Fluoroquinolones Research Articles

Performance of pharmaceutical products removal in a bioelectrochemical system at low temperatures and changes in microbial communities and antibiotic resistance genes.

Biological methods do not effectively remove pharmaceutical products (PPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from wastewater at low temperatures, leading to environmental pollution. Therefore, anaerobic-aerobic-coupled upflow bioelectrochemical reactors (AO-UBERs) were designed to improve the removal of PPs at low temperatures (10 ± 2 °C). The result shows that diclofenac (DIC) and ibuprofen (IBU) removals in the system with aerobic anodic and anaerobic cathodic chambers were 91.7% and 94.7%, higher than that in the control system (12.2 ± 1.5%, 36.5 ± 5.9%), and aerobic zone favors DIC and IBU removal; fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs) removals in the system with aerobic cathodic and anaerobic anodic chambers were 17.5-22.4% higher than that in the control system (9.1-22.4%), and anaerobic zone favors FQs removal. Analysis of microbial community structure and ARGs showed that different electrotrophic microbes (Flavobacterium, Acinetobacter, and Delftia) with cold-resistant ability to degrade PPs were enriched in different electrode combinations, and the aerobic cathodic chambers could remove certain ARGs. These results showed that AO-UBERs under intermittent electrical stimulation mode are an alternative method for the effective removal of PPs and ARGs at low temperatures.

Supramolecular solvents based on hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents and primary amines for preconcentration and determination of enrofloxacin in milk

In this work, coacervation in primary amines solutions with hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents based on terpenoids and carboxylic acids was demonstrated for the first time. A liquid-phase microextraction approach was developed based on supramolecular solvent formation with primary amine acting as amphiphile and hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent making up mixed vesicles and serving as coacervation agent. Such supramolecular solvents could be used to separate wide range of substances from different aqueous media, such as food products, biological liquids and wastewaters. It is important that both hydrophobic and ionic interactions with supramolecular aggregates take place ensuring synergetic effect and better extraction ability, which is significant in separating relatively polar analytes. Different primary amines and deep eutectic solvents were investigated for liquid-phase microextraction of proof-of-concept amphoteric analyte (enrofloxacin, widely used veterinary fluoroquinolone antibiotic) and its determination by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection using Shimadzu LC-20 Prominence chromatograph and RF-20A fluorescence detector. It was found that the supramolecular solvent based on 1-nonylamine, formed after addition of a deep eutectic solvent based on menthol and hexanoic acid (molar ratio of 1:1), provided maximum extraction recovery (85 %) and maximum enrichment factor (34). To characterize the extraction system, the composition of the phases was investigated, and cryo-transmission electron microscopy images were obtained. Vesicular aggregates were observed in the supramolecular solvent. The extraction mechanism was proposed in terms of formation of mixed aggregates to capture the analyte. Limit of detection was found to be 7 μg kg−1, while linear range of 20–250 μg kg−1 was established. Relative standard deviation values were lower than 7 %. Relative bias did not exceed 12 %.

Fluoroquinolones and the risk for incidental seizures: a comparative retrospective study.

Over the years, reports have associated fluoroquinolones (FQ) with seizures. The incidence and whether FQ compared to non-epileptogenic antibiotic are associated with increased risk of seizures has yet to be examined. A retrospective observational study of hospitalized patients treated with FQ (ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin) or macrolides (MA: azithromycin or roxithromycin) between January 2009 and January 2021 in a large tertiary academic medical centre. The outcome was the occurrence of a seizure during treatment. The Naranjo scale was used to assess causality between FQ treatment and seizures. Comparative analysis was conducted using propensity score matching to correct for possible bias due to non-random selection, followed by inverse probability weighting (IPW) to estimate the difference in seizure risk between FQ and MA. Overall, 52 722 patients were treated with FQ during a total of 178 982 days. Mean age was 65 (±19) years and 47% were females. Thirty-three patients (0.06%) experienced a seizure, yielding an incidence of 1:5422 treatment days. Causality was deemed probable and possible among 9/33 and 24/33, respectively. The MA group composed of 8522 patients treated during 17 954 treatment days. Mean age was 65 (±21) years, 49% were females. Six (0.07%) patients experienced each a single seizure. IPW estimated OR for seizures among the FQ versus MA group was 1.44 (95%CI 0.59-3.5, P = 0.42). The incidence of FQ associated seizures among hospitalized patients is low and the risk did not significantly exceed that under macrolides. Our results provide evidence for clinicians and decision-makers when balancing fluoroquinolones risks and benefits.

