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Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2020Drug resistance of pathogenic microorganisms has become a global public health problem, which has prompted the development of new materials with antimicrobial...
Drug resistance of pathogenic microorganisms has become a global public health problem, which has prompted the development of new materials with antimicrobial properties. In this context, antimicrobial nanohybrids are an alternative due to their synergistic properties. In this study, we used an environmentally friendly one-step approach to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) decorated with silver nanoparticles (GO-AgNPs). By this process, spherical AgNPs of average size less than 4 nm homogeneously distributed on the surface of the partially reduced GO can be generated in the absence of any stabilizing agent, only with ascorbic acid (L-AA) as a reducing agent and AgNO as a metal precursor. The size of the AgNPs can be controlled by the AgNO concentration and temperature. Smaller AgNPs are obtained at lower concentrations of the silver precursor and lower temperatures. The antimicrobial properties of nanohybrids against Gram-negative bacteria and , Gram-positive , and the yeast were found to be concentration- and time-dependent. and showed the highest susceptibility to GO-AgNPs. These nanohybrids can be used as nanofillers in polymer nanocomposites to develop materials with antimicrobial activity for applications in different areas, and another potential application could be cancer therapeutic agents.
PubMed: 32098083
DOI: 10.3390/nano10020376 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024Parboiling influences chemical compositions in rice grains. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the change in chemical content, total phenolic content and...
Parboiling influences chemical compositions in rice grains. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the change in chemical content, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of landrace rice genotypes under parboiling conditions and to identify the genotypes suitable for production of parboiled rice. Landrace rice varieties used in this study consisted of Glam Feang, Glam Tonkeaw, Kawgum, Glam Luem Phua, Medmakham, Deang Sakonnakhon, Sang Yod, Kawniewd-eang, Mali Deang, KDML105 and RD6. Parboiling reduced fiber content, total phenolic content and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity in rice grains. Fiber contents were 1.46% in brown rice (unpolished rice) and 1.40% in parboiled rice (24 h of soaking and 48 h of incubation). Total phenolic contents were 205.67 mg/100 g seed in brown rice and 35.34 mg/100 g seed in parboiled rice. Antioxidant capacity (DPPH) reduced from 68.45% in brown rice to 26.23% in parboiled rice. Ash content and protein content were not significantly affected by the parboiling process. Medmakham cv. had the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in brown rice and parboiled rice. Gum Leamphea cv. and Medmakham cv. were the best genotypes for ash content, protein content, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (DPPH) in brown rice and parboiled rice. Glam Feang cv. had the highest protein contents in brown rice and parboiled rice although it had low total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Cluster analysis further showed variation among genotypes, revealing distinct groupings in brown rice and parboiled rice based on chemical properties, phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. This research significantly contributes to a better understanding on how parboiling affects rice compositions and nutritional values. It emphasizes the importance of nuanced comprehension of how different rice varieties respond to parboiling, aiding informed decisions in rice processing and selection to meet specific nutritional needs.
PubMed: 38338528
DOI: 10.3390/foods13030393 -
Science Translational Medicine Oct 2019Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is estimated to affect up to one-third of the general population, and new therapies are urgently required. Our laboratory...
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is estimated to affect up to one-third of the general population, and new therapies are urgently required. Our laboratory previously developed a controlled-release mitochondrial protonophore (CRMP) that is functionally liver-targeted and promotes oxidation of hepatic triglycerides. Although we previously demonstrated that CRMP safely reverses hypertriglyceridemia, fatty liver, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis in diet-induced rodent models of obesity, there remains a critical need to assess its safety and efficacy in a model highly relevant to humans. Here, we evaluated the impact of longer-term CRMP treatment on hepatic mitochondrial oxidation and on the reversal of hypertriglyceridemia, NAFLD, and insulin resistance in high-fat, fructose-fed cynomolgus macaques ( 6) and spontaneously obese dysmetabolic rhesus macaques ( 12). Using positional isotopomer nuclear magnetic resonance tracer analysis (PINTA), we demonstrated that acute CRMP treatment (single dose, 5 mg/kg) increased rates of hepatic mitochondrial fat oxidation by 40%. Six weeks of CRMP treatment reduced hepatic triglycerides in both nonhuman primate models independently of changes in body weight, food intake, body temperature, or adverse reactions. CRMP treatment was also associated with a 20 to 30% reduction in fasting plasma triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol in dysmetabolic nonhuman primates. Oral administration of CRMP reduced endogenous glucose production by 18%, attributable to a 20% reduction in hepatic acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) content [as assessed by whole-body β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) turnover] and pyruvate carboxylase flux. Collectively, these studies provide proof-of-concept data to support the development of liver-targeted mitochondrial uncouplers for the treatment of metabolic syndrome in humans.
