Zinc Gluconate Research Articles

Differential Protective Effect of Zinc and Magnesium for the Hepatic and Renal Toxicity Induced by Acetaminophen and Potentiated with Ciprofloxacin in Rats

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence induced by magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and zinc gluconate (ZnG) supplementation on liver and kidney injuries experimentally induced with acetaminophen (AAPh) and potentiated by a ciprofloxacin addition in rats. Material and Methods: The experiment was performed on five animal groups: group 1—control, treated for 6 weeks with normal saline, 1 mL/kg; group 2—AAPh, treated for 6 weeks with AAPh, 100 mg/kg/day; group 3—AAPh + C, treated for 6 weeks with AAPh 100 mg/kg/day and ciprofloxacin 50 mg/kg/day, only in the last 14 days of the experiment; group 4—AAPh + C + Mg, with the same treatment as group 3, but in the last 14 days, MgCl2 10 mg/ kg/day was added; and group 5—AAPh + C + Zn, with the same treatment as group 3, but in the last 14 days, zinc gluconate (ZnG), 10 mg/kg/day was added. All administrations were performed by oral gavage. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for biochemistry examinations. Results: Treatment with AAPh for 6 weeks determined an alteration of the liver function (increases in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactic dehydrogenase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase) and of renal function (increases in serum urea and creatinine) (p < 0.001 group 2 vs. group 1 for all mentioned parameters). Furthermore, the antioxidant defense capacity was impaired in group 2 vs. group 1 (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity decreased in group 2 vs. group 1, at 0.001 < p < 0.01 and 0.01 < p < 0.05, respectively). The addition of ciprofloxacin, 50 mg/kg/day during the last 14 days, resulted in further increases in alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, and creatinine (0.01 < p < 0.05, group 3 vs. group 2). MgCl2 provided a slight protection against the increase in liver enzymes, and a more pronounced protection against the increase in serum urea and creatinine (0.001 < p < 0.01 group 4 vs. group 3). MgCl2 provided a slight protection against the decrease in superoxide dismutase (0.01 < p < 0.05 group 4 vs. group 3), but not against decrease of glutathione peroxidase. The improvement of mentioned parameters could also be seen in the case of ZnG, to a higher extent, especially in the case of alanine aminotransferase and lactic dehydrogenase (0.01 < p < 0.05 group 5 vs. group 4). Conclusions: This study presents further proof for the beneficial effect of magnesium and zinc salts against toxicity induced by different agents, including antibacterials added to the analgesic and antipyretic acetaminophen; the protection is proven on the liver and kidney’s function, and the antioxidant profile improvement has a key role, especially in the case of zinc gluconate.

Synthesis of a fluorescent probe for rhodamine B and determination of Zn2+ content in pharmaceutical zinc gluconate

The intermediate LBXJ was prepared by Rhodamine B, hydrazine hydrate and HCl, and then the probe Y2ST was prepared by LBXJ, chromone 3-formaldehyde and absolute ethanol. NMR characterized the structures of the intermediate and probe, IR and MS. Compared the fluorescence selectivity of ions after the system was determined and tested the response time, pH value, cation interference, reversibility, linearity, detection limit, accuracy, coordination ratio, and recovery rate of the samples. The detection limit of Y2ST was 0.7×10-6 mol/L, and the detection rate of Zn2+ in zinc gluconate was 96.1% at 5×10-6 mol/L--5×10-5 mol/L. It can be used for the content determination of Zn2+.

Antitumor Effect of Manganese, Copper and Zinc Gluconate on a Model of Myeloma Sp2/0-Ag14 IN BALB/c Mice

