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Objective: The threat of hearing loss has become a universal reality. Gentamycin (GM) can lead to ototoxicity and may result in permanent hearing loss. This study aimed to elucidate whether the hypolipidemic drug Ezetimibe (EZE) has a possible underlying mechanism for protecting rats from GM-induced ototoxicity. Methods and results: 30 male Wister albino rats were separated into three groups, ten in each group: control, GM, and GM + EZE. At the end of the experiment, rats underwent hearing threshold evaluation via auditory brainstem response (ABR), carotid artery blood flow velocity (CBV), and resistance (CVR) measurement, in addition to a biochemical assessment of serum malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), catalase (CAT), hemeOxygenase-1 (HO-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Also, real-time PCR was employed to quantify the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Cochlea was also studied via histological and immunohistochemical methods. GM revealed a significant increase in CVR, MDA, NO, and TNF-α and a significant decrease in ABR, CBV, CAT, HO-1, and cochlear BDNF expression. EZE supplementation revealed a significant rise in ARB in addition to CBV and a decline in CVR and protected cochlear tissues via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms via downregulating Caspase-3 immunoreaction, upregulating proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoreaction, and upregulating of the cochlear BDNF expression. Correlations were significantly negative between BDNF and MDA, NO, TNF-α, COX 2, and caspase-3 immunoreaction and significantly positive with CAT, HO-1, and PCNA immunoreaction. Discussion: EZE can safeguard inner ear tissues from GM via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms, as well as upregulation of BDNF mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding the efficient antibiotic adjuvants and studying their synergistic bactericidal mechanism is one of the effective strategies to deal with the problem of bacterial resistance. In order to explore the mechanism of D-trehalose enhancing the killing effect of Escherichia coli by the aminoglycoside antibiotics, by taking Escherichia coli BW25113 as the research object, the contents of ATP, NADH and proton motive force (PMF) were measured before and after the treatment of D-trehalose combined with the aminoglycoside antibiotics. The changes of energy metabolism and membrane potential in bacteria were analyzed, and the effect on the uptake of antibiotics was detected by using the inhibition zone experiment. The results showed that: after the double treatment with D-trehalose combined with tobramycin or gentamycin, D-trehalose could increase the synthesis of ATP, increase the level of NADH, and promote the uptake of antibiotics by increasing the PMF level of Escherichia coli, thus significantly enhancing the bactericidal effect of antibiotics. The results of this study provided a basis for the development of Dtrehalose as a new-type aminoglycoside antibiotic adjuvant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The development of bioactive wound dressings with high healing efficacy is one of the most important domains in interdisciplinary fields. The objective of the present study was to fabricate and characterize a nanofibrous wound dressing containing gentamicin-conjugated nanoclay. Material & Methods: First, the interaction between the structure of nanoclays and gentamicin was evaluated based on computer simulation methods and using Gaussian software. Then, the purified nanoclays were conjugated with gentamicin, and the properties of the resulting nanoparticles were analyzed. The synthesized nanocomplex was integrated into the nanofiber structure using the electrospinning method, and the nanofiber wound covering was identified. Finally, the biological properties of nanofiber wound dressing were investigated. Results: Numerical studies indicated that there were negatively charged oxygen groups on both sides of the nanoclay plates, which could make stable interactions with the positively charged nitrogen in gentamicin, and the drug was well-loaded between pages. The characterization results demonstrated that nanofiber wound dressings had acceptable characteristics in terms of morphology, diameter, wettability, mechanical properties, swelling, and bacterial penetration barrier. These functions provide a suitable environment for wound healing. The addition of gentamicin led to beneficial biological properties for prepared wound dressings, and these nanofibers had acceptable hemocompatibility and biocompatibility. Discussion & Conclusion: The findings of the present research can be a fundamental step for using the combination of kaolin/polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers containing gentamicin in various fields of pharmaceutical bioengineering, including the production of wound dressings.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of gentamycin irrigation in preventing postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) in emergency neurosurgical procedures. A total of 518 consecutive emergency neurosurgeries, including craniotomies, endoscopic and burr hole procedures were reviewed retrospectively. Patients received either only normal saline (NS) irrigation or NS irrigation with gentamycin added (80 mg/L) during the whole process of surgery. SSIs including wound infection and intracranial infection were the primary outcome. SSI was considered while purulence was observed during wound dressing and confirmed with bacterial culture of wound exudation. In addition, positive result of bacterial growth culture of cerebrospinal fluid was also considered as infection. Infection rates were calculated 28 days after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using t test or Chi-squared test where appropriate. This study included 444 patients. Gentamycin was used in 179 (40.3%) patients. Only 2 (1.1%) of 179 patients receiving gentamycin irrigation had an infection. However, among the other 265 patients receiving only NS irrigation, the infection rate was 8.3%. With the addition of gentamycin, the infection rate was decreased by 86.7% (P = 0.001). The two infected patients in gentamycin group were compromised postoperatively: one patient had removed his own extraventricular drainage tube accidentally due to restlessness, and the other had severely contaminated his wound with vomitus during the intracranial drainage tube removal process. If these two patients were excluded from analysis, the effective infection rate using gentamycin irrigation is 0%. The gentamycin plus NS irrigation during emergency neurosurgical procedures can lead to a significantly lower rate of postoperative infection than when NS is used alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The massive use of antibiotics has led to the aggravation of bacterial resistance and also brought environmental pollution problems. This poses a great threat to human health. If the dosage of antibiotics is reduced by increasing its bactericidal performance, the emergence of drug resistance is certainly delayed, so that there's not enough time for developing drug resistance during treatment. Therefore, we selected typical representative materials of metal Ag and semiconductor ZnO nano-bactericides to design and synthesize Ag/ZnO hollow core–shell structures (AZ for short). Antibiotics are grafted on the surface of AZ through rational modification to form a composite sterilization system. The research results show that the antibacterial efficiency of the composite system is significantly increased, from the sum (34.7% + 22.8% = 57.5%) of the antibacterial efficiency of AZ and gentamicin to 80.2%, net synergizes 22.7%, which fully reflects the effect of 1 + 1 > 2. Therefore, the dosage of antibiotics can be drastically reduced in this way, which makes both the possibility of bacterial resistance and medical expenses remarkably decrease. Subsequently, residual antibiotics can be degraded under simple illumination using AZ-self as a photocatalyst, which cuts off the path of environmental pollution. In short, such an innovative route has guiding significance for drug resistance.

