Isotonic Solution Research Articles

NaCl salt stress and PEG water stress differentially affect germination and early seedling growth of two sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cultivars

Drought stress and salt stress are serious challenges to crop productivity in the arid lands. This work investigates the impact of NaCl-salt stress and PEG-water stress on germination and embryo growth of two sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cultivars: Sohag 1 (Sohg) and Shandaweel 3 (Shnd). Seed dimensions, volume and weight were measured. The red Sohg seeds were larger with oblong appearance and lower density relative to the white Shnd seeds. Seeds were germinated in isosmotic solutions of NaCl and PEG-6000 at 0, − 0.103, − 0.205, − 0.410 and − 0.615 MPa. The time-based parameters (velocity, uniformity and synchrony of germination) were more reliable measures of germination efficiency than the final germination percentage. The impact of PEG was more severe than that of NaCl particularly on Sohg. The peak of daily germination was lowered and delayed under stress. The genotypic variability in germinability became evident under stress in favor of Shnd. Radicle length–a reliable measure of seedling growth–was subjected to stronger impact of NaCl than PEG. Although Na+ mobilization from seeds to embryos was indifferent in the two cultivars in PEG solutions, Shnd seedlings exhibited higher Na+ uptake from NaCl solutions. Whereas K+ mobilization was restricted by NaCl only in Sohg, it was hastened by PEG equally in the two cultivars. The stress-vulnerable Sohg recovered from stress with higher magnitude than did Shnd, particularly from the more stressing osmoticum (PEG). The indices of germination recovery were highest in PEG-pretreated Sohg while the biomass of recovered seedlings was highest in NaCl-pretreated Sohg.

Intravenous Lipid Emulsion for the Treatment of Ivermectin Toxicity in a Cat: A Case Report

A two-years-old male cat weighing three kg was presented to the Referral Veterinary Polyclinic of ICAR – Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar with history of anorexia, no water intake, ataxia, head tilting downward, sudden recumbency and loss of vision. While taking history the owner declared about the use of off-label oral ivermectin preparation @ 2.5 mg/kg total dose (5 times the recommended dose) once only. Cat had high rectal temperature (105° F), normal mucus membrane, tachypnoea (70/min), tachycardia(145/min). At the beginning, the patient received 20% lipid emulsion (Intralipid) at 1.5 mL/kg body weight, Diazepam 0.5 mg/kg b. wt. IV once, dexamethasone 0.5 mg/kg b. wt., and 25 mg/kg b. wt. bid of cefotaxime. The patient also received constant rate infusion therapy at 0.25 ml/kg/h, OD, and isotonic crystalloid solution (0.9% NS) at 30 ml/kg body weight for a total of 10 minutes. After three days, the cat's clinical condition returned to normal state. This case reports helps to readers in managing an emergency condition of ivermectin toxicity.

Microplastics in different nasal irrigation options.

We aimed to assess the presence of microplastics in nasal irrigation methods commonly used in the treatment of sinusitis and rhinitis, and to evaluate human exposure. A total of 150 samples were included in the study, consisting of nasal wash bottles containing nasal irrigation solution, seawater spray, syringes for nasal irrigation with isotonic solution. The amount of microplastics per millilitre in the samples and patient exposure during single use were assessed separately for each method and product. All samples were filtered using a stainless steel vacuum filter on filter paper with a pore size of 1.2μm, washed at least three times with distilled water and incubated at 45°C for 24h to prevent mould growth. Identification and counting of microplastics was performed using a Leica Flexacam C1 camera connected to an M80 stereomicroscope. The presence of microplastics was confirmed by the hot needle method and Nile red staining. An average of 6.49 ± 13.08 microplastics/product was detected in all filtered samples. The lowest microplastic count was 0 microplastics/product in syringes and the highest was 92 microplastics/product in nasal wash bottles. Significant differences in the amount of microplastics individuals were exposed to during a single use were found between nasal wash bottles and seawater brands, while no significant differences were found between syringe brands. When nasal wash kits, seawater sprays and isotonic nasal rinses were evaluated separately, significant differences were found in the number of microplastics, the microplastics/ml ratio and the number of microplastics exposed during a single use. The highest microplastic exposure was found in nasal irrigation bottles. The exposure of individuals to microplastics increases with medical support treatments, regardless of intranasal or intravenous administration. Due to the inflammation, oxidative stress and proliferation caused by microplastics, new regulations and inspections of production conditions should be implemented worldwide to reduce exposure.

