Dual-drug co-crystal synthesis for synergistic in vitro effect of three key first-line antiretroviral drugs

Two pharmaceutical solid state co-crystals EFZA and NEF of two non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (efavirenz, EFV and nevirapine, NVP) and a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, zidovudine (AZT) were prepared. Currently, these drugs are essential in various front-line HIV treatment regimens due to their potential in the management of HIV infection. Solid-state principles and solvent-assisted grinding were used for screening of co-crystal preparation. Characterization was carried out using DSC, HSM and TGA, then complimented by FT-IR spectral data and powder X-ray diffraction. HPLC analysis was used for a solubility assays. Both co-crystals indicated different thermal behaviour compared to the individual drug components. Differences in vibrational modes within the spectral region and the unique powder X-ray patterns confirmed the identity of EFZA and NEF as new molecular derivatives. Quantitative studies using HPLC indicated an enhanced solubility of the co-crystals at different pH values compared to the parent compounds; thus making these interesting candidates for future formulation6

Bovine and human endothelial cell growth on collagen microspheres and their infection with the rickettsia Cowdria ruminantium: prospects for cells and vaccine production.

SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Prevention of biofilm formation by methacrylate-based copolymer films loaded with rifampin, clarithromycin, doxycycline alone or in combination

Purpose This study reports the incorporation of the antibiotics rifampin, doxycycline and clarithromycin in poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate films and their effect on biofilm prevention. Background Invasive procedures in patients such as surgical device, or intravenous or urinary catheter implantation, often results in complicated hospital-acquired nosocomial infections. Biofilm formation is essential to establish these infections on these devices and novel antibiotic delivery approaches are needed for more effective management. Methods The films were evaluated in vitro for drug release and for their ability to prevent biofilm formation by methicillin susceptible and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Surface tension components, obtained from contact angle measurements, and the morphology of the films evaluated by scanning electron microscopy were also investigated. Results In this study, antibiotic-loaded methacrylic copolymer films that effectively released rifampin, clarithromycin and doxycycline for up to 21 days prevented biofilm formation when tested in an in vitro bioreactor model. These drug loaded copolymer films provided the advantage by coating materials with a novel surface that was unsuitable for resettling of biofilms once the antibiotic was dissolved from the polymer surface. A combination of rifampin and clarithromycin released from the polymer film provided >99.9% kill of an MRSA inoculate for up to 72 h. Conclusion Results showed that combining multiple drugs in copolymer films with unique surface properties, initial hydrophilicity and increase in roughness, can be an effective way to prevent biofilm formatio

Long-term Spectroscopic Variability of Two Oe Stars

HD 45314 and HD 60848 are poorly studied Oe-type stars. Spectroscopic monitoring over 5 years reveals strong variations in the strength of the emission lines and for HD 45314 in the V/R ratio of the double-peaked emissions. Part of these long-term variations could be recurrent

Laparoscopic versus Open Pancreatectomy in 102 Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm Showed Similar Outcome and Survival

Purpose: Pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (PSPPN) is a rare tumor, mostly affecting a working young population, who could benefit a laparoscopic approach (LA) for complete resection. We report the largest single-center comparative cohort study between the LA versus the open approach (OA). Method: Between 2001 and 2021, 102 patients (84 % female, median age: 30) underwent pancreatectomy for SPPN and were all included in this retrospective study. Demographic, perioperative and pathological data were collected. The population was divided in two groups, LA being compared to OA regarding early and the long-term results. Results: Forty patients underwent resection by LA and 62 by te OA. There were no significant differences regarding age, gender, BMI, ASA score, symptomatic presentation and tumor size between groups. A preoperative biopsy under endoscopic ultrasound was performed in 45 patients (44%) without difference between both groups. Pancreatic head locations were less frequently observed in LA (30% vs 54%, p=0.013). Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) was less frequently done by LA (25% vs 53%, p=0.004) and distal pancreatectomy (DP) was more frequently done by LA (40% vs 16%, p=0.003). There was no conversion in case of LA. LA was associated with lower operating time (170 vs 255 min, p=0.0005), intraoperative blood loss (100 vs 200 ml, p=0.002), and hospital stay (15 vs 20 days, p=0.03). There was no difference in the early outcome and one death (1%) was observed after PD by LA. The lymph node count was lower in the LA group (4 vs 11, p=0.0001), but the rate of lymph node invasion was low in both groups (3% vs 2%, p=0.752). In subgroup analysis by surgical procedure, PD by LA was associated with lower median blood loss (180 versus 200ml, p=0.034) and a lower number of harvested lymph nodes (11 vs 15, p=0.02). DP, by LA was associated with lower median tumor size on imaging (40 versus 80mm, p=0.048), shorter operative duration (135 versus 190min, p=0.028), and less complications according the median comprehensive complication index score (0 versus 8.7, p=0.048). After a median follow-up of 60 months, two recurrences (2%) were observed and unrelated to the approach. Conclusion: Laparoscopic approach for SPPN appears to be safe with advantages on morbidity without risk of recurrence. Furthermore, this approach should be promoted regarding the parietal and esthetic advantages in young female patients

Belgian prospective registry on laparoscopic liver surgery compared to open procedures: 3-year snapshot of multi centric activity

The Belgian Registry on Laparoscopic Liver Surgery is a prospective, non-compulsory, online registry of laparoscopic (LLS) and open (OLS) liver procedures, endorsed in 2016 by the Belgian Section of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery. The primary aim is to assess the evolution of laparoscopic liver surgery compared to the standard open approach in Belgium. Methods: Participating centers included, through a secured SSL server (www.brells.org), all consecutive liver surgeries from 2017 to 2019. Demographic, pre- intra- and postoperative data of all consecutive LLS and OLS were recorded. Results: In total 13 centers participated to the study. 1531 procedures were recorded (841 LLS and 690 OLS) in 1408 patients. Demographics of patients were similar between LLS and OLS. Indication for surgery were 57% liver metastases (49% LLS, 51% OLS), 29% primary liver tumors (57% LLS, 43% OLS) and 16% benign diseases (73%LLS, 27% OLS). Exclusive local thermal ablation (LA) accounted for 118 procedures. Excluding LA from analysis, rate of major hepatectomies was 18,2% (n=258) and median Ghent difficulty score was 5,6 (4,8 LLS vs 6,5 OLS). LLS were converted to OLS in 3,3% of cases. Overall morbidity and mortality were significantly lower in LLS compared to OLS respectively 27% vs 53% and 0,6% vs 2,9%. Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in LLS (Median 4 vs 7 days). Conclusions: LLS are wide spreading in Belgium accounting globally to 55% of all liver surgeries. In selected patients, LLS are safe, advantageous and reproducible in major HPB centers. A low morbidity has been prospectively confirmed