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The emergence and spread of multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria has led to a resurgence in the clinical use of polymyxin antibiotics. However, the prevalence of polymyxin resistance is on the rise at an alarming rate, motivating the idea of combination therapy to sustain the revival of these "old" antibiotics. Although ample evidence in favor of combination therapy has emerged, it seems impracticable and confusing to find a promising combination from the diverse reports or gain adequate information on the efficacy and safety profile. With a stagnating discovery pipeline of novel antimicrobials, there is a clear need to fill the knowledge gaps in translating these basic research data to beneficial clinical practice. In this review, we examined the factors and ambiguities that stand as major hurdles in bringing polymyxin combination therapy to bedside care, highlighting the importance and urgency of incorporating translational research insights into areas of difficulty. We also discussed future research priorities that are essential to gather the necessary evidence and insights for promoting the best possible use of polymyxins in combination therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) Mxene (Ti 3 C 2 T x) is an emerging reinforcement. Due to its high aspect ratio and abundant surface functional groups, Ti 3 C 2 T x is widely used in polymer matrix composites and metal matrix composites (MMCs). In composites, the strengthening effect of Ti 3 C 2 T x is closely related to its lateral size, which is usually difficult to be controlled macroscopically. In this work, the Ti 3 C 2 T x flakes with two different lateral sizes are prepared by etching Ti 3 AlC 2 powders with different sizes. The lateral size of Ti 3 C 2 T x flakes prepared by etching 400 mesh Ti 3 AlC 2 powders is about 0.67 μm (F1), and that of Ti 3 C 2 T x flakes prepared by etching 200 mesh Ti 3 AlC 2 powders is about 1.83 μm (F2). The F1/ZK61 and F2/ZK61 composites are prepared by spark plasma sintering. The hardness and compressive yield strength (CYS) of the F1/ZK61 composite increased by 16.5% and 8.2%, respectively. The hardness and CYS of the F2/ZK61 composite increased by 7.9% and 5.3%, respectively. This work reveals the effects on mechanical properties by controlling the lateral size of Ti 3 C 2 T x flakes in the Ti 3 C 2 T x /ZK61 composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spindle-like hierarchical carbon structure of submicron dimensions is synthesized by floating catalytic deposition using a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)/ferrocene/chloroform precursor. The electron microscopic morphology characterizations demonstrate that as-prepared carbon micro-spindle (CMS) comprises three components: two symmetric carbon cones formed by curved graphitic filaments consisted of randomly orientated graphene layers, and one middle catalyst plate with a rough surface. CMSs only grow on large catalyst plates with complicated surface microstructures. Chlorine is employed to tune the crystallinity of the catalyst, leading to a rough surface of the catalyst plate. Graphene layers are deposited parallel to the catalyst surface. Carbon spindles sharing the same catalyst plate form CMS clusters. The electrochemical performance of CMSs is further investigated, showing good capacitance properties with excellent cycling stability, indicating its application potential in energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]