Large Doses Research Articles

Benzaldehyde acts as a behaviorally active component in brewer's yeast protein powder which attracts B. dorsalis through olfaction.

The Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is a significant pest that damages a variety of fruit crops. The effectiveness of chemical pesticides against such pests is limited, raising concerns about pesticide residues and resistance. Proteins naturally attract B. dorsalis and have led to the development of a management strategy known as protein bait attractant technology (BAT). Although the attraction of protein sources to B. dorsalis is well-documented, the biologically active components within these sources are not fully understood. This study employed analytical chemistry, behavioral tests, and electrophysiological techniques to investigate the behaviorally active components of beer yeast protein powder (BYPD), aiming to provide a basis for improving and developing protein baits. An olfactory trap assay confirmed the attractiveness of BYPD, and five components with high abundance were identified from its headspace volatiles using GC-MS. These components included ethanol, isoamyl alcohol, ethyl decanoate, benzaldehyde, and phenylethyl alcohol. Mixtures of these five components demonstrated significant attraction to B. dorsalis adults, with benzaldehyde identified as a potential key component. The attractiveness of benzaldehyde required a relatively large dose, and it was most attractive to adults that had been starved from dusk until the following morning. Attraction of adult flies to benzaldehyde appeared mainly mediated by inputs from olfactory receptors. While EAG data supports that ionotropic receptors could influence the detection of benzaldehyde in female adults, they did not affect female behavior towards benzaldehyde. These findings indicate that benzaldehyde is an important behaviorally active component in BYPD and offer insights for developing novel protein lures to control B. dorsalis in an environmentally friendly manner.

Nanoemulsion‐laden poly(vinyl) alcohol hydrogel films for transdermal delivery of carbamazepine

AbstractThere is an unmet demand for transdermal devices that can deliver large dose of medications through the skin. Herein, nanoemulsion‐based poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) transdermal hydrogel films were developed for the high‐dose anti‐epileptic drug carbamazepine. A stable nanoemulsion was created with almond oil, Tween 60, and amphiphilic locust bean gum. The nanoemulsion had a hydrodynamic diameter of 251 nm, a polydispersity of 10.3%, and a zeta potential of −51.2 mV. Carbamazepine‐loaded nanoemulsion was blended with carbamazepine‐free PVA dispersion and casted into films. To accommodate a high dose, carbamazepine‐loaded nanoemulsion was trapped in a PVA dispersion containing carbamazepine to create transdermal films. The physicochemical characteristics and drug penetration characteristics of the produced films were compared. Both films had the uniform thickness, weight, and drug content. The folding endurance was found to be greater than 700 in both cases. Water vapor permeability decreased when carbamazepine was added to almond oil as well as polymer dispersion. FESEM pictures revealed a waxy paper‐like appearance for the PVA hydrogel film with dual drug‐reservoirs. FTIR spectra assessment revealed a hydrogen bonding interaction between PVA and carbamazepine. X‐ray diffraction examination revealed that the film contained an amorphous dispersion of carbamazepine. Dual carbamazepine reservoir‐based films outperformed single nanoemulsion drug reservoir‐based films in terms of drug flux through excised rat skin by 3.2 times. The in vitro skin permeation findings corresponded well to zero order kinetic models. Overall, this study showed that a high‐dose drug could be placed on nanoemulsion‐based transdermal PVA hydrogel films, resulting in improved skin permeability.Highlights Nanoemulsion was stable at almond oil:Tween 60/modified gum ratio of 5:5. Loading of high dose carbamazepine in nanoemulsion‐PVA transdermal films. Film of dual carbamazepine reservoir showed low water vapor permeation, moisture retention. Flux of carbamazepine from films improved three times through excised rat skin.

