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Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD May 2013This article reviews the published literature about the efficacy of oral and topical zinc as treatments for acne vulgaris. The medical literature was systematically... (Review)
Review
This article reviews the published literature about the efficacy of oral and topical zinc as treatments for acne vulgaris. The medical literature was systematically reviewed to identify relevant articles. Each published study was assessed for pathophysiologic results and the quality of the clinical evidence the study provided based on Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) criteria. Finally, the body of evidence for using oral or topical zinc in the treatment of acne was assessed, again using SORT criteria. A SORT strength of recommendation of B (inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence) appears to be appropriate for both oral and topical zinc. The preponderance of evidence suggests zinc has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and that it may decrease sebum production.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Administration, Cutaneous; Administration, Oral; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Dermatologic Agents; Humans; Sebum; Zinc
PubMed: 23652948
DOI: No ID Found -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR Dec 2015As a natural traditional Chinese medicine, Galla chinensis has been widely used since ancient times for its astringency, stypticity, detoxification, and antibacterial... (Review)
Review
As a natural traditional Chinese medicine, Galla chinensis has been widely used since ancient times for its astringency, stypticity, detoxification, and antibacterial activity. Our group has concentrated on the research about its potential of being an applicable anti-caries agent. The crude extract and some other components purified from it show remarkable efficacy on anticaries, and the most likely mechanism is proposed through specific research. For the fact that crude drugs consist of numerous compounds, and their bioactivity is a result of synergistic effects and/or antagonistic effects of several compounds, it is difficult to clarify the exact mechanism and evaluate the safety and effectiveness of G. chinensis. This review article systematically summarizes previous findings from the following aspects: (1) inhibitory effect on oral bacteria; (2) the demineralization inhibition property; (3) the remineralization-enhancing property; and (4) stability and toxicity evaluation, and thus indicates the further research direction.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Calcification, Physiologic; Dental Caries; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Mouth; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 26331796
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5444 -
IET Nanobiotechnology 2024Foodborne disease outbreaks due to bacterial pathogens and their toxins have become a serious concern for global public health and security. Finding novel antibacterial... (Review)
Review
Foodborne disease outbreaks due to bacterial pathogens and their toxins have become a serious concern for global public health and security. Finding novel antibacterial agents with unique mechanisms of action against the current spoilage and foodborne bacterial pathogens is a central strategy to overcome antibiotic resistance. This study examined the antibacterial activities and mechanisms of action of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) against foodborne bacterial pathogens. The articles written in English were recovered from registers and databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Directory of Open Access Journals) and other sources (websites, organizations, and citation searching). "Nanoparticles," "Inorganic Nanoparticles," "Metal Nanoparticles," "Metal-Oxide Nanoparticles," "Antimicrobial Activity," "Antibacterial Activity," "Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens," "Mechanisms of Action," and "Foodborne Diseases" were the search terms used to retrieve the articles. The PRISMA-2020 checklist was applied for the article search strategy, article selection, data extraction, and result reporting for the review process. A total of 27 original research articles were included from a total of 3,575 articles obtained from the different search strategies. All studies demonstrated the antibacterial effectiveness of inorganic NPs and highlighted their different mechanisms of action against foodborne bacterial pathogens. In the present study, small-sized, spherical-shaped, engineered, capped, low-dissolution with water, high-concentration NPs, and in Gram-negative bacterial types had high antibacterial activity as compared to their counterparts. Cell wall interaction and membrane penetration, reactive oxygen species production, DNA damage, and protein synthesis inhibition were some of the generalized mechanisms recognized in the current study. Therefore, this study recommends the proper use of nontoxic inorganic nanoparticle products for food processing industries to ensure the quality and safety of food while minimizing antibiotic resistance among foodborne bacterial pathogens.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Foodborne Diseases; Nanoparticles; Food Microbiology; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Metal Nanoparticles; Bacteria; Humans
PubMed: 38863967
DOI: 10.1049/2024/5417924 -
Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences... Nov 2013Gundelia (Gundelia tournefortii L.) is a member of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family which grows in the semi-desert areas of Iran, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Iraq,... (Review)
Review
Gundelia (Gundelia tournefortii L.) is a member of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family which grows in the semi-desert areas of Iran, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Syria, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Anatolia and other countries. Traditionally, G. tournefortii (L.) is used for treatment of liver diseases, diabetes, chest pain, heart stroke, gastric pain, vitiligo, diarrhea and bronchitis. It is also reported to have hypoglycaemic, laxative, sedative, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasite, antiseptic and emetic effects. It has enhanced gingivas and removed water from patients having spleenomegaly. Compounds found in gundelia proved to have several pharmacological effects, e.g. antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antiplatelet and hypolipemic activities. The observed pharmacological properties indicated a close association of these effects with infectious diseases, digestive disorders, high blood pressure and cancer. In traditional medicine, this plant has been prescribed in many disorders; therefore, clinical trials on the compounds ofgundelia seem essential. This study gives an overview of traditional uses of gundelia, irrespective of pharmacological studies on its effects.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Asteraceae; Humans; Medicine, Traditional; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 24511731
DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2013.1238.1247 -
Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Jul 2019Metronidazole is the preferred empirical anti-anaerobic agent for patients with suspected anaerobic infection. The balance between benefits and harms of empirical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Metronidazole is the preferred empirical anti-anaerobic agent for patients with suspected anaerobic infection. The balance between benefits and harms of empirical metronidazole is unclear. We aimed to assess patient-important benefits and harms of empirical metronidazole vs placebo/no treatment in adult patients with severe bacterial infection of any origin.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized clinical trials assessing empirical metronidazole vs placebo/no treatment in adult hospitalized patients with severe bacterial infection. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement, the Cochrane Handbook and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. A protocol and statistical analysis plan was published prior to conducting the review.
