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Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces Jun 2024Responsive release systems have received extensive attention to enhance pesticide utilization efficiency and reduce environmental pollution. In this study, pH/GSH dual...
Responsive release systems have received extensive attention to enhance pesticide utilization efficiency and reduce environmental pollution. In this study, pH/GSH dual responsive release system based on brush-like silica (bSiO) carriers was constructed to enhance the utilization of pesticides. The bSiO carriers present core-shell structure, length of 550 nm, diameter of 350 nm and shell thickness of 100 nm. The carrier had a high pesticide loading (20.0 %, w/w) for dinotefuran (Din). After loading Din, zein was covalently linked with cysteine-bridge to seal the loaded pesticides (namely Din@bSiO@Zein). The Din@bSiO@Zein exhibited superior foliar affinity, retention and photostability, and retention rate still remain above 95 % with 220 min UV irradiation. Din@bSiO@Zein displayed pH/GSH responsive release and the cumulative release within 92 h was up to 81 % under pH=9/C=6 mM, mimicking the microenvironment of lepidopteran. The Din@bSiO@Zein possessed good control efficacy against Plutella xylostella. Appreciably, Din@bSiO@Zein could be transported bi-directionally to various regions of tobacco plants within 24 h, which had potential to promote pesticide efficacy. This work offers a strategy to minimize the pesticide dosage and encourage sustainable agricultural development.
PubMed: 38941651
DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.114061 -
JMIR Research Protocols Jun 2024Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling condition that affects more than one-third of people older than 65 years. Currently, 80% of these patients report movement...
Assessment of the Feasibility of Objective Parameters as Primary End Points for Patients Affected by Knee Osteoarthritis: Protocol for a Pilot, Open Noncontrolled Trial (:SMILE:).
BACKGROUND
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling condition that affects more than one-third of people older than 65 years. Currently, 80% of these patients report movement limitations, 20% are unable to perform major activities of daily living, and approximately 11% require personal care. In 2014, the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) recommended, as the first step in the pharmacological treatment of knee osteoarthritis, a background therapy with chronic symptomatic slow-acting osteoarthritic drugs such as glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid. The latter has been extensively evaluated in clinical trials as intra-articular and oral administration. Recent reviews have shown that studies on oral hyaluronic acid generally measure symptoms using only subjective parameters, such as visual analog scales or quality of life questionnaires. As a result, objective measures are lacking, and data validity is generally impaired.
OBJECTIVE
The main goal of this pilot study with oral hyaluronic acid is to evaluate the feasibility of using objective tools as outcomes to evaluate improvements in knee mobility. We propose ultrasound and range of motion measurements with a goniometer that could objectively correlate changes in joint mobility with pain reduction, as assessed by the visual analog scale. The secondary objective is to collect data to estimate the time and budget for the main double-blind study randomized trial. These data may be quantitative (such as enrollment rate per month, number of screening failures, and new potential outcomes) and qualitative (such as site logistical issues, patient reluctance to enroll, and interpersonal difficulties for investigators).
METHODS
This open-label pilot and feasibility study is conducted in an orthopedic clinic (Timisoara, Romania). The study includes male and female participants, aged 50-70 years, who have been diagnosed with symptomatic knee OA and have experienced mild joint discomfort for at least 6 months. Eight patients must be enrolled and treated with Syalox 300 Plus (River Pharma) for 8 weeks. It is a dietary supplement containing high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, which has already been marketed in several European countries. Assessments are made at the baseline and final visits.
RESULTS
Recruitment and treatment of the 8 patients began on February 15, 2018, and was completed on May 25, 2018. Data analysis was planned to be completed by the end of 2018. The study was funded in February 2019. We expect the results to be published in a peer-reviewed clinical journal in the last quarter of 2024.
CONCLUSIONS
The data from this pilot study will be used to assess the feasibility of a future randomized clinical trial in OA. In particular, the planned outcomes (eg, ultrasound and range of motion), safety, and quantitative and qualitative data must be evaluated to estimate in advance the time and budget required for the future main study. Finally, the pilot study should provide preliminary information on the efficacy of the investigational product.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03421054; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03421054.
INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)
RR1-10.2196/13642.
Topics: Humans; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Pilot Projects; Feasibility Studies; Hyaluronic Acid; Male; Female; Aged; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Endpoint Determination
PubMed: 38941599
DOI: 10.2196/13642 -
Journal of AOAC International Jun 2024The formation of charge transfer complexes (CTCs) of iodine with five chemotherapeutic drugs used for the treatment of different types of cancer has not been...
