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Cureus May 2024Ozone has been used as an antibacterial agent for various purposes in healthcare. The use of ozone in dental practice is also well-established. Its utilization as a... (Review)
Review
Ozone has been used as an antibacterial agent for various purposes in healthcare. The use of ozone in dental practice is also well-established. Its utilization as a mouth rinse needs to be explored for further application in clinical practice, especially for cases of gingivitis, a common complaint. This systematic review aims to analyze the literature on the effects of ozonated water in managing gingival inflammation and bleeding across diverse populations. A systematic search adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane. Studies published between January 2012 and December 2023 employing ozonated water as a treatment for gingivitis or gingival bleeding were included. Five studies met the inclusion criteria, demonstrating the varied efficacy of ozonated water. While some studies showed promising results in reducing bleeding and gingival inflammation, others indicated limitations compared to chlorhexidine. Methodological heterogeneity and lack of standardization were notable. The evidence suggests potential benefits of ozonated water in managing gingival inflammation and bleeding, but methodological variations hinder conclusive findings. Long-term studies with larger sample sizes and standardized protocols are needed to establish the effectiveness of ozonated water as an adjunctive therapy for gingival health.
PubMed: 38915955
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61006 -
Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic... 2023Facial aging is characterized by progressive macroscopic, histological, and molecular changes. Due to its regenerative and rejuvenating properties, the use of... (Review)
Review
Facial aging is characterized by progressive macroscopic, histological, and molecular changes. Due to its regenerative and rejuvenating properties, the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a facial antiaging agent has gained popularity over the last decade. In order to gather and evaluate the latest evidence focusing on the effect of PRP on facial skin rejuvenating, a search through MEDLINE (PubMed) using relevant keywords, inclusion, and exclusion criteria was performed. A total of 539 articles were initially retrieved, and from those, 16 were included in the review. Treatment protocols comprised the use of PRP both in monotherapy and in combination with other substances and by means of direct injection or topical application following skin permeation. The selected studies presented high variability regarding PRP preparation methods, administration protocols, and results assessment. In most studies, PRP seemed to improve to some degree the signs of facial aging, such has wrinkles, skin quality, and pigmentation, accompanied by significant histological and molecular responses. Optimizing treatment protocols should be the next step in assessing the full potential of PRP.
PubMed: 38314356
DOI: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_210_22 -
Brain Tumor Research and Treatment Jan 2024This review provides an overview of the current state of pediatric brain tumor imaging, emphasizing the role of various imaging sequences and highlighting the advantages... (Review)
Review
This review provides an overview of the current state of pediatric brain tumor imaging, emphasizing the role of various imaging sequences and highlighting the advantages of standardizing protocols for pediatric brain tumor imaging in diagnosis and treatment response evaluation. Basic anatomical sequences such as pre- and post-contrast 3D T1-weighted, T2-weighted, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, T2*-weighted, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), are fundamental for assessing tumor location, extent, and characteristics. Advanced techniques like DWI, diffusion tensor imaging, perfusion imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and functional MRI offer insights into cellularity, vascularity, metabolism, and function. To enhance consistency and quality, standardized protocols for pediatric brain tumor imaging have been recommended by expert groups. Special considerations for pediatric patients, including the minimization of anesthesia exposure and gadolinium contrast agent usage, are essential to ensure patient safety and comfort. Staying up-to-date with diagnostic imaging techniques can contribute to improved communication, outcomes, and patient care in the field of pediatric neurooncology.
PubMed: 38317484
DOI: 10.14791/btrt.2023.0037 -
International Journal of Colorectal... Sep 2023Postoperative adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a frequent cause of hospital admission in a surgical department. Emergency surgery is needed in a majority of... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Postoperative adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a frequent cause of hospital admission in a surgical department. Emergency surgery is needed in a majority of patients with bowel ischemia or peritonitis; most adhesive SBO can be managed nonoperatively. Many studies have investigated benefits of using oral water-soluble contrast to manage adhesive SBO. Treatment recommendations are still controversial.
