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Bioresources and Bioprocessing May 2024In this work, a beneficial approach for efficient depolymerization of lignin and controllable product distribution is provided. Lignin, an abundant aromatic biopolymer,...
In this work, a beneficial approach for efficient depolymerization of lignin and controllable product distribution is provided. Lignin, an abundant aromatic biopolymer, has the potential to produce various biofuels and chemical adsorption agents and is expected to benefit the future circular economy. Microwave-ultrasonic (MW/US) assisted efficient depolymerization of lignin affords some aromatic materials used in manufacturing the starting material to be investigated. Some nano organometallic surfactants (NOMS) based on Ni, Cu, Co, Fe, and Mn besides 2-hydroxynaphth-sulphanilamide are synthesized to enhance oil recovery (EOR). In this work, the assessment of the NOMS's efficiency was improving the heavy oil recovery via the study of the dynamic interfacial tension (IFT), contact angle, and chemical flooding scenarios. The NOMS-Ni exhibited the maximum reduction of viscosity and yield values. Dropping the viscosity to 819.9, 659.89, and 499.9 Pa s from blank crude oil viscosity of 9978.8, 8005.6, and 5008.6 Pa s respectively at temperatures of 40, 60, and 80 °C was investigated. The reduction of τ values was obtained also by OMS-Ni. The minimum IFT was recorded against the Ni derivatives (0.1 × 10 mN m). The complete wettability alteration was achieved with the NOMS-Ni surfactant (ɵ The flooding test has been steered in 3 sets using the sand-packed model as a porous media at surfactant concentrations (1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5%) at 50 °C and 499 psi as injection pressure. The best value (ORs) formed for NOMS-Ni were 62, 81, 85.2, and 89% respectively as compared with other NOMS-M at the same concentrations. The mechanism of alternating wettability was described in the text. The rheology of the used heavy crude oil was investigated under temperatures of 40, 60, and 80 °C.
PubMed: 38709379
DOI: 10.1186/s40643-024-00761-9 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jun 2024The combined pollution of microplastics (MPs) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) often occurs in aquatic ecosystems, posing a serious threat to animal and human health. However,...
The combined pollution of microplastics (MPs) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) often occurs in aquatic ecosystems, posing a serious threat to animal and human health. However, little is known about the liver damage caused by the single or co-exposure of MPs and SMZ, and its specific mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of co-exposure to 20 μm or 80 nm MPs and SMZ in both larval and adult zebrafish models. Firstly, we observed a significant decrease in the number of hepatocytes and the liver damage in larval zebrafish worsened following co-exposure to SMZ and MPs. Additionally, the number of macrophages and neutrophils decreased, while the expression of inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant enzyme activities increased after co-exposure in larval zebrafish. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant changes in gene expression in the co-exposed groups, particularly in processes related to oxidation-reduction, inflammatory response, and the MAPK signaling pathway in the liver of adult zebrafish. Co-exposure of SMZ and MPs also promoted hepatocyte apoptosis and inhibited proliferation levels, which was associated with the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and an increase in protein levels of Nrf2 and NF-kB p65 in the adult zebrafish. Furthermore, our pharmacological experiments demonstrated that inhibiting ROS and blocking the MAPK signaling pathway partially rescued the liver injury induced by co-exposure both in larval and adult zebrafish. In conclusion, our findings suggest that co-exposure to SMZ and MPs induces hepatic dysfunction through the ROS-mediated MAPK signaling pathway in zebrafish. This information provides novel insights into the potential environmental risk of MPs and hazardous pollutants co-existence in aquatic ecosystems.
Topics: Animals; Zebrafish; Sulfamethoxazole; Microplastics; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Reactive Oxygen Species; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Liver; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Larva; Apoptosis; Hepatocytes
PubMed: 38703406
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116415 -
The American Journal of Case Reports May 2024BACKGROUND Histoplasmosis is typically associated with immunocompromised individuals, but cases in immunocompetent patients are rare. Primary cutaneous histoplasmosis...