BACKGROUND
The formation of charge transfer complexes (CTCs) of iodine with five chemotherapeutic drugs used for the treatment of different types of cancer has not been investigated. These drugs were olaparib, seliciclib, vandetanib, dasatinib, and tozasertib. Additionally, these drugs need an appropriate general spectrophotometric assay for their analysis in the dosage forms regardless of the differences in their chemical structures.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was the development of a novel microwell spectrophotometric assay (MW-SPA) for one-step determination of these drugs via their intereactions with iodine resulted in instantaneous producing a bright lemon yellow-colored CTCs.
METHODS
The spectrophotometric study of the CTCs were conducted, and all CTCs were characterized. Site(s) of interaction on each drug were assigned, and the MW-SPA was developed and applied to the analysis of dosage forms.
RESULTS
The findings confirmed that the reactions proceeded via CTCs formation. Beer's law was obeyed over a general concentration range of 1-6 µg/mL. The limits of detection and quantitation were in the ranges of 0.5-2.1 and 1.5-6.4 µg/mL, respectively. The proposed MW-SPA demonstrated excellent precisions as the relative standard deviations were < 2.24 and 2.23% for the intra- and inter-assay precision, respectively. Recovery studies demonstrated the accuracy of MW-SPA. Successful determination of all drugs in bulk and tablet forms was achieved using the MW-SPA. The environmental sustainability of the proposed methodology was determined, providing evidence of the assay's alignment with the basis of green analytical chemistry. The high throughput of the assay was documented.
CONCLUSIONS
In contrast to other existing methods, the MW-SPA described herein valid for analyzing all drugs at the same wavelength.
HIGHLIGHTS
The assay is useful for routine analysis of drugs in their formulations in quality control laboratories.
PubMed: 38941505
DOI: 10.1093/jaoacint/qsae052 -
Journal of AOAC International Jun 2024Reboxetine (RBX) is the first FDA-approved antidepressant drug of the selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors class. There is a serious need for a convenient...
Development of Two Green and High Throughput Microwell Spectrometric Platforms for Determination of Reboxetine, the First FDA-Approved Selective Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor Antidepressant Drug.
BACKGROUND
Reboxetine (RBX) is the first FDA-approved antidepressant drug of the selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors class. There is a serious need for a convenient analytical tool for the quantitation of RBX in its dosage form.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to the development and validation of two green and high throughput microwell spectrometric platforms for the pharmaceutical analysis of RBX.
METHODS
The two platforms, abbreviated as MW-AB and MW-FL, involved microwell-based analysis assisted with a multifunction microplate plate reader for measuring absorbance and fluorescence signals, respectively. The MW-AB and MW-FL platforms involved the formation of colored and fluorescent derivatives upon the reaction of RBX with oxidized pyrocatechol reagent (OPC) and tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), respectively. The absorbance of colored RBX-OPC derivative at 520 nm, and the fluorescence of RBX-TCNQ charge transfer complex at 283 nm and 484 nm for excitation and emission, respectively. The optimum conditions of both reactions were established, their molar ratios were determined, and reaction mechanisms were postulated.
RESULTS
Both platforms were optimized and validated according to the guidelines of the International Council on Harmonization. The limits of quantitation were 19.6 µg/mL and 27 ng/mL for MW-AB and MW-FL, respectively. Both platforms were applied with excellent reliability to the quantitation of RBX content in Edranox® tablets and their drug uniformity. The greenness levels of both platforms were assessed by two comprehensive tools, and the results confirmed the high level of greenness for both platforms.
CONCLUSIONS
Both platforms involved one-step reactions, adapted microwell analysis, and simultaneous handling of large number of samples. Therefore, they have the advantages of greenness and high throughput analysis.
HIGHLIGHTS
The proposed two platforms are valuable tools for the rapid quantitation of RBX.
PubMed: 38941495
DOI: 10.1093/jaoacint/qsae051 -
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces... Jun 2024Metal oxides can activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the catalytic degradation of organic dyes. However, achieving high catalytic efficiency, structural stability, ease...
Metal oxides can activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the catalytic degradation of organic dyes. However, achieving high catalytic efficiency, structural stability, ease of recovery, and recyclability remains challenging for both research and practical applications. To address these requirements, a bimetallic oxide, CuMnO, was synthesized using a simple hydrothermal approach and was encapsulated to create hydrogel beads, CS-Ca@PEI/CuMnO. Subsequently, CS-Ca@PEI/CuMnO was used to activate PMS and establish a solid-liquid heterogeneous oxidation system (CS-Ca@PEI/CuMnO/PMS) for the degradation of Congo red (CR). The effects of various parameters such as different systems, catalyst dosages, initial pH values, PMS concentrations, temperatures, and anion types on the catalytic degradation properties of CS-Ca@PEI/CuMnO for CR were systematically evaluated. The results indicated that CS-Ca@PEI/CuMnO has exceptional degradation capacity, achieving 91.0% degradation of CR at pH 7. After three degradation cycles, the catalyst maintained an 86.9% degradation efficiency compared to its original performance, highlighting its robust structural stability. The presence of reactive radicals, specifically O and O, were confirmed through quenching experiments, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) revealed ten proposed intermediates in the catalytic degradation process. Due to its exceptional catalytic performance, structural durability, recyclability, and ease of retrieval, the catalyst shows great potential for effectively removing organic pollutants from industrial wastewater.
