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The Pan African Medical Journal 2024as cholera, due to toxigenic bacteria Vibrio cholera (serogroups O1 and O139), is a major public health threat in Africa, the aim of this work was to investigate...
INTRODUCTION
as cholera, due to toxigenic bacteria Vibrio cholera (serogroups O1 and O139), is a major public health threat in Africa, the aim of this work was to investigate potentially pathogenic Vibrionaceae bacteria firstly from human stool samples, and secondly from various environmental water points of Saint-Louis city in Senegal.
METHODS
a hospital-based study was conducted between 2013 and 2015. Stool samples were taken and cultured from daily incoming patients or hospitalized for acute diarrhea at Saint-Louis´ regional hospital. For environment, a monthly longitudinal sampling from January to October 2016 was carried out at 10 sites in the city. We used total DNA extracted from APW (alkaline peptone water) broth solutions and on suspect bacterial colonies to run PCR Multiplex targeting specific DNA fragments to detect Vibrio genus and specific species. In case of positivity, a simplex PCR was performed to test for cholera toxins Ctx, and V. parahaemolyticus TRH and TDH.
RESULTS
for 43 patients screened, bacterial culture was positive in 6% of cases but no strain of V. cholerae or other Vibrio sp. was isolated. PCR on 90 APW solutions were positive for Vibrio sp.(n = 43), V. cholera(n = 27), V. mimicus(n = 16), V. parahaemolyticus(8), V. alginolyticus(n = 4), and V. vulnificus(n = 2). Unlike for those on suspected colonies which were positive for a majority of V. parahaemolyticus (n = 40) and V. cholerae non-O1 / O139 (n = 35). Six strains of V. parahaemolyticus carried TRH gene, 3 of which expressed simultaneously virulence TRH and TDH genes. For physicochemical parameters, all temperatures varied similarly according to a unimodal seasonality, as well as salinity.
CONCLUSION
despite the presence of natural populations of Vibrionaceae, even toxigenic ones, was noted in water environment, along with favorable habitat conditions that could play a role in transmission of Vibriosis in the Saint Louis population, we did not isolate any of them from patients screened at the hospital.
Topics: Humans; Senegal; Cholera; Feces; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Diarrhea; Water Microbiology; Vibrionaceae; Vibrio; DNA, Bacterial; Vibrio cholerae; Adult; Female; Male
PubMed: 38946740
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.48.5.34685 -
Chimia Jun 2024The surge in greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) spurred by the Industrial Revolution, has surpassed the critical threshold of...
The surge in greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) spurred by the Industrial Revolution, has surpassed the critical threshold of 400 ppm, fueling global warming, ocean acidification, and climate change. To mitigate the adverse effects of these emissions and limit the global temperature rise to below 2 °C, the ambitious target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 was established in the Paris Agreement. Current state-of-the-art technologies, such as amine scrubbing, remain problematic owing to their high energy requirements, susceptibility to corrosion, and other operational challenges. Owing to the lack of suitable technologies coupled with escalating energy demand, there is still a significant amount of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for the development of alternative technologies that offer high efficiency, low energy consumption, cost-effective installation, and operation. In this review, we delve into the emerging technologies poised to address these challenges, evaluating their maturity levels in comparison to existing commercially available solutions. Furthermore, we provide a brief overview of ongoing efforts aimed at commercializing these innovative technologies.
PubMed: 38946414
DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2024.415 -
Bone & Joint Open Jul 2024The primary aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of recruiting and retaining patients to a patient-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing...
Randomized feasibility study of an autologous protein solution versus corticosteroids injection for treating subacromial pain in the primary care setting - the SPiRIT trial.
AIMS
The primary aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of recruiting and retaining patients to a patient-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing corticosteroid injection (CSI) to autologous protein solution (APS) injection for the treatment of subacromial shoulder pain in a community care setting. The study focused on recruitment rates and retention of participants throughout, and collected data on the interventions' safety and efficacy.
METHODS
Participants were recruited from two community musculoskeletal treatment centres in the UK. Patients were eligible if aged 18 years or older, and had a clinical diagnosis of subacromial impingement syndrome which the treating clinician thought was suitable for treatment with a subacromial injection. Consenting patients were randomly allocated 1:1 to a patient-blinded subacromial injection of CSI (standard care) or APS. The primary outcome measures of this study relate to rates of recruitment, retention, and compliance with intervention and follow-up to determine feasibility. Secondary outcome measures relate to the safety and efficacy of the interventions.
