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BMC Veterinary Research Dec 2021Quantitative bacterial culture (QBC) is the gold standard for diagnosing canine urinary tract infection. Current guidelines recommend QBC within 24 h of urine...
BACKGROUND
Quantitative bacterial culture (QBC) is the gold standard for diagnosing canine urinary tract infection. Current guidelines recommend QBC within 24 h of urine collection and that unpreserved urine is refrigerated until culture. However, temperature-controlled transport is rarely feasible, indicating a need for alternative storage during transport of urine from primary veterinary practices to the microbiology laboratory. The objective was to investigate the effect of storage temperature and boric acid sponge-preservation on quantitative bacterial culture of canine urine.
RESULTS
Significant bacteriuria was detected in 72 out of 179 samples (40%) collected from 141 dogs. Overall accuracy was 94-98% for both storage conditions and time points. Non-inferiority (15% margin) to reference quantitative bacterial culture was evident for sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for both storage methods and time points, except for the negative predictive value for 48 h boric acid preservation (NPV: 89, 95% CI [79;95]). There was no significant difference between the sensitivity and specificity for either of the time-points (p-value = 0.07-1).
CONCLUSIONS
Boric acid sponge-preservation using Uriswab™ is a useful alternative to refrigeration of urine samples during transport. Reliable quantitative bacterial culture results can be obtained from canine urine up to 48 h after collection if urine is refrigerated, and for at least 24 h if urine is stored using a boric acid-containing urine transport system.
Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Boric Acids; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Preservation, Biological; Specimen Handling; Temperature; Urinary Tract Infections; Urine
PubMed: 34879836
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03083-6 -
Ototoxicity of Topical Castellani Solution and Boric Acid in Alcohol: an Experimental Study on Rats.Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and... Apr 2023The aim of this study is to determine the ototoxicities of boric acid in alcohol (BAA) and Castellani solutions by means of distortion product otoacoustic emission...
The aim of this study is to determine the ototoxicities of boric acid in alcohol (BAA) and Castellani solutions by means of distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE). A total of 28 rats were randomly divided into four groups, each group consisting of 7 animals. Then, 0.1 mL Castellani solution, 0.1 mL BAA (4% boric acid solution prepared with 60% alcohol), 0.2 mL (40 mg/mL) gentamicin and 0.2 mL saline were dropped to right outer ear canals of rats in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively, twice a day, for 14 days. DPOAE values obtained on days 0 and 14 were statistically compared for the values obtained at 750-8000 Hz frequencies. A statistically significant decrease was found on day 14 compared to day 0 values in Castellani group at all frequencies ( < 0.05). In BAA group, there was a statistically significant decrease between frequencies 1500 and 8000 Hz on day 14 ( < 0.05).We found that Castellani and BAA were ototoxic. BAA and Castellani solutions should be avoided in patients with tympanic membrane perforations, ventilation tubes and open mastoid cavities.
PubMed: 37206823
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-022-03394-6 -
Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2023Tissue defects can lead to serious health problems and often require grafts or transplants to repair damaged soft tissues. However, these procedures can be complex and...
Tissue defects can lead to serious health problems and often require grafts or transplants to repair damaged soft tissues. However, these procedures can be complex and may not always be feasible due to a lack of available tissue. Hydrogels have shown potential as a replacement for tissue grafts due to their ability to support cell survival and encapsulate biomolecules such as growth factors. In particular, guanosine-based hydrogels have been explored as a potential solution, but they often exhibit limited stability which hampers their use in the biofabrication of complex grafts. To address this issue, we explored the use of borate ester chemistry and more complex boric acid derivatives to improve the stability and properties of guanosine-based hydrogels. We hypothesized that the aromatic rings in these derivatives would enhance the stability and printability of the hydrogels through added π-π stack interactions. After optimization, 13 compositions containing either 2-naphthylboronic acid or boric acid were selected. Morphology studies shows a well-defined nanofibrilar structure with good printable properties (thixotropic behaviour, print fidelity and printability). Moreover, the pH of all tested hydrogels was within the range suitable for cell viability (7.4-8.3). Nevertheless, only the boric acid-based formulations were stable for at least 7 days. Thus, our results clearly demonstrated that the presence of additional aromatic rings did actually impair the hydrogel properties. We speculate that this is due to steric hindrance caused by adjacent groups, which disrupt the correct orientation of the aromatic groups required for effective π-π stack interactions of the guanosine building block. Despite this drawback, the developed guanosine-boric acid hydrogel exhibited good thixotropic properties and was able to support cell survival, proliferation, and migration. For instance, SaOS-2 cells planted on these printed structures readily migrated into the hydrogel and showed nearly 100% cell viability after 7 days. In conclusion, our findings highlight the potential of guanosine-boric acid hydrogels as tissue engineering scaffolds that can be readily enhanced with living cells and bioactive molecules. Thus, our work represents a significant advancement towards the development of functionalized guanosine-based hydrogels.
PubMed: 37020512
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1147943 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2022This work aimed at the development of wear and corrosion resistant oxide coatings for medical implants made of zirconium alloy, by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO)....
