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Detoxification
Kinds of Detoxification Terms modified by Detoxification Selected AbstractsPost-ingestive effects of nectar alkaloids depend on dominance status of bumblebeesECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2009JESSAMYN S. MANSON Abstract 1.,Secondary metabolites have acute or chronic post-ingestive effects on animals, ranging from death to growth inhibition to reduced nutrient assimilation. 2.,Although characterised as toxic, the nectar of Gelsemium sempervirens is not lethal to pollinators, even when the concentration of the nectar alkaloid gelsemine is very high. However, little is known about the sublethal costs of nectar alkaloids. 3.,Using a microcolony assay and paired worker bumblebees, the present study measured the effects of artificial nectar containing gelsemine on oocyte development. Oocytes are a sensitive indicator of protein utilisation and general metabolic processes. We also calculated carbohydrate concentrations in the haemolymph to examine energetic costs of gelsemine consumption. 4.,High concentrations of gelsemine significantly reduced mean oocyte width in subordinate bees, while dominant bees showed only a trend towards oocyte inhibition. Gelsemine consumption did not reduce carbohydrate concentrations in haemolymph. 5.,The cost of ingesting gelsemine may be due to direct toxicity of alkaloids or may be an expense associated with detoxifying gelsemine. Detoxification of alkaloids can require reallocation of resources away from essential metabolic functions like reproduction. The risks associated with nectar alkaloid consumption are tied to both the social and nutritional status of the bee. [source] A double-blind, randomized, parallel group study to compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of slow-release oral morphine versus methadone in opioid-dependent in-patients willing to undergo detoxificationADDICTION, Issue 9 2009Ekkehard Madlung-Kratzer ABSTRACT Aims Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of slow-release oral morphine (SROM) compared with methadone for detoxification from methadone and SROM maintenance treatment. Design Randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, comparative multi-centre study with parallel groups. Setting Three psychiatric hospitals in Austria specializing in in-patient detoxification. Participants Male and female opioid dependents (age > 18 years) willing to undergo detoxification from maintenance therapy in order to reach abstinence. Interventions Abstinence was reached from maintenance treatment by tapered dose reduction of either SROM or methadone over a period of 16 days. Measurements Efficacy analyses were based on the number of patients per treatment group completing the study, as well as on the control of signs and symptoms of withdrawal [measured using Short Opioid Withdrawal Scale (SOWS)] and suppression of opiate craving. In addition, self-reported somatic and psychic symptoms (measured using Symptom Checklist SCL-90-R) were monitored. Findings Of the 208 patients enrolled into the study, 202 were eligible for analysis (SROM: n = 102, methadone: n = 100). Completion rates were 51% in the SROM group and 49% in the methadone group [difference between groups: 2%; 95% confidence interval (CI): ,12% to 16%]. The rate of discontinuation in the study was high mainly because of patients voluntarily withdrawing from treatment. No statistically significant differences between treatment groups were found in terms of signs and symptoms of opiate withdrawal, craving for opiates or self-reported symptoms. SROM and methadone were both well tolerated. Conclusions Detoxification from maintenance treatment with tapered dose reduction of SROM is non-inferior to methadone. [source] Short-term outcomes after brief ambulatory opioid detoxification with buprenorphine in young heroin usersADDICTION, Issue 4 2003Devang H. Gandhi Abstract Aims, This study examines the outcomes at 1, 3 and 6 months after a very brief outpatient detoxification with buprenorphine in 18,25-year-old heroin users. Design, Prospective follow-up study. Setting, Outpatient drug treatment clinic, providing brief detoxification in downtown Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Participants, One hundred and twenty-three subjects between 18 and 25 years old; 56% male; 95% Caucasian; seeking detoxification; living in Baltimore City and five surrounding counties. Intervention, Detoxification with buprenorphine over 3 days. Follow-up at 1, 3 and 6 months. Measurements, Drug use history, the Addiction Severity Index at baseline and follow-up, urine drug screens, evaluation of the detoxification experience. Findings, By self-report, 37% of the total sample were not currently using heroin at 1 month, 32% at 3 months and 29% at 6 months, and 6.7%, 10.1% and 11.8% had an opioid negative urine test at 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively. There was a significant reduction from the baseline in mean Addiction Severity Index drug use composite score, as well as the mean number of days of heroin and cocaine use during past 30 days, that was sustained over the three follow-up points. Engagement in aftercare was generally poor. Conclusions, The findings show a reduced frequency and intensity of drug use, suggesting a possible role for brief outpatient detoxification in reducing the severity of dependence for some younger heroin users who may not yet be ready to engage in long-term abstinence-oriented or opioid substitution treatments. [source] Detoxification and antioxidant effects of curcumin in rats experimentally exposed to mercuryJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Rakhi Agarwal Abstract Curcumin, a safe nutritional component and a highly promising natural antioxidant with a wide spectrum of biological functions, has been examined in several metal toxicity studies, but its role in protection against mercury toxicity has not been investigated. Therefore, the detoxification and antioxidant effects of curcumin were examined to determine its prophylactic/therapeutic role in rats experimentally exposed to mercury (in the from of mercuric chloride-HgCl2, 12,µmol,kg,1 b.w. single intraperitoneal injection). Curcumin treatment (80,mg,kg,1 b.w. daily for 3 days, orally) was found to have a protective effect on mercury-induced oxidative stress parameters, namely, lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities in the liver, kidney and brain. Curcumin treatment was also effective for reversing mercury-induced serum biochemical changes, which are the markers of liver and kidney injury. Mercury concentration in the tissues was also decreased by the pre/post-treatment with curcumin. However, histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney were not reversed by curcumin treatment. Mercury exposure resulted in the induction of metallothionein (MT) mRNA expressions in the liver and kidney. Metallothionein mRNA expression levels were found to decrease after the pre-treatment with curcumin, whereas post-treatment with curcumin further increased MT mRNA expression levels. Our findings suggest that curcumin pretreatment has a protective effect and that curcumin can be used as a therapeutic agent in mercury intoxication. The study indicates that curcumin, an effective antioxidant, may have a protective effect through its routine dietary intake against mercury exposure. [source] Antiglutamatergic Strategies for Ethanol Detoxification: Comparison With Placebo and DiazepamALCOHOLISM, Issue 4 2007Evgeny M. Krupitsky Background: Benzodiazepines are the standard pharmacotherapies for ethanol detoxification, but concerns about their abuse potential and negative effects upon the transition to alcohol abstinence drive the search for new treatments. Glutamatergic activation and glutamate receptor up-regulation contribute to ethanol dependence and withdrawal. This study compared 3 antiglutamatergic strategies for ethanol detoxification with placebo and to the benzodiazepine, diazepam: the glutamate release inhibitor, lamotrigine; the N -methyl- d -aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist, memantine; and the AMPA/kainite receptor inhibitor, topiramate. Methods: This placebo-controlled randomized single-blinded psychopharmacology trial studied male alcohol-dependent inpatients (n=127) with clinically significant alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Subjects were assigned to 1 of 5 treatments for 7 days: placebo, diazepam 10 mg TID, lamotrigine 25 mg QID, memantine 10 mg TID, or topiramate 25 mg QID. Additional diazepam was administered when the assigned medication failed to suppress withdrawal symptoms adequately. Results: All active medications significantly reduced observer-rated and self-rated withdrawal severity, dysphoric mood, and supplementary diazepam administration compared with placebo. The active medications did not differ from diazepam. Conclusions: This study provides the first systematic clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of a number of antiglutamatergic approaches for treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These data support the hypothesis that glutamatergic activation contributes to human alcohol withdrawal. Definitive studies of each of these medications are now needed to further evaluate their effectiveness in treating alcohol withdrawal. [source] An in vivo Study of the Relationship between Craving and Reaction Time during Alcohol Detoxification Using the Ecological Momentary AssessmentALCOHOLISM, Issue 12 2005M Lukasiewicz Abstract: Background: To study cognitive interference associated with craving for alcohol, the Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) method was used to measure the relationship between craving and reaction time. A secondary aim was the study of the predictive factors for craving during alcohol detoxification. The EMA enables both repeated measures of craving in a natural setting and the recording of reaction time without the patient being aware of this. Methods: Craving for alcohol, reaction time, sadness and anxiety were recorded 8 to 12 times a day, over three weeks of detoxification in 14 alcoholics (n= 1767 measures), on an electronic diary issuing random prompts. Mixed models were used for statistical analysis (,= 5%, 1-,= 88%). Results: Reaction time was significantly increased in univariate analysis when a craving episode occurred but this difference did not persist after multivariate analysis. Craving episodes were more frequent and intense than previously reported. Predictive factors of craving during detoxification were: age, gender, sadness, anxiety and the number of previous detoxifications. Antidepressants, anticraving medications but not benzodiazepines were negatively associated to craving. [source] Helicobacter pylori vaccines,the current statusALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 9 2000Sutton In this review, we take a look at the current status in the development of a vaccine against the human pathogenic bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, a major aetiological factor in peptic ulcer disease and gastric adenocarcinoma. Various animal models are now in use from mice infected with H. pylori, through gnotobiotic pigs and primates to ferrets naturally infected with their own Helicobacter, H. mustelae. A significant problem remains the requirement for a suitable mucosal adjuvant. Detoxification or the use of low doses of adjuvants already available may provide a solution and new immune stimulating compounds have been tested with some success. New approaches include the delivery of Helicobacter antigens by DNA immunization, microparticles or live vectors such as attenuated salmonella and the examination of alternative routes of vaccine administration. The phenomenon of post-immunization gastritis and improvements in vaccine efficacy are also discussed. A major area of interest is the mechanism by which immunization actually influences Helicobacter colonization. This remains a mystery: antibodies appear to be unimportant whereas CD4+ T-cells essential. Finally, a viewpoint is given on whom should be immunized when a final vaccine becomes available. [source] Reduced Cold Pain Tolerance in Chronic Pain Patients