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Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2021This study investigated the effects of an aronia juice-based food supplement on background and total DNA strand breaks in whole blood, and on HO-induced DNA strand...
BACKGROUND
This study investigated the effects of an aronia juice-based food supplement on background and total DNA strand breaks in whole blood, and on HO-induced DNA strand breaks in isolated peripheral blood lymphocytes.
METHODS
Ninety-one healthy volunteers were randomly selected to consume either the food supplement (2 × 25 mL drinking ampules, = 45) or no supplement ( = 46) daily for eight weeks.
RESULTS
Background DNA strand breaks decreased significantly after four and eight weeks of supplement consumption, compared to baseline ( < 0.05), but the overall effect was low, and neither group showed a decrease in total DNA strand breaks. Conversely, supplement consumption clearly reduced HO-induced DNA strand breaks ex vivo ( < 0.001), with statistically significant reductions after four and eight weeks, compared to the control group ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Thus, although consuming antioxidant supplements might produce only marginal immediate benefits under healthy conditions, potential preventive effects warrant further investigation.
PubMed: 34071817
DOI: 10.3390/antiox10060857 -
British Medical Journal (Clinical... Mar 1986
Topics: Drug Contamination; Filtration; Glass; Humans; Infusions, Parenteral
PubMed: 3082406
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.292.6522.714 -
Acta Crystallographica. Section E,... Jan 2009Single crystals of caesium tantalate(V), Cs(10)Ta(29.27)O(78), were obtained as a serendipitous product in a welded tantalum ampoule by a blank reaction of CsBr and...
Single crystals of caesium tantalate(V), Cs(10)Ta(29.27)O(78), were obtained as a serendipitous product in a welded tantalum ampoule by a blank reaction of CsBr and bis-muth subnitrate [Bi(5)O(OH)(9)(NO(3))(4)] with the container material. The crystal structure of the title compound is made up of a three-dimensional framework constituted by two types of layers, viz. (Ta(6)O(15))(n) and (Ta(3)O(9))(n), parallel to (001), which are linked together by TaO(6) octa-hedra (3m. symmetry) along [001]. This framework has cavities where three independent Cs(+) ions (3m. and m2 symmetry, respectively) are located. The compound reveals a Ta deficiency at one trigonal prismatic coordinated site (m2 symmetry). The composition of the title compound was verified by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis of single crystals.
PubMed: 21581740
DOI: 10.1107/S1600536809002967 -
Cureus Jan 2020Human factors and systems factors can affect surgical performance, including the operating room (OR) environment, teamwork and communication, technology and equipment,...
Human factors and systems factors can affect surgical performance, including the operating room (OR) environment, teamwork and communication, technology and equipment, tasks and workload factors, and organizational variables. Patient safety is a new healthcare discipline that emphasizes the reporting, analysis, and prevention of medical errors that often lead to adverse healthcare events. We are highlighting a potential error and hazardous situation, which may occur due to the difficulty in reading the embossed letters of some ampoules because of the typeface of these ampoules. This problem is particularly important in the ORs, which require special sterile conditions. We are adding a simple step to help in the differentiation between plastic, embossed ampoules. This simple and easy-to-do step makes it possible for accurate and correct identification, without jeopardizing the safety of the patients and health care professionals.
PubMed: 31929959
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.6592 -
Archives of Plastic Surgery Nov 2017Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is known to have anti-inflammatory and angiogenic effects and to accelerate wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate...
BACKGROUND
Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is known to have anti-inflammatory and angiogenic effects and to accelerate wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PDRN could improve peripheral tissue oxygenation and angiogenesis in diabetic foot ulcers.
METHODS
This was a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. Twenty patients with a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer were randomly distributed into a control group (n=10) and a PDRN group (n=10). Initial surgical debridement and secondary surgical procedures such as a split-thickness skin graft, primary closure, or local flap were performed. Between the initial surgical debridement and secondary surgical procedures, 0.9% normal saline (3 mL) or PDRN was injected for 2 weeks by the intramuscular (1 ampule, 3 mL, 5.625 mg, 5 days per week) and perilesional routes (1 ampule, 3 mL, 5.625 mg, 2 days per week). Transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO) was evaluated using the Periflux System 5000 with TcPO/CO unit 5040 before the injections and on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 after the start of the injections. A pathologic review (hematoxylin and eosin stain) of the debrided specimens was conducted by a pathologist, and vessel density (average number of vessels per visual field) was calculated.
