Search Results (4)

Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein, accounting for approximately 50% of total serum protein in healthy individuals. In recent years, albumin has attracted significant attention due to its biocompatibility, non-toxicity (metabolizing in vivo into harmless degradation products), non-immunogenic properties, ease of purification, and water solubility. These characteristics render it an ideal candidate for a wide range of biomedical applications. Its uses include drug delivery systems, wound healing, antioxidant therapies, infusion treatments, COVID-19 therapeutics, tissue engineering, and other critical care domains. Consequently, the global demand for albumin has been steadily increasing. The international albumin market was valued at USD 5394.9 million in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 9192 million by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. Given its diverse applications and rising demand, substantial efforts have been made to ensure a sustainable supply of albumin. This review provides an overview of albumin, along with its novel applications, purification methods, and market trends. Full article

Background: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising, increasing demand for renal replacement therapy (RRT). Community pharmacies, as accessible healthcare hubs, can play a pivotal role in CKD prevention. This study aimed to develop care models for community pharmacies to optimize medication use, encourage behavior modification, and promote self-management among at-risk individuals. Methods: Conducted between June 2017 and July 2018, this study utilized an action research approach. Microalbuminuria was assessed using urine dipsticks, and pharmacists applied behavioral change and self-management support (SMS) strategies to slow CKD progression. Participants were categorized by albuminuria levels and enrolled in pharmacist-led care programs, with follow-up assessments at weeks 0 and 12. Results: Of 521 participants screened, 57% tested positive for albuminuria. For these individuals, serum creatinine testing and referrals to primary care were initiated. Self-management behavior assessment (S1) scores significantly improved (p = 0.024). Key factors associated with urine albumin levels included age < 60 years (OR = 0.44), diabetes (OR = 3.69), hypertension (OR = 2.01), BMI < 27.5 kg/m² (OR = 0.42), eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m² (OR = 3.34), lower systolic (OR = 0.55) and diastolic blood pressure (OR = 0.34), and fasting plasma glucose < 126 mg/dL (OR = 0.29). Conclusions: Community pharmacist-led albuminuria screening effectively supports CKD prevention and enhances self-awareness within communities. Full article

A global interest in Silver Barb (Barbonymus gonionotus) cultivation has arisen because of a combination of declining wild stock and a steady increase in demand and market value. The purpose of the current investigation was to evaluate the impact of extreme water temperature changes on growth, hemato-biochemical responses, pepsin enzyme activity and gill histomorphology of B. gonionotus. Four distinct temperatures (22, 26, 30 and 34 °C) were applied in the laboratory (22, 26, 30 and 34 °C) in triplicate glass aquariums (150 L each). At 30 and 22 °C, respectively, the highest and the lowest length and weight gain, specific, daily and relative growth rates were noted. At 30 °C the lowest FCR was recorded (1.42 ± 0.04). The values related to hematology and biochemistry were found to be within normal ranges; nevertheless, there was a notable variation in the parameters when the temperature changed. Hematological results revealed that RBC, HB, PLT, HCT and PMV levels were significantly higher in groups 30 °C with respect to others. It was evident that cold and heat shock stress was present due to the decline in hematocrit levels and rise in WBC values. Regarding the biochemical responses, the level of triglycerides, cholesterol, AP, Ca⁺, HDL, and HDL/LDL ratio increased significantly higher at 30 °C. Glucose, total protein, albumin, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻¹, AST, bilirubin, uric acid, and LDL levels were significantly higher at 22 °C compared to other temperatures. There was a higher pepsin activity between 26 and 30 °C while the digestive somatic index (I_DS) was disproportionate. Histological examination demonstrated the well-shaped gill tissues at 26 and 30 °C compared to distinctive pathology in other temperature treatments. As an end note, the results of the experiment indicated that B. gonionotus should be cultured at 26–30 °C to maximize the overall productivity and the health condition of this economically important fish species. Full article

Mercury pollution is a global environmental problem, especially in low-resource areas where artisanal iron mining is taking place and industrialization is on the rise. Therefore, there is a demand for simple methods for the determination of toxic metals at low. In this study, an on-field membrane lateral flow test system for sensitive and specific detection of Hg²⁺ in natural waters matrix is proposed. For this purpose, mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) conjugated with protein-carrier (bovine serum albumin) was pre-impregnated in the test zone of the strip and used as a capping agent for mercury complexation. Quantitative evaluation of the analyte was provided by the use of gold nanoparticles stabilized with Tween-20 as a detecting agent. The sensing principle relies on the formation of Au–Hg nanoalloy during the migration of a solution containing Hg²⁺ along the strip, followed by capture in the test zone with the formation of a colored complex. Under optimum conditions, the proposed lateral flow test exhibited the linear correlation between color intensity in the test zone from the concentration of Hg²⁺ in the range of 0.04–25 ng/mL. The total analysis time was 11 min, without the need for the usage of additional instrumentation. The detection limit was estimated to be 0.13 ng/mL, which is 45 times lower than the WHO guidelines. The applicability of the proposed lateral flow test was confirmed by the analysis of natural waters, with the recoveries ranging from 70 to 120%. Due to the high affinity of Au to Hg and the use of a capping agent for mercury complexing, the developed system demonstrates high selectivity toward Hg²⁺. Compared to existing analytical methods, the proposed approach can be easily implemented and is characterized by economy and high analytical performance. Full article