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World Neurosurgery Jun 2024This study aims to evaluate the adherence to surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) guidelines in elective neurosurgery and assess the impact on surgical site infection...
BACKGROUND
This study aims to evaluate the adherence to surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) guidelines in elective neurosurgery and assess the impact on surgical site infection (SSI) rates in a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia.
METHOD
A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent elective neurosurgical procedures from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, in a 1600-bed tertiary teaching hospital. The study assessed adherence to national and hospital SAP guidelines, focusing on the choice of antibiotic, dosage, timing, and duration. Additionally, a survey was conducted among neurosurgeons to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding SAP.
RESULT
Out of 202 patients included, there was a 99% compliance rate with antibiotic choice and 69.8% with the antibiotic duration. The SSI rate was identified at 6.4%. The KAP survey highlighted a strong awareness of SAP guidelines among surgeons, albeit with variations in practice, particularly in antibiotic duration and choice of antibiotics.
CONCLUSION
While there is high adherence to the correct choice of antibiotic for SAP in elective neurosurgery, there are gaps in compliance with the recommended duration of antibiotic use. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve adherence to SAP guidelines, which could potentially reduce the incidence of SSI in neurosurgery. Ongoing education and auditing are essential to optimize SAP practices and enhance patient outcomes in neurosurgery.
PubMed: 38944194
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.06.126 -
International Journal of Pharmaceutics Jun 2024Increasing the solubility of drugs is a recurrent objective of pharmaceutical research, and one of the most widespread strategies today is the formulation of...
Increasing the solubility of drugs is a recurrent objective of pharmaceutical research, and one of the most widespread strategies today is the formulation of nanocrystals (NCs). Beyond the many advantages of formulating NCs, their incorporation into solid dosage forms remains a challenge that limits their use. In this work, we set out to load Atorvastatin NCs (ATV-NCs) in a delivery device by combining 3D scaffolds with an "in situ" loading method such as freeze-drying. When comparing two infill patterns for the scaffolds at two different percentages, the one with the highest NCs load was chosen (Gyroid 20% infill pattern, 13.8 ± 0.5 mg). Colloidal stability studies of NCs suggest instability in acidic media, and therefore, the system is postulated for use as a sublingual device, potentially bypassing stomach and hepatic first-pass effects. An ad hoc dissolution device was developed to mimic the release of actives. The nanometric size and properties acquired in the process were maintained, mainly in the dissolution rate and speed, achieving 100 % dissolution of the content in 180 s. Based on these results, the proof of concept represents an innovative approach to converting NCs suspensions into solid dosage forms.
PubMed: 38944168
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124396 -
Environmental Research Jun 2024An efficient and economical way of eliminating fluoride from water is being investigated by employing the buoyant aquatic plant (Dal weed). Two post-pyrolysis chemical...
Comprehensive batch studies on removal of fluoride from aqueous solution by acid and alkali-activated adsorbents prepared from Dal lake weeds: Mechanism, Kinetics and Thermodynamics.
An efficient and economical way of eliminating fluoride from water is being investigated by employing the buoyant aquatic plant (Dal weed). Two post-pyrolysis chemical activation alteration techniques were implemented: acidic activation by employing sulfuric acid (H-activation) and alkaline activation using sodium hydroxide (OH-activation). The batch kinetic studies have been carried out considering varying starting fluoride levels such as 2 - 10 mg/L. The impact of diverse procedural factors, including dosage of Dal weed, starting fluoride level, pH and contact duration was observed to determine their influence on fluoride adsorption kinetics. Based on analyzed exploratory results, removal efficacy of 63% for the OH-activated carbon and 83% for H-activated carbon was achieved at commencing fluoride level of 10 mg/L, adsorbent dosage of 0.8 g, at 25 °C after 120 minutes. The maximal fluoride uptake capacity for H-activated carbon was observed to be 78.158 mg/g. Kinetic investigations showed that the Freundlich isotherm model provided a satisfactory match with an R value of 0.99. The reaction order nature adhered to kinetics resembling pseudo second order. Thermodynamic investigation revealed endothermic sorption, with negative ΔG indicating spontaneous fluoride uptake. In comparison, the positive number for ΔS suggested random behavior at the contact involving the adsorbent and adsorbate. The investigations into the regeneration capabilities of the adsorbent material revealed that even after undergoing for five consecutive cycles of adsorption and regeneration, the adsorbent exhibited an uptake potential of 45%. The presence of competing ions in the solution negatively impacted defluoridation efficacy, with the influence following the order of HCO< NO< Cl< SO< PO.