Цель. Оценить противоопухолевый эффект глюконатов марганца, меди и цинка на модели миеломы Sp2/0 Ag14 у линейных мышей BALB/c. Материал и методы. Мыши линии BALB/c с трансплантированной миеломой Sр 2/0 Аg14 получали перорально в течение трех недель глюконаты марганца, меди и цинка, синтезированные в Уфимском институте химии УФИЦ РАН, препаратом сравнения служил циклофосфамид. На 22 день проводили гистологические исследования органов и опухолевых образований, а также оценивали противоопухолевый эффект, рассчитывая показатели опухолевой регрессии: торможение прироста массы тела (ТПМ), торможение развития асцита (ТРА) и через 3 месяца — увеличение продолжительности жизни (УПЖ). Результаты. Гистологические исследования показали отсутствие солидных опухолевых образований в группах мышей после трехнедельной терапии глюконатами металлов. В тканях органов существенных изменений по сравнению с контрольной группой интактных животных выявлено не было. В группе животных без лечения зарегистрировано образование узловатой опухоли с выраженной сетью сосудистых структур, в которых после терапии циклофосфамидом обнаружен венозный застой, приводящий к скоплению лимфоидных клеток в стенках ячеек опухоли. Показатели ТПМ, ТРА и УПЖ в группе с препаратом сравнения циклофосфамид имели значения: 28,8 %, 29,4 % и 153,5 %, которые оказались близкими к показателям в группе с терапией глюконатом меди. Глюконаты марганца и цинка показали более высокую эффективность, превышающую эффективность препарата сравнения на 30-40 %. Заключение. Введение в течение трех недель глюконатов марганца, меди и цинка замедляет развитие опухолевого процесса у мышей BALB/c с миеломой Sp2/0 Ag14: на этапе забора материала солидных опухолевых образований не обнаружено, рост опухоли отмечен только после отмены препаратов. Результаты эксперимента подкреплены морфологическим контролем и статистическими расчетами с помощью программы «Statistica 10,0». Ингибирование роста опухоли (30-40 %) зарегистрировано по изменению массы тела, накопления асцита и продолжительности жизни.

Application of the rhodamine derivative LPDQ fluorescent probe for the detection of zinc white in oil paints

By modifying the structure of pyridoxal phosphate, an “on–off” rhodamine fluorescent probe LPDQ with a new structure was synthesized. NMR, IR, and mass spectrometries characterized the structures of the probes. The LPDQ–Zn2+ system had been successfully constructed by the characteristic absorption peaks of the ultraviolet spectrum, and the experiments were carried out to investigate the ion fluorescence selectivity, cell imaging, reversibility, ion concentration, linear range, precision, and accuracy. The LPDQ reached the detection limit of 0.8 × 10−6 mol/l at 1 × 10−5–8.5 × 10−5 mol/l. The content of Zn2+ in the zinc gluconate sample was determined. According to the experimental data, the fluorescent probe LPDQ in this experiment has good performance and can be used to detect Zn2+ in water and oil paintings.

Effects of Zinc Compounds on the Enzymatic Activities of Lysozyme and Peroxidase and Their Antifungal Activities.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of zinc compounds on the enzymatic activities of lysozyme, peroxidase, and the glucose oxidase-mediated peroxidase (GO-PO) system and their antifungal activities. Four different zinc compounds (zinc chloride, gluconate, lactate, and sulfate) were incubated with hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL), bovine lactoperoxidase (bLPO), the GO-PO system, and human unstimulated whole saliva in solution and on a hydroxyapatite surface. Enzymatic activities of lysozyme, peroxidase, and the GO-PO system were measured through the hydrolysis of Micrococcus lysodeikticus, oxidation of fluorogenic 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin, and glucose assay, respectively. Interactions between zinc and enzymes were analyzed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and candidacidal activities of zinc compounds were examined against three Candida albicans strains. Zinc gluconate and sulfate significantly increased the enzymatic activities of salivary lysozyme in the solution assay and of HEWL and salivary lysozyme on the hydroxyapatite surface. However, all examined zinc compounds significantly decreased the enzymatic activities of bLPO and salivary peroxidase in solution and on the surface. SPR analyses revealed binding of zinc to lysozyme and peroxidase, with affinity differing according to the zinc compounds. The MIC of zinc compounds against C. albicans was 1.0-2.4mM. Candidacidal activities were 17.7-38.8% and 23.7-47.0% at 1.0 and 10mM concentrations, respectively. In conclusion, zinc compounds enhanced lysozyme activity but inhibited peroxidase activity. Zinc compounds exhibited concentration-dependent candidacidal activity against C. albicans. Zinc compounds are potential therapeutic agents for oral health, especially for geriatric patients.

Determination of the median lethal dose of zinc gluconate in mice and safety evaluation.

