Biomarkers predicting the controller dose of omalizumab in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials showed the efficacy of 300 mg/4 weeks of omalizumab (OMA) during 6 months in patients with severe chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Nevertheless, in real life, many patients require higher doses and/or longer treatment. This study assesses the real-life performance of OMA in severe CSU and identifies factors associated with the response. METHODS: CSU patients eligible for OMA were recruited prospectively. Clinical data and a blood test were collected before OMA initiation. Urticaria Activity Score 7 (UAS7) was calculated at baseline and every 3 months during OMA treatment. CSU control was defined as UAS7 <7 points. This work was partially sponsored by OMA manufacturer. RESULTS: Eighty-nine adults (19.1% males) with severe CSU were recruited. Median duration of CSU prior to OMA initiation was 2 years, and median severity by UAS7 at baseline was 24 points (range 10-42 points). OMA controlled 94.4% of patients, but 17.9% of responders required doses >300 mg/4 weeks. A blood basophil count >20 cells/µL (OR 13.33; 95% CI 3.32-52.63; p < .001) and the absence of hypothyroidism (OR 3.65; 95% CI 0.78-16.95; p = .099) were identified as predictive factors to achieve control with 300 mg/4 weeks. Twelve patients were able to stop OMA during the study (responders in remission, RR). RR had received OMA for a median of 29 months (12-53 months). Conversely, 32 patients had been on OMA for >29 months at the end of the study (active responders, AR). AR had received OMA for a median of 45 months (30-100 months). There were no significant differences in clinical or analytical factors between RR and AR patients. CONCLUSIONS: Low blood basophil count and the presence of hypothyroidism might serve as biomarkers for the controller dose of OMA in severe CSU patients.

Tuning the aspect ratio of silver nanospheroids embedded in silica: erratum.

We present a corrigendum to our Letter [Opt. Lett.35, 703 (2010)10.1364/OL.35.000703]. In the original Letter we inadvertently included in Fig. 2(a) a TEM micrograph corresponding to a different, but very similar, sample. This corrigendum replaces Fig. 2(a) with a correct version. Since the main results are rather based in optical absorption measurements, and their modeling by using the T-matrix method, this correction does not affect the results and conclusions of the original Letter.

Utilising TMS-EEG to Assess the Response to Cerebellar-Brain Inhibition.

Cerebellar-brain inhibition (CBI) is a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) paradigm indexing excitability of cerebellar projections to motor cortex (M1). Stimulation involved with CBI is often considered to be uncomfortable, and alternative ways to index connectivity between cerebellum and the cortex would be valuable. We therefore sought to assess the utility of electroencephalography in conjunction with TMS (combined TMS-EEG) to record the response to CBI. A total of 33 volunteers (25.7 ± 4.9 years, 20 females) participated across three experiments. These investigated EEG responses to CBI induced with a figure-of-eight (F8; experiment 1) or double cone (DC; experiment 2) conditioning coil over cerebellum, in addition to multisensory sham stimulation (experiment 3). Both F8 and DC coils suppressed early TMS-evoked EEG potentials (TEPs) produced by TMS to M1 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the TEP produced by CBI stimulation was related to the motor inhibitory response to CBI recorded in a hand muscle (P < 0.05), but only when using the DC coil. Multisensory sham stimulation failed to modify the M1 TEP. Cerebellar conditioning produced changes in the M1 TEP that were not apparent following sham stimulation, and that were related to the motor inhibitory effects of CBI. Our findings therefore suggest that it is possible to index the response to CBI using TMS-EEG. In addition, while both F8 and DC coils appear to recruit cerebellar projections, the nature of these may be different.

Mass diffusion and Soret coefficient measurements of triethylene glycol/water binary mixtures by dynamic shadowgraphy.

