24-hour Application Research Articles

Cytotoxic potential of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) derived from leaf extract of Mentha longifolia L.

The search for alternative methods in cancer treatments has been going on for many years. In the current study conducted for this purpose, selenium nanoparticles (ML-SeNPs) were produced from the aqueous leaf extract of Mentha longifolia L. easily and inexpensively, without harming the environment. The anticancer potential of ML-SeNPs on glioblastoma cell (U373), osteosarcoma cell (U2OS), and healthy retinal pigment epithelial cell (RPE-1) lines was determined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il)-2,5-difeniltetrazolium bromid) test. For the test, ML-SeNPs were applied at 100, 300, and 600 µg/mL levels and interaction was provided for 24 and 48 hours. The survival rates (%) in RPE-1, U373, and U2OS cell lines in the 24-hour application were 107.49-98.89, 97.66-86.82, and 87.81-83.37, respectively. The viability rates (%) of the cells in 48 hours of application were 72.27-87.39, 68.17-73.48, and 81.00-84.67, respectively. In general, it was discovered that the cytotoxic effect of ML-SeNPs on RPE-1, U373, and U2OS cell lines was greater at low doses and increased over time. In-vivo studies that support the antiproliferative action of ML-SeNPs may boost the prospect of using them as therapeutic agents in potential cancer treatment procedures in the following years.

Determination of the effects of irisin hormone in SKMEL-30 cells

Melanocytes, the skin's pigment-producing cells, are the source of the skin cancer known as melanoma. Numerous variables, including as immune system interactions, tumor microenvironment, and genetic alterations, have an impact on the development and behavior of melanoma. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the impact of irisin on melanoma cells. The molecular effects of irisin SKMEL-30 on human melanoma cancer cells were examined for this aim. By using MTT technique, the effects of irisin on cell growth were examined. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to examine changes in gene expression level. The concentrations of sialic acid were measured using spectrophotometry. In the investigation, the irisin IC50 value for a 24-hour application was determined to be 30 nM. In comparison to the control group, sialic acid levels in the irisin-treated group of SKMEL-30 cells were significantly lower. In the qRT-PCR investigation, ST8SIA-2, one of the glycosyltransferase genes, increased 12.591-fold in the application group whereas cas8, one of the apoptotic genes, increased 82.481-fold. In conclusion, flow cytometry analyses proved that administration of 30 nM irisin to SKMEL-30 cells influences cell proliferation but does not cause apoptosis. It was shown that sialic acid substitution reduced the proliferative and metastatic potential of SKMEL- 30 cells.

PS-B12-5: THE INFLUENCE OF CELLULAR AGING ON THE MOLECULES CLEARANCE THAT UNDERGO ENDOCYTOSIS VIA AN ANGIOTENSIN II TYPE 1 RECEPTOR-DEPENDENT PATHWAY.

Objective: We recently reported that ligand binding to the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) or oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1) activates the G protein-coupled angiotensin II (AII) type 1 receptor (AT1) via a membrane complex of the receptor (2021 Sci Rep, 2021 iScience). The intracellular events triggered by this AT1 activation include signal transduction in a G-protein-dependent pathway and endocytosis of the ligand-receptors complex in a β;-arrestin-dependent pathway. Particularly, little is known about the significance of AT1-induced endocytosis of ligands. In this study, we used amyloid β; (A β;), a known ligand for RAGE, to examine whether cell aging affects the fate of ligands undergoing AT1-dependent endocytosis. Design and Methods: Human unvelical vascular endothelial cell (HUVEC) and human brain microvascluar endothelial cell (HBMEC) were continuously cultured to induce replicative senescence. Fluorescent A β; (FA β;) was used to visualize cellular uptake of A β;. Fluorescence/cell number was measured after 24hour application of FA β; (F0) or after 24hour application followed by 24hour washout of FA β; (F1). Clearance of A β; was culculated by (F0-F1)/F0. Cellular aggeragation of A β; was assessed by PROTEOSTAT∨ reagent. Pretreatment with lysosomal inhibitors (Chloroquine, Bafilomycin A), siRNA knockdown of AT1, or trehalose as a lysosomal activator was used if applicable. β;galactosidase assay and real time PCR of p16 mRNA were performed to quantify cellular senescence. Results: In HUVECs, pretreatment with Chloroquine or Bafilomycin A markedly decreased A β; clearance. Older HUVEC with passage 12 (P12) and older HBMEC with P20 showed higher β;-galactosidase activity and p16 expression compared with younger cells with P3 and P5, respectively. Clearance of A β; was decreased in older cells compared to younger cells in both cell types. A β; aggregation was higher in older cells than younger cells in both cell types. siRNA of AT1 prominently decreased uptake and aggregation of A β; but did not influence clearance rate of Aβ; in both types of cells. Pretreatment of trehalose significantly restored clearance of Aβ; in older HBMEC. Conclusions: These findings indicate that cellular senescence reduces the clearance of molecules that undergo endocytosis via an AT1-dependent pathway. Further investigation will be required, but impaired lysosomal function due to aging might be involved in this mechanism.