BACKGROUND Histoplasmosis is typically associated with immunocompromised individuals, but cases in immunocompetent patients are rare. Primary cutaneous histoplasmosis (PCH) is a challenging diagnosis due to its clinical polymorphism and can mimic other infectious and non-infectious diseases. Previous cases of PCH have been reported in immunocompetent patients with underlying medical conditions or trauma history. So far there have been no reports of PCH after platelet-rich plasma (PRP) application due to inadequate hygiene measures in an immunocompetent host. CASE REPORT This case report presents a rare occurrence of PCH following a cosmetic procedure (PRP injection) in an immunocompetent patient. The patient developed nodule-like lesions at the application sites, which progressed to ulceration with purulent discharge. Initially, atypical mycobacterial infection was suspected, and empirical antibiotic therapy was initiated. Complementary tests were performed, ruling out immunosuppression and systemic pathogens. The patient showed complete resolution of the lesions after one month of atypical treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX). Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of PCH with intracytoplasmic inclusions of Histoplasma sp. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the importance of considering histoplasmosis as a diagnostic possibility, especially in hyperendemic areas like Venezuela. Direct inoculation of Histoplasma sp. after aesthetic procedures without proper hygiene measures can lead to pathological lesions, even in immunocompetent individuals. TMP/SMX can be considered as an alternative treatment option in the absence of the first-line medication. Further exploration of this treatment approach may benefit patients with similar clinical conditions or when ideal treatment options are unavailable.
Topics: Humans; Histoplasmosis; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Female; Cosmetic Techniques; Dermatomycoses; Immunocompetence; Adult
PubMed: 38702880
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.942660 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jun 2024Discharging pharmaceutically active drugs into water and wastewater has become a significant environmental threat. Traditional methods are unable to effectively remove...
Discharging pharmaceutically active drugs into water and wastewater has become a significant environmental threat. Traditional methods are unable to effectively remove these compounds from wastewater, so it is necessary to search for more effective methods. This study investigates the potential of MIL-101(Cr)-NH as a preferable and more effective adsorbent for the adsorption and removal of pharmaceutically active compounds from aqueous solutions. By utilizing its large porosity, high specific surface area, and high stability, the structural and transport properties of three pharmaceutically active compounds naproxen (NAP), diclofenac (DIC) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX)) studied using molecular dynamics simulation. The results indicate that the MIL-101(Cr)-NH adsorbent is suitable for removing drug molecules from aqueous solutions, with maximum adsorption capacities of 697.75 mg/g for naproxen, 704.99 mg/g for diclofenac, and 725.51 mg/g for sulfamethoxazole.
Topics: Water Pollutants, Chemical; Naproxen; Metal-Organic Frameworks; Sulfamethoxazole; Diclofenac; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Adsorption; Water Purification; Wastewater; Pharmaceutical Preparations
PubMed: 38701652
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116333 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Aug 2024Fe and N co-doped walnut shell biochar (Fe,N-BC) was prepared through a one-pot pyrolysis procedure by using walnut shells as feedstocks, melamine as the N source, and...
Fe and N co-doped walnut shell biochar (Fe,N-BC) was prepared through a one-pot pyrolysis procedure by using walnut shells as feedstocks, melamine as the N source, and iron (III) chloride as the Fe source. Moreover, pristine biochar (BC), nitrogen-doped biochar (N-BC), and α-FeO-BC were synthesized as controls. All the prepared materials were characterized by different techniques and were used for the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX). A very high degradation rate for SMX (10 mg/L) was achieved with Fe,N-BC/PMS (0.5 min), which was higher than those for BC/PMS (0.026 min), N-BC/PMS (0.038 min), and α-FeO-BC/PMS (0.33 min) under the same conditions. This is mainly due to the formation of FeC and iron oxides, which are very reactive for the activation of PMS. In the next step, Fe,N-BC was employed for the formation of a composite membrane structure by a liquid-induced phase inversion process. The synthesized ultrafiltration membrane not only exhibited high separation performance for humic acid sodium salt (HA, 98%) but also exhibited improved self-cleaning properties when applied for rhodamine B (RhB) filtration combined with a PMS solution cleaning procedure. Scavenging experiments revealed that O was the predominant species responsible for the degradation of SMX. The transformation products of SMX and possible degradation pathways were also identified. Furthermore, the toxicity assessment revealed that the overall toxicity of the intermediate was lower than that of SMX.
Topics: Juglans; Sulfamethoxazole; Charcoal; Peroxides; Iron; Nitrogen; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 38697252
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124018 -
BMC Pediatrics Apr 2024In environments with limited resources, undernutrition is a serious public health risk. Its dual relationship to human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) leads to...