Abstract Mo050: Fluoroquinolones and the Risk of Aortic Aneurysm or Aortic Dissection: Evidence From a Nationwide Nested Case-Control Study Paralleled With Matched Experimental Models

Background and Aims: Fluoroquinolones (FQ) have been linked to aortic aneurysms and dissections (AA/AD), resulting in an official warning. However, recent large-scale epidemiological studies have reported lack of FQ-AA/AD association. This study aimed to scrutinize FQ-AA/AD risk by implementing a combined epidemiological and experimental approach. Methods: Danish nationwide registers (2003-2021) were used for a nested case-control analysis. FQ-AA/AD risk was evaluated in a main and high-risk FDA cohort. Further, mortality and aortic interventions linked to FQ were investigated in patients with aortic disease. Additionally, ciprofloxacin (100 mg/kg/day, 2x2 weeks) was administered to wild-type, hypertensive or Marfan mice. Aortic diameters and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured longitudinally to investigate aortic remodelling. Results: The main cohort comprised 5.10 million individuals with 58,919 cases and 1,767,510 sampled controls. Compared with amoxicillin exposure. FQ exposure was not associated with increased AA/AD risk (30-day hazard ratios (HR) 1.00 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.74-1.34]; 90-day HR 1.07 [CI 0.94-1.22]; 1-year HR 0.95 [0.90-1.01]). In a high-risk cohort, there was no FQ-AA/AD association (30-day HR 0.83 [0.61-1.12]; 90-day HR 0.99 [0.86-1.15]; 1-year HR 0.97 [0.90-1.05]). In patients with aortic disease, FQ were not associated with increased aortic interventions or mortality (30-day HR 0.98 [0.79-1.22]; 90-day HR 1.06 [0.95-1.19]). Additionally, ciprofloxacin did not affect aortic diameters or PWV in wild type, hypertensive, and Marfan mice, while differences between models proved the sensitivity of the methodology. Conclusion: The data clearly do not support the current precautions and warnings pertaining to risks of aortopathies and FQ should not be discouraged when clinically indicated.

Mitigative Effects of Topical Norfloxacin on an Imiquimod-Induced Murine Model of Psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory dermatosis characterized by thickened, reddened, and scaly skin lesions. Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic with enhanced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory bioactivities. The aim of this study was to figure out the possible impact of topical norfloxacin on an imiquimod-induced model of psoriasis in mice. Thirty albino-type mice were split into five distinct groups of six animals each. The control group included healthy mice that had not received any treatment. The induction group was given the vehicle 2 h after the topical imiquimod, once daily for 8 days. Two hours after receiving topical imiquimod, the treatment groups including calcipotriol, norfloxacin 2.5%, and norfloxacin 5% were given topical ointments containing calcipotriol 0.005%, norfloxacin 2.5%, and norfloxacin 5%, for 8 days. Topical norfloxacin ointment significantly reduced the severity of imiquimod-exacerbated psoriatic lesions including erythema, shiny-white scaling, and acanthosis and fixed histological abnormalities. Furthermore, imiquimod-subjected mice treated with a higher concentration of norfloxacin ointment exhibited dramatically lower skin levels of inflammation-related biomarkers like IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-23, and TGF-β but higher levels of IL-10. They also demonstrated a notable decrease in angiogenesis parameters such as VEGF and IL-8, a substantial reduction in oxidative indicators like MDA and MPO, and a considerable rise in antioxidant enzymes like SOD and CAT. This study offers novel evidence that norfloxacin may assist in controlling inflammatory dermatoses like psoriasis by minimizing the severity of psoriatic plaques, correcting histological alterations, and diminishing the production of inflammatory, oxidative, and angiogenetic parameters.

