Chitosan–Hydroxyapatite Composite Membranes for the Controlled Release of Clindamycin Phosphate to Prevent Infections at the Implantation Site

Highly effective antifouling performance of PVDF/graphene oxide composite membrane in membrane bioreactor (MBR) system

ObjectiveIntravesical BCG treatment is the most frequently preferred adjuvant treatment option with its effective results in non-muscle invasive bladder tumors. Despite effective results, systemic and local side effects can be observed and can be one of the main reasons for treatment discontinuation. In this study we aimed to identify clinical factors predicting BCG-related side effects during intravesical BCG therapy in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.MethodsDemographic and clinical data of patients who received intravesical adjuvant BCG therapy for non-muscle invasive bladder tumor were obtained from patient records. Data on side effects following intravesical BCG therapy and clinical approaches were collected. After creating the patient sample, binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify parameters and independent risk factors predicting BCG-related side effects, and to evaluate data related to the clinical management of BCG-related side effects.ResultsAmong the 276 patients included in the study, 23(8.3%) developed BCG-related local and systemic side effects. The mean IPSS(13.5 ± 2.9 vs. 17.6 ± 1.7) and mean tumor size(2.5 ± 0.9 vs. 3.6 ± 1.0 cm)were significantly higher in the group with BCG-related side effects(p < 0.001). The rate of CIS was significantly higher in the group with BCG-related side effects(21.7% vs. 3.9%,p = 0.004). Local side effects included cystitis symptoms in 18(78.2%) patients and epididymo-orchitis in 2(8.6%) patients. Systemic side effects included malaise and fever below 38.5 °C in 4(17.3%) patients, and fever above 38.5 °C lasting longer than 48 h in 2(8.6%) patients. Logistic regression analysis identified IPSS, tumor size, and the presence of CIS as independent risk factors.ConclusionHigh IPSS, large tumor size, and the presence of CIS were significant predictors of side effects during intravesical BCG therapy. Clinicians can ensure more effective use of BCG by preventing treatment discontinuation through approaches such as the use of quinolones and dose reduction in patients with these factors.

Objective: Vaccines are biological products that provide protection against diseases by stimulating the immune system. Our aim in this study is to examine local and systemic side effects after inactivated coronavirus vaccination. In addition, when these side effects started, how long they lasted and their effect on daily life were evaluated. Methods: 224 healthcare workers who met the study criteria and were vaccinated against coronavirus in Adana City Training and Research Hospital were included in the study. A questionnaire prepared by us was filled in for these patients in which we inquired about the local and systemic side effects of the vaccine, the onset of side effects, their duration, whether they affect daily life, the need for drug use, and some demographic data. The survey results were evaluated with the SPSS statistical program. Local and systemic side effects were evaluated according to age, gender, allergy status, onset time, duration of effect, effect on daily life, and use of medical treatment. Results: At least one side effect was observed in 73.2% of 224 patients, while no side effects were observed in 26.8%. Being under the age of 35, being female, and being allergic increased the side effects (p:0.0027, p:0.001, p.0.031). In the logistic regression analysis, it was seen that being a woman was more effective (p.0.002). The most common local side effect was at the injection site pain was 76.2%, the most common systemic side effect was weakness 40.9%. 85.6% of local side effects and 70.4% of systemic side effects were seen in the first 24 hours. 71.3% of local side effects and 70.1% of systemic side effects lasted less than 24 hours. Conclusion: Inactivated covid-19 vaccine causes side effects in the majority of patients.In the otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic, attention should be paid to the side effects of the coronovac vaccine in female patients under the age of 35 who have allergies.

In this study, thin film composite PVA/PES nanofiltration membranes were fabricated for the treatment of pulp and paper industrial wastewater. Phase separation induced by immersion precipitation was used to prepare the PES support membrane. PVA/PES composite nanofiltration membranes were prepared by dipping the support PES membrane in the PVA and cross-linking solutions at different conditions. Maleic acid (MA) was used as cross-linking agent. PVA and MA have concentrations of 0.5–2 and 0.05–1 wt%, respectively. Morphological studies were carried out by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. In addition, the hydrophilicity of membranes was examined by contact angle measurements. Permeability and ability of PVA/PES composite nanofiltration membranes to reduce COD of the wastewater were evaluated by a cross flow filtration system. SEM images indicated that the PVA layer was uniformly formed on the PES support membrane. AFM images showed that the surface roughness, porosity and pore sizes of PES support membrane were reduced after formation of PVA layer on the support surface. Moreover, the hydrophilicity of the membranes was significantly increased. Experimental results demonstrated that the PVA/PES composite nanofiltration membranes were able to reduce the COD of wastewater. Optimum conditions for preparation of PVA/PES composite membrane are consisted of PVA concentration: 1 wt%, MA concentration: 0.5 wt%, cross-linking time: 3 min and curing time: 3 min.

Synthesis and characterization of PVA/PES thin film composite nanofiltration membrane modified with TiO2 nanoparticles for better performance and surface properties

COVID-19 booster vaccines have been adopted in almost all countries to enhance the immune response and combat the emergence of new variants. Algeria adopted this strategy in November 2021. This study was conducted to consider the self-reported side effects of COVID-19 booster vaccines by Algerians who were vaccinated with a booster dose of one of the approved inactivated-virus vaccines, such as BBIBP-CorV and CoronaVac, or one of the adenoviral-vector-based vaccines, such as Gam-COVID-Vac, AZD1222 and Ad26.COV2.S, and to determine the eventual risk factors. A cross-sectional study using an online self-administered questionnaire (SAQ) was conducted in Algeria between 28 April 2022, and 20 July 2022. A descriptive analysis of the 196 individuals who were included showed a nearly equal distribution of adenoviral- (52%) and inactivated-virus vaccines (48%) and of males (49.5%) and females (50.5%). The results showed that 74.7% of the studied population reported at least one local or systemic side effect. These side effects were more frequent among adenoviral-vector vaccinees (87.3%) than inactivated-virus vaccinees (60.6%) (sig. &lt; 0.001). Injection site pain (40.3%), heat at the injection site (21.4%), and arm pain (16.3%) were the most common local side effects. These signs generally appeared in the first 12 h (73.3%) and generally lasted less than 24 h (32.8%). More interestingly, these signs differed from those that followed the administration of primer doses (48.5%) and were generally more severe (37%). The same observation was reported for systemic side effects, where the signs were especially most severe in the adenoviral-vaccinated group (49.4% vs. 20.8%; sig. = 0.001). These signs generally appeared within the first day (63.6%) and mostly disappeared before two days (50.8%), with fatigue (41.8%), fever (41.3%), and headache (30.1%) being the most common. Adenoviral-vector vaccinees (62.7%) were more likely to use medications to manage these side effects than were inactivated-virus vaccinees (45.7%) (sig. = 0.035) and paracetamol (48.5%) was the most used medication. Adenoviral-based vaccines were the types of vaccines that were most likely to cause side effects. In addition, being female increased the risk of developing side effects; regular medication was associated with local side effects among inactivated-virus vaccinees; and previous infection with COVID-19 was associated with systemic and local side effects among adenovirus-based vaccinees. These results support the short-term safety of booster vaccines, as has been reported for primer doses.

Silk fibroin (SF) aqueous solution was obtained by the degumming and dissolution of tussah silk, and then the obtained solution was chemically cross-linked with sodium alginate (SA) to form composite membrane, which could be used as a carrier for sustained drug release. The mechanical properties and dissolution rate of such composite membrane together with the drug release behavior under different conditions were investigated. A series of structure-tunable composite membranes were prepared through altering the ingredients proportion, the pH value during fabrication, the concentration of Ca2+, and cross-linking time. The drug release behavior of the corresponding drug-loaded composite membrane was elaborate studied using artemisinin as the model drug. It was found that the drug release rate exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing the SF content, the Ca2+ concentration and the cross-linking time of the corresponding composite membrane. Moreover, the drug release behavior exhibited pH sensitivity, and the drug release rate could be promoted under weak alkaline conditions.