Clinical chorioamnionitis, the most common infection-related diagnosis in labor and delivery units, is an antecedent of puerperal infection and neonatal sepsis. The condition is suspected when intrapartum fever is associated with two other maternal and fetal signs of local or systemic inflammation (eg, maternal tachycardia, uterine tenderness, maternal leukocytosis, malodorous vaginal discharge or amniotic fluid, and fetal tachycardia). Clinical chorioamnionitis is a syndrome caused by intraamniotic infection, sterile intraamniotic inflammation (inflammation without bacteria), or systemic maternal inflammation induced by epidural analgesia. In cases of uncertainty, a definitive diagnosis can be made by analyzing amniotic fluid with methods to detect bacteria (Gram stain, culture, or microbial nucleic acid) and inflammation (white blood cell count, glucose concentration, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, matrix metalloproteinase-8). The most common microorganisms are Ureaplasma species, and polymicrobial infections occur in 70% of cases. The fetal attack rate is low, and the rate of positive neonatal blood cultures ranges between 0.2% and 4%. Intrapartum antibiotic administration is the standard treatment to reduce neonatal sepsis. Treatment with ampicillin and gentamicin have been recommended by professional societies, although other antibiotic regimens, eg, cephalosporins, have been used. Given the importance of Ureaplasma species as a cause of intraamniotic infection, consideration needs to be given to the administration of antimicrobial agents effective against these microorganisms such as azithromycin or clarithromycin. We have used the combination of ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, and metronidazole, which has been shown to eradicate intraamniotic infection with microbiologic studies. Routine testing of neonates born to affected mothers for genital mycoplasmas could improve the detection of neonatal sepsis. Clinical chorioamnionitis is associated with decreased uterine activity, failure to progress in labor, and postpartum hemorrhage; however, clinical chorioamnionitis by itself is not an indication for cesarean delivery. Oxytocin is often administered for labor augmentation, and it is prudent to have uterotonic agents at hand to manage postpartum hemorrhage. Infants born to mothers with clinical chorioamnionitis near term are at risk for early-onset neonatal sepsis and for long-term disability such as cerebral palsy. A frontier is the noninvasive assessment of amniotic fluid to diagnose intraamniotic inflammation with a transcervical amniotic fluid collector and a rapid bedside test for IL-8 for patients with ruptured membranes. This approach promises to improve diagnostic accuracy and to provide a basis for antimicrobial administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli gene mutations (plasmids, integrons, and transposons) have instigated multidrug resistance (MDR) against various antimicrobials. This study detected antibiotic-resistance genes (genotypic and phenotypic) in E. coli and performed Whole-genome sequencing to discover MDR-associated E. coli genes in mullet fish. E. coli isolates were serologically identified and their antimicrobial sensitivity was tested. E. coli presence was confirmed in 35% of the mullet fish samples. Cephalosporins, tetracyclines, and sulfonamides presented higher efficiency against E. coli. The serological investigation revealed the presence of STEC (O157:H7, 50%), ETEC (O142, 20%), EHEC (O26:H11,15%), and EPEC (15%) in mullet meat samples. A symmetrical band represented the Subunit B of the Shiga-like toxin (SLT) genewhereas the Heat-labile toxin (LT) gene was found in plasmid and genomic DNA-detected strains. The results revealed the hazardous nature of STEC for mullet meat consumers. The study recommends improving the hygienic conditions during the mullet handling and processing steps, which will minimize antibiotic usage and resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Natural extracts are a suitable alternative in reducing the harmful effects of drugs and chemicals. Aim of the Work: evaluated the role of the spirulina in reducing pathological tissue lesions in the liver and kidneys of gentamicin-treated rats, as well as the relationship between these effects and antioxidant levels and other biochemical factors. Materials and Methods: In this study, 24 rats were evenly distributed into 4 groups, each group comprising 6 rats. Group 1 cocedered control, Group 2 administered 1000 mg/kg of spirulina, Group 3 was administered 100 mg/kg of gentamicin I M. Group 4 was subjected to the same dosages and treatment methods as G2 and G3, with a 5-day course of Gentamicin and a 12-day course of spirulina. Results: Gentamicin group recorded significantly increase in Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate transaminase, Creatinine, and Urea concentrations. The group given spirulina following gentamicin treatment had lower levels of liver and kidney enzymes than the group given gentamicin alone and there was also an increase in the glutathione, as well as a drop in malondialdehyde levels. In the histopathological analysis, the Gentamicin-treated group exhibited coagulative necrosis also vacuolar degeneration in liver cells, along with central vein congestion. In the kidneys, this group displayed glomeruli atrophy, dilatation of the Bowman's space, the presence of hyaline casts in tubules of renal, with coagulative necrosis of epithelial cells lining renal tubule, when Gentamicin combined with Spirulina, the liver section revealed intact hepatocytes. In the kidney section of the same group, glomeruli remained intact, with only mild cell swelling observed in the epithelial cells lining the tubules of renal. Conclusion: spirulina has beneficial effects in the liver and kidneys of rats given gentamicin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent infections after root canal treatments often involve Enterococcus faecalis, a microorganism closely associated with therapy failures due to its biofilm production, survival in nutrient-deprived conditions, and antibiotic tolerance. Essential oils (EOs), which display antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, exhibit inhibitory effects on the growth of many microorganisms including E. faecalis. This study assessed the in vitro efficacy of combining 5% antibiotics (kanamycin 2.5 mg/mL, streptomycin 2.5 mg/mL, gentamicin 1.5 mg/mL, and ampicillin 5 mg/mL) with cinnamon (1.25% to 5%) or clove (25% and 50%) EOs in inhibiting the growth of E. faecalis, using disk diffusion tests. Disks were treated with EOs-only, antibiotics-only, or EO–antibiotic combinations, placed on BEA agar plates, and incubated for 24 h, and the zones of inhibition were measured. Results showed that EOs (cinnamon and clove) and 5% antibiotics, by themselves, had robust growth inhibition of E. faecalis across all tested concentrations. Moreover, combining 5% aminoglycosides (kanamycin 2.5 mg/mL, streptomycin 2.5 mg/mL, and gentamicin 1.5 mg/mL) with 5% cinnamon EO produced significantly enhanced antimicrobial effect than the corresponding 10% antibiotic solution alone. These findings suggest that combining cinnamon EO with aminoglycoside antibiotics can achieve significant inhibition of E. faecalis at a lower concentration of antibiotics compared to using a higher dose of antibiotics alone. Further in vivo studies should determine the safety, efficacy, and treatment duration, with the potential to reduce antibiotic dosages and associated toxicity while preventing recurrent infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) with antibiotics is a novel approach that opens the door to drug delivery applications. In the present work, we report iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method. As-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) , energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet (UV)–visible (Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The poly-shaped Fe2O3 NPs of size (34 ± 10) nm with hematite (α-Fe2O3) phase were synthesized. The antibacterial activity of chloramphenicol and gentamicin and their formulation with encapsulated iron oxide nanoparticles was investigated by the agar well diffusion technique. Drug-encapsulated Fe2O3 NPs showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains, possibly in a dose-dependent manner. Significant effectiveness was confirmed by the increase in the single range of inhibition against the tested microorganisms. Furthermore, the effect of iron oxide nanoparticle concentrations ranging from 1 to 9 μg/μL on bacterial growth was examined.

