Targeting Internalized Using Vancomycin-Loaded Nanoparticles to Treat Recurrent Bloodstream Infections.

The bacterial pathogen is a leading cause of bloodstream infections, where patients often suffer from relapse despite antibiotic therapy. Traditional anti-staphylococcal drugs display reduced effectivity against internalised bacteria, but nanoparticles conjugated with antibiotics can overcome these challenges. In the present study, we aimed to characterise the internalisation and re-emergence of from human endothelial cells and construct a new formulation of nanoparticles that target intracellular bacteria.

Evaluation of the effect of insulin sensitivity-enhancing lifestyle- and dietary-related adjuncts on antidepressant treatment response: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Depression is associated with insulin resistance (IR). However, the potential beneficial effect, on antidepressant treatment response, of adjunctive therapy with insulin sensitivity-enhancing lifestyle and dietary interventions (exercise; supplementation with: vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, probiotics or omega-3 fatty acids) has not been systematically explored.

Aims: To determine the effect of the above stated adjuncts on antidepressant treatment response in clinically depressed patients via a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Evaluation of the activity of a chemo-ablative, thermoresponsive hydrogel in a murine xenograft model of lung cancer.

Background: Minimally invasive intratumoural administration of thermoresponsive hydrogels, that transition from liquid to gel in response to temperature, has been proposed as a potential treatment modality for solid tumours. The aim of this study was to assess the inherent cytotoxicity of a poloxamer-based thermoresponsive hydrogel in a murine xenograft model of lung cancer.

Methods: In vitro viability assessment was carried out in a lung cancer (A549) and non-cancerous (Balb/c 3T3 clone A31) cell line.

Do interruptions to the continuity of methadone maintenance treatment in specialist addiction settings increase the risk of drug-related poisoning deaths? A retrospective cohort study.

Aims: To examine the risk of mortality associated with interruptions to the continuity of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), including transfers between services, in opioid-dependent individuals attending specialist addiction services.

Design: Retrospective cohort study using addiction services and primary care dispensing records, the National Methadone Register and National Drug-Related Death Index (NDRDI).

Setting: Geographically defined population in Dublin, Ireland.

Evaluation of the effect of insulin sensitivity-enhancing lifestyle- and dietary-related adjuncts on antidepressant treatment response: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is known to be associated with insulin resistance (IR). Insulin resistance worsens the symptoms of depression and reduces the effectiveness of antidepressant medications in some depressed patients. Many studies have assessed the effect of adjunctive exercise, vitamin D supplementation, zinc supplementation, magnesium, probiotics, unsaturated fatty acids, and hygienic-dietary recommendations (sleep hygiene, healthy diet, physical activity, and sunlight exposure, combined or singly used), individually, on antidepressant treatment response.

Persistent inhibition of hippocampal long-term potentiation in vivo by learned helplessness stress.

The persistent cognitive disruptive effects of stress have been strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Here we examined factors influencing the time course of recovery from the inhibitory effect of acute inescapable stressors on the ability to induce long-term potentiation (LTP) in the dorsal hippocampus in vivo. We tested different forms of LTP, different stressors and different inbred strains of rats.

5-HT2 receptor-mediated reversal of the inhibition of hippocampal long-term potentiation by acute inescapable stress.

The serotonergic system is known to modulate and mediate many of the central nervous system effects of stress. Here we investigated the ability of serotonergic agents to reverse the inhibition of the induction of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) caused by prior exposure to inescapable stress. Elevated platform stress prevented the induction of LTP in the CA1 area of anaesthetized rats.