Search Results (197)

Anthyllis vulneraria is a traditional medicinal plant with confirmed anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to its high polyphenolic content. This study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing potential of A. vulneraria leaf extract in a rat burn model. Four groups of eight Wistar rats each received the following daily topical applications for 14 days: vehicle cream (negative control); silver sulfadiazine (positive control); or plant-based creams containing either 1 mg/cm² or 2 mg/cm² of polyphenols (experimental groups 1 and 2, respectively). On days 7 and 14, four animals per group were euthanized for histological and oxidative stress evaluations. LC-MS/MS analysis of the leaf extract identified hyperoside, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid as major constituents. Experimental group 1 showed significantly enhanced wound closure on days 5 and 7, while group 2 exhibited a significant effect on day 5. All oxidative stress markers, except catalase activity, differed significantly among the groups, with the most favorable results observed in group 2. IL-8 levels decreased after the extract treatment, while no significant microscopic changes were observed. These results indicate that A. vulneraria leaf extract may serve as a valuable adjuvant in burn wound healing. Full article

Zeolites, microporous aluminosilicates with tuneable physicochemical properties, have garnered increasing attention in dermatology due to their antimicrobial, detoxifying, and drug delivery capabilities. This review evaluates the structural characteristics, therapeutic mechanisms, and clinical applications of zeolites—including clinoptilolite, ZSM-5, ZIF-8, and silver/zinc-functionalized forms—across skin infections, wound healing, acne management, and cosmetic dermatology. Zeolites demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal efficacy, enhanced antioxidant activity, and biocompatible drug delivery in various dermatological models. Formulations such as silver–sulfadiazine–zeolite composites, Zn–clinoptilolite for acne, and zeolite-integrated microneedles offer innovative avenues for targeted therapy. Zeolite-based systems represent a promising shift toward multifunctional, localized dermatologic treatments. However, further research into long-term safety, formulation optimization, and clinical validation is essential to transition these materials into mainstream therapeutic use. Full article

Pseudomonas aeruginosa otitis is common in dogs and antibiotic-resistant strains are often isolated. We are unaware of reports evaluating the combination of silver sulfadiazine (SSD) with a biofilm disruptor solution containing Tris-EDTA (tromethamine-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and N-acetylcysteine (Tris-NAC). Forty-eight P. aeruginosa strains from dogs with suppurative otitis were analysed using the agar well diffusion method. A volume of 70 μL of Tris-NAC, a water solution of 10% SSD and their combination in equal amount was pipetted into the designated wells. After incubation, the diameter of the inhibition zone was measured. A synergy experiment using the checkerboard assay was performed to look at any potential synergistic effects of SSD and Tris-NAC against only 10 randomly selected isolates of P. aeruginosa. The samples tested with Tris-NAC + 10% SSD solution, compared with the samples tested with 10% SSD alone, demonstrated significantly higher inhibition zones against P. aeruginosa, p < 0.00001. The checkerboard assay results showed an additive effect between the two compounds. The use of 10% SSD could be evaluated as a therapeutic tool against strains of P. aeruginosa if combined with Tris-NAC. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antibiotic contamination in water sources is a growing global concern, contributing to environmental degradation and the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance. Traditional treatment methods, such as advanced oxidation or high-pressure membrane processes, are often energy-intensive and economically unsustainable for large-scale or decentralized applications. This study explores the potential of two cost-effective, commercially available metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), ZIF-8 and F300, to improve the performance of membrane-based filtration–adsorption systems for removing tetracycline and sulfadiazine from water. Methods: Batch adsorption experiments were performed to evaluate the uptake capacities, kinetics, and isotherms of both MOFs toward the selected antibiotics. The membranes were modified using a low-cost silane-assisted deposition of MOF particles and tested in a microfiltration system. Removal efficiencies and water permeability were assessed and kinetic and isotherm models were applied to understand the adsorption mechanisms. Results: ZIF-8 showed superior adsorption performance, with maximum capacities of 442.2 mg/g for tetracycline and 219.3 mg/g for sulfadiazine. F300 was effective only for tetracycline. Membranes modified with ZIF-8 improved pharmaceutical removal by 187% (tetracycline) and 224% (sulfadiazine) compared to unmodified membranes. Although permeability decreased due to increased hydrophobicity, the materials and processes remained economically favorable. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that MOF-modified ceramic membranes, particularly those incorporating ZIF-8, offer a low-cost, scalable, and energy-efficient alternative for pharmaceutical removal from water. The approach combines strong environmental impact with economic viability, making it attractive for broader implementation in water treatment systems. Full article

