Swertia L.: A comprehensive review of its genetic relationship, chemical compositions, pharmacological effects, toxicities, and applications

Swertia L., as a commonly used ethnic medicine, is widely distributed in Sichuan, Yunnan, and Xizang in China. Moreover, the medicinal plants of Swertia L. have been widely used and constitute one of the most important sources of various traditional medicines in China due to their prominent activities. In this review, the information on the classification, distribution, genetic relationship, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, toxicities, and applications of the medicinal plants in Swertia L. was summarized based on the scientific literature. The results indicated that the medicinal plants of Swertia L. mainly contained chemical components including triterpenes, xanthones, and iridoids. These compounds exert pharmacological effects including ameliorating diseases related to the liver and gallbladder. They also exert antiviral and antibacterial effects and can alleviate the increase in blood glucose levels. Especially, prescriptions related to Swertia L. have been widely adopted in preclinical and clinical studies to protect against diseases affecting the liver and the gallbladder, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and cholecystitis. In addition, it also discusses toxicity studies and future perspectives and provides a reference for their clinical development and utilization.

Preparation of multifunctional mesoporous SiO2nanoparticles and anti-tumor action

A targeted drug delivery system was developed to accumulate specific drugs around tumor cells based on the redox, temperature, and enzyme synergistic responses of mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-NH2) and Doxorubicin (DOX) for tumor therapy were prepared and loaded into the pores of MSN- NH2 to obtain DOX@MSN(DM NPs). Hyaluronic acid (HA) was used as the backbone and disulfide bond was used as the linker arm to graft carboxylated poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)(PNIPAAm-COOH) to synthesize the macromolecular copolymer (HA-SS-PNIPAAm), which was modified to DM NPs with capped ends to obtain the nano-delivery system DOX@MSN@HA-SS-PNIPAAm(DMHSP NPs), and a control formulation was prepared in a similar way. DMHSP NPs specifically entered tumor cells via CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis; the high GSH concentration (10 mM) of cells severed the disulfide bonds, the hyaluronidase sheared the capped HA to open the pores, and increased tumor microenvironment temperature due to immune response can trigger the release of encapsulated drugs in thermosensitive materials.In vitroandin vivoantitumor and hemolysis assays showed that DMHSP NPs can accurately target hepatocellular carcinoma cells with a good safety profile and have synergistic effects, which meant DMHSP NPs had great potential for tumor therapy.

"You've Got to Work on This Axon": J. Z. Young and Squid Giant Axon Preparations in 20th -Century Neurobiology

Employing and extending Hans-Jörg Rheinberger's analytical concept of epistemic things, this essay proposes one reason why squid giant axons, unusually large invertebrate nerve fibers, had such great impacts on twentieth-century neurobiology. The 1930s characterizations of these axons by John Zachary Young reshaped prevailing assumptions about nerve cells as epistemic things, I argue. Specifically, Young's preparations of these axons, which consisted of fibers attached to laboratory technologies, highlighted similarities between giant axons and more familiar ones via lines of comparative study common to aquatic biology. Young's work convinced other biologists that the squid giant fibers were, in fact, axons, despite their unusual fused (syncytial) structures, thereby promoting further studies, such as intracellular measurements, made possible by the fiber's size. Tracing direct relations between preparations of squid axons and broader interpretations of neurons as epistemic things, this paper renders an actors' category, "preparations," into an analytical one. In turn, it offers glimpses into how aquatic organisms shaped twentieth-century neurobiology and how local experiments can drive broader, disciplinary changes.

Earthquake Threat! Understanding the Intention to Prepare for the Big One

Knowledge about how hazard-threatened individuals perceive risks and what influences their intentions to prepare is crucial for effective disaster management. We investigated (a) whether residents of objectively higher-risk earthquake areas within a city perceive greater risk, have stronger intentions to prepare, and report more preparation than residents of objectively lower-risk areas, (b) 10 antecedent factors as predictors of the intention to prepare for an earthquake, and (c) whether risk perception mediates the relations between nine antecedent factors and the intention to prepare. Notably, residents of high-risk areas did not express stronger intentions to prepare or report more preparations than did residents of low-risk areas, despite perceiving significantly greater risk. Risk perception mediated the relation between antecedent fatalism and the intention to prepare. Among the policy implications is a clear need for greater education of residents in high-risk earthquake areas.

Formulation and characterization of zein/chitosan complex particles stabilized Pickering emulsion with the encapsulation and delivery of vitamin D3

BACKGROUND

Pickering emulsions (PEs) which are stabilized by solid particles instead of surfactants have recently attracted tremendous attentions due to their non-toxic and long-term stable nature. In the current study, we fabricated and characterized zein (ZN)/chitosan (CS) complex particles (ZNCSPs) stabilized PE for the encapsulation and delivery of vitamin D₃ .