Which Intravenous Isotonic Fluid Offers Better Outcomes for Patients with a Brain Injury?

Administering intravenous fluids is a common therapy for critically ill patients. Isotonic crystalloid solutions, such as saline or balanced solutions, are frequently used for intravenous fluid therapy. The choice between saline or a balanced crystalloid has been a significant question in critical care medicine. Recent large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated whether balanced crystalloids yield better outcomes in general or specific critical care populations, and many of them have confirmed this hypothesis. Although the broad eligibility criteria of these RCTs suggest applicability to neurocritical care patients, it is important to discuss whether using balanced crystalloids, as opposed to saline, would benefit patients who primarily have neurological disorders or diseases. This review considers the relevance of this question, weighs the pros and cons of the two fluid types, examines available data, and anticipates results from ongoing RCTs to guide clinicians in selecting the optimal fluid for patients with brain injury.

Evaluation of the effect of carvedilol orodispersible tablets on ischemia-reperfusion injury and flap viability in rats: An in vivo study.

Flap surgery is an integral part of plastic surgery, and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury significantly affects the viability of the flap. Carvedilol (CRV), a nonselective beta-blocker with alpha-1 blocking and antioxidant properties, and known for its potential in reducing I/R damage, was chosen as the active substance for our study. The aim of this study was to investigate the vasodilator and antioxidant effects of CRV on rat inferior epigastric artery skin flap using orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs). The optimized ODT formulation was subjected to in vivo experiments using Sprague-Dawley female rats (n = 24) divided into three groups: Group I (control, I/R), Group II (treatment, I/R + CRV), and Group III (treatment, I/R), I/R + CRV ODT). Reperfusion was then observed following the release of the microclamp from the pedicle, and the flap was then re-adapted to its original position. Control rats were given oral isotonic solution via gavage and were subjected to 8 h of ischemia and 12 h of reperfusion. Group II was given 2 mg/kg CRV oral tablets for 7 days before and after surgery. Group III was given 2 mg/kg/day CRV ODT for the same period. Biopsies were taken from the flap and histopathological and biochemical analyses including superoxide dismutase, glutathionenitric oxide, malondialdehyde, paraoxonase 1, total oxidant, and total antioxidant capacities were performed. This study demonstrates that CRV ODTs significantly increased flap viability by approximately 25% compared to the control group, highlighting their promising therapeutic potential.

Allergic rhinitis management: a survey on Italian primary care pediatricians.

Background. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a widespread condition. The Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology (SIAIP) promoted an initiative to update the knowledge on AR in children and adolescents. The present survey directly addressed primary care pediatricians, thus reflecting the real-world management of AR in children and adolescents. The aim was to investigate common practice in managing AR children. Methods. A panel of experts drafted a series of questions concerning the practical management of children with AR in clinical practice. The questionnaire was administered to a large sample of primary care pediatricians (864). Results. 864 primary care pediatricians participated to the survey. Each pediatrician on average follows 94 children with AR; globally 81,231 children. More than 70% of participants follow ARIA guidelines. Accordingly, 42% of children have mild AR and 58% moderate/severe. Asthma, conjunctivitis and adenoid hypertrophy are the most common comorbidity. Most pediatricians autonomously follow their patients. The intensity of treatment (use of medication) is directly proportional to the symptom severity. Intranasal corticosteroids are the most common medication used followed by oral antihistamines and nasal lavages (with hypertonic or isotonic solution). Up to 20% of participants prescribe the fixed association topical corticosteroids plus antihistamine. Conclusions. The present survey demonstrated that Italian primary care pediatricians accomplish ARIA guidelines and adapt treatment on the basis of the intensity of symptoms. Corticosteroids and antihistamines are the most common prescribed medications. Nasal lavages are also popular.

