Application of Engineered Nanomaterials as Nanocatalysts in Catalytic Ozonation: A Review.

Given the growing scarcity of water and the continuous increase in emerging pollutants detected in water bodies, there is an imperative need to develop new, more effective, and sustainable treatments for wastewater. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are considered a competitive technology for water treatment. Specifically, ozonation has received notable attention as a promising approach for degrading organic pollutants in wastewater. However, different groups of pollutants are hardly degradable via single ozonation. With continuous development, it has been shown that using engineered nanomaterials as nanocatalysts in catalytic ozonation can increase efficiency by turning this process into a low-selective AOP for pollutant degradation. Nanocatalysts promote ozone decomposition and form active free radicals responsible for increasing the degradation and mineralization of pollutants. This work reviews the performances of different nanomaterials as homogeneous and heterogeneous nanocatalysts in catalytic ozonation. This review focuses on applying metal- and carbon-based engineered nanomaterials as nanocatalysts in catalytic ozonation and on identifying the main future directions for using this type of AOP toward wastewater treatment.

Enhancing Monitoring Performance: A Microservices Approach to Monitoring with Spyware Techniques and Prediction Models.

In today's digital landscape, organizations face significant challenges, including sensitive data leaks and the proliferation of hate speech, both of which can lead to severe consequences such as financial losses, reputational damage, and psychological impacts on employees. This work considers a comprehensive solution using a microservices architecture to monitor computer usage within organizations effectively. The approach incorporates spyware techniques to capture data from employee computers and a web application for alert management. The system detects data leaks, suspicious behaviors, and hate speech through efficient data capture and predictive modeling. Therefore, this paper presents a comparative performance analysis between Spring Boot and Quarkus, focusing on objective metrics and quantitative statistics. By utilizing recognized tools and benchmarks in the computer science community, the study provides an in-depth understanding of the performance differences between these two platforms. The implementation of Quarkus over Spring Boot demonstrated substantial improvements: memory usage was reduced by up to 80% and CPU usage by 95%, and system uptime decreased by 119%. This solution offers a robust framework for enhancing organizational security and mitigating potential threats through proactive monitoring and predictive analysis while also guiding developers and software architects in making informed technological choices.

Removal of phenazopyridine from water, synthetic urine, and real sample by adsorption using graphene oxide: A DFT theoretical/experimental approach.

Herein, graphene oxide was used as the highly efficient phenazopyridine adsorbent from aqueous medium, synthetic, and human urine. The nanoadsorbent was characterized by different instrumental techniques. The adsorption capacity (1253.17 mg g-1) was reached at pH 5.0, using an adsorbent dosage of 0.125 g L-1 at 298 K. The Sips and Langmuir described the equilibrium data well. At the same time, the pseudo-second order was more suitable for fitting the kinetic data. Thermodynamic parameters revealed the exothermic nature of adsorption with an increase in randomness at the solid-liquid interface. The magnitude of the enthalpy variation value indicates that the process involves the physisorption phenomenon. At the same time, ab initio molecular dynamics data corroborated with the thermodynamic results, indicating that adsorbent and adsorbate establish hydrogen bonds through the amine groups (adsorbate) and hydroxyl groups on the adsorbent surface (weak interactions). Electrostatic interactions are also involved. Additionally, the adsorption assays conducted in simulated medium and human urine showed the excellent performance of adsorbent material to remove the drug in real concentrations excreted by the kidneys (removal values higher than 60%).

Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil in a natural product-based formulation: Antimicrobial and healing effects in Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds.

Owing to its exposed nature, the skin can be injured by various factors, including by Staphylococcus aureus, which inhabits its innate microbiota. Treatment of infected wounds presents an important challenge, making it imperative to develop new treatment options. Plant-derived formulations, such as those containing Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil (MaEO), are used for wound treatment because of their healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This study presents a cream containing 2% MaEO (2% CMa) and evaluates its effects in an S. aureus-infected wound murine model. The 2% CMa was subjected to quality control testing and pH and analysis of density, organoleptic characteristics, and microbiological effects. The quality control parameters all revealed the good stability of the 2% CMa. The formulation strongly reduced the S. aureus ATCC 6538 colony-forming unit (CFU) count in an ex vivo porcine skin model. In the murine model, daily topical application of 2% CMa reduced the severity and size of S. aureus-infected wounds and the bacterial load. These effects may be due to the presence of terpinen-4-ol, which exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. Based on these findings, the formulation exhibits good quality and safety. We suggest the topical application of this formulation, which exhibited an antimicrobial effect, as an interesting treatment strategy for wound healing.