RESULTS
Compared with the control group, the PDRN-treated group showed improvements in peripheral tissue oxygenation on day 7 (P<0.01), day 14 (P<0.001), and day 28 (P<0.001). The pathologic review of the specimens from the PDRN group showed increased angiogenesis and improved inflammation compared with the control group. No statistically significant difference was found between the control group and the PDRN group in terms of vessel density (P=0.094). Complete healing was achieved in every patient.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, PDRN improved peripheral tissue oxygenation. Moreover, PDRN is thought to be effective in improving inflammation and angiogenesis in diabetic foot ulcers.
PubMed: 29076318
DOI: 10.5999/aps.2017.00801 -
European Journal of Pharmaceutical... Aug 2022'Aseptic handling is the procedure to enable sterile products to be made ready to administer using closed systems' (EU Resolution CM/Res(2016)2). Microbiological...
INTRODUCTION
'Aseptic handling is the procedure to enable sterile products to be made ready to administer using closed systems' (EU Resolution CM/Res(2016)2). Microbiological controls are an important part of the overall assurance of process and product quality of aseptic handling. They consist of the End-of-Session Broth Test (ESBT) using Tryptone Soya Broth, Microbiological Monitoring (MM) using Ø 55- and 90-mm agar plates and a periodical Operator Broth Transfer Validation Test (OBTVT) using Tryptone Soya Broth. This study describes the results of these controls over a 7-year period, involving between 44 and 49 pharmacies (mostly hospital pharmacies). All pharmacies use a web-based programme for processing, evaluation and assessing microbiological controls ('Microbio'). Aggregated results in Microbio are used for benchmarking and feedback information.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to analyse the results of the 7-year period and to develop methods for assessing of, and determining realistic limits for, microbiological controls during aseptic handling. As secondary objective the role of Microbio is highlighted.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Results of ESBT are expressed as Contamination Rate (CR), which is the percentage of units filled in a process simulation that are positive for microbial growth after incubation. Compared with the first 3 years of the study, the results in the last 4 years were significantly better: mean CRs are 0.20 and 0.11, respectively (p-value <0.01). For assessing CRs of ESBT, the approach 'the more frequent samples with growth, the stronger the corrective actions' was adopted. Levels of investigative and corrective actions, based on the 95% Upper Confidence Limit, are suggested. Microbiological Monitoring (MM) during aseptic handling into a laminar airflow cabinet or safety cabinet consists of settle plates, glove prints, contact plates of the worktop and surface bioburden determination of disinfected ampoules and vials. The results are expressed as the Contamination Recovery Rate (CRR), which is the rate at which MM samples contain any level of contamination. During the study period, the results of glove prints and contact plates improved substantially. The most probable explanation of this finding is improved disinfection procedures of the gloved hands, the worktop inside LAF/SC and the ampoules and vials. Results of settle plates did not change. There were too few results available to evaluate the surface bioburden of disinfected ampoules and vials. Benchmarking and feedback information from Microbio may have contributed to the improved ESBT and MM results. Results of the Operator Broth Transfer Validation Test (OBTVT) are expressed as Contamination Rate (CR). The target is zero samples with growth (CR = 0). The overall CR result over the study period is 0.50%. This is worse than ESBT (overall CR is 0.14%). This is probably due to the high number of critical steps in OBTVT compared to ESBT.
CONCLUSION
Results of microbiological controls improved during the study period. Realistic limits as well as methods for assessing ESBT and MM results are given and discussed.
Topics: Drug Contamination; Hospitals; Pharmacies
PubMed: 35640785
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106228 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Sep 2022Peptide-C ampoules (PC) contain peptides, 10% of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and Vichy volcanic mineralizing water. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION
Peptide-C ampoules (PC) contain peptides, 10% of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and Vichy volcanic mineralizing water.
AIMS
To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of PC.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
An observational study conducted in 9 countries in women ≥30 years old with signs of facial skin aging (grade >0 for forehead and/or crow's feet wrinkles and bothered by skin quality). Investigator assessments and subject questionnaires were performed at initial visit and Day 30 after application of PC twice daily for 28 days. Tolerance was assessed throughout the study.
RESULTS
Effectiveness and safety were analyzed in 1382 and 1742 subjects, respectively. Most subjects (mean age 48.5 ± 8.6 years) had skin phototype II or III (91.7%) and dry or combination skin (63.9%). PC was used as a standalone care or prior to a planned procedure (70%), or after a procedure (30%). Between baseline and Day 30, 63% and 64% of all subjects (N = 1360) had an improvement in forehead wrinkles and crow's feet wrinkles, respectively. Skin hydration improved in 67.3% of subjects. According to investigator and subject assessments, skin quality, skin radiance, skin aging signs, wrinkles, complexion, and skin pores significantly improved by Day 30. Similar results were observed for subgroup analyses when PC was used as standalone skin care or after a procedure. Tolerance of PC was rated as good to very good by 97.7% of subjects.