The investigation of the transport properties of binary fluid mixtures remains a topic of interest in relation to the more challenging studies of ternary mixtures. In fact, the study of the phase boundary limits of the Gibbs composition triangle can be the initial step for a more complete analysis of ternary mixtures. In this paper, we apply the dynamic shadowgraphy optical technique to study non-equilibrium fluctuations induced by the presence of a gradient of temperature and/or concentration in the triethylene glycol (TEG)/water system. These thermodiffusion and free-diffusion experiments aim at measuring the transport properties of samples of the studied system at different experimental conditions. We scan both the average temperature and the TEG concentration, which allows us investigating both positive and negative thermodiffusive behaviours. The obtained values of mass diffusion coefficient are consistent with data available in the literature in the range of temperature investigated in this study. The mass diffusion coefficient of the sample prepared at 0.7 w/w TEG concentration are characterised by shadowgraphy following the two proposed methods, exhibiting consistent results. An increase of the mass diffusion coefficient as a function of the average temperature is highlighted. On the other hand, the thermodiffusion coefficient appears to be independent of the average temperature of the sample at 0.3 w/w TEG concentration.

Loss of p16 expression is a risk factor for recurrence in sinonasal inverted papilloma.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate p16, p53, EGFR, pEGFR protein expression and HPV infection as possible markers of tumor progression in a series of sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) and sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC). METHODS: A series of 49 SNIP, 11 SNSCC associated with SNIP (SNIP-SNSCC) and 52 SNSCC not associated with SNIP were analyzed for p16, p53, EGFR, and phosphorylated EGFR (pEGFR) expression by immunohistochemistry. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection status was evaluated by DNA-PCR. Results were correlated to clinical and follow-up data. RESULTS: Reduced or loss of p16 expression was observed in 18% SNIP, 64% SNIP-SNSCC and 87% of SNSCC. Reduced or loss p16 staining in SNIP correlated with shorter recurrent SNIP-free follow-up. In contrast, p16 expression was not predictive of recurrent SNSCC in cases with SNIP-SNSCC and SNSCC. P53, EGFR, and pEGFR expression did not differ between the tumor groups, nor were they related to recurrent SNIP-free follow-up or recurrent SNSCC. Oncogenic HPV types 16 and 18 were detected in 5% of SNIP and 18% of SNIP-SNSCC, but not in SNSCC. There was no correlation between HPV infection and >70% p16 immunostaining. CONCLUSIONS: HPV infection appears to play a minor role in SNIP and SNSCC and p16 immunostaining does not appear a valid surrogate marker for HPV. However, reduced or loss p16 expression may have prognostic value as a risk marker for recurrent SNIP.

Propolis extract and oregano essential oil as biofungicides for garlic seed cloves: in vitro assays and synergistic interaction against Penicillium allii.

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate in vitro individual and combined antifungal activity of propolis extract (PE) and oregano essential oil (OEO) against Penicillium allii, causal agent of blue mould disease. The chemical characterization of both products was also included. METHODS AND RESULTS: Chromatographic analysis of PE and OEO confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds. The antifungal susceptibility assays showed that PE and OEO were highly active against the mycelial growth and conidial germination of P. allii. PE and OEO MICs were 12·5 and 1·5 µl ml-1 , respectively. The MFCs of these products were 50 and 3·1 µl ml-1 , respectively. PE acted mainly through diffusion, while OEO acted by a mixed contribution of vapour and diffusion. Synergism and additive effect between both products were found in some combination ratios. CONCLUSION: PE and OEO, both natural products with different chemical composition, have a strong antifungal activity against P. allii and show a favourable interaction causing synergism. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results of this study indicated the potential use of PE combined with OEO as a non-conventional strategy towards the formulation of a biofungicide to control blue mould disease in garlic seed-cloves.

Bioaugmentation with PGP-trace element tolerant bacterial consortia affects Pb uptake by Helianthus annuus grown on trace element polluted military soils.

In this study, we sought to compose consortia of plant growth-promoting (PGP) and trace element tolerant bacteria, to improve plant growth and inhibit uptake and translocation of trace elements, eventually allowing the cultivation of profitmaking crops on trace elements polluted soils, reducing the risks of entrance of these elements into the food chain. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) was grown on two polluted military soils (MS1 and MS2) in greenhouse microcosms and inoculated with three different bacterial consortia (C1, C2, C3). Growth and physiological status of the plants were unaffected during the experiment with the inoculation. After 2 months, plants were harvested. Consortium C2 and C3 decreased Pb shoot bioaccumulation by respectively 80-85% when plants were grown in the MS1 and even to concentrations below detection limit in plants grown in MS2. Differences in uptake and (sub)cellular localization of Pb and Cd in selected bacterial isolates were investigated in vitro by TEM-EDX. Pb absorption was observed by Bacillus wiedmanni ST29 and Bacillus paramycoides ST9 cultures. While adsorption at the bacterial cell wall was observed by Bacillus paramycoides ST9 and retention in the extracellular matrix by Cellulosimicrobium cellulans ST54.