Topics: Animals; Delayed-Action Preparations; Diet, High-Fat; Dyslipidemias; Insulin Resistance; Lipid Metabolism; Macaca mulatta; Male; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Obesity; Oxidative Stress; Proton Ionophores
PubMed: 31578240
DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay0284 -
Candida albicans biofilms on different materials for manufacturing implant abutments and prostheses.Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia... Jan 2020Morphological, physical and chemical properties of both implants and prostheses can determine the biofilm formation on their surface and increase the risk of biological...
BACKGROUND
Morphological, physical and chemical properties of both implants and prostheses can determine the biofilm formation on their surface and increase the risk of biological complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of biofilm formation of Candida albicans on different materials used to manufacture abutments and prostheses.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Biofilm formation was analyzed on cp grade II titanium, cobalt-chromium alloy and zirconia, silicone, acrylic resin (polymethylmethacrylate) and nano-hybrid composite. Some samples were partially covered with lithium disilicate glass ceramic to study specifically the junction areas.C. albicans was incubated in a biofilm reactor at 37 °C with agitation. The biofilm formation was evaluated at 24 and 48 hours. In addition, the morphology of the biofilm was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy.
RESULTS
C. albicans developed biofilms on the surface of all materials tested. Cobalt-chromium alloy showed the lowest density of adhered biofilm, followed by zirconia and titanium. Silicone and resin showed up to 20 times higher density of biofilm. A higher biofilm formation was observed when junctions of materials presented micropores or imperfections.
CONCLUSIONS
The biofilm formed in the three materials used in the manufacture of abutments and prostheses showed no major differences, being far less dense than in the resins. Two clinical recommendations can be made: to avoid the presence of resins in the subgingival area of implant prostheses and to design prostheses placing cobalt-chromium alloy/ceramic or titanium/ceramic junctions as far as possible from implants.
Topics: Biofilms; Candida albicans; Dental Implants; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Surface Properties; Titanium
PubMed: 31880295
DOI: 10.4317/medoral.23157 -
Rheumatology (Oxford, England) Dec 2021The Flare Assessment in RA (FLARE-RA) self-administered questionnaire aims to identify patients who had flare in the interval between two consultations. This study aimed...
OBJECTIVE
The Flare Assessment in RA (FLARE-RA) self-administered questionnaire aims to identify patients who had flare in the interval between two consultations. This study aimed to establish a threshold for FLARE-RA score to identify RA flare.
METHODS
The Tocilizumab SubCutAneous study evaluated the efficacy and safety of s.c. tocilizumab (TCZ) to patients with active RA. Disease activity was assessed with the DAS28ESR at baseline and at week 2 (W2), W4, W12 and W24. The FLARE-RA questionnaire was administered at W12 and W24. Patient satisfaction, assessed at baseline and W24 with the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), was used as a surrogate marker of no flare. A correlation was sought between the FLARE-RA score at W12 and W24 and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for monthly DAS28ESR. The optimal FLARE-RA cut-off below which patient satisfaction reached the PASS was explored with an ROC curve.
RESULTS
A total of 139 patients were included (mean age 57.3 ± 13.8 years, 74.1% women, mean RA duration 10.8 ± 9.2 years, mean DAS28ESR 5.8 ± 1.1). The correlation between the FLARE-RA score and DAS28ESR AUC was moderate at all times: ρ = 0.41 at W12 (P < 0.0001) and 0.51 at W24 (P < 0.0001). The optimal cut-off for the FLARE-RA score to identify absence of flare (i.e. an acceptable situation based on the PASS) was 2.3 with an AUC of 0.81.
CONCLUSION
FLARE-RA and DAS28ESR assessment differ; we propose a FLARE-RA cut-off of 2.3, below which the situation (i.e. without flare) is acceptable for patients.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Severity of Illness Index; Symptom Flare Up
PubMed: 33788913
DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab261 -
Polymers Mar 2020The design of new materials with antimicrobial properties has emerged in response to the need for preventing and controlling the growth of pathogenic microorganisms...
