High bacterial load in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) foams used in the treatment of chronic wounds

No earlier study has investigated the microbiology of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) foam using a standardized manner. The purpose of this study is to investigate the bacterial load and microbiological dynamics in NPWT foam removed from chronic wounds (>3 months). To determine the bacterial load, a standardized size of the removed NPWT foam was sonicated. The resulting sonication fluid was cultured, and the colony‐forming units (CFU) of each species were enumerated. Sixty‐eight foams from 17 patients (mean age 63 years, 71% males) were investigated. In 65 (97%) foams, ≥ 1 and in 37 (54%) ≥2 bacterial types were found. The bacterial load remained high during NPWT treatment, ranging from 10⁴ to 10⁶ CFU/ml. In three patients (27%), additional type of bacteria was found in subsequent foam cultures. The mean bacterial count ± standard deviation was higher in polyvinyl alcohol foam (6.1 ± 0.5 CFU/ml) than in polyurethane (5.5 ± 0.8 CFU/ml) (p = 0.02). The mean of log of sum of CFU/ml in foam from 125 mmHg (5.5 ± 0.8) was lower than in foam from 100 mmHg pressure (5.9 ± 0.5) (p = 0.01). Concluding, bacterial load remains high in NPWT foam, and routine changing does not reduce the load.     

Resveratrol Triggers Apoptosis Through Regulating Ceramide Metabolizing Genes in Human K562 Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells

Cancer is a major worldwide health problem and one of the leading causes of death either in developed or developing countries. Plant extracts and derivatives have always been used for various disease treatments and many anticancer agents issued from plants and vegetables are clinically recognized and used all over the world. Lycium europaeum (Solanaceae) also called “wolfberry” was known since ancient times in the Mediterranean area as a medicinal plant and used in several traditional remedies. The Lycium species capacity of reducing the incidence of cancer and also of halting or reserving the growth of cancer was reported by traditional healers. In this study, the antiproliferative capacity, protective properties, and antioxidant activity of the hydro-alcoholic fruit extract of Lycium europaeum were investigated. Results showed that Lycium extract exhibits the ability to reduce cancer cell viability, inhibits proliferation, and induces apoptosis in A549 human lung cancer cells and PC12 rat adrenal medulla cancer cells, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Cytotoxic effect on normal rat cerebellum granule cells was assessed to be nonsignificant. Results also showed that Lycium fruit extract protected lipids, proteins, and DNA against oxidative stress damages induced by H₂O₂ via scavenging reactive oxygen species.     

Comprehensive cytogenomic profile of the in vitro neuronal model SH-SY5Y

The widely studied SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line provides a classic example of how a cancer cell line can be instrumental for discoveries of broad biological and clinical significance. An important feature of the SH-SY5Y cells is their ability to differentiate into a functionally mature neuronal phenotype. This property has conferred them the potential to be used as an in vitro model for studies of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of the SH-SY5Y cytogenomic profile. Our results advocate for molecular cytogenetic data to inform the use of cancer cell lines in research.     

Results of intravitreal ranibizumab treatment for retinopathy of prematurity in infants

Purpose: To assess the results of intravitreal ranibizumab treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants.

Methods: A single-institution, retrospective consecutive case series.

Results: Thirty-one patients who received ranibizumab treatment for ROP were evaluated in this study. The mean follow-up time was 14?±?1.37?months. Vascularization of the peripheral retina had completed with delay in the majority of cases and also avascular areas were present in the peripheral retinas of five infants at one year of age. Although recurrence of ROP developed in 14 infants after single-dose ranibizumab treatment, only four infants received additional treatment due to recurrence of ROP requiring treatment. No serious ocular complications were reported, but, two infants died in this series.

Conclusion: Even so ranibizumab treatment is an effective therapy for ROP in early period, close monitoring after injection is necessary due to the high incidence of recurrence. In addition, questions remain regarding the systemic safety of ranibizumab. Further studies are needed to study the systemic and ocular side effects of ranibizumab.