The delayed healing and infection risks associated with chronic wounds and burns pose significant clinical challenges. Traditional dressings provide basic coverage but lack the bioactive properties needed for tissue regeneration and antimicrobial protection. In this study, we developed zinc alginate hydrogel-coated traditional wound dressings (WD@AlgZn) and evaluated their physicochemical properties, antimicrobial performance, and in vivo healing efficacy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a uniform coating of the zinc alginate network on dressing fibers, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the successful incorporation of zinc ions. Antimicrobial assays further demonstrated that WD@AlgZn reduced bacterial loads (CFU/mL counts) by several orders of magnitude for both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared to uncoated controls. An in vivo rat burn wound model exhibited accelerated wound closure when using WD@AlgZn dressings compared to conventional wound care approaches, achieving a 90.75% healing rate by day 21, significantly outperforming the silver sulfadiazine (52.32%), uncoated-dressing (46.58%), and spontaneous-healing (37.25%) groups. Histological analysis confirmed enhanced re-epithelialization, neovascularization, and reduced inflammation in WD@AlgZn-treated tissues. The findings suggest that WD@AlgZn offers a promising alternative for advanced wound management, combining structural robustness with bioactive properties to support efficient wound healing and infection control. These results provide valuable insights into the potential clinical applications of metal-ion cross-linked biopolymeric hydrogel dressings for next-generation wound care strategies. Full article

The concentrations of 17 antibiotics in the surface water and groundwater of a typical river in the Huixian Wetland were measured, and the ecological and health risks of these antibiotics to surface water and groundwater were assessed. The three types of antibiotics measured included quinolones, tetracyclines, and sulphonamides. The results showed that the mean values of the three antibiotics in surface water were sulfonamides > quinolones > tetracyclines and in groundwater were sulfonamides > tetracyclines > quinolones, and the antibiotic residues were associated with aquaculture and livestock breeding in the wetland, which indicated that antibiotics had a very high rate of use in the Huixian Wetland. The results of the ecological risk evaluation showed that the potential risk of five antibiotics, namely ofloxacin, sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole, enrofloxacin, and doxycycline, was high. The results of the health risk evaluation indicated that most of the residual antibiotics were of a medium and low risk to humans. Full article

The rapid increase in drug resistance in recent years has become a significant global public health concern. Escherichia coli are ubiquitous bacteria, widely distributed in various environments. This study isolated a bacterial strain (HD-593) from diseased Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis). The bacterium was identified based on morphology, biochemical tests, and 16S rRNA sequencing, confirming it as E. coli. Drug susceptibility tests revealed that the HD-593 strain was highly resistant to ceftriaxone, enrofloxacin, doxycycline, sulfadiazine, gentamicin, neomycin, florfenicol, carbenicillin, cefradine, erythromycin, penicillin, ampicillin, midecamycin, and streptomycin. Resistance gene analysis confirmed the presence of quinolone resistance genes (oqxA and oqxB), aminoglycoside resistance genes (aac(3)-II and aphA1), a β-lactam resistance gene (blaTEM), and an acylaminol resistance gene (floR) in HD-593. The median lethal dose (LD50) of HD-593 for P. sinensis was 6.53 × 10⁵ CFU/g. Biochemical analysis of serum revealed that HD-593 infection caused a significant reduction in total protein, albumin, and globulin levels, while markedly increasing the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Histopathological analysis revealed severe intestinal damage characterized by villi detachment and muscle cell necrosis. Additionally, extensive splenocyte necrosis with nuclear marginalization, glomerular swelling, and pronounced hepatic steatosis accompanied by distended sinusoids were observed. This study identified a multidrug-resistant E. coli strain from deceased P. sinensis, suggesting that drug resistance genes may circulate in aquaculture ecosystems, posing potential risks to aquaculture. Full article