Survival status and its predictors among undernourished children on antiretroviral therapy in Bahir Dar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2010 - 2020, a multicenter retrospective cohort study.
BACKGROUND
In environments with limited resources, undernutrition is a serious public health risk. Its dual relationship to human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) leads to crises in a child's physical, emotional, social, and economic spheres of life. Nevertheless, little research has been done on the survival rate and risk factors that lead to poor survival outcomes in undernourished children receiving antiretroviral therapy. This study sought to evaluate survival status and its predictors among undernourished children on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in public health facilities, Bahir Dar city, September 1, 2010 - December 31, 2020.
METHODS
An institution-based retrospective cohort study design was used among 414 study participants from September 1, 2010 - December 31, 2020. A simple random sampling method was applied to select study participants. All collected data were entered into epi data version 4.6 and exported to STATA version 14.0 for analysis. Each independent predictor variable with a p-value < 0.05 in the multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
The overall incidence of mortality was 11.6 deaths per 1000 child year observation (95%CI: 7.7- 17.5). Baseline weight for age < -3 Z score (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 4.9, 95% CI: 1.30-18.98), height for age < -3 Z score (AHR = 4.34, 95%CI 1.13-16.6), cotrimoxazole prophylaxis given (AHR = 0.27, 95%CI 0.08-0.87), hemoglobin level < 10 g/dl (AHR = 3.7, 95%CI 1.1-12.7), CD4 cells < threshold (AHR = 4.86, 95%CI 1.9-12.7), and WHO clinical disease stage III and IV (AHR = 8.1, 95%CI 1.97-33) were found independent predictors of mortality.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
The incidence of mortality was determined in the study to be 11.6 per 1000 child years. Mortality was predicted by severe stunting, severe underweight, a low hemoglobin level, a low CD4 count, and WHO clinical stages III and IV. But the risk of death is reduced by starting cotrimoxazole preventative therapy early. The risk factors that result in a low survival status should be the primary focus of all concerned bodies, and early cotrimoxazole preventive treatment initiation is strongly recommended.
Topics: Humans; Ethiopia; Retrospective Studies; Male; Female; HIV Infections; Child, Preschool; Infant; Risk Factors; Survival Rate; Child Nutrition Disorders; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Child; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Malnutrition
PubMed: 38689230
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04745-8 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Growing resistance to antimicrobials, combined with pathogens that form biofilms, presents significant challenges in healthcare. Modifying current antimicrobial agents...
Growing resistance to antimicrobials, combined with pathogens that form biofilms, presents significant challenges in healthcare. Modifying current antimicrobial agents is an economical approach to developing novel molecules that could exhibit biological activity. Thus, five sulfanilamide Schiff bases were synthesized under microwave irradiation and characterized spectroscopically and in silico. They were evaluated for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Their cytotoxic potential against two cancer cell lines was also determined. Gram-positive bacteria were susceptible to the action of these compounds. Derivatives and inhibited 's growth (MIC from 0.014 mg/mL) and biofilm (IC from 0.029 mg/mL), while compound was active against s planktonic and sessile forms. Two compounds significantly reduced cell viability at 5 μg/mL after 24 h of exposure (-HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, -LN229 glioblastoma cells). A docking study revealed the increased binding affinities of these derivatives compared to sulfanilamide. Hence, these Schiff bases exhibited higher activity compared to their parent drug, with halogen groups playing a crucial role in both their antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects.
PubMed: 38675368
DOI: 10.3390/ph17040405 -
Biomolecules Apr 2024This scientific study employs the Taylor dispersion technique for diffusion measurements to investigate the interaction between sulfamerazine (NaSMR) and macromolecular...
This scientific study employs the Taylor dispersion technique for diffusion measurements to investigate the interaction between sulfamerazine (NaSMR) and macromolecular cyclodextrins (-CD and HP--CD). The results reveal that the presence of -CD influences the diffusion of the solution component, NaSMR, indicating a counterflow of this drug due to solute interaction. However, diffusion data indicate no inclusion of NaSMR within the sterically hindered HP--CD cavity. Additionally, toxicity tests were conducted, including pollen germination () and growth curve assays in BY-2 cells. The pollen germination tests demonstrate a reduction in sulfamerazine toxicity, suggesting potential applications for this antimicrobial agent with diminished adverse effects. This comprehensive investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of sulfamerazine-cyclodextrin interactions and their implications for pharmaceutical and biological systems.
