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The Pan African Medical Journal 2024people living with HIV/AIDS using antiretroviral therapy sometimes present with comorbid conditions or co-infections. This could lead to an increased risk of drug...
INTRODUCTION
people living with HIV/AIDS using antiretroviral therapy sometimes present with comorbid conditions or co-infections. This could lead to an increased risk of drug interactions due to the concomitant use of drugs. The aim of the study was to explore the overall impact of dolutegravir on such comorbidities and the effect of concomitant medication on the safety and efficacy of dolutegravir.
METHODS
data was collected using a survey questionnaire and a retrospective review of medical records of a prospective study sample. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for up to 12 months after dolutegravir initiation. Concomitantly used drugs and supplements that were identified to have a potential interaction with dolutegravir were further characterized. Descriptive and summary statistics were used to describe the data, t-tests were performed on blood glucose levels and cross-tabulations were done on some variables.
RESULTS
of the 461 participants enrolled into the study, 172 (37.3%) and 54 (11.7%) experienced comorbidity and coinfection respectively. More than 50% of the participants used concomitant medicines. Metformin use led to increased blood glucose levels (p=0.009); participants on rifampicin (n=8) received an additional daily dose of dolutegravir. Virological outcomes in participants on sodium valproate (n=2) and St John´s wort (n=1) did not show safety concerns, whilst 3 dolutegravir discontinuations were observed in participants using supplements and antacids containing divalent cations.
CONCLUSION
even though dolutegravir was safe and effective in the study population, with possible drug interactions leading to treatment discontinuations in only 3(0.7%) participants, further investigation into dolutegravir-induced hyperglycemia needs investigation.
Topics: Humans; Pyridones; Oxazines; HIV Infections; Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring; Piperazines; Female; Male; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Middle Aged; Drug Interactions; HIV Integrase Inhibitors; Prospective Studies; Comorbidity; Surveys and Questionnaires; Cohort Studies; Coinfection; Blood Glucose; Anti-HIV Agents
PubMed: 38881766
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.137.40726 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Caudofoveata are molluscs that protect their vermiform body with a scleritome, a mosaic of unconnected blade/lanceolate-shaped aragonite sclerites. For the species...
Caudofoveata are molluscs that protect their vermiform body with a scleritome, a mosaic of unconnected blade/lanceolate-shaped aragonite sclerites. For the species Falcidens gutturosus and Scutopus ventrolineatus we studied the crystallographic constitution and crystal orientation texture of the sclerites and the scleritome with electron-backscatter-diffraction (EBSD), laser-confocal-microscopy (LCM) and field-emission electron microscopy (FE-SEM) imaging. Each sclerite is an aragonite single crystal that is completely enveloped by an organic sheath. Adjacent sclerites overlap laterally and vertically are, however, not connected to each other. Sclerites are thickened in their central portion, relative to their periphery. Thickening increases also from sclerite tip towards its base. Accordingly, cross-sections through a sclerite are straight at its tip, curved and bent towards the sclerite base. Irrespective of curved sclerite morphologies, the aragonite lattice within the sclerite is coherent. Sclerite aragonite is not twinned. For each sclerite the crystallographic c-axis is parallel to the morphological long axis of the sclerite, the a-axis is perpendicular to its width and the b-axis is within the width of the sclerite. The single-crystalinity of the sclerites and their mode of organization in the scleritome is outstanding. Sclerite and aragonite arrangement in the scleritome is not given by a specific crystal growth mode, it is inherent to the secreting cells. We discuss that morphological characteristics of the sclerites and crystallographic preferred orientation (texture) of sclerite aragonite is not the result of competitive growth selection. It is generated by the templating effect of the organic substance of the secreting cells and associated extracellular biopolymers.
Topics: Animals; Animal Shells; Mollusca; Calcium Carbonate; Crystallography; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
PubMed: 38866846
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63042-7 -
Microbial Cell Factories Jun 2024Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation has been extensively researched for geoengineering applications as well as diverse uses within the built environment....
BACKGROUND
Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation has been extensively researched for geoengineering applications as well as diverse uses within the built environment. Bacteria play a crucial role in producing calcium carbonate minerals, via enzymes including carbonic anhydrase-an enzyme with the capability to hydrolyse CO, commonly employed in carbon capture systems. This study describes previously uncharacterised carbonic anhydrase enzyme sequences capable of sequestering CO2 and subsequentially generating CaCO biominerals and suggests a route to produce carbon negative cementitious materials for the construction industry.