Amphotericin B- and Levofloxacin-Loaded Chitosan Films for Potential Use in Antimicrobial Wound Dressings: Analytical Method Development and Its Application.

Levofloxacin (LVX) and amphotericin B (AMB) have been widely used to treat bacterial and fungal infections in the clinic. Herein, we report, for the first time, chitosan films loaded with AMB and LVX as wound dressings to combat antimicrobial infections. Additionally, we developed and validated a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method coupled with a UV detector to simultaneously quantify both AMB and LVX. The method is easy, precise, accurate and linear for both drugs at a concentration range of 0.7-5 µg/mL. The validated method was used to analyse the drug release, ex vivo deposition and permeation from the chitosan films. LVX was released completely from the chitosan film after a week, while approximately 60% of the AMB was released. Ex vivo deposition study revealed that, after 24-hour application, 20.96 ± 13.54 µg of LVX and approximately 0.35 ± 0.04 µg of AMB was deposited in porcine skin. Approximately 0.58 ± 0.16 µg of LVX permeated through the skin. AMB was undetectable in the receptor compartment due to its poor solubility and permeability. Furthermore, chitosan films loaded with AMB and LVX were found to be able to inhibit the growth of both Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, indicating their potential for antimicrobial applications.

Evaluation of Oxidant-Antioxidant Status of Fluvoxamine on Human Lymphocyte Cell Culture

Depression is one of the prevalent psychiatric diseases in Turkey and the world. Fluvoxamine is a strong selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is used as an antidepressant. No study investigating the doses of Fluvoxamine treatment that may lead to a disruption in the oxidant-antioxidant balance on the cellular level in addition to its beneficial effects has been found in the literature. For this purpose, by creating Fluvoxamine application groups at the doses of 7.5, 15, 30 and 60 μM and durations of 24 and 48 hours on human lymphocyte cell cultures, we investigated the total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI). According to the results of the study, the TOS levels of all dose groups increased significantly in the 24- and 48-hour applications (p<0.05). While the TAS levels significantly increased in the 24-hour application of the doses of 7.5 and 15 μM and 48-application of the dose of 7.5 μM, they significantly decreased in the 24- and 48-hour applications of the doses of 30 and 60 μM (p<0.05). The OSI level increased significantly in the 24- and 48-hour applications of the doses of 30 and 60 μM. The results of our study demonstrated that, in the 24- and 48-hour applications of the doses of 30 and 60 μM, the antioxidant system could not compensate and the cells exposed to oxidative stress.

Cytotoxicity and Collagen Expression Effects of Tideglusib Administration on Human Periodontal Cells: An In-Vitro Study

Objective: Tideglusib is a GSK-3 inhibitor activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway which has significant importance in regenerative response.The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and protein expression impacts of Tideglusib on human periodontal cell lines.Methods: Cytotoxicity effect of different concentrations (50nM, 100nM, 200nM) of Tideglusib application on human gingival fibroblast (hGF),periodontal ligament fibroblast (hPDLF), and osteoblast (hOB) cell lines was determined. Type-I and III collagen expressions were evaluatedafter 24-hour application of 50nM Tideglusib.Results: The cytotoxicity of 200nM Tideglusib was higher in hGF and hOB (p&amp;lt;0.05), but no difference was found in hPDLF compared to therespective control group (p&amp;gt;0.05). The hGF and hOB treated with 50nM Tideglusib expressed an increased level of Type-I collagen (p&amp;lt;0.05), butno difference was detected in the hPDLF compared to the respective control (p&amp;gt;0.05). Type-III collagen expressions were similar between thetest and control groups for each cell line (p&amp;gt;0.05).Conclusion: Tideglusib is not cytotoxic at 50nM and 100nM concentrations and may have positive effect on bone regeneration rather thanperiodontal regeneration since it stimulated Type-I collagen production in hGF and hOB cells, but not in hPDLF.