Zinc Gluconate (ZG) is a safe and effective supplement for zinc. However, there is limited research on the optimal dosage for intravenous injection and the safety evaluation of animal models for ZG. This study aims to determine the safe dose range of ZG for intravenous injection in C57BL/6J mice. A Dose titration experiment was conducted to determine the LD50 and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of ZG in mice. Based on the LD50, four sub-lethal doses (SLD) of ZG were evaluated. Following three injections of each SLD and monitoring for seven days, serum zinc levels were measured, and pathological changes in the liver, kidney, and spleen tissues of mice were determined by histological staining. The dose titration experiment determined the LD50 of ZG in mice to be 39.6mg/kg, with a 95%CI of 31.8-49.3mg/kg. There was a statistically significant difference in the overall serum zinc levels (H = 36.912, P < 0.001) following SLD administration. Pairwise comparisons showed that the serum zinc levels of the 1/2 LD50 and 3/4 LD50 groups were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.001); the serum zinc level of the 3/4 LD50 group was significantly higher than those of the 1/8 LD50 and 1/4 LD50 groups (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the different SLDs of ZG and the serum zinc levels in mice (rs = 0.973, P < 0.001). H&E staining showed no significant histological abnormalities or lesions in the liver, kidney, and spleen tissues of mice in all experimental groups. The appropriate dose range of ZG for intravenous injection in C57BL/6J mice was clarified, providing a reference for future experimental research.

Carbon dots as multifunctional fluorescent probe for Fe3+ sensing in ubiquitous water environments and living cells as well as lysine detection via “on-off-on” mechanism

Iron and amino acids are essential nutrients for living organisms, and their deficiency or excess can cause a range of diseases. Therefore, there is considerable interest in developing sensing assays capable of detecting these nutrients with sensitivity, selectivity, and multifunctionality even in complex environments. In this report, hydrothermally synthesized blue fluorescent carbon dots (C-dots) from zinc gluconate were utilized for the detection of Fe3+ and lysine via “on-off” and “on-off-on” mechanisms, respectively. Specifically, the Fe3+ sensing assay achieved a broad linear range of 0–200 μM and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 1.9 μM. It is worth mentioning that the assay was also well adapted to natural aqueous environments (e.g., lake water), and its linear detection range could be extended to 0–1000 μM with a LOD of 3.3 μM. Furthermore, the assay was also effective for intracellular Fe3+ tracking. Most importantly, the assay could also be applied for the quantitative detection of lysine with a linear range of 0–1200 μM and LOD of 8.6 μM. Systematic mechanistic studies revealed that Fe3+ sensing was based on a static quenching process between C-dots and Fe3+, whereas a stronger complexation might have formed between Fe3+ and Lys, leading to the release of C-dots and thus the recovery of fluorescence.

Immune Activation by a Nutraceutical Blend: Rapid Increase in Immune-Modulating Cytokines, Followed by Induction of Anti-Inflammatory and Restorative Biomarkers

Immune cells express Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) to recognize potentially pathogenic microbial forms. Nutraceutical compounds can induce immune cell activation through PRRs. The nutraceutical immune blend (IB), QuickStart™, contains botanical and yeast-derived ligands for PRRs, along with vitamin C and zinc. We evaluated immune-activating effects of the IB and its ingredients in vitro. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with either the IB or single ingredients: elderberry extract, the proprietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentate EpiCor™ (Sacc), the plant-based hemicellulose preparation Natramune (PDS-2865)™ (Hemi), vitamin C (VitC), or zinc gluconate (Zinc). The IB triggered sequential waves of immune activation. Initial cytokine induction by the IB at 2 h involved the immune-activating cytokines IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1α, and TNF-α, and the stem cell-mobilizing growth factor G-CSF, as did Sacc and Hemi. The 24 h immune-activation by the IB included increases in IL-1β, IL-17A, IP-10, GM-CSF, Basis FGF, PDGF-BB, and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Increased CD69 expression by the IB was also seen for VitC and Sacc. Increased CD25 expression by the IB on monocytes was also seen for Sacc. The IB triggered rapid immune activating events of higher magnitude than the single ingredients, involving immune-activating cytokines and restorative growth factors. Clinical research is warranted to evaluate rapid immune-modulating events upon consumption.

