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Piezo-photocatalysis is a "green" approach to decompose various pollutants using natural clean energy. Herein, a series of ZnSnO 3 /C nanofibers with excellent piezo-photocatalytic activities were reported. The XRD, TEM and SEM, as well as XPS measurements were carried out and the results indicate that ZnSnO 3 /C nanofibers with the orthorhombic phase were fabricated successfully. The UV–vis absorbance spectra, photocurrent response, EIS curves and photoluminescence characteristics indicate that the incorporated C decreases the band gap of ZnSnO 3 and improves separation efficiency of photoinduced charge-hole pairs, which results in higher catalytic activity of ZnSnO 3 /C nanofibers. The photocatalytic, piezocatalytic and piezo-photocatalytic activities were investigated by degrading diclofenac. The ZnSnO 3 /C‒0.3 ‰ has the highest reaction constant among the series of catalysts. The reaction constat of ZnSnO 3 /C‒0.3 ‰ in photocatalysis process (0.0185 min−1) is 2.15 times that of ZnSnO 3. The reaction constat of ZnSnO 3 /C‒0.3 ‰ in piezo-photocatalysis process (0.0549 min−1) is 2.97 times that of ZnSnO 3 /C‒0.3 ‰ in photocatalysis and 3.47 times that of ZnSnO 3 in piezo-photocatalysis (0.0158 min−1). The •OH and e− radicals are key roles for degrading diclofenac in catalysis processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the electro-Fenton reaction as a sustainable method for removing persistent organic substances from wastewater. It discusses the species and reactions involved in the degradation process, emphasizing the fundamentals of electrochemistry, catalysis, and the reactivity of radicals. The article also presents simple experiments that can be used in the chemistry classroom to teach students about the electro-Fenton reaction. These experiments demonstrate the decomposition of organic dyes through electrolysis and confirm the formation of hydrogen peroxide and reactive radicals. The article discusses the potential applications of the electro-Fenton reaction in chemistry education and promotes sustainability. [Extracted from the article]

This study explored the efficacy of activated carbon derived from rice straw and treated with ZnCl2 (ZnCl2-RS) for the removal of diclofenac sodium (DCF) and paracetamol (PCM) through an adsorption process. The investigation included examining the variations in removal efficiency at different pH levels and ZnCl2-RS doses. The characteristics of the ZnCl2-RS, prepared for the study, were determined through SEM and FTIR analyses, revealing a composition of 49.4% carbon and 8.3% zinc. At pH 5, the adsorption efficiency for DCF and PCM was enhanced, achieving removal rates of 92.2% for DCF and 89.1% for PCM with 0.2 g of ZnCl2-RS. The adsorption of DCF and PCM by ZnCl2-RS followed pseudo-second-order kinetic and adhered to the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacities were calculated as 26.04 mg/g for DCF and 19.05 mg/g for PCM. In conclusion, the cost-effective production of activated carbon from agricultural waste like rice straw yielded a promising adsorbent material for efficiently removing pharmaceuticals such as diclofenac sodium and paracetamol. This approach not only contributes to waste reduction but also promotes the repurposing of agricultural waste materials. NOVELTY STATEMENT: This study is about the preparation of rice straw, which is produced as agricultural waste, by ZnCl2 activation and the usability of the prepared adsorbent material in the purification of drugs used as analgesics such as diclofenac sodium and paracetamol. Although there are studies on the use of activated carbon produced from rice straw in the removal of pollutants such as dye, studies on drug removal are quite limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corneal alkali burns have become a frequent and urgent issue in ophthalmology, but current treatments are limited. To address this, a diclofenac‐loaded thermogel with anti‐inflammatory agents is developed to target inflammation and improve drug delivery for corneal alkali burns. Thermogels are prepared by dissolving methylcellulose (MC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), adding diclofenac (DF), and storing the solution at 4 °C. The thermogel's temperature‐sensitive behavior and injectability at 35 °C are assessed. Freeze‐dried thermogels are examined using scanning electron microscopy. Rheological properties, swelling behavior, and in vitro release studies are conducted. In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility tests are performed. A corneal alkali burn model is established in rats, and different treatments are administered for 7 days. Eyeballs are collected for histological and molecular analysis. The thermogel formulation formed a stable gel at 35 °C and continuously released DF for 7 days. In vitro and in vivo tests confirmed the thermogels' excellent biocompatibility. The released DF promotes the expression of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and inhibits the expression of pro‐inflammatory factors TNF‐α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This novel DF/thermogel offers an efficient, topical, and cost‐effective approach with significant potential for treating corneal alkali burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diclofenac, often detected in environmental samples, poses a potential hazard to the aquatic environment. The present study aimed to understand the effect of this drug on photosynthetic apparatus, which is a little-known aspect of its phytotoxicity. Chloroplasts and thylakoids isolated