Quantum chemical insights into the adsorption performance of pristine and M-encapsulated (M = Li, Na, K) B12N12 nanocages toward ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, delafloxacin and ofloxacin antibiotics

The adsorption behavior of fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin (C17H18FN3O3), levofloxacin (C18H20FN3O4), moxifloxacin (C21H24FN3O4), delafloxacin (C18H12ClF3N4O4) and ofloxacin (C18H20FN3O4) onto the surface of pristine and M-encapsulated B12N12 (M = Li, Na and K) nanocages are studied using dispersion corrected density functional theory (DFTD) calculations. The potential use of these nanomaterials for effective removal of FQ was systematically investigated in this study. Metal-encapsulated cages exhibit higher adsorption energies, making them favorable candidates for the removal of FQs from water. Results reveal that the desorption mechanism facilitated the efficient release of FQ from Li-B12N12 and Na-B12N12 nanocages in acidic medium. The outcomes provide a novel insight for future research on the adsorption mechanisms of pharmaceuticals on boron nitride-based nanomaterials.

Laccase mediated transformation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics: Analyzing degradation pathways and assessing algal toxicity

Improper waste disposal or inadequate wastewater treatment can result in pharmaceuticals reaching water bodies, posing environmental hazards. In this study, crude extracts containing the laccase enzyme from Pleurotus florida, Pleurotus eryngii, and Pleurotus sajor caju were used to degrade the fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs) levofloxacin (LEV), norfloxacin (NOR), ciprofloxacin (CIP), ofloxacin (OFL), and enrofloxacin (ENR) in aqueous solutions. The results for the fungi derived laccase extracts were compared with those obtained using commercially sourced laccase. Proteomics analysis of the crude extracts confirmed the presence of laccase enzyme across all three tested species, with proteins matching those found in Trametes versicolor and Pleurotus ostreatus. In vivo studies were conducted using species pure lines of fungal whole cells. The highest degradation efficiency observed was 77.7% for LEV in the presence of P. sajor caju after 25 days of treatment. Degradation efficiencies ranged from approximately 60-72% for P. florida, 45–76% for P. eryngii, and 47–78% for P. sajor caju. A series of in vitro experiments were also conducted using crude extracts from the three species and outcomes compared with those obtained when commercial laccase was used confirmed laccase as the enzyme responsible for antibiotic removal. The degradation efficiencies in vitro surpassed those measured in vivo, ranging from approximately 91-98% for commercial laccase, 77–92% for P. florida, 76–92% for P. eryngii, and 78–88% for P. sajor caju. Liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) identified the degradation products, indicating a consistent enzymatic degradation pathway targeting the piperazine moiety common to all tested FQs, irrespective of the initial antibiotic structure. Phytoplankton toxicity studies with Dunaliella tertiolecta were performed to aid in understanding the impact of emerging contaminants on ecosystems, and by-products were analysed for ecotoxicity to assess treatment efficacy. Laccase-mediated enzymatic oxidation shows promising results in reducing algal toxicity, notably with Pleurotus eryngii extract achieving a 97.7% decrease for CIP and a 90% decrease for LEV. These findings suggest the potential of these naturally sourced extracts in mitigating antibiotic contamination in aquatic ecosystems.