The influence between migraine preven drugs and sumatriptan succinate on motor activity

Background and aim The motor effect of sumatriptan succinate (SS) and whether or not it is associatedwith different classes of migraine preventive drugs has yet to be studied. We aimed to analyze such drugs' influence on animal motor activity, verifying their effect when used alone or in combination. Methods Male Norvegicus rats (n=98) were treated with routinely prescribed migraine preventive drugs and divided into five groups: isotonic saline solution (ISS, control), propranolol, topiramate, flunarizine, and amitriptyline. After five days of daily treatment, the animals received acute treatment with either ISS or Sumatriptan succinate (SS). The drug's influence on motor function behavior was assessed with the rotarod and open field tests. Results Propranolol and flunarizine interfered with the motor activity (p=0.006 and 0.002, respectively). SS did not cause motor changes when administered alone. However the SS combined with amitriptyline increased the number of rearings (p=0,045) and reduced the immobility time (p=0.041). Conclusions SS exerted no motor effect, although flunarizine and propranolol could produced motor interference.

Intraoperative hypotension in children-Measurement and treatment

Intraoperative hypotension is acommon perioperative complication in pediatric anesthesia. Oscillometric blood pressure measurement is therefore an essential part of standard perioperative monitoring in pediatric anesthesia. The optimum measurement site is the upper arm. Attention must be paid to the correct cuff size. Blood pressure should be measured before induction. In children undergoing major surgery or in critically ill children, invasive blood pressure measurement is still the gold standard. Continuous noninvasive measurement methods could be an alternative in the future.Threshold values to define hypotension remain unknown, even in awake children. There are also little data on hypotension thresholds in the perioperative setting. The most reliable measurement parameter for estimating hypotension is the mean arterial pressure. The threshold values for intraoperative hypotension are 40 mm Hg in newborns, 45 mm Hg in infants, 50 mm Hg in young children and 65 mm Hg in adolescents. Treatment should be initiated at adeviation of 10% and intensified at adeviation of 20%.Bolus administration of isotonic balanced crystalloid solutions, vasopressors and/or catecholamines are used as treatment options. Consistent and rapid intervention in the event of hypotension appears to be crucial. So far there is no evidence as to whether this leads to an improvement in outcome parameters.

Crosslinked All-Femtosecond Laser-Cut Corneal Allogenic Intracorneal Ring Segments (AFXL CAIRSs): Pilot Ex Vivo Study and Report of First Two Cases Performed in Italy.

Objectives: This pilot ex vivo study and first clinical experience in Italy evaluate the impact of using pre-implantation crosslinking on all-femtosecond laser-cut corneal allogenic intracorneal ring segments (AFXL CAIRSs). Methods: Six human donor eye-bank corneas were used for this preclinical ex vivo human study. Three donor (D) corneas were used for AFXL CAIRSs. First, they were prepared with an IntraLase™ femtosecond laser (Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ, USA). The allogenic tissue rings were crosslinked before implantation with Riboflavin-UV-A accelerated crosslinking protocol (ACXL) with a 0.1% HPMC Riboflavin isotonic solution (Vibex Rapid, Glaukos-Avedro, Burlington, MA, USA) and a new KXL UV-A emitter (Glaukos-Avedro, USA). Three corneas were used as recipients (Rs) of the AFXL CAIRSs. After completing the ex vivo phase, IRB approval and signing a specific informed consent, the first two Italian patients were treated. A single ACXL CAIRS was implanted in a 51-year-old male with 53.53 D K steep, 363 μm minimum corneal thickness (MCT) and a double ACXL CAIRS was implanted in a 46-year-old male patient with 58.30 D K steep, 443 μm MCT. The longest follow-up was at three months. Results: Crosslinking of the segments enhanced tissue stiffness and grip, facilitating manipulation and CAIRS insertion into the recipient tunnels, and the yellowish color of the crosslinked segments improved visibility. The segment's thickness and volume remained unaltered during the follow-up. Both patients improved UDVA and BSCVA. K steep and High-Order Aberrations (HOAs) were reduced and MCT increased. Conclusions: Pre-implantation ACXL facilitated CAIRS insertion preserving dimensions and volume during the follow-up, rendering this important step a promising candidate in method standardization. Functional data and MCT improved significantly without adverse events.

Liposomal Ozonated Oil Ensures a Further Reduction in the Microbial Load Before Intravitreal Injection: the "OPERA" Study.