Following Opioid DetoxificationPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 8 2008Jarred Younger PhD ABSTRACT Objective., One potential consequence of chronic opioid analgesic administration is a paradoxical increase of pain sensitivity over time. Little scientific attention has been given to how cessation of opioid medication affects the hyperalgesic state. In this study, we examined the effects of opioid tapering on pain sensitivity in chronic pain patients. Design., Twelve chronic pain patients on long-term opioid analgesic treatment were observed in a 7- to 14-day inpatient pain rehabilitation program, with cold pain tolerance assessed at admission and discharge. The majority of participants were completely withdrawn from their opioids during their stay. Outcome Measures., We hypothesized that those patients with the greatest reduction in daily opioid use would show the greatest increases in pain tolerance, as assessed by a cold pressor task. Results., A linear regression revealed that the amount of opioid medication withdrawn was a significant predictor of pain tolerance changes, but not in the direction hypothesized. Greater opioid reduction was associated with decreased pain tolerance. This reduction of pain tolerance was not associated with opioid withdrawal symptoms or changes in general pain. Conclusions., These findings suggest that the withdrawal of opioids in a chronic pain sample leads to an acute increase in pain sensitivity. [source] Multiple P450 genes overexpressed in deltamethrin-resistant strains of Helicoverpa armigeraPEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 8 2010Alexandra Brun-Barale Abstract BACKGROUND: Resistance to the pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin has been a growing problem in the management of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) pest populations in West Africa. Detoxification by P450 enzymes appears to be a major mechanism of resistance, but the genes responsible for resistance are unknown. RESULTS: First, it was shown that deltamethrin resistance in strains from Burkina Faso (Kaya) and from Spain (Seville) were suppressible by piperonyl butoxide and by trichlorophenyl propynyl ether, thus indicating a major role of P450 enzyme(s) in resistance. The larval expression of 21 CYP genes encoding P450 enzymes from six CYP families were then compared by quantitative RT-PCR. Five genes, CYP4L5, CYP4L11, CYP6AE11, CYP332A1 and CYP9A14, were significantly overexpressed in the Kaya and Seville strains when compared with Heliar, a susceptible strain. Significant overexpression of multiple CYP genes (CYP4M6, CYP4M7, CYP6AE11, CYP9A12, CYP332A1 and CYP337B1) was also found in six field strains with different levels of resistance from Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali. CONCLUSION: Although functional or genetic evidence for the role of these P450s in resistance remains to be formally established, results suggest that multiple P450 enzymes contribute to deltamethrin resistance. This study is a first step towards the development of molecular tools for the detection of P450-based resistance in H. armigera. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Biochemical study of resistance to imidacloprid in B biotype Bemisia tabaci from GuatemalaPEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 3 2003Frank J Byrne Abstract Systemic uptake bioassays using excised cotton leaves confirmed resistance to imidacloprid in a Guatemalan population of the tobacco whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of naphthyl esterases identified the insects as B-types. Upon collection from the field, resistance was determined to be 58-fold relative to a susceptible strain originating in the Imperial Valley of California. Resistance levels increased to 126-fold in this population during its continuous exposure to systemically treated cotton. In biochemical investigations, there was no detectable NADPH-dependent mixed function oxidase metabolism of 14C-imidacloprid at any time during the selection process. In contrast, microsomal preparations from housefly abdomens readily produced significant amounts of the mono-hydroxy and olefin derivatives of the parent compound. Detoxification of imidacloprid by housefly MFOs may account for reports of lower toxicity of the insecticide towards this insect compared with whiteflies, despite similar binding properties between imidacloprid and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in both species. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Profiles of Self-Reported HIV-Risk Behaviors Among Injection Drug Users in Methadone Maintenance Treatment, Detoxification, and Needle Exchange ProgramsPUBLIC HEALTH NURSING, Issue 1 2006Hayley Diana Mark ABSTRACT Objective: Injection drug use has accounted for more than one third of acquired immune deficiency syndrome cases in the United States. The purpose of this study was to compare the demographic characteristics, types, and frequency of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-risk behaviors among injection drug users (IDUs) recruited from a needle exchange program (NEP), methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), and detoxification (detox) program. Design: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used to determine whether the selected HIV-risk behaviors and demographic characteristics of IDUs varied by site of recruitment. Sample and Measurements: Confidential questionnaires were completed by 445 IDUs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Results: Data analysis revealed that HIV sexual and injection-risk behavior varied by recruitment site. Subjects recruited from the NEP were more likely to engage in HIV-risk behaviors than subjects recruited from the MMT or detox sites. Conclusions: Interventions occurring in program and treatment sites need to be sensitive to various demographic characteristics and behaviors if they are to reach those at highest risk of HIV infection. Targeting HIV prevention interventions based upon risk group membership alone (e.g. IDUs) fails to address the distinct risk behaviors and demographic