Comparison of De values from Late Pleistocene alluvial deposits on the coast of Galicia (NW Spain) using BayLum or Analyst-based procedures

The coastal sedimentary record of Galicia (NW Spain) is important to study sea-level oscillations during the Late Quaternary. The alluvial deposits preserved in the Ria de Coruña and Ria de Arousa are remnants of fluvial valleys flooded by the sea during the successive Pleistocene and Holocene transgressions. A first chronological study by Optical Stimulated Luminescence (OSL)- revealed a fast-component dominated, but dim OSL signal emitted by quartz from this area. Equivalent dose distributions, as obtained with the Analyst software, yielded large overdispersion values, which were negatively correlated to the potassium concentration in the sediment, thus suggesting the influence of beta dose rate heterogeneities. Nevertheless, for most samples many aliquots were considered in saturation, leading to a palaeodose and age underestimation – regardless of the model choice for age calculation. In this paper, we present new analyses using the open-source R package BayLum, as the so-called saturated aliquots may be incorporated in age calculation. Thus, we test this model performance and more commonly used models in retrieving large doses. Then, we discuss the implications for age calculation for these continental sediments formed during the Late Pleistocene.

Side effects of proton pump inhibitors with long-term use: focus on the urinary system

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective drugs for treating acid-related diseases. In recent decades, the use of PPIs has increased exponentially. For a long time, PPIs were considered completely safe drugs for both short-term and long-term use. However, modern clinical guidelines note that when prescribing PPIs in large doses for a long period, the possibility of side effects should be taken into account. In recent years, a number of foreign reviews have been published that examine the associations between PPIs and a number of diseases/conditions. We searched the PubMed and Scopus information databases for publications on the safety of PPI use, including sources up to January 30, 2024. In this review, we examined the effect of long-term use of PPIs on the urinary system. This review demonstrates possible changes in the urinary system and an increased risk of developing nephrolithiasis, acute interstitial nephritis, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal failure with long-term use of PPIs, which should certainly be taken into account when prescribing them for a long period, especially in patients with comorbid pathology.

Cardiovascular risk with long-term use of proton pump inhibitors: myth or reality. A review

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective drugs for treating acid-related diseases. In recent decades, the use of PPIs has increased exponentially. From gastroenterological practice, PPIs are being actively introduced into other specialties, in particular in cardiology and rheumatology, where they are used to protect the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract and prevent gastrointestinal bleeding during long-term antithrombotic therapy and long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For a long time, PPIs were considered completely safe drugs for both short-term and long-term use. However, modern clinical guidelines note that when prescribing PPIs in large doses for a long period, the possibility of side effects should be taken into account. In recent years, a number of foreign reviews have been published that examine the relationship between PPIs and a number of diseases/conditions, including the question of a possible association of PPI use with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, but note the inconsistency of these data. We searched the PubMed and Scopus information databases for publications on the safety of PPI use, including sources up to 12/01/2023. In this review, we examined the possible cardiovascular risk of long-term use of PPIs. Analysis of publications, despite a number of contradictions, allows us to conclude that the cardiovascular risk with long-term use of PPIs is real and must be taken into account when prescribing PPIs for a long period and to comorbid/multimorbid patients.

Selection of parenteral iron supplement for iron deficiency anemia: A review

The article reviews medicinal products for the treatment of iron deficiency conditions and iron deficiency anemia, the prevalence of which is about 30% among the world population. Iron deficiency is a significant cause of anemia, which can lead to hospitalization and even death. In case of intolerance or ineffectiveness of oral formulations of iron supplements, if it is necessary to replenish the iron level quickly, trivalent iron formulations for intravenous administration are used. These supplements are iron complexes with an iron hydroxide core surrounded by a carbohydrate shell. Iron formulations for intravenous administration can be divided into drugs of the "old" and "new" generation. One of the most studied and popular representatives of the "new" generation is iron carboxymaltose (ICM). The results of clinical studies showed that ICM better and faster increases hemoglobin concentration and replenishes iron stores in patients compared to the "old" generation formulations and also has a more favorable safety profile. Large doses of ICM can be administered in a short time, saving resources and increasing patient satisfaction. The injection of large doses of iron with a small number of infusions in the case of ICM is more economically beneficial for all departments of medical institutions, as it significantly reduces the total cost of medical care. Intravenous iron plays an essential role in the perioperative treatment of iron deficiency anemia, especially in elective surgery. Currently, there is a reliable evidence base confirming the efficacy and safety of intravenous iron formulations in chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, heart failure, gynecological and obstetric diseases, and cancer.

