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Tracking PFAS Using Nanomaterial-Based Sensors: Limitations, Advances, and Challenges
No full textPerfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants of global concern, requiring sensitive and highly selective detection methods. Stringent demands imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency, with maximum contaminant levels set at 4.0 parts per trillion for PFAS individually in drinking water, are the primary driving force behind the development of novel sensors for PFAS. Pushing towards these ultra-low concentrations, however, reaches the limit of what can be reliably detected by field sensors, with PFAS optical and electrochemical inactivity, making it nearly impossible. Molecularly imprinted polymers and immunoassays offer the best chance of developing such sensors as they interact specifically with the active site, changing the optical or electrochemical response (fluorescence, impedance, voltage). Nanoparticulate metal oxides, carbon materials, including carbon dots, polymer coating, and MXenes have been put forward; however, several of these approaches have failed to achieve either the desired limit of detection, sensitivity, or selectivity. Here, we provide an overview of recent progress in nanomaterial-based PFAS sensors, with particular emphasis on strategies to enhance sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability in complex matrices. Finally, we outline key challenges and future perspectives toward robust, field-deployable PFAS sensing technologies
Exploiting the Versatile Reactivity of Aryldiazonium Tetrafluoroborate Salts in the Synthesis of New Isochromene-Fused CF3-Substituted Pyrazoles with Anticancer Potential
No full textPyrazoles, and in particular their fluorinated derivatives, are valuable heterocyclic moieties in medicinal chemistry. Our research group recently developed a one-pot, two-step synthesis of pyrazolo[3,4-c]isochromenes, combining two privileged structures into a single hybrid molecule. Based on the preliminary anticancer screening results of these derivatives, herein, we designed a next-generation compound library focused on the derivatization of a specific portion of the 1-(trifluoromethyl)-3,5-dihydroisochromeno[3,4-c]pyrazole scaffold via late-stage functionalization. The diverse reactivity of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborate salts was leveraged to achieve this and generate a small but varied compound library. The new series was tested for their anticancer properties and selected derivatives demonstrated pro-apoptotic activity in the human cervical carcinoma cell lines HeLa. The obtained results highlight these structures as valid candidates for further biological studies, while the streamlined synthetic route offers a facile approach to further structural analogs
Incretin-Based Therapies and Cancer: What’s New?
No full textGrowing interest in incretin-based therapies for diabetes mellitus has led to an increased evaluation of their potential effects on cancer development. This review aims to synthesize recent evidence regarding the relationship between incretin-based therapies and cancer risk. We conducted a comprehensive literature review focusing on studies investigating dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists in relation to various malignancies. Current findings suggest that while these therapies demonstrate potential benefits, including weight reduction and metabolic regulation, concerns remain regarding their long-term safety profile. Notably, some studies indicate an increased risk of thyroid and pancreatic cancers, while others report protective effects against prostate, colorectal, and breast cancers. Given the complexity of their effects, further long-term studies and post-marketing surveillance are warranted. This review highlights the need for careful clinical assessment when prescribing incretin-based therapies to patients who may be at increased risk of cancer
Association between the effectiveness of labor epidural analgesia and postpartum depression: a prospective cohort study