characteristics of enrollees in different programs. [source] Early Outcomes Following Low Dose Naltrexone Enhancement of Opioid DetoxificationTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 2 2009Paolo Mannelli MD Although withdrawal severity and treatment completion are the initial focus of opioid detoxification, post-detoxification outcome better defines effective interventions. Very low dose naltrexone (VLNTX) in addition to methadone taper was recently associated with attenuated withdrawal intensity during detoxification. We describe the results of a seven-day follow-up evaluation of 96 subjects who completed inpatient detoxification consisting of the addition of VLNTX (0.125 or 0.250 mg per day) or placebo to methadone taper in a double blind, randomized investigation. Individuals receiving VLNTX during detoxification reported reduced withdrawal and drug use during the first 24 hours after discharge. VLNTX addition was also associated with higher rates of negative drug tests for opioids and cannabis and increased engagement in outpatient treatment after one week. Further studies are needed to test the utility of this approach in easing the transition from detoxification to various follow-up treatment modalities designed to address opioid dependence. [source] Dextromethorphan and Quinidine Combination for Heroin DetoxificationTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 3 2008Evaristo Akerele MD Dextromethorphan (DM) is a low-affinity, non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist that has shown promise in preclinical and preliminary clinical studies for the reduction of opioid withdrawal symptoms, but when used at higher doses, it is associated with deleterious side effects attributed to its metabolite, dextrorphan. A clinical trial was therefore conducted to test the withdrawal-suppressant effect of a combination of dextromethorphan with quinidine (DM/Q). Quinidine inhibits the metabolism of dextromethorphan, reducing dextrorphan levels. Opioid-dependent patients were admitted to an inpatient unit, stabilized for three days on morphine (25 mg, sc, every six hours), and randomly assigned on day 2 to DM/Q (30 mg/30 mg, twice a day) (n = 22) or matching placebo (n = 9) prior to the discontinuation of morphine on day 4. Withdrawal symptoms, measured with the Modified Himmelsbach Opioid Withdrawal Scale (MHOWS), increased significantly on days 4 and 5 (Z = 3.70, p = .0002), and by day 6, 90% of the sample (28/31) had dropped out of the study. There were no differences between treatment groups on either outcome measure. The combination of dextromethorphan and quinidine appears ineffective as a primary treatment for opioid withdrawal. Future studies should examine dextromethorphan as an adjunct to other anti-withdrawal medications and focus more on the relationship between dextrorphan levels and withdrawal suppression. [source] Study of the Efficacy of Fluoxetine and Clomipramine in the Treatment of Premature Ejaculation after Opioid DetoxificationTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 1 2006Ebrahim Abdollahian MD Premature ejaculation is a common symptom that can provoke relapse in formerly opioid-dependent men after detoxification. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of clomipramine and fluoxetine for the treatment of premature ejaculation in formerly opioid-dependent men after detoxification. Sixty opium-detoxified men with A & B DSM,IV diagnostic criteria for premature ejaculation participated in a prospective two-week descriptive inferential clinical trial after a two-week washout period. The subjects did not consume any other medications but naltrexone for maintenance of an opium-free state. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of thirty subjects, one group received fluoxetine (10 mg/d for the first and 20 mg/d for the second week), and the other received clomipramine (25 mg/d for the first and 50mg/d for the second week). Twenty five subjects did not continue the treatment and were lost to follow-up. The severity of the premature ejaculation was graded regarding the subjects' report in weeks 0, 1, and 2. Mann Whitney-U and Wilcoxon non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Fluoxetine (10 mg/d then 20 mg/d) and clomipramine (25 mg/d then 50mg/d) were both effective in the treatment of premature ejaculation and did not show any difference in efficacy. The severity of premature ejaculation did not show any relation to the subjects' age, education level, opioid type, or route of abuse. Fluoxetine and clomipramine both can be equally used in the treatment of premature ejaculation following opioid detoxification, depending on their side effects and other symptoms in the subjects. [source] The Effectiveness of Combined Naloxone/Lofexidine in Opiate Detoxification: Results from a Double-blind Randomized and Placebo-controlled TrialTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 4 2003Tracy Beswick BSc. The efficacy of lofexidine/naloxone was compared with lofexidine/placebo in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 89 opiate-dependent patients. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the proportion of patients completing detoxification or in the length of stay. Patients in the active naloxone group demonstrated gradual reductions in levels of withdrawal and craving over the detoxification period. At completion of detoxification, patients who received naloxone maintained a level of withdrawal consistently lower than that in the placebo group; however, naloxone did not substantially accelerate the resolution of the withdrawal syndrome. Implications for future research are discussed. [source] Detoxification of the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in Arabidopsis: discovery of bifunctional O - and C -glucosyltransferasesTHE PLANT JOURNAL, Issue 6 2008Fernando Gandia-Herrero Summary Plants, as predominantly sessile organisms, have evolved complex detoxification pathways to deal with a diverse range of toxic chemicals. The elasticity of this stress response system additionally enables them to tackle relatively recently produced, novel, synthetic