Concentrations Of Gluconate Research Articles

Comparison of different concentrations of calcium gluconate added in replacement fluid to maintain ionised calcium levels during therapeutic plasma exchange procedures

IntroductionTherapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is generally well tolerated but Anticoagulant Citrate Dextrose Solution A (ACD-A) can cause citrate mediated hypocalcaemia so, adding calcium gluconate to the replacement fluid is effective in preventing this complication. We aimed to compare the effect of different concentrations of 10 % calcium gluconate (9.3 mg of elemental calcium/100 ml Vs 18.6 mg of elemental calcium/100 ml) added to 5 % Human Serum Albumin (HSA) on intraprocedural and post procedural ionised calcium (iCa2+) levels in patients with neurological conditions undergoing TPE. Material and methodsThis study comprised of 100 TPE procedures divided into two groups of 50 each. In group 1, 5 ml of 10 % calcium gluconate was added in 500 ml of 5 % HSA (9.3 mg of elemental calcium/100 ml) and in group 2, 10 ml of 10 % calcium gluconate was added (18.6 mg of elemental calcium/100 ml) in 5 % of HSA. Ionised calcium was noted-pre, intra and post-procedure and compared within the groups along with other procedural parameters and adverse events if any. ResultsWe observed that mean intraprocedural ionised calcium levels were comparable (p = 0.579) in both the groups, but post-procedural iCa2+ levels significantly decreased (p = 0.003) in group-1 as compared to group-2. Symptomatic hypocalcaemia was seen in 14 % of patients group 1 compared to 2 % in group-2. Vasovagal reactions were 8 % in group-1 % and 2 % in group-2. ConclusionProphylactic addition of 18.6 mg of elemental calcium/100 ml of 5 % HSA is safe to maintain levels of iCa2+ throughout the procedure with lower chances of adverse events related to hypocalcaemia.

Development of the CaCO3-coated passive film on Mg alloy densified by glucose/sodium gluconate via the assistance of ultrasound with a regrowth feature in Portland cement

To address the limitations of non-dense chemical conversion coatings on Mg alloys, glucose and sodium gluconate were employed to facilitate the creation of dual-layered CaCO3 coated MgO passive layers via ultrasound-assisted chemical conversion. Results indicate that the addition of an appropriate quantity of glucose enhances the corrosion resistance of CaCO3/MgO coatings, whereas excessive glucose compromises coating density. Furthermore, higher concentrations of sodium gluconate contribute to improving coating density. Significantly, the immersion in simulated concrete pore solutions with 0.6 M NaCl reveals a re-growth phenomenon instead of corrosion. This observation stems from the increased CaCO3 production, including calcite and aragonite during the immersion process.

Incisional surgical site infections by subcutaneous soaking of wound with aqueous 0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate in gastroenterological surgery: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundChlorhexidine gluconate solution is superior to povidone-iodine for prevention of surgical site infection. However, the overall efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate for surgical site infection prevention in various types of gastroenterological surgery, as well as the optimal concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate, remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether subcutaneous wound soaking with chlorhexidine gluconate would reduce the incidence of surgical site infection associated with gastroenterological surgery in patients with wound classes Ⅱ to Ⅳ. MethodsPatients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either wound soaking with chlorhexidine gluconate (chlorhexidine gluconate group) or no chlorhexidine gluconate soaking (control group). After closure of the abdominal fascia, gentle subcutaneous soaking of the wound was performed using gauze fully soaked in aqueous 0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate before skin closure. Incisional surgical site infection was diagnosed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. The primary end point was the occurrence of incisional surgical site infection. ResultsAmong 363 patients, 245 (67%) underwent laparoscopic surgery. All 363 patients were included—181 in the chlorhexidine gluconate group (49.9%) and 182 (50.1%) in the control group. There were no significant inter-group differences in patient background, the type of procedure, or wound classification. The incidence proportion of incisional surgical site infection was significantly lower in the chlorhexidine gluconate group than in the control group (9.4% vs 19.2%; P = .008). ConclusionSubcutaneous wound soaking with chlorhexidine gluconate reduces the incidence of incisional surgical site infection in patients undergoing gastroenterological surgery.