Statistical physical modeling insights for urinary analgesic drug adsorption on carbon nanomaterial derivative.

The presence of phenazopyridine in water is an environmental problem that can cause damage to human health and the environment. However, few studies have reported the adsorption of this emerging contaminant from aqueous matrices. Furthermore, existing research explored only conventional modeling to describe the adsorption phenomenon without understanding the behavior at the molecular level. Herein, the statistical physical modeling of phenazopyridine adsorption into graphene oxide is reported. Steric, energetic, and thermodynamic interpretations were used to describe the phenomenon that controls drug adsorption. The equilibrium data were fitted by mono, double, and multi-layer models, considering factors such as the numbers of phenazopyridine molecules by adsorption sites, density of receptor sites, and half saturation concentration. Furthermore, the statistical physical approach also calculated the thermodynamic parameters (free enthalpy, internal energy, Gibbs free energy, and entropy). The maximum adsorption capacity at the equilibrium was reached at 298 K (510.94 mg g-1). The results showed the physical meaning of adsorption, indicating that the adsorption occurs in multiple layers. The temperature affected the density of receptor sites and half saturation concentration. At the same time, the adsorbed species assumes different positions on the adsorbent surface as a function of the increase in the temperature. Meanwhile, the thermodynamic functions revealed increased entropy with the temperature and the equilibrium concentration.

A Feeding Trial to Investigate Strategies to Mitigate the Impacts of Pimelea Poisoning in Australian Cattle.

Pimelea poisoning of cattle causes distinct symptoms and frequently death, attributable to the toxin simplexin. Pimelea poisoning was induced via addition of ground Pimelea trichostachya plant to the daily feed in a three-month trial with Droughtmaster steers. The trial tested four potential mitigation treatments, namely, biochar, activated biochar, bentonite, and a bacterial inoculum, and incorporated negative and positive control groups. All treatments tested were unable to prevent the development of simplexin poisoning effects. However, steers consuming a bentonite adsorbent together with Pimelea showed lesser rates-of-decline for body weight (P < 0.05) and four hematological parameters (P < 0.02), compared to the positive control group fed Pimelea only. Microbiome analysis revealed that despite displaying poisoning symptoms, the rumen microbial populations of animals receiving Pimelea were very resilient, with dominant bacterial populations maintained over time. Unexpectedly, clinical edema developed in some animals up to 2 weeks after Pimelea dosing was ceased.

Impaired Cardiac Sympathetic Activity Is Associated With Myocardial Remodeling and Established Biomarkers of Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: 123Iodine-meta-iodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy is useful for assessing cardiac autonomic dysfunction and predict outcomes in heart failure (HF). The relationship of cardiac sympathetic function with myocardial remodeling and diffuse fibrosis remains largely unknown. We aimed to evaluate the cardiac sympathetic function of patients with HF and its relation with myocardial remodeling and exercise capacity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Prospectively enrolled patients with HF (New York Heart Association class II-III) were stratified into HF with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≥45%) and reduced LVEF. Ventricular morphology/function and myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) fraction were quantified by cardiovascular magnetic resonance, global longitudinal strain by echocardiography, cardiac sympathetic function by heart-to-mediastinum ratio from 123iodine-meta-iodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy. All participants underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The cohort included 33 patients with HF with preserved LVEF (LVEF, 60±10%; NT-proBNP [N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide], 248 [interquartile range, 79-574] pg/dL), 28 with HF with reduced LVEF (LVEF, 30±9%; NT-proBNP, 743 [interquartile range, 250-2054] pg/dL) and 20 controls (LVEF, 65±5%; NT-proBNP, 40 [interquartile range, 19-50] pg/dL). Delayed (4 hours) 123iodine-meta-iodobenzylguanidine heart-to-mediastinum ratio was lower in HF with preserved LVEF (1.59±0.25) and HF with reduced LVEF (1.45±0.16) versus controls (1.92±0.24; P<0.001), and correlated negatively with diffuse fibrosis assessed by ECV (R=-0.34, P<0.01). ECV in segments without LGE was increased in HF with preserved ejection fraction (0.32±0.05%) and HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (0.31±0.04%) versus controls (0.28±0.04, P<0.05) and was associated with the age- and sex-adjusted maximum oxygen consumption (peak oxygen consumption); (R=-0.41, P<0.01). Preliminary analysis indicates that cardiac sympathetic function might potentially act as a mediator in the association between ECV and NT-proBNP levels. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormally low cardiac sympathetic function in patients with HF with reduced and preserved LVEF is associated with extracellular volume expansion and decreased cardiopulmonary functional capacity.