RESULTS
We included a total of nine trials (n = 1753 patients), all of which were adjudicated as having high risk of bias. We found no difference in the primary outcome mortality within 90 days (relative risk 1.56, 95% confidence interval 0.39-6.25). Fewer patients receiving metronidazole had secondary infections (relative risk 0.43, 95% CI: 0.27-0.68). Trial sequential analysis indicated high risk of random errors due to lack of data, and the quality of evidence was very low for all outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
There is low quantity and quality of evidence supporting the use of empirical metronidazole in adult patients with severe bacterial infections of any origin, and no firm evidence for benefit or harm.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Infections; Cause of Death; Humans; Length of Stay; Metronidazole; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 30729495
DOI: 10.1111/aas.13327 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2021The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and the antibacterial activities has provided enormous data on populations, geographical areas, and experiments with bio silver...
The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and the antibacterial activities has provided enormous data on populations, geographical areas, and experiments with bio silver nanoparticles' antibacterial operation. Several peer-reviewed publications have discussed various aspects of this subject field over the last generation. However, there is an absence of a detailed and structured framework that can represent the research domain on this topic. This paper attempts to evaluate current articles mainly on the biosynthesis of nanoparticles or antibacterial activities utilizing the scientific methodology of big data analytics. A comprehensive study was done using multiple databases-Medline, Scopus, and Web of Sciences through PRISMA (i.e., Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The keywords used included 'biosynthesis silver nano particles' OR 'silver nanoparticles' OR 'biosynthesis' AND 'antibacterial behavior' OR 'anti-microbial opposition' AND 'systematic analysis,' by using MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms, Boolean operator's parenthesis, or truncations as required. Since their effectiveness is dependent on particle size or initial concentration, it necessitates more research. Understanding the field of silver nanoparticle biosynthesis and antibacterial activity in Gulf areas and most Asian countries also necessitates its use of human-generated data. Furthermore, the need for this work has been highlighted by the lack of predictive modeling in this field and a need to combine specific domain expertise. Studies eligible for such a review were determined by certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study contributes to the existence of theoretical and analytical studies in this domain. After testing as per inclusion criteria, seven in vitro studies were selected out of 28 studies. Findings reveal that silver nanoparticles have different degrees of antimicrobial activity based on numerous factors. Limitations of the study include studies with low to moderate risks of bias and antimicrobial effects of silver nanoparticles. The study also reveals the possible use of silver nanoparticles as antibacterial irrigants using various methods, including a qualitative evaluation of knowledge and a comprehensive collection and interpretation of scientific studies.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Humans; Metal Nanoparticles; Particle Size; Silver
PubMed: 34443644
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26165057 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Feb 2014One in four women carry group B streptococci vaginally, which can infect the amniotic fluid before delivery or can infect the baby during delivery, causing sepsis,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
One in four women carry group B streptococci vaginally, which can infect the amniotic fluid before delivery or can infect the baby during delivery, causing sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis. Very low-birthweight infants are at much higher risk of infection or mortality, with up to 3% infected and mortality rates of up to 30%, even with immediate antibiotic treatment. Late-onset group B streptococcal infection begins from 7 days of age, and usually causes fever or meningitis, but is less often fatal compared with early infection.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: what are the effects of prophylactic treatment of asymptomatic neonates less than 7 days old with known risk factors for early-onset group B streptococcal infection? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to November 2013 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 5 studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: different antibiotics, monitoring and selective treatment, and routine antibiotic prophylaxis.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus agalactiae
PubMed: 24580886
DOI: No ID Found -
The Journal of Antibiotics Feb 2016Despite the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms are reluctant to develop novel antibiotics because of a host of market... (Review)
Review
Despite the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms are reluctant to develop novel antibiotics because of a host of market failures. This problem is complicated by public health goals that demand antibiotic conservation and equitable patient access. Thus, an innovative incentive strategy is needed to encourage sustainable investment in antibiotics. This systematic review consolidates, classifies and critically assesses a total of 47 proposed incentives. Given the large number of possible strategies, a decision framework is presented to assist with the selection of incentives. This framework focuses on addressing market failures that result in limited investment, public health priorities regarding antibiotic stewardship and patient access, and implementation constraints and operational realities. The flexible nature of this framework allows policy makers to tailor an antibiotic incentive package that suits a country's health system structure and needs.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Decision Support Techniques; Drug Discovery; Global Health; Health Policy; Humans; Motivation