Relevance. An increase in the incidence of whooping cough, a high proportion of severe forms of the disease, and a decrease in the sensitivity of circulating strains of B. pertussis to antibiotics require the development of more effective etiotropic therapies, including those capable of influencing biofilm forms of the whooping cough pathogen, which differ from planktonic cells by increased resistance to the host immune system and antibacterial drugs.Аim of the work is to study the effect of trypsin and lidase in combination with gentamycin on the growth of biofilms of Bordetella pertussis strains on an abiotic substrate.Materials and methods. In the experiments B. pertussis strains isolated in the Russian Federation from whooping cough patients in 2001‒2010 were used: No. 178 (serotype 1.2.0), No. 287 (serotype 1.0.3) and No. 317 (serotype 1.2.3), grown on a dense nutrient medium. The intensity of biofilm formation in a liquid nutrient medium in the presence of trypsin (10 mcg/ml), lidase (20 IU/ml), gentamycin (2.0 mg/ml, 0.4 mg/ml and 0.08 mg/ml) and their combinations in roundbottomed polystyrene 96­well plates was evaluated by staining with 0.1% gentian­violet solution.Results. Gentamycin partially suppressed the formation of biofilms and caused partial destruction of the formed biofilms in the absence of growth of microbial colonies when sowing supernatants from biofilm cultures on a dense nutrient medium. The minimum suppressive concentration of gentamycin (MSC) was 2 mg/ml. Trypsin completely suppressed the growth of biofilms and caused the complete destruction of the formed biofilms. Lidase also suppressed the growth of biofilms, but less effectively affected the formed biofilms. The growth of colonies typical of B. pertussis was noted when sowing supernatants from biofilm cultures in the presence of trypsin and lidasе on a dense nutrient medium. Trypsin in combination with all the studied concentrations of gentamycin completely suppressed the growth of biofilms (MSC 0.08 mg/ml), and in combination with gentamycin at a concentration of 2.0 mg/ml caused complete destruction of biofilms in the absence of microbial growth on a dense nutrient medium. Lidase in combination with all the studied concentrations of gentamycin also suppressed the formation of biofilms (MSC 0.08 mg/ml), and in combination with gentamycin at a concentration of 2.0 mg/ml caused partial destruction of the formed biofilms in the absence of microbial growth on a dense nutrient medium.Conclusion. The synergistic effect of the combination of trypsin and lidase with gentamycin on growing and formed biofilms of B. pertussis strains was revealed. The combined use of trypsin or lidase with gentamicin reduced its MSC for growing biofilms by 25 times. The most pronounced effect on the formed biofilms was the combination of trypsin with gentamycin at a concentration of 2 mg/ml, which caused their complete destruction and death of planktonic cells. The effect of the combination of lidase with gentamycin on the formed biofilms was less pronounced.

Surface functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) with antibiotics is a novel approach that opens the door to drug delivery applications. In the present work, we report iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method. As-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet (UV)–visible (Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The poly-shaped Fe2O3 NPs of size (34 ± 10) nm with hematite (α-Fe2O3) phase were synthesized. The antibacterial activity of chloramphenicol and gentamicin and their formulation with encapsulated iron oxide nanoparticles was investigated by the agar well diffusion technique. Drug-encapsulated Fe2O3 NPs showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains, possibly in a dose-dependent manner. Significant effectiveness was confirmed by the increase in the single range of inhibition against the tested microorganisms. Furthermore, the effect of iron oxide nanoparticle concentrations ranging from 1 to 9 μg/μL on bacterial growth was examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Antibiotic resistance is known to be the main challenge against treatment of infectious diseases related to Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus). Niosomal nanosystems are the new drug delivery systems which enhance antimicrobial potential activity of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a niosomal drug delivery system containing gentamicin against S.aureus. Materials and Methods: In this laboratory study, different niosomes including Span 60, Tween 60, and cholesterol in combination with gentamicin with different molar ratio were synthesized using the thin film hydration method. Synthesized niosomal nanosystems were identified by light microscope and dynamic laser light scattering (DLS) technique. Antibacterial activity of synthesized niosomes against S.aureus (PTCC: 1112) was evaluated by well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. Data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test. ResultsNiosomal nanosystems were identified in spherical vesicles and in 3 formulations with average particle sizes of 9.09±0.76, 27.59±15.20 and 9.10±0.30 μm, respectively. The results revealed that the formulation with 60:40 molar ratio had higher gentamycin encapsulation efficiency (90.82%) and also, 60:40 niosomal formulation with half the concentration of commercially available gentamicin solution had the same inhibition of growth on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (p=0.658) . ConclusionControlled and continuous release of gentamicin from the niosomal nanosystem, along with enhanced drug penetration could reduce the growth of S.aureus. Accordingly, niosomal nanosystem has a good potential to be an effective drug delivery system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hygrophila auriculata (Schumach) Heine is a tropical herb from the Acanthaceae family. Owing to its traditional and folklore medicinal properties and in numerous preclinical investigations, this plant has been shown to have a variety of pharmacological effects. Firstly, the leaves were subjected to ethanol-based extraction, followed by preliminary phytochemical screening. After calculating the safe dose of EHAE extract using the acute oral toxicity OECD 420 guideline, it was revealed that at a maximum dose of EHAE of 2000 mg/kg BW and showing no signs of toxicity or mortality, the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg BW were chosen for the study. For each disease model, a group of six animals was allocated. Intriguingly, results from all three models indicated a significant and dosedependent reduction of serum biomarkers upon EHAE administration. Further in vitro antioxidant activity was also carried out for the extract. The results showed a significant elevation of antioxidant markers at both doses, showing strong antioxidant activity. The present investigation identified that EHAE extract exhibited a promising protective effect against drug-induced nephrotoxicity in rodents. In this line, our current effort is a preliminary one to investigate the leaves of this herb against nephrotoxicity using albino