Morphological Changes of Salicylic Acid Application on Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Seedling under Cold Condition

This project was developed to investigate the contribution of salicylic acid (SA) to the development of pepper seedlings grown in low temperature (0 0C) conditions. The research was carried out in the controlled plant growing cabinet in the research- investigation area of the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Siirt University. As a vegetable material, Urartu F1 pepper type (capia) which is used in greenhouse cultivation has been used. As a dose of different salicylic acid; 0.01 and 0.05 mmol doses were applied. The dose of 0 mmol salicylic acid was used as a control group. Application frequency; It was applied 1 time, 2 times and 3 times.3 different cold application times were also investigated; 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. The experiment was designed in randomized plots and 3 replications. In the pepper seedlings Rate of Lost Seedling Weight (ROLSW) and Rate of Lost Seedling Length (ROLSL) were investigated. At the end of the research; Both SA applications increased the ROLSW rate according to the control. The application of 0.01 ppm was the SA application with the highest ROLSW rate. The application of 0.01 ppm SA also increased the ROLSL rate compared to the control. The highest ROLSW and ROLSL rates were obtained from 24-hour cold application. There was no statistically significant difference between the frequencies of application.

A study on prevalence and factors associated with protein energy malnutrition among 1 - 5 years of children's: A cross sectional study

Background: Malnutrition is a major health problem, especially in developing countries. It affects almost 800 million people. Prevalence rates vary among different continents of the world. PEM is undoubtedly the most serious nutritional problem affecting several thousand young children in India. Objective: To find the prevalence of Protein energy malnutrition between urban and rural areas to study the factors associated with PEM among children of age 1 5 years in Guntur District. Study design: Cross-sectional study carried out during 01 Jan 2018 to 31 Dec 2018 in the Department of Paediatrics, KATURI Medical College & Hospital, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. Comprised children of age group 1 5 years and total of 180 included in this study. Method of Collection of Data: The instrument used is a predesigned and pretested semi structured questionnaire. Physical measurements such as height and weight measured using standard methods. Statistical Analysis: Proportion, Chi square test, Independent t test. Results: The prevalence of Protein energy malnutrition is 67.7% (122). The prevalence of PEM is high among rural children (71.1%) compared to urban children (64.4%) and this difference is found to be statistically significant. Many preventable variables are found to be significant associates of Protein energy malnutrition. Study subjects included were both boys and girls, boys constituted 43.3% (78) and girls 56.7% (102). Each Urban and rural area constituted 50% i.e urban 50%(90) and rural 50% (90). Among 180 study subjects, 70% of children have MAC more than 13.5cms and 22.3% of children have MAC between 12.5 cms and13.5 cms whereas only 7% of children have MAC less than 12.5%. Mean weight was more among urban children(10.86) compared to rural children(9.54) and also mean height was higher among urban children(84.98) than rural children(81.69).The prevalence of Protein energy malnutrition is 67.7% (122).The prevalence of PEM is high among rural children (71.1%) compared to urban children (64.4%).36% of study subjects have Grade I PEM followed by Grade II (24.6%), Grade III (21.4%) and Grade IV (18.0%).Among urban children Grade I(43.1%) is common whereas among rural children, Grade II and III are common. The prevalence of PEM is high in 2 3 years of age group (97.9%). The prevalence of PEM is more among boys (74.3%) compared to girls (62.7%). The prevalence of PEM is more among Hindus (78.9%) compared to Muslims (48.2%). The prevalence of PEM is high among the subjects who belong to family size more than five (72.1%). The prevalence of PEM is high among socioeconomic class IV (82.5%). The prevalence of PEM is high among those study subjects whose fathers are illiterates (76.9%). The prevalence of PEM is high among those study subjects whose mothers are educated up to primary (75.0%). The prevalence is found to be high in those students whose fathers are unemployed (50.0%) /unskilled (69.6%) /semiskilled (68.6%). The prevalence is found to be high in those students whose mothers are unemployed (68.4%) /unskilled (71.2%) /semiskilled (33.3%).The prevalence of PEM is high among study subjects of Nuclear family (76.3%). The prevalence of PEM is more among study subjects mother who had ANC visits of less than 6 (around 80%). There is no statistical difference in prevalence of PEM among study subjects based on mode of delivery. The prevalence of PEM is more among birth weight less than 2.5 kgs (85.4%). The prevalence of PEM is more among study subjects mother who had initiated breast feeding after four hours (85%).The prevalence of PEM is more among study subjects mother who had not fed colostrum (78.5%).The prevalence of PEM is high among non exclusive breast feeding (71%).Housing conditions revealed that prevalence of PEM is more among semi puccka house (73.0%), in adequate ventilation (73.8%), overcrowding (77.2%) and solid fuel user (74.0%). Conclusion: Since it is a cross sectional study, no causal relationships can be established from this study. Dietary intake was assessed by 24-hour recall basis method and application of better and elaborate methods of dietary intake assessment was beyond the scope of the study.

