Synergistic ROS-Associated antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles and gentamicin against "Staphylococcus epidermidis"

Introduction: Increasing bacteria resistance to antibiotics is a major problem of healthcare system. There is a need for solutions that broaden the spectrum of bactericidal agents improving the efficacy of commonly used antibiotics. One of the promising directions of search are silver nanoparticles (obtained by different methods and displaying diversified physical and chemical properties), and their combination with antibiotics. Purpose: In this study, we tested the role of reactive oxygen species in the mechanism of synergistic antibacterial activity of gentamicin and Tween-stabilized silver nanoparticles against gentamicin-resistant clinical strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Methods: Synergistic bactericidal activity of gentamicin and silver nanoparticles stabilized with non-ionic detergent (Tween 80) was tested by the checkerboard titration method on microtiter plates. Detection of reactive oxygen species was based on the chemiluminescence of luminol. Results: Hydrophilic non-ionic surface functionalization of silver nanoparticles enabled the existence of non-aggregated active nanoparticles in a complex bacterial culture medium. Tween-stabilized silver nanoparticles in combination with gentamicin exhibited bactericidal activity against multidrug-resistant biofilm forming clinical strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis. A synergistic effect significantly decreased the minimal inhibitory concentration of gentamicin (the antibiotic with numerous undesirable effects). Gentamicin significantly enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species by silver nanoparticles. Conclusion: Generation of reactive oxygen species by Tween-coated metallic silver nanoparticles was significantly enhanced by gentamicin, confirming the hypothesis of oxidative-associated mechanism of the synergistic antibacterial effect of the gentamicin-silver nanoparticles complex

Fluorescence Imaging in Colorectal Surgery: An Updated Review and Future Trends

Fluorescence imaging in colorectal surgery is considered a novel predominantly intraoperative method of ensuring a greater surgical success. The use of fluorescence is linked to advanced tumor visualization and projection of its lymphatics, both vessels and nodes, which results in a higher chance of achieving a total excision. Additionally, iatrogenic complications prove to be reduced using fluorescence during the surgical excision. The combination of fluorescence and artificial intelligence to better facilitate oncological surgery will soon become an established approach in operating rooms worldwide

Architecture of fibrin network inside thrombotic material obtained from the right atrium and pulmonary arteries : flow and location matter

Pulmonary embolectomy is a treatment option in selected patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE). Efficiency of thrombus degradation in PE largely depends on the architecture of its fibrin network, however little is known about its determinants. We present the case of a 56-year-old woman with high-risk PE and proximal deep-vein thrombosis, whose thrombotic material removed during embolectomy from the right atrium and pulmonary (lobar and segmental) arteries has been studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM images showed that distally located thrombi are richer in densely-packed fibrin fibers and contain more white cells and less erythrocytes than the proximal ones and the atrial thrombus. Fibrin fibers alignment along the flow vector was observed in the thrombi removed from high-velocity flow pulmonary arteries, and not in the atrial thrombus. The content of denser fibrin network and platelet aggregates was increased in segmental thromboemboli. Our findings describe the relation between thrombus architecture and location, and might help to elucidate thrombus resistance to anticoagulant therapy in some PE patients

Acute phase proteins and vitamin D seasonal variation in end-stage renal disease patients

: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency due to impaired renal hydroxylation, low dietary intake and inadequate sun exposure. Vitamin D plays a role in innate and adaptive immunity and its seasonal variation has been linked to mortality. ESRD is associated with inadequate removal of pro-inflammatory cytokines regulating acute phase protein (APP) synthesis. Our aim was to look for associations between lifestyle factors, diet, and vitamin D seasonal variation and their relationship with selected APPs and calcium-phosphate metabolism. The study included 59 ESRD patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis. A 24-hour dietary recall was conducted in the post-summer (November 2018, PS) and post-winter (February/March 2019, PW) period, and blood was collected for the measurements of serum total vitamin D, α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, prealbumin (PRE), parathormone, calcium and phosphate. A self-constructed questionnaire gathered information on vitamin D supplementation, sun exposure and physical activity. Higher caloric intake was observed PW compared PS. Less than 15% of participants met the dietary recommendations for energy, protein, fiber, vitamin D and magnesium intake. Vitamin D supplementation was associated with higher serum vitamin D regardless of season. AGP, PRE, albumin, and vitamin D presented seasonal changes (higher values PS). In patients with serum vitamin D below 25 ng/mL, vitamin D seasonal change correlated with CRP and prealbumin change. Phosphate and Ca × P correlated positively with AGP. A low vitamin D serum level could impact the inflammatory process; however, more studies are needed to confirm the relationship

Serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) predicts the severity of acute pancreatitis