Topics: Sulfamerazine; Diffusion; Cyclodextrins; Toxicity Tests; beta-Cyclodextrins; 2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin
PubMed: 38672478
DOI: 10.3390/biom14040462 -
World Journal of Urology Apr 2024The recent restriction on the use of fluoroquinolones for prophylaxis by the European Commission has left a gap in clear recommendations for practical antibiotic...
PURPOSE
The recent restriction on the use of fluoroquinolones for prophylaxis by the European Commission has left a gap in clear recommendations for practical antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) for transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPB). This analysis investigated the viability of cotrimoxazole for PAP in TRPB.
METHODS
This analysis included n = 697 patients who underwent TRPB for suspected prostate cancer (PCa). All patients received either empiric PAP with four doses of cotrimoxazole 960 mg or targeted antibiotic prophylaxis in case of a positive rectal or urine screening for multiresistant gram-negatives. Infectious complications after TRPB, microbiological findings, and clinical characteristics were evaluated. A multivariable logistic regression model was calculated to identify variables associated with infectious complications.
RESULTS
Of the cohort, 86% (600/697) received PAP with cotrimoxazole, 1% (8/697) received cotrimoxazole plus an additional antibiotic, 4% (28/697) received amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, 4% (28/697) received fluoroquinolones, and 5% (33/697) received a single shot intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis with meropenem or piperacillin + tazobactam due to multiresistant microbiological findings in either pre-interventional urine culture or rectal swab. Infectious complications occurred in 2.6% (18/697) of patients. Fever was noted in 89% (16/18) of cases. Inpatient treatment was given to 67% (12/18) of affected patients, with 38% (7/18) having positive blood cultures, identifying cotrimoxazole-resistant E. coli strains in six out of seven cases. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed no clinically significant variables, including PAP with cotrimoxazole, as independent risk factors for an infectious complication.
CONCLUSIONS
Using cotrimoxazole as PAP for TRPB in cases without multiresistant gram-negatives in pre-interventional urine cultures or rectal swabs seems feasible and practical.
Topics: Humans; Male; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Aged; Middle Aged; Prostate; Rectum; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Prostatic Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Biopsy
PubMed: 38664275
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-024-04969-4 -
The Journal of Infection Jun 2024Nocardiosis is a rare but life-threatening infection after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We aimed at identifying risk factors for nocardiosis after...
Risk factors for Nocardia infection among allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients: A case-control study of the Infectious Diseases Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.
OBJECTIVES
Nocardiosis is a rare but life-threatening infection after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We aimed at identifying risk factors for nocardiosis after allogeneic HCT and clarifying the effect of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis on its occurrence.
METHODS
We performed a retrospective multicenter case-control study of patients diagnosed with nocardiosis after allogeneic HCT between January 2000 and December 2018. For each case, two controls were matched by center, transplant date, and age group. Multivariable analysis was conducted using conditional logistic regression to identify potential risk factors for nocardiosis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves of cases and controls were compared using log-rank tests.
RESULTS
Sixty-four cases and 128 controls were included. Nocardiosis occurred at a median of 9 months after allogeneic HCT (interquartile range: 5-18). After adjustment for potential confounders in a multivariable model, Nocardia infection was associated with tacrolimus use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 9.9, 95 % confidence interval [95 % CI]: 1.6-62.7), lymphocyte count < 500/µL (aOR 8.9, 95 % CI: 2.3-34.7), male sex (aOR 8.1, 95 % CI: 2.1-31.5), recent use of systemic corticosteroids (aOR 7.9, 95 % CI: 2.2-28.2), and recent CMV infection (aOR 4.3, 95 % CI: 1.2-15.9). Conversely, use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis was associated with a significantly decreased risk of nocardiosis (aOR 0.2, 95 % CI: 0.1-0.8). HCT recipients who developed nocardiosis had a significantly decreased survival, as compared with controls (12-month survival: 58 % and 90 %, respectively; p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
We identified six factors independently associated with the occurrence of nocardiosis among allogeneic HCT recipients. In particular, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis was found to protect against nocardiosis.
Topics: Humans; Nocardia Infections; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Male; Female; Case-Control Studies; Risk Factors; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Transplantation, Homologous; Aged; Transplant Recipients; Nocardia; Antibiotic Prophylaxis
PubMed: 38663756
DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106162