No full textPurpose: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major health issue affecting maternal and neonatal well-being. Labor pain is a significant psychophysiological stressor, and its association with PPD is not completely understood. This study investigated the relationship between the effectiveness of labor epidural analgesia (LEA), measured as percentage improvement in pain (PIP), and the risk of PPD at six weeks postpartum. Methods: In this prospective observational cohort study, 156 women were enrolled. Participants self-selected whether to receive LEA. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale, and PPD symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) on postpartum day 3 and at six weeks postpartum. Results: A moderate positive correlation was observed between LEA satisfaction and PIP (rs = 0.389, P < 0.001). A small but significant negative correlation was found between LEA satisfaction and EPDS scores (rs = − 0.268, P = 0.007). However, PIP was not significantly associated with the risk of PPD. PPD prevalence did not significantly differ between the LEA group (7.9%) and the non-LEA group (12.7%) (P = 0.491). Conclusion: While the use of LEA provided effective pain relief, it was not associated with the risk of PPD. Maternal perception of pain relief may have greater psychological relevance than the objective degree of pain reduction. Comprehensive psychosocial and medical care remains essential
Perceived importance of tailored education to prevent second victim phenomenon in clinical pharmacy practice: a focus group study with community pharmacists
No full textBackground: The second victim phenomenon, referring to the impact of patient safety incidents on healthcare professionals, also affects pharmacists. Dispensing errors or inadequate counselling cause anxiety, reduced motivation, and staff turnover. Support programmes exist for healthcare professionals, but not specifically for pharmacists. Aim: To explore pharmacists' perceptions of tailored education to enhance competencies in overcoming second victim experiences, including (i) potential impacts, (ii) recommended content for professional development and undergraduate curricula, (iii) preferred design and delivery methods, and (iv) experience with existing programmes. Method: A qualitative focus group study using the experiences, opinions, and recommendations approach was conducted in Serbia. Data were collected through a semi-structured guide and a self-reported questionnaire on participation in existing programmes. Discussions continued until saturation. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the inductive thematic approach with MAXQDA software. Descriptive statistics summarised programme participation. Results: Participants perceived tailored education as necessary for improving error response, empowering individuals and the profession, and enhancing pharmaceutical care. Thematic analysis identified four themes: (i) impacts of tailored programmes, (ii) topics for professional development, (iii) topics for undergraduate curricula, and (iv) programme design and delivery. Key areas included soft skills, risk and stress management. Undergraduate education should strengthen communication, motivation, and career development. Preferred methods were workshops and blended learning. Of 25 participants, 20 (80%) attended support programmes; 20 (80%) reported improved competence, and 20 (80%) would recommend them to colleagues. Conclusion: Community pharmacists perceived tailored education addressing second victim experiences as important for professional resilience and improving pharmaceutical care
Teucrium montanum subsp. skadarensis (Lamiaceae) – a new subspecies from northern Albania
No full textTeucrium montanum is a semi-woody dwarf shrub that is widespread in
Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor. It exhibits a high degree of morphological
variability and has a broad ecological valence. Due to its high morphological
variability, many taxa have already been described. However, only two are currently
accepted - T. montanum subsp. montanum and subsp. helianthemoides, while others
are considered synonyms of Teucrium montanum. In the Balkans, this species is
represented by seven distinct morphological groups whose morphological specificity
is quite well documented. Previous studies have shown that the morphological group
‟skadarensis” can be easily distinguished by both qualitative and quantitative
characters. Nevertheless, this group has not yet been compared with typical T.
montanum populations from Western Europe. The aim of this study was to compare
the morphological features of populations of the two accepted subspecies with
‟skadarensis” population. The results of multivariate statistic techniques revealed
significant differences between the studied groups. In addition, a range of qualitative features confirm the morphological specificity of the plants from northern Albania.
In view of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics exhibited by these
populations, there is a strong argument to designate them as a distinct taxonomic
entity - T. montanum subsp. skadarensis
Regeneration or Repurposing of Spent Pollutant Adsorbents in Energy-Related Applications: A Sustainable Choice?