Postoperative infections caused by bacteria are now thought to be the main cause of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) failure. In this study, six groups of PLGA/wool keratin composite GTR membranes loaded with the antibacterial agent ornidazole (0% ORN, 1% ORN, 5% ORN, 10% ORN, 20% ORN, and 30% ORN composite membranes) were prepared by an electrospinning method. The surface morphology and physicochemical properties of the composite membranes were determined, and the in vitro drug release behavior, bacteriostatic properties and in vitro cytotoxicity were assessed to optimize the amount of drug loaded into the composite membranes. The composite membrane with 1% ORN showed strong water absorption and mechanical properties as well as suitable in vitro degradation and drug release characteristics; the 5% ORN composite membrane showed good water absorption and degradation characteristics; and the 10% ORN composite membrane showed good mechanical and degradation properties. The five PLGA/wool keratin/ornidazole composite membranes could release ornidazole continuously for 7 d. When the content of ornidazole in the composite membranes was greater than or equal to 10%, the growth of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs) was inhibited, while composite membranes with an ornidazole content of less than 10% facilitated the growth and proliferation of hPDLFs and could promote their osteogenic differentiation. The five PLGA/wool keratin/ornidazole composite membranes all inhibited the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius (Pa), and higher drug contents resulted in stronger bacteriostatic effects. In summary, the 1% ORN composite membrane had good physicochemical properties, biocompatibility and bacteriostatic properties, making this membrane applicable for use as an antibacterial GTR membrane for periodontal tissue repair.

Three-dimensional printing of stimuli-responsive hydrogel with antibacterial activity

Introduction The emergence of potent vaccines is crucial in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Two of the many factors influencing the acceptance of the vaccine are perceptions about its efficacy, effectiveness, safety, and side effects. Thus, this study compared patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) who received the CanSino (CanSinoBIO,Tianjin, China) COVID-19 vaccination to identify the prevalence of local and general side effects. Methods This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study performed using a non-probability sampling method. The study period was six months, from August 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023. The study included 600 participants who provided informed consent and had received the CanSino vaccine in a single dose. Demographic characteristics of the participants, including gender, age, weight, and height; comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes; previous infection with COVID-19; and the prevalence of any local and systemic side effects following vaccination, were documented. Between diabetic and non-diabetic participants, the relationship between local and general side effects and satisfaction levels was assessed using the chi-square test. Results The study findings showed that out of 600 participants, 287 (95.7%) were males and 13 (4.3%) were females who had DM, whereas 229 (76.3%) males and 71 (23.7%) females did not. There was a statistically significant association between the two groups (p < 0.001). After receiving a single dose of the CanSino vaccine, the most frequently noticeable side effect was fever, which was noticed in 260 (86.75%) diabetic patients and 279 (93.0%) non-diabetic participants, with a significant association noted among them (p=0.010). Among the non-diabetic participants, 164 (54.7%) were satisfied, and 155 (51.7%) diabetics and 65 (21.7%) non-diabetic participants were extremely pleased with their vaccinations. Conclusion This study concluded that participants with comorbid diseases such as DM had both general and local side effects far more frequently than those without DM. The most noticeable side effects after a single dose of CanSino were fever, injection site pain, and burning. The CanSino vaccine did not require hospitalization and had a relatively low frequency of local and systemic side effects.

OBJECTIVE Previous research in a rat glioma model has shown that the local intratumoral application of polymerbased drug-eluting beads (DEBs) loaded with doxorubicin or irinotecan suppress tumour growth and prolong survival. For translation into a clinical setting, the present experiment investigates in the healthy cat brain the local and systemic toxicity of a multiple injection shot technique. METHODS Three injection shots were placed, each at a 1 cm distance in the frontal lobe. The DEBs were suspended in an aqueous alginate excipient solution, which becomes subject to a sol-gel transition when injected into the Ca(2+)- rich brain tissue environment. Systemic and local side effects were monitored over a period of two weeks. Injection sites were histologically investigated. RESULTS Gelling of the alginate results in the permanent immobilisation of the microspheres at the implantation site. A distinct local cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin was found with intracerebral and intraventricular haemorrhages, and signs of brain tissue necrosis. In cats injected with irinotecan DEBs, such local adverse side effects did not occur. No signs of systemic toxicity were found with both chemotherapeutics. DISCUSSION We conclude that the multiple injection shot technique with irinotecan DEBs meets feasibility criteria and safety requirements for a clinical application.