RESULTS
A total of 53 patients were deemed eligible, and 50 patients (94%) recruited between April 2022 and October 2022. Overall, 49 patients (98%) complied with treatment. Outcome data were collected in 100% of participants at three months and 94% at six months. There were no significant adverse events. Both groups demonstrated improvement in patient-reported outcome measures over the six-month period.
CONCLUSION
Our study shows that it is feasible to recruit to a patient-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing APS and CSI for subacromial pain in terms of clinical outcomes and health-resource use in the UK. Safety and efficacy data are presented.
PubMed: 38946298
DOI: 10.1302/2633-1462.57.BJO-2023-0180.R1 -
Journal of Oleo Science 2024Herein, we evaluated friction dynamics of human skin treated with polyacrylic acid aqueous solutions or gel creams using a sinusoidal motion friction evaluation system...
Herein, we evaluated friction dynamics of human skin treated with polyacrylic acid aqueous solutions or gel creams using a sinusoidal motion friction evaluation system to demonstrate the effect of treatment with polymer aqueous solutions on human skin. A polymer aqueous solution or gel cream was applied to the inner forearms of 10 subjects to evaluate temporal changes in friction force under sinusoidal motion. Water content, skin viscoelasticity, and transepidermal water loss were also simultaneously measured to determine the effects on skin conditions. When human skin was treated with the polymer aqueous solution, the friction coefficient immediately after treatment was 0.69-0.99 and the delay time δ, a normalized parameter of the time difference in the delayed response of friction to the movement of the contact probe divided by the friction time T for one round trip, was 0.171-0.179, which was greater than that of untreated skin. This increase was caused by the swelling and softening of the stratum corneum caused by the penetration of water in the polymer aqueous solution, which increased true contact area between the skin and contact probe. A significant difference was observed in the friction coefficient of the skin immediately after treatment with different polymer aqueous solutions. Among polymers (P1-P4), P4, which has a low-salt resistance and low yield stress, had the lowest friction coefficient because of collapsing of the polymer network structures by shearing and reduced viscosity owing to salts on human skin. The skin treated with a gel cream also exhibited a greater friction coefficient than the untreated skin immediately after treatment and 90 min later. This phenomenon can be caused by the occlusive effect of the oil in the gel cream.
Topics: Humans; Friction; Water; Viscosity; Solutions; Acrylic Resins; Skin; Elasticity; Adult; Female; Male; Polymers; Skin Cream; Gels; Water Loss, Insensible
PubMed: 38945920
DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess24036 -
Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics Jun 2024Synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is environmentally friendly and of increasing interest. However, not all plant extracts can meet successfully on...
Synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is environmentally friendly and of increasing interest. However, not all plant extracts can meet successfully on the synthesis. Therefore, searching for the high potential extracts that can reduce the metal salt precursor in the synthesis reaction is essential. The present study explores the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) using Caesalpinia sappan heartwood extract. Phytochemical analysis and determination of the total phenolic content of the extract were performed before use as a reducing agent. Under the suitable synthesized condition, a color change in the color of the solutions to brown confirmed the formation of CuONPs. The obtained CuONPs were confirmed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, photon correlation spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The synthesized CuONPs investigated for antioxidant, antiglycation, and antibacterial activities. CuONPs possessed antioxidant activities by quenching free radicals with an IC value of 63.35 µg/mL and reducing activity with an EC range of 3.19-10.27 mM/mg. CuONPs also inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products in the bovine serum albumin/ribose model with an IC value of 17.05 µg/mL. In addition, CuONPs showed inhibition of human pathogens, including Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, and prevention of biofilm formation and biofilm eradication, with maximum inhibition of approx. 75%. Our findings suggest that C. sappan extract can be used to obtain highly bioactive CuONPs for the development of certain medical devices and therapeutic agents.