RESULTS
Here, Bacillus subtilis was engineered to recombinantly express previously uncharacterised carbonic anhydrase enzymes from Bacillus megaterium and used as a whole cell catalyst allowing this novel bacterium to sequester CO and convert it to calcium carbonate. A significant decrease in CO was observed from 3800 PPM to 820 PPM upon induction of carbonic anhydrase and minerals recovered from these experiments were identified as calcite and vaterite using X-ray diffraction. Further experiments mixed the use of this enzyme (as a cell free extract) with Sporosarcina pasteurii to increase mineral production whilst maintaining a comparable level of CO sequestration.
CONCLUSION
Recombinantly produced carbonic anhydrase successfully sequestered CO and converted it into calcium carbonate minerals using an engineered microbial system. Through this approach, a process to manufacture cementitious materials with carbon sequestration ability could be developed.
Topics: Calcium Carbonate; Bacillus subtilis; Carbon Dioxide; Carbonic Anhydrases; Sporosarcina; Bacillus megaterium; Carbon Sequestration; Chemical Precipitation; Bacterial Proteins
PubMed: 38858761
DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02437-7 -
Medicine Jun 2024Ileal perforation caused by the insertion of a drainage tube is a rare complication. Hence, the utilization of surgical drains in abdominal surgery remains... (Review)
Review
RATIONALE
Ileal perforation caused by the insertion of a drainage tube is a rare complication. Hence, the utilization of surgical drains in abdominal surgery remains controversial. At present, there is a trend to reduce the utilization of drains in abdominal surgery, although certain situations may necessitate their application.
PATIENT CONCERNS
A 25-year-old Chinese woman presented with a history of right lower abdominal pain persisting for 10 days. Imaging examinations, including abdominal computed tomography and ultrasound, identified low-density lesions measuring 10 × 8 × 8cm3 in the right lower abdomen, which are consistent with perforated appendicitis complicated by a peri-appendiceal abscess. A laparoscopic appendectomy was carried out. On the 5th postoperative day, the drainage fluid changed to a grass-green color (80mL). Imaging with retrograde contrast through the drainage tube revealed that the 26 Fr silicon rubber drainage tube tip was positioned 50cm away from the ileocecal junction within the ileum. Both the ileal and ileocecal regions appeared well-developed.
INTERVENTION AND OUTCOMES
Oral intake was suspended, and the patient received antacids, somatostatin, antibiotics, and total parenteral nutrition. On the 19th postoperative day, a follow-up imaging procedure using retrograde contrast through the drainage tube indicated that the tube tip was sealed. The treatment concluded on day 33 postoperatively, and the patient was discharged.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Ileal perforation due to an abdominal drainage tube following laparoscopic appendectomy constitutes a rare but serious complication. However, due to the adhesion and inflammatory changes around the abscess, laparoscopic dissection becomes a challenging and risky process, and the surgical skills and experiences are particularly important. Removing the abdominal drainage tube promptly based on the characteristics of the drainage fluid is recommended. The findings provide valuable insights for surgeons navigating similar challenges.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Appendectomy; Drainage; Laparoscopy; Appendicitis; Ileum; Intestinal Perforation; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 38847709
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038405 -
PloS One 2024This study investigated the effects of different doses of limestone, light durations, light intensities, and vitamins on both the productive performance and egg quality....
This study investigated the effects of different doses of limestone, light durations, light intensities, and vitamins on both the productive performance and egg quality. The study utilized two rearing houses (control and treatment), each accommodating 75000 Lohmann Brown Classic chicks reared in open-sided rearing cages from one day old until they reached 89 weeks of age. Throughout the laying period, the hens were subjected to a specific light regimen (light = 14 h; dark = 10 h a day). At the end of experiment, the treatment group displayed significant (p<0.05) differences compared to the control group across various parameters. Notably, the treatment group exhibited lower daily feed intake (treatment: 112 g/bird vs control: 115 g/bird), 9.6% higher egg production (treatment: 78.5% vs control: 68.9%), lower body weight (treatment: 2057 g vs control: 2073 g), lower feed conversion ratio (FCR)/egg (treatment: 1.44 vs control: 1.69), higher egg weight (treatment: 69.4 g vs control: 68.5 g), greater egg mass (treatment: 56.14 vs control: 48.76), greater shell thickness (treatment: 3.52 mm vs control: 3.44 mm), and greater shell weight (treatment: 9.3 g vs control: 8.79 g). However, the albumin weight, yolk weight, yolk diameter, shape index, and Haugh units (HU) were not significantly (p˃0.05) affected after 75 weeks of treatment when compared with those of the control group. Therefore, this study is the first of its kind to demonstrate that different ratios of limestone, different durations and intensities of light, and different vitamin supplementation doses in the treatment group (subjected to the novel rearing recommendations described in this study) may yield a profit of 180,541 USD, exceeding the baseline profit of the control group (subjected to conventional rearing methods).
