ABSTRACT
To harness the antimicrobial properties of a crude methanolic extract of Henna (Lawsonia inermis) leaf as a potential alternative sanitiser, there is the need to test its performance in different solutions. In this work, the effects of distilled water (dH20), Acetate-HCL (AH) Buffer (pH 4.6), Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS) (pH 7.2) and Tris-HCL (TBH) Buffer (pH 8.6) on the antibacterial and antiviral activity of the extract were assessed. Through standard phytochemical screening and HPLC-MS (LCMS STANDARD 7.M), it was found that the extract consisted of about 30 different compounds including flavonoids. The extent of the antimicrobial activity of the extract in solutions was in the increasing order of AH > dH2O >>>> TBH > PBS. Under the same conditions, reduced antibacterial activity and complete cessation of the antiviral activity of the extract in TBH and PBS was observed. However, in AH and dH20, within 1-5 min, 1 mg ml-1, 0.125 mg ml-1 and 0.0625 mg ml-1 of the extract caused complete inactivation of E.coli (reductions of 8.2 log CFU ml-1), B. subtilis (reductions of 8.2 log CFU ml-1) and MS2 (reductions of 9.7 log PFU ml-1) respectively. The fluorescence microscopy images of the live/dead staining of the inactivated bacterial samples validated the extent of the inactivation. The broad spectrum and high antimicrobial activity of the extract, coupled with the plant not a staple food, has long history of safe use by humans as a medicine and cosmetic, cheaply available in abundance in many regions of the world, thus making the extract a potential candidate as an alternative sanitiser in the time of COVID-19 Pandemic and beyond.
ABSTRACT
Background: Glycine is an endogenous, non-essential, simple amino acid produced in the human body. A 1.5% solution is commonly used for irrigation in gynecologic and urologic procedures as it is a sterile, clear, non-irritating liquid. It is neutral, mildly acidic and nonpyrogenic, and as it is produced by the human body it does not cause allergic reactions. If an excessive amount is absorbed during a procedure it can result in electrolyte abnormalities, such as hyponatremia or hypocalcemia. It can also result in transient vision disturbances, changes in heart rate, hypotension, hyperammonemia, or encephalopathy. Glycine has been used as a diluent in certain inhaled therapies for COVID-19 infections, such as epoprostenol. We describe a case where a 1.5% glycine solution was inadvertently used for humidified oxygen via high flow nasal cannula as opposed to distilled water. Case report: The patient was a 70-year-old male who was admitted to the hospital for hypoxia related to a COVID-19 infection with O2 saturations in the 70-80% range. He was placed on high flow nasal cannula to improve his oxygen levels. During his inpatient stay it was discovered that a 3-L bag of 1.5% glycine solution had been connected to the high flow nasal cannula instead of distilled water. This ran from Friday evening to the following Monday morning before the error was discovered. There was only 100mL of the glycine solution remaining in the bag when it was found. The patient continued to do well and had no new complaints during his stay. The case was called to the regional poison center which recommended monitoring electrolytes, watching for any possible respiratory symptoms and continuing supportive care. Initial lab work on admission showed a chemistry panel of Na 146, K 3.6, Cl 102, CO2 25.3, BUN 9, Cr 0.70, Glucose 106, Ca 9.3. Repeat lab work immediately after the mistake was found showed: Na 137, K 4.8 Cl 100, CO2 28, BUN 15, Cr 0.70, Glucose 129, Ca 9.0. On recommendations from poison control, electrolytes were monitored with repeat lab work 10 h after discontinuation of the glycine solution, showing: Na 135, K 4.3, Cl 97, CO2 26.8, Glucose 175, Ca 9.2. The patient did not develop any new complaints, had no reported altered mental status, epistaxis, nasal irritation or other symptoms related to the inhalation. He was eventually discharged home on oxygen for his persistent hypoxia related to his COVID-19 lung infection. Discussion(s): This case demonstrates that prolonged continuous inhalational exposure to a 1.5% glycine irrigation solution does not result in any mucosal irritation, metabolic or systemic toxic reactions, even though its pH is reportedly between 4.5 and 6.5. Thus, glycine solutions up to this concentration appear to be safely tolerated for its increasing use as an excipient for aerosolized medications. Conclusion(s): We describe a case where 1.5% glycine solution was inadvertently used in place of distilled water for humidified oxygen via high flow nasal cannula for approximately 3 days in a patient being treated for COVID-19 related pneumonia with no notable adverse effects.