RESULTS

The ZNCSPs were synthesized with different ratios, i.e. 1:1, 1:1.5 and 1:2 to investigate the optimum ratio. Transmission electron microscopy observations showed the spherical nature with smooth surface of the obtained particles in the case of ZNCS ratio 1:1.5 and 1:2. Furthermore, ζ-potential values for the these particles were 32.53 ± 1.3 and 52.86 ± 0.68 mV respectively, indicating particles with (1:2) being more stable than 1:1.5. Thereafter, using these particles, the PEs were successfully formulated with different oil (medium chain triglyceride) fractions (330, 500 and 660 g kg^-1 ). The emulsions were evaluated for stability during storage and against different environmental factors including pH, temperature and ionic strength on the creaming indices (CIs) of these emulsions. The results demonstrated that the PEs with oil fractions 330 and 500 g kg^-1 exhibited significant stability during storage, particularly the ones with 500 g kg^-1 oil fractions which were stable against all the tested parameters. Finally, the prepared PEs were evaluated as efficient delivery system by encapsulating and delivering vitamin D₃ . In vitro drug release profile confirmed sustained and controlled release of the encapsulated vitamin D₃ .

CONCLUSION

Overall, our findings suggest that ZNCSPs can be promising stabilizers for stable PEs that can be used as potential delivery systems in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Trends in the Use of Botanicals in Anti-Aging Cosmetics

Botanical ingredients have been used for thousands of years in skincare for their convenience as well as the diversity and abundance in compounds with biological activity. Among these, polyphenols and especially flavonoids have gained increasing prominence due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the most used botanical preparations in anti-aging products marketed in 2011 were determined. The analysis was repeated in 2018 for new and reformulated products. The scientific evidence for their application as active ingredients in anti-aging cosmetics and their flavonoid content was also compiled by searching in online scientific databases. Overall, in 2018, there was a noticeable increase in the use of botanical preparations in anti-aging cosmetics. However, the top three botanical species in both years were Vitis vinifera, Butyrospermum parkii, and Glycine soja, which is consistent with the greater amount of scientific evidence supporting their efficacy. Regarding the function of botanical preparations, there is a clear preference for DNA-protecting ingredients. The most prevalent flavonoids were flavan-3-ols, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins. This study provided an updated overview of the market trends regarding the use of botanicals in anti-aging products and documented the state of the art of scientific evidence for the most used plants.

Review of studies examining microbial contamination of vials used for preparations done with closed-system drug transfer devices

OBJECTIVES

The main objective was to identify all studies that present data regarding microbial contamination of vials used for preparation with closed-system drug transfer devices (CSTDs). Our secondary objective was to compare the reported contamination of vials punctured with a CSTD versus no CSTD and to evaluate the quality of data reporting as defined by the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) criteria.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted on 31 December 2018 on PubMed, EMBASE and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. A manual search of the archives of relevant pharmaceutical conferences was made. All studies that presented data about microbial contamination of vials punctured with a CSTD or about beyond-use date extension were included. Two researchers independently graded the articles according to the STROBE criteria.

RESULTS

Of the 280 articles identified initially, 12 were retained for analysis. Studies evaluated microbial contamination according to different incubation times and different culture media. Nine studies did not use any comparator group. Five studies found no contamination of vials punctured with CSTDs. For the others, the contamination was between 0.3% and 27%. Three studies compared the contamination of vials punctured with a CSTD and with a conventional system and did not show a significant difference between the groups. Seven studies declared a conflict of interest. The mean number of STROBE criteria fulfilled was 12.2±4.1 out of 34 (7 not applicable) for studies, and the mean number was 5±0 out of 12 for abstracts.

CONCLUSIONS

Vials punctured in ISO5 conditions with a CSTD presented a low frequency of microbial contamination. No study showed a significant difference between vials punctured with a CSTD and with a conventional method. Centre-specific sterility testing is needed to reflect the variability of handling procedures and equipment.

Lignin-Based Nanoparticles: A Review on Their Preparations and Applications

Lignin is the most abundant by-product from the pulp and paper industry as well as the second most abundant natural renewable biopolymer after cellulose on earth. In recent years, transforming unordered and complicated lignin into ordered and uniform nanoparticles has attracted wide attention due to their excellent properties such as controlled structures and sizes, better miscibility with polymers, and improved antioxidant activity. In this review, we first introduce five important technical lignin from different sources and then provide a comprehensive overview of the recent progress of preparation techniques which are involved in the fabrication of various lignin-based nanoparticles and their industrial applications in different fields such as drug delivery carriers, UV absorbents, hybrid nanocomposites, antioxidant agents, antibacterial agents, adsorbents for heavy metal ions and dyes, and anticorrosion nanofillers.