Scaling Law Describes the Spin-Glass Response in Theory, Experiments, and Simulations.

The correlation length ξ, a key quantity in glassy dynamics, can now be precisely measured for spin glasses both in experiments and in simulations. However, known analysis methods lead to discrepancies either for large external fields or close to the glass temperature. We solve this problem by introducing a scaling law that takes into account both the magnetic field and the time-dependent spin-glass correlation length. The scaling law is successfully tested against experimental measurements in a CuMn single crystal and against large-scale simulations on the Janus II dedicated computer.

Melanin and pyomelanin in Aspergillus fumigatus: from its genetics to host interaction.

Aspergillus fumigatus is a worldwide-distributed saprophytic fungus and the major cause of invasive aspergillosis. This fungus can produce two types of melanin-dihydroxynaphthalene melanin (DHN-melanin) and pyomelanin. These pigments are considered important resistance mechanisms to stress, as well as virulence factors. The aim of this review is to present the current knowledge of the genetic basis and metabolic pathways of melanin production, their activation, function, and interaction with the host immune system. The DHN-melanin pathway is encoded in a cluster that includes six genes (abr1, abr2, ayg1, arp1, arp2, and pksP/alb1 genes) whose encoded proteins seem to be the origin of the pigment in endosomes. These vesicles are secreted and the pigment is subsequently located in the wall of the conidium beneath the rodlet layer. Unlike DHN-melanin, pyomelanin does not have its own biosynthetic pathway but is related to the activation of the L-tyrosine/L-phenylalanine degradation pathway that includes a cluster of six genes (hppD, hmgX, hmgA, fahA, maiA, and hmgR). Its production is due to the polymerization of homogentisic acid and is linked to conidial germination. Despite the knowledge gained in recent years, further studies will be necessary to confirm the pathways that produce these pigments and their role in the virulence mechanisms of A. fumigatus.

Enhanced ultrafast optomagnetic effects in room-temperature ferromagnetic Pt nanoclusters embedded in silica by ion implantation.

Ferromagnetic-like behavior at room temperature (300 K) was observed in Pt particles embedded in ion-implanted silica matrices. Results in samples integrated by ultra-small photoluminescent Pt clusters (<2 nm) were compared with samples containing exclusively larger plasmonic Pt nanoparticles (>3 nm). The ferromagnetic behavior coexists simultaneously with a diamagnetic response. Enhanced diamagnetic response of one order of magnitude was observed compared to typical diamagnetism in pure silica, and it is increased with the mean diameter of the Pt particles. Besides, a larger sensitivity to an external field was observed in the ferromagnetic response of the nanostructures with a characteristic saturation at 20 kOe. This ferromagnetic behavior was only observed in the samples with nucleated Pt particles. The magnitude of the saturation magnetization shows up to a fivefold increase in the samples with smaller particle size and larger particle density. Saturation magnetization was observed between 3-15 × 10-4 emu g-1, with remanent magnetization of 0.2-0.6 × 10-4emu g-1, measured at 300 K. Coercitive fields also decrease in samples with smaller size and particles density, with values of 114 and 300 Oe. At lower temperatures (5 K) the saturation magnetization increases, as it would be expected from a ferromagnetic state. Optomagnetic response was studied by inverse Faraday effects and induced photomagnetization with circular polarized picosecond pulsed light at 1064 nm wavelength. Results showed that samples with a stronger ferromagnetic response exhibit larger Faraday rotation up to 5.3 × 103deg cm-1 by light excitations with irradiances between 50 and 180 GW cm-2. These findings have immediate applications in multifunctional solid-state magneto-optical devices such as optical isolators, high-data storage devices and ultrafast all-optical switching of magnetization.