The design of new materials with antimicrobial properties has emerged in response to the need for preventing and controlling the growth of pathogenic microorganisms without the use of antibiotics. In this study, partially reduced graphene oxide decorated with silver nanoparticles (GO-AgNPs) was incorporated as a reinforcing filler with antibacterial properties to poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) for preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide-silver nanoparticles nanocomposites (PVA/GO-AgNPs). AgNPs, spherical in shape and with an average size of 3.1 nm, were uniformly anchored on the partially reduced GO surface. PVA/GO-AgNPs nanocomposites showed exfoliated structures with improved thermal stability, tensile properties and water resistance compared to neat PVA. The glass transition and crystallization temperatures of the polymer matrix increased with the incorporation of the hybrid. The nanocomposites displayed antibacterial activity against and in a filler content- and time-dependent manner. showed higher susceptibility to PVA/GO-AgNPs films than Inhibitory activity was higher when bacterial cells were in contact with nanocomposite films than when in contact with leachates coming out of the films. GO-AgNPs based PVA nanocomposites could find application as wound dressings for wound healing and infection prevention.
PubMed: 32214025
DOI: 10.3390/polym12030723 -
JAMA Surgery Feb 2021Diverticulitis has a tendency to recur and affect quality of life. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparing Laparoscopic Elective Sigmoid Resection With Conservative Treatment in Improving Quality of Life of Patients With Diverticulitis: The Laparoscopic Elective Sigmoid Resection Following Diverticulitis (LASER) Randomized Clinical Trial.
IMPORTANCE
Diverticulitis has a tendency to recur and affect quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether sigmoid resection is superior to conservative treatment in improving quality of life of patients with recurrent, complicated, or persistent painful diverticulitis.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This open-label randomized clinical trial assessed for eligibility 128 patients with recurrent, complicated, or persistent painful diverticulitis in 6 Finnish hospitals from September 29, 2014, to October 10, 2018. Exclusion criteria included age younger than 18 years or older than 75 years; lack of (virtual) colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy data within 2 years, or presence of cancer, contraindication to laparoscopy, or fistula. Outcomes were assessed using intention-to-treat analysis. A prespecified interim analysis was undertaken when 66 patients had been randomized and their 6-month follow-up was assessable. Data were analyzed from June 2018 to May 2020.
INTERVENTIONS
Laparoscopic sigmoid resection or conservative treatment.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was difference in Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) score between randomization and 6 months.
RESULTS
Of 128 patients assessed for eligibility, 90 were randomized (28 male [31%]; mean [SD] age, 54.11 [11.9] years; 62 female [69%]; mean [SD] age, 57.13 [7.6] years). A total of 72 patients were included in analyses for the primary outcome (37 in the surgery group and 35 in the conservative treatment group), and 85 were included in analyses for clinical outcomes (41 in the surgery group and 44 in the conservative treatment group). The difference between GIQLI score at randomization and 6 months was a mean of 11.96 points higher in the surgery group than in the conservative treatment group (mean [SD] of 11.76 [15.89] points vs -0.2 [19.07] points; difference, 11.96; 95% CI, 3.72-20.19; P = .005). Four patients (10%) in the surgery group and no patients in the conservative treatment group experienced major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher). There were 2 patients (5%) in the surgery group and 12 patients (31%) in the conservative treatment group who had new episodes of diverticulitis within 6 months.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this randomized clinical trial, elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection improved quality of life in patients with recurrent, complicated, or persistent painful diverticulitis but carried a 10% risk of major complications.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02174926.
Topics: Aged; Colon, Sigmoid; Conservative Treatment; Diverticulitis, Colonic; Elective Surgical Procedures; Female; Finland; Humans; Laparoscopy; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life
PubMed: 33206182
DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2020.5151 -
Surgical Endoscopy Jan 2020Laparoscopic incisional ventral hernia repair (LIVHR) is often followed by seroma formation, bulging and failure to restore abdominal wall function. These outcomes are... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
Laparoscopic incisional ventral hernia repair (LIVHR) is often followed by seroma formation, bulging and failure to restore abdominal wall function. These outcomes are risk factors for hernia recurrence, chronic pain and poor quality of life (QoL). We aimed to evaluate whether LIVHR combined with defect closure (hybrid) follows as a diminished seroma formation and thereby has a lower rate of hernia recurrence and chronic pain compared to standard LIVHR.
METHODS
This study is a multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial. From November 2012 to May 2015, 193 patients undergoing LIVHR for primary incisional hernia with fascial defect size from 2 to 7 cm were recruited in 11 Finnish hospitals. Patients were randomised to either a laparoscopic (LG) or a hybrid (HG) repair group. The main outcome measure was hernia recurrence, evaluated clinically and radiologically at a 1-year follow-up visit. At the same time, chronic pain scores and QoL were also measured.