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Female; Eggs; Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Calcium Carbonate; Vitamins; Egg Shell; Light; Body Weight
PubMed: 38843257
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305099 -
Archives of Razi Institute Dec 2023Aluminum-containing adjuvants are extensively used in inactive human and animal vaccines owing to their favorable immunostimulatory and safe properties. Nonetheless,... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
A Comparative Study of the Effects of Al(OH) and AlPO Adjuvants on the Production of Neutralizing Antibodies (NAbs) against Bovine parainfluenza Virus Type 3 (BPIV3) in Guinea Pigs.
Aluminum-containing adjuvants are extensively used in inactive human and animal vaccines owing to their favorable immunostimulatory and safe properties. Nonetheless, there is controversy over the effects of different aluminum salts as an adjuvant for the bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV3) vaccine. In order to find a suitable adjuvant, we studied the effects of two adjuvants (i.e., aluminum hydroxide [Al(OH)] and aluminum potassium sulfate [AlPO]) on the production of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) for an experimental BPIV3 vaccine. The animals under study (Guinea pigs) were randomly assigned to five groups of experimental vaccines containing Al(OH) (AH), AlPO (AP), Al(OH)-AlPO mixture (MIX), commercial vaccine (COM), and control (NS). The treatment groups were immunized with two doses of vaccine 21 days apart (on days 0 and 21), and the control group received normal saline under the same conditions. The animals were monitored for 42 days, and blood samples were then taken. The results indicated that all vaccines were able to induce the production of NAbs at levels higher than the minimum protective titer (0.6). An increase in titer was observed throughout the monitoring period. Moreover, an increase in both the level and mean titer of NAbs obtained from the vaccine containing Al(OH) adjuvant was significantly higher than in the other studied groups (P≤0.005). The comparison of NAbs titer in other groups did not display a significant difference. Considering the speed of rising and the optimal titer of NAbs production in the experimental vaccine, the Al(OH) adjuvant is a suitable candidate for preparing a vaccine against BPIV3 for immunization.
Topics: Animals; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Aluminum Hydroxide; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Guinea Pigs; Parainfluenza Virus 3, Bovine; Viral Vaccines; Antibodies, Viral; Random Allocation; Aluminum Compounds; Female
PubMed: 38828184
DOI: 10.32592/ARI.2023.78.6.1779 -
Archives of Razi Institute Dec 2023Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has a high prevalence in cloven-hoofed animals. It is also highly contagious and remains a serious threat to livestock worldwide. Despite... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has a high prevalence in cloven-hoofed animals. It is also highly contagious and remains a serious threat to livestock worldwide. Despite the widespread vaccination program in Iran, outbreaks of FMD continue to occur. Vaccination is one of the most effective methods of preventing FMD. The vaccines used in Iran are of the inactivated type and contain several serotypes. Since inactivated vaccines without adjuvants do not induce a high and durable antibody response, it is necessary to use adjuvants. Montanide ISA 206 VG is a mineral oil-based adjuvant that produces a water-in-oil-in-water (w:o:w) emulsion in vaccine preparations. However, a large number of manufacturers in Iran and around the world still use alum adjuvant (with or without saponin) to produce the FMD vaccine. This study used Montanide ISA 206 and alum adjuvants to administer the O2010 serotype of the FMD virus to goats. A total of six goats were divided randomly into three groups. Vaccines were administered subcutaneously twice, at a one-month interval. Blood sampling was done at different times, and the micro-neutralization method was used to measure the neutralizing antibody titer in each serum. Seven days after the second vaccination, the alum group's antibody titer was higher but not statistically significant. However, from the 28th day after the second injection until the end of the study, the Montanide ISA 206 group's antibody titer was significantly higher than that of the alum group. Six months after the second injection, the antibody titer in the ISA 206 group remained at the peak level, while in the alum group, it decreased and reached the minimum protective level. Nine months after the second injection, the antibody titer remained at its peak level in the ISA 206 group, whereas it dropped significantly in the alum group. Based on the findings, ISA 206 VG is capable of generating long-term humoral immunity in goats against the FMD serotype O2010 and could replace aluminum hydroxide adjuvants in FMD vaccine preparations.