Phytostabilization of Pb and Cd polluted soils using Helianthus petiolaris as pioneer aromatic plant species.

The area of soils polluted with heavy metals is increasing due to industrialization and globalization. Aromatic plant species can be a suitable alternative way for agricultural valorization and phytomanagement of such soils by the commercialization of essential oils avoiding risks for the food chain. The potential of growing Helianthus petiolaris in heavy metal polluted soils was assessed in pot experiments using spiked soils and soils from a shooting range. In terms of phytostabilization, H. petiolaris could grow in soils containing 1000 mg/kg Pb2+, 50 mg/kg Cd2+, accumulating more than three times the soil Cd content in the aerial parts and translocating significant amounts of Pb to the aerial parts when growing in soils polluted with up to 500 mg/kg Pb. When phytostabilization is considered, phytotoxicity of heavy metals strongly depends on the rhizospheric microbial communities, either by mitigating trace element phytotoxicity or promoting plant growth via phytohormone production. So, the effects of heavy metals on the diversity of the rhizospheric bacterial community were assessed using DNA-fingerprinting.

EGFR mutation and HPV infection in sinonasal inverted papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the involvement of EGFR signalling and HPV infection in a cohort of inverted sinonasal papilloma (ISP) and sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) and their value for prognosis and clinical treatment. METHODS: We analysed 55 ISP, 14 SNSCC associated with ISP (SNSCC-isp) and and 60 SNSCC not associated with ISP (SNSCC-novo) for EGFR gene mutation and copy number gain, protein expression of EGFR and phosporylated EGFR (pEGFR), and HPV-infection and KRAS mutation. Findings were correlated to clinico-pathological and follow-up data. RESULTS: We found EGFR exon 20 mutations in 38% (7/18) ISP, in 50% (6/12) SNSCC-isp and in 5% (1/19) SNSCC-novo. EGFR was expressed in 92% of ISP, while pEGFR was observed in 54% (21/39). SNSCC-isp and SNSCC-novo demonstrated comparable expression of EGFR (57% and 33%) and of pEGFR (44% and 38%). We observed an inverse relation between EGFR exon 20 mutation and pEGFR expression. Four of 39 (10%) ISP carried HPV-16. Oncogenic HPV was detected in 3/12 (25%) SNSSC-isp and in 1/8 (13%) SNSCC-novo. KRAS mutations were not detected in any of the samples. HPV infection was inversely correlated with pEGFR expression but not with EGFR mutation. ISP with EGFR activation by mutation or by phosphorylation had longer ISP-free survival, however, neither EGFR exon 20 mutation, pEGFR expression nor HPV infection demonstrated prognostic value in SNSCC. CONCLUSIONS: EGFR exon 20 mutation is frequent in ISP and SNSCC-isp, while activation of EGFR through phosphorylation also plays an important role. Our data indicate that a large proportion of SNSCC patients could benefit from therapy with modern EGFR inhibitors.

Reversible Homonymous Inferior Quadrantanopia in a Nonketotic Hyperglycemic Patient.

Homonymous hemianopia is frequently associated with retrochiasmal lesions. Vascular etiology is the most common and usually evident on magnetic resonance imaging. When the results of neuroimaging are normal, there are other etiologies that we should consider, like nonketotic hyperglycemia (NKH). We report a 62-year-old female diabetic patient with headache, colour vision and sudden homonymous inferior quadrantanopia and elevated blood sugar levels with normal pH. The neuroimaging was normal and the visual lost improved after the correction of the hyperglycemia. NKH should be considered in patients with sudden and transient hemianopia and normal neuroimaging.