Wister rats in different drug-induced animal models such as cisplatin, gentamycin, and paracetamol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Caryota urens flowers and Hyophorbe lagenicaulis leaves have huge beneficial properties, medicinal uses and rich phyto-pharmacological constituents. Nutraceutical potentiality of the selected plants on the basis of phytochemicals present in the aerial parts of Caryota urens and Hyophorbe lagenicaulis were taken as the background of the study. Aim: The present study investigates the nephroprotective potentiality of Caryota urens flowers and Hyophorbe lagenicaulis leaves against cisplatin and gentamycin induced nephrotoxicity. Materials and Methods: The extract of Caryota urens flowers and Hyophorbe lagenicaulis leaves were screened for preliminary phytochemical analysis. The in vitro antioxidant activity of Caryota urens flower extract (CUFE) and Hyophorbe lagenicaulis leaves extract (HLLE) was performed by DPPH and H2O2 radical scavenging activity. In vivo acute oral toxicity test was performed by following OECD guideline 420. The screening models for cisplatin and gentamycin induced nephrotoxicity by using albino Wistar rats were also carried out. Results: In in vitro antioxidant studies CUFE and HLLE (*p<0.01 and **p<0.001) for both standard and test drugs. It also act as potent nutraceuticals in cisplatin and gentamycin induced nephrotoxicity (**p<0.001). No major side effects were seen in any of the experimental animal during acute oral toxicity. Conclusion: CUFE and HLLE (1:1) have nutritionally rich source of dietary food supplements and due to this they are also helpful in managing the commercial drugs induced nephrotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of drug conjugated iron oxide hematite ( α -Fe _2 O _3 ) nanoparticles are of tremendous interest in biomedicine nowadays. Meanwhile, green production of iron oxide nanoparticles is gaining favour due to its sustainability, ease of usage, and biocompatibility. Therefore, this work reports on the use of hexahydrate ferric chloride and nerium oleander flower extract to synthesize nanoscaled hematite ( α -Fe _2 O _3 ) iron oxide particles conjugated with various drugs for antibacterial agents. Diverse morphological, physicochemical, structural, optical, and magnetic characteristics have been characterized using FESEM, EDX, XRD, UV–vis, FTIR, Raman and vibrating sample magnetometer. The synthesis of the polyshaped iron oxide nanoparticles, with average sizes ranging from 47.2 ± 20 nm, was accomplished. Furthermore, temperature-dependent variations in magnetic behavior were observed during calcination. The XRD and Raman spectra revealed hematite ( α -Fe _2 O _3 ) type formation of iron oxide nanoparticles. Only calcinated IO-NPs at high temperatures (700 °C) demonstrated low coercivity and residual magnetism, which revealed weak ferromagnetic ordering; other calcinated samples, including nascent ones, showed incredibly weak ferromagnetic ordering. Besides, the effectiveness of drug-encapsulated iron oxide nanoparticles against bacteria in vitro was examined. It was interesting to observe that gentamycin-coated IO-NPs tended to be more susceptible to S. aureus than E. coli bacteria, but streptomycin-conjugated IO-NPs showed the reverse trend. However, as compared to the nascent sample and the high temperature (700 °C) calcinated sample, both antibiotic-loaded IO-NPs displayed better inhibitory abilities.

Introduction: Gentamicin (GM) is a potent bactericidal, broad-spectrum aminoglycoside. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are featured with improved antioxidant ability compared to other chemical forms of selenium with reducing the risk of selenium toxicity. Aim of the Work: The current work attempted to evaluate the possible protective contribution of selenium nanoparticles to gentamicin-induced toxicity in the testis of rat. Material and Methods: 36 adult male albino rats were included in the current research. Their age ranges between 3-5 months and their weight (180-220g). Rats were categorized into three groups. Group I: It was composed of 12 rats, that were divided into three equivalent subgroups; Subgroup IA: compromising 4 rats maintained a negative control and received nothing but food and water for 6 days; Subgroup IB: included 4 rats that received 0.5 mg/kg intraperitoneal (IP) saline for 6 successive days and Subgroup IC included 4 rats that received selenium nanoparticles 0.5 mg/kg intraperitoneal (IP) for 6 successive days. Group II: It included twelve adult male rats that received gentamycin 100 mg/kg IP for 6 successive days. Group III: It included twelve rats that received both gentamicin and selenium nanoparticles. IP selenium nanoparticles will be administered to rats 1hr after the gentamicin treatment at the same dose and duration mentioned before. The serum testosterone level was determined. Sections of testis underwent histological, biochemical, morphometric and statistical analysis. Results: Gentamycin induced a significant reduction in testosterone level and degeneration of the spermatogenic epithelial series with large areas of vacuolations, as well as thick and irregular basement membrane. Ki67 count was recorded. Injection of SeNPs enhanced the aforementioned aspects. Conclusion: GM resulted in histological as well as biochemical changes in the testes of adult male rats. Administration of SeNPs with GM attenuated these negative impacts which can be attributed to the antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gentamicin (Gen) causes renal toxicity by inhibiting protein synthesis in kidney cells, causing proximal tubule cell necrosis and renal failure. Herein, we examined the nephroprotective effect of date palm seed extract (DPSE) and one herbal mixture (HM; composed of Tribulus terrestris, Aerva lanata, Andrographis paniculata, and Raphanus sativus) against Gen-induced renal toxicity in mice with special reference to the possible role of retinoid X receptor alpha (RXR-α) and protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) in this effect. Methods: Thirty-two male Balb/c mice divided randomly into four groups were either treated with saline, Gen (225 mg/kg/i.p., daily from day 3 to day 10), Gen (225 mg/kg i.p.) daily from day 3 to day 10 and DPSE (100 mg/kg/p.o.) daily for 10 days, or Gen (225 mg/kg i.p.) daily from day 3 to day 10 and HM (100 mg/kg/p.o., daily for 10 days). Mice were sacrificed 24 hours after the last dose administration, and kidney tissues were dissected out, weighed, and subjected to histological, immunofluorescence, and biochemical assays. Results: The Gen-induced renal toxicity group demonstrated a significant decrease in RXR-α and a significant increase in PAR-2 protein expression. Treatment with DPSE or HM significantly improved Gen-induced effects on serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, RXR-α extracellular matrix deposition, and PAR-2. Conclusion: The present study stated the nephroprotective effects of DPSE and HM and revealed, for the first time, the involvement of retinoid receptors and PAR-2 in Gen-induced renal toxicity as well as in the protective effects of the two tested natural products.