Topics: Animals; Goats; Aluminum Hydroxide; Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus; Goat Diseases; Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Viral Vaccines; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Antibodies, Viral; Iran; Oleic Acids; Mannitol
PubMed: 38828163
DOI: 10.32592/ARI.2023.78.6.1843 -
World Journal of Microbiology &... Jun 2024Biocementation, driven by ureolytic bacteria and their biochemical activities, has evolved as a powerful technology for soil stabilization, crack repair, and...
Biocementation, driven by ureolytic bacteria and their biochemical activities, has evolved as a powerful technology for soil stabilization, crack repair, and bioremediation. Ureolytic bacteria play a crucial role in calcium carbonate precipitation through their enzymatic activity, hydrolyzing urea to produce carbonate ions and elevate pH, thus creating favorable conditions for the precipitation of calcium carbonate. While extensive research has explored the ability of ureolytic bacteria isolated from natural environments or culture conditions, bacterial synergy is often unexplored or under-reported. In this study, we isolated bacterial strains from the local eutrophic river canal and evaluated their suitability for precipitating calcium carbonate polymorphs. We identified two distinct bacterial isolates with superior urea degradation ability (conductivity method) using partial 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Molecular identification revealed that they belong to the Comamonas and Bacillus genera. Urea degradation analysis was performed under diverse pH (6,7 and 8) and temperature (15 °C,20 °C,25 °C and 30 °C) ranges, indicating that their ideal pH is 7 and temperature is 30 °C since 95% of the urea was degraded within 96 h. In addition, we investigated these strains individually and in combination, assessing their microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) in silicate fine sand under low (14 ± 0.6 °C) and ideal temperature 30 °C conditions, aiming to optimize bio-mediated soil enhancement. Results indicated that 30 °C was the ideal temperature, and combining bacteria resulted in significant (p ≤ 0.001) superior carbonate precipitation (14-16%) and permeability (> 10 m/s) in comparison to the average range of individual strains. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of combining ureolytic bacteria for future MICP research on field applications including soil erosion mitigation, soil stabilization, ground improvement, and heavy metal remediation.
Topics: Urea; Bacillus; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Soil Microbiology; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Biodegradation, Environmental; Sand; Calcium Carbonate; Temperature; Phylogeny; Chemical Precipitation
PubMed: 38825655
DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-04038-3 -
Cureus Apr 2024This case report presents a comprehensive analysis of a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with pituitary macroadenoma, detailing the clinical presentation, surgical...
This case report presents a comprehensive analysis of a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with pituitary macroadenoma, detailing the clinical presentation, surgical intervention, and postoperative management. The patient exhibited a complex array of symptoms, including persistent headaches, insomnia, and anemia, with a history of trauma and blood transfusion. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) confirmed the presence of a large, lobulated pituitary macroadenoma, prompting a trans-nasal trans-sphenoidal endoscopic excision. The surgical procedure was successful, but postoperative complications, revealed by a CT scan, included hyperdense lesions and mixed-density collections. Incorporating antibiotics, analgesics, antacids, and anti-emetics, vigilant postoperative care addressed these complications. This case underscores the challenges and successes in managing pituitary macroadenomas, highlighting the importance of individualized care, multidisciplinary collaboration, and ongoing research for optimizing patient outcomes. The insights gained from this case contribute to the evolving understanding and refinement of strategies for addressing these complex tumors.
PubMed: 38817533
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59387 -
Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The shift of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) from prescription to nonprescription (nonRx) status in Canada has altered pharmacist treatment options for heartburn. This...
The shift of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) from prescription to nonprescription (nonRx) status in Canada has altered pharmacist treatment options for heartburn. This report examines pharmacist approaches to therapy based on case severity; pharmacist confidence and consult duration were also explored. A 2022 online survey gathered data from Ontario and Québec pharmacists regarding their therapeutic approaches for two hypothetical heartburn cases. A total of 715 pharmacists participated, with most having 1-10 years of experience. In Ontario, common choices for the milder case included a solo histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) (21.2%), combination H2RA + antacid (29.4%), and nonRx PPI (22.3%). For the more severe case, common choices for Québec were switches to nonRx H2RA (22.1%), combination H2RA + antacid (13.4%), a nonRx PPI (24.9%), or prescription PPI (22.5%). Pharmacists often recommended switching medications or referring patients with recurring symptoms after seven days. The approaches varied significantly between cases and provinces. The Ontario pharmacists favoured a combination H2RA + antacid for the milder case, while the Québec pharmacists preferred a solo H2RA. For the more severe case, both groups often chose nonRx H2RA followed by nonRx PPI. Despite the differences, the pharmacists demonstrated confidence in managing these situations. These findings highlight potential debates regarding optimal therapeutic approaches and the impact of drug scheduling on patient care.
PubMed: 38804473
DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12030081