The neurologist's approach to cerebral infarct and transient ischaemic attack in patients receiving anticoagulant treatment for non-valvular atrial fibrillation: ANITA-FA study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) previously treated with oral anticoagulants (OACs) according to the type of OAC prescribed. Also, to analyze the outcomes of the patients and the therapeutic approach adopted by the neurologist in the acute phase and for secondary prevention. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, observational study based on prospective registries. We included patients with AF treated with OACs admitted for AIS over a 1-year period. Detailed clinical data and functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale score) were collected. Patients were divided into two groups according to their pre-AIS anticoagulant therapy: vitamin K antagonists (AIS-VKA) and direct-acting OACs (AIS-DOAC). RESULTS: We recruited 1240 patients (80.4% AIS-VKA and 19.6% AIS-DOAC). In the AIS-DOAC group, transient ischaemic attack was more frequent (18.1% vs. 10.8%; P = 0.001), symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation was less frequent (1.6% vs. 4.6%; P = 0.035) and hospital stay was shorter (median 6 vs. 7 days; P = 0.03). Intravenous thrombolysis was more commonly used in AIS-VKA (9.2% vs. 1.6%; P < 0.001). There were no differences between the groups with respect to mechanical thrombectomy, mortality and modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months. At 3 months, 54% of patients required a DOAC as antithrombotic treatment for secondary prevention. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AF treated with DOACs who experienced AIS more frequently had transient symptoms (transient ischaemic attack), less symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation and a shorter mean stay than those treated with VKAs. Most patients who had been previously anticoagulated with AIS received long-term treatment with DOACs.

Coupled non-equilibrium fluctuations in a polymeric ternary mixture.

We investigate by dynamic shadowgraphy the non-equilibrium fluctuations at the steady state of a thermodiffusion experiment in a polymeric ternary mixture of polystyrene-toluene-n-hexane. The structure function of the refractive index reveals the existence of quite different decay times, thus requiring the analysis of a wide range of correlation times. This is related to the simultaneous presence of three distinct decay modes corresponding to (from fastest to slowest) the relaxation of temperature fluctuations, of the concentration fluctuations of the mixed solvent, and of the concentration fluctuations of the polymer in the binary solvent. An investigation of the decay times at the corresponding diffusive regimes provides a measurement of the thermal diffusivity and the two eigenvalues of the mass diffusion matrix of the ternary mixture. Similar experiments were performed in the past but here, to suppress the confinement effect and obtain a more direct comparison with the theory, a thicker sample is studied. Moreover, also a faster camera is used allowing the experimental observation of faster modes, like the propagative ones. The experimental values of the decay times are eventually compared with those predicted by different available theories. Finally, we present a more complete theoretical model to describe the non-equilibrium fluctuations in the bulk of a ternary mixture at the steady state of a thermodiffusion experiment.

Preliminary analysis of Diffusion Coefficient Measurements in ternary mIXtures 4 (DCMIX4) experiment on board the International Space Station.

In the frame of the Diffusion Coefficient Measurements in ternary mIXtures 4 (DCMIX4) project the thermodiffusion experiments were conducted on the International Space Station (ISS) in the Selectable Optical Diagnostics Instrument (SODI) which is on orbit since 2009. We describe the results of the preliminary analysis of images downloaded during the execution of DCMIX4 in order to check the quality of the running experiments and, if needed, adjust the experiment parameters for the following runs. The quick analysis of raw data showed that they are meaningful and will allow to obtain the transport coefficients of examined ternary and binary mixtures.

European Space Agency experiments on thermodiffusion of fluid mixtures in space.

This paper describes the European Space Agency (ESA) experiments devoted to study thermodiffusion of fluid mixtures in microgravity environment, where sedimentation and convection do not affect the mass flow induced by the Soret effect. First, the experiments performed on binary mixtures in the IVIDIL and GRADFLEX experiments are described. Then, further experiments on ternary mixtures and complex fluids performed in DCMIX and planned to be performed in the context of the NEUF-DIX project are presented. Finally, multi-component mixtures studied in the SCCO project are detailed.