Nanoparticles Induce Oxidative Stress in HT-29 Colon Adenocarcinoma Cell Line After 24 and 48 Hour Exposure

Nanoparticle research is currently an area of intense scientific research, due to a wide variety of potential applications in biomedical, optical, and electronic fields. Nanoparticles are of great scientific interest as they are effectively a bridge between bulk materials and atomic or molecular structures. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutamine synthetase (GS), Catalase (CAT) are some of the defense mechanisms against cellular oxidative stress, especially against free oxygen radicals. In this study, we aimed to investigate that Ag, SiO₂ and ZnO nanoparticles affect cancer cell lines (HT-29) and relationship between SOD, GS and CAT. We investigated that alterations in gene expressions of SOD, GS and CAT caused by exposure to nanoparticles in HT-29 cells. The difference between the Ct values (ΔCt) of the gene of interest was calculated for each experimental sample. As a result of Ag, SiO₂ and ZnO nanoparticle application, there was a 2-fold increase in SOD and CAT expression in the first 24 hours compared to control. As a result of 48 hours of application, it was observed that Ag nanoparticles caused 4-fold increase in SOD and 6-fold statistically significant increase in CAT and GS expression of SiO₂ nanoparticles. Consequently, after 48 hours of nanoparticle application, SiO₂, CAT and GS expression were more effective than 24-hour application. Our results suggest that nanoparticles may cause increased oxidative stress in colon cells and may have therapeutic properties by affecting cancer cells in these aspects.

Building University Relationships in China

Gridley! Gridley! Get in here; we're in crisis mode! We need someone to develop relationships with Chinese universities pronto. Our competitors are ahead of us and if we don't move fast, all the good technology will be gone. Here's an emergency 24-hour passport application and a plane ticket to Beijing. We have a Chinese etiquette consultant coming in this afternoon to put you through his four-hour charm school. It includes a copy of Sun Tzu's Art of War. They tell me it's a great read for the plane. We don't have much time. I'm sure you can sign up the two leading universities in five days. Good luck! So begins the tale of Gridley's trip to China.Wewill follow him during his five-day stay and describe the things he did right and the things he could have done better. Day 1-On Way To the Airport Smart move-help the Chinese prepare for the visit The Chinese consultant said one thing that resonated with Gridley: the Chinese are planning to do business with you, they will know more about you than you will about them. As a result, Gridley thought it prudent to notify his Chinese hosts that he was coming and describe, in broad strokes, his interests. Later he was surprised to learn that both universities he visited had investigated the history of his firm in China. They knew how many students his firm hired, who they were, a sense of their promotion history, and whether they were still employed. Day 2-China! Smart move-leverage in-country resources The good news is that Gridley works for a large multinational company with labs and other facilities in China. He wisely leveraged that in-country knowledge by linking up with an in-country executive to be his native guide. A native guide does more than speak the language. He understands the relationships between Gridley's firm and the Chinese government. Chinese universities are closely tied to the government. If a firm has long established relationships with key managers in the government, they can act as a sponsor for the university initiative. It's easy to underestimate the importance of university/government relationships. These institutions interact in complex ways, have multiple areas of overlapping interests and support/hinder each other based on factors that are not obvious to the Western observer. The native guide also understands the relationships between Gridley's firm and the university. Two local managers from Gridley's company have personal relationships with senior university administrators. These two managers are valuable entry points. To capture the richness of these contacts, Gridley and the native guide sketched a relationship map based on the diagram, next page. For each leg of the triangle, they identified the personal relationships that existed between the firm's management team and senior Chinese administrators in the government/university, as well as each party's needs and available resources. The next step was to complement the relationship map with a needs assessment of the two universities and the Chinese government. Both institutions are seeking resources to meet academic, social and technical needs. Wisely, Gridley and the native guide do not focus on money. While money is important, it is a secondary, or even a tertiary asset to Chinese universities. Leading schools have amassed funding levels in a few years that rival the endowments of leading Western universities. The purchasing power of this funding (provided in Western currencies and spent in China) multiplies its purchasing impact by a factor of three. Chinese universities are not short of funds-they are short of students, faculty, high-quality jobs for their graduates, and breakthrough projects that lead to publication in prestigious journals. Gridley and the native guide looked at each leg of the triangle and asked: * What resources do the Chinese government/ universities need? Do we have assets that fill these needs? …