Anthropogenic forests simplify seed- but not pollen-dispersal networks.

Natural native forests are rapidly being replaced by anthropogenic forests often with a strong presence of invasive alien plant species. Eucalypt species are widely planted worldwide, with Eucalyptus globulus plantations being particularly expressive in Portugal. Poor forestry practices often lead to the associated expansion of invasive species, such as Acacia dealbata. However, we still know relatively little about the functioning of anthropogenic forests, such as seed and pollen dispersal services. Here, we compared bird abundance and richness and the seed and pollen dispersal networks in both forest types. Anthropogenic forests presented lower bird abundance, and smaller, more simplified, and more random (abundance-based) seed dispersal services than those of natural forests. Interestingly, the pollen dispersal network was more similar than the seed dispersal network for both forest types and dominated by opportunistic and neutral processes, given the absence of specialized nectarivorous. The proportion of birds transporting seeds decreased, while those carrying pollen significantly increased in the anthropogenic forest compared to the native forest. Our work highlights the impact of anthropogenic forests on bird abundance, with consequences for seed dispersal services and forest regeneration.

Biochemical and Anthropometric Outcomes in Paediatric Patients with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia after COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns: An Exploratory Analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns affected the lifestyles of children and adolescents, leading to an increase in childhood obesity. Paediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) may be more susceptible to lockdown effects due to their increased cardiovascular risk. However, data are lacking. We investigated the effect of lockdowns on the metabolic profile of paediatric patients with FH. Blood lipids and anthropometry measured in September 2021-April 2022 were retrospectively compared with pre-pandemic values. Thirty participants were included (1-16 years; 57% female). From baseline to post-pandemic, median [P25, P75] blood LDL-C concentration was 125 [112, 150] mg/dL vs. 125 [100, 147] mg/dL (p = 0.894); HDL-C was 58 [52, 65] mg/dL vs. 56 [51, 61] mg/dL (p = 0.107); triglycerides were 64 [44, 86] mg/dL vs. 59 [42, 86] mg/dL (p = 0.178). The BMI z-score did not change significantly (0.19 [-0.58, 0.89] vs. 0.30 [-0.48, 1.10], p = 0.524). The lack of deterioration in metabolic profiles during lockdowns is positive, as some deterioration was expected. We speculate that patients and caregivers were successfully educated about healthy lifestyle and dietary habits. Our results should be interpreted with caution since the study sample was small and heterogeneous. Multicentre research is needed to better understand the impact of lockdowns on this population.

Users' expectations of the new pre-exposure prophylaxis for the HIV modalities. / Concepciones de usuarios sobre nuevas vías de administración de profilaxis pre-exposición para el VIH.

This article aims to discuss the expectations of Homosexual Men, Bisexual Men and a Transgender Woman, who use or want to use an oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) about PrEP modalities. Sixteen PrEP users, who are followed up in the BCN Checkpoint, were interviewed,. The interviews were audio-recorded, subjected to thematic categorical analysis within the theoretical framework from the praxiographic perspective. They are all adapted to the use of daily oral and event-based PrEP. In relation to the new PrEP modalities (monthly pill; intramuscular injection every two months; subcutaneous injection every six months), they are all very receptive to these possibilities, but they lack information on the specificities of each and specific assessment of their needs. Comments about the use of oral PrEP are positive, and expectations regarding the new PrEP modalities are visibly high. However, the most important thing for the interviewees is the guarantee that they will have follow-up appointments to continue taking care of their affective-sexual health, which is not dependent on the type of PrEP modalities.

Este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir las concepciones de los Hombres Gay, Hombres Bisexuales y una Mujer Transgénero que usan o quieren usar profilaxis previa a la exposición por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana oral (PrEP) sobre nuevas vías de administración. Fueron entrevistados 17 usuarios del BCN Checkpoint. Las entrevistas fueron grabadas en audio, sometidas a análisis categorial temático teniendo en cuenta la perspectiva praxeográfica. Todos están adaptados al uso de la PrEP diaria y a demanda. En relación con las nuevas vías de administración (PrEP inyección intramuscular cada dos meses; pastilla mensual; inyección subcutánea cada seis meses) todos son muy receptivos a esas posibilidades, pero les falta información sobre las especificidades de cada una de ellas y una evaluación específica de sus necesidades. Tanto la satisfacción con el uso de PrEP oral, como las expectativas sobre las nuevas vías de administración son positivas. Sin embargo, lo más importante para los/a entrevistados/a es la garantía de que tendrán seguimiento para continuar cuidando de la salud afectivo-sexual, lo que no depende del tipo de vía de administración.

