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Environmental Science and Ecotechnology Jan 2024Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is a significant environmental concern due to its adverse effects and ecological risks. SMX elimination in aquatic environments via photocatalysis...
Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is a significant environmental concern due to its adverse effects and ecological risks. SMX elimination in aquatic environments via photocatalysis presents a viable solution, given its high oxidation potential. However, such a solution remains controversial, primarily due to a lack of selectivity. Here we introduce a molecularly imprinted TiO@FeO@g-CN (MFTC) photocatalyst designed for the selective degradation of SMX. To assess MFTC's selectivity, we applied it to degrade synthetic wastewater containing SMX alongside interfering species sulfadiazine (SDZ), ibuprofen (IBU), and bisphenol A (BPA). The results demonstrated a selective degradation efficiency rate of 96.8%, nearly twice that of competing pollutants. The molecularly imprinted sites within the catalyst played a crucial role by selectively capturing SMX and enhancing its adsorption, thereby improving catalytic efficiency. The degradation process involved •OH and •O free radicals, with a newly proposed double Z-scheme mechanism and potential pathway for SMX degradation by the MFTC photocatalytic system. This study enriches the application of photocatalysis using molecularly imprinted nanocomposite materials for treating complex pollutant mixtures in water.
PubMed: 37701858
DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2023.100308 -
Le Infezioni in Medicina 2023cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, cerebral and ocular toxoplasmosis are common infections in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Material and...
BACKGROUND
cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, cerebral and ocular toxoplasmosis are common infections in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Material and methods: this is a case of a 46-year-old female with previous Kaposi's sarcoma, diagnosed with an HIV infection two weeks prior to hospitalization. Blood test at diagnosis showed a CD4+ count of 77 cell/μL and HIV-RNA 3.758.745 copies/mL. Therapy with bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate was started and clinical, viroimmunological and microbiological investigations were performed.
RESULTS
the patient went to our hospital for the onset of left occipito-parietal headache and blurred vision. Brain CT and MRI were performed which did not show focal lesions or vascular alterations. Syphilis serology was negative, serology showed positive IgG and negative IgM, serum CMV-DNA was 31.184 IU/mL. Eye fundus evidenced intraretinal hemorrhages, fluorescein angiography and computed optical tomography documented cottony exudates, retinal hemorrhages and vitreous involvement. Therapy with valganciclovir was initiated for suspicion of CMV retinitis. About a month later, the patient reported blurred vision for which she was re-admitted. Ocular fundus showed a cottony lesion near the macula. Molecular test on vitreous body was positive for , while on cerebrospinal fluid it was negative; in addition, an MRI of the brain with contrast medium was performed which showed an area of altered hyperintense signal compatible with a diagnosis of uveitis and neurotoxoplasmosis. Therapy with pyrimethamine and clindamycin (allergy for sulfonamide reported by the patient) was started. Allergy counseling was performed with the execution of allergy tests (patch test) with negative result; therefore the administration of clindamycin was replaced with sulfadiazine. A month following the start of anti-toxoplasma therapy, there was a clinical and radiological improvement.
CONCLUSIONS
despite progressive developments in the management of PLWH, in this case two different kind of opportunistic infection are found in a late-presenter patient. In particular, two aspects can be highlighted. The first one is that, in the setting of an highly impaired immune system, clinical presentation can be deceptive and more than one opportunistic infection can be observed together in the same patient. The second aspect is that after starting antiretroviral therapy, a rapid improvement of viro-immunologic parameters has been documented, probably leading to an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS).
PubMed: 37701378
DOI: 10.53854/liim-3103-15 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Nov 2023Appropriate topical dressings for burn treatments are important to accelerate skin wound recovery and prevent external infections. This study aimed to evaluate the...
