmoy Kumar Saha, Amit Kumar Das, Jyotirmoy Chatterjee
BackgroundDiabetic wound with impaired healing attributes owing to inappropriate synthesis and alignment of collagen fibrils with aberrant post translational modifications impose substantial economic burden. Honey: a recognized natural collagen pro-synthetic healing agent; stimulates rapid healing with its anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring approach. Present study investigates the effect of honey on collagen population in diabetic wound model.MethodologyFull thickness wound was created on rat and divided into three groups: normal saline treated group (N), diabetic honey treated group (H), diabetic povidone iodine treated group (PI). Biopsies were collected from wound edges for collagen characterization.Main findingsHistological attributes of collagen fibers in N and H group biopsy displayed proximity. Ultrastructure analysis using scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that the D-Spacing and collagen diameter under honey treatment were in close resemblance to normal skin collagen. FTIR spectra confirmed secondary structure of collagen with a greater peak height in PI group exhibiting excessive glycation than H group. Nano-indentation profiling showed decreased displacement in PI samples resulting from increased rigidity when compared to honey treated ones. Molecular expression of collagen I and III exhibited optimum ratio in H group similar to N group.ConclusionsBased on these findings, it might be opined that honey predominantly helps in regulating synthesis, glycation and deposition followed by mechanical quality of collagen alike normal skin and its application also accelerated diabetic healing process.

Dapsone for Recalcitrant Eosinophilic Annular Erythema: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Eosinophilic annular erythema (EAE) is a rare entity of unknown etiology that is possibly related to a hypersensitivity reaction and presents as annular erythematous plaques with tissue eosinophilia. It is classified as a figurate erythema with a controversial relationship to Wells syndrome (WS) in the literature, where it is generally considered a separate entity or subset based on clinical and histopathologic differences. EAE typically presents with recurrent, erythematous, arcuate, and annular plaques on the trunk and proximal extremities. The course of the disease is often chronic, recurrent, and relapsing. Responses to treatment are variable but are typically best with systemic steroids and antimalarials. We report a patient refractory to other therapies who had a striking response to dapsone.

Panorama

Protective effects of fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol against tributyltin-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells

Abstract

Tributyltin (TBT) is a biocide extremely toxic to a wide range of organisms, which has been used for decades for industrial purposes. Fucoxanthin is a natural carotenoid that is isolated from seaweed, and fucoxanthinol is a major primary metabolite of fucoxanthin. Although fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol have been reported to possess anti-oxidant activities in vitro, little is known as to whether they protect against TBT-induced oxidative stress in cultured cells. In the present study, the protective effect of fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol against oxidative stress induced by TBT was investigated. The data showed that incubation of HepG2 cells with 0.2 μM TBT significantly increased cell apoptosis, whereas treatment with fucoxanthin or fucoxanthinol (3 μM) significantly recovered cell viability. In addition, fucoxanthinol treatment significantly decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in HepG2 cells incubated with TBT. Moreover, fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol markedly increased the expression level of Bcl-2/Bax. These results demonstrated that both fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol effectively prevented cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells treated with TBT, and the protective effect was likely associated with decreased intracellular ROS and MDA and increased Bcl-2/Bax levels.