The Physicochemical Compatibility of Sildenafil Injection with Parenteral Medications Used in Neonatal Intensive Care Settings.

Sildenafil is used to treat pulmonary hypertension in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) settings. As multiple intravenous (IV) medications are co-administered in NICU settings, we sought to investigate the physicochemical compatibility of sildenafil with a range of IV drugs. Sildenafil 600 mcg/mL or 60 mcg/mL was mixed 1:1 with the secondary drug solution to simulate Y-site co-administration procedures. Physical compatibility was evaluated by visual observation against a black and white background and under polarized light for two hours for changes in colour, precipitation, haze and evolution of gas. Chemical compatibility was determined from sildenafil concentrations, using a validated, stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography assay. Sildenafil 600 mcg/mL was physicochemically compatible with 29 of the 45 drugs tested at 'high-end' clinical concentrations and physically incompatible with 16 drugs and six '2-in-1' parenteral nutrition solutions. Sildenafil 600 mcg/mL was compatible with lower, clinically relevant concentrations of calcium gluconate, heparin and hydrocortisone. Aciclovir, amoxicillin, ampicillin, ibuprofen lysine, indometacin, phenobarbitone and rifampicin were incompatible with sildenafil 600 mcg/mL, however these IV medications were compatible with sildenafil 60 mcg/mL. Sildenafil 600 mcg/mL and 60 mcg/mL were incompatible with amphotericin, flucloxacillin, furosemide, ibuprofen, meropenem and sodium bicarbonate. Sildenafil compatibility with commonly used syringe filters was also investigated. Sildenafil solution was compatible with nylon syringe filters, however, absorption/adsorption loss occurred with polyethersulfone and cellulose ester filters.

Mechanically robust multifunctional starch films reinforced by surface-tailored nanofibrillated cellulose

The objective of this study was to develop a transparent, mechanically robust, and fully biodegradable film made of sweet potato starch (SPS) reinforced with nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) to serve as a potential alternative for packaging. Various surface modifications were applied to NFC using urea/NaOH (UA), oxalic acid (OA), citric acid (CA), and (3-mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane (MT). SPS/NFC blend was innovatively treated by ball-milling, incorporating different concentrations (2–10 wt%) of surface-modified NFC and calcium gluconate as a modifier. Interestingly, the solution-cast blend films possessed improved tensile strength, tensile modulus, crystallinity, barrier property and hydrophobicity after NFC additions. More importantly, ball-milling promoted the physical combination of starch and NFC and generated metal-organic supramolecular interaction between –OH and Ca2+. In particular, the SPS-OA/NFC6 composite film exhibited remarkable improvements in tensile strength and tensile modulus, increasing from 1.46 MPa to 13.7 MPa and 6.04 MPato 531.33 MPa, respectively, compared to the neat SPS film. The contact angle of the SPS/CA-NFC6 film was approximately 79% higher than that of the pure SPS film. Generally, the optimal NFC addition was 6 wt%. This study provides guidance for the production of a new type of starch-based material with high mechanical strength and transparency.

Eradication of Porphyromonas Gingivalis and Prevotella Intermedia Biofilms using the Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Matrica Mouthwash (Chamomile Extract)

Introduction: One of the critical pathogenic agents in oral and dental bacteria is biofilm formation. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Prevotella intermedia (P. intermedia) biofilms critically contribute to the unsuccessful treatment of oral and dental illnesses, and their permanent presence in dental canals harms the recovery process after treatment. Today, dentists are seeking superior and more beneficial choices with less toxicity as appropriate disinfectants for the mouth and teeth. Objective: The current research aimed to investigate the effects of Chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate and matrica mouthwash on one-, three-, and five-day-old P. gingivalis and P. intermedia biofilms. Method: The biofilm formation capabilities of P.gingivalis and P.intermedia were assessed using the microtiter plate method. Subsequently, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of CHX gluconate and matrica mouthwash at various concentrations against biofilm formation in P. gingivalis and P. intermedia was specified using the microdilution method. Results: The biofilm formation capabilities of P. gingivalis and P. intermedia were approved on a quantitative scale. Both CHX gluconate and matrica mouthwash were effective in eradicating biofilm formation in P. gingivalis and P. intermedia strains. Notably, according to the results, CHX mouthwash exhibited a greater efficacy in eradicating P. gingivalis biofilm. Furthermore, the matrica mouthwash capability to eradicate biofilms in P. gingivalis and P. intermedia was equivalent, with no significant difference observed. Conclusion: The CHX mouthwash is recommended as a novel approach for controlling biofilm infections stemming from oral and dental bacteria, including P. gingivalis and P. intermedia

