Dried lemon slices improve bowel cleansing quality of polyethylene glycol for colonoscopy preparation: randomized controlled trial

Background: adequate bowel preparation is related to the quality of colonoscopy. Dried lemon slices can increase gastrointestinal peristalsis, which has shown potential as an adjuvant of bowel preparation. We hypothesized that the combination of dried lemon slices and polyethylene glycol (PEG) could improve the efficacy of bowel preparation and be more acceptable to participants. Aim: to investigate the effectiveness of lemon slices combined with PEG for colonoscopy preparation. Methods: a prospective, single-center, randomized, controlled trial was performed of 521 patients randomly assigned to two groups. A total of 254 patients were given lemon slices based on conventional 4-L PEG treatment for the bowel, while 267 patients received only 4-L PEG treatment. Patients’ basic information, procedure-related parameters, adverse effects, and subjective feelings were collected by questionnaires. Intestinal tract cleanliness was scored according to the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) by experienced endoscopists. Data were analyzed by the two-sample t-test or the Chi-squared test. Results: the BBPS scores were significantly higher in the PEG + lemon slice group (p < 0.05). The taste acceptability, satisfaction, and willingness to repeat bowel preparation were significantly higher in the PEG+ lemon slice group (p < 0.05). However, a larger proportion of patients from the PEG+ lemon slice group (30.7 %) suffered abdominal distension compared with the PEG group (20.6 %), while the incidence of other adverse effects was comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: the addition of dried lemon slices to conventional PEG showed its superiority for bowel preparation (AU)

Detergentes: De los principios físicos a las aplicaciones biofarmacéuticas (o por qué prevenimos la covid-19 con agua y jabón / Detergents: From physical principles to biopharmaceutical applications (or why we fight covid-19 with toilet soap)

Los detergentes son anfifilos solubles que poseen la capacidad de solubilizar grasas, dando lugar a micelas mixtas lípido-detergente, que son solubles en agua. Los detergentes son ampliamente utilizados en las industrias alimentaria y de bebidas, textil, médica y farmacéutica, entre otras. En biología molecular, los detergentes son herramientas insustituibles en la solubilización de las membranas celulares y la posterior purificación de proteínas de membrana. La presente revisión resume cuatro décadas de investigación sobre detergentes en el laboratorio de los autores. Una introducción sobre los detergentes y las membranas va seguida por una descripción cuantitativa detallada del mecanismo de solubilización de la membrana por los detergentes, y por una discusión crítica del concepto de membranas resistentes a los detergentes en relación con la hipótesis de las balsas lipídicas (rafts). A continuación, se incluye una sección experimental que resume los principales resultados del grupo de los autores. Finalmente, se describen algunas aplicaciones biofarmacéuticas. Como ejemplo práctico, se discute el uso de jabón de tocador en la prevención de la COVID-19. (AU)

Detergents are soluble amphiphiles that possess the capacity to solubilize fats, giving rise to water-soluble, lipid-detergent mixed micelles. Detergents find an extensive use in food and drink, textile, medical and pharmaceutical industries, among others. In molecular biology, detergents are irreplaceable tools in the solubilization of cell membranes and subsequent membrane protein purification. The present review summarizes four decades of investigation on detergents in the authors’ laboratory. An introduction on detergents and membranes is followed by a detailed, quantitative description of the mechanism of membrane solubilization by detergents, and a critical discussion of the concept of detergent-resistant membranes as related to the lipid raft hypothesis. An experimental section follows, summarizing the main results in the authors’ group. Finally, some biopharmaceutical applications are described. As a working example, the use of toilet soap in the prevention of COVID-19 is discussed. (AU)

Isolation and characterization of a lindane degrading bacteria Paracoccus sp. NITDBR1 and evaluation of its plant growth promoting traits

Lindane contamination in different environmental compartments is still posing a serious threat to our environment and effective measures need to be taken for the detoxification of lindane. Soil bacteria isolated from agricultural fields are known to possess certain plant growth promoting traits like the production of phytohormones, production of ammonia, nitrogen fixation and solubilization of phosphorus, etc. In the present study, an indigenous bacterial strain Paracoccus sp. NITDBR1 have been isolated from an agricultural field in Manipur, India which could grow on 100 mg L−1 lindane as the sole source of carbon and could degrade up to 90% of lindane in mineral salt media under liquid culture conditions in 8 days. The strain NITDBR1 was able to form biofilm in lindane media and the addition of substrate like glucose and sucrose enhanced the biofilm formation by 1.3 and 1.17-fold respectively in 3 days. The strain NITDBR1 could produce glycolipid and glycoprotein based biosurfactants. It was also found to possess plant growth promoting traits like nitrogen fixation and indole-3-acetic acid production to assist crop production. The phytotoxicity studies carried out on mustard seeds revealed that the degradation products formed after treatment with NITDBR1 could lower the toxicity of lindane for root elongation by 1.3-fold. Therefore, strain NITDBR1 could be useful for the bioremediation of soil contaminated with lindane with lesser damage to the environment, biofilm forming ability may help the bacteria survive under stressed environmental conditions, and biosurfactant production will help in increasing the bioavailability of contaminants. The plant growth promoting traits can be beneficial for agriculture. With such soil friendly activities coupled with pesticide degradation, this strain can be used for environmental as well as agricultural applications

No disponible

Dosificación de surfactante: del dicho al hecho / Surfactant doses: From words to action

No disponible

La ecografía pulmonar como herramienta para guiar la surfactación en neonatos prematuros / Lung ultrasound as a tool to guide the administration of surfactant in premature neonates

OBJETIVOS: El objetivo del presente estudio es la valoración mediante la ecografía pulmonar de la profundidad del tubo endotraqueal (TET) durante el procedimiento de Intubation-Surfactant-Extubation (INSURE). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: La profundidad de inserción del TET se calculó mediante el peso del neonato (profundidad de inserción [cm] = peso [kg]+5,5). Después de la intubación, la profundidad del TET fue valorada por 2 neonatólogos independientes mediante la auscultación bilateral y la ecografía pulmonar. RESULTADOS: Doce neonatos con membrana hialina fueron reclutados. En 2 casos la ecografía pulmonar ayudó a posicionar correctamente el TET. Todos los pacientes presentaron una buena evolución con una radiografía y una ecografía pulmonar normal al alta. CONCLUSIONES: La ecografía pulmonar es una técnica segura y no invasiva útil en situaciones donde la radiografía de tórax no se usa habitualmente, siendo además rápida y libre de radiación

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of lung ultrasound (LUS) to estimate the endotracheal tube (ETT) depth position during the Intubation-Surfactant-Extubation (INSURE) procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The ETT insertion depth was estimated using the weight (insertion depth (cm)=weight (kg)+5.5). After intubation two independent neonatologists using bilateral auscultation or LUS checked the ETT depth. RESULTS: Twelve newborns with respiratory distress syndrome were included. In two cases LUS helped to correctly replace the ETT. All the patients progressed well, with normal x-ray and LUS before discharge. CONCLUSIONS: LUS appears to be a safe and non-invasive technique and is useful in clinical situations were x-ray is not routinely performed, as it is fast and radiation free

Influencia de los agentes tensoactivos en el tratamiento de conductos: revisión de la literatura / Surface-active agents in root canal treatment: a review of literature

El objetivo del tratamiento de conductos es curar o prevenir la periodontitis apical. Para ello es necesario una correcta conformación y limpieza, que permitan obturar tridimensional el sistema de conductos. La irrigación supone una fase fundamental durante la terapia endodóntica y no debemos descuidarla. La eliminación completa de los restos pulpares vitales y/o necróticos es esencial para conseguir el éxito en el tratamiento de conductos. El irrigante gold estándar en endodoncia es el hipoclorito de sodio. Por sus características, no puede ser sustituido. Los principales inconvenientes son: la destrucción ósea en contacto con los tejidos periapicales, la no eliminación del barrillo dentinario y su alta tensión superficial. Los agentes tensoactivos en combinación con el hipoclorito de sodio se ha ido incorporando en los últimos años para reducir la tensión superficial, y así mejorar la penetración en el conducto principal. El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica es una puesta en día sobre qué dice la literatura al respecto en cuanto a disolución y capacidad antibacteriana de estas soluciones

The objective of root canal treatment is to heal or avoid apical periodontitis. This requires proper shaping and cleaning, enabling three-dimensional sealing root canal system. Irrigation is a critical phase during endodontic therapy and we should not neglect it. Complete removal of vital pulp remnants and/or necrotic allow a great success in the treatments. The gold standard endodontic irrigant is sodium hypochlorite. By their nature, it can not be replaced. The main drawbacks are: bone destruction in contact with the periapical tissues, no removal of smear and high surface tension. Surfactants in combination with sodium hypochlorite has been incorporated in recent years to reduce the surface tension, thereby improving penetration into the main duct. The aim of this review is a start-up on what the literature says to respect for dissolution and antibacterial ability of these solutions

Recomendaciones para la asistencia respiratoria en el recién nacido (III). Surfactante y óxido nítrico / Recommendations for respiratory support in the newborn (III). Surfactant and nitric oxide

Las recomendaciones incluidas en este documento forman parte de una revisión actualizada de la asistencia respiratoria en el recién nacido. Están estructuradas en 12 módulos y en este trabajo se presenta el módulo 7. El contenido de cada módulo es el resultado del consenso de los miembros del Grupo Respiratorio y Surfactante de la Sociedad Española de Neonatología. Representan una síntesis de los trabajos publicados y de la experiencia clínica de cada uno de los miembros del grupo (AU)

The recommendations included in this document will be part a series of updated reviews of the literature on respiratory support in the newborn infant. These recommendations are structured into twelve modules, and in this work module 7 is presented. Each module is the result of a consensus process including all members of the Surfactant and Respiratory Group of the Spanish Society of Neonatology. They represent a summary of the published papers on each specific topic, and of the clinical experience of each one of the members of the group (AU)

Dificultad respiratoria neonatal en un niño cuya madre presentaba colestasis / Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

El síndrome de dificultad respiratoria en niños cuyas madres presentan colestasis intrahepática, también llamado neumonía por ácidos biliares, fue descrito por primera vez en 2004. Los ácidos biliares maternos producen una neumonitis química e inactivan el surfactante endógeno. Ante la presencia de dificultad respiratoria en estos recién nacidos, a pesar de ser a término o prematuros moderados con maduración pulmonar confirmada, debemos recordar que se benefician de la administración precoz de surfactante (AU)

Severe respiratory distress syndrome in neonates from mothers with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, or bile acids pneumonia, was first described in 2004. Bile acids produce acute neonatal lung injury with chemical pneumonia and surfactant dysfunction. Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in this term or near-term infants, even in the presence of normal lung maturity in amniotic fluid, will require exogenous surfactant (AU)

Valoración del daño cerebral tras la administración de surfactante / Brain damage assesment after surfactant administration

Objetivo: La terapia de reemplazo de surfactante se asocia frecuentemente a fluctuaciones del flujo sanguíneo cerebral (FSC). Presentamos la administración de surfactante nebulizado para evitar las fluctuaciones del FSC. Métodos: El estudio se llevó a cabo en muestras cerebrales (congeladas y fijadas) de corderos prematuros que recibieron surfactante instilado (SFinstil, administración clásica) o surfactante nebulizado (SFneb). Se analizaron el FSC regional, la actividad de las enzimas antioxidantes, el Factor de Necrosis Tumoral (TNFα) y el número de células apoptóticas (TUNEL). También se realizó una valoración semi-cuantitativa del daño cerebral por un anátomo- patólogo. Se analizaron zonas corticales (corteza frontal y occipital), zonas internas (tálamo, estriado e hipocampo), el cerebelo y el bulbo cefalorraquídeo. Resultados: La administración de surfactante nebulizado produjo una respuesta hemodinámica cerebral diferente a la instilación intratraqueal, especialmente en las zonas internas donde a los cinco minutos el FSC registrado resultó ser significativamente superior en el grupo SFinstil. No se registraron diferencias significativas en la actividad de las enzimas antioxidantes. El porcentaje de células positivas para TNFα y el número de células TUNEL positivas en las zonas internas fue significativamente superior en el grupo SFinstil (p<0.05). La valoración histológica determinó un mayor grado de necrosis neuronal (p<0.05) en el tálamo en el grupo SFinstil. Conclusión: La administración de surfactante en forma de aerosol debería tenerse en cuenta como una alternativa menos agresiva a la instilación intratraqueal (AU)

Objective: Surfactant replacement therapy has been associated with cerebral blood flow (CBF) fluctuations. We propose the administration of aerosolized surfactant to prevent those fluctuations. Methods: Brain samples (frozen and paraffin-fixed) of preterm lambs received instilled surfactant (SFinstil, common administration) or aerosolized surfactant (SFneb). Regional CBF, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the number of TNFα positive cells and the number of apoptotic cells (TUNEL) were determined. In addition, a semi-quantitative histological evaluation was performed by an expert pathologist. Cortical zones (frontal and occipital), inner zones (thalamus, striatum and hippocampus), cerebellum and the brain stem were analyzed. Results: Surfactant delivered as an aerosol produced a different cerebral hemodynamic response than surfactant instillation, especially towards the inner zones, where already five minutes after the start of the therapy the regional CBF was significantly higher in the SFinstil group. There were no differences between groups in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The percentage of TNFα positive cells and the number of TUNEL positive cells in the inner zones was significantly higher in the SFinstil group. The histological score also showed a significantly higher necrosis in the SFinstil group compared to the SFneb group. Conclusion: Surfactant delivered as an aerosol should be considered as a less harmful method of surfactant administration (AU)

Allergic contact dermatitis to cocamidopropyl betaine in Colombia

No disponible

Factores relacionados con la persistencia de ductus arteriosos tras tratamiento con indometacina / Factors related with persistent ductus arteriosus after treatment with indomethacin

Introducción. La incidencia del ductus arteiroso persistente (DAP) es considerable en el recién nacido prematuro. La indometacina se ha demostrado como terapia efectiva del DAP y el porcentaje de cierre está condicionado por múltiples variables. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar factores predictivos del éxito del tratamiento con indometacina en recién nacidos prematuros. Métodos. Se analizó de forma retrospectiva una cohorte de 56 recién nacidos menores o iguales de 30 semanas de edad gestacional y/o 1.500 gramos que recibieron tratamiento con indometacina en el periodo comprendido entre octubre de 2006 y julio de 2009. Resultados. La indometacina fue efectiva en 38 recién nacidos (70,4%) , requiriendo cirugía solo en 14 casos (25,9%). El análisis estadístico mostró que solo fueron factores predictivos de cierre ductal y que, por tanto, condicionaron el resultado el tratamietno con indometacina, la edad gestional, el peso, el tamaño del DAP, el Apgar al minuto, el grado de asistencia ventilatoria, las dosis de surfactante recibidas y la cantidad de líquidos administrados al nacimiento. Conclusiones. La indometacina es efectiva para el tratamiento del ductus hemodinámicamente significativo en recién nacidos prematuros. Mayor peso, edad gestacional, menor tamaño del ductus, mayor Apgar al minuto, menor requerimiento de surfactante y menor soporte respiratorio fueron factores predictivos de una mayor tasa de cierre (AU)

Introduction. The incidence of persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is considerable in the premature newborn. Indomethacin has been demonstrated to be an effective therapy of PDA and the percentage of closure is conditioned by multiple variables. This study has aimed to determine predictive factors of treatment success with indomethacin in premature newborns. Methods. A cohort of 56 newborns under the age or (70,4%), surgery being required in only 14 cases (25.9%). The statistical analyses showed that only the following were predictive factors of ductal closure and therefore that these were the only ones to condition the result of treatment with indomethacin: gestational age, weight, PDA size, one-minute Apgar, grade of assisted ventilation, surfactant dose received and the amount of fluids administered on birth. Conclusions. Indomethacin is effective for the treatment of hemodynamically significant ductus in premature newborns. Greater weight, gestational age, smaller size of the ductus, higher one-minute Apgar score, lower requirement of surfactant and lower respiratory support were predictive factors of a greater closure rate (AU)

Effect of surfactant on the release of ciprofloxacin from gelatin microspheres

Gelatin microspheres with high entrapment efficiency were prepared by emulsification (using differentsurfactants) and crosslinking by glutaraldehyde with a view to improve stability of the microspheres.The microspheres were characterized for entrapment efficiency of ciprofloxacin, swelling, FT-IR,scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and leakage properties.From the results obtained we inferred thatthe gelatin microspheres entrapped with ciprofloxacin prepared by using three different surfactantsincreased the shelf life of gelatin microspheres(AU)

Biofilms in lab and nature: a molecular geneticist’s voyage to microbial ecology

This article reviews the latest findings on how extracellular signaling controls cell fate determination during the process of biofilm formation by Bacillus subtilis in the artificial setting of the laboratory. To complement molecular genetic approaches, surface-associated communities in settings as diverse as the pitcher plant Sarracenia purpurea and the human lung were investigated. The study of the pitcher plant revealed that the presence or absence of a mosquito larva in the pitcher plant controlled bacterial diversity in the ecosystem inside the pitcher plant. Through the analysis of the respiratory tract microbiota of humans suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF) a correlation between lung function and bacterial community diversity was found. Those that had lungs in good condition had also more diverse communities, whereas patients harboring Pseudomonas aeruginosa-the predominant CF pathogen-in their lungs had less diverse communities. Further studies focused on interspecies and intraspecies relationships at the molecular level in search for signaling molecules that would promote biofilm formation. Two molecules were found that induced biofilm formation in B. subtilis: nystatin-released by other species-and surfactin-released by B. subtilis itself. This is a role not previously known for two molecules that were known for other activities-nystatin as an antifungal and surfactin as a surfactant. In addition, surfactin was found to also trigger cannibalism under starvation. This could be a strategy to maintain the population because the cells destroyed serve as nutrients for the rest. The path that led the author to the study of microbial biofilms is also described (AU)

No disponible

El polietilenglicol como agente antiagregante en la preparación de microesferas de gelatina con celecoxib / Polyethylene glycol as a de-aggregating agent in the preparation of colecoxib loaded gelatin microspheres

Se prepararon microesferas de gelatina con elevada eficiencia de captura mediante el método de reticulación química por emulsificación, utilizando polietilenglicol como agente antiagregante. Para la reticulación de la gelatina se utilizaron dos agentes de reticulación diferentes: formaldehído y glutaraldehído. Las microesferas preparadas se caracterizaron mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido según la eficiencia de captura, el tamaño de las partículas, la liberación de fármaco in vitro y la morfología. Los estudios de espectrometría FTIR indicaron la ausencia de interacción química entre la gelatina y el PEG. El PEG actúa únicamente como barrera para impedir la agregación de las microgotas de gelatina presentes en la fase interna de la emulsión durante la preparación. Los estudios de liberación de fármaco in vitro indicaron que las microesferas reticuladas mediante glutaraldehído presentaban un índice de liberación inferior a las reticuladas con formaldehído La liberación repentina se observó en ambos casos. En general, aproximadamente un 40% del fármaco se libera en la primera hora, seguido de una liberación lenta durante unas 96 horas en el caso de las microesferas reticuladas con glutaraldehído

Gelatin microspheres with high entrapment efficiency were prepared using emulsification chemical cross- crosslinking linking method using polyethylene glycol as a de-aggregating agent. Two different cross-linking agents viz. formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde were used for cross-linking gelatin. The prepared microspheres were characterized for entrapment efficiency, particles size, in-vitro drug release and the morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The FTIR studies indicated that there is no chemical interaction between gelatin and PEG. PEG acts only as a barrier to the aggregation of the gelatin microdrops present in the internal phase of the emulsion, while preparation. In-vitro drug release studies indicated that the microspheres cross-linked using glutaraldehyde showed slower release rate than those cross-linked with formaldehyde. Burst release was observed in both the cases. In general, about 40% of the drug is released in the first hour followed by a slow release for about 96 hours for glutaraldehyde cross-linked microspheres

Preparación y caracterización físicoquímica de una microemulsión de macrogol -8- glicéridos de caprilocaproilo para la administración oral de fármacos / Preparation and Physicochemical characterisation of caprylocapryl macrogol -8- glycerides microemulsion for oral drug delivery

Se evaluó el rendimiento de los macrogol -8- glicéridos de caprilocaproilo en el desarrollo de una microemulsión autoemulsionante, estable y aceptable desde el punto de vista farmacológico. Se evaluó la idoneidad de la concentración de surfactante en relación con la fase oleosa a través de la medición de la tensión interfacial. Se elaboró un sistema de microemulsiones pseudoternario con macrogol -8- glicéridos de caprilocaproilo/poligliceril 6-dioleato/ sistema de microemulsiones pseudoternario con macrogol -8- glicéridos de caprilocaproilo/poligliceril 6-dioleato/ triglicéridos de cadena media y agua. La microemulsión modelo se caracterizó en relación con su comportamiento electroconductivo y la medición del tamaño de las gotitas tras su dilución en agua y fluido gástrico simulado, y se realizaron estudios de carga de superficie, estabilidad centrífuga, viscosidad y estabilidad. Se aplicó la teoría de la transición de percolación al sistema, lo que hizo posible la determinación del umbral de percolación y la identificación de las estructuras bicontinuas. Los cambios de tensión interfacial asociados a la formación de las microemulsiones mostraron valores muy bajos, hasta un 30% de aceite en una proporción 4:1 de surfactante/cosurfactante. Además, mostraron valores muy bajos, hasta un 30% de aceite en una proporción 4:1 de surfactante/cosurfactante. Además, el tamaño de las partículas investigadas tras la dilución en agua abundante y en fluido gástrico simulado demostraron la eficacia del sistema de microemulsiones como un posible sistema de transporte para la administración oral de fármacos (AU)

The performance of caprylocapryl macrogol -8- glycerides in the development of pharmaceutically acceptable, stable, selfemulsifying microemulsion was assessed. The suitability of the concentration of surfactant with respect to the oil phase was assessed by interfacial tension measurement. A pseudoternary microemulsion system was constructed using caprylocapryl was assessed by interfacial tension measurement. A pseudoternary microemulsion system was constructed using caprylocapryl macrogol -8- glycerides / polyglyceryl 6-dioleate / medium chain triglycerides and water. The model microemulsion was characterised with regard to its electroconductive behaviour and droplet size measurement after dilution with water as well as with simulated gastric fluid, surface charge, centrifugal stability, viscosity and stability studies. The percolation transition theory, which makes it possible to determine the percolation threshold and to identify the bicontinuous structures, was applied to the system. The interfacial tension changes associated with the microemulsion formation shows ultra low values upto 30% oil at a surfactant / cosurfactant ratio 4:1. Moreover, the investigated particle size after dilution with excess of water as well as with simulated gastric fluid proved the efficiency of the microemulsion system as a potential with excess of water as well as with simulated gastric fluid proved the efficiency of the microemulsion system as a potential carrier for oral drug delivery (AU)

Hidrogeles y polímeros sensibles a estímulos. Una herramienta eficaz en la terapéutica ocular / Stimuli-sensitive hydrogels and polymers. An effective tool in ocular therapeutic

No disponible

Tratamiento con surfactante en el síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo. ¿Todo dicho? / Surfactant therapy in the acute respiratory distress syndrome. Has been said everything?

No disponible