scholarly journals Dendrimers and Dendritic Materials: From Laboratory to Medical Practice in Infectious Diseases

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Ángel Ortega ◽  
Alberto Guzmán Merino ◽  
Oscar Fraile-Martínez ◽  
Judith Recio-Ruiz ◽  
Leonel Pekarek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Polymeric Nanoparticles ◽  
Gene Transfection ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Antimicrobial Drugs ◽  
Innovative Tool ◽  
Traditional Approaches ◽  
Treatment And Diagnosis

Infectious diseases are one of the main global public health risks, predominantly caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The control of infections is founded on three main pillars: prevention, treatment, and diagnosis. However, the appearance of microbial resistance has challenged traditional strategies and demands new approaches. Dendrimers are a type of polymeric nanoparticles whose nanometric size, multivalency, biocompatibility, and structural perfection offer boundless possibilities in multiple biomedical applications. This review provides the reader a general overview about the uses of dendrimers and dendritic materials in the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of highly prevalent infectious diseases, and their advantages compared to traditional approaches. Examples of dendrimers as antimicrobial agents per se, as nanocarriers of antimicrobial drugs, as well as their uses in gene transfection, in vaccines or as contrast agents in imaging assays are presented. Despite the need to address some challenges in order to be used in the clinic, dendritic materials appear as an innovative tool with a brilliant future ahead in the clinical management of infectious diseases and many other health issues.

scholarly journals Phytochemicals: A Promising Weapon in the Arsenal against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1044
Author(s):  
Bahman Khameneh ◽  
N. A. Michael Eskin ◽  
Milad Iranshahy ◽  
Bibi Sedigheh Fazly Bazzaz
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
Safe Strategy ◽  
Wide Range

The extensive usage of antibiotics and the rapid emergence of antimicrobial-resistant microbes (AMR) are becoming important global public health issues. Many solutions to these problems have been proposed, including developing alternative compounds with antimicrobial activities, managing existing antimicrobials, and rapidly detecting AMR pathogens. Among all of them, employing alternative compounds such as phytochemicals alone or in combination with other antibacterial agents appears to be both an effective and safe strategy for battling against these pathogens. The present review summarizes the scientific evidence on the biochemical, pharmacological, and clinical aspects of phytochemicals used to treat microbial pathogenesis. A wide range of commercial products are currently available on the market. Their well-documented clinical efficacy suggests that phytomedicines are valuable sources of new types of antimicrobial agents for future use. Innovative approaches and methodologies for identifying plant-derived products effective against AMR are also proposed in this review.

scholarly journals Polymeric Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Therapies: An up-to-date Overview

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 724
Author(s):  
Vera Alexandra Spirescu ◽  
Cristina Chircov ◽  
Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu ◽  
Ecaterina Andronescu
Keyword(s):  
Drug Targeting ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Water Solubility ◽  
Polymeric Nanoparticles ◽  
Research Focus ◽  
Antimicrobial Drugs ◽  
Surface Attachment ◽  
Major Health ◽  
Low Toxicity ◽  
The Many

Despite the many advancements in the pharmaceutical and medical fields and the development of numerous antimicrobial drugs aimed to suppress and destroy pathogenic microorganisms, infectious diseases still represent a major health threat affecting millions of lives daily. In addition to the limitations of antimicrobial drugs associated with low transportation rate, water solubility, oral bioavailability and stability, inefficient drug targeting, considerable toxicity, and limited patient compliance, the major cause for their inefficiency is the antimicrobial resistance of microorganisms. In this context, the risk of a pre-antibiotic era is a real possibility. For this reason, the research focus has shifted toward the discovery and development of novel and alternative antimicrobial agents that could overcome the challenges associated with conventional drugs. Nanotechnology is a possible alternative, as there is significant evidence of the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of nanomaterials and nanoparticles in particular. Moreover, owing to their considerable advantages regarding their efficient cargo dissolving, entrapment, encapsulation, or surface attachment, the possibility of forming antimicrobial groups for specific targeting and destruction, biocompatibility and biodegradability, low toxicity, and synergistic therapy, polymeric nanoparticles have received considerable attention as potential antimicrobial drug delivery agents. In this context, the aim of this paper is to provide an up-to-date overview of the most recent studies investigating polymeric nanoparticles designed for antimicrobial therapies, describing both their targeting strategies and their effects.