CONCLUSIONS
Peptide-C ampoules is effective in reducing visible signs of skin aging, and well tolerated, when used alone or as an adjunct to anti-aging procedures.
Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Female; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Middle Aged; Peptides; Skin Aging; Water
PubMed: 35064615
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.14733 -
Indian Journal of Critical Care... Sep 2022Hospital-acquired infections have been a wide-ranging concern in the medical field, as it increases mortality and incurs longer hospital stays and higher medical costs....
UNLABELLED
Hospital-acquired infections have been a wide-ranging concern in the medical field, as it increases mortality and incurs longer hospital stays and higher medical costs. Infection control practices and antimicrobial stewardship are thought to be emergent measures to curtail hospital-acquired infections, but adherence to such standard practices has been a concern globally, ultimately leading to poor clinical outcomes. Organisms isolated from rare sources have been reported to cause pathogenic infections in humans. Instances such as contamination of intravenous fluids and parenteral medications with gram-negative bacteria and fungus have been reported in the past. We present here, a rare outbreak of bacteremia from an unthought source among four critically ill patients. The epidemiological investigations confirmed the source of contagion to be fentanyl ampoules. The immediate action of disusing the batch of fentanyl ampoules was taken. Timely action and isolation precautions prevented a major outbreak within the intensive care unit (ICU).
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE
Rajachandran K, Varghese GS, Kumar JV, Mathew KT. Outbreak of Nosocomial Infection from an Unusual Source. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(9):1042-1044.
PubMed: 36213706
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24308 -
Turk Psikiyatri Dergisi = Turkish... 2021Given the very frequent prescription of non-opiod analgesics (NOA), their dependence potential has been a subject of research. Increased use of NOA in the last decade...
Given the very frequent prescription of non-opiod analgesics (NOA), their dependence potential has been a subject of research. Increased use of NOA in the last decade has led authors to publish case reports to describe the dependence potential of these agents. Metamizole (dipyrone) has become one of the most popular NOA agents, in being easily accessible and inexpensive. Its analgesic effect depends on the central inhibition of cyclo-oxigenase (COX-3) and activation of the opiodergic and cannabinoid systems. Recent research has also stressed its possible anxiolytic effects. Our Literature search indicated no previous reports regarding metamizole misuse. Case of a 41 year old female patient is presented. She had self administered increasing doses of i.v. metamizole reaching up to 10 ampules per day. Considering the risk of mortality due to the metamizole's side effect of agranulocytosis, we thought that it could be a significant contribution to the literature to present a case of a possible metamizole abuse.
Topics: Adult; Agranulocytosis; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Dipyrone; Female; Humans
PubMed: 34181748
DOI: 10.5080/u25679 -
European Archives of Paediatric... Feb 2024This study was conducted to explore the preference and experience of paediatric dentists based in Switzerland regarding the use of articaine and other local and topical...
PURPOSE
This study was conducted to explore the preference and experience of paediatric dentists based in Switzerland regarding the use of articaine and other local and topical anaesthesia.
METHODS
An 18-question survey was developed, piloted, and distributed to the members of the Swiss association of paediatric dentistry (n = 460). The following information were collected: most used local anaesthetic in different age groups, time needed to inject a full ampule, frequency of observed local and systemic side effects, application of topical anaesthetic prior to injection, time waited between application and the injection, and perceived effectiveness of topical anaesthetic. The dentists' responses were analysed with logistic regressions reporting odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) at 5%.
RESULTS
The response rate was 37% (n = 168) out of the 460 questionnaires sent, with the responders being predominantly female (67%) and 47-year-old on average. More than 80% of the dentists used articaine in all age groups. 45% of responders took longer than 60 s to inject a full ampule. Local and systemic side-effects were observed by 82% and 28% of respondents respectively, although the nature and the significance of those were not detailed due to the anonymous nature of the questionnaire. Significantly less local adverse effects were seen for older children (p = 0.04) and among dentists with more years of experience (p = 0.01). Most responders applied topical anaesthetic and half of them waited longer than 60 s before injection.
CONCLUSIONS
Articaine is a widely used local anaesthetic by the studied group of Swiss paediatric dentists regardless of patient's age. The use of topical anaesthetic before injection is a common practice with good perceived effectiveness.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Female; Humans; Male; Anesthesia, Dental; Anesthetics, Local; Carticaine; Dentists; Switzerland; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38010573
DOI: 10.1007/s40368-023-00852-9