Nano-CaCO3 templated porous carbon enable high-rate and ultralong cycle performance supercapacitor

The development of hierarchically porous carbon materials with excellent pore structure via environmentally friendly and low-cost strategies is attractive for high energy density of supercapacitor. Zinc gluconate is an excellent precursor of carbon materials due to its low cost, simple chemical composition, and self-activation during carbonization. In this work, a strategy of activating zinc gluconate with nano‑calcium carbonate as template was proposed to prepare porous carbon (ZnPCCa-1), which has the advantages of high specific surface area of 1328 m2 g−1. The as-prepared ZnPCCa-1 electrode achieved ultra-high rate performance of specific capacitance ∼120 F g−1 at the current density of 20 A g−1, and capacitance retention with 95.1 % even at high current density of 50 A g−1 after 50,000 cycles. The symmetric supercapacitor prepared by ZnPCCa-1 electrode assembly achieves an energy density of 81.1 Wh kg−1 in Et4NBF4 electrolyte, and the capacitance retention keep up to 89.7 % after 10,000 cycles at current density of 20 A g−1. This work demonstrates a promising approach for intelligently regulating hierarchical porous structured carbon, and providing valuable insights for achieving high-performance supercapacitor storage.

A Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensor Based on Chelation-Enhanced Fluorescence of Carbon Dots for Zinc Ion Detection

Zinc ion, one of the most important transition metal ions in living organisms, plays a crucial role in the homeostasis of the organism. The disorder of zinc is associated with many major diseases. It is highly desirable to develop selective and sensitive methods for the real-time detection of zinc ions. In this work, double-emitting fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) are prepared by a solvothermal method using glutathione, L-aspartic acid, and formamide as the raw materials. The carbon dots specifically recognize zine ions and produce a decrease in fluorescence intensity at 684 nm and an increase at 649 nm, leading to a ratiometric fluorescent sensor for zinc detection. Through surface modification and spectral analysis, the surface groups including carboxyl, carbonyl, hydroxyl, and amino groups, and C=N in heterocycles of CDs are revealed to synergistically coordinate Zn2+, inducing the structural changes in the emission site. The CDs can afford a low limit of detection of ~5 nM for Zn2+ detection with good linearity in the range of 0.02–5 μM, showing good selectivity as well. The results from real samples including fetal bovine serum, milk powder, and zinc gluconate oral solution indicated the good applicability of the CDs in the determination of Zn2+.

New Template Synthesis of Anomalously Large Capacity Hard Carbon for Na‐ and K‐Ion Batteries

AbstractHard carbon (HC) is a promising negative‐electrode material for Na‐ion batteries. HC electrochemically stores Na+ ions, resulting in a non‐stoichiometric chemical composition depending on their nanoscale structure, including the carbon framework, and interstitial pores. Therefore, optimizing these structures for Na storage by altering the synthesis conditions can enhance the capacity of Na‐ion batteries. In this study, HCs using MgO, ZnO, and CaCO3 as nanopore templates are systematically investigated, and the ZnO template is found to be particularly effective. By optimizing the concentration of ZnO embedded in the carbon matrix, utilizing a blend of zinc gluconate, and zinc acetate as starting materials, the optimal ZnO‐template HC demonstrates a reversible capacity of 464 mAh g−1 (corresponding to NaC4.8) with high initial coulombic efficiency of 91.7% and low average potential of 0.18 V versus Na+/Na. Thus, a Na‐ion battery full cell consisting of Na5/6Ni1/3Fe1/6Mn1/6Ti1/3O2 and the optimized ZnO‐template HC demonstrates a remarkable energy density of 312 Wh kg−1, comparable to that of a Li‐ion battery with LiFePO4 and graphite. Moreover, the ZnO‐template HC in a K half‐cell also displays a significant capacity of 381 mAh g−1, that is, KC5.8 where the alkali content is higher than stage‐1 graphite intercalation compounds, LiC6 and KC8.

Hierarchically Porous Carbon Nanosheets from One-Step Carbonization of Zinc Gluconate for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

Supercapacitors, with high energy density, rapid charge-discharge capabilities, and long cycling ability, have gained favor among many researchers. However, the universality of high-performance carbon-based electrodes is often constrained by their complex fabrication methods. In this study, the common industrial materials, zinc gluconate and ammonium chloride, are uniformly mixed and subjected to a one-step carbonization strategy to prepare three-dimensional hierarchical porous carbon materials with high specific surface area and suitable nitrogen doping. The results show that a specific capacitance of 221 F g-1 is achieved at a current density of 1 A g-1. The assembled symmetrical supercapacitor achieves a high energy density of 17 Wh kg-1, and after 50,000 cycles at a current density of 50 A g-1, it retains 82% of its initial capacitance. Moreover, the operating voltage window of the symmetrical device can be easily expanded to 2.5 V when using Et4NBF4 as the electrolyte, resulting in a maximum energy density of up to 153 Wh kg-1, and retaining 85.03% of the initial specific capacitance after 10,000 cycles. This method, using common industrial materials as raw materials, provides ideas for the simple preparation of high-performance carbon materials and also provides a promising method for the large-scale production of highly porous carbons.