Background/Objectives: Wounds from burns are susceptible to infections, allowing multidrug-resistant microorganisms to complicate treatments and patient recovery. This highlights the development of new strategies to control these microorganisms. This work evaluated the antibacterial activity of hydrogels containing biogenic silver nanoparticles (bio-AgNP) and Origanum vulgare essential oil (OEO) against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Methods: The formulations were subjected to organoleptic, pharmacotechnical, and stability characterization and antimicrobial activity assessment by time–kill tests and alternative methods, an ex vivo model using porcine skin, and an in vivo model using Galleria mellonella. Results: All hydrogels maintained their stability after the thermal stress. The hydrogel containing bio-AgNP + OEO 1% (HAgNP + OEO1) presented bactericidal effectiveness, within 2 h, against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria in the time–kill test. For alternative testing, HAgNP + OEO1 was compared with 1% silver sulfadiazine (SS) and the base formulation. In the ex vivo test, both HAgNP + OEO1 and SS treatments showed a similar reduction in superficial washing of the burn for S. aureus 999, while for P. aeruginosa, the reduction was more expressive for SS treatment. In the burn tissue, HAgNP + OEO1 treatment was more effective against S. aureus 999, while for P. aeruginosa 1461, both formulations were similarly effective. In the Galleria mellonella test, survival rates after 48 h were 84% for the control group (base) and 50% for both HAgNP + OEO1 and SS treatment groups. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the hydrogel combining antimicrobials is effective against multidrug-resistant microorganisms, offering a promising alternative for the treatment of infected burns. Full article

The degradation of sulfadiazine (4-amino-N-pyrimidin-2yl-benzenesulfonamide, SDZ), a widely used sulfonamide antibiotic, in aqueous solution under electron beam irradiation was investigated to explore its potential as an Advanced Oxidation Process for environmental remediation. This study evaluated the effects of irradiation dose, initial sulfadiazine concentration, and initial pH on the degradation efficiency. It was found at 0.5 kGy that the degradation efficiency decreased with increasing initial SDZ concentration, from 83.0% at 5 mg/L to 35.0% at 30 mg/L. The kinetic results showed a pseudo-first order model. The degradation efficiencies of 30 mg/L SDZ reached 80.8%, 75.3%, 69.5% and 69.8%, respectively, at pH 3.0, 6.3, 9.0, and 11.0 at 3.0 kGy, indicating the pH dependence to SDZ degradation under electron beam. The maximum removal efficiency was around 90% after UV analysis and 99% after HPLC analysis for 10mg/L SDZ at absorbed doses of 2–3 kGy and pH 6.3. Increasing the degradation efficiency of 10 mg/L SDZ from 0.5 kGy to 3.0 kGy showed the dose dependence on SDZ removal. Reactive species generated during irradiation, including hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen radicals, and solvated electrons, were identified as primary contributors to the degradation process. The effect of reactive species on the degradation of 10 mg/L SDZ was evaluated at variable doses, revealing the following trend: $•OH>•\mathrm{H}>{\mathrm{e}}_{\mathrm{a}\mathrm{q}}^{-}$. Transformation products were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS), providing insights into the degradation pathway. The results demonstrate that electron beam irradiation is an effective and sustainable method for sulfadiazine removal in water treatment systems, offering an innovative approach to mitigating antibiotic pollution in aquatic environments. Full article

The main objective of this research was to correlate the equilibrium solubility of sodium sulfadiazine in several {ethanol (EtOH, 1) + water (2)} mixtures reported in mass/volume and mass/mass percentages at different temperatures. Aqueous solubility of sodium sulfadiazine decreases almost linearly with decreasing temperature, but it decreases non-linearly with the addition of EtOH to water. Logarithmic solubility was adequately correlated with a bivariate model involving temperature and mixture composition. These solubility results were also well correlated with the Jouyban–Acree-based models. Moreover, an adapted version of the Jouyban–Acree model was used to represent the density of the saturated solvent mixtures at different temperatures. Furthermore, the apparent specific volumes of this drug at saturation were also calculated from densities of saturated solutions and cosolvent mixtures free of drug as well as from the respective mixture compositions. These findings provide valuable insights into the solubility and volumetric behavior of sodium sulfadiazine, which could be useful for pharmaceutical formulation and process optimization. Full article