This was a prospective study to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of a novel ophthalmic solution comprising ozonated sunflower oil in liposomes plus hypromellose in conjunction with liposomal foam (BlefOX), in patients undergoing intravitreal injection, in comparison to povidone iodine 5%. The study employed a paired-eye design with n = 195 patients and a total of n = 390 eyes divided into two groups. Conjunctival swabs were collected from both eyes of each patient at baseline (T0-3 days before the injection). The study group underwent home therapy, which included instilling two drops of an isotonic ophthalmic solution containing 0.5% ozonated sunflower oil in liposomes plus hypromellose (Ozodrop) four times daily and applying liposomal foam twice daily to the eye undergoing intravitreal injections. In contrast, the control group (contralateral eyes) received treatment with povidone iodine 5%. This treatment regimen was maintained for 3days. At T1 (10min before injection), all patients instilled one drop of a topical solution of povidone iodine 5% into the conjunctival sac of both eyes. After 30seconds had elapsed, a conjunctival swab was obtained for each eye in both study groups. The results, derived from conjunctival swabs, exhibited a significant reduction in the microbial load of the study group on both chocolate agar and blood agar (p ≤ 0.007). The study demonstrated that the combination of povidone iodine 5% + Ozodrop + BlefOX provides a greater reduction in microbial load than povidone iodine 5% alone on both chocolate agar (141 [72.31%] vs. 98 [50.26%], p < 0.0001) and blood agar (130 [66.67%] vs. 97 [49.74%], p = 0.0007). The combination of povidone iodine 5% + Ozodrop + BlefOX resulted in the killing of approximately 41% to 49% of bacteria compared to povidone iodine 5% alone on the chocolate agar and blood agar, respectively. Liposomal ozonated oil treatment, coupled with liposomal foam, in patients undergoing intravitreal injection led to a substantial reduction in conjunctival microbial load compared to eyes treated solely with povidone iodine 5%.

Good practice with fluid management in operative hysteroscopy.

Hysteroscopic surgery requires a balance of continuous controlled irrigation and aspiration to distend the endometrial cavity to a degree that provides the clear and stable visual environment necessary for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Whereas the preferred distending solution should be isotonic and isonatremic, radiofrequency (RF) electrosurgery with monopolar instrumentation can only be performed with non-ionic (hyponatremic) solutions. Absorption of as little as 500 mL and certainly more than 1000 mL of non-ionic solutions can result in fluid overload and/or dilutional hyponatremia with potentially serious adverse effects under certain conditions and patient characteristics. Both hysteroscopic RF electrosurgery with bipolar instrumentation and electro-mechanical morcellation and aspiration systems use isotonic and isonatremic solutions. Depending on the clinical context, absorption of more than 1500 mL of isonatremic solutions can also result in serious adverse effects. Automated fluid management systems are preferred and recommended, and surgeons should aim to maintain the maximum allowable intravasation of distending media below 1000 and 1500 mL for non-ionic and ionic fluids, respectively.

Efficacy and Safety of Dexmedetomidine in the Prone Position in Elderly Patients with Pneumonia: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study.

We aimed to identify a safe and effective method to assist older adults with pneumonia in tolerating the prone position for a longer duration. This was a randomized, controlled, double-blinded study performed at the Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital. Eighty patients with pneumonia aged ≥ 65years were included. The patients were able to spontaneous breath in the prone position and were administered intravenous dexmedetomidine or an isotonic sodium chloride solution. The cumulative daily durations of prone positioning for all patients in the two groups were recorded. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who completed ≥ 9h/day in the prone position. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of complications in the prone position and patient outcomes. Eighty patients were included (average age: 79.6 ± 8.9years). The percentage of patients who completed ≥ 9h/day in the prone position was significantly higher in the dexmedetomidine group than in the placebo group (P = 0.011). The percentage of patients who completed ≥ 12h/day in the prone position was also significantly greater in the dexmedetomidine group than in the placebo group (P = 0.008). There were no significant differences in other variables between the two groups. The results of this study demonstrate that intravenous dexmedetomidine injection can significantly prolong the duration of spontaneous breathing in the prone position in elderly pneumonia patients without obvious adverse events. We provide a safe and effective method to help patients with pneumonia, especially those with delirium or cognitive impairment, who cannot tolerate the length of time needed for spontaneous breathing in the prone position to be effective. The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Center (registration number: ChiCRT2300067383) on 2023-01-05.

Mycotoxin intoxication in 54 dogs after ingestion of walnuts

The aim of this retrospective study was to decribe the intoxication with tremorgenic mycotoxins subsequent to the ingestion of walnuts in a large population of dogs and the evaluation of the development of the clinical signs under the initiated treatment. The study included 54 dogs exhibiting signs of tremor, hyperesthesia, hyperthermia and ataxia, in particular a few hours following observed ingestion of walnuts or its justified suspicion. The patients were presented to the clinic mostly during winter and spring. Fifty-three of 54 dogs were hospitalized for symptomatic, decontaminating and eliminating therapy (98%). Symptomatic treatment comprised of anticonvulsant therapy in 14 dogs (26%) and an antiemetic therapy in for half of the patients (n=27; 50%). A forced emesis for decontamination was undertaken in only 6 patients due to the severity of their neurological symptoms (11%). For further decontamination, an oral administration of activated charcoal after improvement of clinical signs (n=39; 72%). The majority of dogs (n=45; 83%) additionally received an intravenous lipid therapy for toxin elimination and isotonic crystalloid solution to compensate fluid losses. There were no side effects observed following the administration of intravenous lipid therapy. The majority of dogs were hospitalized for a duration of 2 days (n=44; 81%). In most dogs, examination was unremarkable on the day of their release (n=39; 72%). Potential long-term sequelae of the intoxication were not recorded in any patient. Due to the lipophilic nature of mycotoxins, the use of intravenous lipid therapy may considered for toxin elimination purposes. The prognosis of mycotoxin intoxication following walnut ingestion is good with decontamination and elimination measures. In the case of unspecific neurological signs such as tremor, ataxia and hyperesthesia as well as a corresponding preliminary report, an intoxication with mycotoxin-containing walnuts should be considered.

Optimization of transfection into cultured cells with siRNA lipoplexes prepared using a modified ethanol injection method

To simplify the preparation of cationic liposome/small interfering RNA (siRNA) complexes (siRNA lipoplexes), we previously developed a modified ethanol injection (MEI) method, in which siRNA-containing phosphate-buffered saline was rapidly poured into a small volume of a lipid-ethanol (EtOH) solution. In this study, to optimize the lipid composition and solvents for dissolving lipids and siRNA in the transfection of siRNA lipoplexes prepared using the MEI method, we selected five types of cationic lipids, three types of neutral lipids, and five types of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-lipids and prepared siRNA lipoplexes via the MEI method using a lipid-EtOH solution of cationic lipids, neutral lipids, and PEG-lipids. Regardless of the cationic lipid type, siRNA lipoplexes composed of cationic lipids, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, and poly(ethylene glycol) cholesteryl ether showed high gene knockdown efficiency in human breast tumor MCF-7 cells. Regardless of the PEG-lipid type, the size of the siRNA lipoplexes decreased with increasing amounts of PEG-lipid in the lipid-EtOH solution. However, the gene knockdown activity of the siRNA lipoplexes was not abolished via PEGylation when siRNA lipoplexes were PEGylated with PEG-lipids having short lipid anchors. Furthermore, the preparation of siRNA lipoplexes by mixing a lipid-dimethyl sulfoxide solution with a phosphate-buffered saline solution of siRNA increased the size of the siRNA lipoplexes compared with that using a lipid-EtOH solution. However, these lipoplexes showed high gene knockdown efficiency in cells. When prepared by mixing a lipid-EtOH solution with an isotonic glucose or sucrose solution of siRNA, the siRNA lipoplexes tended to reduce gene knockdown efficiency in the cells. These results indicate that the lipid composition and solvents used for dissolving the lipids and siRNA affect the transfection efficiency and size of the siRNA lipoplexes. This study provides information on the optimal preparation of siRNA lipoplexes using the MEI method.

Influence of storage conditions on the viability of spheroids from human chondrocytes

BACKGROUND: The use of tissue-engineered products for treating hyaline cartilage injuries is currently a promising direction for regenerative medicine. The study of storage and transportation conditions of such preparations is essential in product development because it determines the viability and functional activity of the cellular component of the product. In addition, such work should be performed following the requirements of Russian legislation before using the developed drug product in clinical trials. AIM: To characterize the storage conditions for tissue-engineered preparations such as chondrospheres. METHODS: Chondrospheres were formed from human chondrocytes obtained from the biopsy material of the knee joint cartilage of patients diagnosed according to ICD-10 codes M15–M19. After the formation of chondrospheres, cell viability was examined using the metabolic dye PrestoBlue, and the expression of chondrogenic markers (SOX9, aggrecan, collagen type 1 and type 2) was preserved using real-time polymerase chain reaction under various transportation conditions, i.e., at different storage times, medium composition, and temperature. RESULTS: The analysis of the expression of chondrocyte markers confirmed that cells in chondrospheres retain a chondrocyte phenotype. In the cell viability study of tissue-engineered products under various conditions (temperature, solution, and time), the most favorable environment for storing the product was phosphate buffer saline and 0.9% sodium chloride solution (р 0.05). The metabolic activity of the cells that make up the tissue-engineered product was maintained when stored at +4 °C for up to 3 days (р 0.05). CONCLUSION: Isotonic solution and temperature regime +4 °C for not more than 2 days showed the preferable medium and conditions for storing and transporting the prototype cartilage implant as chondrospheres.