Siderite with chelator as high-efficiency Fenton reagent to degrade naphthalene via ferrous liberation and carbon dioxide radical anion-mediated iron redox cycle

Siderite (FeCO3) has been verified to be an effective iron material in Fenton-like process, but large dose of FeCO3 and oxidants limits its application. Here, chelators were successfully used to enhance the degradation of naphthalene (NAP). When 1.0 mM of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 1.0 g L−1 of FeCO3 were applied, in the presence of 0.2 mM oxalic acid (OA), 0.1 mM nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), or 0.1 mM DL-tartaric acid (DL-TA), 99.3 %, 100 %, or 96.7 % of NAP was degraded within 24 h, respectively. The different roles of chelators were confirmed. For OA and DL-TA, due to weak complexation with iron ions, acid effect and generation of carbon dioxide radical anion (CO2−) contributed to high concentration of Fe2+, while for NTA, chelation and CO2− were two major factors. In addition, the excellent potential application of H2O2/FeCO3/chelator was determined because of (1) lower environmental risk of chemicals; (2) strong tolerance to water matrixes; (3) the excellent stability of FeCO3 confirmed by surface characterizations and cyclic experiment, as NAP was completely degraded after the 6th cycle. At last, H2O2/FeCO3/chelator had superiority over other reduced iron minerals due to lower running cost in lab study, better reusability, and environmental friendliness. Therefore, it is expected that H2O2/FeCO3/chelator technique can provide an effective alternative to Fenton-like process in remediation of NAP contaminated sites.

Clinical application and future perspectives of HIF-PH inhibitors

Anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs due to insufficient production of erythropoietin to compensate for the decrease in hemoglobin. Anemia in CKD has traditionally been treated with periodic injections of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), which are recombinant human erythropoietin preparations. Although ESA improved anemia in CKD and dramatically improved the quality of life of patients, there are some patients who are hyporesponsive to ESA, and the use of large doses of ESA in these patients may have a negative impact on patient prognosis. Currently, HIF prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitors have been approved in Japan as a new treatment for anemia in CKD. HIF-PH inhibitors activate HIF and promote the production of endogenous erythropoietin. The 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded for groundbreaking research that uncovered the HIF pathway. Because HIF-PH inhibitors improve both erythropoietin production and iron metabolism, they are expected to be effective in treating ESA hyporesponsiveness and solve the inconvenience of injectable preparations. On the other hand, its effects are systemic and multifaceted, and long-term effects must be closely monitored.

Nephrotoxicity effect of Ginseng Bugis (Talinum paniculatum (Jacq) Gaertn) leaves ethanolic extract on creatinine, urea, and kidney histopathological features

The prolonged use of traditional medicines in large doses is known to potentially cause organ failure, with the kidneys being particularly susceptible. Therefore, the present work aimed to determine the effect of Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn leaves ethanolic extract on serum creatinine and urea parameters, as well as kidney histopathological features, in an animal model. The rats used were separated into four groups. Group I (control) was given Na-CMC 1% (w/v); while groups II, III, and IV were administered ethanolic extract of Ginseng Bugis leaves at doses of 0.8, 1.6, and 2.4 g/kg bw, respectively. The extract was induced orally for 28 days, while the serum creatinine and urea levels were measured using human analyser on days 0 and 29. Additionally, a necropsy for organ retrieval of the kidneys was conducted on day 15. Tissue processing was then carried out for histopathological examination by Haematoxylin Eosin (HE) staining. Based on One way ANOVA statistical analysis on creatinine and urea levels, ethanolic extract of Ginseng Bugis leaves at doses of 0.8, 1.6, and 2.4 g/kg bw had no nephrotoxic effects. Regarding the histopathological features of the kidneys, the dose of 0.8 g/kg bw caused no abnormalities.