A ratiometric fluorescent probe for the determination of quinolone antibiotics in milk based on N and S co-doped carbon quantum dots

Quinolone antibiotics are widely used to prevent and treat diseases caused by bacterial infection. However, overuse of antibiotics may lead to their residue in the environment and food, posing potential threats to human health. In this study, a ratiometric fluorescent probe based on nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon quantum dots (N, S-CQDs) was synthesized, which can realize the detection of moxifloxacin (MXF), gatifloxacin (GAT) and ofloxacin (OFX) in milk. After addition of these antibiotics, the fluorescence at 440 nm originating from N, S-CQDs was significantly quenched due to the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), while the fluorescence at 525 nm (MXF), 500 nm (GAT) and 515 nm (OFX) were enhanced due to aggregation induced emission (AIE). The fluorescence changes were completed within 30 s and stabilized for at least 14 days. Good linear relationships between the fluorescence intensity ratios (F525/F440 for MXF, F500/F440 for GAT and F515/F440 for OFX) and the antibiotic concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 mg L−1 were obtained, with R2 above 0.99. The limits of quantitation were in the range of 1.67–6.20 μg L−1, and MXF, GAT and OFX can be well identified by linear discriminant analysis. The probe enabled quantitative analysis of MXF, GAT and OFX in milk samples, with recoveries ranging from 82% to 107%. A test strip based on the ratiometric fluorescence probe was successfully applied for the detection of MXF and GAT in milk in combination with a smartphone. This method exerted high specificity and sensitivity, which has the potential to achieve in-site detection of MXF, GAT and OFX in milk.

Metal-polyphenol network loaded ZIF-8 for efficient removal of fluoroquinolone antibiotics

A metal-polyphenol network functionalized on surface of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (MPN@ZIF-8) were fabricated for efficient removal of fluoroquinolones (FQs) antibiotics. Polyphenol as one kind versatile molecular glue was employed as organic ligand as well as linkage for growth and deposition of metal-polyphenol network (MPN) on ZIF-8 supporter. The prepared MPN@ZIF-8 composite was characterized by various methods. The parameters including the dosage of adsorbents, pH value, adsorption time and salt concentration affecting the adsorption process were systematically investigated. FQs adsorption isotherms and kinetics best fitted the Langmuir isotherm (R2 > 0.980) and pseudo-second-order model (R2 > 0.987), respectively. Thermodynamic studies showed that adsorption process of norfloxacin (NOR), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and enrofloxacin (ENR) were all spontaneous. The adsorption capacity of MPN@ZIF-8 were 104.60, 86.23 and 66.21 mg g−1 for NOR, CIP and ENR, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of precursor ZIF-8. The potential adsorption mechanism was stated, most likely involved in π-π interaction, hydrogen-bond and electrostatic interaction between the FQs and the MPN@ZIF-8. In addition, the removal efficiency of the three FQs on MPN@ZIF-8 was still above 95 % after recycle for four times. The recoveries of the three FQs were in the range of 77.1–100.1 % with RSDs below 7.8 % in real sample analysis. Compared with the methods in preparation of MOF-based composite, the fabrication method mentioned in this study is versatile, very easy, environmental friendly and low cost, which has potential in large-scale production for application in environmental remediation.

Phenotypic and genotypic assessment of fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides resistances in Pseudomonas aeruginosa collected from Minia hospitals, Egypt during COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundOne of the most prevalent bacteria that cause nosocomial infections is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Fluoroquinolones (FQ) and aminoglycosides are vital antipseudomonal drugs, but resistance is increasingly prevalent. The study sought to investigate the diverse mechanisms underlying FQ and aminoglycoside resistance in various P. aeruginosa strains particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.MethodsFrom various clinical and environmental samples, 110 P. aeruginosa isolates were identified and their susceptibility to several antibiotic classes was evaluated. Molecular techniques were used to track target gene mutations, the presence of genes encoding for quinolone resistance, modifying enzymes for aminoglycosides and resistance methyltransferase (RMT). Efflux pump role was assessed phenotypically and genotypically. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to measure clonal diversity.ResultsQnrS was the most frequently encountered quinolone resistance gene (37.5%) followed by qnrA (31.2%) and qnrD (25%). Among aminoglycoside resistant isolates, 94.1% harbored modifying enzymes genes, while RMT genes were found in 55.9% of isolates. The aac(6')-Ib and rmtB were the most prevalent genes (79.4% and 32.3%, respectively). Most FQ resistant isolates overexpressed mexA (87.5%). RAPD fingerprinting showed 63.2% polymorphism.ConclusionsAminoglycosides and FQ resistance observed in this study was attributed to several mechanisms with the potential for cross-contamination existence so, strict infection control practices are crucial.