PubMed: 38941474
DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00659 -
Medicine Jun 2024The current review aims to summarize the international experience of the impact of adaptive radiotherapy on dosimetry and clinical and toxicity outcomes. Additionally,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The current review aims to summarize the international experience of the impact of adaptive radiotherapy on dosimetry and clinical and toxicity outcomes. Additionally, it might trigger Radiation Oncologists to use ART and evaluate whether ART improves target volume coverage and/or normal tissue sparing and, consequently, therapeutic results.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted an electronic literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and ScienceDirect from January 2007 to January 2023. The search adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and employed keywords such as ART, HNC, parotid gland, and target volume. Furthermore, we examined the reference lists for studies pertinent to the present review. This study included both retrospective and prospective studies that were considered for inclusion.
CONCLUSION
ART replanning appears to be a sustainable strategy to minimize toxicity by improving normal tissue sparing. Furthermore, it can enhance target volume coverage by correctly determining the specific dose to be delivered to the tumor. In conclusion, this review confirmed that ART benefits dosimetric, clinical/therapeutic, and toxicity outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Radiotherapy Dosage; Organs at Risk; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted
PubMed: 38941415
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038529 -
Medicine Jun 2024Surgical site infection (SSI) after posterior open lumbar fusion (POLF) is a major concern for both surgeons and patients. We sought to explore whether local application... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Surgical site infection (SSI) after posterior open lumbar fusion (POLF) is a major concern for both surgeons and patients. We sought to explore whether local application of vancomycin could decrease the rate of SSI. We reviewed the clinical data of patients who underwent POLF between June 2015 and June 2022 at 3 spinal centers. Patients were divided into those who received local vancomycin (vancomycin group) and those who did not (non-vancomycin group). The SSI rates at 12 months postoperatively were compared between the 2 groups. Although a trend toward a lower infection rate was observed in the vancomycin group than in the non-vancomycin group; the difference was not statistically significant (3.6% vs 5.5%, P = .121). However, we found that the postoperative SSI rate was significantly lower in the vancomycin group than in the non-vancomycin group (4.9% vs 11.4%, P = .041) in patients ≥ 2 fused segments, while there was no significant difference in postoperative SSI rate in patients with single fusion segment (3.1% vs 3.6%, P = .706). The logistic regression analysis indicated that the SSI rate in the non-vancomycin group was approximately 2.498 times higher than that in the vancomycin group (P = .048, odds ratio: 2.498, 95% confidence interval: 1.011-6.617) in patients with ≥2 fused segments. In SSI patients with confirmed pathogens, the SSI rate of Gram-negative bacteria in the vancomycin group was significantly higher than that in the non-vancomycin group (10/14 [71.4%] vs 5/22 [31.8%]), whereas the SSI rate of Gram-positive bacteria in the vancomycin group was significantly lower than that in the non-vancomycin group (4/14 [28.6%] vs 15/22 [68.2%]). Local administration of vancomycin is recommended in patients with ≥2 fused segments as it may facilitate to reduce the postoperative rate of SSI after POLF. Additionally, the local use of vancomycin can decrease the Gram-positive bacterial infections but is not effective against Gram-negative infections, which indirectly leads to an increase in the proportion of Gram-negative infections in SSI patients with confirmed pathogens.
Topics: Humans; Vancomycin; Surgical Wound Infection; Spinal Fusion; Retrospective Studies; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Aged; Lumbar Vertebrae; Adult
PubMed: 38941406
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038664 -
Medicine Jun 2024To investigate whether intravenous administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) prior to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair improves operative blood loss, postoperative... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
To investigate whether intravenous administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) prior to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair improves operative blood loss, postoperative fibrinolytic index, inflammatory response, and postoperative pain.
METHODS
This was a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study. From January 2023 to February 2024, 64 patients who required arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were included and divided into tranexamic acid group (T group) group and control group (C group) according to the random number table method. In T group, 1000 mg TXA was administered intravenously 10 minutes before surgery, and an equivalent dose of normal saline was administered intravenously 10 minutes before surgery in C group. Intraoperative bleeding, postoperative fibrinolytic indexes, inflammatory indexes, pain scores, and occurrence of adverse effects were compared between the 2 groups.
RESULTS
Intraoperative bleeding in T group was lower than that in C group (P < .05); D-D and FDP in T group were significantly lower than those in C group (P < .05); postoperative TNF-α and IL-6 in 2 groups was higher than that before operation and T group was lower than C group (P < .05); The pain scores of the 2 groups after operation were lower than those before operation (P < .05), and there was no difference between the 2 groups (P > .05).