Vitamin K Status Based on K1, MK-4, MK-7, and Undercarboxylated Prothrombin Levels in Adolescent and Adult Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The available evidence on vitamin K status in cystic fibrosis (CF) is scarce, lacking data on vitamin K2 (menaquinones-MK). Therefore, we assessed vitamin K1, MK-4 and MK-7 concentrations (LC-MS/MS) in 63 pancreatic insufficient and modulator naïve CF patients, and compared to 61 healthy subjects (HS). Vitamin K1 levels did not differ between studied groups. MK-4 concentrations were higher (median <1st-3rd quartile>: 0.778 <0.589-1.086> vs. 0.349 <0.256-0.469>, p < 0.0001) and MK-7 levels lower (0.150 <0.094-0.259> vs. 0.231 <0.191-0.315>, p = 0.0007) in CF patients than in HS. MK-7 concentrations were higher in CF patients receiving K1 and MK-7 supplementation than in those receiving vitamin K1 alone or no supplementation. Moreover, vitamin K1 concentrations depended on the supplementation regime. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, we have found that MK-7 supplementation dose has been the only predictive factor for MK-7 levels. In conclusion, vitamin K1 levels in CF are low if not currently supplemented. MK-4 concentrations in CF patients supplemented with large doses of vitamin K1 are higher than in HS. MK-7 levels in CF subjects not receiving MK-7 supplementation, with no regard to vitamin K1 supplementation, are low. There do not seem to be any good clinical predictive factors for vitamin K status.

Caffeine affects the neurobehavioral impact of sodium benzoate in adolescent rats

The continuous high intake of caffeinated products may harm CNS. Sodium benzoate (SB), broadly used for food preservation, may also have an impact. The current research studied the influence of caffeine and two doses of SB during adolescence period on behavior and brain alterations. Adolescent rats (90–120 gm) were exposed to vehicle, SB 100 and 400 mg/kg, p.o, caffeine (30 mg/kg, i.p), SB 100 or 400 + caffeine for 28 days. Locomotor performances were assessed by the open field, learning and memory were considered with novel object and y-maze, while anxiety was evaluated by light and dark as well as successive allays tests. The results showed that the motor activity of adolescent rats increased with each single treatment. Recognition memory was improved by SB100 and its combination with caffeine while working memory was reduced by SB (100 or 400) combination with caffeine compared with caffeine group. The anxiolytic effect of caffeine was reduced by SB co-treatment in either dose. Concerning biochemical study in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, oxidative biomarkers as well as Cholinesterase content were elevated due to SB400 + caffeine. Dopamine content was almost elevated by all treatments in both regions while GABA content was increased in the frontal cortex only. The obtained results pointed to histopathological changes as a result of brain oxidative stress and undesirable working memory consequences due to caffeine administration with SB, mostly the large dose. The outcomes propose new recommendations to evade the consolidation between processed nourishment and caffeinated beverages during adolescence.

Motion-Inclusive Treatment Planning to Assess Normal Tissue Dose for Central Lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

PurposeFor lung SBRT, 4DCT is often used to delineate target volumes, whereas organs at risk (OARs) are typically outlined on either average intensity projection (AIP) or mid-ventilation (MidV = 30% phase) images. AIP has been widely adopted as it represents a true average, but image blurring often precludes accurate contouring of critical structures such as central airways. Here we compare AIP vs MidV planning for centrally located tumors via respiratory motion-inclusive (RMI) plans to better evaluate dose delivered throughout the breathing cycle. MethodsIndependently contoured and optimized AIP and MidV plans were created for 16 treatments and rigidly copied to each of the 10 breathing phase-specific CT image sets. Resulting dose distributions were deformably registered back to the MidV image set (used as reference due to clearer depiction of anatomy compared to motion-blurred AIP) and averaged to create RMI plans. Doses to central OARs were compared between plans. ResultsMean absolute dose differences were low for all comparisons (range 0.01 – 2.87 Gy), however, individual plans exhibited differences > 20 Gy. Dose differences >5 Gy were observed most often for plan comparisons involving AIP-based plans (MidV vs AIP 23, AIP RMI vs AIP 12, MidV RMI vs AIP RMI 7, and MidV RMI vs MidV 8 times). Inclusion of respiratory motion reduced large dose differences. Standard OAR thresholds were exceeded up to five times for each plan comparison scenario and always involved PBT D4cc tolerance dose. AIP-based contours were larger by on average 3-15%. ConclusionLarge dose differences were observed when plans with AIP-based contours were compared with MidV-based contours indicating that observed dose differences were likely due to contoured volume differences rather than the effect of motion. Because of blurring with AIP images, MidV RMI-based planning may offer a more accurate method to determine dose to critical OARs in the presence of respiratory motion.