This study describes the preparation, characterization and evaluation of new composite membranes with embedded dendrimer hosts and Fe/Ni nanoparticles. These new reactive membranes consist of films of cyclodextrin–poly(propyleneimine) dendrimers (β-CD–PPI) that are deposited onto commercial polysulfone microporous supports and crosslinked with trimesoyl chloride (TMC). The membranes were subsequently loaded with Fe/Ni nanoparticles and evaluated as separation/reactive media in aqueous solutions using 2,4,6-trichlorophenol as model pollutant. The morphology and physicochemical properties of the composite membranes were characterised using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), atomic force microscopy and measurements of contact angle, water intake, porosity and water permeability. The sorption capacity and catalytic activity of the membranes were evaluated using ion chromatography, atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation-mass spectrometry and UV–Vis spectroscopy (UV–Vis). The sizes of the embedded Fe/Ni nanoparticles in the membranes ranged from 40 to 66 nm as confirmed by HR-TEM. The reaction rates for the dechlorination of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol ranged from 0.00148 to 0.00250 min−1. In all cases, we found that the reaction by-products consisted of chloride ions and mixtures of compounds including phenol (m/z = 93), 2,4-dichlorophenol (m/z = 163) and 4-chlorophenol (m/z = 128). The overall results of this study suggest that β-CD–PPI dendrimers are promising building blocks for the synthesis of composite and reactive membranes for the efficient removal of chlorinated organic pollutants from water.

High-flux anti-fouling nanofibrous composite ultrafiltration membranes containing negatively charged water channels

Zwitterionic functionalized MoS2 nanosheets for a novel composite membrane with effective salt/dye separation performance

Simple SummaryThe main way to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic is mass vaccination of the public. However, the public’s vaccine hesitancy toward the available vaccines is a big challenge in the fighting against the coronavirus spreading. We aimed in this study to report for the first time the short-term side effects following mRNA-based (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) and viral vector-based (AstraZeneca) COVID-19 vaccines among German healthcare workers. A survey-based study was conducted through an online validated questionnaire. Overall, 88.1% of the German healthcare workers included in this study reported at least one side effect following the COVID-19 vaccination. The mRNA-based vaccines were associated with a higher prevalence of local side effects (e.g., injection site pain), while the viral vector-based vaccine was associated with a higher prevalence of systemic side effects (e.g., headache/fatigue). The vast majority (84.9%) of side effects resolved within 1–3 days after vaccination, which are promising results from a safety point of view for both types of vaccines. This study is one of the few studies that aims to enhance our emerging knowledge about the risk factors of COVID-19 vaccines side effects by inquiring and analyzing the self-reported side effects across various demographic and medical parameters.Background: the increasing number of COVID-19 vaccines available to the public may trigger hesitancy or selectivity towards vaccination. This study aimed to evaluate the post-vaccination side effects of the different vaccines approved in Germany; Methods: a cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out using an online questionnaire validated and tested for a priori reliability. The questionnaire inquired about demographic data, medical and COVID-19-related anamneses, and local, systemic, oral, and skin-related side effects following COVID-19 vaccination; Results: out of the 599 participating healthcare workers, 72.3% were females, and 79.1% received mRNA-based vaccines, while 20.9% received a viral vector-based vaccine. 88.1% of the participants reported at least one side effect. Injection site pain (75.6%) was the most common local side effect, and headache/fatigue (53.6%), muscle pain (33.2%), malaise (25%), chills (23%), and joint pain (21.2%) were the most common systemic side effects. The vast majority (84.9%) of side effects resolved within 1–3 days post-vaccination; Conclusions: the mRNA-based vaccines were associated with a higher prevalence of local side effects (78.3% vs. 70.4%; Sig. = 0.064), while the viral vector-based vaccine was associated with a higher prevalence of systemic side effects (87.2% vs. 61%; Sig. < 0.001). Females and the younger age group were associated with an increased risk of side effects either after mRNA-based or viral vector-based vaccines. The gender- and age-based differences warrant further rigorous investigation and standardized methodology.