CONCLUSION SUBSECTIONS
TXA is able to reduce blood loss and inflammatory reactions, modulate fibrinolytic function, and promote postoperative recovery in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, with no elevated risk of complications.
Topics: Humans; Tranexamic Acid; Male; Female; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Double-Blind Method; Middle Aged; Arthroscopy; Prospective Studies; Rotator Cuff Injuries; Blood Loss, Surgical; Pain, Postoperative; Aged; Adult; Administration, Intravenous
PubMed: 38941391
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038515 -
Medicine Jun 2024There has been significant interest in the changes in menstrual cycles following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection or vaccination. This study aimed to...
There has been significant interest in the changes in menstrual cycles following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection or vaccination. This study aimed to investigate the evidence for such changes and their potential risk factors. We used a descriptive study design and gathered data by sharing an online survey questionnaire on social media platforms. The questionnaire included questions regarding sociodemographic factors, menstrual cycle changes, and COVID-19 anxiety. The study population comprised women aged 18 to 49 years from Izmir. All data analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 21.0. The risk factors influencing menstrual irregularities were determined after the COVID binary logistic regression analysis, including univariate and multivariate models. Among the 465 participants, those with an associate's degree had a significantly higher risk of menstrual irregularities than those with a high school diploma (P = .012). Anxiety scores emerged as a significant risk factor for menstrual cycle irregularities (P = .026). However, neither COVID-19 infection nor vaccination resulted in significant changes in the menstrual cycle characteristics (P > .05). Other sociodemographic variables, such as age, body mass index, and smoking, were not significantly associated with menstrual cycle changes(P > .05). The study findings suggest that educational level and anxiety may play a role in menstrual irregularities, whereas COVID-19 infection or vaccination itself may not directly affect menstrual cycle.
Topics: Humans; Female; COVID-19; Adult; Risk Factors; Anxiety; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Adolescent; COVID-19 Vaccines; Menstruation Disturbances; SARS-CoV-2; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vaccination; Educational Status
PubMed: 38941384
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038771 -
Medicine Jun 2024Combining hydromorphone with ropivacaine in ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane blocks enhances postoperative analgesia and reduces interleukin-6 expression in breast... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Combining hydromorphone with ropivacaine in ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane blocks enhances postoperative analgesia and reduces interleukin-6 expression in breast surgery patients.
METHODS
In this study, breast cancer patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy were randomized into 3 groups for anesthesia (30 patients in each group): standard general (group C), Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) with ropivacaine (group R), and ESPB with ropivacaine plus hydromorphone (group HR). Diagnosis: Breast cancer patients. Postsurgery, pain levels, IL-6, anesthetic doses, additional analgesia needs, and recovery milestones were compared to evaluate the efficacy of the ESPB enhancements.
RESULTS
The 3 groups were not significantly different in baseline characteristics, operation time, number of cases with postoperative nausea, and serum IL-6 concentrations at T1 (the time of being returned to the ward after surgery). At T2 (at 6:00 in the next morning after surgery), the serum IL-6 concentration in group HR was significantly lower than that in groups R and C (P < .05); the intraoperative doses of remifentanil, sufentanil, and propofol were significantly lower in groups HR and R than those in group C (P < .05); Groups HR and R had significantly lower visual analog scale scores at T3 (4 hours postoperatively), T4 (12 hours postoperatively), and T5 (24 hours postoperatively) than those in group C (P < .05); the proportions of patients receiving postoperative remedial analgesia were significantly lower in groups HR and R than in group C (P < .05); groups HR and R had significantly lower proportions of patients with postoperative nausea than group C (P < .05); the time to the first anal exhaust and the time to the first ambulation after surgery were significantly shorter in groups HR and R than those in group C (P < .05).
CONCLUSION
Hydromorphone combined with ropivacaine for ESPB achieved a greater postoperative analgesic effect for patients receiving MRM under general anesthesia. The combined analgesia caused fewer adverse reactions and inhibited the expression level of the inflammatory factor IL-6 more effectively, thereby facilitating postoperative recovery. ESPB using hydromorphone with ropivacaine improved pain control post-MRM, reduced adverse effects, and more effectively suppressed IL-6, enhancing recovery.
Topics: Humans; Ropivacaine; Female; Hydromorphone; Middle Aged; Nerve Block; Pain, Postoperative; Prospective Studies; Anesthetics, Local; Breast Neoplasms; Mastectomy, Modified Radical; Analgesics, Opioid; Adult; Interleukin-6; Paraspinal Muscles; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Drug Therapy, Combination; Pain Measurement
PubMed: 38941366
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038758