Semen quality of rams fed a liposomal vitamin-mineral supplement during the period of sexual rest

To increase the sexual activity and sperm quality of rams during the period of sexual rest, it is necessary to increase the consumption rates of vitamins and microelements to the level of the mating season. The aim of the work was to find out the effect of feeding a liposomal vitamin-mineral supplement on the quality parameters of ram sperm during the period of sexual rest. The experiment was conducted on 12 clinically healthy Texel rams, aged 2–4 years, during the period of sexual rest (March–May). Animals were divided into two groups: control and experimental, 6 heads each. The control rams received the basic diet, the animals of the experimental group were individually added to the combined feed for 45 days with a feed additive in the form of a liposomal emulsion, which included: vitamins A, D3, E, C and zinc gluconate. After the end of supplement feeding, ejaculates were collected from the rams for research. The motility, kinetic indicators of sperm, the activity of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and cytochrome oxidase (CO) in sperm, as well as the activity of antioxidant protection enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPO) and catalase (CAT) were determined. It was established that feeding liposomal vitamin-mineral supplement to rams during the period of sexual rest significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increases sperm activity, their kinetic indicators: curvilinear (VCL), straight-line (VSL) and average speed (VAP) of sperm movement (P &lt; 0.05–0.001), the activity of enzymes – markers of the fertilizing capacity of SDH and CO sperm (P &lt; 0.05–0.001). At the same time, there was a significant (P &lt; 0.05) decrease in the activity of SOD with a simultaneous significant (by 23.3–25.0 %) increase in the activity of GPO and CAT (P &lt; 0.01). Higher indicators of the quality of ejaculates of rams under the influence of vitamins A, D3, E, C and zinc gluconate indicate the possibility of obtaining high-quality sperm from breeding rams during the period of sexual rest.

Evaluation of chemical castration using intra-testicular injection of zinc gluconate into the testis of the male donkey versus surgical castration: antimullerian hormone as an endpoint marker

BackgroundChemical castration of male animals is an alternative to surgical castration for inducing azoospermia, consequent sterility. Intra-testicular injection of zinc gluconate has been used for chemical castration in several animal species. However, its application to equine species, such as donkeys, has yet to be reported. This study aimed to evaluate the use of zinc gluconate for the chemical castration of male donkeys and to compare its effectiveness relative to routine surgical castration. For this purpose, investigations of serum testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone levels, testicular ultrasonographic echogenicity, and histopathological findings were performed.MethodsFourteen clinically healthy adult male donkeys were randomly and equally divided into two groups. The donkeys in group I (n = 7) underwent surgical castration. The donkeys in group II (n = 7) received intra-testicular zinc gluconate injections. The donkeys were kept under close clinical observation for 60 days. Abnormalities in donkey behavior and gross alterations in the external genitalia were recorded daily. Serum testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured 15 days before the start of the treatment and 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after treatment. The testicles of group II donkeys were evaluated ultrasonographically. At the end of the study, the testes were removed and histologically examined.ResultsSerum testosterone levels significantly declined compared to pre-castration levels in surgically castrated donkeys (group I), but donkeys exposed to chemical castration (group II) showed a non-significant reduction in testosterone levels. Donkeys in the surgical group had considerably lower serum AMH levels. In contrast, there was a non-significant (p > 0.05) increase in AMH levels in the chemical group compared with the pre-sterilization level. In addition, ultrasonographic examination revealed that the testicular echo-density had changed, as observed by a few scattered hyperechoic regions throughout the entire testis parenchyma. The histopathological investigation confirmed the presence of necrosis of the spermatogenic epithelium, increased thickness of the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules, marked interstitial fibrosis, and shrinkage of the seminiferous tubules. Furthermore, syncytial giant cells were present in the lumen of seminiferous tubules and were associated with Sertoli cell vacuolation. Donkeys subjected to chemical castration (group II) had orchitis, as confirmed histopathologically.ConclusionIntra-testicular injection of zinc gluconate resulted in histopathological and ultrasonographic testicular changes in adult male donkeys, which may affect their reproductive potential. However, it did not significantly alter serum testosterone or AMH levels, indicating that it cannot be used as a substitute for surgical castration in male donkeys.