Organ failure is the most important determinant of the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) is positively associated with organ failure in sepsis. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of automated sFlt-1 measurements for early prediction of AP severity. Adult patients (66) with AP were recruited, including 46 with mild (MAP), 15 with moderately-severe (MSAP) and 5 with severe AP (SAP). Serum and urine samples were collected twice. Serum sFlt-1 was measured with automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Serum concentrations of sFlt-1 were significantly higher in patients with MSAP and SAP as compared to MAP. SAP patients had the highest concentrations. At 24 and 48 h, sFlt-1 positively correlated with inflammatory markers (leukocyte count, C-reactive protein), kidney function (creatinine, urea, cystatin C, serum and urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, urine albumin/creatinine ratio), D-dimer and angiopoietin-2. sFlt-1 positively correlated with the bedside index of severity in AP (BISAP) score and the duration of hospital stay. Serum sFlt-1 above 139 pg/mL predicted more severe AP (MSAP + SAP). In the early phase of AP, sFlt-1 is positively associated with the severity of AP and predicts organ failure, in particular kidney failure. Serum sFlt-1 may be a practical way to improve early assessment of AP severity

A study of knowledge about solar radiation and sun protection among adolescents and young adults in Poland

Introduction Solar radiation plays an important role in many biological processes of the body. It is necessary for the production of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) in the human body, which plays an essential role in maintaining bone and immune system function. Excessive and inappropriate exposure, however, can lead to serious health effects, especially when it comes to the skin.Knowledge about sun protection and the effects of solar radiation among young adults plays a key role in promoting a healthy lifestyle and cancer prevention. ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour of adolescents and young adults about solar radiation and sun protection. Materials and methodsThis study was conducted among 194 people from Poland, aged 15 to 30, consisting of adolescents and young adults. A specially developed original questionnaire was used to collect the data on knowledge about solar radiation, sun protection, and the use of creams with SPF filter. Results The study group included 117 (60.3%) women and 77 (39,7%) men. The average age of the respondents was 22,8 ±3,83 years. Most respondents are aware of the need to use sunscreen, but the frequency of use depends mainly on the season ( 34.3% always use sunscreen, and 40.4% use it mainly in the summer). There is a group of people (16.3%) who declare that they never use sun protect cream.According to the results, only a small group of respondents (7.2%) gave correct answers to all the questions and some people (6.2%) did not answer any of the questions. ConclusionsThe study shows the need for further efforts to increase the young people’s knowledge and awareness of sun protection and to promote healthy habits in the use of SPF sunscreen

Photoprotection behaviors among patients during retinoid therapy

Aim: The aim of the study was to examine patients on dermatology retinoid treatment attitudes related to skin protection against UV radiation and to check the hypothesis whether patients using retinoids are more aware of the need for photoprotection.   Material and methods: Internet-based survey about attitudes associated with sun exposure and photoprotection was carried out between March and May 2023. 176 questionnaires were subject to statistical analysis.   Results: The study showed that 73% of the responders used an SPF cream every day. Only 3,8 % didn’t use a UV protection cream. 38% used it on all the exposed body parts. 21% used it only on their face and necks and 10% used it only on their face. As many as 78% of respondents used a cream with protection SPF 50 or more. 40% of patients reapply SPF. Most of the patients use additional tools such as sunglasses, hats and caps. But only 16% use specialized UPF clothing.    Conclusion: Patients during their retinoid treatment show increased knowledge and attitude towards photoprotection. They are aware of the risks due to sensitization of their therapy and are trying to mitigate the negative effects of the UV radiation

Analysis and assessment of the knowledge regarding to exploitation of electrical installations, risks and due to electric shock

INTRODUCTION This study presents the dangers due caused by electric shock and how they affect the human body. This is an important issue, because each of the recipients of this study is a user of electrical installations and the number of devices that may carry an unwanted threat is constantly increasing in every household.  AIM OF STUDY The main purpose of the study is to analyze the knowledge of studied population about low-voltage electrical installations in the places of their residence, as well as the danger and consequences of electrical shock. MATERIALS AND METHODS In order to verify the level of awareness of household electrical installations users, a survey was conducted, in which participants were given the opportunity to answer questions forming three main research problems. CONCLUSION A significant part of the collected results leads to the conclusion that, on average, every second person surveyed has significant shortcomings in basic training in the safe use of electrical installations, as well as its operation and, most importantly, in providing first aid to victims. A relatively large number of respondents are not aware of the need to perform maintenance work, technical inspections and basic activities ensuring safety for them and other household members. Introduction of mandatory prevention and cyclical training, e. g. during periodic building inspections, could be one of the steps to reduce the still high rate of fatal accidents due to electric shock in Poland