pollutants. One such compound is the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). Large areas of soil and groundwater are contaminated with TNT, which is both highly toxic and recalcitrant to degradation, and persists in the environment for decades. Although TNT is phytotoxic, plants are able to tolerate low levels of the compound. To identify the genes involved in this detoxification process, we used microarray analysis and then subsequently characterized seven uridine diphosphate (UDP) glycosyltransferases (UGTs) from Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis). Six of the recombinantly expressed UGTs conjugated the TNT-transformation products 2- and 4-hydroxylaminodinitrotoulene, exhibiting individual bias for either the 2- or the 4-isomer. For both 2- and 4-hydroxylaminodinitrotoulene substrates, two monoglucose conjugate products, confirmed by HPLC-MS-MS, were observed. Further analysis indicated that these were conjugated by either an O - or C -glucosidic bond. The other major compounds in TNT metabolism, aminodinitrotoluenes, were also conjugated by the UGTs, but to a lesser extent. These conjugates were also identified in extracts and media from Arabidopsis plants grown in liquid culture containing TNT. Overexpression of two of these UGTs, 743B4 and 73C1, in Arabidopsis resulted in increases in conjugate production, and enhanced root growth in 74B4 overexpression seedlings. Our results show that UGTs play an integral role in the biochemical mechanism of TNT detoxification by plants. [source] Accumulation of arsenic by Traustochytrium sp.APPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2002CHN-1 from Seto Inland Sea Abstract The accumulation of arsenic by Traustochytrium sp. CHN-1 (Labyrinthulids) was examined by using a medium [2% (w/v) glucose, 0.1% (w/v) yeast extract, 0.1% (w/v) peptone in a half salt concentration of sea water] containing arsenic as As(V), As(III). Traustochytrium sp. CHN-1 was grown in 1/2 sea water medium [2% (w/v) glucose, 0.1% (w/v) yeast extract, 0.1% (w/v) peptone] containing an arsenate (As(V)) at up to 1000,mg dm,3 and arsenite (As(III)) at up to 50,mg dm3. The cells died even at [As(III)]-100,mg dm,3. These results suggested that the order of growth inhibition of Traustochytrium sp. CHN-1 by arsenic was As(III),>,As(V). The biomass of Traustochytrium sp. CHN-1 decreased with an increase of the surrounding arsenic concentration. On the other hand, the arsenic concentration in cells increased with an increase of the surrounding arsenic concentration. Arsenic compounds were extracted with methanol/water (1:1) from a freeze-dried sample of Traustochytrium sp. CHN-1. The extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer serving as an arsenic-specific detector. Arsenite, arsenate, monomethylarsonic acid (MMAA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA) and arsenosugar were identified in Traustochytrium sp. CHN-1. The order of arsenic species in Traustochytrium sp. CHN-1 was As(V),>,DMAA,>,As(III),>,MMAA,>,arsenosugar at [As]-10,mg dm,3 in the medium. Detoxification of arsenic by cells was probably achieved by methylation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Olive Oil Mill Waste Waters Decoloration and Detoxification in a Bioreactor by the White Rot Fungus Phanerochaeteflavido-albaBIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 3 2002P. Blánquez Olive oil mill wastewater (OMW) is produced as waste in olive oil extraction. With the purpose of treating this highly polluting waste, a number of experiments were conducted in a laboratory-scale bioreactor with the white rot fungus Phanerochaete flavido-alba ( P.flavido-alba). It is known that this fungus is capable of decolorizing OMW in static or semistatic cultures at Erlenmeyer scale and at 30 °C. The objective of this work was to prove that P. flavido-alba could decolorize OMW in submerged cultures and that it is capable of reducing OMW toxicity at room temperature (25 °C) and in a laboratory-scale bioreactor. In the experiments conducted, manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase enzymes were detected; however, unlike other studies, lignin peroxidase was not found to be present. Decoloration obtained after treatment was 70%. The reduction of aromatic compounds obtained was 51%, and the toxicity of the culture medium was reduced by up to 70%. We can therefore state that P.flavido-alba is capable of reducing important environmental parameters of industrial effluents and that prospects are positive for the use of this process at a larger scale, even when working at room temperature. [source] Photothermocatalytic Synergetic Effect Leads to High Efficient Detoxification of Benzene on TiO2 and Pt/TiO2 NanocompositeCHEMCATCHEM, Issue 9 2010Prof. Yuanzhi Li Photothermocatalyticexpialadocious: The highly efficient photothermocatalytic detoxification of benzene is realized by coating nano TiO2 on the surfaces of a UV lamp without using an additional heater. Its high photothermocatalytic efficiency can be significantly enhanced by supporting well-dispersed Pt nanoparticles on TiO2. The excellent photothermocatalytic performance of TiO2 and Pt/TiO2 is due to the existence of new photothermocatalytic synergetic effects. [source] Structure, function, and regulation of renal organic anion transportersMEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS, Issue 6 2002Guofeng You Abstract Renal elimination of anionic drugs, xenobiotics, and toxins is necessary for the survival of mammalian species. This process is mediated by vectorial transport from blood to urine through the cooperative functions of specific transporters in the basolateral and apical membranes of the proximal tubule epithelium. The first step of this process is the extraction of organic anions from the peritubular blood plasma into proximal tubule cells largely through the organic anion transporter (OAT) pathway. Therefore, the OAT pathway is one of the major sites for body drug clearance/detoxification. As a result, it is also the site for drug,drug interaction and drug-induced nephrotoxicity. To maximize therapeutic efficacy and minimize toxicity, the structure-function relationships of OATs and their regulation must be defined. The recent cloning and identification of OATs have paved the way for such investigations. This review summarizes the available data on the general properties of OATs, focusing in particular on the recent progress made from the author's laboratory as well as from other's, on the molecular characterization of the structure-function relationships of OATs and their regulatory mechanisms. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 22, No. 6, 602,616, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/med.10019 [source] Pharmacological issues in the management of people with mental illness and problems with alcohol and illicit drug misuseCRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 4 2007Trudi Hilton Background,While there is plentiful information on the pharmacological management of detoxification from alcohol and on withdrawal from or maintenance of opiates for people with a principal problem of substance misuse or dependency, the pharmacological management of substance misusers presenting with a mental illness can be more complicated. Mental health and substance misuse services tend to be separate, but there is now a drive to increase effective overlap between them by equipping mental health clinicians with the skills and confidence to manage substance misuse disorders in conjunction with major mental illness. Aims,This paper aims to highlight, for a multi-professional readership, some of the prescribing options and precautions to consider when psychotropic medicines are prescribed for treatment of a mental illness in someone who may continue to use illicit substances or alcohol. It also considers interactions with the completely licit substances, nicotine and caffeine. With recent legislation prohibiting smoking in public places people are likely to reduce or stop smoking, which can have a substantial effect on the levels of medication in their blood. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Process evaluation of an out-patient detoxification serviceDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 6 2005Dr CLAUDIA SANNIBALE Abstract This paper describes the process evaluation of an out-patient detoxification service (ODS) established by Drug Health Services (DHS) to increase the supervised withdrawal options for substance users in a Sydney metropolitan Area Health Service. The ODS aimed to provide a safe and effective supervised withdrawal to substance users who were at low risk of severe withdrawal, engage those with severe dependence in further treatment and increase the involvement of general practitioners (GPs) in the medical care of ODS clients. During its first 10 months of operation, the ODS received 199 inquiries, assessed 82 individuals and admitted 76 clients for detoxification. Withdrawal treatment proceeded without complications and within the expected time frames. Fifty-four clients completed withdrawal, 10 ceased treatment, 10 remained in treatment without completing withdrawal and two were transferred elsewhere. Clients who injected substances (mainly heroin) daily at admission, compared to others, were less likely to complete withdrawal and more likely to use a range of non-prescribed substances during withdrawal. One-fifth of clients went on to further treatment with DHS, attending at least once. Overall, the ODS met its goals, providing a safe and effective supervised withdrawal to local residents, especially women, young people and those withdrawing from benzodiazepines who had significant substance dependence, impairment and previous alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment. Non-injecting substance users benefited most from the ODS in terms of withdrawal completion and ongoing treatment. The level of GP involvement in the conjoint care of ODS clients remained constant over time. The development and expansion of the ODS are discussed. [source] The characteristics of heroin users entering treatment: findings from the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS)DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 5 2005JOANNE ROSS Abstract The current study aimed to describe the characteristics (demographics, drug use, mental and physical health) of entrants to treatment for heroin dependence in three treatment modalities; and to compare these characteristics with heroin users not in or seeking treatment. Participants were 825 current heroin users recruited from Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne: 277 entering methadone/buprenorphine maintenance treatment (MT), 288 entering detoxification (DTX), 180 entering drug-free residential rehabilitation (RR) and 80 not in treatment (NT). Treatment entrants were generally long-term heroin users with previous treatment experience. The majority of the sample (55%) were criminally active in the month preceding interview. Injection-related health problems (74%) and a history of heroin overdose (58%) were commonly reported. There were high degrees of psychiatric co-morbidity, with 49% reporting severe psychological distress, 28% having current major depression, 37% having attempted suicide and 42% having a lifetime history of post-traumatic stress disorder. Personality disorders were also prevalent, with 72% meeting criteria for antisocial personality disorder and 47% screening positive for borderline personality disorder. Striking similarities were noted between the non-treatment and treatment groups in length of heroin use career, drug use and treatment histories. [source] Magistrates' Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT): preliminary findings of a 12-month court diversion trial for drug offendersDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 4 2002DAVID REILLY BSc(Psych Hons), MPsychol Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present a description and preliminary findings of a 12-month trial of a Local Court diversion programme, called MERIT for Magistrates' Early Referral into Treatment. The aim of MERIT is to divert eligible drug offenders to treatment and rehabilitation services. A total of 172 