from spinach (Spinacia oleracea) were used for this study and treated with various concentrations of diclofenac (from 125 to 4000 μM). The parameters of chlorophyll a fluorescence (the OJIP test) as measurements for both the intact chloroplasts and the thylakoid membranes revealed that isolated thylakoids showed greater sensitivity to the drug than chloroplasts. The relatively high concentration of diclofenac that is required to inhibit chloroplast and thylakoid functions suggests a narcotic effect of that drug on photosynthetic membranes, rather than a specific interaction with a particular element of the electron transport chain. Using confocal microscopy, we confirmed the degradation of the chloroplast structure after DCF treatment, which has not been previously reported in the literature. In conclusion, it can be assumed that diclofenac's action originated from a non-specific interaction with photosynthetic membranes, leading to the disruption in the function of the electron transport chain. This, in turn, decreases the efficiency of photosynthesis, transforming part of the PSII reaction centers into heat sinks and enhancing non-photochemical energy dissipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the adsorption of a mixture of high-consumed drugs onto virgin and aged PET microplastics has been studied for the time ever. The target mixture comprised two anti-inflammatory drugs, diclofenac and ketoprofen, one anti-hypertensive, valsartan, and four common antibiotics, indomethacin, trimethoprim, isoniazid, and metronidazole. Two types of PET MPs (virgin and UV-aged) were used in the experimental procedure. Kinetic studies were conducted, and adsorption isotherms were obtained revealing the possible interactions that take place between adsorbents and adsorbates. Among the studied pharmaceuticals, diclofenac presents the highest uptake due to its hydrophobic nature, while aging appears to induce the adsorption of the drugs in MPs. Factors like pH or the environmental matrix were also evaluated. The results revealed that sorption is pH-dependent, while more complicated matrices like wastewater or seawater exhibit lower uptake than distilled water due to the natural organic matter present or the increased salinity, respectively. Finally, desorption studies were also conducted in three different aqueous solutions examining the pH effect. The desorption of the compounds was higher for diclofenac, followed by valsartan, and ketoprofen. The desorption percentages of antibiotics were quite low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the in vivo acute toxicity, analgesic and anti-inflammatory proprieties of the phenolic extract of Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Schultz (Asteraceae). Methods: Acute toxicity assessment was carried out on 18 mice that were divided equally into three groups and treated orally with saline, 2500 and 5000 mg/kg of M. pubescens extract, respectively. The evaluation of peripheral analgesic activity was done by applying acetic acid-induced contortion test on 40 mice. The mice were divided into 5 equal groups of 8 mice each. Negative and positive control groups were treated orally with saline (1 %) and acetylsalicylic acid (200 mg/kg), respectively. Other groups were treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of M. pubescens extract. Study groups were administered saline, diclofenac potassium (10 mg/kg) and M. pubescens extract orally at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. Central analgesic activity was carried out using the tail immersion test. The distribution and treatment of the mice was similar to the analgesic model. Anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by carrageenan-induced mice paw edema. Results: Acute toxicity results showed that the LD50 of M. pubescens phenolic extract is above 5000 mg/kg, which means that this extract is safe. Peripheral and central analgesic data revealed that different doses of extract significantly inhibited abdominal contractions and reduced pain caused by heat compared to control (p < 0.05). Anti-inflammatory activity data indicate significant inhibition of inflammatory edema at various doses compared to diclofenac potassium (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The phenolic extract of M. pubescens exerts significant peripheral, central analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in mice. However, further investigations are required to ascertain the potentials of the extract for its clinical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, activated carbon (AC) obtained from biomass waste materials (sunflower seed shells -SSS) was synthesized by combining chemical (H3PO4 80% wt.) and thermal activation (at 544 °C). Synthesized AC exhibited a BET surface area of 1531 m2 g−1, and pore volume of 0.98 cm3 g−1. The material exhibited various surface functional groups, such as P2O7, C-O-P and -COOH, O = C, as well as a moderate graphitization degree (ID/IG < 1) and acidity caused by H3PO4 treatment. Moreover, its morphology and physicochemical features were evaluated by SEM–EDS, TGA, XPS, Raman, and FT-IR techniques. The material was used to study the adsorption of anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical compounds such as ibuprofen (IBF) and diclofenac (DIF) present in natural groundwater samples. The effects of parameters such as pH, activated carbon dose, temperature, and IBF or DIF initial concentration were optimized by using a central composite design (CCD). The results revealed that optimum conditions to remove DIF and IBF from natural groundwater samples were