Appropriate topical dressings for burn treatments are important to accelerate skin wound recovery and prevent external infections. This study aimed to evaluate the effect and investigate the mechanism of folium crataegi (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.) for the treatment of burn wounds, as well as to compare the therapeutic effects of aqueous extracts (HLW) and alcoholic extracts (HLE) from folium crataegi. The results demonstrated that both HLW and HLE groups exhibited a higher wound contraction rate than the silver sulfadiazine (SSD) ointment group. Moreover, HLW showed more significant wound repair effects than HLE. HLW significantly increased levels of EGF and FGF-2 in wound tissue, as well as TGF-β1, VEGF, CAT and IL-10 in serum. Folium crataegi extract, especially aqueous extracts, exerted good anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial effects by upregulating the expression of lag3, txn1 and slpi, respectively. Folium crataegi extract significantly inhibits the expression of npas2, a key gene in the circadian rhythm pathway. In conclusion, this research illustrated that the folium crataegi extract, especially aqueous extracts, had better therapeutic effects on skin burns through multiple ways, possibly including a novel mechanism related to circadian rhythm pathway. These findings suggest that folium crataegi could be a valuable source of compounds for enhancing skin regeneration through multiple ways.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Crataegus; Skin; Silver Sulfadiazine; Wound Healing; Burns
PubMed: 37690389
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115457 -
PloS One 2023This study develops the Omega model integrated with momentum and reversal strategies using high-frequency data on the component stocks of the S&P 500 Index and the...
This study develops the Omega model integrated with momentum and reversal strategies using high-frequency data on the component stocks of the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ 100. The Omega model based on the momentum strategy (M_Omega), the reversal strategy (R_Omega), and both strategies (M_R_Omega) are designed to simulate trading over three periods. The portfolio is rebalanced every transaction day to optimize asset allocation by incorporating intraday winners or losers' information and trading cost. The study finds that the proposed models generate positive returns (net of trading costs), in spite of fact that intraday trading frequently erodes profits. The M_Omega and R_Omega models produce a higher return than that of the S&P 500 index or NASDAQ 100 index, considering the intraday trading cost. The performance of the Omega model integrated with the momentum or reversal strategy is more profitable in a volatile market or period. The M_Omega and R_Omega reach the highest final market value from 2020 to 2021, when COVID 19 pandemic emerged. The rebalancing of the momentum or reversal strategy is suitable for the short term but not recommended in the long term for intraday trading as the trading costs become increasingly significant over time.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Motion; Pyrimethamine; Sulfadiazine
PubMed: 37682858
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291119 -
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2023Antimicrobial drug-associated diarrhea (AAD) is the most common adverse effect in horses receiving antimicrobials. Little information on how oral administration of...
BACKGROUND
Antimicrobial drug-associated diarrhea (AAD) is the most common adverse effect in horses receiving antimicrobials. Little information on how oral administration of antimicrobials alters intestinal microbiota in horses is available.
OBJECTIVE
Investigate changes of the fecal microbiota in response to oral administration of antimicrobials.
ANIMALS
Twenty healthy horses.
METHODS
Prospective, longitudinal study. Horses were randomly assigned to 4 groups comprising 4 horses each: group 1 (metronidazole); group 2 (erythromycin); group 3 (doxycycline); group 4 (sulfadiazine/trimethoprim, SMZ-TMP); and group 5 (control). Antimicrobials were administered for 5 days. Fecal samples were obtained before (day 0) and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 30 days of the study period. Fecal microbiota was characterized by high throughput sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA.
RESULTS
Horses remained healthy throughout the study. Richness and diversity in doxycycline, erythromycin, and metronidazole, but not SMZ-TMP groups, was significantly lower (P < .05) at multiple time points after administration of antimicrobials compared with samples from day 0. Main changes in the microbiota were observed during the time of antimicrobial administration (day 2-5; weighted and unweighted UniFrac PERMANOVA P < .05). Administration of erythromycin, doxycycline and, to a lesser extent, metronidazole produced a pronounced alteration in the microbiota compared with day 0 samples by decreasing the abundance of Treponema, Fibrobacter, and Lachnospiraceae and increasing Fusobacterium and Escherichia-Shigella.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Oral administration of antimicrobials alters the intestinal microbiota of healthy horses resembling horses with dysbiosis, potentially resulting in intestinal inflammation and predisposition to diarrhea.