No full textThis review sheds some light on the emerging niche of the reuse of spent adsorbents in electrochemical devices. Reuse and repurposing extend the adsorbent’s life cycle, remove the need for long-term storage, and generate additional value, making it a highly eco-friendly process. Main adsorbent-type materials are overviewed, emphasising desired properties for initial adsorption and subsequent conversion to electroactive material step. The effects of the most frequent regeneration procedures are compared to highlight their strengths and shortcomings. The latest efforts of repurposing and reuse in supercapacitors, fuel cells, and batteries are analysed. Reuse in supercapacitors is dominated by materials that, after a regeneration step, lead to materials with high surface area and good pore structure and is mainly based on the conversion of organic adsorbents to some form of conductive carbon adlayer. Additionally, metal/metal-oxide and layered-double hydroxides are also being developed, but predominantly towards fuel cell and battery electrodes with respectable oxygen reduction characteristics and significant capacities, respectively. Repurposed adsorbents are being adopted for peroxide generation as well as direct methanol fuel cells. The work puts forward electrochemical devices as a valuable avenue for spent adsorbents and as a puzzle piece towards a greener and more sustainable future
Association Between Redox and Inflammatory Biomarkers with the Presence and Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
No full textBackground and Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) represents an increasing public health concern, closely linked with cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurocognitive disorders, as well as impaired quality of life. The complex pathophysiology of OSA involves upper airway dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation, with endothelial dysfunction considered central to its associated comorbidities. Despite notable advances in OSA research, the biological mechanisms driving these complications remain insufficiently understood. The present study aimed to examine the associations between redox status, proinflammatory biomarkers, and the gene expression of full-length receptor for advanced glycation end products (flRAGE) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) in relation to the presence and severity of OSA. Materials and Methods: The study cohort comprised 125 participants with diagnosed OSA and 42 controls without evidence of OSA. General and clinical characteristics were recorded for all participants. Laboratory analyses included the assessment of redox and inflammatory markers in serum and plasma, while flRAGE and TGF-β1 messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNA) were quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results: Patients with OSA demonstrated elevated oxidative stress and inflammation, characterized by increased total antioxidant status (TAS) and C-reactive protein CRP levels, together with reduced concentrations of soluble RAGE (sRAGE). The severity of OSA, indicated by the apnea-hypopnea index, increases total oxidative status (TOS) and TGF-β1 mRNA, while sRAGE decreases. The sRAGE–ROS-related factor was negatively associated with OSA, whereas the redox status factor showed a positive association. TOS was independently and positively correlated with OSA severity. Conclusions: Individuals with OSA exhibit a state of enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation. Increasing severity of OSA was associated with rising TOS and TGF-β1 mRNA expression, accompanied by declining sRAGE concentrations. A combined redox–inflammatory biomarker profile was found to be associated with both the presence and severity of OSA
Toxic effects of lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic mixture in a subacute exposure model for rats: protective effect of probiotics