Serious adverse drug reactions of gentamicin (GM) significantly limit its clinical use, thus there is an urgent demand to develop reliable strategies to detect its concentration. In this study, we have developed a novel highly sensitive and portable lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) based on CoFe PBAs/WS 2 nanozyme mediated chemiluminescence (CL) and photothermal (PT) dual-mode POCT biosensor for the detection of GM, which successfully combines sensitive laboratory analyses with portable in situ analyses in the field. In this proof-of-principle work, the dynamic detection ranges of CL-LFIA and PT-LFIA mode were 1 pg mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1 and 50 pg mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1 with the limits of detection of 0.33 and 16.67 pg mL−1, respectively. The whole detection of CL-LFIA and PT-LFIA could be completed within 15 min and 30 min, respectively. The recoveries of GM spiked into complex matrices including milk, urine, and serum for CL-LFIA and PT-LFIA were 90.94%–109.74% and 94.49%–109.31%, respectively, indicating the reliability and applicability of the dual-mode LFIA in real samples. The dual-mode POCT biosensor could effectively overcome the false problems with improving accuracy and sensitivity, enabling user to precisely detect GM by laboratory analysis or on-site analysis depending on the source condition. Due to the complementary properties of CL-LFIA and PT-LFIA, the developed POCT biosensor can effectively ensure high-performance detection, showing the potential application of accurately detecting drug concentration in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large spectrum antibiotics used in different cow diseases leads to their release in milk altering its proprieties during processing. Knowing the inhibitory effect of antibiotics upon lactic bacteria development and multiplying we followed the effect of gentamycin, a large spectrum antibiotic added in different doses in milk used for yogurth processing. In our research, besides the effect of antibiotica we followed also the influence of milk fat content upon milk clotting time, while antibiotics added in milk incease the clotting time of yogurth. Clotting density deceases proportional with the dosis of antibiotics added to milk.

Recurrent infections after root canal treatments often involve Enterococcus faecalis, a microorganism closely associated with therapy failures due to its biofilm production, survival in nutrient-deprived conditions, and antibiotic tolerance. Essential oils (EOs), which display antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, exhibit inhibitory effects on the growth of many microorganisms including E. faecalis. This study assessed the in vitro efficacy of combining 5% antibiotics (kanamycin 2.5 mg/mL, streptomycin 2.5 mg/mL, gentamicin 1.5 mg/mL, and ampicillin 5 mg/mL) with cinnamon (1.25% to 5%) or clove (25% and 50%) EOs in inhibiting the growth of E. faecalis, using disk diffusion tests. Disks were treated with EOs-only, antibiotics-only, or EO–antibiotic combinations, placed on BEA agar plates, and incubated for 24 h, and the zones of inhibition were measured. Results showed that EOs (cinnamon and clove) and 5% antibiotics, by themselves, had robust growth inhibition of E. faecalis across all tested concentrations. Moreover, combining 5% aminoglycosides (kanamycin 2.5 mg/mL, streptomycin 2.5 mg/mL, and gentamicin 1.5 mg/mL) with 5% cinnamon EO produced significantly enhanced antimicrobial effect than the corresponding 10% antibiotic solution alone. These findings suggest that combining cinnamon EO with aminoglycoside antibiotics can achieve significant inhibition of E. faecalis at a lower concentration of antibiotics compared to using a higher dose of antibiotics alone. Further in vivo studies should determine the safety, efficacy, and treatment duration, with the potential to reduce antibiotic dosages and associated toxicity while preventing recurrent infections.