offenders were assessed and 131 entered the programme. The sources of referral were court (58%), police (17%) and self (10%). Main problem drugs were heroin (57%), cannabis (21%) and amphetamines (11%). The majority (85%) had previous convictions and 50% had been in jail. At the end of the trial period one-third (33%) completed the programme and one-third (33%) remained in treatment. Main treatment interventions were case management and out-patient counselling, detoxification, residential rehabilitation and methadone maintenance. Police records showed that of the original 43 (33%) graduates only six had come to police notice, mainly for relatively minor offences. Early acceptance and preliminary results has led to an expansion of the MERIT programme across New South Wales. With the rapid expansion of drug courts and diversion programmes across Australia, descriptive studies are useful to provide beneficial data to assist policy makers and service providers to develop programmes. [source] Cost-effectiveness of extended buprenorphine,naloxone treatment for opioid-dependent youth: data from a randomized trialADDICTION, Issue 9 2010Daniel Polsky ABSTRACT Aims The objective is to estimate cost, net social cost and cost-effectiveness in a clinical trial of extended buprenorphine,naloxone (BUP) treatment versus brief detoxification treatment in opioid-dependent youth. Design Economic evaluation of a clinical trial conducted at six community out-patient treatment programs from July 2003 to December 2006, who were randomized to 12 weeks of BUP or a 14-day taper (DETOX). BUP patients were prescribed up to 24 mg per day for 9 weeks and then tapered to zero at the end of week 12. DETOX patients were prescribed up to 14 mg per day and then tapered to zero on day 14. All were offered twice-weekly drug counseling. Participants 152 patients aged 15,21 years. Measurements Data were collected prospectively during the 12-week treatment and at follow-up interviews at months 6, 9 and 12. Findings The 12-week out-patient study treatment cost was $1514 (P < 0.001) higher for BUP relative to DETOX. One-year total direct medical cost was only $83 higher for BUP (P = 0.97). The cost-effectiveness ratio of BUP relative to DETOX was $1376 in terms of 1-year direct medical cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and $25 049 in terms of out-patient treatment program cost per QALY. The acceptability curve suggests that the cost-effectiveness ratio of BUP relative to DETOX has an 86% chance of being accepted as cost-effective for a threshold of $100 000 per QALY. Conclusions Extended BUP treatment relative to brief detoxification is cost effective in the US health-care system for the outpatient treatment of opioid-dependent youth. [source] A double-blind, randomized, parallel group study to compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of slow-release oral morphine versus methadone in opioid-dependent in-patients willing to undergo detoxificationADDICTION, Issue 9 2009Ekkehard Madlung-Kratzer ABSTRACT Aims Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of slow-release oral morphine (SROM) compared with methadone for detoxification from methadone and SROM maintenance treatment. Design Randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, comparative multi-centre study with parallel groups. Setting Three psychiatric hospitals in Austria specializing in in-patient detoxification. Participants Male and female opioid dependents (age > 18 years) willing to undergo detoxification from maintenance therapy in order to reach abstinence. Interventions Abstinence was reached from maintenance treatment by tapered dose reduction of either SROM or methadone over a period of 16 days. Measurements Efficacy analyses were based on the number of patients per treatment group completing the study, as well as on the control of signs and symptoms of withdrawal [measured using Short Opioid Withdrawal Scale (SOWS)] and suppression of opiate craving. In addition, self-reported somatic and psychic symptoms (measured using Symptom Checklist SCL-90-R) were monitored. Findings Of the 208 patients enrolled into the study, 202 were eligible for analysis (SROM: n = 102, methadone: n = 100). Completion rates were 51% in the SROM group and 49% in the methadone group [difference between groups: 2%; 95% confidence interval (CI): ,12% to 16%]. The rate of discontinuation in the study was high mainly because of patients voluntarily withdrawing from treatment. No statistically significant differences between treatment groups were found in terms of signs and symptoms of opiate withdrawal, craving for opiates or self-reported symptoms. SROM and methadone were both well tolerated. Conclusions Detoxification from maintenance treatment with tapered dose reduction of SROM is non-inferior to methadone. [source] Growth-induced changes in the proteome of Helicobacter pyloriELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 5-6 2006Christina Uwins Abstract Helicobacter pylori is a major human pathogen that is responsible for a number of gastrointestinal infections. We have used 2-DE to characterise protein synthesis in bacteria grown either on solid agar-based media or in each of two broth culture media (Brucella and brain heart infusion (BHI) broth). Significant differences were observed in the proteomes of bacteria grown either on agar-based or in broth media. Major changes in protein abundance were identified using principal component analysis (PCA), which delineated the profiles derived for the three key growth conditions (i.e. agar plates, Brucella and BHI broth). Proteins detected across the gel series were identified by peptide mass mapping and Edman sequencing. A number of proteins associated with protein synthesis in general as well as specific amino acid synthesis were depressed in broth-grown bacteria compared to plate-grown bacteria. A similar reduction was also observed in the abundance of proteins involved in detoxification. Two of the most abundant spots, identified as UreB and GroEL, in plate-grown bacteria showed a >140-fold drop in abundance in bacteria grown in Brucella broth compared to