Size/porosity-controlled zinc-based nanoporous-crystalline metal-organic frameworks for application in a high-performance self-healing epoxy coating

A zinc-based metal-organic framework (MOF) was synthesized by co-precipitation/hydrothermal approaches using four zinc precursors, zinc nitrate hexahedral, zinc gluconate, zinc acetate dihedral, and zinc chloride. The anti-corrosion performance of the mild steel substrate was evaluated by its stability and specific surface area (SSA). All characterization confirmed the successful synthesis of MOF particles. Because of the large SSA (2164 m2.g−1) and mild dissolution rate, according to BET and ICP-OES results, respectively, the zinc acetate salt was determined to be the ideal precursor. Additionally, this MOF considerably improved the anti-corrosion capability of the ZIF-8-A/epoxy coating (EC) on the substrate, and after 24 h of subjection to the saline solution, the total impedance value at 0.01 Hz for the scratched ZIF-8-A/EC (106,638 Ω.cm2) reached 3.92 times and more than 1.86 times higher than the impedance magnitudes of the neat EC and other ZIF-8/ECs samples, respectively. Furthermore, the ZIF-8-A indicated superior barrier anti-corrosion (|Z|f=0.01 more than 1010 Ω.cm2) feature during seven weeks of immersion. In the presence of ZIF-8-A, the pull-off tests indicated the best adhesion strength (2.61 MPa) among other coatings in wet conditions. Additionally, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and tensile tests showed robust corrosion prevention and excellent thermo/mechanical performance of the ZIF-8/EC sample.

Treatment of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD): A Systematic Review.

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is the third most common type of muscular dystrophy. This disease presents as a slowly progressive asymmetric muscle weakness that involves the facial, scapular, and upper arm muscles mainly. Currently, there is no established consensus on this disease treatment in terms of medications. We assessed the response to the treatment of the drugs utilized in clinical trials by performing a systematic literature review in English using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews (PRISMA) and meta-analyses. We only used human clinical trials in patients diagnosed with FSHD that received consistent pharmacological treatment. We included 11 clinical trials that fulfilled our criteria. We concluded that albuterol had statistically significant results in three out of four clinical trials, with improved elbow flexors muscle strength. Vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc gluconate, and selenomethionine showed significant improvement in the maximal voluntary contraction and endurance limit time of quadriceps muscle. At the same time, diltiazem and MYO-029 demonstrate no improvement in function, strength, or muscle mass. Losmapimod, currently in phase I of the ReDUX4 trial, showed promising results. Peradventure, more clinical trials are still needed to address this subject. Nevertheless, this review provides a clear and concise update on the treatment for this disease.

Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of the Antidepressant Sertraline in Aqueous Solutions by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Antidepressants are one of the main pollutants in the aquatic environment. They are being widely studied due to their widespread use, possible health effects, and partial removal from wastewater treatment plants by conventional methods. Photocatalysis is an effective and ecologically beneficial method in wastewater treatment. In the present study, the photocatalytic degradation of sertraline hydrochloride (SERT) in water using nano-sized zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs) was investigated. The ZnO-NPs were synthesized from zinc gluconate as a precursor by the sol–gel method. The crystal structure, morphology, surface charge, and textural properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analyses, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, and N2 adsorption–desorption measurements. The removal of SERT in water was explored by different processes: H2O2/UV, ZnO-NPs/H2O2/UV, and ZnO-NPs/UV. Our results indicate that the combination of both UV illumination and the ZnO-NP as a catalyst was necessary for the efficient degradation of the drug. Nearly complete removal of SERT (98.7%) was achieved in 30 min with the ZnO-NPs/UV process at room temperature. The photodegradation of SERT follows first-order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.0678 min−1. The results reveal that SERT degradation with ZnO-NPs/UV is pH-dependent, as the maximum drug removal was achieved at pH 11. Initial drug concentration, catalyst dose, and hydrogen peroxide concentration were also crucial in the removal of SERT. Our findings indicate that the high specific surface area and porous structure of ZnO-NP enhance its photocatalytic performance toward photodegradation of SERT, i.e., ZnO-NP is an efficient nanophotocatalyst for the degradation of SERT under UV irradiation.

