The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on harm reduction services in Spain.

Background: Containment policies and other restrictions introduced by the Spanish government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic present challenges for marginalised populations, such as people who use drugs. Harm reduction centres are often linked to social services, mental health services, and infectious disease testing, in addition to tools and services that help to reduce the harms associated with injecting drugs. This study aimed to explore the impact of the pandemic on these services in four autonomous communities in Spain.

Small molecule anion transporters display in vitro antimicrobial activity against clinically relevant bacterial strains.

Highly active transmembrane anion transporters have demonstrated their activity against antibiotic-resistant and clinically relevant bacterial strains. This type of compound offers promise as a strategy to develop novel antibacterial agents.

Safety and effectiveness of sodium colistimethate-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (SCM-NLC) against P. aeruginosa: in vitro and in vivo studies following pulmonary and intramuscular administration.

The usefulness of nanotechnology to increase the bioavailability of drugs and decrease their toxicity may be a tool to deal with multiresistant P. aeruginosa (Mr-Pa) respiratory infections. We describe the preparation and the in vivo efficacy and safety of sodium colistimethate-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (SCM-NLC) by the pulmonary and intramuscular routes.

Immuno-modulatory effect of local rhEGF treatment during tissue repair in diabetic ulcers.

Wound healing is a complex process that can be severely impaired due to pathological situations such as diabetes mellitus. Diabetic foot ulcers are a common complication of this pathology and are characterized by an excessive inflammatory response. In this work, the effects of local treatment with recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) were studied using a full-thickness wound healing model in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

HIV Rapid Testing Programs in Non-Clinical Settings have the Potential to Constitute a Major Diagnostic Option for MSM in Spain.

We analyze the impact of HIV rapid testing (RT) programs in non-clinical settings (NCS) by evaluating their contribution to new diagnoses reported to the Spanish HIV Surveillance System (SINIVIH) from 2007 to 2012. We estimate the proportion of new diagnoses reported to SINIVIH attributable to them and the maximum annual contribution (MAC). Of 95.

Pulmonary delivery of tobramycin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections associated with cystic fibrosis.

Among the pathogens that affect cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most prevalent. As a way to fight against this infection, nanotechnology has emerged over the last decades as a promising alternative to overcome resistance to antibiotics in infectious diseases. The goal of this work was to elaborate and characterize lipid nanoparticles for pulmonary delivery of tobramycin.

Sodium colistimethate loaded lipid nanocarriers for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections associated with cystic fibrosis.

Lung impairment is the most life-threatening factor for cystic fibrosis patients. Indeed, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the main pathogen in the pulmonary infection of these patients. In this work, we developed sodium colistimethate loaded lipid nanoparticles, namely, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), as a strategy to enhance the antimicrobial therapy against P.

A novel strategy for the treatment of chronic wounds based on the topical administration of rhEGF-loaded lipid nanoparticles: In vitro bioactivity and in vivo effectiveness in healing-impaired db/db mice.

Lipid nanoparticles are currently receiving increasing interest because they permit the topical administration of proteins, such as recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF), in a sustained and effective manner. Because chronic wounds have become a major healthcare burden, the topical administration of rhEGF-loaded lipid nanoparticles, namely solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carries (NLC), appears to be an interesting and suitable strategy for the treatment of chronic wounds. Both rhEGF-loaded lipid nanoparticles were prepared through the emulsification-ultrasonication method; however, the NLC-rhEGF preparation did not require the use of any organic solvents.

Cellulose acetate phthalate microparticles containing Vibrio cholerae: steps toward an oral cholera vaccine.

Oral cholera vaccine (OCV) has been recommended in some endemic areas and epidemic situations since 1999. Although safe and effective vaccines are currently on the market, the burden of transport and storage remains an issue. Herein, we report an approach to develop an alternative OCV in the form of a gastro-resistant powder.

Biomedical applications of immobilized enzymes: an update.

Immobilized enzymes have been widely studied during the last few decades. Biocatalyst systems may work as biosensors or may be used for the treatment of different diseases. This chapter presents different attempts to immobilize enzymes in the biomedical field, particularly the use of prolidase and superoxide dismutase as two examples of this approach.

Repeated dose toxicity study of Vibrio cholerae-loaded gastro-resistant microparticles.

Context: Microencapsulation of antigens has been extensively studied over the last decades aiming at improving the immunogenicity of vaccine candidates.

Objective: Addressing microparticles (MPs) toxicity in rats.

Material And Methods: Spray-dried Eudragit® L 30 D-55 MPs and Eudragit® L 30 D-55 alginate MPs were elaborated and characterized.

A new oral vaccine candidate based on the microencapsulation by spray-drying of inactivated Vibrio cholerae.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the microencapsulation by spray-drying of inactivated Vibrio cholerae, using methacrylic copolymers Eudragit® L30D-55 and FS30D. The microparticles obtained presented a particle size around 3.0 μm.