This work aimed at the development of wear and corrosion resistant oxide coatings for medical implants made of zirconium alloy, by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). The effect of sodium silicate and boric acid addition to calcium acetate electrolyte on the coating properties was studied. Different aspects of the PEO coating were investigated: microstructure, electrochemical and wear behavior, wettability and apatite-forming ability. The resultant coatings consist of a dense inner layer 1.4-2.2 µm thick and a porous outer layer. The total thickness of the coating is 12-20 µm. It was found that the coating contains the tetragonal zirconia (70-95%). The obtained coatings show high corrosion resistance and reduce the surface corrosion current by 1-3 orders of magnitude, depending on the electrolyte additive, compared to the uncoated surface. The addition of boric acid to the electrolyte significantly increases the wear resistance of the coating and reduces the coefficient of friction. In terms of the combination of the coating characteristics, the electrolyte with the addition of the alkali and boric acid is recommended as the most effective.
PubMed: 35329459
DOI: 10.3390/ma15062003 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2014Evidence is provided here that a class of materials with dielectric constants greater than 10⁵ at low frequency (<10 Hz), herein called super dielectric materials...
Evidence is provided here that a class of materials with dielectric constants greater than 10⁵ at low frequency (<10 Hz), herein called super dielectric materials (SDM), can be generated readily from common, inexpensive materials. Specifically it is demonstrated that high surface area alumina powders, loaded to the incipient wetness point with a solution of boric acid dissolved in water, have dielectric constants, near 0 Hz, greater than 4 × 10⁸ in all cases, a remarkable increase over the best dielectric constants previously measured for energy storage capabilities, ca. 1 × 10⁴. It is postulated that any porous, electrically insulating material (e.g., high surface area powders of silica, titania, ), filled with a liquid containing a high concentration of ionic species will potentially be an SDM. Capacitors created with the first generated SDM dielectrics (alumina with boric acid solution), herein called New Paradigm Super (NPS) capacitors display typical electrostatic capacitive behavior, such as increasing capacitance with decreasing thickness, and can be cycled, but are limited to a maximum effective operating voltage of about 0.8 V. A simple theory is presented: Water containing relatively high concentrations of dissolved ions saturates all, or virtually all, the pores (average diameter 500 Å) of the alumina. In an applied field the positive ionic species migrate to the cathode end, and the negative ions to the anode end of each drop. This creates giant dipoles with high charge, hence leading to high dielectric constant behavior. At about 0.8 V, water begins to break down, creating enough ionic species to "short" the individual water droplets. Potentially NPS capacitor stacks can surpass "supercapacitors" in volumetric energy density.
PubMed: 28788298
DOI: 10.3390/ma7128197 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2021This paper aims to provide a theoretical and experimental understanding of the importance of novel 2D materials in solid-film lubrication, along with modulating... (Review)
Review
This paper aims to provide a theoretical and experimental understanding of the importance of novel 2D materials in solid-film lubrication, along with modulating strategies adopted so far to improve their performance for spacecraft and industrial applications. The mechanisms and the underlying physics of 2D materials are reviewed with experimental results. This paper covers some of the widely investigated solid lubricants such as MoS, graphene, and boron compounds, namely h-BN and boric acid. Solid lubricants such as black phosphorus that have gained research prominence are also discussed regarding their application as additives in polymeric materials. The effects of process conditions, film deposition parameters, and dopants concentration on friction and wear rate are discussed with a qualitative and quantitative emphasis that are supported with adequate examples and application areas and summarized in the form of graphs and tables for easy readability. The use of advanced manufacturing methods such as powder metallurgy and sintering to produce solid lubricants of superior tribological performance and the subsequent economic gain from their development as a substitute for liquid lubricant are also evaluated.
PubMed: 33810571
DOI: 10.3390/ma14071630 -
Cureus Aug 2023Objective This study aims to explore the potential anti-cancer properties of boric acid (BA) in human endometrial cancer Ishikawa cells by assessing its influence on...
Objective This study aims to explore the potential anti-cancer properties of boric acid (BA) in human endometrial cancer Ishikawa cells by assessing its influence on cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. Methods The impact of BA at concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 100 mM on cell viability was assessed in Ishikawa cells and normal fibroblast L929 cells (used as the control) through the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Spectrophotometric measurements were performed to determine the total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) in BA-treated cells, and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of cytochrome c and caspase 3, both of which are constituents of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, changes in the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) in the cells were analyzed using ELISA and immunofluorescence staining. Results The exposure of Ishikawa cells to BA for 24 hours led to a dose-dependent decline in cell viability, with an IC value of 40 mM. BA dose-dependently increased cytochrome c and caspase 3 levels in cancer cells. In Ishikawa cells, BA treatment led to a significant elevation in OSI. Moreover, the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in BA-treated cells. On the other hand, in L929 cells, BA decreased OSI in a dose-dependent manner but did not change TNF-α and IL-1β levels. Concentrations up to 80 mM had no effect on cell viability and apoptosis, but BA at 80 mM concentration decreased viability and increased cytochrome c and caspase 3 levels in L929 cells. Conclusion BA inhibited cell viability, triggered apoptosis, induced oxidative stress, and suppressed inflammatory responses in endometrial cancer cells. Notably, at its IC concentration, BA had no cytotoxic effect on normal fibroblasts. Given its favorable properties, BA may provide a valuable therapeutic option to impede the development and progression of endometrial cancer.