RESULTS
At the 1-year-control visit, we found no difference in hernia recurrence between the study groups. Altogether, 11 recurrent hernias were found in ultrasound examination, producing a recurrence rate of 6.4%. Of these recurrences, 6 (6.7%) were in the LG group and 5 (6.1%) were in the HG group (p > 0.90). The visual analogue scores for pain were low in both groups; the mean visual analogue scale (VAS) was 1.5 in LG and 1.4 in HG (p = 0.50). QoL improved significantly comparing preoperative status to 1 year after operation in both groups since the bodily pain score increased by 7.8 points (p < 0.001) and physical functioning by 4.3 points (p = 0.014).
CONCLUSION
Long-term follow-up is needed to demonstrate the potential advantage of a hybrid operation with fascial defect closure. Both techniques had low hernia recurrence rates 1 year after operation. LIVHR reduces chronic pain and physical impairment and improves QoL.
TRIAL REGISTRY
Clinical trial number NCT02542085.
Topics: Abdominal Wound Closure Techniques; Female; Hernia, Ventral; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Incisional Hernia; Laparoscopy; Male; Middle Aged; Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; Postoperative Complications; Quality of Life; Secondary Prevention; Seroma; Surgical Mesh
PubMed: 30941550
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-019-06735-9 -
Vaccine Oct 2019Herpes zoster (HZ) risk appears to vary by sex and geographic ancestry/ethnicity. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy of the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) by sex, geographic region, and geographic ancestry/ethnicity: A post-hoc analysis of the ZOE-50 and ZOE-70 randomized trials.
BACKGROUND
Herpes zoster (HZ) risk appears to vary by sex and geographic ancestry/ethnicity.
METHODS
In 2 randomized clinical trials, participants received 2 doses of adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) or placebo intramuscularly, 2 months apart. In this post-hoc analysis, we investigate efficacy of RZV against HZ and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) by sex, geographic region, and geographic ancestry/ethnicity in ≥50-year-olds (ZOE-50: NCT01165177) and ≥70-year-olds (pooled data from ZOE-50 and ZOE-70: NCT01165229).
RESULTS
Vaccine efficacy against HZ or PHN was similar in women and men. Across geographic regions, efficacy against HZ ranged between 95.7 and 97.2% in ≥50-year-olds, and between 87.3% and 95.1% in ≥70-year-olds; efficacy against PHN ranged between 86.8 and 100% in ≥70-year-olds. Across ancestral/ethnic groups, efficacy ranged between 88.1 and 100% against HZ and between 65.9 and 100% against PHN in ≥70-year-olds.
CONCLUSIONS
While the ZOE-50/70 studies were not powered or pre-designed for these post-hoc analyses, RZV appears efficacious against HZ and PHN irrespective of sex, region, or geographic ancestry/ethnicity.
Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Ethnicity; Female; Geography; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neuralgia, Postherpetic; Sex Factors; Vaccine Potency; Vaccines, Subunit; Vaccines, Synthetic
PubMed: 31537443
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.09.028 -
Pain and Therapy Jun 2021A previous Delphi survey from the Rational Use of Analgesics (RUA) project involving Italian palliative care specialists revealed some discrepancies between current...
INTRODUCTION
A previous Delphi survey from the Rational Use of Analgesics (RUA) project involving Italian palliative care specialists revealed some discrepancies between current guidelines and clinical practice with a lack of consensus on items regarding the use of strong opioids in treating cancer pain. Those results represented the basis for a new Delphi study addressing a better approach to pain treatment in patients with cancer.
METHODS
The study consisted of a two-round multidisciplinary Delphi study. Specialists rated their agreement with a set of 17 statements using a 5-point Likert scale (0 = totally disagree and 4 = totally agree). Consensus on a statement was achieved if the median consensus score (MCS) (expressed as value at which at least 50% of participants agreed) was at least 4 and the interquartile range (IQR) was 3-4.
RESULTS
This survey included input from 186 palliative care specialists representing all Italian territory. Consensus was reached on seven statements. More than 70% of participants agreed with the use of low dose of strong opioids in moderate pain treatment and valued transdermal route as an effective option when the oral route is not available. There was strong consensus on the importance of knowing opioid pharmacokinetics for therapy personalization and on identifying immediate-release opioids as key for tailoring therapy to patients' needs. Limited agreement was reached on items regarding breakthrough pain and the management of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction.
CONCLUSION
These findings may assist clinicians in applying clinical evidence to routine care settings and call for a reappraisal of current pain treatment recommendations with the final aim of optimizing the clinical use of strong opioids in patients with cancer.
PubMed: 33730338
DOI: 10.1007/s40122-021-00248-x