8 research outputs found

    The biological role of specific component of fluoride in mineral water “Borjomi”: Area for future research

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    Introduction. The mineral water "Borjomi" is classified as a natural mineral healing-table sodium bicarbonate, boric-silicic-fluoride medium mineralization (М6,3), weakly acid carbonated water. The use of "Borjomi" is beneficial in providing the body with calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chlorine, iron, iodine, fluorine, and copper. Due to its chemical composition, this mineral water is primarily employed for drinking in cases of diseases related to the gastrointestinal tract, liver and biliary tract, as well as metabolic disorders. Aim. The aim of the study is to specifically investigate the mineral fluorine to broaden the spectrum of preventive and curative properties of "Borjomi." Material and methods. In the year 2022, a laboratory examination was conducted on "Borjomi" drinking water. The examination involved a comprehensive analysis of the fluoride levels present in the water, and detailed descriptions of these fluoride values were provided. Results. "Borjomi" contains fluorides, with a content that exceeds 1 mg/L. Based on the 2020 laboratory research results, the fluoride content in well samples ranged from 5.4 to 10.6 mg/dm3, and in poured samples, it was 6.8 mg/dm3. Fluorine ions (F) play a crucial role in mineral exchange, strengthening enamel, hair, and nails. Fluorine also participates in enzymatic and biochemical reactions, supports hematopoietic processes, eliminates dangerous radionuclides from the body, and accelerates bone healing. Additionally, fluoride may exhibit antibacterial properties by inhibiting bacterial growth. An excess of fluorine can lead to endemic fluorosis, particularly in natural areas where there is an abundance of fluorine in the water. The fluorogenic condition occurs when the water contains 1.5 mg/L or more of fluoride, especially in hot climates. If the concentration of fluoride in natural mineral waters exceeds 1.5 milligrams per liter, the label must indicate "contains more than 1.5 mg/L fluoride: not suitable for regular consumption by infants and children under 7 years of age," and it must also specify the actual fluoride content. However, it's important to note that the toxicity of fluorine in the form of complex compounds is reduced, and it is easily absorbed. Fluorine has the ability to form complex chemical compounds, particularly hard ones with calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron, boron, and beryllium ions. Conclusions. The mineral water "Borjomi," in addition to its currently known and acknowledged preventive and curative effects, is anticipated to yield other positive effects. These effects should be grounded in scientific analyses of the properties of the complex mineral substances present in "Borjomi," drawing on the results of modern research and international experiences in the field. Moreover, research efforts should focus on evaluating the systematic intake and determining the correct dosage of drinking mineral waters that are rich in specific macro-and microelements. This research aims to enhance both the treatment and prevention of diseases

    Lignocellulose-degrading enzyme production by white-rot Basidiomycetes isolated from the forests of Georgia

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    The production of lignocellulolytic enzymes by eleven basidiomycetes species isolated from two ecosystems of Georgia was investigated for the first time under submerged (SF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF) of lignocellulosic by-products. Notable intergeneric and intrageneric differences were revealed with regard to the extent of hydrolase and oxidase activity. Several fungi produced laccase along with hydrolases in parallel with growth during the trophophase, showing that the synthesis of this enzyme is not connected with secondary metabolism. The lignocellulosic substrate type had the greatest impact on enzyme secretion. Some of the substrates significantly stimulated lignocellulolytic enzyme synthesis without supplementation of the culture medium with specific inducers. Exceptionally high carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase, 122 U ml(-1)) and xylanase (195 U ml(-1)) activities were revealed in SF of mandarin peelings by Pseudotremella gibbosa IBB 22 and of residue after ethanol production (REP) by Fomes fomentarius IBB 38, respectively. The SSF of REP by T. pubescens IBB 11 ensured the highest level of laccase activity (24,690 U l(-1)), whereas the SSF of wheat bran and SF of mandarin peels provided the highest manganese peroxidase activity (570-620 U l(-1)) of Trichaptum biforme IBB 117. Moreover, the variation of lignocellulosic growth substrate provides an opportunity to obtain enzyme preparations containing different ratios of individual enzymes

    Lentinus edodes and Pleurotus species lignocellulolytic enzymes activity in submerged and solid-state fermentation of lignocellulosic wastes of different composition.

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    Lentinus edodes and Pleurotus species from various origins were compared for the first time for their ability to produce lignocellulolytic enzyme in solid-state (SSF) and submerged (SF) fermentation of various plant raw material. Fungi cultivation in identical culture conditions revealed wide differences among both species and strains of the same species. The yields of CMCase (62.3Uml(-1)), xylanase (84.1 U ml(-1)), FPA (5.9 U ml(-1)), and laccase (4103 Ul(-1)) are the best so far obtained with the strains of oyster mushrooms. The study pointed out that the nature of lignocellulosic material and the method of fungi cultivation are factors determining the expression of lignocellulolytic potential of fungi as well as the ratio of individual enzymes in enzyme complex. SSF of tree leaves is favorable for laccase and MnP secretion by the majority L. edodes and Pleurotus strains, whereas SF provides better production of hydrolytic enzymes.Journal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

    1632P At home androgen deprivation therapy for patients with prostate cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. One center experience

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    Background: COVID-19 pandemic created major challenges in cancer care. Studies have shown increased risk for COVID-19 infectivity, severe disease and death in patients with cancer. Cancer centers worldwide adapted by modifying and often delaying treatment to minimize contact with patients. Methods: To provide safe and uninterrupted care for patients, a home care program was created for patients with prostate cancer at Acad. F. Todua Medical center. Men with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer (MPC) receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) were enrolled. Patients and their caretakers were instructed on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) subcutaneous injections (SQ) for home administration. Monthly at home laboratory testing and virtual consultations with medical oncologists every 1-3 months were arranged. Results: A total of 52 patients were enrolled during the period of March 2020 – March 2021. All men were White and had ECOG 0/1. The mean age was 71 [±6.3 y] years. Sixteen (31%) patients had stage IIIB PC and 36 (69%) patients had stage IV disease. Stage IIIB patients were receiving adjuvant ADT with SQ Goserelin Acetate 10,8mg every 8 weeks and bicalutamide 50mg daily for two weeks after definitive local treatment. Thirty-one (86%) patients had hormone sensitive metastatic PC and were receiving SQ Goserelin Acetate 10.8mg (28) every 8 weeks or SQ Leuprolide Acetate 22,5mg every 8 weeks (3) with 2 weeks of Bicalutamide 50mg daily. Five (14%) patients had castration resistant (CR) PC and were receiving SQ Goserelin Acetate 10,8mg every 8 weeks with Enzalutamide 160mg daily. Thirty-three (63%) patients had Gleason’s score of 8/9. All patients were compliant with home injections, laboratory tests and virtual physician visits. Thirty-nine (75%) patients administered injections by themselves. Forty-two (80%) patients had PSA reduction \u3e50%. Ten (20%) patients had disease progression and required clinic visits for investigations. Median time to progression was 12 months. Only 1 (2%) patient acquired COVID-19 infection, was hospitalized and died of respiratory failure. Conclusions: At home ADT with appropriate patient/caregiver education and close follow up may be safe for patients with PC during the COVID-19 pandemic
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