One Pot Synthesis, Biological Efficacy of AuNPs and Au-Amoxicillin Conjugates Functionalized with Crude Flavonoids Extract of Micromeria biflora.

Amoxicillin is the most widely used antibiotic in human medicine for treating bacterial infections. However, in the present research, Micromeria biflora's flavonoids extract mediated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were conjugated with amoxicillin (Au-amoxi) to study their efficacy against the inflammation and pain caused by bacterial infections. The formation of AuNPs and Au-amoxi conjugates were confirmed by UV-visible surface plasmon peaks at 535 nm and 545 nm, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential (ZP), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies reveal that the size of AuNPs and Au-amoxi are found to be 42 nm and 45 nm, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) absorption bands at 3200 cm-1, 1000 cm-1, 1500 cm-1, and 1650 cm-1 reveal the possible involvement of different moieties for the formation of AuNPs and Au-amoxi. The pH studies show that AuNPs and Au-amoxi conjugates are stable at lower pH. The carrageenan-induced paw edema test, writhing test, and hot plate test were used to conduct in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive studies, respectively. According to in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, Au-amoxi compounds have higher efficiency (70%) after 3 h at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight as compared to standard diclofenac (60%) at 20 mg/kg, amoxicillin (30%) at 100 mg/kg, and flavonoids extract (35%) at 100 mg/kg. Similarly, for antinociceptive activities, writhing test results show that Au-amoxi conjugates produced the same number of writhes (15) but at a lower dose (10 mg/kg) compared to standard diclofenac (20 mg/kg). The hot plate test results demonstrate that the Au-amoxi has a better latency time of 25 s at 10 mg/kg dose when compared to standard Tramadol of 22 s at 30 mg/ kg, amoxicillin of 14 s at 100 mg/kg, and extract of 14 s at 100 mg/kg after placing the mice on the hot plate for 30, 60, and 90 min with a significance of (p ≤ 0.001). These findings show that the conjugation of AuNPs with amoxicillin to form Au-amoxi can boost its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential caused by bacterial infections.

Synthesis of Copper Oxide-Based Nanoformulations of Etoricoxib and Montelukast and Their Evaluation through Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Pyretic, and Acute Toxicity Activities.

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were synthesized through the coprecipitation method and used as nanocarriers for etoricoxib (selective COX-2 inhibitor drug) and montelukast (leukotriene product inhibitor drug) in combination therapy. The CuO NPs, free drugs, and nanoformulations were investigated through UV/Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and DLS. SEM imaging showed agglomerated nanorods of CuO NPs of about 87 nm size. The CE1, CE2, and CE6 nanoformulations were investigated through DLS, and their particle sizes were 271, 258, and 254 nm, respectively. The nanoformulations were evaluated through in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, in vivo analgesic activity, in vivo anti-pyretic activity, and in vivo acute toxicity activity. In vivo activities were performed on albino mice. BSA denaturation was highly inhibited by CE1, CE2, and CE6 as compared to other nanoformulations in the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. The in vivo bioactivities showed that low doses (5 mg/kg) of nanoformulations were more potent than high doses (10 and 20 mg/kg) of free drugs in the inhibition of pain, fever, and inflammation. Lastly, CE2 was more potent than that of other nanoformulations.

Synthesis and Characterization of Naproxen Intercalated Zinc Oxide Stacked Nanosheets for Enhanced Hepatoprotective Potential.