METHODS
We conducted an observational retrospective monocentric study to test our protocol of management of SBO using Gastrografin, enrolling 661 patients from January 2008 to December 2021. An emergency surgery was performed in patients with abdominal tenderness, peritonitis, hemodynamic instability, major acute abdominal pain despite gastric decompression, or CT scan findings of small bowel ischemia. Nonoperative management was proposed to patients who did not need emergency surgery. A gastric decompression with a nasogastric tube was immediately performed in the emergency room for four hours, then the nasogastric tube was clamped and 100 ml of nondiluted oral Gastrografin was administered. The nasogastric tube remained clamped for eight hours and an abdominal plain radiograph was taken after that period. Emergency surgery was then performed in patients who had persistent abdominal pain, onset of abdominal tenderness or vomiting during the clamping test, or if the abdominal plain radiograph did not show contrast product in the colon or the rectum. In other cases, the nasogastric tube was removed and a progressive refeeding was introduced, starting with liquid diet.
RESULTS
Seventy-eight percent of patients with SBO were managed nonoperatively, including 183 (36.0%) who finally required surgery. Delayed surgery showed a complete small bowel obstruction in all patients who failed the conservative treatment, and a small bowel resection was necessary in 19 patients (10.0%): among them, only 5 had intestinal ischemia.
CONCLUSIONS
Our protocol is safe, and it is a valuable strategy in order to accelerate the decision-making process for management of adhesive SBO, with a percentage of risk of late small bowel resection for ischemia esteemed at 0.9%.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Diatrizoate Meglumine; Intestine, Small; Intestinal Obstruction; Abdominal Pain
PubMed: 37668744
DOI: 10.1007/s00384-023-04512-8 -
Journal of Dairy Science Aug 2023In this scoping review, we characterized the literature reporting on the testing of bulk milk samples to detect microorganisms other than bacteria that can cause... (Review)
Review
In this scoping review, we characterized the literature reporting on the testing of bulk milk samples to detect microorganisms other than bacteria that can cause diseases in dairy cattle, including viruses, helminths, algae, and protozoa. A search strategy was completed by screening databases, conference proceedings, animal health agency websites, disease surveillance program websites, and handbooks of cattle-related diagnostic tests for potentially relevant articles. Two reviewers independently screened articles in English, Portuguese, or Spanish; original studies reporting on the testing of farm-level, unprocessed bulk milk samples for presence of pathogens or specific antibodies against agents other than bacteria that can cause diseases in cows were retained. From all studies, we used spreadsheets to extract relevant information, including pathogen screened, test used, and country of origin of bulk milk samples. Additionally, for studies reporting sufficient data to estimate test characteristics, we extracted detailed information about herd eligibility, testing protocol, and herd-level infection definition. A total of 8,829 records were identified, from which 1,592 were retained and assessed for eligibility, and 306 were included. Bovine viral diarrhea virus, Fasciola hepatica, Ostertagia ostertagi, and bovine herpesvirus 1 were the most frequently screened agents, reported from 107, 45, 45, and 33 studies, respectively. Sensitivity of bulk milk ELISA to detect herds with animals infected by bovine herpesvirus 1 ranged from 2 to 100%, and was affected mostly by antigen selection, cut-off adopted, herd vaccination status, and seroprevalence of lactating cows. Bulk milk ELISA had very high specificity to detect herds free of bovine leukemia virus, and varying sensitivity to detect herds with infected animals, which depended on the within-herd seroprevalence of lactating cattle. As for bovine viral diarrhea virus, in general, the sensitivity of bulk milk ELISA was moderate to high (>80%) when infection status was defined based on presence of persistently infected cattle or a high proportion of seropositive lactating cattle. Nevertheless, bulk milk ELISA was not able to distinguish infected and noninfected herds based on presence of seropositive unvaccinated weanlings. The PCR or quantitative PCR protocols employed had very low sensitivities (<40%) and very high specificities (>95%) to classify bovine viral diarrhea virus infection status of dairy herds. Sensitivity and specificity of bulk milk ELISA to classify herds with regards to presence of F. hepatica- or O. ostertagi-parasitized cattle were generally high and driven mostly by the definition of herd infection status. Conversely, bulk milk ELISA demonstrated varying characteristics to detect herds with or without Dictyocaulus viviparus-parasitized cattle, depending primarily on the antigen selected and presence of cattle with clinical signs of lungworm infection.
