Antibiotic Residues and Resistance in Three Wastewater Treatment Plants in Romania.

This study evaluates antibiotic residues and bacterial loads in influent and effluent samples from three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Romania, across four seasons from 2021 to 2022. Analytical methods included solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify antibiotic concentrations, while microbiological assays estimated bacterial loads and assessed antibiotic resistance patterns. Statistical analyses explored the impact of environmental factors such as temperature and rainfall on antibiotic levels.

Discovery of Novel Steroid-Based Histamine H Receptor Antagonists/Inverse Agonists.

Steroid-based histamine H receptor antagonists (d-homoazasteroids) were designed by combining distinct structural elements of HTS hit molecules. They were characterized, and several of them displayed remarkably high affinity for H receptors with antagonist/inverse agonist features. Especially, the 17a-aza-d-homolactam chemotype demonstrated excellent HR activity together with significant in vivo H antagonism.

Design of smart nanoparticles for the electrochemical detection of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine to allow in field screening by law enforcement officers.

A portable and highly sensitive sensor was designed for the specific detection of 3,4-methyl-enedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), in a range of field-testing situations. The sensor can detect MDMA in street samples, even when other controlled substances drugs, or adulterants are present. In this work, we report for the first time a sensor using electroactive molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles computationally designed to recognize MDMA and then produced using solid phase synthesis.

Forensic Analysis of Synthetic Cathinones on Nanomaterials-Based Platforms: Chemometric-Assisted Voltametric and UPLC-MS/MS Investigation.

Synthetic cathinones (SCs) are a group of new psychoactive substances often referred to as "legal highs" or "bath salts", being characterized by a dynamic change, new compounds continuously emerging on the market. This creates a lack of fast screening tests, making SCs a constant concern for law enforcement agencies. Herein, we present a fast and simple method for the detection of four SCs (alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, -ethylhexedrone, 4-chloroethcathinone, and 3-chloromethcathinone) based on their electrochemical profiles in a decentralized manner.

Serotonin and emotion regulation: the impact of tryptophan depletion on emotional experience, neural and autonomic activity.

The involvement of serotonin in emotion and psychopathology has been extensively examined. Studies using acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) have found limited effects on mood and aggression, and one of the explanations suggests that serotonin may be involved in higher-order functions, such as emotion regulation. However, there is very limited evidence for this hypothesis.

Curcumin-Loaded Microspheres Are Effective in Preventing Oxidative Stress and Intestinal Inflammatory Abnormalities in Experimental Ulcerative Colitis in Rats.

Curcumin's role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been proven by numerous studies, but its preventive administration, with the aim of reducing the remission episodes that are characteristic of this disease, must be further investigated. This study investigates the effects of a novel curcumin-loaded polymeric microparticulate oral-drug-delivery system for colon targeting (Col-CUR-MPs) in an experimental model of UC. Male Wistar rats (n = 40) were divided into five groups (n = 8), which were treated daily by oral gavage for seven days with a 2% aqueous solution of carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt (CMCNa) (healthy and disease control), free curcumin powder (reference), Col-CUR-MPs (test) and prednisolone (reference) prior to UC induction by the intrarectal administration of acetic acid (AA), followed by animal sacrification and blood and colonic samples' collection on the eighth day.

Protective Effects of Wine Polyphenols on Oxidative Stress and Hepatotoxicity Induced by Acrylamide in Rats.

In recent years, it has been increasingly suggested that the consumption of natural polyphenols, in moderate amounts, is beneficial for health. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a red wine (the administered dose of 7 mL/kg/day being equivalent to ~16.5 mg/kg/day total polyphenols) compared to a white wine (the administered dose of 7 mL/kg/day being equivalent to ~1.

Potential Mechanisms for Why Not All Antipsychotics Are Able to Occupy Dopamine D Receptors in the Brain .