Emerging Group-VI Elemental 2D Materials: Preparations, Properties, and Device Applications

Due to the ultrathin thickness and dangling-bond-free surface, 2D materials have been regarded as promising candidates for future nanoelectronics. In recent years, group-VI elemental 2D materials have been rediscovered and found superior in electrical properties (e.g., high carrier mobility, high photoconductivity, and thermoelectric response). The outstanding semiconducting properties of group-VI elemental 2D materials enable device applications including high-performance field-effect transistors and optoelectronic devices. The excellent environmental stability also facilitates fundamental studies and practical applications of group-VI elemental 2D materials. This Review first focuses on the crystal structures of group-VI elemental 2D materials. Afterward, preparation methods for nanostructures of group-VI materials are introduced with comprehensive studies. A brief Review of the electronic structures is then presented with an understanding of the electrical properties. This Review also contains the device applications of group-VI elemental 2D materials, emphasizing transistors, photodetectors, and other appealing applications. Finally, this Review provides an outlook for the development of group-VI elemental 2D materials, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in fundamental studies and technological applications.

The Texture of Rare and Common Lesions in Soemmerring and Baillie

The publications on morbid anatomy by Matthew Baillie and Samuel Thomas Soemmerring put pathological preparations and images center stage. A comparison between their works highlights major shifts from exceptional to more representative cases and significant differences in the art of representation. Initially Baillie provided careful descriptions of internal postmortem lesions (1793). Then Soemmerring's prompt German translation added a wealth of references to the literature and specifically to pathological images available in print (1794). Soon after a second unillustrated edition incorporating some of Soemmerring's comments (1797), Baillie issued ten installments with dozens of pathological plates (1799-1803). His plates differed from those referred to by Soemmerring for their broader scope, representing common and rare conditions alike, and specific attention to the fine changes of texture of the affected parts. Their works document the crucial status of pathological preparations and images at the time and highlight the achievement of Baillie's work at an artistic as well as at an intellectual level.

Simultaneous determination of multiple components in formula and preparations of Xiaoyaosan

Xiaoyaosan is one of the famous formulas treating for liver, spleen and blood deficiency syndrome along Chinese history. Their five main components, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritin, and atractylenolide I are believed to partly representative of this formula. Ultra performance liquid chromatography method was newly established, UPLC BEH-C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) with acetonitrile - 0.1% phosphate acid gradient elution system, in 0.4 mL/min and the temperature was 30 °C; Detection wavelengths were optimized separately. The five components were linear within their linear range (r ≥ 0.9991), average recovery 97.63%∼102.83%, RSD 1.88%∼4.38%. The newly established method is accurate, rapid, and convenient, with satisfied separation performance to quantify multi-components in formula and preparations of Xiaoyaosan. It will provide a reliable reference for the quality evaluation of both Xiaoyaosan formula and preparations during the process of manufacture, administration and clinical application in the future.

Dietary risk evaluation for 28 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tea preparations made of teas available on the Polish retail market

The aim of this work was to assess dietary risk resulting from consumption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with tea infusions. To this end, levels of 28 PAHs in black, green, red and white teas available on the Polish retail market have been assessed. Profiles and correlation between concentrations of individual PAHs have been identified. A model study on transfer of PAHs from tea leaves into tea preparations has been conducted. Relatively high concentrations of 28 evaluated PAHs have been found in 58 tested samples of black, green, red and white teas sampled on the Polish retail market. Total concentration ∑28PAH ranged from 57 to 696 µg kg^-1 with mean 258 µg kg^-1 (dry tea leaves). The most mature tea leaves fermented to a small degree contained relatively the highest PAH levels among all four tested tea types. Relatively low PAH transfer rates into tea infusions and limited volumes of the consumed tea keep the risks associated with PAH dietary intake at a safely low level. The worst-case scenario dietary intake values were 7.62/0.82/0.097 ng kg^-1 b.w. day^-1 (estimated on the basis of the maximum found concentrations 696/113/23 µg kg^-1 and maximum observed transfer rates 24/16/9%) for ∑28PAH/∑PAH4/B[a]P, respectively. MOE values calculated using the above worst case estimates exceeded 700,000 and 400,000 (BMDL₁₀ 0.07 and 0.34 mg kg^-1 b.w. day^-1) for B[a]P and PAH4, respectively. Both B[a]P and PAH4 concentrations may be used as indicators of total PAH concentration in tea leaves; PAH4 slightly better fits low molecular weight PAHs. Several correlations between various PAHs/groups of PAHs have been identified, the strongest one (R² = 0.92) between PAH4 and EU PAH 15+1.

