Role of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) in treating and diagnosing microbial infections.

This review article highlights the innovative role of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in addressing global healthcare challenges related to microbial infections. MOFs, comprised of metal nodes and organic ligands, offer unique properties that can be applied in the treatment and diagnosis of these infections. Traditional methods, such as antibiotics and conventional diagnostics, face issues such as antibiotic resistance and diagnostic limitations. MOFs, with their highly porous and customizable structure, can encapsulate and deliver therapeutic or diagnostic molecules precisely. Their large surface area and customizable pore structures allow for sensitive detection and selective recognition of microbial pathogens. They also show potential in delivering therapeutic agents to infection sites, enabling controlled release and possible synergistic effects. However, challenges like optimizing synthesis techniques, enhancing stability, and developing targeted delivery systems remain. Regulatory and safety considerations for clinical translation also need to be addressed. This review not only explores the potential of MOFs in treating and diagnosing microbial infections but also emphasizes their unique approach and discusses existing challenges and future directions.

Green synthesis of Ag and Cu-doped Bismuth oxide nanoparticles: Revealing synergistic antimicrobial and selective cytotoxic potentials for biomedical advancements.

BACKGROUND: Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative realm of exploration across diverse scientific domains. A particular focus lies on metal oxide nanoparticles, which boast distinctive physicochemical attributes on the nanoscale. Of note, green synthesis has emerged as a promising avenue, leveraging plant extracts as both reduction and capping agents. This approach offers environmentally friendly and cost-effective avenues for generating monodispersed nanoparticles with precise morphologies. METHODS: In this investigation, we embarked on the synthesis of Bismuth oxide nanoparticles, both in their pure form and doped with silver (Ag) and copper (Cu). This synthesis harnessed the potential of Biebersteinia multifida extract as a versatile reducing agent. To comprehensively characterize the synthesized nanoparticles, a suite of analytical techniques was employed, including energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. RESULTS: The synthesized nanoparticles underwent a rigorous assessment. Their antibacterial attributes were probed, revealing a pronounced enhancement in antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria upon metal nanoparticle doping. Furthermore, their potential for combating cancer was scrutinized, with the nanoparticles exhibiting selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells, U87, compared to normal 3T3 cells. Notably, among the doped nanoparticles, Cu-doped variants demonstrated the highest potency, further underscoring their promising potential. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present study underscores the efficacy of green synthesized Bismuth oxide nanoparticles, particularly those doped with Ag and Cu, in augmenting antibacterial efficacy, bolstering biofilm inhibition, and manifesting selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells. These findings portend a promising trajectory for these nanoparticles in the spheres of biomedicine and therapeutics. As we look ahead, a deeper elucidation of their mechanistic underpinnings and in vivo investigations are essential to fully unlock their potential for forthcoming biomedical applications.

Niosome as an Effective Nanoscale Solution for the Treatment of Microbial Infections.

Numerous disorders go untreated owing to a lack of a suitable drug delivery technology or an appropriate therapeutic moiety, particularly when toxicities and side effects are a major concern. Treatment options for microbiological infections are not fulfilled owing to significant adverse effects or extended therapeutic options. Advanced therapy options, such as active targeting, may be preferable to traditional ways of treating infectious diseases. Niosomes can be defined as microscopic lamellar molecules formed by a mixture of cholesterol, nonionic surfactants (alkyl or dialkyl polyglycerol ethers), and sometimes charge-inducing agents. These molecules comprise both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties of varying solubilities. In this review, several pathogenic microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Candida spp. have been evaluated. Also, the development of a proper niosomal formulation for the required application was discussed. This review also reviews that an optimal formulation is dependent on several aspects, including the choice of nonionic surfactant, fabrication process, and fabrication parameters. Finally, this review will give information on the effectiveness of niosomes in treating acute microbial infections, the mechanism of action of niosomes in combating microbial pathogens, and the advantages of using niosomes over other treatment modalities.

Advances of liposomal mediated nanocarriers for the treatment of dermatophyte infections.

Due to the adverse effects associated with long-term administration of antifungal drugs used for treating dermatophytic lesions like tinea unguium, there is a critical need for novel antifungal therapies that exhibit improved absorption and minimal adverse effects. Nanoformulations offer a promising solution in this regard. Topical formulations may penetrate the upper layers of the skin, such as the stratum corneum, and release an appropriate amount of drugs in therapeutic quantities. Liposomes, particularly nanosized ones, used as topical medication delivery systems for the skin, may have various roles depending on their size, lipid and cholesterol content, ingredient percentage, lamellarity, and surface charge. Liposomes can enhance permeability through the stratum corneum, minimize systemic effects due to their localizing properties, and overcome various challenges in cutaneous drug delivery. Antifungal medications encapsulated in liposomes, including fluconazole, ketoconazole, croconazole, econazole, terbinafine hydrochloride, tolnaftate, and miconazole, have demonstrated improved skin penetration and localization. This review discusses the traditional treatment of dermatophytes and liposomal formulations. Additionally, promising liposomal formulations that may soon be available in the market are introduced. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of dermatophyte infections and the role of liposomes in enhancing treatment.