Classification of Infectious and Noninfectious Diseases Using Artificial Neural Networks from 24-Hour Continuous Tympanic Temperature Data of Patients with Undifferentiated Fever.

Fever is one of the major clinical symptoms of undifferentiated fever cases. Early diagnosis of undifferentiated fever is a challenging task for the physician. The aim of this study was to classify infectious and noninfectious diseases from 24-hour continuous tympanic temperature recordings of patients with undifferentiated fever using a machine learning algorithm (artificial neural network). This was an observational study conducted in 103 patients who presented with undifferentiated fever. Twenty-four-hour continuous tympanic temperature was recorded from each patient. Features were extracted from temperature signals and classified into infectious and noninfectious diseases using an artificial neural network (ANN). The ANN classifier provided the highest accuracy at 91.3% for differentiating infectious and noninfectious diseases from undifferentiated fever cases. Significant kappa agreement (κ = 0.777) was found between the final diagnosis as determined by the physician and the classification obtained using an ANN classifier. Based on our results, we conclude that the continuous 24-hour temperature monitoring and application of an ANN classifier provides a simple noninvasive and inexpensive supplementary diagnostic method to differentiate infectious and noninfectious diseases.

Water Uptake Performance of Hygroscopic Heat and Moisture Exchangers after 24‐Hour Tracheostoma Application

After total laryngectomy, patients suffer from pulmonary complaints due to the shortcut of the upper airways that results in decreased warming and humidification of inspired air. Laryngectomized patients are advised to use a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) to optimize the inspired air. According to manufacturers' guidelines, these medical devices should be replaced every 24 hours. The aim of this study is to determine whether HMEs still function after 24-hour tracheostoma application. Assessment of residual water uptake capacity of used HMEs by measuring the difference between wet and dry core weight. Tertiary comprehensive cancer center. Three hygroscopic HME types were tested after use by laryngectomized patients in long-term follow-up. Water uptake of 41 used devices (including 10 prematurely replaced devices) was compared with that of control (unused) devices of the same type and with a control device with a relatively low performance. After 24 hours, the mean water uptake of the 3 device types had decreased compared with that of the control devices. For only one type was this difference significant. None of the used HMEs had a water uptake lower than that of the low-performing control device. The water uptake capacity of hygroscopic HEMs is clinically acceptable although no longer optimal after 24-hour tracheostoma application. From a functional point of view, the guideline for daily device replacement is therefore justified.

Nanostructured lipid carrier-loaded hyaluronic acid microneedles for controlled dermal delivery of a lipophilic molecule

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were employed to formulate a lipophilic drug into hydrophilic polymeric microneedles (MNs). Hyaluronic acid (HA) was selected as a hydrophilic and bioerodible polymer to fabricate MNs, and nile red (NR) was used as a model lipophilic molecule. NR-loaded NLCs were consolidated into the HA-based MNs to prepare NLC-loaded MNs (NLC-MNs). A dispersion of NLCs was prepared by high-pressure homogenization after dissolving NR in Labrafil and mixing with melted Compritol, resulting in 268 nm NLCs with a polydispersity index of 0.273. The NLC dispersion showed a controlled release of NR over 24 hours, following Hixson–Crowell’s cube root law. After mixing the NLC dispersion with the HA solution, the drawing lithography method was used to fabricate NLC-MNs. The length, base diameter, and tip diameter of the NLC-MNs were approximately 350, 380, and 30 μm, respectively. Fluorescence microscopic imaging of the NLC-MNs helped confirm that the NR-loaded NLCs were distributed evenly throughout the MNs. In a skin permeation study performed using a Franz diffusion cell with minipig dorsal skin, approximately 70% of NR was localized in the skin after 24-hour application of NLC-MNs. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (z-series) of the skin at different depths showed strong fluorescence intensity in the epidermal layer, which appeared to spread out radially with the passage of time. This study indicated that incorporation of drug-loaded NLCs into MNs could represent a promising strategy for controlled dermal delivery of lipophilic drugs.

