(Table 3) Reduced inorganic sulphur, d34S and nickel content of ODP Leg 165 sites

Leg 165 of the Ocean Drilling Program afforded a unique opportunity to investigate organic and inorganic geochemistry across a wide gradient of sediment compositions and corresponding chemical pathways. The solid fractions at Sites 998, 999, 1000, and 1001 reveal varying proportions of reactive carbonate species, a labile volcanic ash fraction occurring in discrete layers and as a dispersed component, and detrital fluxes that derive from continental weathering. The relative proportions and reactivities of these end-members strongly dictate the character of the diagenetic profiles observed during the pore-water work of Leg 165. In addition, alteration of the well-characterized basaltic basement at Site 1001 has provided a strong signal that is reflected in many of the dissolved components. The relative effects of basement alteration and diagenesis within the sediment column are discussed in terms of downcore relationships for dissolved calcium and magnesium. With the exception of Site 1002 in the Cariaco Basin, the sediments encountered during Leg 165 were uniformly deficient in organic carbon (typically <0.1 wt%). Consequently, rates of organic oxidation were generally low and dominated by suboxic pathways with subordinate levels of bacterial sulfate reduction and methanogenesis. The low rates of organic remineralization are supported by modeled rates of sulfate reduction. Site 1000 provided an exception to the generally low levels of microbially mediated redox cycling. At this site the sediment is slightly more enriched in organic phases, and externally derived thermogenic hydrocarbons appear to aid in driving enhanced levels of redox diagenesis at great depths below the seafloor. The entrapment of these volatiles corresponds with a permeability seal defined by a pronounced Miocene minimum in calcium carbonate concentration recognized throughout the basin and with a dramatic downcore increase in the magnitude of limestone lithification. The latter has been tentatively linked to increases in alkalinity associated with microbial oxidation of organic matter and gaseous hydrocarbons. Recognition and quantification of previously unconstrained large volumes and frequencies of Eocene and Miocene silicic volcanic ash within the Caribbean Basin is one of the major findings of Leg 165. High frequencies of volcanic ash layers manifest as varied but often dominant controls on pore-water chemistry. Sulfur isotope results are presented that speak to secondary metal and sulfur enrichments observed in ash layers sampled during Leg 165. Ultimately, a better mechanistic understanding of these processes and the extent to which they have varied spatially and temporally may bear on the global mass balances for a range of major and minor dissolved components of seawater.

Exercise Training Reduces Liver Fat and Increases Rates of VLDL Clearance, but not VLDL Production in NAFLD

Context Randomised controlled trials in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have shown that regular exercise, even without calorie restriction, reduces liver steatosis. A previous study has shown that 16 weeks supervised exercise training in NAFLD did not affect total VLDL kinetics. Objective To determine the effect of exercise training on intrahepatocellular fat (IHCL) and the kinetics of large triglyceride-(TG)-rich VLDL1 and smaller denser VLDL2 which has a lower TG content. Design A 16 week randomised controlled trial. Patients 27 sedentary patients with NAFLD. Intervention Supervised exercise with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or conventional lifestyle advice (control). Main outcome Very low density lipoprotein1 (VLDL1) and VLDL2-TG and apolipoproteinB (apoB) kinetics investigated using stable isotopes before and after the intervention. Results In the exercise group VO2max increased by 31±6% (mean±SEM) and IHCL decreased from 19.6% (14.8, 30.0) to 8.9% (5.4, 17.3) (median (IQR)) with no significant change in VO2max or IHCL in the control group (change between groups p<0.001 and p=0.02, respectively). Exercise training increased VLDL1-TG and apoB fractional catabolic rates, a measure of clearance, (change between groups p=0.02 and p=0.01, respectively), and VLDL1-apoB production rate (change between groups p=0.006), with no change in VLDL1 -TG production rate. Plasma TG did not change in either group. Conclusion An increased clearance of VLDL1 may contribute to the significant decrease in liver fat following 16 weeks of exercise in NAFLD. A longer duration or higher intensity exercise interventions may be needed to lower plasma TG and VLDL production rate.

PEG-based solid dispersions enhanced the solubility and dissolution of eprosartan mesylate in-vitro

Abstract - This study investigates the effect of solid dispersions prepared from of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 and 6000 Da alone or combined with the non-ionic surfactant Tween 80 on the solubility and dissolution rate of a poorly soluble drug eprosartan mesylate (ESM) in attempt to improve its bioavailability following its oral administration.

INTRODUCTION

ESM is a potent anti-hypertension [1]. It has low water solubility and is classified as a Class II drug as per the Biopharmaceutical Classification Systems (BCS) leading to low and variable oral bioavailability (approximately 13%). [2]. Thus, improving ESM solubility and/or dissolution rate would eventually improve the drug bioavailability. Solid dispersion is widely used technique to improve the water solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs employing various biocompatible polymers. In this study, we aimed to enhance the solubility and dissolution of EMS employing solid dispersion (SD) formulated from two grades of poly ethylene glycol (PEG) polymers (i.e. PEG 3350 & PEG 6000 Da) either individually or in combination with Tween 80.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ESM SDs were prepared by solvent evaporation method using either PEG 3350 or PEG 6000 at various (drug: polymer, w/w) ratios 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5 alone or combined with Tween 80 added at fixed percentage of 0.1 of drug by weight?. Physical mixtures (PMs) of drug and carriers were also prepared at same ratios. Drug solid dispersions and physical mixtures were characterized in terms of drug content, drug dissolution using dissolution apparatus USP II and assayed using HPLC method. Drug dissolution enhancement ratio (ER %) from SD in comparison to the plain drug was calculated. Drug-polymer interactions were evaluated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and FT-IR.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The in vitro solubility and dissolution studies showed SDs prepared using both polymers produced a remarkable improvement (p<0.05) in comparison to the plain drug which reached around 32% (Fig. 1). The dissolution enhancement ratio was polymer type and concentration-dependent. Adding Tween 80 to the SD did not show further dissolution enhancement but reduced the required amount of the polymer to get the same dissolution enhancement. The DSC and FT-IR studies indicated that using SD resulted in transformation of drug from crystalline to amorphous form.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that SDs prepared by using both polymers i.e. PEG 3350 and PEG 6000 improved the in-vitro solubility and dissolution of ESM remarkably which may result in improving the drug bioavailability in vivo.

Acknowledgments

This work is a part of MSc thesis of O.M. Ali at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Aleppo University, Syria.

REFERENCES

[1] Ruilope L, Jager B: Eprosartan for the treatment of hypertension. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2003; 4(1):107-14

[2] Tenero D, Martin D, Wilson B, Jushchyshyn J, Boike S, Lundberg, D, et al. Pharmacokinetics of intravenously and orally administered Eprosartan in healthy males: absolute bioavailability and effect of food. Biopharm Drug Dispos 1998; 19(6): 351- 6.

Improved electrochemical performance of Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.4Nb0.1O6-δ -Sm0.2Ce0.8O2-δ composite cathodes by a one-pot method for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

In this paper, Sr₂Fe_1.5Mo_0.4Nb_0.1O_6-δ (SFMNb)-xSm_0.2Ce_0.8O_2-δ (SDC) (x = 0, 20, 30, 40, 50 wt%) composite cathode materials were synthesized by a one-pot combustion method to improve the electrochemical performance of SFMNb cathode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The fabrication of composite cathodes by adding SDC to SFMNb is conducive to providing extended electrochemical reaction zones for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrates that SFMNb is chemically compatible with SDC electrolytes at temperature up to 1100 °C. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicates that the SFMNb-SDC composite cathodes have a porous network nanostructure as well as the single phase SFMNb. The conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient of the composite cathodes decrease with the increased content of SDC, while the electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) exhibits that SFMNb-40SDC composite cathode has optimal electrochemical performance with low polarization resistance (R_p) on the La_0.9Sr_0.1Ga_0.8Mg_0.2O₃ electrolyte. The R_p of the SFMNb-40SDC composite cathode is about 0.047 Ω cm² at 800 °C in air. A single cell with SFMNb-40SDC cathode also displays favorable discharge performance, whose maximum power density is 1.22 W cm^-2 at 800 °C. All results indicate that SFMNb-40SDC composite material is a promising cathode candidate for IT-SOFCs.

Synthesis of Pr0.6Sr0.4FeO 3-δ -xCe0.9Pr0.1O 2-δ cobalt-free composite cathodes by a one-pot method for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Cobalt-free composite cathodes consisting of Pr_0.6Sr_0.4FeO _3-δ -xCe_0.9Pr_0.1O _2-δ (PSFO-xCPO, x = 0-50 wt%) have been synthesized using a one-pot method. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermal expansion coefficient, conductivity, and polarization resistance (R _P ) have been used to characterize the PSFO-xCPO cathodes. Furthermore the discharge performance of the Ni-SSZ/SSZ/GDC/PSFO-xCPO cells has been measured. The experimental results indicate that the PSFO-xCPO composite materials fully consist of PSFO and CPO phases and posses a porous microstructure. The conductivity of PSFO-xCPO decreases with the increase of CPO content, but R _P of PSFO-40CPO shows the smallest value amongst all the samples. The power density of single cells with a PSFO-40CPO composite cathode is significantly improved compared with that of the PSFO cathode, exhibiting 0.43, 0.75, 1.08 and 1.30 W cm^-2 at 650, 700, 750 and 800 °C, respectively. In addition, single cells with the PSFO-40CPO composite cathode show a stable performance with no obvious degradation over 100 h when operating at 750 °C.

The use of binary polymeric networks in stabilising polyethylene oxide solid dispersions

The objective of this study was to determine if a high Tg polymer (Eudragit® S100) could be used to stabilize amorphous domains of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and hence improve the stability of binary polymer systems containing celecoxib (CX). We propose a novel method of stabilizing the amorphous PEO solid dispersion through inclusion of a miscible, high Tg polymer, namely, that can form strong inter-polymer interactions. The effects of inter-polymer interactions and miscibility between PEO and Eudragit S100 are considered. Polymer blends were first manufactured via hot-melt extrusion at different PEO/S100 ratios (70/30, 50/50, and 30/70 wt/wt). Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis data suggested a good miscibility between PEO and S100 polymer blends, particularly at the 50/50 ratio. To further evaluate the system, CX/PEO/S100 ternary mixtures were extruded. Immediately after hot-melt extrusion, a single Tg that increased with increasing S100 content (anti-plasticization) was observed in all ternary systems. The absence of powder X-ray diffractometry crystalline Bragg’s peaks also suggested amorphization of CX. Upon storage (40°C/75% relative humidity), the formulation containing PEO/S100 at a ratio of 50:50 was shown to be most stable. Fourier transform infrared studies confirmed the presence of hydrogen bonding between Eudragit S100 and PEO suggesting this was the principle reason for stabilization of the amorphous CX/PEO solid dispersion system.

Hydrogenated Fat Intake during Pregnancy and Lactation Modifies Serum Lipid Profile and Adipokine mRNA in 21-day-old Rats

Objective We examined whether feeding pregnant and lactating rats hydrogenated fats rich in trans-fatty acids modifies the plasma lipid profiles and the expression of adipokines involved with insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease in their 21-d-old offspring. Methods Pregnant and lactating Wistar rats were fed with a control diet (C group) or one enriched with hydrogenated vegetable fat (T group). After delivery, male offspring were weighed weekly and killed at day 21 of life by decapitation. Blood and retroperitoneal, epididymal, and subcutaneous white adipose tissues were collected. Results Offspring of T-group rats had increased serum triacylglycerols and cholesterol, white adipose tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression, and carcass lipid content and decreased blood leptin and adiponectin and adiponectin gene expression. Conclusion Ingestion of hydrogenated vegetable fat by the mother during gestation and lactation alters the blood lipid profiles and the expression of proinflammatory adipokynes by the adipose tissue of offspring aged 21 d.

Platinum–tin/carbon catalysts for ethanol oxidation: Influence of Sn content on the electroactivity and structural characteristics

Carbon-supported Pt–Sn catalysts commonly contain Pt–Sn alloy and/or Pt–Sn bimetallic systems (Sn oxides). Nevertheless, the origin of the promotion effect due to the presence of Sn in the Pt–Sn/C catalyst towards ethanol oxidation in acid media is still under debate and some contradictions. Herein, a series of Ptx–Sny/C catalysts with different atomic ratios are synthesized by a deposition process using formic acid as the reducing agent. Catalysts structure and chemical compositions are investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and their relationship with catalytic behavior towards ethanol electro-oxidation was established. Geometric structural changes are producing by highest Sn content (Pt1–Sn1/C) promoted the interaction of Pt and Sn forming a solid solution of Pt–Sn alloy phase, whereas, the intermediate and lowest Sn content (Pt2–Sn1/C and Pt3–Sn1/C, respectively) promoted the electronic structure modifications of Pt by Sn addition without the formation of a solid solution. The amount of Sn added affects the physical and chemical characteristics of the bimetallic catalysts as well as reducing the amount of Pt in the catalyst composition and maintaining the electrocatalytic activities at the anode. However, the influence of the Sn oxidation state in Pt–Sn/C catalysts surfaces and the alloy formation between Pt and Sn as well as with the atomic ratio on their catalytic activity towards ethanol oxidation appears minimal. Similar methodologies applied for synthesis of Ptx–Sny/C catalysts with a small change show differences with the results obtained, thus highlighting the importance of the conditions of the preparation method.

In vitro antioxidative activity of moss extract, and effect of moss on serum lipid level of mice fed with high-fat diet

Purpose: To evaluate the potential of active compounds derived from moss in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Methods: Three species of moss were extracted with deionized water at 95 °C, and with 70.5 % ethanol at 85 °C. Analysis of total phenolic contents (TPC) of the extracts were performed by FolinCiocalteu (FC) method. The antioxidant activity of the extracts were determined using three methods, namely, by 2,2\'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic) acid (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). In vivo effects were evaluated in mice fed high fat diet (HFD) supplemented with 20 % ground moss. Cholesterol levels in HFD were evaluated by ophthalaldehyde method. Serum triglyceride levels were measured using triglyceride (TG) kit, while blood insulin level and leptin concentration were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results: The moss extracts exhibited antioxidative effects, as evidenced of . TPC of 47.20 ± 11.20 to 119.87 ± 11.51 mg GAE/mg, respectively. ABTS scavenging activity was 1078.11 ± 18.95 to 2587.33 ± 46.19 μmol Trolox/mg, DPPH scavenging activity of were 42.11 ± 8.22 to 298.78 ± 20.02 μmol Trolox/mg, and FRAP value of 393.19 ± 24.64 to 1070.14 ± 17.92 μmol Trolox/mg, respectively. Mice fed with 20 % ground moss did not show any significant effect (p < 0.05) on visceral weight and blood lipid levels of HFD, while leptin concentrations reduced significantly to 4.74 ± 0.00 and 0.20 ± 0.00 ng/dL) relative to HFD alone (26.72 ± 6.53 ng/dL). Conclusion: Moss can potentially be used as an antioxidative ingredient, for the improvement of overall human health, suggesting that important medical benefits associated with moss consumption. However, further investigations are required to ascertain this.

Síntese, caracterização e aplicação de LaSBA-15 e como catalisador para obtenção de biodiesel de soja via rota etílica

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel, renewable, biodegradable and nontoxic. The transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fat with alcohol is most common form of production of this fuel. The procedure for production of biodiesel occurs most commonly through the transesterification reaction in which catalysts are used to accelerate and increase their income and may be basic, acid or enzyme. The use of homogeneous catalysis requires specific conditions and purification steps of the reaction products (alkyl ester and glycerol) and removal of the catalyst at the end of the reaction. As an alternative to improve the yield of the transesterification reaction, minimize the cost of production is that many studies are being conducted with the application of heterogeneous catalysis. The use of nano-structured materials as catalysts in the production of biodiesel is a biofuel alternative for a similar to mineral diesel. Although slower, can esterify transesterified triglycerides and free fatty acids and suffer little influence of water, which may be present in the raw material. This study aimed at the synthesis, characterization and application of nano-structured materials as catalysts in the transesterification reaction of soybean oil to produce biodiesel by ethylic route. The type material containing SBA-15 mesoporous lanthanum embedded within rightly Si / La = 50 was used catalyst. Solid samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption and desorption. For the transesterification process, we used a molar ratio of 20:1 alcohol and oil with 0.250 g of catalyst at 60°C and times of 6 hours of reaction. It was determined the content of ethyl esters by H-NMR analysis and gas chromatography. It was found that the variable of conversion obtained was 80%, showing a good catalytic activity LaSBA-15 in the transesterification of vegetable oils via ethylic route

Formulation of ionogel, hydrogel and films using a cellulose rich solid obtained from Pinus radiata

The purpose of my internship, carried out during my Erasmus period at the Complutense University of Madrid, was focused on the formulation of ionogels and hydrogels for the obtainment of films with high lignin content, and on their characterization measuring their antibacterial properties. For biomass formulation I used lignocellulosic biomass (Pinus Radiata) as raw material and ionic liquid as solvent. The two ionic liquids proposed were: 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazoliumdimethylphosphate [Emim][DMP] and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazoliumdiethylphosphate [Emim][DEP]. The two-starting cellulose-rich solids were obtained from Pinus radiata wood that had been submitted to an organosolv process, to reduce its lignin content to fifteen (ORG15) and twenty per cent (ORG20). Having two ionic liquids and two solids available, the first phase of the project was devoted to the screening of both solids in both ionic liquids. Through this, it was possible to identify that only the [Emim][DMP] ionic liquid fulfils the purpose. It was also possible to discard the cellulose-rich solid ORG20 because its dissolution in the ionic liquid was not possible (after the time fixed) and, additionally, a Pinus radiata cellulose-rich solid bleached with hydrogen peroxide and containing ten per cent of lignin (ORG10B) was included in the screening. After screening, a total of five ionogels were subsequently formulated: two gels were formulated with the starting raw material ORG15 (with 1% and 1.75% cellulose, respectively) and three with ORG10B (with 1%, 1.75% and 3% cellulose, respectively). Five hydrogels were obtained from the ionogels. Rheological tests were performed on each ionogel and hydrogel. Finally, films were formulated from hydrogels and they were analysed by antibacterial testing to see if they could be applied as food packaging. In addition, antioxidant and properties such as opacity and transparency were also studied.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles For Hydrophilic Biotech Drugs: Optimization And Cell Viability Studies (caco-2 & Hepg-2 Cell Lines).

Insulin was used as model protein to developed innovative Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) for the delivery of hydrophilic biotech drugs, with potential use in medicinal chemistry. SLNs were prepared by double emulsion with the purpose of promoting stability and enhancing the protein bioavailability. Softisan(®)100 was selected as solid lipid matrix. The surfactants (Tween(®)80, Span(®)80 and Lipoid(®)S75) and insulin were chosen applying a 2(2) factorial design with triplicate of central point, evaluating the influence of dependents variables as polydispersity index (PI), mean particle size (z-AVE), zeta potential (ZP) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) by factorial design using the ANOVA test. Therefore, thermodynamic stability, polymorphism and matrix crystallinity were checked by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Wide Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD), whereas the effect of toxicity of SLNs was check in HepG2 and Caco-2 cells. Results showed a mean particle size (z-AVE) width between 294.6 nm and 627.0 nm, a PI in the range of 0.425-0.750, ZP about -3 mV, and the EE between 38.39% and 81.20%. After tempering the bulk lipid (mimicking the end process of production), the lipid showed amorphous characteristics, with a melting point of ca. 30 °C. The toxicity of SLNs was evaluated in two distinct cell lines (HEPG-2 and Caco-2), showing to be dependent on the concentration of particles in HEPG-2 cells, while no toxicity in was reported in Caco-2 cells. SLNs were stable for 24 h in in vitro human serum albumin (HSA) solution. The resulting SLNs fabricated by double emulsion may provide a promising approach for administration of protein therapeutics and antigens.

A New Extraction Approach To Correct The Effect Of Apparent Increase In The Secoiridoid Content After Filtration Of Virgin Olive Oil.

In the current study, a new approach has been developed for correcting the effect that moisture reduction after virgin olive oil (VOO) filtration exerts on the apparent increase of the secoiridoid content by using an internal standard during extraction. Firstly, two main Spanish varieties (Picual and Hojiblanca) were submitted to industrial filtration of VOOs. Afterwards, the moisture content was determined in unfiltered and filtered VOOs, and liquid-liquid extraction of phenolic compounds was performed using different internal standards. The resulting extracts were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-TOF/MS, in order to gain maximum information concerning the phenolic profiles of the samples under study. The reduction effect of filtration on the moisture content, phenolic alcohols, and flavones was confirmed at the industrial scale. Oleuropein was chosen as internal standard and, for the first time, the apparent increase of secoiridoids in filtered VOO was corrected, using a correction coefficient (Cc) calculated from the variation of internal standard area in filtered and unfiltered VOO during extraction. This approach gave the real concentration of secoiridoids in filtered VOO, and clarified the effect of the filtration step on the phenolic fraction. This finding is of great importance for future studies that seek to quantify phenolic compounds in VOOs.

Exposure To Bisphenol-a During Pregnancy Partially Mimics The Effects Of A High-fat Diet Altering Glucose Homeostasis And Gene Expression In Adult Male Mice.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is one of the most widespread EDCs used as a base compound in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics. The aim of our research has been to study how the exposure to BPA during pregnancy affects weight, glucose homeostasis, pancreatic β-cell function and gene expression in the major peripheral organs that control energy flux: white adipose tissue (WAT), the liver and skeletal muscle, in male offspring 17 and 28 weeks old. Pregnant mice were treated with a subcutaneous injection of 10 µg/kg/day of BPA or a vehicle from day 9 to 16 of pregnancy. One month old offspring were divided into four different groups: vehicle treated mice that ate a normal chow diet (Control group); BPA treated mice that also ate a normal chow diet (BPA); vehicle treated animals that had a high fat diet (HFD) and BPA treated animals that were fed HFD (HFD-BPA). The BPA group started to gain weight at 18 weeks old and caught up to the HFD group before week 28. The BPA group as well as the HFD and HFD-BPA ones presented fasting hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance and high levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in plasma compared with the Control one. Glucose stimulated insulin release was disrupted, particularly in the HFD-BPA group. In WAT, the mRNA expression of the genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, Srebpc1, Pparα and Cpt1β was decreased by BPA to the same extent as with the HFD treatment. BPA treatment upregulated Pparγ and Prkaa1 genes in the liver; yet it diminished the expression of Cd36. Hepatic triglyceride levels were increased in all groups compared to control. In conclusion, male offspring from BPA-treated mothers presented symptoms of diabesity. This term refers to a form of diabetes which typically develops in later life and is associated with obesity.