Recruitment manoeuvres dislodge mucus towards the distal airways in an experimental model of severe pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Recruitment manoeuvres generate a transient increase in trans-pulmonary pressure that could open collapsed alveoli. Recruitment manoeuvres might generate very high inspiratory airflows. We evaluated whether recruitment manoeuvres could displace respiratory secretions towards the distal airways and impair gas exchange in a porcine model of bacterial pneumonia. METHODS: We conducted a prospective randomised study in 10 mechanically ventilated pigs. Pneumonia was produced by direct intra-bronchial introduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Four recruitment manoeuvres were applied randomly: extended sigh (ES), maximal recruitment strategy (MRS), sudden increase in driving pressure and PEEP (SI-PEEP), and sustained inflation (SI). Mucus transport was assessed by fluoroscopic tracking of radiopaque disks before and during each recruitment manoeuvre. The effects of each RM on gas exchange were assessed 15 min after the intervention. RESULTS: Before recruitment manoeuvres, mucus always cleared towards the glottis. Conversely, mucus was displaced towards the distal airways in 28.6% ES applications and 50% of all other recruitment manoeuvres (P=0.053). Median mucus velocity was 1.26 mm min-1 [0.48-3.89] before each recruitment manoeuvre, but was reversed (P=0.007) during ES [0.10 mm min-1 [-0.04-1.00]], MRS [0.10 mm min-1 [-0.4-0.48]], SI-PEEP [0.02 mm min-1 [-0.14-0.34]], and SI [0.10 mm min-1 [-0.63-0.75]]. When PaO2 failed to improve after recruitment manoeuvre, mucus was displaced towards the distal airways in 68.7% of the cases, compared with 31.2% recruitment manoeuvres associated with improved PaO2 (odds ratio: 4.76 (95% confidence interval: 1.13-19.97). CONCLUSIONS: Recruitment manoeuvres dislodge mucus distally, irrespective of airflow generated by different recruitment manoeuvres. Further investigation in humans is warranted to corroborate these pre clinical findings, as there may be limited benefits associated with lung recruitment in pneumonia.

Metformin inhibits human spermatozoa motility and signalling pathways mediated by protein kinase A and tyrosine phosphorylation without affecting mitochondrial function.

Metformin is a leading antidiabetic drug that is used worldwide in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. This biguanide exerts metabolic and pleiotropic effects in somatic cells, although its invitro actions on human spermatozoa remain unknown. The present study investigated the effects of metformin on human sperm function. Human spermatozoa were incubated in the presence or absence of 10mM metformin for 8 or 20h, and motility was measured by computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA); other parameters were evaluated by flow cytometry. Metformin significantly reduced the percentage of motile, progressive and rapid spermatozoa and significantly decreased sperm velocity. Metformin did not affect viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) or mitochondrial superoxide anion generation of human spermatozoa at any time studied. However, metformin clearly inhibited the protein kinase (PK) A pathway and protein tyrosine phosphorylation at 8 and 20h, key regulatory pathways for correct sperm function. In summary, metformin treatment of human spermatozoa had a detrimental effect on motility and inhibited essential sperm signalling pathways, namely PKA and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, without affecting physiological parameters (viability, MMP, mitochondrial superoxide anion generation). Given the growing clinical use of metformin in different pathologies in addition to diabetes, this study highlights an adverse effect of metformin on spermatozoa and its relevance in terms of human fertility in patients who potentially could be treated with metformin in the future.

Insight into antibiotics removal: Exploring the photocatalytic performance of a Fe3O4/ZnO nanocomposite in a novel magnetic sequential batch reactor.

The purpose of this research was the preparation and photocatalytic evaluation of a novel nanocomposite (NC) based on Fe3O4/ZnO, to eliminate four persistent antibiotics in surface waters: sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, erythromycin and roxithromycin. Prior to the operation of the photocatalytic reactor, the influence of pH (3-9), catalyst concentration (50-800 mg L-1), oxidant dose (0-100 mg L-1) and concentration of different targets (10-100 µg L-1) on the catalytic efficiency was evaluated. The analysis of reaction kinetics showed that degradation processes of the four antibiotics followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Antibiotics adsorption onto the nanocomposite surface depended on their electrostatic nature and played an important role when decreasing the initial concentration of antibiotics. In this context, kinetic rates were higher at lower initial levels of organic pollutants, which is a favourable effect from a practical application perspective. On the other hand, a synergistic effect of the available Fe in the nanocomposite was found, contributing to the oxidation of antibiotics by photo-Fenton as a secondary reaction. Then, a magnetic photocatalytic reactor was operated under optimal conditions. The enhanced photonic efficiency of Fe3O4/ZnO in the system, as well as the ease of the magnetic separation and catalyst reusability, indicate the viability of this reactor configuration.