RESULTS: Administration of GPs significantly upregulated expression of tight-junction proteins and mucins in Kunming mouse small-intestine tissue. Garlic polysaccharides elevated cecal butyric acid content, reduced the abundance of Desulfobacterota, and decreased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (the F/B ratio). Garlic polysaccharides also promoted the growth of Bacteroides acidifaciens and Clostridium saccharogumia. Tax4Fun functional predictions suggested the potential of GPs to prevent human diseases, reducing the risk of insulin resistance, infectious diseases, and drug resistance. Garlic polysaccharides also exhibited a beneficial effect in alleviating loperamide-induced constipation symptoms by enhancing small intestinal transit, softening stool consistency, accelerating bowel movements, and promoting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the important role of GPs in maintaining gut fitness by enhancing intestinal barrier function and peristalsis. Garlic polysaccharides are promising prebiotics, potentially contributing to overall intestinal well-being and health. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
METHODS: We included adult cancer patients receiving capecitabine at Sarawak General Hospital for at least two cycles from April 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. HFS rates, time to HFS, and proportions of HFS-related treatment modifications were determined. Characteristics between patients with and without HFS were compared and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for all-grade HFS and grade ≥2.
RESULTS: Among 369 patients, 185 (50.1%) developed HFS, with 14.6% experiencing grade ≥2 and 21.6% (40/185) underwent treatment modifications. Risk factors for all-grade HFS include older age (OR 1.03 95%CI 1.01, 1.06), prior chemotherapy (OR 2.09 95%CI 1.22, 3.58), higher capecitabine dose (OR 2.96 95%CI 1.62, 5.38), prolonged treatment (OR 1.36 95%CI 1.21, 1.51), folic acid intake (OR 3.27 95%CI 1.45, 7.35) and lower neutrophil count (OR 0.77 95%CI 0.66, 0.89). For HFS grade ≥2, older age (OR 1.04 95%CI 1.01, 1.08), female sex (OR 2.10 95%CI 1.05, 4.18), Chinese race (OR 2.10 95%CI 1.06, 4.18), and higher capecitabine dose (OR 2.62 95%CI 1.28, 5.35) are significant risk factors. Use of calcium channel blockers were associated with reduced risks of all-grade HFS (OR 0.27, 95%CI 0.12, 0.60) and grade ≥2 (OR 0.21 95%CI 0.06, 0.78).
CONCLUSION: This study provides real-world data on capecitabine-induced HFS in Malaysian patients and identifies risk factors that may offer insights into its understanding and management.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five healthy male Wistar rats were used, consisting of the negative control group, which was only injected with Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria ATCC3322. The positive control group was given enzyme toothpaste, and the treatment group was assigned 1 mg of Nigella sativa paste using a microbrush for 30 seconds on the gingiva incisors mandibular with a circular motion, given two times a day for a week. Immunohistochemical to see the expression of TNF-α, PGE-2, and MMP-9. Parametric comparative analysis using a one-way analysis of variance test was performed to analyze differences between groups.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Nigella sativa toothpaste significantly reduced proinflammatory cytokines, as seen through the expression of TNF-α, PGE-2, and MMP-9 on days 3, 5, and 7 (p <0.05).
CONCLUSION: In the limit of studied animal model, this trial indicates that giving toothpaste with black seed extract (Nigella sativa) could inhibit inflammatory mediators, as seen from the decreased expression of MMP-9, TNF-α, and PGE-2 seen from the 3rd, 5th, and 7th days.
METHODS: Standard methods were used for analyzing the antimicrobial susceptibility tests. The checkerboard technique was used for the in vitro assessment of fortimicin antibiotic combinations against 51 MDR P. aeruginosa and whole genome sequencing was used to determine the resistome of PDR isolate.
RESULTS: Out of 51 MDR P. aeruginosa, the highest synergistic effect was recorded for a combination of fortimicin with β-lactam group as meropenem, ceftazidime, and aztreonam at 71%, 59% and 43%, respectively. Of note, 56.8%, 39.2%, and 37.2% of the tested MDR isolates that had synergistic effects were also resistant to meropenem, ceftazidime, and aztreonam, respectively. The highest additive effects were recorded for combining fortimicin with amikacin (69%) and cefepime (44%) against MDR P. aeruginosa. Resistome analysis of the PDR isolate reflected its association with the antibiotic resistance phenotype. It ensured the presence of a wide variety of antibiotic-resistant genes (β-lactamases, aminoglycosides modifying enzymes, and efflux pump), rendering the isolate resistant to all clinically relevant anti-pseudomonal agents.
CONCLUSION: Fortimicin in combination with classical anti-pseudomonal agents had shown promising synergistic activity against MDR P. aeruginosa. Resistome profiling of PDR P. aeruginosa enhanced the rapid identification of antibiotic resistance genes that are likely linked to the appearance of this resistant phenotype and may pave the way to tackle antimicrobial resistance issues shortly.
METHODS: This was a web-based cross-sectional study conducted among the public in Malaysia between August to October 2022. All Malaysian adults over 18 years of age were included. Knowledge on home quarantine instructions and COVID-19 warning signs were measured using "True," "False," or "I'm not sure", while attitude towards home quarantine instructions was measured using a five-point Likert Scale. The questionnaire was initially constructed in English and then translated into the national language, Bahasa Malaysia. Face and content validation were performed. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was found to be satisfactory.
RESULTS: 1,036 respondents were analyzed, comprised mostly of females (743, 71.6%) with a history of COVID-19 (673, 64.9%). In the knowledge domain, more than 80% of the respondents answered 9 out of 11 home quarantine instructions statements correctly. 457 (44.1%) were unaware or unsure about the minimum distance of the infected individual's bed from the rest of the occupants in a shared bedroom. The respondents reported relatively weaker knowledge in identifying uncommon warning signs of COVID-19 deterioration, including anuria (162, 44.5%), ingestion problems (191, 52.5%), and immobility (195, 53.6%). In the attitude domain, more than 90% of respondents answered correctly in 8 out of 9 questions. Respondents with a previous history of COVID-19 infections had better knowledge than COVID-19 infection-naïve individuals towards both home quarantine instructions and COVID-19 warning signs.
CONCLUSION: Most respondents had good knowledge and attitude towards home quarantine instructions, with those previously infected with COVID-19 showing greater awareness of uncommon warning signs. However, there was a notable lack of awareness regarding physical distancing within shared rooms, appropriate disinfectant use and mobility limitation within the household. This study highlights the knowledge gaps to be improved in future educational campaigns.