Sodium alginate 225mg/dose / Magnesium alginate 87.5mg/dose oral powder sachets sugar free

Phage therapy has enormous potential in combating bacterial resistance in food animals. However, its application via the oral route remains limited due to challenges associated with the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) environment and a lack of rigorous clinical trial evidence. Therefore, we systematically searched in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases following PRISMA guidelines and finally identified 111 articles on oral phage therapy in food animals from where we summarized the key physiological and chemical factors of the gut environment hindering the effectiveness of oral phage therapy (OPT), examined the methods used to evaluate phage stability in the GI environment, and highlighted potential strategies to mitigate these challenges. In addition, we performed quantitative analysis to visualize in vitro pH and thermal stability patterns of phages targeting bacteria isolated from food animals and variability in buffer and incubation period across stability studies. The GIT consists of several anatomically and functionally distinct segments, where complex interactions occur among digestive enzymes, gastric acids, electrolytes, commensal microbiota, and mucosal immune components. The acidic pH of the stomach is a major barrier to successful oral phage delivery. According to our analysis of pH stability testing data from the reviewed studies, most phages targeting antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in food animals remained stable at pH 5-9 and inactivated under highly acidic (pH ≤ 2) or highly alkaline (pH ≥ 11) conditions. In addition, phages are susceptible to high temperatures (above 60 °C), digestive enzymes (e.g., pepsin, trypsin, lipases), bile salts, and host immune responses. Several in vitro laboratory techniques are available to assess phage stability under simulated GI conditions, but variations occur in the assessment protocols. Microencapsulation using alginate and chitosan has been used to protect phages from the adverse GI environment. Additionally, enteric-coated capsules, antacids, co-encapsulation with acid-neutralizing agents, consumption of alkaline water, and daily phage administration are suggested to improve phage survival and efficacy. For the successful clinical implementation of OPT in food animals, future research should focus on elucidating the molecular and physicochemical determinants of phage stability, understanding the humoral immune response to OPT, standardizing laboratory protocol for assessing phage viability, improving the scalability of encapsulation methods, and exploring other potential delivery techniques.

Abstract licence: CC BY

IntroductionCurrent Belgian guidelines state that chronic proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is indicated for oesophagitis grade C and D, Barrett's oesophagus, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, or to prevent bleeding ulcers with chronic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) intake in patients at risk. Guidelines justify empiric short-term PPI therapy in other cases to control symptoms. Yet, there is insufficient PPI down-titration and/or cessation. As such, concerns have risen related to the impact of PPIs on the healthcare budget and increasing number of risks and side effects. This study aims to provide evidence to determine which strategy provides the most effective approach for stopping chronic intake of PPIs in patients in whom there is no firm medical indication for their continued use.Methods and analysisThis is a multicentre, pragmatic, randomised clinical trial. General practitioners will randomise 609 to one of three PPI deprescription strategies. Patients on a high-dose PPI are allowed to participate after down-titrating their dose to a maintenance dose for 1 month before being randomised. Patients unable to decrease the high-dose PPI are not to be randomised. Following randomisation, patients will be requested to adapt their PPI intake for 1 month to the allocated deprescription scheme: (a) on-demand PPI intake, (b) replace PPI to alginate intake and (c) intermittent PPI intake with a fixed scheme. After successfully following the deprescription strategy, patients are requested to completely stop their use of PPI. Patients are followed up for 1 year. The primary endpoint of the study is the percentage of patients achieving a successful therapeutic outcome, defined as limited PPI intake and willingness to continue the therapy, at the end of the follow-up period. Data will be collected using a study-specific online platform and analysed using the intention-to-treat approach.Ethics and disseminationThis trial was approved through the platform for Clinical Trials in the European Union by a Belgian ethics committee (CTIS reference: 2022-502375-37-00). Study results will be disseminated via open-access, peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Trial registration number NCT05629143.Trial registration numberNCT05629143, clinicaltrial.gov.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC

Chronic diabetic wounds are the most common complication for diabetic patients. Due to high oxidative stress levels affecting the entire healing process, treating diabetic wounds remains a challenge. Here, we present a strategy for continuously regulating oxidative stress microenvironment by the catalyst-like magnesium-gallate metal-organic framework (Mg-GA MOF) and developing sprayable hydrogel dressing with sodium alginate/chitosan quaternary ammonium salts to treat diabetic wounds. Chitosan quaternary ammonium salts with antibacterial properties can prevent bacterial infection. The continuous release of gallic acid (GA) effectively eliminates reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduces oxidative stress, and accelerates the polarization of M1-type macrophages to M2-type, shortening the transition between inflammation and proliferative phase and maintaining redox balance. Besides, magnesium ions adjuvant therapy promotes vascular regeneration and neuronal formation by activating the expression of vascular-associated genes. Sprayable hydrogel dressings with antibacterial, antioxidant, and inflammatory regulation rapidly repair diabetic wounds by promoting neurovascular network reconstruction and accelerating re-epithelialization and collagen deposition. This study confirms the feasibility of catalyst-like MOF-contained sprayable hydrogel to regulate the microenvironment continuously and provides guidance for developing the next generation of non-drug diabetes dressings.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

Hydrogels have emerged as promising functional materials for improving water management and nutrient delivery in agriculture, particularly under conditions of increasing water scarcity and declining soil fertility. However, most commercially available superabsorbent hydrogels are based on petroleum-derived polymers, raising concerns regarding their persistence in soils, potential microplastic formation and long-term environmental impact. In response, significant research efforts are being directed toward the development of biodegradable hydrogels derived from renewable biopolymers. This review provides a critical overview of recent advances in hydrogel systems designed for agricultural applications, with a particular focus on biopolymer-based materials. First, the current landscape of hydrogel technologies used as soil conditioners and controlled-release systems for agrochemicals is contextualized, highlighting the limitations of conventional synthetic hydrogels. Subsequently, the main classes of natural polymers explored for hydrogel fabrication, including polysaccharides (e.g., chitosan, alginate, cellulose and starch) and proteins (e.g., gelatin, keratin and soy protein), are analyzed in terms of raw material sources, gelation mechanisms and structure-property relationships. Their performance in key agricultural functions, such as water retention, controlled nutrient release, soil conditioning and enhancement of plant growth, is also discussed. Finally, the review identifies major challenges that currently hinder large-scale implementation, including mechanical stability, degradation behavior in complex soil environments, nutrient release control and economic scalability. By integrating recent progress and outlining emerging research directions, this work aims to support the rational design of next-generation biodegradable hydrogels capable of contributing to sustainable agriculture and circular bioeconomy strategies.

Abstract licence: CC BY

ObjectiveAlginate therapies are a promising option for managing gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), but most treatments are not recommended during pregnancy. This scoping review aimed to summarize the current outcomes research on the use of alginate therapy for treating GERD during pregnancy.Data sourcesEMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched from database inception to November 1, 2024. Reference lists of included studies were also searched.Review methodsWe included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies evaluating alginate use in pregnant individuals with GERD. Screening and data extraction were performed by three reviewers in duplicate. Extracted data included study design, location, population, study group allocation, and clinical outcomes. Descriptive statistics were calculated using Microsoft Excel.ResultsTwo RCTs and two prospective cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. Of the two RCTs identified, one evaluated an alginate formulation against a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and the other against a magnesium-aluminum antacid. Cohort studies reported investigator- and patient-rated treatment success at 89.7% and 90.0%, respectively, with 92.2% of participants having symptom relief within 20 min. Similar improvements in heartburn intensity and frequency were found when comparing alginates and antacids. Few maternal adverse effects were reported, and no fetal or neonatal outcomes were related to treatment. Safety profiles of alginates were comparable to PPIs and antacids.ConclusionCurrent literature on alginate therapy in pregnant women may suggest potential for symptom relief and favorable tolerability, but current evidence is limited by the few available prospective studies.Level of evidenceN/A.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC