Trimethoprim, creatinine and creatinine-based equations

Co-trimoxazole is a frequently prescribed antibiotic worldwide. It is composed of both trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazol (Sfx) and is used in the treatment and prophylaxis of urinary tract and Pneumocystis jirovecii infections. The Sfx component appears to be nephrotoxic at high doses or doses inappropriately adjusted for glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The trimethoprim component, even at recommended doses, inhibits tubular creatinine secretion, leading to a rapid but ultimately reversible increase in serum creatinine independent of any changes in GFR. This translates into a falsely low estimated GFR when creatinine-based equations are used. This review focuses on evidence of the differential effects of trimethoprim and Sfx on serum creatinine concentrations and GFR and their relevance to clinical practice, with particular attention to kidney transplantation

Comparative Study of Photomechanical Effects in Linear and Star Azopolymers

We investigated the influence of the polymer macromolecular geometry and chain length in azobenzene containing polymeric liquid crystals (azo-PLC). In particular we studied the photomechanical effects (photoinduced expansion and shrinking) on monodispersed azo-PLCs (polydispersity index 1.08-1.17) prepared from the same monomer and different molecular weights, both in linear and 3-arm star conformation. The characterization has been carried out in thin films by high resolution null ellipsometry for a simultaneous and independent determination of both mechanical and optical properties (e. g., thickness and refractive index). The measurement system has been set up in a pump probe configuration for a real time characterization of the photoinduced dynamics. The effect of coupling introduced by the polymer star configuration is discussed