Simultaneous quantification of ferrous gluconate and calcium gluconate in foods using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS)

Ferrous gluconate and calcium gluconate are used as food acidity regulators in South Korea, Japan, the European Union (EU), and other countries. A simultaneous analytical method was developed to quantify ferrous gluconate and calcium gluconate in food using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The limits of detection and quantification of ferrous gluconate were 1.1 and 3.5 mg/kg, respectively, while those of calcium gluconate were 1.4 and 4.8 mg/kg, respectively. The recoveries of ferrous gluconate from processed olives were in the range of 97.7–109.7%, while those of calcium gluconate from beverages were in the range of 94.3–110.8%. The developed simultaneous analytical method was applied to real samples from South Korea, which found ferrous gluconate concentrations of 0.031–0.065 g/kg in processed olives and calcium gluconate concentrations of 3.8–7.8 g/kg in beverages.

Study of the processing of dehydrated black olives from oxidized black olives

Changes in the processing of black olives, together with the dehydration of the latter, were investigated in order to develop a new product with similar physicochemical and sensory characteristics to commercial dry-salted olives. Large fruit of the Hojiblanca cultivar (160 fruit/kg), preserved in brine for eight months, were used. It was found that these olives must be elaborated with hot lye (40 °C) to reduce their strong firmness. Moreover, several changes must be introduced during the color fixation stage including the addition of a concentration of NaCl higher than 6 g/100 mL, acidification with lactic acid and a low concentration of ferrous gluconate (<0.5 g/L). In addition, the kinetic constant and activation energy during the dehydration of the olives by infrared heating were obtained. Finally, it must be noted that this new product was assessed without any negative sensation by tasters one year after packing.

Bioelectrochemical synthesis of gluconate by glucose oxidase immobilized in a ferrocene based redox hydrogel

The integration of redox enzymes on electrode surfaces enables the use of renewable energy for highly specific bioelectrochemical synthesis. Herein, we investigate the oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid on a bioanode, combining electrochemical and enzymatic components. Gluconic acid is a valuable chemical widely used in the industry. The bioanode consists of a redox hydrogel film of polyethylenimine (PEI) containing ferrocene (Fc) as a mediator, glycerol diglycidyl ether (GDGE) as a cross-linker, and the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx). Optimization of the enzyme and cross-linker loading in the redox film led to faradaic efficiencies up to 96 ± 5 % for gluconate. The oxygen-free setup was highly stable for quantitative electrosynthesis, yielding gluconate concentrations of 6.4 ± 0.25 mmol L-1. Moreover, this catalase-free anaerobic system showed no production of H2O2 within 24 h, thereby eliminating the deactivation of the GOx caused by H2O2 and a high enzyme performance, with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 5 x10-3 s−1. This is the first quantitative bioelectrosynthesis of gluconate in an entirely anaerobic environment with electrode stability of at least 8 h.

The Investigation of the Efficacy of Some Antiseptics and Disinfectants to Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci

Disinfection of contaminated material, surface and body parts with appropriate substances is one of the most effective practices in preventing the infection-colonization of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE). In this study, 1/10 and 1/100 dilutions of 5% sodium hypochlorite, 4% concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate and 0.1% and 0.5% concentrations of Akacid plus’s efficacy against VRE strains at 1, 5, 15 and 30 minutes was tested. Sixty-nine vancomycin-resistant E. faecium strains isolated from different body samples between 2012 and 2014 were included in the study. The BD Phoenix 100® fully automated system was used for the identification of strains and detection of vancomycin resistance. Quantitative Suspension Test method EN 1276 (March 2010) was used to evaluate the bactericidal activities of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in European Union countries in the investigation of disinfectant susceptibility of VRE strains. Five log10 decrease (105) in the number of bacteria in the initial test suspension between the number of bacteria after using the disinfectant indicates that the disinfectant is effective. In this study, it has been determined that a 1/10 dilution of 5% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is the most effective disinfectant on VREs in all minutes and conditions. Effectiveness of 1/100 dilution of bleach has a significant decrease in dirty conditions. Akacid plus was not effective on all strains in any contact times we tested. It has been observed that Akacid plus is the disinfectant least affected by the changes in environmental conditions in all minutes. Chlorhexidine gluconate (4%) was ineffective in clean and dirty conditions in just 1 minute, while from the 5th minute, its effectiveness was found to be statistically at the same level as the 1/10 dilution of bleach. There was no decrease in the activities of chlorhexidine due to the changing environmental conditions. In conclusion, it has been determined that a 1/10 dilution of 5% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is the most effective disinfectant on VREs in all minutes and conditions, but dirty environmental conditions cause a significant decrease in the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite. In addition, it was observed that the effectiveness of all disinfectants and antiseptics on VREs increased as the contact time with the substances increased.