Preliminary hazard analysis applied to outsourcing sterile chemotherapy preparations

Background Our hospital organization raised the possibilities of outsourcing their sterile pediatric chemotherapy preparations to another hospital conditional on analyzing the potential hazardous events that need to be anticipated. Methods The study was conducted by a multidisciplinary working group from September 2015 to January 2016 with the support of a risk manager. A list of hazardous situations that could occur during outsourcing process was assessed. First, a map of hazardous situations was developed by crossing outsourcing processes divided into phases classified as critical or not. Second, a map of risk was established by crossing potential consequences of these hazardous situations and elaborating corrective actions to reduce the initial risks. Results The map of hazardous situations identified 183 relevant hazardous situations, 78 of which were considered high priority and 154 scenarios were developed. Slightly more than half of these hazardous situations concerned information system (30%), human resources (14%), and management (11%). The generic hazards of information system and human generated 37 (24%) and 41 (27%) scenarios, respectively. To reduce critical risks, 33 corrective actions were proposed. Working time required was estimated at 35 days. The subcontractor personnel for this new organization included an estimated extra time of 0.7-pharmacist working day and 1.4-pharmacy dispenser working day. Conclusions The preliminary hazard analysis method appeared to apply to our system of outsourcing sterile cytotoxic preparations in another hospital. Regardless, this analysis is complex and requires time and expertise.

Comparison of the Cellular Composition and Cytokine-Release Kinetics of Various Platelet-Rich Plasma Preparations

BACKGROUND

Variations in formulations used to prepare platelet-rich plasmas (PRPs) result in differences in the cellular composition and biomolecular characteristics.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the cellular composition and the cytokine-release kinetics of PRP according to differences in the preparation protocols.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Five preparation procedures were performed for 14 healthy subjects, including 2 manual procedures (single-spin [SS] at 900 g for 5 minutes; double-spin [DS] at 900 g for 5 minutes and then 1500 g for 15 minutes) and 3 methods with commercial kits (Arthrex ACP, Biomet GPS, and Prodizen Prosys). After evaluation of cellular composition, each preparation was divided into 4 aliquots and incubated for 1 hour, 24 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days for the assessment of cytokine release over time. The cytokine-release kinetics were evaluated by assessing platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) concentrations of each aliquot with bead-based sandwich immunoassay.

RESULTS

The DS PRP had a higher concentration of platelets and leukocytes than did the SS PRP. Every PRP preparation exhibited an increase in PDGF, TGF, VEGF, and FGF release when compared with whole blood samples. The FGF and TGF release occurred quickly and decreased over time, while the PDGF and VEGF release was constant and sustained over 7 days. The PDGF and VEGF concentrations were higher in the DS PRP than in the SS PRP, whereas the TGF and FGF concentrations were higher in the SS PRP than in the DS PRP. Biomet GPS had the highest VEGF and MMP-9 concentrations but the lowest TGF concentration. Arthrex ACP had the highest FGF concentration but the lowest PDGF concentration. Prodizen Prosys had the highest IL-1 concentration and higher PDGF concentration than Arthrex ACP.

CONCLUSION

The DS method generally led to a higher concentration of platelet relative to the SS method. However, the cytokine content was not necessarily proportional to the cellular composition of the PRPs, as the greater content could be different between the SS or DS method depending on the type of cytokine.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Physicians should select proper PRP preparations after considering their biomolecular characteristics and patient indications.

Anatomical Mercury: Changing Understandings of Quicksilver, Blood, and the Lymphatic System, 1650-1800

The use of mercury as an injection mass in anatomical experiments and preparations was common throughout Europe in the long eighteenth century, and refined mercury-injected preparations as well as plates of anatomical mercury remain today. The use and meaning of mercury in related disciplines such as medicine and chemistry in the same period have been studied, but our knowledge of anatomical mercury is sparse and tends to focus on technicalities. This article argues that mercury had a distinct meaning in anatomy, which was initially influenced by alchemical and classical understandings of mercury. Moreover, it demonstrates that the choice of mercury as an anatomical injection mass was deliberate and informed by an intricate cultural understanding of its materiality, and that its use in anatomical preparations and its perception as an anatomical material evolved with the understanding of the circulatory and lymphatic systems. By using the material culture of anatomical mercury as a starting point, I seek to provide a new, object-driven interpretation of complex and strongly interrelated historiographical categories such as mechanism, vitalism, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology, which are difficult to understand through a historiography that focuses exclusively on ideas.