Background: As a ubiquitous apicomplexan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii causes huge economic losses and poses a great threat to the health of animals, including humans, worldwide. In some kangaroo species, T. gondii can be fatal. To date, little information is available on T. gondii infection in the red kangaroos in east China. At a zoo in east China, thirteen red kangaroos consecutively developed clinical signs from July to November 2016, resulting in the deaths of seven, three of which were analyzed in this study. Methods: In the present study, ascitic fluid, blood and samples from the brain, heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and mesenteric lymph nodes of three dead red kangaroos were collected. The pathogen was explored through microscopic observation, nested PCR, immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, respectively. Meanwhile, the potential source of the infection was also investigated by testing the blood of stray cats in the zoo for T. gondii using nested PCR. Results: Three dead red kangaroos were subjected to a necropsy, and organisms resembling T. gondii were detected in their ascitic fluids under microscope. This infection was further confirmed by a nested PCR assay, which resulted in a successful amplification and sequencing of the 433 bp fragment of the T. gondii 5.8S rRNA gene in all the dissected tissues, including heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, lymph nodes, cecum, and brain, as well as in body fluids (blood and ascitic fluid). Furthermore, the tachyzoites were observed in the heart, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, cecum, and brain through IFAT and HE staining. Administration of classic drugs (sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine) against T. gondii significantly alleviated the clinical signs of the sick kangaroos. The possible source of this infection was traced to a native stray cat, as T. gondii DNA was detected in its blood. Conclusions: In the present study, lethal T. gondii infection in red kangaroos has been described for the first time in east China, highlighting the necessity and urgency for close and long-term surveillance of this parasite infection in captive animals. The same strain of T. gondii detected in kangaroos as that found in stray cats wandering in the same area emphasizes the importance of controlling stray cat populations to mitigate the risk of Toxoplasma transmission to other animals. Full article

Most drugs excreted in urine are not filtered by wastewater treatment plants and end up in aquatic systems. At concentrations measured in waters, toxic effects on species have been described. Second, most of the drug consumption is attributable to primary care prescriptions. We thus present here, an ecotoxicity classification of the most sold drugs in primary care in Switzerland. Three datasets were combined: (1) surveyed ecotoxic drugs by the Swiss National Surface Water Quality Monitoring Programme and its European equivalent, (2) the top 50 drugs by sale in primary care in Switzerland, and (3) active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) concentrations in Lake Geneva and the rivers of the canton of Vaud between 2017 and 2022. We classified APIs into five categories from the safest to the least safe: (1) APIs found in concentrations (C) <10× their environmental quality standard (EQS·10⁻¹), (2) EQS·10⁻¹ < C < EQS and not listed by the Swiss or the EU Watch List, (3) EQS·10⁻¹ < C < EQS and listed, (4) C > EQS and not listed, and (5) C > EQS and listed. We obtained full ecotoxicological data for 35 APIs. Fifteen APIs were designated as safe (category (1):paracetamol, tramadol, amisulpride, citalopram, mirtazapine, metformin, gabapentin, lamotrigine, primidone, candesartan, irbesartan, atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide, ofloxacin, sulfadiazine), eleven as intermediately safe, and nine were of concern (azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine, diclofenac, ibuprofen, iomeprol, iopromide). Full data were available for only one-third of the drugs most sold in primary care. Where data do exist, we observed significant differences in environmental impact among the same class of drugs. Our classification could therefore help guide doctors to adopt more eco-friendly prescriptions. Full article