Experimental Study on Microbial Solidification of Gravel-Containing Silty Clay under Different Calcium Sources

Crushed silty clay is widely distributed in engineering foundations. Because of its local hardness and uneven soil distribution, it is not a good foundation material. Based on microbial solidification technology, microbial solidification tests of silty clay containing crushed stone were carried out by selecting cementing liquids with different calcium sources to study the effect of the calcium source on the solidification effect. With Pasteurella as the main solidified bacterial solution, calcium chloride, calcium acetate, and calcium gluconate were mixed into urea to prepare cementing solutions with different calcium sources at concentrations of 0.6, 1.0, and 1.4 mol/L. Microbial solidification tests were carried out under different calcium source concentrations, the calcium carbonate formation of the samples after solidification was examined, and unconfined compressive strength and triaxial tests were conducted. When calcium chloride and calcium acetate were used to solidify the clay, the solidification strength gradually decreased with the increase in the concentration, while the solidification strength of calcium gluconate was the highest at 1.0 mol/L. When calcium chloride with a concentration of 0.6 mol/L was used as the calcium source, the curing effect was the best. The internal friction angle and cohesion of the triaxial test were increased by 35.19% and 99.1%, respectively, and the unconfined compressive strength was increased by 37.94%. The yield ratio was 3.76%. The concentration of 1.0 mol/L was the best concentration of calcium gluconate as the calcium source, and the reinforcement effect was slightly less than that of 0.6 mol/L calcium chloride.

Evaluation of probiotic characteristics and whole genome analysis of Bacillus velezensis R-71003 isolated from the intestine of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) for its use as a probiotic in aquaculture

Probiotics have been widely used in aquaculture and may serve as a potential alternative to antibiotics. Diverse sources of probiotics have different effects on the host, and the application of native probiotics isolated from target fish may play a better role. This study was conducted to evaluate the probiotic potential of the bacteria isolated from the gut of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Based on morphological, 16 S rRNA sequencing and whole-genome sequencing analysis, an isolated strain that simultaneously produces protease, mannanase, amylase, and cellulose was identified as Bacillus velezensis R-71003. This strain showed antagonistic activity against various pathogens. Further studies showed that B. velezensis R-71003 was susceptible to ampicillin, gentamicin, penicillin G, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, amikacin, cefamezin, sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. Additionally, B. velezensis R-71003 met the safety criteria based on safety evaluation results, such as haemolytic activity and biosafety tests in common carp. Moreover, B. velezensis R7–1003 was resistant to low pH (2) and higher bile salt concentration (0.3 %) and showed higher viability ability after high temperature exposure (60, 70, and 80 °C), as well as higher auto-aggregation and cell-surface hydrophobicity. In addition, the challenge test showed that B. velezensis R-71003 significantly increased the survival rate of common carp after challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Finally, the growth-promoting effects of sodium gluconate on B. velezensis R-71003 were evaluated. The results indicated that a low concentration of sodium gluconate could promote the growth of B. velezensis R-71003 and increase the expression levels of dnaA and yabD. Whole-genome analysis revealed that genome contains genes related to the biosynthesis of antibacterial substances, digestive enzymes, amino acids and vitamins, as well as stress resistance. The results collectively suggest that B. velezensis R-71003 exhibited good probiotic potential, and its combined application with sodium gluconate may be used to improve the health status of aquatic animals.