PubMed: 26464014
DOI: 10.1038/ja.2015.98 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2022Endophthalmitis is a sight-threatening emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The condition is characterised by purulent inflammation of the intraocular... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Endophthalmitis is a sight-threatening emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The condition is characterised by purulent inflammation of the intraocular fluids caused by an infective agent. In exogenous endophthalmitis, the infective agent is foreign and typically introduced into the eye through intraocular surgery or open globe trauma.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the potential role of combined pars plana vitrectomy and intravitreal antibiotics in the acute management of exogenous endophthalmitis, versus the standard of care, defined as vitreous tap and intravitreal antibiotics.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register; 2022, Issue 5); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number registry; ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. There were no restrictions to language or year of publication. The date of the search was 5 May 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared pars plana vitrectomy and intravitreal injection of antibiotics versus intravitreal injection of antibiotics alone, for the immediate management of exogenous endophthalmitis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methods expected by Cochrane. Two review authors independently screened search results and extracted data. We considered the following outcomes: visual acuity improvement and change in visual acuity at three and six months; additional surgical procedures, including vitrectomy and cataract surgery, at any time during follow-up; quality of life and adverse effects. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: We identified a single RCT that met our inclusion criteria. The included RCT enrolled a total of 420 participants with clinical evidence of endophthalmitis, within six weeks of cataract surgery or secondary intraocular lens implantation. Participants were randomly assigned according to a 2 x 2 factorial design to either treatment with vitrectomy (VIT) or vitreous tap biopsy (TAP) and to treatment with or without systemic antibiotics. Twenty-four participants did not have a final follow-up: 12 died, five withdrew consent to be followed up, and seven were not willing to return for the visit. The study did not report visual acuity according to the review's predefined outcomes. At three months, 41% of all participants achieved 20/40 or better visual acuity and 69% had 20/100 or better acuity. The study authors reported that there was no statistically significant difference in visual acuity between treatment groups (very low-certainty evidence). There was low-certainty evidence of a similar requirement for additional surgical procedures (risk ratio RR 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.66 to 1.21). Adverse effects included: VIT group: dislocated intraocular lens (n = 2), macular infarction (n = 1). TAP group: expulsive haemorrhage (n = 1). Quality of life and mean change in visual acuity were not reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We identified a single RCT (published 27 years ago) for the role of early vitrectomy in exogenous endophthalmitis, which suggests that there may be no difference between groups (VIT vs TAP) for visual acuity at three or nine months' follow-up. We are of the opinion that there is a clear need for more randomised studies comparing the role of primary vitrectomy in exogenous endophthalmitis. Moreover, since the original RCT study, there have been incremental changes in the surgical techniques with which vitrectomy is performed. Such advances are likely to influence the outcome of early vitrectomy in exogenous endophthalmitis.
Topics: Humans; Vitrectomy; Endophthalmitis; Cataract Extraction; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cataract; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36398614
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013760.pub2 -
Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology 2022Neisseria meningitidis is one of the most important causes of meningitis and pathogens-associated deaths in developing and developed countries. Effective anti-microbial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Neisseria meningitidis is one of the most important causes of meningitis and pathogens-associated deaths in developing and developed countries. Effective anti-microbial agents are pivotal to treat and control N. meningitidis infections. The aim of the present study was to systematically review published studies on the antibiotic resistance of N. meningitidis in the last 20 years (2000-2020) in the world.
METHODS
Published researches were identified through a literature search using reputable databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Finally, 24 studies were included for a random-effects model meta-analysis.
RESULTS
The overall resistance to most commonly used antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin and rifampin was low, ranging from 1 to 3.4%. However, non-sensitivity to penicillin, as the first-line antibiotic against N. meningitidis, was higher (27.2%). Altogether, the resistance to the first-line antibiotics (except penicillin) is still low indicating these drugs are effective against meningococcal meningitis. We also found a significant gap between MIC and disk diffusion for evaluating resistance to antibiotics in which disk diffusion overestimate the resistance rate.
CONCLUSIONS
To properly management and prevent the spread of N. miningitidis isolates resistant antibiotics, it is necessary to monitor the pattern of antibiotic susceptibility regionally and globally using the MIC methods.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Humans; Meningococcal Infections; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Neisseria meningitidis; Penicillins
PubMed: 35654713
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2022.05.005