Synthesis and biological evaluation of titanium dioxide/thiopolyurethane composite: anticancer and antibacterial effects.

Nanocomposites incorporating titanium dioxide (TiO2) have a significant potential for various industrial and medical applications. These nanocomposites exhibit selectivity as antimicrobial and anticancer agents. Antimicrobial activity is crucial for medical uses, including applications in food processing, packaging, and surgical instruments. Additionally, these nanocomposites exhibit selectivity as anticancer agents. A stable nanocomposite as a new anticancer and antibacterial chemical was prepared by coupling titanium dioxide nanoparticles with a polyurethane foam matrix through the thiourea group. The titanium dioxide/thiopolyurethane nanocomposite (TPU/TiO2) was synthesized from low-cost Ilmenite ore and commercial polyurethane foam. EDX analysis was used to determine the elemental composition of the titanium dioxide (TiO2) matrix. TiO2NPs were synthesized and were characterized using TEM, XRD, IR, and UV-Vis spectra. TiO2NPs and TPU foam formed a novel composite. The MTT assay assessed Cisplatin and HepG-2 and MCF-7 cytotoxicity in vitro. Its IC50 values for HepG-2 and MCF-7 were 122.99 ± 4.07 and 201.86 ± 6.82 µg/mL, respectively. The TPU/TiO2 exhibits concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and HepG-2 cells in vitro. The selective index was measured against both cell lines; it showed its safety against healthy cells. Agar well-diffusion exhibited good inhibition zones against Escherichia coli (12 mm), Bacillus cereus (10 mm), and Aspergillus niger (19 mm). TEM of TPU/TiO2-treated bacteria showed ultrastructure changes, including plasma membrane detachment from the cell wall, which caused lysis and bacterial death. TPU/TiO2 can treat cancer and inhibit microbes in dentures and other items. Also, TPU/TiO2 inhibits E. coli, B. cereus, and A. niger microbial strains.

Impact of immediate versus delayed tracheal extubation on length of ICU stay of cardiac surgical patients, a randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Ultra-fast track anaesthesia aims at immediate extubation of cardiac surgical patients at the end of the operation. This study compares the effect of ultrafast track anesthesia versus continued postoperative mechanical ventilation on the intensive care unit length of stay. METHODS: Fifty-two elective adult patients were randomly allocated into ultrafast track anaesthesia and conventional groups by computer-generated random numbers. Redo operations, pre-operative intubation, uncontrolled diabetes, shock/left ventricular ejection fraction < 45%, pulmonary artery systolic pressure >55mmHg, creatinine clearance -1, haemodynamic instability, or those with concerns of postoperative bleeding were excluded. Pre- and intra-operative management was similar and Logistic EuroSCORE II was calculated for all. Intra-operatively, haemodynamic parameters, urine output, oxygen saturation, arterial blood gas analysis, 5-lead electrocardiogram, operative bypass- and cross-clamp time, and opioid consumption were collected. Postoperatively, patients were compared during their intensive care unit stay. Data were analysed by χ²/Fischer exact, unpaired student's t-test, univariate two-group repeated measures with post hoc Dunnett's test, and Mann-Whitney U tests as appropriate. p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Patients were comparable regarding their peri-operative characteristics and EuroSCORE. The intensive care unit stay was shorter in the ultrafast track anaesthesia group [57.4 (18.6) vs. 95 (33.6) h. p < 0.001], without increasing postoperative renal, respiratory complications rate or reopening rate. CONCLUSIONS: In this single center study, ultrafast track anaesthesia decreased intensive care unit stay without increasing the rate of post-operative complications.

Improved antitumor activity and reduced cardiotoxicity of epirubicin using hepatocyte-targeted nanoparticles combined with tocotrienols against hepatocellular carcinoma in mice.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Epirubicin (EPI), an anthracycline derivative, is one of the main line treatments for HCC. However, serious side effects including cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure limit its long term administration. Our main goal is to develop a delivery strategy that ensures improved efficacy of the chemotherapeutic agent together with reduced cardiotoxicity. In this context, EPI was loaded in chitosan-PLGA nanoparticles linked with asialofetuin (EPI-NPs) selectively targeting hepatocytes. In an attempt to reduce cardiotoxicity, targeted EPI-NPs were coadministered with tocotrienols. EPI-NPs significantly enhanced the antiproliferative effect compared to free EPI as studied on Hep G2 cell line. Nanoencapsulated EPI injected in HCC mouse model revealed higher p53-mediated apoptosis and reduced angiogenesis in the tumor. Combined therapy of EPI-NPs with tocotrienols further enhanced apoptosis and reduced VEGF level in a dose dependent manner. Assessment of cardiotoxicity indicated that EPI-NPs diminished the high level of proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as well as oxidative stress-induced cardiotoxicity as manifested by reduced level of lipid peroxidation products (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO). EPI-NPs additionally restored the diminished level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the heart. Interestingly, tocotrienols provided both antitumor activity and higher protection against oxidative stress and inflammation induced by EPI in the heart. This hepatocyte-targeted biodegradable nanoparticle/tocotrienol combined therapy represents intriguing therapeutic strategy for EPI providing not only superior efficacy but also higher safety levels.