Phenotypic and genotypic changes of Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of the inappropriate concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate

BackgroundChlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is a disinfectant agent with different applications in health care. Improper use of CHG causes antimicrobial resistance in bacteria as a public health threat. Since Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacteria, it is expected usually exposed to CHG in the hospital and community. The present study aimed to correlate the phenotypic and genotypic changes in a S. aureus strain upon serial adaptation with supra-inhibitory CHG concentration for 50 days.ResultsAfter in vitro serial culture of 5 × 105 CFU/ml of a clinical vancomycin-susceptible S. aureus strain (VAN-S) into brain heart infusion (BHI) broth containing CHG 1/4, 1/2, 1, and 2 × minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of VAN-S in 37 °C during 50 days, we isolated a S. aureus strain (CHGVan-I) with a ≥ twofold decrease in susceptibility to CHG and vancomycin. CHG-induced CHGVan-I strain was considered as a vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) strain with a VAN MIC of 4 μg/ml using the broth macro dilution method. However, reduced resistance was observed to tetracycline family antibiotics (doxycycline and tetracycline) using a modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test. Moreover, a remarkable reduction was detected in growth rate, hemolysis activity (the lysis of human red blood cells by alpha-hemolysin), and colony pigmentation (on BHI agar plates). Biofilm formation (using the Microtiter plate method and crystal violet staining) was significantly increased upon CHG treatment. Adaptive changes in the expression of a set of common genes related to the development of VISA phenotype (graTSR, vraTSR, walKR, agr RNAIII, sceD, pbpB, and fmtA) were analyzed by Reverse Transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) experiment. Significant changes in vraTSR, agr RNAIII, sceD, and pbpB expression were observed. However, gene sequencing of the two-component system vraTSR using the Sanger sequencing method did not detect any non-synonymous substitution in CHGVan-I compared to wild-type. The clonality of VAN-S and CHGVan-I strains was verified using the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) method.ConclusionsThe importance of the present study should be stated in new detected mechanisms underlying VISA development. We found a link between the improper CHX use and the development of phenotypic and genotypic features, typical of VISA clinical isolates, in a CHG-induced strain.Since disruption of the cell wall biosynthesis occurs in VISA isolates, our CHG-induced VISA strain proved new insights into the role of CHG in the stimulation of the S. aureus cell wall.

Is the Intraoperative Use of the Chlorhexidine Gluconate Safe for Inactivation of the Liver Hydatid Cyst?

Background: During surgical treatment of hydatidosis, spillage of live protoscolices is a major cause of secondary infection. Although some studies have suggested scolicidal agents for preventing secondary infection, no safe scolicidal agents have been introduced so far. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the minimum scolicidal concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate (Chx-Glu) with 100% fatality and evaluate its toxicity on the liver, biliary tract, and peritoneum. Methods: The minimum scolicidal concentration of Chx-Glu after 5 and 10 minutes in vitro (0.08% after 5 and 0.06% after 10 min) was determined in this study. Then, the experiments were conducted on male New Zealand rabbits (n = 30), which were divided into two groups. Under the guidance of ultrasonography, intraperitoneal, hepatic parenchyma, and gallbladder injection of Chx-Glu 0.08% and 0.06% were performed in groups A and B, respectively. Liver enzymes were checked before and 48 hours after Chx-Glu injection, and histological assessments were performed 45 days later. Results: There was no significant difference in the plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin before and after the injection (P &gt; 0.05) and after that between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). There was no major tissue destruction based on histological study except the nonsignificant histologically focal gallbladder mucosal atrophy in two rabbits in group A and one in group B. Conclusions: Our study suggests that Chx-Glu at 0.06 - 0.08 % is a safe scolicidal agent without major tissue toxicity in the animal models that can be used to prevent secondary infection during hydatid cyst surgery.