Imaging 3D chemistry at 1 nm resolution with fused multi-modal electron tomography

Measuring the three-dimensional (3D) distribution of chemistry in nanoscale matter is a longstanding challenge for metrological science. The inelastic scattering events required for 3D chemical imaging are too rare, requiring high beam exposure that destroys the specimen before an experiment is completed. Even larger doses are required to achieve high resolution. Thus, chemical mapping in 3D has been unachievable except at lower resolution with the most radiation-hard materials. Here, high-resolution 3D chemical imaging is achieved near or below one-nanometer resolution in an Au-Fe3O4 metamaterial within an organic ligand matrix, Co3O4-Mn3O4 core-shell nanocrystals, and ZnS-Cu0.64S0.36 nanomaterial using fused multi-modal electron tomography. Multi-modal data fusion enables high-resolution chemical tomography often with 99% less dose by linking information encoded within both elastic (HAADF) and inelastic (EDX/EELS) signals. We thus demonstrate that sub-nanometer 3D resolution of chemistry is measurable for a broad class of geometrically and compositionally complex materials.

Application of stoichiometric CT number calibration method for dose calculation of tissue heterogeneous volumes in boron neutron capture therapy.

Monte Carlo simulation code is commonly used for the dose calculation of boron neutron capture therapy. In the past, dose calculation was performed assuming a homogeneous mass density and elemental composition inside the tissue, regardless of the patient's age or sex. Studies have shown that the mass density varies with patient to patient, particularly for those that have undergone surgery or radiotherapy. A method to convert computed tomography numbers into mass density and elemental weights of tissues has been developed and applied in the dose calculation process using Monte Carlo codes. A recent study has shown the variation in the computed tomography number between different scanners for low- and high-density materials. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the elemental composition inside each calculation voxel on the dose calculation and the application of the stoichiometric CT number calibration method for boron neutron capture therapy planning. Monte Carlo simulation package Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System was used for the dose calculation. Firstly, a homogeneous cubic phantom with the material set to ICRU soft tissue (four component), muscle, fat, and brain was modelled and the NeuCure BNCT system accelerator-based neutron source was used. The central axis depth dose distribution was simulated and compared between the four materials. Secondly, a treatment plan of the brain and the head and neck region was simulated using a dummy patient dataset. Three models were generated; (1) a model where only the fundamental materials were considered (simple model), a model where each voxel was assigned a mass density and elemental weight using (2) the Nakao20 model, and (3) the Schneider00 model. The irradiation conditions were kept the same between the different models (irradiation time and irradiation field size) and the near maximum (D1%) and mean dose to the organs at risk were calculated and compared. A maximum percentage difference of approximately 5% was observed between the different materials for the homogeneous phantom. With the dummy patient plan, a large dose difference in the bone (greater than 12%) and region near the low-density material (mucosal membrane, 7%-11%) was found between the different models. A stoichiometric CT number calibration method using the newly developed Nakao20 model was applied to BNCT dose calculation. The results indicate the importance of calibrating the CT number to elemental composition for each individual CT scanner for the purpose of BNCT dose calculation along with the consideration of heterogeneity of the material composition inside the defined region of interest.

PM21-particle stimulation augmented with cytokines enhances NK cell expansion and confers memory-like characteristics with enhanced survival.

NK cell therapeutics have gained significant attention as a potential cancer treatment. Towards therapeutic use, NK cells need to be activated and expanded to attain high potency and large quantities for an effective dosage. This is typically done by ex vivo stimulation with cytokines to enhance functionality or expansion for 10-14 days to increase both their activity and quantity. Attaining a robust methodology to produce large doses of potent NK cells for an off-the-shelf product is highly desirable. Notably, past reports have shown that stimulating NK cells with IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 endows them with memory-like properties, better anti-tumor activity, and persistence. While this approach produces NK cells with clinically favorable characteristics supported by encouraging early results for the treatment of hematological malignancies, its limited scalability, variability in initial doses, and the necessity for patient-specific production hinder its broader application. In this study, stimulation of NK cells with PM21-particles derived from K562-41BBL-mbIL21 cells was combined with memory-like induction using cytokines IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 to produce NK cells with enhanced anti-tumor function. The use of cytokines combined with PM21-particles (cytokine and particle, CAP) significantly enhanced NK cell expansion, achieving a remarkable 8,200-fold in 14 days. Mechanistically, this significant improvement over expansion with PM21-particles alone was due to the upregulation of receptors for key stimulating ligands (4-1BBL and IL-2), resulting in a synergy that drives substantial NK cell growth, showcasing the potential for more effective therapeutic applications. The therapeutic potential of CAP-NK cells was demonstrated by the enhanced metabolic fitness, persistence, and anti-tumor function both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, CAP-NK cells were amenable to current technologies used in developing therapeutic NK cell products, including CRISPR/Cas9-based techniques to generate a triple-gene knockout or a gene knock-in. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the addition of cytokines enhanced the already effective method of ex vivo generation of therapeutic NK cells with PM21-particles, yielding a superior NK cell product for manufacturing efficiency and potential therapeutic applications.

