Bioactivity of Inhaled Methane and Interactions With Other Biological Gases

A number of studies have demonstrated explicit bioactivity for exogenous methane (CH4), even though it is conventionally considered as physiologically inert. Other reports cited in this review have demonstrated that inhaled, normoxic air-CH4 mixtures can modulate the in vivo pathways involved in oxidative and nitrosative stress responses and key events of mitochondrial respiration and apoptosis. The overview is divided into two parts, the first being devoted to a brief review of the effects of biologically important gases in the context of hypoxia, while the second part deals with CH4 bioactivity. Finally, the consequence of exogenous, normoxic CH4 administration is discussed under experimental hypoxia- or ischaemia-linked conditions and in interactions between CH4 and other biological gases, with a special emphasis on its versatile effects demonstrated in pulmonary pathologies

Photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity of sulfur functionalized TiO 2 containing composite films

Facile sulfation of TiO2 semiconductor photocatalyst was achieved by a simple grinding and calcination method using elemental sulfur from desulfurization of petroleum. The successful sulfation of the prepared visible-light-active photocatalyst was also proved by infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements. Photocatalytic tests revealed that the most efficient member of the series has higher photocatalytic activity than TiO2 in the photodegradation of formic acid under both UV and visible-light activation. Moreover, the improved electrokinetic and water dispersibility behaviors of the sulfur-modified photocatalyst allowed the preparation of polyacrylate-based photoreactive thin films with increased photocatalytic activity, strong antimicrobial properties, and improved mechanical behavior

Spherical LDH−Ag-montmorillonite heterocoagulated system with pH-dependent sol-gel structure for controlled accessibility of AgNPs immobilised on the clay lamellae

BACKGROUND: Problems with memory and decline in cognitive abilities are common during development of dementia. Different kinds of technologies may be useful in supporting persons with dementia and their relatives in daily life. Tracking technologies have the potential to improve independence among persons with dementia. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to describe perceptions of a passive positioning alarm (PPA) among persons with mild dementia. METHODS: A repeated interview study was conducted in Sweden with a strategic sample of 11 persons with mild dementia. Roger's Diffusion of Innovation Theory was used to deductively analyse the data. RESULTS: Regarding the advantages of the PPA, participants described perceived safety and security for, both themselves, and their relatives, as well as freedom and independence. However, they also expressed concern about the cost of the PPA, reflected on who might be the receiver of the alarm from the PPA, emphasized the importance of opportunities to test the device before becoming a user and early introduction before their problems start, thus allowing them to decide for themselves. CONCLUSIONS: Supporting persons with dementia in their own homes using, e.g., a PPA may enable them and their relatives to remain longer in their own homes and be safer in their own neighbourhoods

Carnosic Acid Inhibits Herpes Simplex Virus Replication by Suppressing Cellular ATP Synthesis

Acquiring resistance against antiviral drugs is a significant problem in antimicrobial therapy. In order to identify novel antiviral compounds, the antiviral activity of eight plants indigenous to the southern region of Hungary against herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) was investigated. The plant extracts and the plant compound carnosic acid were tested for their effectiveness on both the extracellular and intracellular forms of HSV-2 on Vero and HeLa cells. HSV-2 replication was measured by a direct quantitative PCR (qPCR). Among the tested plant extracts, Salvia rosmarinus (S. rosmarinus) exhibited a 90.46% reduction in HSV-2 replication at the 0.47 μg/mL concentration. Carnosic acid, a major antimicrobial compound found in rosemary, also demonstrated a significant dose-dependent inhibition of both extracellular and intracellular forms of HSV-2. The 90% inhibitory concentration (IC90) of carnosic acid was between 25 and 6.25 μg/mL. Proteomics and high-resolution respirometry showed that carnosic acid suppressed key ATP synthesis pathways such as glycolysis, citrate cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation also suppressed HSV-2 replication up to 39.94-fold. These results indicate that the antiviral action of carnosic acid includes the inhibition of ATP generation by suppressing key energy production pathways. Carnosic acid holds promise as a potential novel antiviral agent against HSV-2