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Chlorhexidine, which is the gold-standard antimicrobial mouthwash, cannot effectively decrease the count of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the causative agent for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Since SARS-CoV-2 is susceptible to oxidation, mouthwashes containing oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2) or Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) are recommended to decrease the viral count. AIM: This study aimed to assess the effects of H2 O2 and PVP-I mouthwashes on the shear bond strength (SBS) of metal orthodontic brackets to the enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro experimental study evaluated 45 freshly extracted maxillary premolars. The teeth were cleaned and randomized into three groups (n = 15) for rinsing with distilled water (control group), 1% PVP-I (betadine), and 1.5% H2 O2 for 60 s. All teeth were etched with 37% phosphoric acid gel, and metal orthodontic brackets were bonded to the teeth using the Transbond XT bonding system. The teeth were mounted in auto-polymerized acrylic resin and incubated in water at 37°C for 72 h. The teeth were then thermocycled for 48 h, and their SBS was measured in a universal testing machine. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) score was also calculated. The groups were compared by ANOVA and Chi-square Monte Carlo test. RESULTS: No significant difference was noted among the three groups in SBS (p = 0.938) or the ARI score (p = 0.780). CONCLUSION: Use of H2 O2 and PVP-I mouthwashes has no adverse effect on SBS or mode of failure of metal orthodontic brackets bonded to enamel.
ABSTRACT
Background: Nasal route of drug administration has gained popularity nowadays specially for drugs acting on nasopulmonary area. Atazanavir is an antiviral drug which has proved efficacy in different viral infection including COVID-19. Therefore the hypothesis is, if given through intra nasal route this formulation will be able to prevent the viral infection like COVID-19 by directly acting on the virus at its entry point. Objectives: This study aims to prepare a stable mucoadhesive microcrystal formulation of this antiviral drug with good permeation for intra nasal delivery. Materials and Methods: The formulation was prepared by high-speed homogenization process. Prepared microcrystals were estimated for in vitro drug release and permeation, drug excipient interaction study by DSC, FTIR and in vitro mucoadhesiveness study on agar gel plate. A short-term stability study was conducted on all formulations for 6 months. Results: The melting point and absorbance maxima of atazanavir were found as 200.9°C and 248 nm. The DSC and FTIR study results confirmed no drug excipient interaction was there in the formulation. The particle size of the formulations was found as 5-11 µm in range. Drug release was better and faster from the microcrystals as compare to pure powder drug. The flux for microcrystal formulation was found to be 100 whereas flux for the pure drug powder was 24. Formulations had sufficient mucoadhesive strength due to incorporation of HPMC 400 polymer and they were found stable after six months stability study. Conclusion: Lastly, it can be concluded that this formulation would be a promising system for the delivery through intra nasal route as it showed good drug release and permeation during a short time span in in vitro nasal condition with a particle size range suitable for intranasal delivery. However, further in vivo studies are required to confirm the hypothesis.