bacteria grown on agar plates. Two protein spots induced in bacteria grown in broth culture were both identified as glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase based on their N -terminal amino acid sequences derived by Edman degradation. The underlying causes of the changes in the proteins abundance were not clear, but it was likely that a significant proportion of the changes were due to the alkaline pH of the broth culture media. [source] Thiol redox status evaluation in red blood cells by capillary electrophoresis-laser induced fluorescence detectionELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 10 2005Angelo Zinellu Abstract Thiols and in particular glutathione (GSH) play a central role in human metabolism, including the detoxification of xenobiotics, cell homeostasis, radioprotection, and antioxidant defence. Here, a new method is provided for the measurement of reduced and total forms of thiols in red blood cells. In order to minimize oxidation of reduced thiols, a water erythrocyte lysis (15 min at 4°C) was performed followed by a protein precipitation step with acetonitrile. The supernatant was rapidly derivatized with 5-iodoacetoamidefluorescein that trapped thiol groups, thus minimizing auto-oxidation. Derivatized samples were separated in a 57 cm × 75 ,m ID capillary by using 5 mmol/L sodium phosphate, 4 mmol/L boric acid as electrolyte solution with 75 mmol/L N -methyl- D -glucamine at pH 11.0. Under these conditions, cysteinylglycine (CysGly), cysteine (Cys), glutathione, and ,-glutamylcysteine (GluCys) were baseline-resolved in , 4 min. Precision tests showed a good repeatability of our method both for migration times (coefficient of variation CV < 0.8%) and areas (CV < 3.3%). Furthermore, a good reproducibility of intrassay and interassay tests was obtained (CV < 5% and CV < 8%, respectively). The method was employed to investigate the effect of acidic precipitation on intracellular thiol concentration. Our data suggest that sample acidification causes a modification of the measured redox thiol status due to the development of a pro-oxidant environment; moreover, the thiol redox status of red blood cells was evaluated in 22 healthy volunteers. [source] The Auxiliary Substrate Concept: From simple considerations to heuristically valuable knowledgeENGINEERING IN LIFE SCIENCES (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4 2009Wolfgang Babel Abstract Microorganisms are used in biotechnology. They are either (i) aim and purpose of a process, e.g. with the production of single cell proteins, or (ii) mean to an end insofar as they serve as a catalyst or "factory" for syntheses (e.g. of products of primary and secondary metabolism, of enzymes and antibiotics) or for the degradation and detoxification of harmful organics and inorganics. In all cases, the efficiency and velocity, finally the productivity, are parameters which essentially determine the economy of the processes. Therefore, search for approaches to optimize these processes is a permanent task and challenge for scientists and engineers. It is shown that the auxiliary substrate concept is suitable to increase the yield coefficients. It is based on the energetic evaluation of organics, on the knowledge that organics as sources of carbon and energy for growth are deficient in ATP and/or reducing equivalents, and says that it is possible to improve the carbon conversion efficiency up to the carbon metabolism determined upper limit. The latter is determined by inevitable losses of carbon along the way of assimilation and anabolism and amounts to about 85% for so-called glycolytic substrates, e.g. glucose, methanol, and to about 75% for gluconeogenetic substrates, e.g. C2 -substrates (acetic acid, hexadecane). The approach is explained and some experimental examples are presented. By simultaneous utilization of an extra energy source (auxiliary substrate) the yield coefficient can be increased (i) in glucose from about 0.5 to 0.7,g/g (by means of formate), (ii) in acetate from 0.34,0.4 to 0.5,0.65,g/g (by means of formate and thiosulfate, respectively), and (iii) in hexadecane from about 0.94 to 1.26,g/g (by means of formate). The precalculated yield coefficients and mixing ratios agree well with the experimentally attained ones. The approach is easily feasible and economically valuable. [source] Towards Higher Laccase Activities Produced by Aquatic Ascomycetous Fungi Through Combination of Elicitors and an Alternative SubstrateENGINEERING IN LIFE SCIENCES (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 2008C. Junghanns Abstract Laccases are versatile biocatalysts with various potential biotechnological applications, e.g. the treatment of industrial waste waters, the detoxification of environmental pollutants, or the functionalization of renewable polymeric materials. Central composition experimental design and response surface methodology was applied to optimize the production of laccase by the aquatic ascomycetous fungi, Phoma sp. UHH 5-1-03 and Coniothyrium sp.,Kl-S5, in shake flasks. A complex plant-based medium (tomato juice) and two elicitors (Remazol Brilliant Blue R [RBBR] and CuSO4) were tested in combination at three concentrations. The highest laccase activity of 6322,±,403,U/L was achieved on day,9 for Phoma sp. Coniothyrium sp. exerted a maximum laccase activity of 3035,±,111 U/L on day,4. Optimal conditions were 30,% tomato juice and 450,mg/L RBBR for both strains. A concentration of 250,,M CuSO4 led to highest laccase activities in cultures of Coniothyrium sp., and 50,,M CuSO4 was most effective for Phoma sp. A remarkable synergistic effect of tomato juice and RBBR on laccase production was observed for both strains. The upscaling potential of the optimal induction conditions was demonstrated in a lab-scale fermenter which resulted in maximum activities of 11030,±,177,U/L on day,6 for Phoma sp. and 11530,±,161,U/L on day,9 for Coniothyrium sp. This study therefore presents a promising alternative for laccase production in ascomycetes based on a cheap complex substrate in combination with two elicitors. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||