Design and construction of a semi-cycle system of oxygen supplied intensification using hydrogen peroxide for high-performance glucose oxidation

In the past decade, glucose conversion has attracted increasing attention for use in both biosensor preparation and gluconic acid synthesis. However, differences in glucose concentration have led to different research priorities. Here, we sought to study the limited conditions for synthesizing high concentrations of gluconate using glucose oxidase and catalase. Considering product inhibition and the oxygen supplied limitations posed by gluconic acid and dissolved oxygen (DO), here we present a method using continuous glucose flow to the system along with the addition of H2O2 to the system as an oxygen precursor. Then two features were coupled, constructing a novel, semi-cycle oxygen regeneration system to improve the product space-time yield. The effects of glucose and H2O2 addition on reaction rate were tested; the amount of gluconate yield was also assessed. Results indicated that glucose conversion was consistent with the DO value of the system; moreover, that the gluconate space-time yield was up to 61.3 g/L/h—36-fold increase when compared with unregulated gluconate synthesis. Collectively, these findings identified reaction conditions that use H2O2 as an oxygen precursor for suppling oxygen, thus guiding the design of an enzymatic reaction using oxygen for its enzyme catalyzed system.

Evaluation of in vitro activity of copper gluconate against SARS-CoV-2 using confocal microscopy-based high content screening

ContextSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged late in 2019 is the etiologic agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). There is an urgent need to develop curative and preventive therapeutics to limit the current pandemic and to prevent the re-emergence of Covid-19. This study aimed to assess the in vitro activity of copper gluconate against SARS-CoV-2. MethodsVero E6 cells were cultured with or without copper gluconate 18−24 hours before infection. Cells were infected with a recombinant GFP expressing SARS-CoV-2. Cells were infected with a recombinant GFP expressing SARS-CoV-2. Infected cells were incubated in fresh medium containing varying concentration of copper gluconate (supplemented with bovine serum albumin or not) for an additional 48 -h period. The infection level was measured by the confocal microscopy-based high content screening method. The cell viability in presence of copper gluconate was assessed by XTT and propidium iodide assays. ResultsThe viability of Vero E6 cells exposed to copper gluconate up to 200 μM was found to be similar to that of unexposed cells, but it dropped below 70 % with 400 μM of this agent after 72 h of continuous exposure. The infection rate was 23.8 %, 18.9 %, 20.6 %, 6.9 %, 5.3 % and 5.2 % in cells treated prior infection with 0, 2, 10, 25, 50 and 100 μM of copper gluconate respectively. As compared to untreated cells, the number of infected cells was reduced by 71 %, 77 %, and 78 % with 25, 50, and 100 μM of copper gluconate respectively (p < 0.05). In cells treated only post-infection, the rate of infection dropped by 73 % with 100 μM of copper gluconate (p < 0.05). However, the antiviral activity of copper gluconate was abolished by the addition of bovine serum albumin. ConclusionCopper gluconate was found to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 infection in Vero E6 cells but this effect was abolished by albumin, which suggests that copper will not retain its activity in serum. Furthers studies are needed to investigate whether copper gluconate could be of benefit in mucosal administration such as mouthwash, nasal spray or aerosols.

Controlling Growth of Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococci Isolated from Sports Mats: A Report from the Golestan Province, Iran

Background: Gyms are among the places where various human infections can spread. One of the most important strategies to prevent infection spread among athletes is the use of strong and effective disinfectants. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the antiseptic properties of chlorhexidine gluconate and pomegranate peel extract on staphylococcal isolates from sports mats. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 22 Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from a total of 105 sports mat samples. After identification of multi-drug resistant (MDR) staphylococcal isolates, the antimicrobial effect of chlorhexidine gluconate 20% and pomegranate peel extract was evaluated by broth microdilution according to the instructions of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Results: Overall, 14 (66.7%) S. aureus and 8 (28.6%) S. epidermidis isolates resistant to azithromycin, linezolid, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, and aztreonam were reported as MDR strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of chlorhexidine gluconate, which inhibited the growth of 90% of MDR S. aureus isolates was 250 μg/mL, which was 4-fold lower than the MIC of pomegranate peel extract (MIC90 ≥ 500μg/mL) and 2-fold lower against MDR S. epidermidis isolates (MIC90 ≤ 125 μg/mL). The MIC of chlorhexidine gluconate and pomegranate peel extract against S. aureus isolates differed significantly (P = 0.037). Conclusions: Compared to pomegranate peel extract, chlorhexidine gluconate has a higher antibacterial effect on MDR staphylococcal isolates from sports mats. Further research is required to verify the efficacy of this biocide for disinfection of gyms and sports clubs.

