Synthesis and characterization of a new reusable calix[4]arene-bonded silica gel sorbent for antidiabetic drugs.

A novel calix[4]arene-bonded silica gel (C4BS) is prepared by covalent attachment of a calix[4]arene derivative to silica gel through a thiol-ene process. The structure and properties of C4BS were studied by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis (CHN), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and surface area analysis (BET). In addition, the binding affinity of some antidiabetic drugs towards C4BS was investigated, by quantitative measurement of the drugs in aqueous solution using UV-visible spectroscopy. Results showed that C4BS has higher affinities than plain silica gel for binding to empagliflozin, dapagliflozin and linagliptin at neutral pH, while metformin hydrochloride was not adsorbed efficiently using either C4BS or plain silica gel. Thus, C4BS can be introduced as a promising binder for selective adsorption of the quoted antidiabetic drugs in pharmaceutical effluents, while being reusable by aqueous/acetonitrile (1 : 1) extraction.

Synthesis of a new chitosan-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene polymer as adsorbent for toxic mercury ion.

In this paper, we have synthesized a novel chitosan-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene polymer (CCP) as a highly efficient adsorbent for mercury ion (Hg2+) removal from water. In fact, a lower rim diamine derivative of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene has been cross-linked with chitosan chain by carbonyl diimidazole (CDI) as the linker. CDI forms a urea linkage between calix[4]arene diamine derivative and amine groups of the chitosan polymeric chain. The structure and properties of the new polymer were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Also, the adsorption capacity of CCP was studied towards Hg2+ in aqueous medium by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Interestingly, the results showed a considerable adsorption capacity for CCP in comparison with chitosan. Therefore, CCP can be introduced as a promising adsorbent for the elimination of Hg2+ from wastewaters. Moreover, because of the conformity of adsorption kinetic with pseudo-second-order kinetic models, it can be concluded that chemical adsorption has an important role between functional groups on CCP polymer and Hg2+ ions. In addition, according to Freundlich isotherm, the CCP surface was heterogeneous with different functional groups.

The seroprevalence of celiac disease in patients with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: A cross-sectional study in the north of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is a common cause of malabsorption that is definitively diagnosed by abnormal bowel biopsy, symptoms and histologic changes to gluten free diet. The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common in our community as the majority of people in Guilan, in the north of Iran, consume rice daily. Also, a number of celiac patients are unknown, and IBS are mistakenly diagnosed. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CD among IBS patients. METHODS: A total of 475 consecutive patients with IBS, confirmed by Rome IV, underwent celiac serological tests antitissue transglutaminase antibodies (IgA-tTG, IgG-tTG) after obtaining a written consent form. In case of positive serological tests, biopsy was performed from small intestine after endoscopyRESULTS: Thirty-one (6.53%, 95% CI: 4.55-9.22) patients were positive for celiac serology. Based on Marsh-Oberhuber criteria, out of 9 patients with positive pathology 77.78% (95% CI: 40.19-96.05) had marsh IIIc. In IBS patients cramp (0.009) and stomach fullness (0.021) were two statistically significant IBS symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest physicians to consider celiac examinations for all patients with IBS symptoms, even for patients with no obvious celiac symptoms.

Recent progress to construct calixarene-based polymers using covalent bonds: synthesis and applications.

The combination of supramolecular chemistry and polymer sciences creates a great possibility to afford calixarene-based polymers offering unique features and applications. The enhancement of calixarene's versatility in this manner has made chemists better able to achieve different objectives in host-guest chemistry. The calixarene-based polymers can be divided into covalent polymers and supramolecular polymers regarding the interactions. Although there are several studies available on the calixarene-based supramolecular polymers, there is a paucity of studies on the calixarene-based covalent polymers. In this paper, the most recent developments and applications of the calixarene-based covalent polymers in the last two decades have been reviewed. We have particularly focused on the polymers, including those where the calixarene molecules have been used as macromonomers and polymerize through covalent bonds. Moreover, covalent polymers or solid supports functionalized with calixarenes are highlighted as well.

Highly functionalized calix[4]arenes via multicomponent reactions: synthesis and recognition properties.

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) include several aspects of green chemistry principles, so it is obvious that chemists in different areas are increasingly interested in providing their product by multicomponent approaches. MCRs can be very useful in supramolecular chemistry, especially to produce novel supramolecular derivatives. Therefore, there are several reports of highly-functionalized calix[4]arene derivatives obtained by MCRs instead of conventional stepwise protocols during the last decade. In this paper, we have particularly focused on the exploitation of upper rim and lower rim substituted calix[4]arenes in multicomponent approaches as a facile and convenient synthetic strategy. The value of this method lies in its operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions and structural diversity of the products. Interestingly, in most cases the products afforded by this method offer unique features and applications which are highlighted in the following sections.

Simultaneous voltammetric sensing of acetaminophen, epinephrine and melatonin using a carbon paste electrode modified with zinc ferrite nanoparticles.