Dysfunctions of the dopaminergic system are believed to play a major role in the core symptoms of schizophrenia such as positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. The first line of treatment of schizophrenia are antipsychotics, a class of medications that targets several neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, including dopaminergic, serotonergic, adrenergic and/or muscarinic receptors, depending on the given agent. Although the currently used antipsychotics display activity at several receptors, majority of them share the common property of having high/moderate affinity for dopamine D receptors (DRs) and D receptors (DRs).

Effects of Colchicine in a Rat Model of Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia.

Inflammation and hyperlipidemia play an essential role in the pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction as well as atherosclerotic plaque formation, progression and rupture. Colchicine has direct anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting multiple inflammatory signaling pathways. The purpose of our study was to evaluate colchicine activity in an animal model of hyperlipidemia induced by diet.

Preferential Effects of Cariprazine on Counteracting the Disruption of Social Interaction and Decrease in Extracellular Dopamine Levels Induced by the Dopamine D Receptor Agonist, PD-128907 in Rats: Implications for the Treatment of Negative and Depressive Symptoms of Psychiatric Disorders.

The negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia and related disorders may be due to reduced dopaminergic tone in cortical brain areas. Alteration in the function of dopamine (DA) D receptors may play a role in this cortical hypofunctionality and underlie the deficits in social behaviors and cognitive functions in schizophrenia. Cariprazine is a potent DA D-preferring D/D receptor partial agonist that is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Convergent cross-species pro-cognitive effects of RGH-235, a new potent and selective histamine H receptor antagonist/inverse agonist.

The histamine H receptor is a favourable target for the treatment of cognitive deficits. Here we report the in vitro and in vivo profile of RGH-235, a new potent, selective, and orally active H receptor antagonist/inverse agonist developed by Gedeon Richter Plc. Radioligand binding and functional assays were used for in vitro profiling.

The Effect of Zn-Substitution on the Morphological, Magnetic, Cytotoxic, and In Vitro Hyperthermia Properties of Polyhedral Ferrite Magnetic Nanoparticles.

The clinical translation of magnetic hyperthermia (MH) needs magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with enhanced heating properties and good biocompatibility. Many studies were devoted lately to the increase in the heating power of iron oxide MNPs by doping the magnetite structure with divalent cations. A series of MNPs with variable Zn/Fe molar ratios (between 1/10 and 1/1) were synthesized by using a high-temperature polyol method, and their physical properties were studied with different techniques (Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy).

Pharmacological Effects of Methotrexate and Infliximab in a Rats Model of Diet-Induced Dyslipidemia and Beta-3 Overexpression on Endothelial Cells.

Background: Hyperlipidemia and inflammation are critical components in the pathophysiology of endothelial disorder, which can lead to vascular complications. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of immunomodulatory therapy (methotrexate and infliximab) in a diet-induced hyperlipidemia rat model.

Methods: Sprague-Dawley (wild type (WT), male, = 32) rats were divided into four groups: one group fed with standard diet (SD), one group fed with high lipid diet (HLD), and two groups that received HLD and drug treatment (methotrexate (Mtx) or infliximab (Ifx)).

Cariprazine alleviates core behavioral deficits in the prenatal valproic acid exposure model of autism spectrum disorder.

Rationale: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction and restricted, repetitive behaviors. The unmet medical need in ASD is considerable since there is no approved pharmacotherapy for the treatment of these deficits in social communication, interaction, and behavior. Cariprazine, a dopamine D-preferring D/D receptor partial agonist, is already approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in adults; investigation in patients with ASD is warranted.

Antitussive, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Walnut ( L.) Septum Extract Rich in Bioactive Compounds.

The antitussive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of a walnut ( L.) septum extract (WSE), rich in bioactive compounds were investigated using the citric acid aerosol-induced cough experimental model in rodents. Wistar male rats were treated orally for three days with distilled water (control), codeine (reference), and WSE in graded doses.

Neuronal Dopamine D3 Receptors: Translational Implications for Preclinical Research and CNS Disorders.

Dopamine (DA), as one of the major neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS) and periphery, exerts its actions through five types of receptors which belong to two major subfamilies such as D1-like (i.e., D1 and D5 receptors) and D2-like (i.

Cariprazine modulates sleep architecture in rats.

