ABSTRACT
A knowledge of the chemical content of Rhinoceros (Rhino) oil and its activity on selected biomolecules of experimental models would help boost the immune system against an immunocompromised COVID-19 status. The study seeks to evaluate the chemical and biomolecular profile of Rhino oil. Chemical profile was done using standard methods of analysis. 25 rats were assigned in five groups (A-E) (n=5). Animals in group A (control) were administered 0.5 ml of distilled water while those in groups B-E which were immunocompromised (by intraperitoneal administration of 5 mg/kg body weight (b.w) of lead [Pb]) were also administered distilled water, immunomodulatory drug (5 mg/kg body weight of zinc [Zn]), 2 and 5 mg/kg b.w of Rhino oil extract respectively, once daily for 8 days followed by biomolecular assay. Proximate analysis gave moisture content (14.37+/-0.29), among others. FAMEs analysis showed hexadecanoic acid (12.80%) and other esters. Lipid profile of the oil gave LDLC to contain (32.90+/-0.53 mg/L), and others. The physicochemical properties gave iodine value as (115.80+/-0.40 mg/g), among others. The metal composition revealed Zn (0.28+/-0.06) plus others. The amnio acid profile of the oil gave ten essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids respectively. The levels of biomolecules in serum of the animals were altered at specific doses of the oil extract. Altogether, the chemical content of the oil was significantly high, with altered biomolecular effect. The rich content of vital nutrients and chemicals of Rhino oil may boost the white blood cells against COVID-19. The isolation and characterization of the active principles of the oil is encouraged. Copyright © 2007 The authors.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: By nature of their specialty, otolaryngologists are disproportionately exposed to coronavirus disease 2019 through aerosol-generating procedures and close proximity to the oropharynx during examination. METHODS: Our single-centre, retrospective study analysed the pertinence of guidelines produced by ENT UK to improve the investigation and management of suspected upper aerodigestive fish bone foreign bodies during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated 43.3 per cent (n = 13) low-risk cases and 56.7 per cent (n = 17) moderate-risk cases. Nine fish bones (two low risk, seven moderate risk) were found; none of these were confirmed with X-ray and three (moderate risk) required nasoendoscopy for diagnosis. One patient required rigid pharyngoscopy. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that soft tissue neck X-ray and flexible nasoendoscopy are unnecessary in low-risk cases; however, early nasoendoscopy in higher suspicion cases is appropriate. Recommendations are made about the long-term sustainability of these guidelines, and additional measures are encouraged that relate to repeat attendances and varying prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 in the hospital catchment area.