Geography and public health: analysis of the epidemiological dynamics of meningitis in Brazil, between 2010 and 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the spatiotemporal epidemiological dynamics of meningitis in Brazil, between 2010 and 2019. METHODS: Descriptive ecological study with cases and deaths due to meningitis in Brazil (2010-2019) in the National Notifiable Diseases Information System (Sistema de Informações de Agravos de Notificação - SINAN). The following analyses were performed: (I) frequency analyses of cases and deaths, prevalence rates, mortality, lethality, Fisher's exact test, and chi-square test; (II) Prais-Winstein regression; and (III) Global, Local Moran's index, and Kernel density. RESULTS: 182,126 cases of meningitis were reported in Brazil, of which 16,866 (9.26%) resulted in death, with prevalence rates of 9.03/100,000 inhabitants, mortality of 0.84/100,000 inhabitants, and lethality of 9.26%. There was a noted trend of decreasing prevalence rates (-9.5%, 95% confidence interval - 95%CI -13.92; -4.96, p<0.01) and mortality (-11.74%, 95%CI -13.92; -9.48, p<0.01), while lethality remained stable (-2.08%, 95%CI -4.9; 0.8; p<0.1941). The majority of cases were viral meningitis (45.7%), among 1-9 years old (32.2%), while the highest proportion of deaths was due to bacterial meningitis (68%), among 40-59 years old (26.3%). In the Moran and Kernel maps of prevalence and mortality rates, municipalities in the South, Southeast, and the capital of Pernambuco in the Northeast stood out with high rates; as for lethality, the North, Northeast, and Southeast coastal areas were highlighted. CONCLUSION: A decrease in meningitis cases and deaths was found in this study; however, the lethality rate was higher in areas with lower prevalence, emphasizing the need to enhance actions for identifying, monitoring, and providing health care for cases, as well as expanding vaccination coverage.

Optogenetic ß cell interrogation in vivo reveals a functional hierarchy directing the Ca2+ response to glucose supported by vitamin B6.

Coordination of cellular activity through Ca2+ enables ß cells to secrete precise quantities of insulin. To explore how the Ca2+ response is orchestrated in space and time, we implement optogenetic systems to probe the role of individual ß cells in the glucose response. By targeted ß cell activation/inactivation in zebrafish, we reveal a hierarchy of cells, each with a different level of influence over islet-wide Ca2+ dynamics. First-responder ß cells lie at the top of the hierarchy, essential for initiating the first-phase Ca2+ response. Silencing first responders impairs the Ca2+ response to glucose. Conversely, selective activation of first responders demonstrates their increased capability to raise pan-islet Ca2+ levels compared to followers. By photolabeling and transcriptionally profiling ß cells that differ in their thresholds to a glucose-stimulated Ca2+ response, we highlight vitamin B6 production as a signature pathway of first responders. We further define an evolutionarily conserved requirement for vitamin B6 in enabling the Ca2+ response to glucose in mammalian systems.

Phenolic Compounds from Cherries and Berries for Chronic Disease Management and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Therefore, there is increasing interest in dietary interventions to reduce risk factors associated with these conditions. Cherries and berries are rich sources of bioactive compounds and have attracted attention for their potential cardiovascular benefits. This review summarises the current research on the effects of cherry and berry consumption on cardiovascular health, including in vivo studies and clinical trials. These red fruits are rich in phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which have multiple bioactive properties. These properties include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects. Studies suggest that regular consumption of these fruits may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to lower blood pressure, improved lipid profiles, and enhanced endothelial function. However, interpreting findings and establishing optimal dosages is a challenge due to the variability in fruit composition, processing methods, and study design. Despite these limitations, the evidence highlights the potential of cherries and berries as components of preventive strategies against CVD. Further research is needed to maximise their health benefits and improve clinical practice.

Adsorptive features of cyclohexane carboxylic naphthenic acid on a novel cross-linked polymer developed from spent coffee grounds.

Naphthenic acids (NA) are organic compounds commonly found in crude oil and produced water, known for their recalcitrance and toxicity. This study introduces a new adsorbent, a polymer derived from spent coffee grounds (SCGs), through a straightforward cross-linking method for removing cyclohexane carboxylic acid as representative NA. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model for the data (0.007 g min-1 mg-1), while the equilibrium data fitted the Sips model ( q m = 140.55 mg g-1). The process's thermodynamics indicated that the target NA's adsorption was spontaneous and exothermic. The localized sterical and energetic aspects were investigated through statistical physical modeling, which corroborated that the adsorption occurred indeed in monolayer, as suggested by the Sips model, but revealed the contribution of two energies per site ( n 1 ; n 2 ). The number of molecules adsorbed per site ( n ) was highly influenced by the temperature as n 1 decreased with increasing temperature and n 2 increased. These results were experimentally demonstrated within the pH range between 4 and 6, where both C6H11COO-(aq.) and C6H11COOH(aq.) species coexisted and were adsorbed by different energy sites. The polymer produced was naturally porous and amorphous, with a low surface area of 20 to 30 m2 g-1 that presented more energetically accessible sites than other adsorbents with much higher surface areas. Thus, this study shows that the relation between surface area and high adsorption efficiency depends on the compatibility between the energetic states of the receptor sites, the speciation of the adsorbate molecules, and the temperature range studied.

Histological biomarkers and microbiological parameters of an estuarine fish from the Brazilian Amazon coast as potential indicators of risk to human health.

This study aimed to isolate and identify pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal tract, skin, and muscles of Sciades herzbergii; detect histopathological changes in the gill and liver; and use these biomarkers for the assessment of potential risks to human health. Fish were sampled during the rainy and dry seasons at two points in São Marcos Bay, Maranhão, Brazil: Ilha dos Caranguejos (IC) and Porto Grande (PG). Isolation and quantification were carried out using COLItest®. Colonies were subjected to identification and phenotypic investigation of antimicrobial resistance using Vitek®. Gill and liver samples were subjected to routine histological examination. The results indicated the presence of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, the latter of which showed phenotypic resistance to norfloxacin and gentamicin. Fish caught at PG exhibited more extensive gill and liver damage than fish caught at IC. The findings suggest that histological changes in target organs of S. herzbergii may be influenced by infection with pathogenic bacteria.

Concepciones de usuarios sobre nuevas vías de administración de profilaxis pre-exposición para el VIH / Users' expectations of the new pre-exposure prophylaxis for the HIV modalities

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir las concepciones de los Hombres Gay, Hombres Bisexuales y una Mujer Transgénero que usan o quieren usar profilaxis previa a la exposición por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana oral (PrEP) sobre nuevas vías de administración. Fueron entrevistados 17 usuarios del BCN Checkpoint. Las entrevistas fueron grabadas en audio, sometidas a análisis categorial temático teniendo en cuenta la perspectiva praxeográfica. Todos están adaptados al uso de la PrEP diaria y a demanda. En relación con las nuevas vías de administración (PrEP inyección intramuscular cada dos meses; pastilla mensual; inyección subcutánea cada seis meses) todos son muy receptivos a esas posibilidades, pero les falta información sobre las especificidades de cada una de ellas y una evaluación específica de sus necesidades. Tanto la satisfacción con el uso de PrEP oral, como las expectativas sobre las nuevas vías de administración son positivas. Sin embargo, lo más importante para los/a entrevistados/a es la garantía de que tendrán seguimiento para continuar cuidando de la salud afectivo-sexual, lo que no depende del tipo de vía de administración.

Abstract This article aims to discuss the expectations of Homosexual Men, Bisexual Men and a Transgender Woman, who use or want to use an oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) about PrEP modalities. Sixteen PrEP users, who are followed up in the BCN Checkpoint, were interviewed,. The interviews were audio-recorded, subjected to thematic categorical analysis within the theoretical framework from the praxiographic perspective. They are all adapted to the use of daily oral and event-based PrEP. In relation to the new PrEP modalities (monthly pill; intramuscular injection every two months; subcutaneous injection every six months), they are all very receptive to these possibilities, but they lack information on the specificities of each and specific assessment of their needs. Comments about the use of oral PrEP are positive, and expectations regarding the new PrEP modalities are visibly high. However, the most important thing for the interviewees is the guarantee that they will have follow-up appointments to continue taking care of their affective-sexual health, which is not dependent on the type of PrEP modalities.

DOT: a flexible multi-objective optimization framework for transferring features across single-cell and spatial omics.

Single-cell transcriptomics and spatially-resolved imaging/sequencing technologies have revolutionized biomedical research. However, they suffer from lack of spatial information and a trade-off of resolution and gene coverage, respectively. We propose DOT, a multi-objective optimization framework for transferring cellular features across these data modalities, thus integrating their complementary information. DOT uses genes beyond those common to the data modalities, exploits the local spatial context, transfers spatial features beyond cell-type information, and infers absolute/relative abundance of cell populations at tissue locations. Thus, DOT bridges single-cell transcriptomics data with both high- and low-resolution spatially-resolved data. Moreover, DOT combines practical aspects related to cell composition, heterogeneity, technical effects, and integration of prior knowledge. Our fast implementation based on the Frank-Wolfe algorithm achieves state-of-the-art or improved performance in localizing cell features in high- and low-resolution spatial data and estimating the expression of unmeasured genes in low-coverage spatial data.

The incidence of osteoradionecrosis of the jaws in oral cavity cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to define the incidence of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in patients with oral cavity cancer (OCC) treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and to identify the risk factors influencing its development. STUDY DESIGN: Six databases were searched systematically. A meta-analysis was performed to determine overall, spontaneous, and dental extraction-attributed incidences of ORN. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool evaluated evidence certainty. RESULTS: Out of 11 eligible studies, 6 underwent meta-analysis for the overall aggregated ORN incidence in OCC patients receiving IMRT, resulting in an incidence rate of 8% (95% CI: 6%-11%). Regarding development reasons, 2 studies were assessed, revealing an incidence of 36% (95% CI: 1%-98%) for spontaneous ORN, and 17% (95% CI: 5%-44%) ensued from dental extraction exclusively pre-RT. All rates had very low certainty of evidence. Factors significantly correlated with ORN development included postoperative RT use (78%), employment of therapeutic doses above 50 Gy, and mandibular involvement (80.5%). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that IMRT alone is not sufficient to decrease ORN rates in OCC patients, underscoring the importance of precisely identifying the involved risk factors. However, further detailed primary studies will be necessary.

Fabrication and characterization of physically crosslinked alginate/chitosan-based hydrogel loaded with neomycin for the treatment of skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen widely involved in wound infection due to its ability to release several virulence factors that impair the skin healing process, as well as its mechanism of drug resistance. Herein, sodium alginate and chitosan were combined to produce a hydrogel for topical delivery of neomycin to combat S. aureus associated with skin complications. The hydrogel was formulated by combining sodium alginate (50 mg/mL) and chitosan (50 mg/mL) solutions in a ratio of 9:1 (HBase). Neomycin was added to HBase to achieve a concentration of 0.4 mg/mL (HNeo). The incorporation of neomycin into the product was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, FTIR and TGA analysis. The hydrogels produced are homogeneous, have a high swelling capacity, and show biocompatibility using erythrocytes and fibroblasts as models. The formulations showed physicochemical and pharmacological stability for 60 days at 4 ± 2 °C. HNeo totally inhibited the growth of S. aureus after 4 h. The antimicrobial effects were confirmed using ex vivo (porcine skin) and in vivo (murine) wound infection models. Furthermore, the HNeo-treated mice showed lower severity scores than those treated with HBase. Taken together, the obtained results present a new low-cost bioproduct with promising applications in treating infected wounds.

Advanced technologies in water treatment: Chitosan and its modifications as effective agents in the adsorption of contaminants.

Chitosan, derived from the abundant biopolymer chitin, has emerged as a promising option for water treatment due to its intrinsic bioavailability. This review emphasizes the notable characteristics of chitosan, which allow for various modifications, expanding its applications. The polymer's effectiveness in adsorbing contaminants, particularly in advanced water treatment technologies, is highlighted. The review underscores the potential of chitosan-based hybrid materials, including nanocomposites, hydrogels, membranes, films, sponges, nanoparticles, microspheres, and flakes, as innovative alternatives to traditional chemical-based adsorbents. The advantages of using these materials in wastewater treatment, especially in removing heavy metals, dyes, and emerging compounds, are explored. The study delves into the mechanisms involved in wastewater treatment with chitosan, emphasizing the interactions between the polymer and various contaminants. Additionally, the application of chitosan as a contaminant removal agent in a post-pandemic context is addressed, considering the challenges related to waste management and environmental preservation. The analysis highlights the potential contribution of chitosan in mitigating environmental impacts post-pandemic, offering practical solutions for treating contaminated effluents and promoting sustainability. The study addresses current obstacles and prospects for chitosan-based wastewater treatment, emphasizing its promising role in sustainable water management.