RED SAND SYNTHESIZED SILVER NANOPARTICLES: CHARACTERIZATION AND THEIR BIOMEDICAL POTENTIAL

Since the ability of bacteria to acquire resistance is increasing, it is important to find alternative therapeutics. One possible way to deal with this problem is the use of nanoparticles as possible alternatives to antibiotic therapy. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are viewed as a novel type of antibacterial agents. AgNPs can be synthesized using raw materials, such as red sand that found in nature. Characterization of the AgNPs was achieved using variety spectroscopic and microscopic devises. AgNPs showed antibacterial activity and large effect when combined with different antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris.</jats:p

Cetuximab Conjugated with Octreotide and Entrapped Calcium Alginate-beads for Targeting Somatostatin Receptors

AbstractThere is a need to formulate oral cetuximab (CTX) for targeting colorectal cancer, which is reported to express somatostatin receptors (SSTRs). Therefore, coating CTX with a somatostatin analogue such as octreotide (OCT) is beneficial. Alginate was used to coat CTX to facilitate delivery to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This study aimed to deliver CTX conjugated with OCT in the form of microparticles as a GIT-targeted SSTR therapy. Both CTX and OCT were conjugated using a solvent evaporation method and the conjugated CTX-OCT was then loaded onto Ca-alginate-beads (CTX-OCT-Alg), which were characterized for drug interactions using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR). Moreover, the morphology of formulated beads was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The drug content and release profile were studied using UV spectroscopy. Finally, in vitro cytotoxicity of all compounds was evaluated. The results showed homogenous conjugated CTX-OCT with a diameter of 0.4 mm. DSC showed a delay in the OCT peak that appeared after 200 °C due to small polymer interaction that shifted the OCT peak. Moreover, FTIR showed no prominent interaction. SEM showed clear empty cavities in the plain Ca-alginate-beads, while CTX-OCT-Alg showed occupied beads without cavities. CTX-OCT-Alg had a negligible release in 0.1 N HCl, while the CTX-OCT was completely released after 300 min in phosphate buffer pH 7.4. All formulations showed good antiproliferative activity compared with free drugs. The formulated CTX-OCT-Alg are a promising platform for targeting colorectal cancer through GIT.</jats:p

Outcomes following vascular and endovascular procedures performed during the first COVID-19 pandemic wave

Objective: The first COVID-19 pandemic wave was a period of reduced surgical activity and redistribution of resources to only those with late stage or critical presentations. This Vascular and Endovascular Research Network COVID-19 Vascular Service (COVER) study aimed to describe the six-month outcomes of patients who underwent open surgery and or endovascular interventions for major vascular conditions during this period. Methods: In this international, multicentre, prospective, observational study, centres recruited consecutive patients undergoing vascular procedures over a 12-week period. The study opened in March 2020 and closed to recruitment in August 2020. Patient demographics, procedure details, and post-operative outcomes were collected on a secure online database. The reported outcomes at 30 days and six months were post-operative complications, re-interventions, and all cause in-hospital mortality rate. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with six-month mortality rate. Results: Data were collected on 3 150 vascular procedures, including 1 380 lower limb revascularisations, 609 amputations, 403 aortic, 289 carotid, and 469 other vascular interventions. The median age was 68 years (interquartile range 59, 76), 73.5% were men, and 1.7% had confirmed COVID-19 disease. The cumulative all cause in-hospital, 30-day, and six-month mortality rates were 9.1%, 10.4%, and 12.8%, respectively. The six-month mortality rate was 32.1% (95% CI 24.2e40.8%) in patients with confirmed COVID-19 compared with 12.0% (95% CI 10.8e13.2%) in those without. After adjustment, confirmed COVID-19 was associated with a three times higher odds of six-month death (adjusted OR 3.25, 95% CI 2.18e4.83). Increasing ASA grade (3e5 vs. 1e2), frailty scores 4e9, diabetes mellitus, and urgent and or immediate procedures were also independently associated with increased odds of death by six months, while statin use had a protective effect. Conclusion: During the first wave of the pandemic, the six-month mortality rate after vascular and endovascular procedures was higher compared with historic pre-pandemic studies and associated with COVID-19 disease