A highly selective electrochemical sensor was fabricated based on a modified carbon paste electrode with zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs). The nanocomposite has attractive properties such as high surface-to-volume ratio and good electrocatalytic activity towards the drugs acetaminophen (AC), epinephrine (EP), and melatonin (MT), best at working voltages of 0.35, 0.09 and 0.55 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), respectively. The linear ranges (and detection limits) are 6.5-135 (0.4) µmol L-1 for AC, 5-100 (0.7) µmol L-1 for EP, and 6.5-145 (3) µmol L-1 for MT. Graphical abstract A novel electrochemical sensor based on a modified carbon paste electrode with zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4) for the simultaneous detection of the acetaminophen, epinephrine and melatonin was fabricated.

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Hypericum perforatum L. leaves on ethylene glycol-induced kidney calculi in rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Hypericum perforatum (H. perforatum) leaves on the kidney calculi in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two Wistar male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Groups 2, 3, and 4 received ethylene glycol (EG) 1% + ammonium chloride (0.5%)-added drinking water as a stone inducer. The H. Perforatum solution was fed at the same time of EG application and was repeated once for two days until the end of the experimental period. Group 1 (control; n = 10) was provided free access to food and normal drinking water. Group 2 (EG; n = 12) received EG-ammonium chloride-added drinking water and was fed with normal chow. Groups 3 and 4 (n = 15), as EG-treatment groups, received H. Perforatum in low (300 mg/kg) and high (500 mg/kg) doses, respectively. After 28 days, the kidneys were removed and prepared for histologic evaluation of calcium oxalate deposits. RESULTS: Urine level of free calcium in groups EG and EG + H. perforatum (300 mg/kg) and phosphorous in EG + H. perforatum (500 mg/kg) significantly decreased compared to controls (P < .01; P < .05; and P < .05, respectively). Treatment of the rats with high dose of H. Perforatum (500 mg/kg) markedly reduced decrementing effect of EG on serum level of free calcium (P < .05). Histological experiments showed that chronic feeding of H. perforatum (300 and 500 mg/kg, orally) could significantly reduce the size and number of calcium oxalate deposits in EG group. CONCLUSION: Chronic treatment of rats with hydroalcoholic extract of H. perforatum reduced the size and number of calcium oxalate deposits in EG-induced calculi.

Comparison of early maladaptive schemas and parenting origins in patients with opioid abuse and non-abusers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the difference of early maladaptive schemas and parenting origins in opioid abusers and non-opioid abusers. METHOD: The early maladaptive schemas and parenting origins were compared in 56 opioid abusers and 56 non-opioids abusers. Schemas were assessed by the Young Schema Questionnaire 3rd (short form); and parenting origins were assessed by the Young Parenting Inventory. RESULTS: Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The analysis showed that the means for schemas between opioid abusers and non-opioid abusers were different. Chi square test showed that parenting origins were significantly associated with their related schemas. CONCLUSION: The early maladaptive schemas and parenting origins in opioid abusers were more than non-opioid abusers; and parenting origins were related to their Corresponding schemas.

Menstrual irregularities and related plasma hormone levels in multiple sclerosis patients treated with beta interferone.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of central nervous system.Women are more susceptible to this disease. One of the obvious clinical complaints in women with multiple sclerosis specially treated with Beta Interferones is menstrual cycle irregularity. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of menstrual irregularities and probable changes in blood levels of related hormones (FSH, LH, PRL, TSH, T4, T3) in 58 females with definite MS treated with beta interferones versus 58 healthy women. In comparison to the control group, the patients had higher prevalence of irregular menstruation (P=0.001), oligomenorrhea (p=0.03), abnormal amount of menstrual blood flow (P=0.001), abnormal duration of menstrual flow (P=0.01) and missed period (P=0.04). Mean LH level in patients group was higher than control group (P=0.04). Hyperprolactinemia (>25.5 ng/ml) was more prevalent in patients group. There were not a significant difference in plasma levels of FSH and thyroid hormones between two groups. There were some relations between the type of Beta interferones and the subtype of menstrual irregularities in the patients. In conclusion, the results of this study emphasized the high rate of menstrual problem and changes of related plasma hormone levels in MS patients.

Dendritic spine changes in medial prefrontal cortex of male diabetic rats using Golgi-impregnation method.

BACKGROUND: Neuropathy is one of the major complications contributing to morbidity in patients with diabetes mellitus. The effect of diabetes on brain has not been studied so much and no gross abnormality has been found in the central nervous system of patients with diabetic neuropathy. This study was conducted to evaluate the time-dependent structural changes in medial prefrontal cortex of male diabetic rats using Golgi-impregnation method. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control and diabetic groups. For induction of diabetes, a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. At the end of the first and second months, the rats were transcardially perfused with a solution of phosphate buffer containing paraformaldehyde and Golgi-impregnated method was used to evaluate the changes of dendritic spines in medial prefrontal cortex. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the mean density of pyramidal neuron dendritic spines in the layers II and III of medial prefrontal cortex only after 2 months in the diabetic group compared to age-matched controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Diabetes induces a reduction in the spine density of apical dendrites of medial prefrontal cortex only in two-month diabetic rats.