PubMed: 37772231
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44277 -
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases 2022Attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSB) is a novel tool which employs mosquito sugar feeding behaviour to kill them. The potential of ATSB against mosquito vectors has been...
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES
Attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSB) is a novel tool which employs mosquito sugar feeding behaviour to kill them. The potential of ATSB against mosquito vectors has been demonstrated in limited scope around the world including Israel, some of the African countries and USA. But their efficacy against mosquito vectors of India is yet to be ascertained. Therefore, current study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of TSB (without attractant) against two important malaria vectors Anopheles culicifacies and An. stephensi along with major dengue vector Aedes aegypti.
METHODS
TSB solution was prepared by dissolving different concentrations of boric acid in glucose and tested against each of the mosquito species. Another experiment was done by spraying this boric acid sugar solution on to Calendula officinalis plant. It served as a sole source of mosquito feed and mortality of mosquitoes was counted after 24 hours.
RESULTS
The TSB resulted in 100% mortality of Ae. aegypti and An. stephensi at 4% concentration of boric acid while in An. culicifacies 100% mortality was achieved at 3% concentration TSB solution. TSB solution with 2% boric acid, resulted in 99.1% mortality in An. culicifacies while ~95 % mortality of An. stephensi and Ae. aegypti. When TSB solution with 2% boric acid was sprayed on plant, ~89-94% mortality was observed in both An. stephensi and An. culicifacies.
INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION
Based on the results, boric acid based toxic sugar bait solution could be a promising tool for vector control. Further studies are needed to find out its toxicity of TSB against non-target organisms and residual efficacy in field trials in different ecotypes.
Topics: Aedes; Animals; Anopheles; Boric Acids; Carbohydrates; Insecticides; Mosquito Control; Sugars
PubMed: 35708404
DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.331414 -
Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and... Dec 2022Carbonic anhydrases (EC 4.2.1.1) catalyse the reversible hydration of CO into bicarbonate and protons. As a hypoxia-sensitive and tumour-associated isoform, isoform CA...
Carbonic anhydrases (EC 4.2.1.1) catalyse the reversible hydration of CO into bicarbonate and protons. As a hypoxia-sensitive and tumour-associated isoform, isoform CA IX, is significantly overexpressed in various malignancies, being a validated target for new anticancer/antimetastatic drugs. A multitude of studies has shown that CA IX inhibition decreases cancer cell proliferation and metastasis through pHe/pHi modulation and enhancement of ferroptosis among others. Numerous studies demonstrated increased efficacy of cytotoxic drugs combined with CA inhibitors (CAIs) in various cancer types. We tested the inhibitory effect of boric acid (BA), an inorganic Lewis acid, on CA IX as well as other isoforms (CA I, II, and XII). BA acted as a millimolar CAI, decreased proliferation of two cancer cell lines, although not strong correlations between the inhibition and effects were observed. The mechanism of antiproliferative action of BA should be investigated in more detail.
Topics: Antigens, Neoplasm; Antineoplastic Agents; Boric Acids; Carbonic Anhydrase IX; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors; Humans; Hypoxia; Neoplasms; Structure-Activity Relationship
PubMed: 35535546
DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2072837 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2017Chemotaxis enables bacteria to move toward more favorable environmental conditions. We observed chemotaxis toward boric acid by Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum Ps29. At...
Chemotaxis enables bacteria to move toward more favorable environmental conditions. We observed chemotaxis toward boric acid by Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum Ps29. At higher concentrations, the chemotactic response of R. pseudosolanacearum toward boric acid was comparable to or higher than that toward L-malate, indicating that boric acid is a strong attractant for R. pseudosolanacearum. Chemotaxis assays under different pH conditions suggested that R. pseudosolanacearum recognizes B(OH) (or B(OH) + B(OH)) but not B(OH) alone. Our previous study revealed that R. pseudosolanacearum Ps29 harbors homologs of all 22R. pseudosolanacearum GMI1000 mcp genes. Screening of 22 mcp single-deletion mutants identified the RS_RS17100 homolog as the boric acid chemoreceptor, which was designated McpB. The McpB ligand-binding domain (LBD) was purified in order to characterize its binding to boric acid. Using isothermal titration calorimetry, we demonstrated that boric acid binds directly to the McpB LBD with a K (dissociation constant) of 5.4 µM. Analytical ultracentrifugation studies revealed that the McpB LBD is present as a dimer that recognizes one boric acid molecule.
Topics: Bacterial Proteins; Binding Sites; Boric Acids; Calorimetry; Chemotactic Factors; Chemotaxis; Gene Deletion; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Malates; Protein Binding; Protein Multimerization; Ralstonia
PubMed: 28819159
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09176-3