Guanidinium Chloride-Induced Haemolysis Assay to Measure New Permeation Pathway Functionality in Rodent Malaria Plasmodium berghei.

Parasite-derived new permeation pathways (NPPs) expressed at the red blood cell (RBC) membrane enable Plasmodium parasites to take up nutrients from the plasma to facilitate their survival. Thus, NPPs represent a potential novel therapeutic target for malaria. The putative channel component of the NPP in the human malaria parasite P. falciparum is encoded by mutually exclusively expressed clag3.1/3.2 genes. Complicating the study of the essentiality of these genes to the NPP is the addition of three clag paralogs whose contribution to the P. falciparum channel is uncertain. Rodent malaria P. berghei contains only two clag genes, and thus studies of P. berghei clag genes could significantly aid in dissecting their overall contribution to NPP activity. Previous methods for determining NPP activity in a rodent model have utilised flux-based assays of radioisotope-labelled substrates or patch clamping. This study aimed to ratify a streamlined haemolysis assay capable of assessing the functionality of P. berghei NPPs. Several isotonic lysis solutions were tested for their ability to preferentially lyse infected RBCs (iRBCs), leaving uninfected RBCs (uRBCs) intact. The osmotic lysis assay was optimised and validated in the presence of NPP inhibitors to demonstrate the uptake of the lysis solution via the NPPs. Guanidinium chloride proved to be the most efficient reagent to use in an osmotic lysis assay to establish NPP functionality. Furthermore, following treatment with guanidinium chloride, ring-stage parasites could develop into trophozoites and schizonts, potentially enabling use of guanidinium chloride for parasite synchronisation. This haemolysis assay will be useful for further investigation of NPPs in P. berghei and could assist in validating its protein constituents.

Light-driven rGO/Cu2 + 1O tubular nanomotor with active targeted drug delivery for combination treatment of cancer cells.

The unprecedented navigation ability in micro/nanoscale and tailored functionality tunes micro/nanomotors as new target drug delivery systems, openup new horizons for biomedical applications. Herein, we designed a light-driven rGO/Cu2 + 1O tubular nanomotor for active targeting of cancer cells as a drug delivery system. The propulsion performance is greatly enhanced in real cell media (5% glucose cells isotonic solution), attributing to the introduction of oxygen vacancy and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) layer for separating photo-induced electron-hole pairs. The motion speed and direction can be readily modulated. Meanwhile, doxorubicin (DOX) can be loaded quickly on the rGO layer because of π-π bonding effect. The Cu2 + 1O matrix in the tiny robots not only serves as a photocatalyst to generate achemical concentration gradient asthe driving force but also acts as ananomedicine to kill cancer cells as well. The strong propulsion of light-driven rGO/Cu2 + 1O nanomotors coupled with tiny size endow them with active transmembrane transport, assisting DOX and Cu2 + 1O breaking through the barrier of thecell membrane. Compared with non-powered nanocarrier and free DOX, light-propelled rGO/Cu2 + 1O nanomotors exhibit greater transmembrane transport efficiency and significant therapeutic efficacy. This proof-of-concept nanomotor design presents an innovative approach against tumor, enlarging the list of biomedical applications of light-driven micro/nanomotors to the superficial tissue treatment.

In Vitro Development of Toxocara canis Nematode Eggs

This study aims to describe the morphological changes of the embryo inside the developing egg during incubation in vitro at 30 °C, as well as to study the differences in the viability of the eggs during the incubation period. T. canis eggs were placed in a thermostat for incubation at 30 °C in an isotonic solution of 0.9% sodium chloride for eleven days. Development, morphological changes and viability of 100 eggs were observed. No significant differences were found in recorded viability from day first to day eleventh of incubation.