Active fractions from Jingfang Baidu Powder alleviate Klebsiella-induced Pneumonia by inhibiting TLR4/Myd88-ERK signaling pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceJingfang Baidu Powder (JFBDP) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription. Although Jingfang Baidu powder obtained a general consensus on clinical efficacy in treating pneumonia, there were many Chinese herbal drugs in formula, complex components, and large oral dosage, which brings certain obstacles to clinical application. Aim of the studyTherefore, screening of the active fraction that exerts anti-pneumonia helps improve the pharmaceutical preparation, improve the treatment compliance of patients, and further contribute to the clinical application, and the screening of the new active ingredients with anti-pneumonia. The histopathological observation, real-time quantitative PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were applied to evaluate the anti-pneumonia efficacy of active fractions from JFBDP. ResultsThree fractions from JFBDP inhibit the gene expression of IL-1β, IL-10, CCL3, CCL5, and CCL22 in lung tissue infected by Klebsiella at various degrees, and presented a good dose-response relationship. JF50 showed stronger anti-inflammatory effects among three fractions including JF30, JF50, and JF75. Besides, JF50 significantly reduced the protein expression of TLR4 and Myd88 in lung tissue infected with Klebsiella, and it also significantly inhibited p-ERK and p–NF–κB p65. JF50 significantly inhibits the protein expression of Caspase 3, Caspase 8, and Caspase 9 in lung tissue infected with Klebsiella at the dose of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg. ConclusionJF50 improves lung pathological damage in Klebsiella pneumonia mice by inhibiting the TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB-ERK signaling pathway, and inhibiting apoptosis of lung tissue cells. These findings provide a reference for further exploring the active substance basis of Jingfang Baidu Powder in treating bacterial pneumonia.

Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest from abiraterone-induced hypokalemia: a case report

BackgroundPolymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PMVT) is an unstable and often fatal cardiac tachyarrhythmia. While there are many causes of this rhythm, including electrolyte imbalances, ischemia, and genetic disorders, iatrogenic etiologies are important to recognize. Abiraterone is an androgen synthesis antagonist effective in treating prostate cancer, but here we describe a case of severe hypokalemia secondary to abiraterone resulting in polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest. While this is a potential adverse effect of the medication, severe hypokalemia causing polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest, as seen in our patient’s case, has not been described.Case presentationA 78-year-old African-American man with history of prostate cancer presents with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest. After resuscitation, he was found to be severely hypokalemic and refractory to large doses of repletion. Evaluation of secondary causes of hypokalemia identified the likely culprit to be adverse effects from prostate cancer treatment.ConclusionA broad differential diagnosis for polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is essential in identifying and treating patients presenting in this rhythm. Here we present a case of iatrogenic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia secondary to oncologic treatment.

Alpha gal syndrome, a relative not absolute contraindication to the use of bovine pericardium to close an intracardiac septal defect: a case report