No full textSažetakU okviru ove doktorske disertacije ispitivana je subakutna toksičnost smeše metal(oid)a olova (Pb),kadmijuma (Cd), žive (Hg) i arsena (As) kod pacova, kao i utvrđivanje potencijalnog protektivnogefekta probiotika na umanjenje štetnih efekata ispitivane smeše metal(oid)a. Studija je sprovedenana mužjacima Wistar pacova podeljenim u 8 grupa po 5 jedinki od kojih je jedna grupa bilakontrolna, a 7 grupa je tretirano oralnim putem tokom 28 dana rastućim dozama smeše (MIX:Pb+Cd+Hg+As), od najnižeg nivoa doze - MIX 1 do najvišeg nivoa doze - MIX 5 (mg/kg t.m./dan)(Pb: 0,003, 0,01, 0,1, 0,3, 1; Cd: 0,01, 0,03, 0,3, 0,9, 3; Hg: 0,0002, 0,0006, 0,006, 0,018, 0,06; As:0,002, 0,006, 0,06, 0,18, 0,6), kao i monokomponentnim (5,16×10⁸ CFU/kg/dan; Saccharomycescerevisiae var. boulardii) i multikomponentnim probiotikom (8,78×10⁸ CFU/kg/dan;Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum LP6595, i Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL9) uz smešu najvišeg doznog nivoa MIX 5. Ispitani su nivoitoksičnih metal(oid)a u krvi, hematološki, biohemijski, hormonski i parametri redoks statusa, kao inivoi bioelementa, dok su organi analizirani histopatološki, uz određivanje toksičnih metal(oid)a,bioelemenata i redoks parametara, kao i aktivnosti acetilholinesteraze u mozgu. Modelovan je odnosdoza-odgovor i određene su Benchmark doze za toksične efekte pojedinačnih metal(oid)a u smeši.Značajan porast nivoa Pb, Cd Hg i As u krvi uočen je samo u grupi kojoj je davana najviša doza,dok je akumulacija toksičnih metala dobijena prvenstveno u jetri, bubrezima, mozgu i femuru.Izlaganje najnižoj dozi ispitivane smeše metala dovodi do značanjih promena parametara anemije ukrvi, odnosno sniženja broja eritrocita, hemoglobina, hematokrita, i nivoa gvožđa, kao i značajnogpovećanja parametra oksidativnog stresa, O2.-, PAB i AOPP. Tkiva ispoljavaju različitu osetljivostna oksidativni stres izazvan rastućim dozama smeše toksičnih metala (Pb, Cd, Hg, As).Najizraženije promene zabeležene su mozgu i plućima, dok je u jetri dobijeno smanjenje SOD iGSH pri većini doznih nivoa, dok je MDA snižen u srednjem i dva najviša dozna nivoa ububrezima. Dodatno, više doze smeše Pb, Cd, Hg i As značajno su smanjile aktivnost enzima AChEu mozgu. Histopatološka analiza ukazuje na progresivna oštećenja većine organa pri izloženostismeši metal(a), sa uočljivijim efektima pri većim doznim nivoima. Benchmark analiza utvrdila jepostojanje doza-odgovor pri čemu je najniža BMD vrednost za nivo srednjeg volumena eritrocita(MCV), koji predstavlja kritični toksični efekat za svaki metal(oid) u ispitivanoj smeši i iznosi3,15E-04 mg Pb/kg t.m./dan, 1,05E-03 mg Cd/kg t.m./dan, 2,10E-05 mg Hg/kg t.m./dan i 2,10E-04mg As/kg t.m./dan. Probiotici, monokomponentni i mulitkomponentni, uticali su značajno nasmanjenje Cd, Hg i As u krvi, kao i umanjenje pojedinih metala u jetri, bubrezima, plućima ifemuru. Primena oba probiotika dovodi do normalizovanja izmenjenih vrednosti hematološkihparametara i TAS parametra u krvi, dok primena multikomponentnog probiotika normalizujevrednosti TAS u jetri, IMA u plućima, TOS i O2.- u pankreasu i MDA u testisima i aktivnostenzima acetilholinesteraze u mozgu koji su značajno promenjeni pod uticajem smeše ispitivanihmetal(oid)a. Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju da je mutikomponentni probiotik efikasniji u umanjenjuštetnih efekata ispitivane smeše olova, kadmijuma, žive i arsena u odnosu na monokomponentniprobiotik..In this doctoral dissertation, the subacute toxicity of the metal(oid) mixture of lead (Pb), cadmium(Cd), mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) in rats was examined, as well as the determination of thepotential protective effect of probiotics on reducing the harmful effects of the investigatedmetal(oid) mixture. The study was conducted on male Wistar rats divided into 8 groups of 5individuals, one group was a control group, and 7 groups were treated orally for 28 days withincreasing doses of the mixture (MIX: Pb+Cd+Hg+As), from the lowest dose level - MIX 1 to thehighest dose level - MIX 5 (mg/kg bw/day) (Pb: 0.003, 0.01, 0.1, 0.3, 1; Cd: 0.01, 0.9, 3; Hg:0.0006, 0.018, 0.06; As: 0.002, 0.006, 0.18, 0.6). (5.16×10⁸ CFU/kg/day; Saccharomyces cerevisiaevar. boulardii) and a multicomponent probiotic (8.78×10⁸ CFU/kg/day; Saccharomyces cerevisiaevar. boulardii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum LP 6595, and Lactobacillusplantarum HEAL9) with the mixture of the highest dose level MIX 5. The levels of toxicmetal(oids) in the blood, hematological, biochemical, hormonal and redox status parameters wereexamined, as well as the levels of bioelements, while the organs were analyzed histopathologically,with the determination of toxic metal(oids), bioelements and redox parameters, as well asacetylcholinesterase activity in the brain. A dose-response relationship was modeled andBenchmark doses for the toxic effects of individual metal(oids) in the mixture were determined. Asignificant increase in the levels of Pb, Cd, Hg and As in the blood was observed only in the groupthat received the highest dose, while the accumulation of toxic metals was obtained primarily in theliver, kidneys, brain and femur. Exposure to the lowest dose of the examined metal mixture leads tosignificant changes in the parameters of anemia in the blood, i.e. a decrease in the number oferythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and iron levels, as well as a significant increase in theparameters of oxidative stress, O2.