Bone infections are a serious problem to cure, as systemic administration of antibiotics is not very effective due to poor bone vascularization. Therefore, many drug delivery systems are investigated to solve this problem. One of the potential solutions is the delivery of antibiotics from poly(L-actide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles suspended in the gellan gum injectable hydrogel. However, the loading capacity and release kinetics of the system based on hydrophilic drugs (e.g., gentamycin) and hydrophobic polymers (e.g., PLGA) may not always be satisfying. To solve this problem, we decided to use hydrophobized gentamycin obtained by ion-pairing with dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT). Herein, we present a comparison of the PLGA nanoparticles loaded with hydrophobic or hydrophilic gentamycin and suspended in the hydrogel in terms of physicochemical properties, drug loading capacity, release profiles, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial properties. The results showed that hydrophobic gentamycin may be combined in different formulations with the hydrophilic one and is superior in terms of encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, release, and antibacterial efficacy with no negative effect on the NPs morphology or hydrogel features. However, the cytocompatibility of hydrophobic gentamycin might be lower, consequently more extensive study on its biological properties should be provided to evaluate a safe dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The nephroprotective drugs are having essential roles in reducing or preventing the possibility of toxicity with wide range of drugs used for severe infections or cancers and still now the researchers investigate many drugs with different mechanisms and examine their possibility to combined with nephrotoxic drugs in different ways in order to reduce their toxicity or prolong the limited duration of treatment. In same way, the present study designed to find the potential nephroprotective activity of sildenafil in reversing or reducing the nephropathies induced by gentamycin. Methods: The experiment was designed to include thirty-two rats and these were divided into four groups. The first (control) group received isotonic saline (2mL/kg/day i.p.). Second (positive control) group were received only sildenafil (5 mg/kg/day orally p.o). Third (induction) group received gentamycin (100 mg/kg/day i.p.). Fourth (treatment) group received sildenafil (5mg/kg/day p.o.) followed by gentamycin (100 mg/kg/day i.p.). The course of treatment continued to ten consecutive days. All animal were anesthsized at day 11th. and blood collected by special tubes by cardiac puncture in order to be used for investigating of serum creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin and kidney injury molecules-1(KIM-1). Also, the kidneys were harvested and kept in formalaldehyde 10% for evaluation of histopathological changes. Results: The gentamycin (induction)group showed all features of nephrotoxicity by producing a significant elevation of serum creatinine, urea, and KIM-1levels, with a significant reduction in serum total protein and albumin levels. Furthermore, the histopathological changes proved the nephrotoxicity in compared to control group. While sildenafil (treatment) group displayed the ameliorating effect on serum biomarkers and histopathological changes in comparison with both control (non-significant changes) and induction group (significant changes) at level of significant 0.05%. Conclusion; This study ended with conclusion, which can be summarized as potential nephroprotective of sildenafil in selected dose against gentamycin nephrotoxic dose in rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biofilm-associated infections of bones are life-threatening diseases, requiring application of dedicated antibiotics in order to counteract the tissue damage and spread of microorganisms. The in vitro analyses on biofilm formation and susceptibility to antibiotics are frequently carried out using methods that do not reflect conditions at the site of infection. To evaluate the influence of nutrient accessibility on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm development in vitro, a cohesive set of analyses in three different compositional media was performed. Next, the efficacy of four antibiotics used in bone infection treatment, including gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and vancomycin, against staphylococcal biofilm, was also assessed. The results show a significant reduction in the ability of biofilm to grow in a medium containing elements occurring in the serum, which also translated into the diversified changes in the efficacy of used antibiotics, compared to the setting in which conventional media were applied. The differences indicate the need for implementation of adequate in vitro models that closely mimic the infection site. The results of the present research may be considered an essential step toward the development of in vitro analyses aiming to accurately indicate the most suitable antibiotic to be applied against biofilm-related infections of bones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triderm® cream and ointment contain clotrimazole (CLO), betamethasone dipropionate (BET), and the poor UV absorbing gentamycin (GEN), in addition to the preservative benzyl alcohol (BEN) which exists only in a cream preparation. A green, selective colorimetric approach was elaborated to increase the sensitivity of GEN quantification in Triderm® preparations, which depends on the immediate formation of a pink ion-pair between GEN and erythrosine (ERY) reagent in an aqueous acidic medium. The ion pair was made soluble in water with the assistance of the surfactant agent poloxamer 188 which is presented in this manuscript as an efficient solubilizing agent for the hydrophobic ion-pair. This surfactant agent has the feature of not affecting the native color of ERY, additionally the ease of preparing its aqueous solution with no need for heating or long waiting. The resulting complex GEN-ERY was measured directly at 545nm. This colorimetric approach was coupled with the Unlimited Derivative Ratio (UDD), which is a new smart UV method employed for the concurrent quantification of BET and CLO in Triderm® preparations without any intervention from BEN, due to its capability to resolve an extremely overlapped ternary spectrum that has no extended part, iso-absorptive point or robust zero crossing point. The newly developed UDD method depends on filtrating and measuring the signal of BET and CLO through calculating the equality factor(F) for CLO and BET after dividing their spectrum by BEN spectrum, derivatizing the resulting ratio spectrum, then constructing a regression equation employing the F factor for each BET and CLO. The overlapping excipient BEN was quantified via the Double Divisor Ratio spectra derivative method (DDR) relying on using a divisor comprising of a mix of BET + CLO. The advanced spectrophotometric approach validity was checked by confirming the linearity, accuracy, precision, and specificity in accordance with the ICH directions. NO notable difference when statistically comparing the newly established approach to the reference approach.

Introduction: Tularemia is a zoonotic disease that primarily affects adults and children in rural areas. Late diagnosis in children is often associated with treatment failure and accessory surgical procedures. Objective: To analyze the diagnostic and treatment options of pediatric tularemia during the last outbreak in Kosovo during years 2014 and 2015. Methodology: This retrospective study includes 36 children treated for Tularemia at pediatric department. The diagnosis was based on clinical, serological, and PCR testing. Results: Of the 230 patients treated for tularemia, 36 (16%) were children with a median age of 9.4 years old (range 2-15 years). Major clinical manifestations included fever (97%) and swelling of lymph glands (94%), and the duration of symptoms prior to hospitalization was two weeks (range 3-60 days). Leukocytosis (41%), along with an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (97%) characterized the laboratory findings. Both serology and PCR were used to confirm tularemia in children in 100% of cases. Due to abscess formation, suppuration, and high prevalence of tuberculosis, surgical procedures were used as accessory therapy and for diagnosis in half of the patients (50%). Gentamycin was the first drug of choice (97%), while 3 patients experienced relapses. Since the majority of the patients (72%) used unsafe water from wells in rural regions, the outbreak was thought to be water-related. Conclusions: Every febrile child with swollen glands should be suspected of having tularemia. Gentamycin continues to be the preferred treatment for unilateral cervical glandular type. Successful therapy depends on early diagnosis and supplemental surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid and continuous emergence of antimicrobial resistance, bacterial infections became a significant global healthcare concern. One of the proposed strategies to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens is to use additional compounds, such as natural biologically active substances, as adjuvants for existing antibiotics. In this study, we investigated the potential of caffeine, the widely consumed alkaloid, to modulate the antibacterial effects of antibiotics commonly used in clinical practice. We used disc diffusion assay to evaluate the effects of caffeine on 40 antibiotics in two Staphylococcus aureus strains (methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive). Based on the results of this step, we selected five antibiotics for which the greatest caffeine-induced improvements in antibacterial activity were observed, and further analyzed their interactions with caffeine using a checkerboard approach. Caffeine at concentrations of 250 µg/mL or higher halved the MIC values of ticarcillin, cefepime, gentamycin, azithromycin, and novobiocin for all gram-negative species investigated (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii). At the highest caffeine concentrations tested (up to 16 mg/mL), decreases in MIC values were 8- to 16-fold. The obtained results prove that caffeine modulates the activity of structurally diverse antibiotics, with the most promising synergistic effects observed for cefepime and azithromycin toward gram-negative pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alruwaili NK, Zafar A, Imam SS, et al. Int J Nanomedicine. 2020;15:4717–4737. The Editor and Publisher of International Journal of Nanomedicine wish to retract the published article. Concerns were raised regarding the alleged duplication of isotonicity images in Figure 8. The corresponding author did cooperate with the investigation and images relating to the isontonicity study were provided. However, despite the authors’ assistance, it was still not clear how the images came to be duplicated, and, as we cannot verify the validity of the published work, we are therefore retracting the article. The authors have been informed and do not agree with this decision. We have been informed in our decision-making by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retractions. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as “Retracted”.