PubMed: 38944101
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119493 -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024Anti-osteoporotic agents are clinically employed to improve bone health and prevent osteoporotic fractures. In the current study, we investigated the potential of...
Anti-osteoporotic agents are clinically employed to improve bone health and prevent osteoporotic fractures. In the current study, we investigated the potential of chitosan-quercetin bio-conjugate as an anti-osteoporotic agent. The conjugate was prepared and characterized by FTIR and found notable interactions between chitosan and quercetin. Treating mouse MSCs with the bioconjugate in osteogenic conditions for a week led to elevated expression of differentiation markers Runx2, ALP, and Col-I, as determined by real-time PCR analysis. Evaluation at the cellular level using alizarin red staining demonstrated enhanced calcium deposition in MSCs following treatment with the bioconjugate. Likewise, ELISA analysis showed significantly elevated levels of secretory osteocalcin and osteonectin in groups treated with the conjugate. To broaden our comprehension, we utilized a zebrafish-based in vivo model of dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis to investigate bone regeneration. Toxicity profiling with zebrafish larvae confirmed the bio-conjugate's compatibility at a concentration of 25 μg/ml, underscoring the significance of finding the right dosage. Furthermore, in zebrafish models of osteoporosis, the bio-conjugate demonstrated significant potential for bone regeneration, as indicated by improved bone calcification, callus formation, and overall bone healing in a tail fin fracture model. Additionally, the study revealed that the bio-conjugate inhibited osteoclastic activity, leading to reduced TRAP activity and hydroxyproline release, suggesting its effectiveness in mitigating bone resorption. In conclusion, our research provides compelling evidence for the osteogenic capabilities of the chitosan-quercetin bio-conjugate, highlighting its promising applications in regenerative medicine and the treatment of conditions like osteoporosis.
PubMed: 38944072
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133492 -
Water Research Jun 2024Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a key technology for converting organic matters to methane-rich biogas. However, nutrient imbalance can destabilize the whole digestion. To...
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a key technology for converting organic matters to methane-rich biogas. However, nutrient imbalance can destabilize the whole digestion. To realize stable operation of AD and improve its efficiency, this work considers a new strategy to control the intermediate concentrations of poor AD under nutrient stress. For this purpose, long-term digestion under different nutrient conditions was investigated. Results showed that the feedstock with a low C/N ratio (= 6) caused VFA accumulation (2072 ± 632 mg/L), leading to the inhibition of methane production. Employing a substrate with a higher C/N ratio (= 11) and/or adding NHHCO (200 mg NH-N/L) could alleviate the VFA inhibition, but excessive dosage of NHHCO would induce ammonia inhibition. Through the established digestion balance between free ammonia nitrogen (FAN) between 0 and 25 mg/L, volatile fatty acid (VFA) 510-2100 mg/L, and alkalinity (ALK) 3300-7800 mg/L, an efficient methane yield of 150-250 mL/g VS was achieved and stable operation of AD under nutrient stress (low C/N ratio) was realized. Metabolic reconstruction between Euryarchaeota sp. MAG162, Methanosarcina mazei MAG53 and Mesotoga infera MAG119 highlighted that microbial niche balance was developed as a result of digestion balance, which is beneficial for stable operation of AD. These findings improved our understanding of the interaction mechanism between intermediates and microbial niches for stability control in AD.
PubMed: 38944003
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122000 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Jun 2024Low-dosage nitrate pollutants can contribute to eutrophication in surface water bodies, such as lakes and reservoirs. This study employed assembled denitrifying...
Mixotrophic aerobic denitrification facilitated by denitrifying bacterial-fungal communities assisted with iron in micro-polluted water: Performance, metabolic activity, functional genes abundance, and community co-occurrence.