Chiral resolution of RS-ofloxacin through a novel diastereomeric cocrystal formation with L-glutamic acid by evaporative crystallization and quantification with capillary electrophoresis

Chiral drugs often exhibit significant differences in pharmacological activity between their enantiomers, highlighting the importance of effective chiral separation to enhance therapeutic efficacy and safety. Despite advances in this field, efficient methods for enantiomer separation remain a critical demand, especially for drugs like RS-Ofloxacin (RS-OFX), a chiral fluoroquinolone antibiotic. For RS-OFX, the S-enantiomer exhibits significantly higher potency—approximately 8–128 times greater—than the racemic mixture. This highlights the need to accurately separate the enantiomers. This study presents a new cocrystallization-based method for the precise and economical chiral separation of RS-OFX using amino acids by utilizing the formation of diastereomeric cocrystals. L-Glutamic acid (L-Glu) was identified as an appropriate coformer during the screening of potential coformers; consequently, diastereomeric cocrystals of R-OFX:L-Glu and S-OFX:L-Glu were successfully obtained. Melting point data, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) analyses all confirmed the existence of a new solid state, revealing significant modifications in the crystal structure indicative of cocrystal formation. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) was employed to quickly identify the most suitable solvent mixture for the separation of the diastereomeric pair. The diastereomeric cocrystals exhibited distinct solubility profiles in various solvent mixtures, allowing effective chiral separation through evaporative crystallization in methanol:chloroform (50:50, v/v) mixture, yielding 61.82% enantiomeric excess (ee) of the more active S-OFX:L-Glu. The results of this study suggest that the chiral resolution of racemic APIs through diastereomeric cocrystal formation with amino acids has the potential for scalability and adaptability in other APIs. This approach has the potential to be a valuable tool for the pharmaceutical industry in improving the efficiency of producing enantiopure pharmaceuticals.

Development of Al-MOF based pipette-tip solid-phase extraction approach for detection of fluoroquinolones in animal innards

Residues of fluoroquinolones (FQs) have been identified as a threat to food safety, highlighting the need for effective detection methods in food samples. This study utilized a hydrothermal synthesis method to create Al-based metal-organic framework (Al-MOF) for pipette-tip solid-phase extraction of FQs in food matrices. Coupled with HPLC-FLD, a novel sample pretreatment method for simultaneous detection of three FQs was developed, demonstrating good linearity (1−500 ng/g) with R2 values ranging from 0.9990 to 0.9998. Limits of detection and quantification were found to be 0.15−0.25 ng/g and 1.0−2.0 ng/g, respectively, with the relative standard deviations below 9.3 %. The extraction method showed promising results in animal liver and kidney samples, with a recovery rate of 75.2−103.6 %. Overall, this simple, rapid, and efficient method offers a valuable approach for analyzing trace levels of FQs in complex matrices.

Increased risk of pigmentary degeneration of the iris and pigmentary glaucoma with fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

Fluoroquinolones are popular antibiotics used for a myriad of conditions including ocular procedures. Despite numerous case reports of acute pigmentary degeneration of the iris with fluoroquinolone use, a pharmacoepidemiological study has not been performed to examine and quantify this risk. Retrospective cohort study with a case-control analysis. A cohort of 1,231,881 new users of oral or topical moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, and azithromycin were followed to first diagnosis of pigmentary degeneration of the iris or pigmentary glaucoma. Four controls were selected for each case using density sampling, matching on age and calendar time. Users of oral or topical moxifloxacin were compared to levofloxacin and azithromycin, a negative control drug from a separate class. First incidence of pigmentary degeneration of the iris or pigmentary glaucoma. The cohort was comprised of 1,231,881 new users of topical or oral levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or azithromycin. 542 cases of pigmentary degeneration of the iris and 460 cases of pigmentary glaucoma were identified. The incidence of iris pigmentary degeneration or pigmentary glaucoma for topical moxifloxacin was 10.2/1000 person years compared to 2.6/1000 person years for topical azithromycin. Current topical moxifloxacin users had the highest adjusted IRR for pigmentary degeneration of the iris (IRR = 6.81, [95%CI:2.00-23.18]) and pigmentary glaucoma (IRR = 4.07 [95%CI:1.42-11.62]) respectively. The study findings suggest that patients using topical moxifloxacin may have increased risk of developing pigmentary degeneration of the iris and pigmentary glaucoma although the absolute increase was low. Future studies are needed to confirm this association.