How accurate is the visual estimation of bowel length by endoscopic surgeons?

Background: Measurement of small bowel length is an essential step in performing bariatric surgery. Surgeons need to measure bowel length in order to create alimentary and biliopancreatic limbs. Inaccurate bowel measurement may affect the outcome of surgery. However, it is not clear how accurate the measurement of bowel length is by surgeons. Methods: Two image quizzes marking certain lengths of jejunum were sent to participants. They were asked to estimate the length of marked bowels in maze quizzes. The Error of estimation, prevalence of significant error (error greater than 30 percent of actual length), and the relationship between different participant characteristics was investigated. Results: A total of 86 participants answered the questionnaire. The mean error of estimation was 4.62 cm (27%). Twenty-eight participants (33%) had significant errors in estimation of bowel length. Conclusion: While there are surgeons that can estimate bowel length with decent accuracy, significant errors in estimation of bowel length are not uncommon among surgeons. Surgeons should consider adopting techniques for accurate measurement of the small intestine.

One anastomosis gastric bypass surgery in Type2 diabetes patients with body mass index < 35 kg/m2: A multi-center retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: Bariatric surgeries have shown efficacy in weight reduction, glycemic control and improvement of type-2 diabetes (T2DM) in patients with obesity. We aimed to assess the efficacy of one anastomosis gastric bypass surgery (OAGB) in T2DM patients with body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m2 within a year after surgery. Methods: In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, 14 T2DM patients with BMI <35 kg/m2 (females, %: 71.4% (10 of 14), and age, mean (standard deviation): 51.2 (12.3) years) who had underwent OAGB surgery by the same surgeon, were followed at intervals of one, three, six, and 12 months after surgery. The remission rates of T2DM were calculated and the metabolic indices were compared using paired t-test and Wilcoxon rank test. Results: No adverse outcomes were detected 12 months after surgery. Within six months, seven (50%) patients underwent remission (one (7.1%) within one, three (21.4%) within three, and three (21.4%) within six months). Post-operative weight (p < 0.001) and fasting blood glucose (p < 0.01) in all time periods were significantly lower compared to pre-operative values. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) was significantly lower at three- and six-month intervals (p < 0.05) but not at twelve months (p = 0.2). Thyroid-stimulating hormone and triglyceride levels were lower at six months compared to pre-surgical levels (p < 0.05) but cholesterol levels were not different in any of time points (p > 0.05). Conclusion: OAGB surgery is associated with weight reduction, glycemic control and a 50% remission rate within six months in patients with diabetes and BMI <35 kg/m2.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in a patient with Situs Inversus Totalis: A case report and literature review.

Introduction: & Importance: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a widely accepted and effective bariatric surgery for achieving weight loss in patients with extreme obesity. Performing this surgical procedure in patients with congenital anatomical changes including situs inversus (SI) is a challenge for the surgical team. In this condition, the orientation of intra-abdominal organs is the mirror image of those in normal populations. Case presentation: Herein, we present a 29-year-old female with situs inversus totalis who successfully underwent an LSG surgery with proper weight loss post-operatively and no early and late complications. Clinical discussion: By reviewing the literature for patients with SI undergoing the same procedure, all patients achieved significant weight loss. Three out of nineteen cases experienced complications which were controlled without significant morbidity or mortality.Conclusion: we concluded that LSG will be a safe and effective surgery for the treatment of extreme obesity in SI patients, if the condition is diagnosed preoperatively.

Comparing the Quality and Complications of Tube Thoracostomy by Emergency Medicine and Surgery Residents; a Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Tube thoracostomy complications depend on the operator's skill, patients' general condition and the place in which the procedure is done. The present study aimed to compare the quality and complications of tube thoracostomy carried out by emergency medicine residents (EMRs) and surgery residents (SRs). METHODS: This cohort study was conducted on 18-60 years old trauma patients in need of tube thoracostomy presenting to two academic emergency departments. Quality of tube placement and its subsequent complications until tube removal were compared between SRs and EMRs using SPSS 20. RESULTS: 72 patients with the mean age of 37.1 ± 14.1 years were studied (86.1% male). 23 (63.8%) cases were complicated in SRs and 22 (61.1%) cases in EMRs group (total= 62.5%). Chest drain dislodgement (22.2% in SRs vs. 22.2% EMRs; p>0.99), drainage failure (19.4% in SRs vs. 16.7% EMRs; p=0.50), and surgical site infection (11.1% in SRs vs. 19.4% EMRs; p=0.25) were among the most common observed complications. The overall odds ratio of complication development was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.35-2.25, p = 0.814) for SRs and 1.12 (95% CI: 0.28-4.53, p = 0.867) for EMRs. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study showed no significant difference between SRs and EMRs regarding quality of tube thoracostomy placement and its subsequent complications for trauma patients. The rate of complications were interestingly high (>60%) for both groups.