Low-dosage nitrate pollutants can contribute to eutrophication in surface water bodies, such as lakes and reservoirs. This study employed assembled denitrifying bacterial-fungal communities as bio-denitrifiers, in combination with zero-valent iron (ZVI), to treat micro-polluted water. Immobilized bacterial-fungal mixed communities (IBFMC) reactors demonstrated their ability to reduce nitrate and organic carbon by over 43.2 % and 53.7 %, respectively. Compared to IBFMC reactors, IBFMC combined with ZVI (IBFMC@ZVI) reactors exhibited enhanced removal efficiencies for nitrate and organic carbon, reaching the highest of 31.55 % and 17.66 %, respectively. The presence of ZVI in the IBFMC@ZVI reactors stimulated various aspects of microbial activity, including the metabolic processes, electron transfer system activities, abundance of functional genes and enzymes, and diversity and richness of microbial communities. The contents of adenosine triphosphate and electron transfer system activities enhanced more than 5.6 and 1.43 folds in the IBFMC@ZVI reactors compared with IBFMC reactors. Furthermore, significant improvement of crucial genes and enzyme denitrification chains was observed in the IBFMC@ZVI reactors. Iron played a central role in enhancing microbial diversity and activity, and promoting the supply, and transfer of inorganic electron donors. This study presents an innovative approach for applying denitrifying bacterial-fungal communities combined with iron enhancing efficient denitrification in micro-polluted water.
PubMed: 38943884
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135057 -
The Veterinary Quarterly Dec 2024Mistletoe is an herb that grows on duku plants (Lancium demosticum) and is known as benalu duku (BD) in Indonesia. It is predicted to have benefits such as anticancer...
Mistletoe is an herb that grows on duku plants (Lancium demosticum) and is known as benalu duku (BD) in Indonesia. It is predicted to have benefits such as anticancer or antiviral properties, and it is also thought to have anti-diabetic pharmacological activity. Quercetin-like compounds (QLCs) are secondary metabolites with antidiabetic activity that are expected to lower blood sugar levels in animals after oral administration. This study aimed to analyze the ability of QLCs to reduce random blood sugar levels using experimental animals as clinical models. The research method used was exploratory, which used a before-after test model, and observations were made on the random blood sugar levels after treatment. Secondary metabolites were extracted from BD leaves, which were then screened. Diabetes was induced in 30 rats (Rattus norvegicus) by the administration of streptozotocin at 0.045 mg/g body weight daily for 2 days. The antidiabetic effects of the secondary metabolite at doses of 0.5 mg/kg body weight (twice a day) when administered orally for up to 5 days were tested in diabetic rats. The random sugar levels (mg/dL) were measured using a One Touch Ultra Plus medical device for observation of randomized blood sugar levels. Results and novelty: The results revealed that the secondary metabolite, as an analyte from the BD leaf extract, can significantly reduce random blood sugar levels. The secondary metabolite extracted from BD, could be used to treat diabetes in rats.
Topics: Animals; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Rats; Hypoglycemic Agents; Quercetin; Blood Glucose; Male; Plant Extracts; Mistletoe; Administration, Oral; Plant Leaves
PubMed: 38943615
DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2024.2372090 -
Bratislavske Lekarske Listy 2024To create a new mucoadhesive dosage form based on PluronicF127 followed by transformation into a gel form upon intranasal administration for targeted delivery to brain...
OBJECTIVES
To create a new mucoadhesive dosage form based on PluronicF127 followed by transformation into a gel form upon intranasal administration for targeted delivery to brain tissueMETHODS: Citicoline, cytidine diphosphocholine, designated as CDP-choline, was purchased as a white powder with the molecular weight of 510.31 g/mol. The triblock copolymers of polyethylene glycol-block-polypropylene glycol-block-polyethylene glycol (PEG-PPG-PEG), branded as Pluronic F127, was used.
RESULTS
When instilled into the nasal cavity, Pluronic F127 for intranasal administration is transformed into a gel that remains retained for 45-55 minutes, which promotes better penetration of drugs into the brain tissue.
CONCLUSION
The polymer's gelling and adhesive properties performed well, which is crucial for further research at the preclinical stage (Tab. 1, Fig. 5, Ref. 28).
Topics: Administration, Intranasal; Poloxamer; Brain; Drug Delivery Systems; Animals; Cytidine Diphosphate Choline; Gels; Polyethylene Glycols; Nasal Mucosa
PubMed: 38943505
DOI: 10.4149/BLL_2024_67 -
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Jun 2024Exercise or exercise capacity is a vital physiological function. It is known that certain cytokines support muscle function during exercise and, as a result, increase...