PubMed: 38945877
DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2024.01030 -
Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the... 2024An aqueous solution of 2,3-cis gallate type catechin (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCg) and caffeine afforded a precipitate of Creaming-down Phenomenon, which... (Review)
Review
An aqueous solution of 2,3-cis gallate type catechin (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCg) and caffeine afforded a precipitate of Creaming-down Phenomenon, which crystallized slowly for about three months to give a colorless block crystal. By X-ray crystallographic analysis, the crystal was determined to be a 2 : 2 complex of EGCg and caffeine, in which caffeine molecules were captured in a hydrophobic space formed with three aromatic A, B, and B' rings of EGCg. It was considered that the solubility of the 2 : 2 complex in water rapidly decreased and the 2 : 2 complex precipitated from aqueous solution. The hydrophobic spaces of EGCg captured a variety of heterocyclic compounds, and the molecular capture abilities of heterocyclic compounds using EGCg from the aqueous solutions were evaluated. Since the C ring of EGCg has two chiral carbon atoms, C and C, the hydrophobic space of EGCg was a chiral space. EGCg captured diketopiperazine cyclo(Pro-Xxx) (Xxx=Phe, Tyr) and pharmaceuticals with a xanthine skeleton, proxyphylline and diprophylline, in the hydrophobic space, and recognized their chirality.
Topics: Catechin; Tea; Caffeine; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; Solubility; Crystallography, X-Ray; Stereoisomerism; Water; Crystallization; Solutions; Heterocyclic Compounds; Xanthines
PubMed: 38945846
DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.24-00086 -
The Journal of Toxicological Sciences 2024Clothianidin (CLO), a neonicotinoid that is widely used in forests and agricultural areas, was recently reported to cause toxicity in mammals. Although sensitivity to...
Clothianidin (CLO), a neonicotinoid that is widely used in forests and agricultural areas, was recently reported to cause toxicity in mammals. Although sensitivity to chemicals varies between sexes and developmental stages, studies that comprehensively evaluate both males and females are limited. Therefore, in this study we utilized murine models to compare the sex-specific differences in behavioral effects following CLO exposure at different developmental stages. We orally administered CLO to male and female mice as a single high-dose solution (80 mg/kg) during the postnatal period (2-week-old), adolescence (6-week-old), or maturity (10-week-old), and subsequently evaluated higher brain function. The behavioral battery test consisted of open field, light/dark transition, and contextual/cued fear conditioning tests conducted at three and seven months of age. After the behavioral test, the brains were dissected and prepared for immunohistochemical staining. We observed behavioral abnormalities in anxiety, spatial memory, and cued memory only in female mice. Moreover, the immunohistochemical analysis showed a reduction in astrocytes within the hippocampus of female mice with behavioral abnormalities. The behavioral abnormalities observed in female CLO-treated mice were consistent with the typical behavioral abnormalities associated with hippocampal astrocyte dysfunction. It is therefore possible that the CLO-induced behavioral abnormalities are at least in part related to a reduction in astrocyte numbers. The results of this study highlight the differences in behavioral effects following CLO exposure between sexes and developmental stages.
Topics: Animals; Female; Neonicotinoids; Guanidines; Male; Behavior, Animal; Thiazoles; Hippocampus; Sex Characteristics; Fear; Astrocytes; Anxiety; Mice; Sex Factors; Spatial Memory; Administration, Oral; Insecticides
PubMed: 38945841
DOI: 10.2131/jts.49.301 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2024The resolution of factors linked to the recurrence of cesarean section defects can be accomplished through a comprehensive technique that effectively addresses the...
BACKGROUND
The resolution of factors linked to the recurrence of cesarean section defects can be accomplished through a comprehensive technique that effectively addresses the dehiscent area, eliminates associated intraluminal fibrosis, and establishes a vascularized anterior wall by creating a sliding myometrial flap.
OBJECTIVE
Propose a comprehensive surgical repair for recurrent and large low hysterotomy defects in women seeking pregnancy or recurrent spotting.
STUDY DESIGN
A retrospective cohort analysis included 54 patients aged 25-41 with recurrent large cesarean scar defects treated at Otamendi, CEMIC, and Valle de Lili hospitals. Comprehensive surgical repair was performed by suprapubic laparotomy, involving a wide opening of the vesicouterine space, removal of the dehiscent cesarean scar and all intrauterine abnormal fibrous tissues, using a glide myometrial flap, and intramyometrial injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma. Qualitative variables were determined, and descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data in absolute frequencies or percentages. The data obtained were processed using the Infostat statistic program.