Computational simulation-assisted template selection of magnetic MOFs molecularly imprinted materials applying the adsorption and detection of multiple fluoroquinolones

This study utilized computational simulation and surface molecular imprinting technology to develop a magnetic metal-organic framework molecularly imprinted polymer (Fe3O4@ZIF-8@SMIP) capable of selectively recognizing and detecting multiple fluoroquinolones (FQs). The Fe3O4@ZIF-8@SMIP material was synthesized using the “common” template-ofloxacin, identified by computational simulation, demonstrating notable adsorption capacity (88.61–212.93 mg g−1) and rapid mass-transfer features (equilibration time: 2–3 min) for all tested FQs, consistent with Langmuir adsorption model. Subsequently, this material was employed as a magnetic solid-phase-extraction adsorbent for adsorption and detection of multiple FQs by combining with high performance liquid chromatography. The developed method exhibited good linearity for various FQs within the concentration range of 0.1–500 μg L−1, with low limit of detection (0.0605–0.1529 μg L−1) and limit of quantitation (0.2017–0.5097 μg L−1). Satisfactory recoveries (88.38–103.44%) were obtained when applied to spiked food samples, demonstrating the substantial potential of this Fe3O4@ZIF-8@SMIP material for rapid enrichment and identification for multiple FQs residues.

Construction of a sensor array using TiO2 NRs/CuO/rMIP with imprinted sites regulation as light-activated nanozyme to colorimetric detect fluoroquinolones

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are widely used in daily life, but their abuse has caused serious problems, so it is very important to detect fluoroquinolones accurately and conveniently. In this study, a light-activated nanozyme sensor array (TiO2 NRs/CuO/rMIP) was prepared, and principal component analysis (PCA) was employed for qualitative and quantitative determination of four fluoroquinolones in water environments. The photoactive sites of TiO2 were determined by photo-deposition of CuO, and the molecularly imprinted sites was anchored to the photoactive site by the composite action between antibiotic templates and CuO, which led to the consistent adjustment of the imprinted sites and photoactive sites, thus enhancing the enzyme-like activity of TiO2 NRs/CuO/rMIP. In Addition, by adjusting the types and proportions of antibiotic templates during the preparation of MIP, TiO2 NRs/CuO/rMIP sensors with different response signals to four fluoroquinolones were prepared, and a sensor array was established based on them. Through an RGB analysis system of smart phone and PCA analysis method, qualitative and quantitative detection of the four fluoroquinolones was realized. The detection range of the four antibiotics was 0.1–3000 μM, which showed a good prospect for the actual detection of antibiotics.

Experimental and computational study on the Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+ and Sr2+ exchanged zeolites as a drug delivery system for fluoroquinolone antibiotic – Ciprofloxacin

There is a great need for new antibacterial materials. One of the methods of creating such materials is the use of carriers for active substances - antibiotics. One of the potential materials to be used for this purpose are zeolites. In this work, zeolite X with ions exchanged for Ca2+, Mg2+, Sr2+ and Zn2+ was prepared and used as a carrier for an antibiotic from the group of fluoroquinolones - ciprofloxacin. To our best knowledge, so far no one has prepared carriers for this substance based on its interaction with ions. The material was subjected to SEM/EDS analysis, which confirmed the sorption of the drug in the form of a monolayer on the internal pore surface of the zeolites. All materials were able to retain and release the drug, but these processes were dependent on the atomic radius of the ions present in the zeolite. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to elucidate the host-guest interactions in more detail. The bacterial growth in the presence of the materials containing zeolites and antibiotics was inhibited almost completely which proves their antibacterial activity. This material can be used as a filler to create bone scaffolds and as a coating for implants.

