Chronic inflammation is linked with the generation and progression of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes and atherosclerosis, and anti-inflammatory drugs therefore have the potential to assist in the treatment of these conditions. Carica papaya is a tropical plant that is traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments including inflammatory conditions. A literature search was conducted by using the keywords ''papaya'', ''anti-inflammatory and inflammation'' and ''immunomodulation and immune'' along with cross-referencing. Both in vitro and in vivo investigation studies were included. This is a review of all studies published since 2000 on the antiinflammatory activity of papaya extracts and their effects on various immune-inflammatory mediators. Studies on the anti-inflammatory activities of recognized phytochemicals present in papaya are also included. Although in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that papaya extracts and papaya-associated phytochemicals possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, clinical studies are lacking. ARTICLE HISTORY

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The combination product meropenem-vaborbactam, with activity against KPC-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, is likely to be used during renal replacement therapy. The aim of this work was to describe the extracorporeal removal (adsorption and clearance) of meropenem-vaborbactam during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH).

Evaluation of dosing regimens for critically ill patients requires pharmacokinetic data in this population. This prospective observational study aimed to describe the population pharmacokinetics of unbound ceftolozane and tazobactam in critically ill patients without renal impairment and to assess the adequacy of recommended dosing regimens for treatment of systemic infections. Patients received 1.5 or 3.0 g ceftolozane-tazobactam according to clinician recommendation. Unbound ceftolozane and tazobactam plasma concentrations were assayed, and data were analyzed with Pmetrics with subsequent Monte Carlo simulations. A two-compartment model adequately described the data from twelve patients. Urinary creatinine clearance (CLCR) and body weight described between-patient variability in clearance and central volume of distribution (V), respectively. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) parameter estimates for unbound ceftolozane and tazobactam, respectively, were CL of 7.2 ± 3.2 and 25.4 ± 9.4 liters/h, V of 20.4 ± 3.7 and 32.4 ± 10 liters, rate constant for distribution of unbound ceftolozane or tazobactam from central to peripheral compartment (Kcp) of 0.46 ± 0.74 and 2.96 ± 8.6 h−1, and rate constant for distribution of unbound ceftolozane or tazobactam from peripheral to central compartment (Kpc) of 0.39 ± 0.37 and 26.5 ± 8.4 h−1. With dosing at 1.5 g and 3.0 g every 8 h (q8h), the fractional target attainment (FTA) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was ≥85% for directed therapy (MIC ≤ 4 mg/liter). However, for empirical coverage (MIC up to 64 mg/liter), the FTA was 84% with the 1.5-g q8h regimen when creatinine clearance is 180 ml/min/1.73 m2, whereas the 3.0-g q8h regimen consistently achieved an FTA of ≥85%. For a target of 40% of time the free drug concentration is above the MIC (40% fT>MIC), 3g q8h by intermittent infusion is suggested unless a highly susceptible pathogen is present, in which case 1.5-g dosing could be used. If a higher target of 100% fT>MIC is required, a 1.5-g loading dose plus a 4.5-g continuous infusion may be adequate.

ObjectivesPublished in vitro stability data for ceftolozane–tazobactam supports intermittent short duration infusions. This method of delivery is not feasible for many outpatient antimicrobial therapy services that provide only one or two visits per day. This study aimed to assess time, temperature and concentration-dependent stability of ceftolozane–tazobactam in an elastomeric infusion device for continuous infusion across clinically relevant ranges encountered in outpatient antimicrobial therapy.MethodsCeftolozane–tazobactam was prepared to achieve initial concentrations representing total daily doses for ‘renal’, ‘standard’ and ‘high’ dose schedules in elastomeric infusion devices with a volume of 240 mL. Infusion devices incubated at room and body temperature were serially sampled over 48 hours. Refrigerated infusion devices were sampled over 10 days. Concentrations of ceftolozane and tazobactam were separately quantified using a validated ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array method.ResultsThe greatest loss of ceftolozane occurred at 37°C, however, stability remained above 90% at 24 hours. Tazobactam was more stable than ceftolozane under these conditions. There was minimal loss at 4°C for either component over 7 days.ConclusionsCeftolozane-tazobactam is suitable for ambulatory care delivered as a continuous infusion via an elastomeric infusion device.