ABSTRACT
The skin is the largest organ and one of the most important in the human body, and is constantly exposed to pathogenic microorganisms that cause infections; then, pharmacological administration is required. One of the basic medical methods for treating chronic wounds is to use topical dressings with characteristics that promote wound healing. Fiber-based dressings mimic the local dermal extracellular matrix (ECM), maintaining an ideal wound-healing climate. This work proposes electrospun PHB/PEG polymeric microfibers as dressings for administering the antibiotic gentamicin directed at skin infections. PHB-PEG/gentamicin fibers were characterized before and after plasma treatment by Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, and XRD. SEM was used to evaluate fiber morphology and yarn size. The plasma treatment improved the hydrophilicity of the PHB/PEG/gentamicin fibers. The release of gentamicin in the plasma-treated fibers was more sustained over time than in the untreated ones.
ABSTRACT
Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) were synthesized using tannic acid and characterized by Raman, FTIR, UV, and DRX spectroscopy. In a heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction, the catalytic peroxidase-like activity of MIONPs in the degradation of Acid Red 1 (AR 1) dye was investigated. TEM/STEM was used to determine the quasi-spherical morphology and particle size (3.2 nm) of the synthesized MIONPs. The XRD powder patterns were indexed according to the reverse spinel structure of magnetite, and SEM-EDS analysis confirmed their chemical composition. At pH = 3.5, the decomposition of H2O2 in hydroxyl radicals by MIONPs results in high AR 1 degradation (99%). This behavior was attributed to the size and surface properties of the MIONPs. Finally, the Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) technique detected intermediary compounds in the degradation process.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Restricting antibiotics sales to those with medical prescriptions only is a central strategy for promoting appropriate use and containing antibiotic resistance; however, many low and middle income countries have not enforced policies that prevent widespread self-medication with antibiotics. In 2010, the Mexican government announced the enforcement of antibiotic sales regulations, a policy that gained media prominence. This study analyzes media coverage of issues, stakeholder representation, and positions taken during policy agenda setting, drafting, and implementation to shed light on policy making to promote appropriate antibiotic utilization. METHODS: We carried out a quantitative content analysis of 322 newspaper articles published between January 2009 and December 2010 in 18 national and regional newspapers. Additionally, we conducted a qualitative content analysis to understand the positions adopted and strategies developed by nine key stakeholders. Framing theory guided the analysis. RESULTS: The Ministry of Health dominated media coverage, justifying the enforcement policy by focusing on risks of self-medication, and to a lesser degree dangers of increasing antibiotic resistance. Pharmacy associations appeared to be the leading opponents, arguing that the policy created logistical difficulties and corruption, and had negative economic impact for pharmacies and their clients. The associations developed strategies against the regulation such as attempting to delay implementation and installing physicians' consultation offices within pharmacies. While medical associations and academic institutions called for a comprehensive strategy to combat antibiotic resistance, improve prescription quality, and create public awareness, these issues had little impact on media coverage. Consumer groups and legislators received very little media coverage. CONCLUSIONS: The narrowly-focused and polarized media coverage âcentred on problems of self- medication and economic impact â was a missed opportunity to publicly discuss and to develop a comprehensive national strategy on antibiotic use in Mexico. It highlights the need for discussing and developing interventions within the framework of a pharmaceutical policy.