Topics: Female; Cattle; Animals; Milk; Lactation; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Cattle Diseases; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Herpesvirus 1, Bovine; Diarrhea
PubMed: 37291033
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22586 -
Bio-protocol Oct 2023Maize is one of the most important crops in the world, and ensuring its successful growth and productivity is crucial for global food security. One way to enhance maize...
Maize is one of the most important crops in the world, and ensuring its successful growth and productivity is crucial for global food security. One way to enhance maize growth and productivity is by improving the colonization of its roots by beneficial microorganisms. In this regard, , a plant growth-promoting fungus, has gained attention for its ability to enhance plant growth and productivity, especially in cereal crops and medicinal plants. Previous studies have shown that can colonize various plant species, including maize, but the efficiency of the colonization process in maize seedlings has not been extensively characterized. This protocol outlines a method for efficient colonization of maize seedlings with the beneficial fungus . The protocol includes the preparation of stock solutions, maintenance and growth of , surface sterilization and germination of seeds, preparation of chlamydospores, and colonization of maize plants with . The advantages of this protocol include the use of surface sterilization techniques that minimize contamination, the production of a large number of viable chlamydospores, and efficient colonization of maize seedlings with . This protocol may be useful for researchers studying the role of in promoting plant growth and combating biotic and abiotic stress. Additionally, this protocol may be used in the development of biofertilizers using as a means of increasing crop yields and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Overall, this protocol offers a reliable and efficient method for colonizing maize seedlings with and may have potential applications in the agricultural industry. This study also provides a valuable tool for researchers interested in studying plant-microbe interactions in maize and highlights the potential of as a biocontrol agent to enhance maize productivity under adverse conditions. Key features • This protocol builds upon the method developed by Narayan et al. (2022), and its application optimized for the root endophytic symbiotic fungus . • This protocol also allows for histochemical analysis to visualize the colonized fungal spores in the root cells of host plant species. • This protocol helps in mathematical calculation of the percent colonization or efficiency of colonization. • This protocol utilizes readily available laboratory equipment, including a light microscope, autoclave, and laminar flow hood, ensuring ease of reproducibility in other research laboratories.
PubMed: 37965269
DOI: 10.21769/BioProtoc.4855 -
Experimental Biology and Medicine... Oct 2023The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised awareness in the scientific community about the importance of being...
The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised awareness in the scientific community about the importance of being prepared for sanitary emergencies. Many measures implemented during the COVID pandemic are now being expanded to other applications. In the field of molecular and immunological diagnostics, the need to massively test the population worldwide resulted in the application of a variety of methods to detect viral infection. Besides gold standard reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), the use of reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) arose as an alternative and sensitive method to amplify and detect viral genetic material. We have used openly available protocols and have improved the protein production of RT-LAMP enzymes polymerase and -reverse transcriptase. To optimize enzyme production, we tested different protein tags, and we shortened the protein purification protocol, resulting in reduced processing time and handling of the enzymes and, thus, preserved the protein activity with high purity. The enzymes showed significant stability at 4 °C and 25 °C, over 60 days, and were highly reliable when used as a one-step RT-LAMP reaction in a portable point-of-care device with clinical samples. The enzymes and the reaction setup can be further expanded to detect other infectious diseases agents.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase; Sensitivity and Specificity; SARS-CoV-2; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Point-of-Care Testing; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; COVID-19 Testing
PubMed: 38088106
DOI: 10.1177/15353702231215815 -
Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2024In the era of single and combination maintenance therapies as well as platinum and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) resistance, the choice of subsequent... (Review)
Review
In the era of single and combination maintenance therapies as well as platinum and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) resistance, the choice of subsequent treatments following first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC) patients has become increasingly complex. Within the ovarian cancer treatment algorithm, particularly in the emerging context of PARPi resistance, the role of trabectedin, in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) still preserves its significance. This paper offers valuable insights into the multifaceted role and mechanism of action of trabectedin in ROC. The main results of clinical trials and studies involving trabectedin/PLD, along with hints of Breast Cancer genes (BRCA)-mutated and BRCAness phenotype cases, are critically discussed. Moreover, this review provides and contextualizes potential scenarios of administering trabectedin in combination with PLD in ROC, according to established guidelines and beyond.