RESULTS
Following the repair, all women experienced normal menstrual cycles and demonstrated an adequate lower uterine segment thickness, with no evidence of healing defects. All patients experienced early ambulation and were discharged within 24 h. Uterine hemostasis was achieved at specific points, minimizing the use of electrocautery. The standard duration of the procedure was 60 min (skin-to-skin), and the average bleeding was 80-100 ml. No perioperative complications were recorded. A control T2-weighted MRI was performed six months after surgery. All patients displayed a clean, unobstructed endometrial cavity with a thick anterior wall (Median: 14.98 mm, IQR 13-17). Twelve patients became pregnant again, all delivered by cesarean between 36.1 and 38.0 weeks, with a mean of 37.17 weeks. The thickness of the uterine segment before cesarean ranged between 3 and 7 mm, with a mean of 3.91 mm. No cases of placenta previa, dehiscence, placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), or postpartum hemorrhage were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
The comprehensive repair of recurrent low-large defects offers a holistic solution for addressing recurrent hysterotomy defects. Innovative repair concepts effectively address the wound defect and associated fibrosis, ensuring an appropriate myometrial thickness through a gliding myometrial flap.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Retrospective Studies; Hysterotomy; Pregnancy; Cicatrix; Surgical Flaps; Cesarean Section; Myometrium; Recurrence
PubMed: 38945839
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2365344 -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024Post-harvest water loss and microbial infections are the root cause of the rapid deterioration of fresh fruit after the picking process, with both environmental and...
Post-harvest water loss and microbial infections are the root cause of the rapid deterioration of fresh fruit after the picking process, with both environmental and economic implications. Therefore, it is crucial to find solutions that can increase the shelf life of fresh fruits. For this purpose, edible coatings, naturally derived and non-synthetic, are acknowledged as a safe strategy. Among polymeric coatings, chitosan is one of the most effective. In this work, this biopolymer, produced from chitin extracted from Hermetia illucens, an alternative and more sustainable source than crustaceans (the commercial one), was exploited to extend the shelf life of white and red grapes. Chitosan from H. illucens pupal exuviae, at 0.5 % and 1 % concentrations, was applied on both grapes, which were then stored at room temperature or 4 °C. The study of chemical-physical parameters such as weight loss, Total Soluble Solids and pH, demonstrated the effectiveness of the biopolymer, even better than crustacean chitosan. Moreover, the analysis of nutraceutical properties has demonstrated that this natural edible coating improves the quality of grapes, with beneficial effects for human health. The obtained results, therefore, confirmed the viability of using insect-chitosan as an alternative to crustaceans for the preservation of fresh food.
PubMed: 38945705
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133149 -
Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver... Jun 2024Colonoscopy has a vital role in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as in the estimation of disease severity, monitoring response to therapy, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Colonoscopy has a vital role in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as in the estimation of disease severity, monitoring response to therapy, and surveillance for neoplasia. We performed a systematic review of randomised trials of various bowel preparations for colonoscopy in IBD.
METHODS
We searched various electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL) for studies reporting about the use of various strategies to improve colonoscopy preparation in IBD. We included only randomized clinical trials (RCTs). A network meta-analysis was done using a frequentist approach to compare the effectiveness of various bowel preparations. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool 2.0. Other outcome parameters like compliance, tolerance, acceptance, and adverse effects were assessed qualitatively.
RESULTS
Seven RCTs reporting about 960 patients were included. On comparison with 4 liter (L) of poliethylen glycol (PEG), oral sulfate solution (OR=1.1, 95%CI: 0.65-1.86); PEG2L/Ascorbate (OR=0.98, 95%CI: 0.65-1.48); PEG1L (OR=1, 95%CI: 0.55-1.81); PEG2L plus bisacodyl (OR=1.08, 95%CI: 0.71-1.65); PEG4L plus simethicone (OR=1, 95%CI: 0.67-1.50); PEG/ sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate (SPMC) 1.5L (OR=0.99, 95%CI: 0.55-1.78); SPMC 2L (OR=1.09, 95%CI: 0.61-1.97) had similar effectiveness. Three RCTs reported compliance, five RCTs reported tolerance, two studies reported patient acceptance and five RCTs reported data on the willingness of patients to repeat the procedure in the future. Low-volume preparations had better compliance, tolerance, acceptance, and willingness to repeat. No difference in additional outcomes like change in disease activity after colonoscopy, procedure-related outcomes after colonoscopy like cecal intubation rate, and change in electrolyte levels were found.
CONCLUSION
Various bowel preparations had similar effectiveness in respect to colonoscopy preparation in IBD patients. Low-volume preparations have better compliance, tolerance, and acceptance. The systematic review was limited by a small number of included RCTs.
Topics: Humans; Colonoscopy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Cathartics; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Network Meta-Analysis
PubMed: 38944852
DOI: 10.15403/jgld-5433