Topics: Animals; Horses; Metronidazole; Doxycycline; Longitudinal Studies; Prospective Studies; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Anti-Infective Agents; Microbiota; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Administration, Oral; Diarrhea; Erythromycin
PubMed: 37681574
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16853 -
Ultrasonics Sonochemistry Oct 2023In this work, different mass loadings of MXene-coupled MIL-101(Cr) (MXe/MIL-101(Cr)) nanocomposites were generated through a hydrothermal process in order to investigate...
In this work, different mass loadings of MXene-coupled MIL-101(Cr) (MXe/MIL-101(Cr)) nanocomposites were generated through a hydrothermal process in order to investigate the potential of this nanocomposite as a novel sonocatalyst for the elimination of sulfadiazine (SD) and acetaminophen (AAP) in aqueous media. The sonocatalytic activity of different MXe/MIL-101(Cr) compositions and surface functionalities was investigated. In addition, the sonocatalytic activities at various pH values, temperatures, pollutant concentrations, catalyst dosages, initial HO concentrations, and organic matter contents were investigated. The experiments on the sonocatalytic elimination of SD and AAP revealed that MXe/MIL-101(Cr) exhibited a catalytic efficiency of ∼ 98% in 80 min when the MXene loading was 30 wt% in the nanocomposite. Under optimized reaction conditions, the degradation efficiency of MXe/MIL-101(Cr) reached 91.5% for SD and 90.6% for AAP in 60 min; these values were 1.2 and 1.8 times greater than those of MXene and MIL-101(Cr), respectively. The high surface area of the MXe/MIL-101(Cr) nanocomposite increased from 4.68 m/g to 294.21 m/g, and the band gap of the tagged MIL-101(Cr) on the MXene surface was minimized. The superior sonocatalytic activity of MXe/MIL-101(Cr) was attributed to the effective contact interface, the effective separation rate of e - h pairs through the type II heterostructure interface, and the favorable high free •OH radical production rates that promoted the degradation of SD and AAP. The solid heterointerface between MIL-101(Cr) and MXene was confirmed through Raman and FTIR analysis and was found to promote accessible •OH radical production under sonication, thus maximizing the catalytic activity of nanocomposites. The present results present an effective strategy for the design of a highly efficient, low-cost, reliable sonocatalyst that can eradicate pharmaceutical pollutants in our environment.
PubMed: 37678067
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2023.106570 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023In this review, we discuss a variety of immune modulating approaches that could be used to counteract tissue-damaging viral immunoinflammatory lesions which typify many... (Review)
Review
In this review, we discuss a variety of immune modulating approaches that could be used to counteract tissue-damaging viral immunoinflammatory lesions which typify many chronic viral infections. We make the point that in several viral infections the lesions can be largely the result of one or more aspects of the host response mediating the cell and tissue damage rather than the virus itself being directly responsible. However, within the reactive inflammatory lesions along with the pro-inflammatory participants there are also other aspects of the host response that may be acting to constrain the activity of the damaging components and are contributing to resolution. This scenario should provide the prospect of rebalancing the contributions of different host responses and hence diminish or even fully control the virus-induced lesions. We identify several aspects of the host reactions that influence the pattern of immune responsiveness and describe approaches that have been used successfully, mainly in model systems, to modulate the activity of damaging participants and which has led to lesion control. We emphasize examples where such therapies are, or could be, translated for practical use in the clinic to control inflammatory lesions caused by viral infections.
Topics: Humans; Models, Biological; Pyrimethamine; Sulfadiazine
PubMed: 37671156
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1257192 -
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease Aug 2023is deemed a successful parasite worldwide with a wide range of hosts. Currently, a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine serves as the first-line treatment;...