pH of 8.0 and 7.0, an AC dose of 0.79 and 1.0 g L−1, and a contact time of 60 min for DIF and IBF, respectively. A successful procedure to desorb both pollutants from adsorbent by using acetonitrile solutions was achieved, allowing the reuse study whose main results were that after four reusing cycles AC reduced its efficiency to remove DIF and IBF in 28 and 34%, respectively. Finally, the effect of ions, such as nitrate, bicarbonate, and sulfate at concentrations commonly found in natural groundwater on the adsorption of both pollutants onto AC was studied using deionized water. As a result, this study suggests considerable interest of AC in real applications due to its versatility and prolonged reuse to effectively remove anti-inflammatory compounds from natural aqueous solution. Highlights: Optimal conditions for the pollutants adsorption were found by an experimental design Adsorption of pollutants on activated carbon was studied in groundwater samples Good adsorbent properties of activated carbon remained even after 4 reusing cycles Activated carbon exhibited several functional groups and high specific surface area The effect of ions present in groundwater on pollutants adsorption was studied [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of pharmaceuticals or their active metabolites in receiving waters is a sign of the inefficient removal of bioactive substrates from wastewater. Adsorption seems to be the most effective and inexpensive method of their removal. Waste management aimed at sorbents is a promising way to sustain several sustainable development goals. In the presented paper, the removal of the two most widely used drugs in the wastewater was examined. Diclofenac and carbamazepine were removed from water and wastewater using textile waste-derived sorbents. Their removal efficiency was verified by testing several process parameters such as the time of the sorption, the presence of interfering inorganic ions, the presence of dissolved organic matter, the initial pH and ionic strength of the solution, and various water matrices. The adsorption capacity was noted for diclofenac (57.1 mg/g) and carbamazepine (21.25 mg/g). The tested process parameters (pH, presence of inorganic ions, dissolved organic matter, ionic strength, water matrix) confirmed that the presented waste materials possessed a great potential for pharmaceutical removal from water matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multimodal analgesia strategy for acute pain involves using 2 or more analgesic medications with distinct mechanisms of action. This study assessed the bioavailability and tolerability of 2 tramadol hydrochloride (50 mg)/diclofenac sodium (50 mg) fixed‐dose combination formulations under fed conditions to attend the Brazilian regulatory requirements for generic product registration. An open‐label, randomized, single‐dose, 2‐period, 2‐way crossover trial was conducted, including healthy subjects of both sexes. Subjects received a single dose of either the test or reference formulation of tramadol/diclofenac fixed‐dose combination tablets with a 7‐day washout period. Blood samples were collected up to 36 hours after dosing for tramadol and 12 hours for diclofenac and quantified using a validated liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method. Of 56 subjects enrolled, 53 completed the study. The 90% confidence intervals for maximum plasma concentration and area under the concentration‐time curve from time 0 to the last quantifiable concentration were within acceptable bioequivalence limits of 80%‐125%. Considering the results presented in this study, the test formulation is bioequivalent to the reference formulation and could be interchangeable in medical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of the degradation of diclofenac (DCF) in an electrochemical reactor equipped with two carbon cloth (CC) electrodes operating in recirculation mode, is presented. The analysis of the effects of the operating variables on the degradation of the DCF showed that, as expected, the applied voltage has a direct influence on the reactions that take place at the anode and cathode. In fact, the addition of O2 and Fe(II) to the medium demonstrated that the electro-Fenton (EF) process was taking place and that under the following conditions, 4 V, 0.05 M Na2SO4, 50 mg/L DCF, 0.25 g Fe(II)-loaded resin, and 50 mL/min, 79.8% of DCF mineralization was obtained in a process described by a pseudo-first order kinetics (k = 0.0184 min−1). Using a simulated domestic wastewater effluent, the EF reactor under study not only showed a similar DCF mineralization value (81.8%), but also reasonable energy consumption (2.16 kWh/m3) as well as CC electrode stability upon several treatment cycles. These results suggest that an EF approach using low-cost CC electrodes and neutral pH conditions, constitute a technically and economically viable option for DCF wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new approach has been proposed to determine the adsorption mechanism based on the pseudo-first-order rate constant (PFO). The mathematical expression of the PFO rate constant based on the Langmuir adsorption mechanism was obtained. This expression includes a new parameter called the contact surface area of the adsorbed molecule with the adsorbent. By analyzing the relationship between the PFO rate constant and the initial concentration of the adsorbate, this parameter can be calculated. The value of this parameter provides information about the orientation and adsorption mechanism of a molecule on the adsorbent surface. The proposed method was