Antimicrobial Peptides: A Promising Avenue for Human Healthcare

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Girish M. Bhopale
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Peptides ◽  
Antimicrobial Peptide ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Antimicrobial Drugs ◽  
Spectrum Activity ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Human Healthcare ◽  
Broad Spectrum Activity ◽  
Promising Avenue

Antimicrobial drugs resistant microbes have been observed worldwide and therefore alternative development of antimicrobial peptides has gained interest in human healthcare. Enormous progress has been made in the development of antimicrobial peptide during the last decade due to major advantages of AMPs such as broad-spectrum activity and low levels of induced resistance over the current antimicrobial agents. This review briefly provides various categories of AMP, their physicochemical properties and mechanism of action which governs their penetration into microbial cell. Further, the recent information on current status of antimicrobial peptide development, their applications and perspective in human healthcare are also described.

Multi-Epitope Vaccines (MEVs), as a Novel Strategy Against Infectious Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 354-364
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mahmoudi Goumari ◽  
Ibrahim Farhani ◽  
Navid Nezafat ◽  
Shirin Mahmoodi
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Epitope Prediction ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Antimicrobial Drugs ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
Time Consumption ◽  
Preclinical Evaluation ◽  
Structural Evaluation ◽  
Novel Strategy ◽  
Epitope Vaccines

Infectious diseases have caused historical pandemics in the world. Three strategies, including sanitation programs, antimicrobial drugs, and vaccines are considered for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Today, some infectious diseases cause millions of mortalities universally. Due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, as well as some limitations of traditional vaccines, focusing on novel strategies is essential. Multi-Epitope Vaccines (MEVs), as a novel strategy, have been designed based on immunoinformatics methods; epitope prediction by authentic servers, attachment of epitopes using proper linkers, physicochemical, immunological and structural evaluation by bioinformatics tools that are basic stages in MEVs designing. Advantages such as cost-effective, high safety, less time consumption in designing, the application of natural adjuvants, and satisfactory preclinical evaluation outstand MEVs than other types of vaccines. Therefore, MEVs are promising vaccines against resistant diseases such as lower respiratory infection and diarrhea.

scholarly journals Patterns of infections and antimicrobial drugs’ prescribing among pregnant women in Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed A. Baraka ◽  
Lina Hussain AlLehaibi ◽  
Hind Nasser AlSuwaidan ◽  
Duaa Alsulaiman ◽  
Md. Ashraful Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Maternal Complications ◽  
Multicenter Studies ◽  
Antimicrobial Drugs ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Categorization System ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Background Antimicrobial agents are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in pregnancy due to the increased susceptibility to infections during pregnancy. Antimicrobials can contribute to different maternal complications. Therefore, it is important to study their patterns in prescription and utilization. The data regarding this issue is scarce in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the aim of this study is to generate data on the antimicrobial agents that are most commonly prescribed during pregnancy as well as their indications and safety. Methods This is a retrospective study focusing on pregnant women with a known antimicrobial use at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH). The sample included 344 pregnant women with a total of 688 antimicrobial agents prescribed. Data was collected on the proportion of pregnant women who received antimicrobial agents and on the drug safety during pregnancy using the risk categorization system of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Results The results showed that urinary tract infections (UTIs) were the most reported (59%) infectious diseases. Around 48% of pregnant women received antimicrobial medications at some point during pregnancy. The top two antimicrobial agents based on prescription frequency were B-lactams (44.6%) and azole anti-fungals (30%). The prescribed drugs in the study were found to be from classes B, C and D under the FDA risk classification system. Conclusion The study revealed a high proportion of antimicrobials prescribed during pregnancy that might pose risks to mothers and their fetuses. Future multicenter studies are warranted to evaluate the rational prescription of antimicrobial medications during pregnancy.

scholarly journals Decompressive craniotomy: an international survey of practice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Midhun Mohan ◽  
◽  
Hugo Layard Horsfall ◽  
Davi Jorge Fontoura Solla ◽  
Faith C. Robertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Randomized Trial ◽  
Bone Flap ◽  
Acute Subdural Hematoma ◽  
International Survey ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Decompressive Craniotomy

Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke have devastating consequences and are major global public health issues. For patients that require a cerebral decompression after suffering a TBI or stroke, a decompressive craniectomy (DC) is the most commonly performed operation. However, retrospective non-randomized studies suggest that a decompressive craniotomy (DCO; also known as hinge or floating craniotomy), where a bone flap is replaced but not rigidly fixed, has comparable outcomes to DC. The primary aim of this project was to understand the current extent of usage of DC and DCO for TBI and stroke worldwide. Method A questionnaire was designed and disseminated globally via emailing lists and social media to practicing neurosurgeons between June and November 2019. Results We received 208 responses from 60 countries [40 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)]. DC is used more frequently than DCO, however, about one-quarter of respondents are using a DCO in more than 25% of their patients. The three top indications for a DCO were an acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) and a GCS of 9-12, ASDH with contusions and a GCS of 3-8, and ASDH with contusions and a GCS of 9-12. There were 8 DCO techniques used with the majority (60/125) loosely tying sutures to the bone flap. The majority (82%) stated that they were interested in collaborating on a randomized trial of DCO vs. DC. Conclusion Our results show that DCO is a procedure carried out for TBI and stroke, especially in LMICs, and most commonly for an ASDH. The majority of the respondents were interested in collaborating on a is a future randomized trial.