is deemed a successful parasite worldwide with a wide range of hosts. Currently, a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine serves as the first-line treatment; however, these drugs have serious adverse effects. Therefore, it is imperative to focus on new therapies that produce the desired effect with the lowest possible dose. The designation and synthesis of sulfonamide-1,2,3-triazole hybrids () were performed to create hybrid frameworks. The newly synthesized compounds were loaded on chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) to form nanoformulations (, , ) for further in vitro investigation as an anti- treatment. The current study demonstrated that all examined compounds were active against in vitro relative to the control drug, sulfadiazine. showed the best impact against with the lowest IC value of 3.64 µg/mL. Using light microscopy, it was found that Vero cells treated with the three nanoformulae showed remarkable morphological improvement, and tachyzoites were rarely seen in the treated cells. Moreover, scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies confirmed the efficacy of the prepared nanoformulae on the parasites. All of them caused parasite ultrastructural damage and altered morphology, suggesting a cytopathic effect and hence confirming their promising anti- activity.
PubMed: 37624339
DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8080401 -
Gels (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Pin site infections arise from the use of percutaneous pinning techniques (as seen in skeletal traction, percutaneous fracture pinning, and external fixation for...
Pin site infections arise from the use of percutaneous pinning techniques (as seen in skeletal traction, percutaneous fracture pinning, and external fixation for fracture stabilization or complex deformity reconstruction). These sites are niduses for infection because the skin barrier is disrupted, allowing for bacteria to enter a previously privileged area. After external fixation, the rate of pin site infections can reach up to 100%. Following pin site infection, the pin may loosen, causing increased pain (increasing narcotic usage) and decreasing the fixation of the fracture or deformity correction construct. More serious complications include osteomyelitis and deep tissue infections. Due to the morbidity and costs associated with its sequelae, strategies to reduce pin site infections are vital. Current strategies for preventing implant-associated infections include coatings with antibiotics, antimicrobial polymers and peptides, silver, and other antiseptics like chlorhexidine and silver-sulfadiazine. Problems facing the development of antimicrobial coatings on orthopedic implants and, specifically, on pins known as Kirschner wires (or K-wires) include poor adhesion of the drug-eluting layer, which is easily removed by shear forces during the implantation. Development of highly adhesive drug-eluting coatings could therefore lead to improved antimicrobial efficacy of these devices and ultimately reduce the burden of pin site infections. In response to this need, we developed two types of gel coatings: synthetic poly-glycidyl methacrylate-based and natural-chitosan-based. Upon drying, these gel coatings showed strong adhesion to pins and remained undamaged after the application of strong shear forces. We also demonstrated that antibiotics can be incorporated into these gels, and a K-wire with such a coating retained antimicrobial efficacy after drilling into and removal from a bone. Such a coating could be invaluable for K-wires and other orthopedic implants that experience strong shear forces during their implantation.
PubMed: 37623093
DOI: 10.3390/gels9080639 -
Acta Cirurgica Brasileira 2023To investigate putative mechanism of wound healing for chitosan-based bisacurone gel against secondary burn wounds in rats.
PURPOSE
To investigate putative mechanism of wound healing for chitosan-based bisacurone gel against secondary burn wounds in rats.
METHODS
A second-degree burn wound with an open flame using mixed fuel (2 mL, 20 seconds) was induced in Sprague Dawley rats (male, 180-220 g, n = 15, each) followed by topical treatments with either vehicle control (white petroleum gel, 1%), silver sulfadiazine (1%) or bisacurone gel (2.5, 5, or 10%) for 20 days. Wound contraction rate and paw withdrawal threshold were monitored on various days. Oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide), pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), growth factors (transforming growth factor-β, vascular endothelial growth factor C using real time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay) levels, and histology of wound skin were assessed at the end.
RESULTS
Bisacurone gel showed 98.72% drug release with a 420.90-442.70 cps viscosity. Bisacurone gel (5 and 10%) significantly (p < 0.05) improved wound contraction rate and paw withdrawal threshold. Bisacurone gel attenuated oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and water content. It also enhanced angiogenesis (hydroxyproline and growth factor) and granulation in wound tissue than vehicle control.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggested that bisacurone gel can be a potential candidate to treat burn wounds via its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and angiogenic properties.
Topics: Male; Rats; Animals; Antioxidants; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C; Cytokines; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 37610964
DOI: 10.1590/acb382423