evaluated using the adsorption data of amoxicillin, diclofenac sodium, and methylene blue on various adsorbents; the results were in good agreement with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Seafood consumers are widely exposed to diclofenac due to the high contamination levels often present in aquatic organisms. It is a potential risk to public health due its endocrine disruptor properties. Limited information is available about diclofenac behavior after food digestion to enable a more realistic scenario of consumer exposure. This study aimed to evaluate cooking effects on diclofenac levels, and determine diclofenac bioaccessibility by an in vitro digestion assay, using commercial fish species (seabass and white mullet) as models. The production of the main metabolite 4′‐hydroxydiclofenac was also investigated. Fish hamburgers were spiked at two levels (150 and 1000 ng g−1) and submitted to three culinary treatments (roasting, steaming and grilling). RESULTS: The loss of water seems to increase the diclofenac levels after cooking, except in seabass with higher levels. The high bioaccessibility of diclofenac (59.1–98.3%) observed in both fish species indicates that consumers' intestines are more susceptible to absorption, which can be worrisome depending on the level of contamination. Contamination levels did not affect the diclofenac bioaccessibility in both species. Seabass, the fattest species, exhibited a higher bioaccessibility of diclofenac compared to white mullet. Overall, cooking decreased diclofenac bioaccessibility by up to 40% in seabass and 25% in white mullet. The main metabolite 4′‐hydroxydiclofenac was not detected after cooking or digestion. CONCLUSION: Thus, consumption of cooked fish, preferentially grilled seabass and steamed or baked white mullet are more advisable. This study highlights the importance to consider bioaccessibility and cooking in hazard characterization studies. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceuticals have been classified as an environmental concern due to their increasing consumption globally and potential environmental impact. We examined the toxicity of sediment‐associated diclofenac and citalopram administered as both single compounds and in a mixture to the sediment‐living amphipod Corophium volutator. This laboratory‐based study addressed the following research questions: (1) What is the toxicity of sediment‐associated diclofenac and citalopram to C. volutator? (2) Can the mixture effect be described with either of the two mixture models: concentration addition (CA) or independent action (IA)? (3) What is the importance of the choice of (i) exposure measure (start concentration, time‐weighted average [TWA], full exposure profile) and (ii) effect model (concentration–response vs. the toxicokinetic–toxicodynamic model general unified threshold model for survival in its reduced form [GUTS‐RED]) for the derived effect concentration values? Diclofenac was more toxic than citalopram to C. volutator as a single compound (10‐day exposure). Diclofenac exposure to C. volutator provided median lethal concentrations (LC50s) within the same range (11 µg g−1 dry wt sediment) using concentration–response based on TWA and both GUTS‐RED models. However, concentration–response based on measured start concentrations provided an approximately 90% higher LC50 (21.6 ± 2.0 µg g−1 dry wt sediment). For citalopram, concentration–response parameters were similar regardless of model or concentration used (LC50 85–97 µg g−1 dry wt sediment), however, GUTS‐RED with the assumption of individual tolerance resulted in a lower LC50 (64.9 [55.3–74.8] µg g−1 dry wt sediment). The mixture of diclofenac and citalopram followed the CA quite closely, whereas the result was synergistic when using the IA prediction. In summary, concentration–response based on TWA and GUTS‐RED provided similar and reasonably good fits compared to the data set. The implications are that GUTS‐RED will provide a more flexible model, which, in principle, can extend beyond the experimental period and make predictions based on variable exposure profiles (toxicity at different time frames and at different variable exposure scenarios) compared to concentration–response, which provides contaminant toxicity at one point in time. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1767–1777. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To investigate the in vitro effect of diclofenac on tubal smooth muscle as an alternative to hyoscine‐N‐butyl bromide, which is used for premedication before hysterosalpingography (HSG). Material and Methods: Fallopian tubes were retrieved from seven healthy women after bilateral tubal ligation and in vitro contractility and histological studies were conducted using tissue bath and immunohistochemistry. Results: Diclofenac sodium and hyoscine‐N‐butyl bromide did not significantly change the basal mean tension; however, they decreased the contractions induced by potassium chloride (KCl). The relaxant effect of diclofenac sodium and hyoscine‐N‐butyl bromide was not statistically significantly different. The presence of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 enzyme in the fallopian tube was demonstrated by immunohistochemical studies. Conclusions: The in vitro relaxant effect of diclofenac sodium on the fallopian tube is similar to hyoscine‐N‐butyl bromide. Diclofenac may have the potential to be used as an alternative to hyoscine‐N‐butyl bromide in premedication in HSG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating the mechanisms responsible for pain processing of natural and synthetic chemical compounds is necessary to optimize pain management. Curcumin (Cur), the active ingredient of turmeric, exhibits potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties by employing multiple mechanisms at the local peripheral, spinal and supra-spinal levels. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of oral administration of Cur on muscle pain induced by intramuscular (IM) injection of formalin. To explore the possible local mechanisms, a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, diclofenac (Dic) and a COX product, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), were applied. The IM injection of formalin (25.00 µL, 2.50%) into the gastrocnemius muscle induced two distinct phases of hind leg flinching. A short-lasting (10 min) hind leg lifting was observed following IM injection of PGE2 (2 µg kg-1, 25.00 µL). Oral administration of Cur (25.00 and 100 mg kg-1) and IM injection of 40.00 µg kg-1 Dic attenuated formalin and PGE2 induced nociceptive behaviors. Contra-lateral IM injection of Dic did not change muscle pain induced by ipsilateral IM injection of formalin and PGE2. The second phase of formalin induced flinching as well as PGE2 evoked lifting were more suppressed when 40.00 µg kg-1 Dic and 100 mg kg-1 Cur were used together. Locomotor activity was not changed by the above-mentioned treatments. It was concluded that the reducing effect of muscle pain of Cur might be related to the local inhibition of COX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This systematic review was designed to summarize randomized controlled trials of intra-articular administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for temporomandibular disorders. Methods: Randomized controlled trials regarding intra-articular injections of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for temporomandibular disorders were included in the review. The final search was conducted on 16 June 2024 in the Bielefeld Academic Search Engine, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Results: Of the 173 identified studies, 6 were eligible for review. In trials comparing arthrocentesis alone to arthrocentesis with NSAIDs, slight differences in joint pain were noted. For tenoxicam, differences were under 1 point on a 0–10 scale after 4 weeks, with inconsistent results. Piroxicam showed no significant difference, and pain levels were minimal in both groups. For maximum mouth opening (MMO), tenoxicam showed no significant difference. Piroxicam increased MMO by nearly 5 mm, based on one small trial with bias concerns. Conclusions: Currently, there is no strong scientific evidence supporting the injection of NSAIDs into the temporomandibular joint to relieve pain or increase jaw movement. Preliminary reports on piroxicam with arthrocentesis and tenoxicam or diclofenac without rinsing justify further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diclofenac (DCF) degradation in aqueous solution under electron beam (EB) irradiation after nanobubbling treatment was studied and compared with treatments using nanobubbling or EB irradiation alone. It was found that the removal efficiency of DCF increased by increasing the adsorbed dose, and it depended on the initial concentration of DCF in solution, being higher for the lower concentrations. Furthermore, when using the nanobubbling treatment alone, about 16% of the DCF was removed from the aqueous solution due to the OH radicals generated during the process. On the other hand, using EB treatment at 0.5 kGy, the degradation of DCF increased from 36% to 51% when adding a nanobubbling pretreatment before the EB radiation. At higher doses (5 kGy), the degradation of DCF was 96% using EB radiation and 99% using nanobubbling before EB radiation, indicating that the nanobubbling effect was not synergistic. With an increase in the adsorbed doses, EB radiation seemed to play a more important role on the degradation of DCF, probably due to the reactive species generated. Moreover, the solutions treated with nanobubbling and EB radiation presented higher COD values and radiolytic by-products with aromatic rings with chlorine. This work can support the development of innovative strategies to treat municipal wastewaters using ionizing radiation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diclofenac (DCF) is often detected in diverse aquatic bodies, and ineffective management can lead to detrimental effects on human health and ecosystems. In this study, degradation of DCF by Fe(III) and Mn(II) activating bisulfite (BS) was investigated. In the Fe(III)/Mn(II)/BS system, 93.4% DCF was degraded at 200 μM BS within 120 s, and additional research on 1000 μM BS achieved 88.4% degradation efficacy. Moreover, kinetics fitting of DCF degradation with the different BS concentrations was studied to find the two highest reaction rates (200 and 1000 μM, kobs = 0.0297 and 0.0317 s−1, respectively). Whereafter, SO4•− and Mn(III) were identified as the main active species at these two concentrations, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, molecular frontier orbital theory, and surface electrostatic potential (ESP) forecast electrophilic attack sites. DCF degradation pathways by radical and non-radical ways were proposed by attack site prediction and thirteen intermediates identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS. ECOSAR software 2.2 was used for toxicity assessment. This work studied DCF degradation by the Fe(III)/Mn(II)/BS process in the presence of different concentrations of BS, providing a new insight into water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]