ABSTRACT
Wearing facemasks, face shields and social distancing are some of health protocols that are being imposed to lessen the risk of viral transmission specifically COVID 19. All establishments here in the Philippines build their own sanitation booths to ensure virus prevention. This study aims to address the issues regarding the use of chemical disinfectants and manually placing them in sanitation booths, and the ineffective manual ways of sanitizing individuals. This study is a design project adopting the developmental type of research method. Hypochlorous acid (HOCL) has a lot of potential as a disinfectant. In an electrolysis chamber with dilute salt and distilled water, HOCL can be made. The researchers design a device to automate the manufacturing of HOCL, which will be use as disinfectant, and automatically sanitize individuals with a safer and non-toxic disinfectant. The researchers prepared questionnaires to assess the acceptability of the device. The statistical tool used in the interpretation of data is weighted arithmetic mean. The major finding of this study is the ability of the device to convert distilled water and salt into disinfectant solution with the electrolysis process utilized, the duration of the process that will optimally convert it is 40 minutes, with accurate reading of analog pH sensor and lessen the exposure to each individual through the automation of the sanitation booth. For that reason, the researchers conclude that this design project provides a way to ensure virus prevention using automatic sanitation booth with disinfectant (HOCL) solution that offers more benefits over traditional sanitation methods. The overall acceptability rating of the design project is 4.46, interpreted as Very Good which shows that the device has high satisfaction. © 2021 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
AIM: Levamisole, an antiparasitic drug, was reported to have positive effects in various clinical trials in the treatment of COVID-19. However, the number of studies on the effects of levamisole on the reproductive system and sexual behavior in male rats is limited. The present study aimed to investigate the possible effects of levamisole on sexual behavior, testicular histopathology, serum gonadotropin, and testosterone levels in male rats. METHODS: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups as control and levamisole were used. Rats were given levamisole (2 mg/kg) dissolved in distilled water for 30 days, while only distilled water was administered to the control group by oral gavage. Finally, sexual behavior tests (SBT) were performed for 30 min. Then, the animals were decapitated, blood samples and testis tissues were taken. The Bax, Hsp70 and cytochrome c immunohistochemistry staining were performed in testis tissues, and gene expression levels were measured by real-time PCR. The luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels were measured by ELISA in serum samples. RESULTS: In SBT parameters, mount latency (ML, p<0.001), intromission latency (IL, p<0.01), and the postejaculatory interval (PEI, p<0.01) were significantly prolonged. Also, the copulatory rate (CR, p<0.05) was significantly reduced. Serum LH, FSH, and testosterone levels did not change. In the histopathological stainings, irregularities in the seminiferous tubule germinal epithelium, congestion, edema in the interstitial area, and metaphase arrest in some spermatocytes were detected in the levamisole group (p<0.001). Levamisole treatment also significantly increased cytochrome c, Bax, and Hsp 70 immunoreactivities and Bax (p=0.05) and Hsp 70 (p<0.01) gene expression levels in testicular tissue. CONCLUSION: Levamisole may decrease sexual motivation and copulation efficiency. Also, it may adversely affect testicular histopathology in male rats.
ABSTRACT
Effects of drought and aerosol stresses were studied in a factorial experiment based on a Randomized Complete Design with triplicates on two ornamental shrubs. Treatments consisted of four levels of water container (40%, 30%, 20%, and 10% of water volumetric content of the substrate) and, after 30 days from experiment onset, three aerosol treatments (distilled water and 50% and 100% salt sea water concentrations). The trial was contextually replicated on two species: Callistemon citrinus (Curtis) Skeels and Viburnum tinus L. ‘Lucidum’. In both species, increasing drought stress negatively affected dry biomass, leaf area, net photosynthesis, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and relative water content. The added saline aerosol stress induced a further physiological water deficit in plants of both species, with more emphasis on Callistemon. The interaction between the two stress conditions was found to be additive for almost all the physiological parameters, resulting in enhanced damage on plants under stress combination. Total biomass, for effect of combined stresses, ranged from 120.1 to 86.4 g plant−1 in Callistemon and from 122.3 to 94.6 g plant−1 in Viburnum. The net photosynthesis in Callistemon declined by the 70% after 30 days in WC 10% and by the 45% and 53% in WC 20% and WC 10% respectively after 60 days. In Viburnum plants, since the first measurement (7 days), a decrease of net photosynthesis was observed for the more stressed treatments (WC 20% and WC 10%), by 57%. The overall data suggested that Viburnum was more tolerant compared the Callistemon under the experimental conditions studied.