• What is currently known about this topic? Comparative morbidity outcomes for antibiotics with similar microbiological spectrum of activity in treatment of acute appendicitis is unknown. • What new information is contained in this article? Despite increased surgical site infection with single agent antibiotic treatment (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid), overall morbidity relating to ICU admission, relook rate and length of hospital stay is similar, when compared to traditional triple agent cover for paediatric post-operative complicated appendicitis treatment. Antibiotic choice for complicated appendicitis should be based on both microbiological effectiveness as well as ease of administration and cost especially in lower resourced settings. Data is limited on comparative morbidity outcomes for antibiotics with similar microbiological spectrum of activity. Incidence and morbidity of surgical site infection after appendectomy for complicated appendicitis was assessed after protocol change from triple antibiotic (ampicillin, gentamycin, and metronidazole) regimen to single agent (amoxycillin/clavulanic acid). Surgical site infection (SSI) rate, relook surgery rate and length of hospital stay were retrospectively compared in patients treated for acute appendicitis preceding (2014, 2015; "triple-therapy, TT") and following (2017, 2018; "single agent, SA") antibiotic protocol change. The rate of complicated appendicitis was similar between groups; 72.6% in TT and 66% in SA (p = 0.239). Significantly, SSI occurred in 22.7% of the SA group compared to 13.3% in TT group (OR 1.920, 95% CI 1.000–3.689, p = 0.048). Use of laparoscopy increased from 31% in TT to 89% in SA, but with subgroup analysis this was not associated with increased SSI (17.3% in open and 20.6% in laparoscopic; OR 0.841, 95% CI 0.409–1.728, p = 0.637). Relook rate (OR 1.444, 95% CI 0.595–3.507, p = 0.093) length of hospital stay (U = 6859, z = -1.163, p = 0.245), and ICU admission (U = 7683, z = 0.634 p = 0.522) were equivocal. Neither group had mortalities. Despite increased SSI with SA, overall morbidity relating to ICU admission, relook rate and length of hospital stay was similar in both groups. More prospective research is required to confirm equivalent overall morbidity and that single agent therapy is more cost-effective with acceptable clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nickel oxide nanoparticle (NiO NP) composite with carbon dots (C‐dots), (NiO NPs@C‐dots) was synthesized, characterized, and then its antibacterial activity was evaluated. NiO NPs were prepared using Buddleja polystachya Fresen leaf extract and Ni(NO3)2.6H2O as precursors. The C‐dots were synthesized from benzene‐1,4‐diamine and citric acid. The cubic structure of the NiO NPs and NiO NPs@C‐dots was in phase with their average particle size distributions of 21.47 ± 0.56 and 21.61 ± 0.34 nm, respectively. The surface morphology of the NiO NPs@C‐dots was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy and also revealed a large surface area, which is advantageous for the specified application. The X‐ray diffraction result indicated a cubic face wurtzite structure and the crystalline nature of the NiO NPs. Carbon‐doped compounds had no influence on the crystal structure of the NiO compound and no new peaks were observed. The antibacterial activity of a composite made up of NiO NPs@C‐dots was tested, as well as the antibacterial activities of compounds produced against human photogenic bacterial strains. Both NiO NPs and NiO NPs@C‐dots were found to be powerful against all bacterial strains, based on the bioassay results. NiO NPs and NiO@C‐dots appeared to display strong to inhibitory effects of 14–20 mm and 17–23 mm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Implant retention with eradication of infection to maintain limb function is ideal and debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) have been reported to have variable success rates depending on several factors, including the duration of infection, the host immunity, the virulence of the causative microorganism, and the technique employed. In this case series, we present a series of successful cases presented with PJI after TKA and were treated using DAIR either via impregnation of vancomycin beads or calcium sulfate beads (antibiotic stimulan)., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Abdull Sitar et al.)

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) is ubiquitously expressed in testicular tissue and plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes. Pioglitazone (PIO) is one of the PPAR-γ agonists, having anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Patients on gentamycin treatment may undergo serious side effects such as testicular damage. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to investigate the possible protective anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of PIO on gentamycin-induced testicular damage. Fifty adult male Wistar albino rats included in the study as the control group (CTL) received normal saline; a gentamycin-induced testicular damage group (GM) received gentamycin (100 mg/kg); PIO5, PIO10, PIO20 groups received PIO at a dose of 5, 10, and 20 mg/ kg, respectively, for 21 days, and gentamycin was started at day 15 of the experiment for 6 days. The parameters of spermatozoa and histopathological alterations in the testes were significantly improved in the PIO20 group. Moreover, MDA levels, inflammatory mediators, and apoptotic Bax expression were decreased. The activity of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 genes expression were increased. It was concluded that PIO20 could protect against gentamycin-induced testicular damage in Wistar rats through its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects.