-, PAB and AOPP. Tissues exhibit different sensitivity tooxidative stress caused by increasing doses of a mixture of toxic metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As). The mostpronounced changes were recorded in the brain and lungs, while SOD and GSH were reduced in theliver at most dose levels, while MDA was decreased in the middle and two highest dose levels inthe kidneys. Additionally, higher doses of a mixture of Pb, Cd, Hg and As significantly decreasedthe activity of the AChE enzyme in the brain. Histopathological analysis indicates progressivedamage to most organs upon exposure to the metal(s) mixture, with more noticeable effects athigher dose levels. Benchmark analysis established the existence of a dose-response, where thelowest BMD value for the mean erythrocyte volume (MCV) level, which represents the criticaltoxic effect for each metal(oid) in the tested mixture, is 3.15E-04 mg Pb/kg bw/day, 1.05E-03 mgCd/kg bw/day, 2.10E-05 mg Hg/kg bw/day and 2.10E-04 mg As/kg body weight/day. Probiotics,monocomponent and multicomponent, had a significant effect on the reduction of Cd, Hg and As inthe blood, as well as the reduction of certain metals in the liver, kidneys, lungs and femur. The useof both probiotics leads to the normalization of the changed values of hematological parameters andthe TAS parameter in the blood, while the use of the multicomponent probiotic normalizes thevalues of TAS in the liver, IMA in the lungs, TOS and O2.- in the pancreas and MDA in thetesticles and the activity of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme in the brain, which were significantlychanged under the influence of the mixture of investigated metal(oids). The obtained results indicatethat the multi-component probiotic is more effective in reducing the harmful effects of the examinedmixture of lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic compared to the mono-component probiotic
Assessment of Suppressive Effects of Negative Air Ions on Fungal Growth, Sporulation and Airborne Viral Load
No full textSpores of filamentous fungi are common biological particles in indoor air that can negatively
impact human health, particularly among immunocompromised individuals and patients
with chronic respiratory conditions. Airborne viruses represent an equally pervasive threat,
with some carrying the potential for pandemic spread, affecting both healthy individuals
and the immunosuppressed alike. This study investigated the abundance and diversity
of airborne fungal spores in both hospital and residential environments, using custom
designed air samplers with or without the presence of negative air ions (NAIs) inside the
sampler. The main purpose of investigation was the assessment of biological effects of
NAIs on fungal spore viability, deposition, mycelial growth, and sporulation, as well as
airborne viral load. The precise assessment of mentioned biological effects is otherwise
difficult to carry out due to low concentrations of studied specimens; therefore, specially
devised and designed, ion-bioaerosol interaction air samplers were used for prolonged
collection of specimens of interest. The total fungal spore concentrations were quantified,
and fungal isolates were identified using cultural and microscopic methods, complemented
by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Results indicated no significant difference in overall
spore concentration between environments or treatments; however, presence of NAIs
induced a delay in the sporulation process of Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus flavus, and
Aspergillus niger within 72 h. These effects of NAIs are for the first time demonstrated in this
work; most likely, they are mediated by oxidative stress mechanisms. A parallel experiment
demonstrated a substantially reduced concentration of aerosolized equine herpesvirus 1
(EHV-1) DNA within 10–30 min of exposure to NAIs, with more than 98% genomic load
reduction beyond natural decay. These new results on the NAIs interaction with a virus,
as well as new findings regarding the fungal sporulation, resulted in part from a novel
interaction setup designed for experiments with the bioaerosols. Our findings highlight the
potential of NAIs as a possible approach for controlling fungal sporulation and reducing
airborne viral particle quantities in indoor environments