An Eu (III)-functionalized covalent organic framework fluorescent probe for specific detection of Flumequine based on pore restriction and antenna effect

The overuse of quinolone antibiotics has led to a series of health and environmental issues. Herein, we combine the distinct luminescence properties of Eu3+ with the unique structure of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) to develop a precise and sensitive fluorescent probe for detecting Flumequine (Flu) in water. Eu3+ is thoroughly anchored into the channels of COFs as recognition sites, while the synthesized probe material still maintains its intact framework structure. The unique structure of COFs provides excellent support and protection for Eu3+. Therefore, COF-Eu can rapidly bind with Flu which can transfer the absorbed energy to Eu3+ through an “antenna effect”, resulting in red fluorescence. Moreover, there is a good linear relationship between Flu concentration in the range of 0–30 µM, with a detection limit of 41 nM. Simultaneously, the material maintains remarkable reproducibility, with its performance remaining almost unchanged after five cycles of use. Remarkably, the probe demonstrates excellent Flu recovery rates in real samples. This study provides a viable approach for the recognition of flumequine in the environment through a customized fluorescence detection method.

Impact of the US Food and Drug Administration warning regarding increased risk of aortic aneurysms or aortic dissections on fluoroquinolone prescribing trends

BackgroundThe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in December 2018 regarding an increased risk of aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections associated with fluoroquinolone (FQ) use. This warning...

Use of fluoroquinolones and the risk of aortic and mitral regurgitation: A nationwide case-crossover study.

Recently, there have been conflicting results reporting an increased risk of AR or MR associated with oral fluoroquinolones (FQs).This study investigated whether the use of FQs increases the risk of mitral regurgitation (MR) or aortic regurgitation (AR). A retrospective cohort study was conducted by using the Taiwan National Health Insurance research database. A unidirectional case-crossover design without selecting controls from an external population was adopted in this study. A total of 26,650 adult patients with new onset of AR or MR between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012, were identified. The risk of outcomes was compared between the hazard period and one of the randomly selected referent periods of the same individuals. Before exclusion of pneumonia diagnosed within 2 months before the index date, patients who took FQs had a significantly greater risk of AR or MR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-1.77), any AR (combined AR and MR) (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.10-2.04), and any MR (combined AR and MR) (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.16-1.62). After exclusion of pneumonia, FQs exposure remained significantly associated with a greater risk of MR (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.17-1.62) and any MR (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.05-1.48). The findings suggested that patients treated with FQs could be warned about the potential risk for MR even after considering the possibility of protopathic bias. Reducing unnecessary FQs prescriptions may be considered to reduce the risk of valvular heart disease.

A triple-channel sensor array utilizing fluorescent carbon dots for simultaneous discrimination and detection of multiple fluoroquinolones

The presence of fluoroquinolones (FQs) residues in food and the environment has prompted concerns regarding food safety and public health. Consequently, it is of great significance to analyze the types and levels of FQs present. However, the majority of studies have concentrated on the specific detection of individual FQs, with a notable absence of high-throughput and rapid analysis methods for the simultaneous detection of multiple FQs that may coexist in food and the environment. Hereon, a triple-channel sensor array was successfully constructed utilizing fluorescent carbon dots (TA-CDs), with the assistance of Cu2+ and Fe3+, for the qualitative discrimination and quantitative detection of eight types of FQs. The sensor array can distinguish between different concentrations of FQs and various mixtures of FQs, as well as 100 % accuracy in the discrimination of unknown samples. Impressively, the sensor platform can quantitatively detect FQs in animal-derived foods, such as honey, milk, eggs, and pork, as well as in water samples. This research has the potential to be extended to other analytes with similar chemical structures or properties.