BACKGROUND
Exercise or exercise capacity is a vital physiological function. It is known that certain cytokines support muscle function during exercise and, as a result, increase exercise capacity.
AIMS
In this study, the effect of metformin administered in combination with exercise on osteocalcin (OCN), insulin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in rats was investigated.
METHODS
Forty-two male Wistar rats were used in this study. The animals were randomly divided into six groups: control (CONT), only exercise (EXE), metformin_100 mg/kg (Met100), metformin_200 mg/kg (Met200), metformin_100 mg/kg+exercise (Met100+EXE), and metformin_200 mg/kg+exercise (Met200+EXE). A 10-week intervention was conducted, excluding exercise training. During the experiment, the groups receiving metformin application (100 or 200 mg/kg) were administered with metformin. At the end of the study, serum samples were collected from the rats to determine the levels of osteocalcin, insulin, and IL-6 using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. In addition, glucose levels and body weights were evaluated. GraphPad Prism was used for the analyses.
RESULTS
The OCN and insulin levels of the Met100+EXE and Met200+EXE groups were found to be higher compared to the CONT, Met100, and Met200 groups (P < 0.05). The IL-6 level of the EXE group was determined to be higher than that of the CONT, Met100, and Met200 groups (P < 0.01). It was observed that both exercise and the individual or combined application of metformin resulted in lower blood glucose levels compared to the CONT group. The mean body weight of the EXE group was higher than that of the other groups.
CONCLUSION
The combined application of metformin and exercise has increased osteocalcin and insulin levels compared to metformin application alone.
Topics: Animals; Metformin; Interleukin-6; Osteocalcin; Rats, Wistar; Male; Rats; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Insulin; Hypoglycemic Agents; Blood Glucose; Body Weight
PubMed: 38943302
DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_884_23 -
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Jun 2024Studies have been conducted to evaluate changes in hemodynamics, postoperative bleeding, and pain in pediatric dental patients receiving general anesthesia (GA)....
Retrospective Evaluation of the Effects of Local Anesthesia Before Tooth Extraction Procedures under General Anesthesia on Physiologic Parameters and Postoperative Bleeding in Children.
BACKGROUND
Studies have been conducted to evaluate changes in hemodynamics, postoperative bleeding, and pain in pediatric dental patients receiving general anesthesia (GA). However, a limited number of studies have evaluated the effects of local anesthetics (LA) on tooth extraction procedures during GA. There is no consensus in the literature regarding LA application in the perioperative period for dental treatments performed within the scope of GA.
AIM
This study aimed to determine the retrospective physiologic effects of fluctuations in vital signs and postoperative bleeding in children who did or did not receive LA for tooth extraction under GA.
METHODS
A retrospective evaluation of 77 patients aged 5.16 ± 1.85 years who had the extraction of primary posterior teeth with or without LA under GA were reviewed in the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) for postoperative bleeding and the effects of intraoperative LA on fluctuations in postoperative parameters such as mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate (RR), and the end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2). These were compiled from the patient records of the procedures.
RESULTS
Significant differences between the baseline and peak MAP (P < 0.001), HR (P = 0.011), and EtCO2 (P = 0.002) were noted in children without LA compared to those who had LA. In addition, substantial variations were observed between the baseline and peak values for MAP (P < 0.001) and HR (P = 0.037) in children who had tooth extraction in the mandibular region. Statistically significant differences were noted between the baseline and peak values for patients who did not receive LA before the extraction of the first primary molar in terms of MAP (P < 0.02) and EtCO2 (P = 0.032). Similarly, significant differences in MAP (P < 0.02) and EtCO2 (P = 0.034) were noted in the extraction of the second primary molar. In addition, there was a significant difference in bleeding based on the number of tooth extractions in those who did not receive LA (P = 0.020).
CONCLUSION
This study showed that in children who underwent tooth extraction under GA, additional LA application minimized changes in HR, MAP, and EtCO2, whereas a lack of LA application produced significant fluctuations from baseline to peak values of HR, MAP, and EtCO2. In addition, LA application reduced postoperative bleeding.
Topics: Humans; Tooth Extraction; Retrospective Studies; Female; Male; Anesthesia, General; Child; Child, Preschool; Anesthesia, Local; Postoperative Hemorrhage; Anesthetics, Local; Heart Rate
PubMed: 38943296
DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_708_23