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are an opposing result of surgery and account for the majority of healthcare-related infections worldwide. It is one of the most common complications associated with open-spine surgery and is associated with high rates of mortality and high demand for healthcare resources. Surgical site infections are the result of a variety of reasons, which is why a range of prevention strategies have been proposed. Intraoperative wound irrigation (IOWI) is a simple procedure that involves moving a solution through an open wound to help hydrate the tissue. It is a type of prophylactic wound irrigation. It removes and dilutes bodily fluids, bacteria, and cellular debris. It may also act as a bactericidal agent when used with antibiotics and antiseptics., Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of SSI in lumbar spine surgeries by comparing IOWI with normal saline containing gentamicin (NS-G) and normal saline (NS) alone., Materials and Method: A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted among 40 patients who underwent elective lumbar spine surgery at the Department of Orthopaedics, RL Jalappa Hospital Centre, Kolar, Karnataka, India., Result: Out of the total participants enrolled, 60% were males and 40% were females. There was no statistically significant difference found between mean age, mean BMI, mean hemoglobin level, mean WBC counts, and mean fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels among both groups. The overall prevalence of SSI among patients was 25%. In Group A (NS-G), the prevalence of SSI was 15%, and in Group B (NS), it was 35%. In total, 17.5% of study participants had superficial SSI, while 7.5% had deep SSI., Conclusion: Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is bactericidal and efficient against gram-positive organisms like  Staphylococcus , the most frequent pathogen causing SSI in spine surgery. During lumbar spine surgery, IOWI with saline and gentamicin before closure is more effective in preventing SSI than simple saline irrigation., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Agrawal et al.)

Disease prevention is a key issue in improving reproductive biotechnology for important and endangered aquatic species to minimize the risk of pathogen transmission and economic loss. This study investigated the effects of small-dose antibiotics on sperm viability and bacterial abundance in banana shrimp (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis) spermatophores during chilled storage and cryostorage. The experiment consisted of three treatments, no antibiotic (control), 0.1% penicillin-streptomycin (PS), and 0.1% penicillin-gentamycin (PG). Antibioics were added into a sperm extender containing banana shrimp spermatophores. In the chilled storage and cryopreservation trials, the most significant (P < 0.05) improvement in sperm survival was observed in 0.1% PS-treated spermatophores over a 30-day period at 2–4 °C and 6-month in a liquid nitrogen tank. Average sperm viability ranged from 46.3 ± 3.5 to 95.7 ± 0.6% and 78.8 ± 1.1 to 95.7 ± 1.0%, respectively. In the 0.1% PS-treated spermatophores, the numbers of culturable heterotrophic bacteria (CHB) fluctuated during 21-day chilled storage and decreased (P < 0.05) over 30-day storage compared to those in the control. The CHB count in cryopreserved spermatophores decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing storage time and was undetectable by day 7 of cryostorage. Pseudomonad bacteria were not observed in both chilled-stored spermatophores by 21 days post-storage and prefrozen spermatophores when 0.1% PS was incorporated into the sperm extender. The 0.1% PS treatment also inhibited the growth of culturable Vibrio in banana shrimp spermatophores during chilled storage and cryostorage. Several species of human and shrimp pathogens and spoilage bacteria, particularly Vibrio parahaemolyticus , V. metschnikovii , V. harveyi , Aeromonas media , A. sorbria , and Plesiomonas shigelloides were not found after 0.1% PS was added to the sperm extender. This study suggests that addition of 0.1% PS into the extender not only reduces the bacterial count of chilled and postthawed cryopreserved sperm of banana shrimp, but also had no adverse effect on sperm viability. • Penicillin-streptomycin (PS) was suitable for preservation of shrimp spermatophore. • 0.1% PS was effective on chilled storage and freezing of banana shrimp spermatophores. • 0.1% PS retained banana shrimp sperm viability during chilled storage and cryostorage. • PS supplement inhibited the growth of shrimp pathogens in preserved spermatophore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triderm® cream and ointment contain clotrimazole (CLO), betamethasone dipropionate (BET), and the poor UV absorbing gentamycin (GEN), in addition to the preservative benzyl alcohol (BEN) which exists only in a cream preparation. A green, selective colorimetric approach was elaborated to increase the sensitivity of GEN quantification in Triderm® preparations, which depends on the immediate formation of a pink ion-pair between GEN and erythrosine (ERY) reagent in an aqueous acidic medium. The ion pair was made soluble in water with the assistance of the surfactant agent poloxamer 188 which is presented in this manuscript as an efficient solubilizing agent for the hydrophobic ion-pair. This surfactant agent has the feature of not affecting the native color of ERY, additionally the ease of preparing its aqueous solution with no need for heating or long waiting. The resulting complex GEN-ERY was measured directly at 545nm. This colorimetric approach was coupled with the Unlimited Derivative Ratio (UDD), which is a new smart UV method employed for the concurrent quantification of BET and CLO in Triderm® preparations without any intervention from BEN, due to its capability to resolve an extremely overlapped ternary spectrum that has no extended part, iso-absorptive point or robust zero crossing point. The newly developed UDD method depends on filtrating and measuring the signal of BET and CLO through calculating the equality factor(F) for CLO and BET after dividing their spectrum by BEN spectrum, derivatizing the resulting ratio spectrum, then constructing a regression equation employing the F factor for each BET and CLO. The overlapping excipient BEN was quantified via the Double Divisor Ratio spectra derivative method (DDR) relying on using a divisor comprising of a mix of BET + CLO. The advanced spectrophotometric approach validity was checked by confirming the linearity, accuracy, precision, and specificity in accordance with the ICH directions. NO notable difference when statistically comparing the newly established approach to the reference approach., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Authors.)

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) is ubiquitously expressed in testicular tissue and plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes. Pioglitazone (PIO) is one of the PPAR-γ agonists, having anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Patients on gentamycin treatment may undergo serious side effects such as testicular damage. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to investigate the possible protective anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of PIO on gentamycin-induced testicular damage. Fifty adult male Wistar albino rats included in the study as the control group (CTL) received normal saline; a gentamycin-induced testicular damage group (GM) received gentamycin (100 mg/kg); PIO5, PIO10, PIO20 groups received PIO at a dose of 5, 10, and 20 mg/ kg, respectively, for 21 days, and gentamycin was started at day 15 of the experiment for 6 days. The parameters of spermatozoa and histopathological alterations in the testes were significantly improved in the PIO20 group. Moreover, MDA levels, inflammatory mediators, and apoptotic Bax expression were decreased. The activity of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 genes expression were increased. It was concluded that PIO20 could protect against gentamycin-induced testicular damage in Wistar rats through its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]