Sulfamethazine (SM2), a prevalent sulfonamide antibiotic, is commonly detected as an environmental pollutant. Microbial degradation serves as an important approach to treating SM2 contamination. In this study, an SM2-degrading strain, identified as Bacillus cereus J2, was isolated from the activated sludge that had been cultured using SM2 as the exclusive carbon source, which demonstrated exceptional degradation capabilities. Under optimized conditions (30 °C, initial OD600 = 0.1, pH = 8), strain J2 completely degraded 50 mg/L SM2 within 36 h. The strain also showed high degradation efficiency for other sulfonamides, such as sulfamethoxazole and sulfadiazine, and could grow normally in a mixed system containing these compounds. The growth kinetics with SM2 as the exclusive carbon source conformed well to the Haldane model (R² = 0.925), revealing that the strain’s maximum specific growth rate was determined to be 0.066 h⁻¹ (µ_max) at an initial SM2 concentration of 51.35 mg/L. Seven intermediate degradation products were identified using TQ-LCMS analysis, suggesting three potential degradation pathways for SM2. These findings suggest that Bacillus cereus J2 holds significant promise for the bioremediation of SM2-contaminated environments. Full article

During pregnancy, primary Toxoplasma gondii infection can cause congenital toxoplasmosis (CT). We described the newborns’ outcomes from a multicentre cohort of mothers with seroconversion (SC) at different gestational ages. This retrospective observational study (from 2007 to 2018) was conducted in two Italian referral hospitals: Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo in Pavia and Spedali Civili in Brescia. In total, 247 pregnant women were enrolled: seroconversions were enrolled: seroconversions documented as having occurred in the two months preceding pregnancy in 12 cases (4.9%; 95% CI 2.2–7.5%), and during pregnancy in 235 cases (95.1%; 95% CI 92.5–97.8%). SC is defined as the appearance of specific anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (IgM/IgG) during pregnancy in a previously seronegative woman. A total of 56 (22.5%; 95% CI 17.3–27.7%) newborns were lost to follow-up; thus, the outcome of 193 (77.5%; 95% CI 72.3–82.7%) newborns was analyzed. The overall transmission rate of T. gondii infection was 23.8% (95% CI 17.8–29.8%), 0% (95% CI 0.0–11.9%) among the 1st trimester SCs, 12.5% (95% CI 5.6–19.4%) among the 2nd trimester SCs, 53.8% (95% CI 41.7–66.0%) among the 3rd trimester ones. No CT were found in the group of periconceptional infection. Among the infected newborns, clinically manifest cases were 12 (26.1%; 95% CI 13.4–38.8%), including 1 case (2.2%; 95% CI 2.0–6.4%) of stillbirth and 11 symptomatic neonates (23.9%; 95% CI 11.6–36.2%). A total of 83 amniocentesis were performed (33.6%; 95% CI 27.7–39.5%), no complication was recorded and no false positive or false negative results were registered. The results are in line with the fetal risks reported in literature for T. gondii infection during pregnancy, even if at a lower percentage probably due to a prompt treatment. Full article

Phytoplankton is essential in coastal marine ecosystems, aiding ecosystem stability and development of marine economy. Coastal ecosystems, as a transitional zone, feature complex, variable environmental factors that significantly affect phytoplankton growth. To assess the factors influencing the growth of phytoplankton in the bay area, this study measured chlorophyll a (Chla), nutrients, and four antibiotics (sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin) in seawater, as well as total nitrogen and total phosphorus contents in sediments at 25 stations in Lianzhou Bay. Principal component analysis and the risk quotient (RQ) were utilized for analysis and assessment. The results indicate that the factors influencing Chla concentrations are inconsistent between the nearshore and offshore areas of Lianzhou Bay. Specifically, abundant nutrients, high ammonia levels, and low enrofloxacin concentrations are the primary factors contributing to high Chla concentrations in the nearshore area. In contrast, hydrodynamic conditions, feeding by cultured shellfish, and adequate lighting collectively shape the distribution characteristics of Chla in the offshore area. Additionally, the ecological risk posed by antibiotics in this bay is relatively low. The findings of this study provide scientific evidence for local management of marine pollution sources and the optimization of aquaculture models, which is of great significance for sustainable utilization of marine ecological resources. Full article