Topics: Trabectedin; Humans; Ovarian Neoplasms; Female; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Tetrahydroisoquinolines; Dioxoles; Doxorubicin; Polyethylene Glycols; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
PubMed: 38863768
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S451223 -
Journal of Biosciences 2024Can one design and automate a computational and experimental platform such that each platform iteratively guides and drives the other to achieve a pre-determined goal?...
Can one design and automate a computational and experimental platform such that each platform iteratively guides and drives the other to achieve a pre-determined goal? Rapp and colleagues (2024) describe just this possibility in a paper that details a prototype of a self-driven laboratory that can navigate autonomously to yield an engineered enzyme with a desired attribute. This laboratory, rather, the automated protocol, is referred to by an acronym - SAMPLE. This refers to Self-driving Autonomous Machines for Protein Landscape Exploration. The paper describes a prototype involving the engineering of a glycoside hydrolase for enhanced thermostability. The 'brain', the computational component behind this automated system, was designed to learn protein sequence- function relationships from a curated dataset. These designer proteins were then evaluated by a fully automated robotic system that could synthesize and experimentally characterize the designed protein and provide feedback to the agent, i.e., the computational component, to fine-tune its understanding of the system. The SAMPLE agents were thus designed to continually refine their understanding of the protein landscape by actively acquiring information in the search process. As this intelligent agent learns protein sequence-function relationships from a curated, diverse dataset, this feedback is crucial to refine landscape exploration and the design of new proteins based on the updated hypothesis. In this prototype, four SAMPLE agents were tasked with this goal. The goal of each of these agents was to navigate the glycoside hydrolase landscape and identify enzymes with enhanced thermal tolerance. Differences in the search behavior of individual agents primarily arise from experimental measurement noise. However, despite differences in their search behavior, all four agents could converge on a thermostable glycoside hydrolase - a remarkable feat as it apparently did not need any human intervention.
Topics: Protein Engineering; Glycoside Hydrolases; Robotics; Enzyme Stability
PubMed: 38726823
DOI: No ID Found -
Open Heart Dec 2023Targeted temperature management (TTM) is a recommended therapy for postcardiac arrest patients. Hyperthermia worsened the patient outcome, and overcooling increased the... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Targeted temperature management (TTM) is a recommended therapy for postcardiac arrest patients. Hyperthermia worsened the patient outcome, and overcooling increased the incidence of complications; therefore, a high-quality TTM is required. The target temperature tended to be modified worldwide after the TTM trial in 2013. Our institute modified the target temperature to 35°C in 2017. This study aimed to compare the conventional and modified protocols, assess the relationship between target temperature deviation and patient outcomes, and identify the factors influencing temperature deviation.
METHODS
This single-centre, retrospective, observational study included adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients who underwent TTM between April 2013 and October 2019. We compared the conventional and modified protocol groups to evaluate the difference in the background characteristics and details on TTM. Subsequently, we assessed the relationship of deviation (>±0.5°C, >37°C, or<33°C) rates from the target temperature with mortality and neurological outcomes. We assessed the factors that influenced the deviation from the target temperature.
RESULTS
Temperature deviation was frequently observed in the conventional protocol group (p=0.012), and the modified protocol group required higher doses of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) during TTM (p=0.016). Other background data, completion of protocol, incidence of complications, mortality and rate of favourable neurological outcomes were not significantly different. The performance rate of TTM was significantly higher in the modified group than in the conventional protocol group (p<0.001). Temperature deviation did not have an impact on the outcomes. Age, sex, body surface area, NMBA doses and type of cooling device were the factors influencing temperature deviation.
CONCLUSIONS
A target temperature of 35°C might be acceptable and easily attainable if shivering of the patients was well controlled using NMBAs. Temperature deviation did not have an impact on outcomes. The identified factors influencing deviation from target temperature might be useful for ensuring a high-quality TTM.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Body Temperature; Hypothermia, Induced; Retrospective Studies; Temperature; Treatment Outcome; Male; Female
PubMed: 38101858
DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2023-002459