Transdermal microconduits by microscission for drug delivery and sample acquisition

Background  

Painless, rapid, controlled, minimally invasive molecular transport across human skin for drug delivery and analyte acquisition is of widespread interest. Creation of microconduits through the stratum corneum and epidermis is achieved by stochastic scissioning events localized to typically 250 μm diameter areas of human skin in vivo.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Staphylococcus aureus</Emphasis> Evasion of Host Immunity in the Setting of Prosthetic Joint Infection: Biofilm and Beyond

Purpose of Review

The incidence of complications from prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is increasing, and treatment failure remains high. We review the current literature with a focus on Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis and biofilm, as well as treatment challenges, and novel therapeutic strategies.

Recent Findings

S. aureus biofilm creates a favorable environment that increases antibiotic resistance, impairs host immunity, and increases tolerance to nutritional deprivation. Secreted proteins from bacterial cells within the biofilm and the quorum-sensing agr system contribute to immune evasion. Additional immunoevasive properties of S. aureus include the formation of staphylococcal abscess communities (SACs) and canalicular invasion. Novel approaches to target biofilm and increase resistance to implant colonization include novel antibiotic therapy, immunotherapy, and local implant treatments.

Summary

Challenges remain given the diverse mechanisms developed by S. aureus to alter the host immune responses. Further understanding of these processes should provide novel therapeutic mechanisms to enhance eradication after PJI.

     

A protein binding the methylated 5''-terminal sequence, m7GpppN, of eukaryotic messenger RNA.

Ribosomal salt washes of Artemia salina embryos contain a protein(s) that binds [3H]m7GpppGpC and [3H]m7GpppGmpC, as measured by retention on nitrocellulose membrane filters. These oligonucleotides correspond in structure to the methylated 5'-terminal sequences (caps) present in many eukaryotic mRNAs. The cap binding protein does not bind the unmethylated counterparts of caps, e.g., [32P]GpppGpCp, or a derivative of m7GpppGmpC containing ring-opened m7G. None of the purified initiation factors IF-MP, IF-M2A, IF-M2B, IF-M3, or IF-MI binds the m7G-containing oligonucleotides.     

Oxidant-free,three-component synthesis of 7-amino-6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-ones under green conditions

An oxidant-free three-component synthesis of biologically significant 7-amino-6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-ones was established involving a Sc(OTf)₃ catalyzed three-component reaction between primary amines, β-ketoesters and 2-hydroxychalcones under green conditions. In this strategy, both the B and C rings of 6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-ones were constructed simultaneously starting from acyclic precursors by generating four new bonds including two C–C, one C–N and one C–O in a single synthetic operation. The mechanism of this sequential cascade process involves the initial formation of a β-enaminone intermediate followed by Michael addition with 2-hydroxychalcone, intramolecular cyclization, dehydration, lactonization and aromatization steps. Unlike the related literature approaches, this reaction delivered the products without the addition of any external oxidants to achieve the key aromatization step.

Three-component synthesis of 7-amino-6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-ones was achieved under oxidant-free green conditions.     

One rare side effect of zolpidem--sleepwalking: a case report

Zolpidem is an imidazopyridine agent indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Sleepwalking is a rare side effect of zolpidem. A review of the literature produced only 2 cases. We report a case of a male rehabilitation inpatient in his mid fifties with a history of alcoholism and traumatic brain injury who had undergone a right hip hemiarthroplasty. He had no history of somnambulism or insomnia but walked in his sleep on 2 nonconsecutive nights after taking zolpidem. He had exhibited no such behavior before taking zolpidem, on the intervening night that was he was not given medication, and after the medication was discontinued. We conclude that zolpidem can cause sleepwalking, and patients who have suffered a brain injury may be more susceptible to this side effect. Here we describe the clinical presentation and review the relevant literature on zolpidem and sleepwalking.     

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

A 2-year-old boy presented with low-grade fever and multiple progressive painful swellings over upper dorsal trunk and supraclavicular region with progressive stiffening of skin for the last 2 months. Examination revealed dysmorphic face, proximally placed thumb and bilateral hallux valgus. Hence, a diagnosis of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva was entertained