788 Can urinary metabolite markers at 12-20 weeks’ gestation be used to predict birthweight?

To examine if urinary metabolites are predictive of birthweight. Urine samples were collected at 12-20 weeks’ from 126 women participating in the Mothers, Omega 3 & Mental Health Study, a double blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for pregnant women identified at high risk for depression. Delivery birthweights were available for 112 of the participants and classified as small for gestational age (SGA, n=9), appropriate for gestational age (AGA, n=84) and large for gestational age (LGA, n=19). Urine samples underwent ion pairing reverse phase LC-MS analysis for 49 metabolites. Principle component analysis (PCA) was used to determine if there was a relationship between individual metabolites and weight classification. Means of each metabolite were calculated for each birthweight group and were statistically compared using T tests. In the SGA group, we found increased mean concentrations of urinary gluconate (P=0.046), inosine (P=0.020), and a-hydroxyisobutyrate (P=0.043) as well as decreased concentration of hypoxanthine (P=0.021) when compared with the mean urinary concentrations of these metabolites among mothers who gave birth to AGA infants. There were no significant differences between mean metabolite concentrations in the LGA and AGA groups. Our exploratory study found four early pregnancy urinary metabolites (gluconate, inosine, a-hydroxyisobutyrate, hypoxanthine) to be correlated with later SGA birthweight. Further research is warranted to evaluate whether these markers may identify women at risk of delivering SGA neonates. Earlier detection may impact pregnancy care and antenatal fetal surveillance. This may be particularly important for gravid woman at risk for developing depressive symptoms.

Complexation of Nd(III)/Cm(III) with gluconate in alkaline NaCl and CaCl2 solutions: Solubility, TRLFS and DFT studies

The effect of gluconate on the solubility and aqueous speciation of An(III) and Ln(III) was studied using a combination of Nd(III) solubility experiments, Cm(III) time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.Solubility experiments were performed under an Ar-atmosphere using a well-defined Nd(OH)3(s) solid phase equilibrated in NaCl (0.1–5.0 M) and CaCl2 (0.1–3.5 M) solutions with 9 ≤ pHc ≤ 13 and 10−6 M ≤ [GLU]tot ≤ 10−2 M. The solubility of Nd(OH)3(s) remains mostly unaffected in NaCl solutions with [GLU]tot = 10−3 M, whereas a clear increase in solubility is observed in dilute CaCl2 solutions with the same [GLU]tot and pHc ≥ 11. In concentrated CaCl2 solutions, gluconate does not affect the solubility of Nd(III) due to the competition with Ca–GLU complexes.Cm(III) TRLFS spectra collected in NaCl solutions with pHc ≈ 12 confirm the formation of weak Cm(III)–GLU complexes. The very strong red shift observed in dilute CaCl2 solutions in connection with high fluorescence intensities supports the formation of ternary Ca–Cm(III)–GLU complexes. The speciation of Cm(III) in 3.5 M CaCl2 solutions is mostly dominated by the complex Ca3[Cm(OH)6]3+, although the formation of ternary Ca–Cm(III)–GLU species is hinted at high gluconate concentrations. DFT calculations provide additional support to the formation of stable ternary Ca–Nd(III)–GLU aqueous complexes.This work provides key information to understand the chemical speciation and relevant equilibrium processes of An(III) and Ln(III) in the presence of gluconate under conditions relevant for nuclear waste disposal.

Prevention Strategies for Neonatal Skin Injury in the NICU.

The purpose of this article was to determine specific skin injury prevention interventions for neonates in the NICU. The design was a systematic review. PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, and Scopus were systematically searched to identify quantitative studies identifying skin injury preventions for neonates in the NICU. The outcomes included skin integrity or skin condition. Nineteen studies were included in the review. Twelve studies included a randomized design. Barriers were the main interventions for the prevention of pressure injury, medical adhesive skin injury, diaper dermatitis, and general skin condition. The types of barriers included hydrocolloids, polyurethane-based dressings, film-forming skin protectant, or emollients. Nonbarrier interventions included rotation between a mask and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) interfaces, utilization of prescribed guidelines to decrease pressure injuries, and use of a lower concentration of chlorhexidine gluconate as a disinfectant.