Comparison of the effect of isotonic and hypotonic saline solutions for children with mild dehydration at Lampang Hospital

Administering the appropriate type and rate of fluids is crucial for pediatric patients. Young patients should be given isotonic solutions, as they are safer than hypotonic solutions for fluid maintenance. However, limited studies exist on the efficacy and complications of isotonic solutions for treating acutely ill pediatric patients with mild dehydration. This study aimed to compare isotonic and hypotonic solutions in such cases. A stratified randomized controlled trial was conducted on patients aged 6 months to 15 years with acute illness and mild dehydration in two disease groups: acute gastroenteritis and other diseases. The trial involved administering intravenous fluids, either isotonic or hypotonic solution, for at least 24 hours. Pre and post-treatment serum sodium levels and treatment complications were assessed and compared between patients who received isotonic and hypotonic solutions. A total of 144 patients were randomly assigned to receive either isotonic solution or hypotonic solution. Of the 144 patients, 72 received isotonic and 72 received hypotonic solutions. The isotonic group comprised 51.4% males with a median age of 27.5 months. On the other hand, the hypotonic group comprised 56.9% males with a median age of 38 months. At baseline, both groups' sodium levels were similar at 136.2±2.5 and 136.8±2.5 mmol/L, respectively. After 24 hours, the isotonic group had a statistically significant increase in sodium levels (138.8±2.2 mmol/L; increased median 2.3) compared to the hypotonic group (138.1±2.0 mmol/L; increased median 1.5). In conclusion, no cases of hypernatremia, drowsiness, or seizures were observed, suggesting isotonic solutions can be safely used in these selected groups of acutely ill pediatric patients with mild dehydration.

Prenatal Magnesium Sulfate and Functional Connectivity in Offspring at Term-Equivalent Age

Understanding the effect of antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) treatment on functional connectivity will help elucidate the mechanism by which it reduces the risk of cerebral palsy and death. To determine whether MgSO4 administered to women at risk of imminent preterm birth at a gestational age between 30 and 34 weeks is associated with increased functional connectivity and measures of functional segregation and integration in infants at term-equivalent age, possibly reflecting a protective mechanism of MgSO4. This cohort study was nested within a randomized placebo-controlled trial performed across 24 tertiary maternity hospitals. Participants included infants born to women at risk of imminent preterm birth at a gestational age between 30 and 34 weeks who participated in the MAGENTA (Magnesium Sulphate at 30 to 34 Weeks' Gestational Age) trial and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at term-equivalent age. Ineligibility criteria included illness precluding MRI, congenital or genetic disorders likely to affect brain structure, and living more than 1 hour from the MRI center. One hundred and fourteen of 159 eligible infants were excluded due to incomplete or motion-corrupted MRI. Recruitment occurred between October 22, 2014, and October 25, 2017. Participants were followed up to 2 years of age. Analysis was performed from February 1, 2021, to February 27, 2024. Observers were blind to patient groupings during data collection and processing. Women received 4 g of MgSO4 or isotonic sodium chloride solution given intravenously over 30 minutes. Prior to data collection, it was hypothesized that infants who were exposed to MgSO4 would show enhanced functional connectivity compared with infants who were not exposed. A total of 45 infants were included in the analysis: 24 receiving MgSO4 treatment and 21 receiving placebo; 23 (51.1%) were female and 22 (48.9%) were male; and the median gestational age at scan was 40.0 (IQR, 39.1-41.1) weeks. Treatment with MgSO4 was associated with greater voxelwise functional connectivity in the temporal and occipital lobes and deep gray matter structures and with significantly greater clustering coefficients (Hedge g, 0.47 [95% CI, -0.13 to 1.07]), transitivity (Hedge g, 0.51 [95% CI, -0.10 to 1.11]), local efficiency (Hedge g, 0.40 [95% CI, -0.20 to 0.99]), and global efficiency (Hedge g, 0.31 [95% CI, -0.29 to 0.90]), representing enhanced functional segregation and integration. In this cohort study, infants exposed to MgSO4 had greater voxelwise functional connectivity and functional segregation, consistent with increased brain maturation. Enhanced functional connectivity is a possible mechanism by which MgSO4 protects against cerebral palsy and death.