VIDEO-BASED PARKING SPACE ANALYSIS FOR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Compared to the analysis of moving traffic, video-based parking space analysis is a less investigated object of research. The aim of this work is to present a new method for the determination of free parking space and the automatic display of improperly parked vehicles with one algorithm under 24-hour conditions. Accordingly, the results will be used in a traffic management system to solve the conflict of objectives between driving time and limited parking space. The specific constraints of the project, in particular predetermined camera height and position, made the development of a new algorithm necessary. The idea is based on edge detection with subsequent Hough transformation. These common techniques are complemented by additional ideas necessary for a 24-hour application. The edge detection operates on an adaptive threshold. The results of the Hough transformation are automatically interpreted. The threshold adaption and the interpretation of the Hough transform are newly developed. The system is built up on the A17 motorway in Germany. All presented results are taken from this real-world case study.

Kinetic stability of all-in-one parenteral nutrition admixtures in the presence of high dose Ca2+ additive under clinical application circumstances

BackgroundTPN infusions are usually administered during a treatment period of 10–24 hours per day due to the metabolic capacity of the liver. During this time interval physicochemically stable TPN solution (emulsion) is needed for the treatment. The purpose of the present study was to examine how the kinetic stability features of ready-made total parenteral nutrition admixtures containing olive oil and soybean oil will change under the usage-modeling 24-hour application with and without overdose Ca2+.MethodsParticle size analysis and zeta potential measurements were carried out to evaluate the possible changes in the kinetic stability of the emulsions.ResultsOur results indicate that in two of the four mixtures bimodal droplet-size distribution figures were detected and appearance of fat particles over 5 μm can not be disclosed. The tendency for separation of large diameter droplets in the two types of oil-based emulsion systems was different. In case of soybean containing emulsion second peak of droplets appeared in the bottom of the container in contrast to the olive oil containing emulsions where the second peak appeared in the surface layer. Interestingly this phenomenon is independent of calcium-content.ConclusionsFrom therapeutic point the emulsions of the bigger droplets containing upper layer are safer because the potentially dangerous big droplets could remain in the infusion bag after the administration.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of the Silver Wound Dressing Biatain Ag in a Disc Carrier Test Simulating Wound Secretion

Aim: The efficacy of antimicrobial compounds included in wound dressings has been determined using the quantitative suspension test according to EN 13727 before. However, as suspension tests are not an accurate reflection of the conditions under which wound antiseptics are used, it was investigated if a disc carrier test would yield results simulating practical conditions on wound surfaces. A silver-leaching foam wound dressing was used for evaluation of the disc carrier test method. Method: The disc carriers consisted of circular stainless-steel discs measuring 2 cm in diameter and 1.5 mm in thickness, complying with the requirements of EN 10088-2. Carriers were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively, together with an artificial wound secretion and left to dry at room temperature for 30 min. The wound dressings being tested were placed on the discs for the length of the exposure time, and after neutralization by thioglycolate in phosphate-buffered saline the number of surviving test organisms was then counted. The logarithmic reduction factor was calculated from the difference between the initial inoculum and the number of recovered test organisms. Results: The disc carrier test allowed determination of an antimicrobial efficacy in a realistic setting. It also imposed more stringent requirements on efficacy over time than the quantitative suspension test. The silver foam wound dressing showed a time-dependent antimicrobial efficacy. After 24-hour application time, the reduction factors against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and the methicillin-resistant S. aureus were 1.9 ± 0.15, 2.1 ± 0.14 and 3.1 ± 0.18, respectively. Conclusion: The disc carrier test was a useful method for testing the antimicrobial efficacy of a foam silver dressing. The antimicrobial dressing exhibited an antimicrobial effect after 3 h and achieved a reduction >2 log against the tested bacterial strains in the presence of a simulated wound secretion after 24 h.