Antimicrobial Treatment of Acute Otitis Media

1994 ◽  
Vol 103 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 11-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel M. Canafax ◽  
G. Scott Giebink
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Otitis Media ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Acute Otitis Media ◽  
Antimicrobial Treatment ◽  
Speech Delay ◽  
Significant Morbidity ◽  
Antimicrobial Drugs ◽  
Etiologic Role ◽  
History Of

Episodes of acute otitis media frequently occur in childhood and are attended by significant morbidity, such as hearing loss and possible speech delay. Bacteria play an important etiologic role in the pathogenesis of otitis media; therefore, antimicrobial agents are the cornerstone in the treatment of this disease. Many antimicrobial choices are available for treating children with acute otitis media. To choose an antimicrobial for each patient, consideration must be given to the patient's age, history of otitis media episodes, and responses to previously used antimicrobial drugs, and the regional antimicrobial susceptibility of the otitis media pathogens.

An Insight into the Polymeric Nanoparticles Applications in Diabetes Diagnosis and Treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parisa Dehghani ◽  
Monireh Esameili Rad ◽  
Atefeh Zarepour ◽  
Ponnurengam Malliappan Sivakumar ◽  
Ali Zarrabi
Keyword(s):  
Polymeric Nanoparticles ◽  
Synthetic Polymers ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Diabetes Diagnosis ◽  
Transport Mechanisms ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Treatment And Diagnosis ◽  
Insight Into

: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a type of chronic metabolic disease that has affected millions of people worldwide and is known with a defect in the amount of insulin secretion, insulin functions, or both. This deficiency leads to an increase in the amounts of glucose, which could be accompanied by long-term damages to other organs such as eyes, kidneys, heart, and nervous system. Thus, introducing an appropriate approach for diagnosis and treatment of different types of DM is the aim of several researches. By the emergence of nanotechnology and its application in medicine, new approaches were presented for these purposes. The object of this review article is to introduce different types of polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs), as one of the most important classes of nanoparticles, for diabetic management. To achieve this goal, at first, some of the conventional therapeutic and diagnostic methods of DM will be reviewed. Then, different types of PNPs, in two forms of natural and synthetic polymers with different properties, as a new method for DM treatment and diagnosis will be introduced. In the next section, the transport mechanisms of these types of nano-carriers across the epithelium, via paracellular and transcellular pathways will be explained. Finally, the clinical use of PNPs in the treatment and diagnosis of DM will be summarized. Based on the results of this literature review, PNPs could be considered one of the most promising methods for DM management.

2015 Nelson's Pediatric Antimicrobial Therapy

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Antimicrobial Therapy ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Complete Information ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Dosing Regimens

New! This bestselling and widely used resource on pediatric antimicrobial therapy provides instant access to reliable, up-to-the-minute recommendations for treatment of all infectious diseases in children. For each disease, the authors provide a commentary to help health care providers select the best of all antimicrobial choices. Drug descriptions cover all antimicrobial agents available today, and include complete information about dosing regimens. In response to growing concerns about overuse of antibiotics, the book includes guidelines on when not to prescribe antimicrobials. Key 21st edition features! Contents

scholarly journals Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Resistance in ESKAPE Pathogens

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sirijan Santajit ◽  
Nitaya Indrawattana
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Drug Usage ◽  
Inappropriate Use ◽  
Public Health Challenges ◽  
Eskape Pathogens

The ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium,Staphylococcus aureus,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Acinetobacter baumannii,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andEnterobacterspecies) are the leading cause of nosocomial infections throughout the world. Most of them are multidrug resistant isolates, which is one of the greatest challenges in clinical practice. Multidrug resistance is amongst the top three threats to global public health and is usually caused by excessive drug usage or prescription, inappropriate use of antimicrobials, and substandard pharmaceuticals. Understanding the resistance mechanisms of these bacteria is crucial for the development of novel antimicrobial agents or other alternative tools to combat these public health challenges. Greater mechanistic understanding would also aid in the prediction of underlying or even unknown mechanisms of resistance, which could be applied to other emerging multidrug resistant pathogens. In this review, we summarize the known antimicrobial resistance mechanisms of ESKAPE pathogens.

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