Zinc gluconate derived porous carbon electrode assisted high rate and long cycle performance supercapacitor

The low energy density of supercapacitor is the main reason that limits the utilization of multifunction. Based on this, it is particularly necessary to establish porous network structure electrode for understanding the energy storage mechanism of advanced supercapacitors. In this work, the strategy of activated zinc gluconate was proposed to prepare porous carbon with different pore structures. The as-prepared zinc gluconate derived activated porous carbon (ZnPCK-3) has rich porous network structure with high specific surface area of 1973 m2 g−1 and microporous pore sizes of 1.9 nm exposing abundant electrochemical active sites. Benefiting from the microstructure promotes the storage of electrolyte ions, the ZnPCK-3 electrode shows excellent rate performance of 143 F g−1 at a current density of 20 A g−1. The symmetrical supercapacitor with obtained ZnPCK-3 electrode assembly achieves energy density of ∼92.6 Wh kg−1 in Et4NBF4 electrolyte and specific capacitance retention of 94.5 % after 10,000 cycles at the current density of 20 A g−1. The proven zinc gluconate assisted strategy affords emerging chances for rational commercial-level design for high performance supercapacitor.

Highly corrosion-resistant ZIF-8-integrated micro-arc oxidation coating on Mg alloy

The long-term corrosion resistance of conventional micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coatings on magnesium alloy is limited by the inherent micro-scale pores. To address this issue, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and zinc gluconate (ZnG) loaded ZIF-8 (ZnG@ZIF-8) were synthesized and incorporated into the MAO coating. The electrochemical and immersion tests showed that the MAO composite coating doped with ZIF-8 and ZnG@ZIF-8 ((ZIF-8 + ZnG@ZIF-8)/MAO) displayed optimal corrosion resistance. The corrosion current density (jcorr) of the pristine (ZIF-8 + ZnG@ZIF-8)/MAO composite coating (3.38 nA cm−2) is 63.3 times lower than that of the blank MAO coating (214 nA cm−2), indicating the significant enhancement in corrosion protection of the nanoparticle to the coatings. Even after 32 days of immersion in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution, the jcorr of the former was as low as 87.3 nA cm−2, much lower than that of the blank MAO coating (1710 nA cm−2). These findings provide new insights into the design of corrosion-resistant MAO composite on magnesium alloy surfaces via the incorporation of inhibitor-loaded ZIF-8 nanocontainers.

Applications of Lifestyle Medicine in the Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Literature Review

Introduction: Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by the formation of pus-discharging abscesses under the skin in axillary, inguinal, gluteal, and perianal body sites. Modifiable risk factors such as obesity and smoking have been associated with exacerbation of HS severity. Despite this, research on the clinical application of lifestyle medicine for the improvement of HS symptoms remains scarce. The goal of this review was to evaluate benefits of lifestyle medicine in improving HS symptoms. Methods: A total of 8 articles that examined the associations of smoking cessation, diet modification and weight-loss with HS improvement were investigated. These publications came from cohort studies and intervention trials and were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Results: HS patients following a brewer’s yeast free diet reported significant decrease in HS abscesses and a severe immune reaction to the substance. The Paleolithic and Anti-Inflammatory diet alongside the reduction of foods high in carbohydrates, sugars, and dairy were also associated with improved HS symptoms. Zinc gluconate supplementation demonstrated improved inflammatory nodules and decreased boil count in patients. No correlation between HS and weight-loss or smoking cessation were observed. Discussion: Based on the results, eating patterns resembling the Paleolithic and Anti-Inflammatory diets may lower levels of systemic inflammation in HS patients by reducing the production of TNF- α cytokines present in HS lesions. Increased levels of antioxidants paired with fewer levels of pro-oxidant properties present in both diets are suggested to help improve the course of the disease in some patients. Conclusion: Further intervention trials and cohort studies must be conducted investigating the effects of smoking cessation, weight-loss and diet in HS severity to determine the integration of lifestyle medicine pillars in clinical practice. No correlations between smoking cessation and weight-loss with HS were established due to limited clinical evidence. Intervention trials beyond exclusionary diets need to be conducted to elucidate the role of nutrition in HS exacerbation and alleviation.