Clinical and experimental aspects of allergic contact dermatitis to para-phenylenediamine

The allergenicity of para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is related to oxidative processes on and in the skin. Patients with stronger reactions to PPD are significantly more likely to have a clear history of reacting to normal consumer hair dye. Those with stronger reactions are much less likely to be still dyeing their hair. Individuals allergic to PPD have a significant frequency of simultaneous sensitivity to chemically related clothing dyes. A 24-hour test application of hair dye, which has been proposed as a self-screen, does not reliably predict all individuals allergic to PPD. Duration studies have proven that exposures of 5 to 30 minutes, the period used for hair dyeing, are sufficient to elicit reactions. A significant rise in the frequency of PPD allergy was observed over 7 years among our patch test population. Active sensitization from standard PPD patch testing is not common. Immunologic findings relating to PPD can correctly predict that if hair dyes are commonly used there will be a significant prevalence of allergy to PPD among the normal adult population and that some clinical reactions will be severe. To protect the public from allergy to chemicals in consumer products, immunologic and epidemiologic data should both be used by regulatory authorities.

Quantitative risk assessments for dermal sensitization to fragrance ingredients: The utility of LLNA data in the weight of evidence approach to identifying thresholds

Quantitative risk assessments for dermal sensitization to fragrance ingredients: The utility of LLNA data in the weight of evidence approach to identifying thresholds

Rotigotine: A novel dopamine agonist for the transdermal treatment of Parkinson's disease

Rotigotine is a D3/D2/D1 dopamine agonist delivered through a silicone-based transdermal patch that is administered once daily. Pharmacokinetic data in humans have shown that steady-state plasma levels of rotigotine can be reached between 8 and 12 hours, and a stable drug release is maintained throughout the 24-hour patch application. Results of several clinical trials demonstrated that the rotigotine transdermal system is safe, well tolerated and effective monotherapy for patients in the early stages of Parkinson's disease. Rotigotine transdermal application also demonstrated the possibility of decreasing levodopa dosage in order to decrease its toxic effects in advanced Parkinson's disease. In addition, rotigotine has shown efficacy in the treatment of restless legs syndrome. Clinical studies on rotigotine, the first transdermally delivered dopamine agonist, are now in progress, and regulatory approval is expected in the near future.

Apomorphin bei der Behandlung des Morbus Parkinson

Apomorphine has long been used in many medical specialties. It is a highly potent D2-, D3- and D4-dopamine receptor agonist with a particularly high D1-dopamine receptor affinity. Due to its almost complete inactivation during liver passage it is usually applied subcutaneously. After rapid onset its effect is waning after about one hour. Apomorphine's action is not dependent on enteral dopamine resorption and on praesynaptic dopamine storage and dopamine secretion mechanisms. When applied subcutaneously its most common side effect is cutaneous nodules at the injection sites. Peripheral dopaminergic side effects, such as nausea and orthostatic hypotension, usually occur only during therapy initiation and respond well to domperidone. Hallucinations occur less frequently than with other dopamine receptor agonists. The apomorphine test determines the levodopasensitivity of a parkinsonian syndrome by application of an apomorphine bolus to distinguish between idiopathic Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonian syndromes. It indicates a levodopasensitivity in about 90% of the patients tested. False-negative results can occur in mild parkinsonian syndromes. A meta analysis indicates that intermittent subutaneous apomorphine applications (intermittent apomorphine therapy) with a self application device can reduce the daily duration of unpredictable off-phases by 48.8+/-8.7%. For this an average of 3.7+/-1.1 x 2.9+/-0.8 mg apomorphine has to be applied per day. Continuous subcutaneous apomorphine application with an extracorporal pump (continuous apomorhine therapy) during the wake phase reduces the duration of daily off-phases by 64.8+/-13.5% and the additional levodopa dose by 30.3+/-31.1%. 24-hour application reduces the daily duration of the off-phases by 63.5+/-19.1% and the additional levodopa dose by 65.5+/-21.9%. Levodopa-induced dyskinesias are also substantially reduced. A gradual conversion to an apomorphine monotherapy is possible. Even after prolonged treatment times no significant loss of efficacy occurs. With this profile apomorphine is a highly successful treatment option for off-phases and levodopa-induced dyskinesias in advanced cases of idiopathic Parkinson's disease which should be used before more invasive approaches are considered.