Liver diseases pose a significant global health burden, with limited therapeutic options for chronic cases. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials have emerged as promising candidates for hepatoprotection due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties. However, their potential remains hampered by insufficient drug loading and controlled release. The current study explores the intercalation of Naproxen (Nx), a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug, within ZnO stacked nanosheets (SNSs) to address these limitations. Herein, an easy and solution-based synthesis of novel Nx intercalated ZnO SNSs was established. The obtained Nx intercalated ZnO SNSs were encapsulated with poly(vinyl acetate) (PVA) to make them biocompatible. The synthesized biocomposite was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which confirm the successful synthesis and intercalation of Nx within the ZnO SNSs. The obtained outcomes showed that the configuration of ZnO nanosheets was altered when Nx was introduced, resulting in a more organized stacking pattern. An in vivo investigation of mice liver cells unveiled that the Nx intercalated ZnO SNss had increased hepatoprotective properties. The study's results provide valuable insights into using Nx intercalated ZnO SNss for targeted drug delivery and improved treatment effectiveness, particularly for liver-related illnesses.

Tear drainage in traumatic canalicular fistula.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the function of the canaliculus with fistula after canalicular laceration repair. METHODS: Patients with monocanalicular fistula following canalicular laceration repair were evaluated with dye disappearance test (DDT). Temporary collagen plugs were used to occlude the uninvolved canaliculus in the ipsilateral eye and the corresponding canaliculus in the contralateral eye. After 24 hours of placement of the temporary plugs, the same evaluation was repeated. RESULTS: Ten patients with unilateral monocanalicular fistulas were evaluated. None of the patients had epiphora before and after placement of temporary plugs and DDT, and tear meniscus continued to be normal both in the affected and the unaffected eyes after temporary plug placement. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, the presence of canalicular fistula at the site of repair did not affect tear drainage.

Long-term functional and structural outcomes after large chorioretinectomy for ruptured globe following blunt trauma.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to present a modified surgical technique involving pars plana vitrectomy with large chorioretinectomy for eyes with rupture of the globe due to severe ocular blunt trauma. METHODS: This retrospective study included consecutive patients with rupture of the globe due to blunt trauma who were treated at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). All patients underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with large chorioretinectomies involving all the tissue around the posterior scleral wounds. Outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anatomical success and globe survival, rates of complications. RESULTS: 15 eyes of 15 patients were included. Mean BCVA was 2.88 ± 0.13 logMAR at presentation, and significantly improved to 0.83 ± 0.28 logMAR (P < 0.001), with 10 patients (67%) achieving a final BCVA ≥ 20/200. Anatomical success and globe survival were achieved in 11 (73%) and 15 (100%) of eyes, respectively. Postoperative complications included retinal detachment in 6 eyes (40%), epiretinal membrane in 6 (40%), hypotony in 4 (26%), PVR in 2 (13%). CONCLUSIONS: Pars plana vitrectomy with large chorioretinectomy is an effective treatment for globe rupture following severe blunt trauma, yielding good visual outcomes and anatomical success rates.

Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana (Decne) Rehder leaf extract and its biological activities.

Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana (Decne) Rehder aqueous extract of leaf was used for biosynthesis of AgNPs and characterized through UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform-infrared, diffraction light scattering, and scanning electron microscope analysis. Moderate to strong antioxidant activity during in vitro antioxidant assays for scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl (OH), nitric oxide (NO) radicals, iron chelation, and inhibition of ß-carotene bleaching was recorded with minimum IC50 value (27.70 ± 2.67 µg/ml) calculated for OH radicals. The AgNPs were evaluated against six multidrug resistant human bacterial strains and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) along with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values was determined and all were found remarkably susceptible. The bacterial strain Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible with MIC = 5 µg/ml and MBC = 10 µg/ml. Among six fungal strains, Fumigatus esculentum was the most susceptible with MIC and MBC of 10 µg/ml. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2 yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) screening assay against cancer cell lines (HCCLM3, HEPG2, MDA-MB 231, and MCF-7) revealed the least IC50 values against HCCLM3 (74.20 ± 5.04) and MCF-7 (91.90 ± 1.17). While no cytotoxicity against normal cell lines; LO2 and MCF-10a was recorded. Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana silver nanoparticles (PJAgNPs) significantly (p > .001) prevented the migration of HCCLM3 cells in a dose-dependent style, relative to control. The wound healing potential of AgNPs in rat was found higher (p < .05) for wound contraction rates, hydroxyproline content, hemostatic and re-epithelization and regeneration efficiency in comparison to the reference group.