Background: Cariprazine is a dopamine D-preferring D/D receptor partial agonist compound recently introduced to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Although cariprazine is clinically classified as a low-somnolence drug, to date no detailed polysomnographic study is available on its effect on sleep.

Aims: This study examined the acute systemic effects of cariprazine on the rat sleep architecture and electroencephalography spectral power.

Protective Effects of a Discontinuous Treatment with Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Obesity-Related Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction, in Rats.

Obesity induces hemodynamic and humoral changes that are associated with functional and structural cardiac remodeling, which ultimately result in the development of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). In recent years, pharmacological studies in patients with HFpEF were mostly unsatisfactory. In these conditions, alternative new therapeutic approaches are necessary.

Antibiotics in the environment: causes and consequences.

Antibiotics represent one of the main discoveries of the last century that changed the treatment of a large array of infections in a significant way. However, increased consumption has led to an exposure of bacterial communities and ecosystems to a large amount of antibiotic residues. This paper aims to provide a brief overview of the primary drivers associated with antibiotic occurrence in the environment.

Long-term administration of cariprazine increases locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurons activity and serotonin receptor neurotransmission in the hippocampus.

Background: Cariprazine, the novel dopamine (DA) D-preferring D/D and serotonin (5-HT) receptor partial agonist, has activity as an adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder (MDD).

Aims: This study aims to investigate the effects of chronic cariprazine administration in combination with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram on the activity of monoaminergic systems.

Methods: Rats received cariprazine alone and in adjunct to escitalopram for 2 and 14 days and the firing activity of dorsal raphe nucleus 5-HT, locus coeruleus norepinephrine (NE) and ventral tegmental area DA neurons was assessed.

Antioxidant Effects of Walnut ( L.) Kernel and Walnut Septum Extract in a D-Galactose-Induced Aging Model and in Naturally Aged Rats.

Antioxidant dietary intervention is considered a potential strategy in delaying age-related dysfunctions. In this study of 56 days, we assessed the antioxidant effects of walnut kernel (WK) and walnut septum extract (WSE) in a D-galactose (D-gal)-induced aging model and in a naturally aged rat model. Young Wistar rats, treated with D-gal (1200 mg/week), and old rats received daily WK or WSE added to the feed.

Interindividual Variability of Apixaban Plasma Concentrations: Influence of Clinical and Genetic Factors in a Real-Life Cohort of Atrial Fibrillation Patients.

(1) Background: Prescribing apixaban for stroke prevention has significantly increased in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The genotype can influence apixaban absorption and bioavailability. The aim of the present study was to assess the factors that influence apixaban's plasma level and to establish if a certain relationship has clinical relevance.

Redox metabolism modulation as a mechanism in SSRI toxicity and pharmacological effects.

Depressive disorders are amongst the greatest mental health challenges, with an increasing number of patients being diagnosed each year. Though it has not yet been fully elucidated, redox metabolism imbalances and oxidative stress seem to play a major role in the pathogenesis of depressive disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most prescribed antidepressants, considered to have a better tolerability.

Effects of L. Polysaccharides on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Markers in a Pressure Overload-Induced Heart Failure Rat Model.

Despite recent advances in disease management and prevention, heart failure (HF) prevalence is still high. Hypertension, inflammation and oxidative stress are being investigated as important causative processes in HF. L.

The novel antipsychotic cariprazine stabilizes gamma oscillations in rat hippocampal slices.

Background And Purpose: Gamma oscillations are fast rhythmic fluctuations of neuronal network activity ranging from 30 to 90 Hz that establish a precise temporal background for cognitive processes such as perception, sensory processing, learning, and memory. Alterations of gamma oscillations have been observed in schizophrenia and are suggested to play crucial roles in the generation of positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of the disease.

Experimental Approach: In this study, we investigated the effects of the novel antipsychotic cariprazine, a D -preferring dopamine D /D receptor partial agonist, on cholinergically induced gamma oscillations in rat hippocampal slices from treatment-naïve and MK-801-treated rats, a model of acute first-episode schizophrenia.