BackgroundAlpha-gal syndrome is an allergic condition in which individuals develop an immune-mediated hypersensitivity response when consuming red meat and its derived products. Its diagnosis is important in individuals undergoing cardiac surgery, as patients frequently require large doses of unfractionated heparin or the insertion of surgical implants, both of which are porcine or bovine in origin. There are currently no guidelines for heparin administration in alpha-gal patients, with even less knowledge regarding the long-term clinical implications of these patients after receiving bioprosthetic valve replacements or other prostheses.Case presentationWe present the case of a 31-year-old male who underwent cardiac surgery in the setting of alpha-gal syndrome for a large atrial septal defect (ASD) and mitral valve prolapse (MVP). The patient continues to do well one year after undergoing a mitral valve repair, tricuspid valve repair and an ASD closure using bovine pericardium. He sustained no adverse reaction to the use of heparin products or the presence of a bovine pericardial patch. This rare case was managed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac anesthesiology, and allergy/immunology that led to an optimal outcome despite the patient’s pertinent allergic history.ConclusionsThis case highlights that the use of bovine pericardium and porcine heparin to close septal defects in patients with milder forms of alpha-gal allergy can be considered if other options are not available. Further studies are warranted to investigate the long-term outcomes of such potential alpha-gal containing prostheses and heparin exposure and establish the optimal decision making algorithm and prophylactic regimen.

A new insight on a novel auxiliary collector 4-MBA synergize with BHA to enhance flotation of scheelite

The hydroxamic acid reagents are extremely pervasive in the collector of scheelite flotation. The high flotation cost is caused by its large dosage and high price. A novel auxiliary collector 4-methodybenzoicacid (4-MBA) was used in combination with benzohydroxamic acid (BHA) to optimize the flotation reagents system for scheelite in the study. A single 4-MBA has weak collection capacity for scheelite. Nevertheless, the combination of 4-MBA and BHA optimized the flotation system of scheelite by ensuring its recovery and reducing the reagent consumption. The results of solution surface tension and contact angle measurements showed that the surface tension of the mixed reagent solution is a relatively lower and the hydrophobicity of the scheelite surface is a relatively higher in the BHA and 4-MBA mixed reagent system. Additionally, a synergistic effect between BHA and 4-MBA on Pb2+ activated scheelite is revealed by the Zeta potential measurements, infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The addition of 4-MBA promoted the physical and chemical adsorption of BHA. The results of molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) further explained that the collector adsorption layer of the surface of scheelite (112) is more compact under BHA and 4-MBA mixed reagent system, which prevents the vertical entry of water phase and improves the hydrophobicity of scheelite. Finally, the bench-scale flotation experiment verified that the addition of 4-MBA enhanced scheelite flotation with BHA, and decrease the flotation cost of scheelite.

Residual Effect of Nitrogen and Weed Management Practices in Maize on Succeeding Groundnut

Background: Cereal-legume cropping system is considered to be one of the better alternatives for sustaining soil fertility and increasing the yield. At present maize-groundnut cropping system is gaining importance under both rainfed and irrigated situations. Maize, being an exhaustive and weed-sensitive crop, is supplied with large doses of fertilizers and new herbicide molecules.Since maize is exhaustive and weed sensitive crop, there was a usage of excessive fertilizers and new herbicides. There is a need to assess the carry over effect of fertilizers and new generation herbicides in leguminous crops like groundnut. Methods: The experiment was conducted during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2020-21 on sandy loam soils of S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati andhra Pradesh. Maize hybrid DHM -117 was sown and maintained with general cultivation practices except for nitrogen and weed management methods was raised after harvest of maize in undisturbed layout to study the residual effect of different nitrogen and weed management practices imposed in maize. Result: Residual effect of nitrogen and weed management practices imposed in preceding maize did not exert any significant influence on germination percentage, phytotoxicity and SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR) values but efficacy of herbicide residue found to be significant with weed management practices. Growth parameters, yield attributes pod yield, haulm yield and economics were higher in groundnut with brown manuring, which was however, in parity with hand weeding twice at 15 and 30 DAS, pre emergence application of atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 fb post emergence application of topramezone 30 g ha-1 and pre emergence application of atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 fb post emergence application of tembotrione 120 g ha-1 and lower with unweeded check and it was remained in parity with application of parthenium water extract15 lha-1 twice at 15 and 30 DAS, application of sunflower water extract 15 lha-1 twice at 15 and 30 DAS, pre emergence application of atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 fb post emergence application of parthenium water extract 15 lha-1 and pre emergence application of atrazine 1.0 kg ha-1 fb post emergence application of sunflower water extract 15 lha-1 in the order of ascent. None of their interaction effects were found to be significant during both the years of study and in pooled mean.