Effects of Probiotics on Anxiety, Stress, Mood and Fitness of Badminton Players.

BACKGROUND: Reports of probiotic consumption on athletes' performance are debatable due to their equivocal results. There is a need for more evidence on the effects of probiotic intake on psychological state and fitness level. Thus, this study determined the effects of daily probiotic consumption on competitive anxiety, perceived stress and mood among university badminton players, besides their fitness like aerobic capacity, strength, speed, leg power and agility. METHODS: Thirty university badminton players aged from 19 to 22 years old were randomly divided equally into two groups, where the probiotic group (PG; n = 15) received a drink that contained Lactobacillus casei Shirota (3 × 1010 CFU) and placebo group (CG; n = 15) a placebo drink for six weeks. Anxiety, stress and mood levels were determined using the CSAI-2R, PSS and BRUMS questionnaires, respectively. Fitness levels were measured using by subjecting the players to 20-m shuttle runs (aerobic capacity), handgrips (muscular strength), vertical jumps (leg power), 40-m dash (speed) and T-test (agility). The Student's t-test (p < 0.05) was used to determine the differences between PG and CG players. RESULTS: After six weeks, the anxiety and stress levels of PG players significantly decreased by 16% (p < 0.001) and 20% (p < 0.001), respectively, but there were no significant changes detected in CG players. Supplementation of probiotics also improved aerobic capacity in PG players by 5.9% (p < 0.001) but did not influence the speed, strength, leg power and agility. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics supplementation showed improved aerobic capacity and relieve anxiety and stress. However, further studies need to be carried out to determine the mechanisms through which probiotic intake produces these effects.

Iris Root Chandelier Illumination for the Management of Advanced Pediatric Tractional Retinal Detachments.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To describe a safe illumination technique in advanced pediatric tractional retinal detachments. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 50-week-old premature infant with stage 5 retinopathy of prematurity was managed utilizing this technique. The surgical technique is demonstrated using a video. RESULTS: A non-trocar chandelier illumination system was used safely to provide adequate illumination for bimanual dissection. CONCLUSION: This technique allows working under chandelier illumination in a controlled fashion in advanced stages of pediatric ischemic vitreoretinopathies. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:235-237.].

Endophthalmitis Trends and Outcomes Following Glaucoma Surgery at a Tertiary Eye Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence, microbial profile, management and outcomes of endophthalmitis after glaucoma drainage implant (GDI), or trabeculectomy over 2 separate time periods before and after the year 2000. METHODS: A chart review was performed for patients with endophthalmitis after trabeculectomy (trabeculectomy group) or GDI group between 1983 to 1999 (group 1) and 2000 to 2011 (group 2) at a tertiary care hospital. Data were compared between groups and time periods. RESULTS: There were 56 cases of endophthalmitis after trabeculectomy in group 1 and 17 cases in group 2. After GDI, there were 10 cases of endophthalmitis in group 1 and 1 case in group 2. The incidence of endophthalmitis after GDI decreased significantly from 0.0105% to 0.00074% in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P<0.05). The incidence of endophthalmitis decreased significantly after trabeculectomy from 0.007% in group 1 to 0.00197% in group 2 (P=0.0004). There were 26 culture-positive cases in group 1 and 10 in group 2. The most common isolates were Streptococcus species in group 1 and Staphylococcus species in group 2. Indicators of morbidity were lower in group 2. The final visual outcome in either group was not correlated to the type of surgery, microbes, or initial management. CONCLUSIONS: There was a greater incidence of endophthalmitis after trabeculectomy compared with GDI. The incidence of endophthalmitis decreased from 2001 to 2011 compared with 1983 to 1999, which is likely due to advances in surgical technique. However, significant visual morbidity does occur despite prompt treatment.