Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 588 in total

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  1. Facile Synthesis and Applications of Flavonoid-Heterocyclic Derivatives
    Farooq S, Ngaini Z
    Curr Top Med Chem, 2025;25(1):47-62.
    PMID: 38847246 DOI: 10.2174/0115680266303704240524080333
    Flavonoids belong to the polyphenol group that naturally exists in fruits, vegetables, tea, and grains. Flavonoids, as secondary metabolites, show indispensable contributions to biological processes and the responses of plants to numerous environmental factors. The bioactivity of flavonoids depends on C6-C3-C6 ring substitution patterns that exhibit bioactive antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. The synthesis of flavonoids has been reported by various methodologies. Therefore, the present review systematically summarizes the synthesis of recent heterocyclic flavonoid derivatives via facile synthetic approaches since the research in flavonoids is useful for therapeutic and biotechnology fields.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/chemical synthesis; Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology; Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry
  2. Fulltext Recent Updates on Treatment of Ocular Microbial Infections by Stem Cell Therapy: A Review
    Teh SW, Mok PL, Abd Rashid M, Bastion MC, Ibrahim N, Higuchi A, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2018 Feb 13;19(2).
    PMID: 29438279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020558
    Ocular microbial infection has emerged as a major public health crisis during the past two decades. A variety of causative agents can cause ocular microbial infections; which are characterized by persistent and destructive inflammation of the ocular tissue; progressive visual disturbance; and may result in loss of visual function in patients if early and effective treatments are not received. The conventional therapeutic approaches to treat vision impairment and blindness resulting from microbial infections involve antimicrobial therapy to eliminate the offending pathogens or in severe cases; by surgical methods and retinal prosthesis replacing of the infected area. In cases where there is concurrent inflammation, once infection is controlled, anti-inflammatory agents are indicated to reduce ocular damage from inflammation which ensues. Despite advances in medical research; progress in the control of ocular microbial infections remains slow. The varying level of ocular tissue recovery in individuals and the incomplete visual functional restoration indicate the chief limitations of current strategies. The development of a more extensive therapy is needed to help in healing to regain vision in patients. Stem cells are multipotent stromal cells that can give rise to a vast variety of cell types following proper differentiation protocol. Stem cell therapy shows promise in reducing inflammation and repairing tissue damage on the eye caused by microbial infections by its ability to modulate immune response and promote tissue regeneration. This article reviews a selected list of common infectious agents affecting the eye; which include fungi; viruses; parasites and bacteria with the aim of discussing the current antimicrobial treatments and the associated therapeutic challenges. We also provide recent updates of the advances in stem cells studies on sepsis therapy as a suggestion of optimum treatment regime for ocular microbial infections.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/adverse effects; Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use
  3. Antimicrobial discovery from natural and unusual sources
    Ali SM, Siddiqui R, Khan NA
    J Pharm Pharmacol, 2018 Oct;70(10):1287-1300.
    PMID: 30003546 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12976
    OBJECTIVES: Whether vertebrates/invertebrates living in polluted environments are an additional source of antimicrobials.

    KEY FINDINGS: Majority of antimicrobials have been discovered from prokaryotes and those which are of eukaryotic origin are derived mainly from fungal and plant sources. With this in mind, it is important to note that pests, such as cockroaches come across pathogenic bacteria routinely, yet thrive in polluted environments. Other animals, such as snakes thrive from feeding on germ-infested rodents. Logically, such species must have developed an approach to protect themselves from these pathogens, yet they have largely been ignored as a potential source of antimicrobials despite their remarkable capability to fight disease-causing organisms.

    SUMMARY: Animals living in polluted environments are an underutilized source for potential antimicrobials, hence it is believed that several novel bioactive molecule(s) will be identified from these sources to counter increasingly resistant bacterial infections. Further research will be necessary in the development of novel antimicrobial(s) from these unusual sources which will have huge clinical impact worldwide.

    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/isolation & purification*; Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology*
  4. Application of antimicrobial active packaging film made of semolina flour, nano zinc oxide and nano-kaolin to maintain the quality of low-moisture mozzarella cheese during low-temperature storage
    Jafarzadeh S, Rhim JW, Alias AK, Ariffin F, Mahmud S
    J Sci Food Agric, 2019 Apr;99(6):2716-2725.
    PMID: 30350410 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.9439
    BACKGROUND: Active food packaging films with improved properties and strong antimicrobial activity were prepared by blending mixed nanomaterials with different ratio [1:4 (40 mg:160 mg), 3:2 (120 mg: 80 mg), 0:5 (0 mg: 200 mg) and 5:0 (200 mg:0 mg)] of ZnO and kaolin with semolina using a solvent casting method and used for the packaging of low moisture mozzarella cheese to test the effect of packaging on the quality change of the cheese for long-term (up to 72 days) refrigerated storage.

    RESULTS: Compared with the neat semolina film, mechanical strength (TS) of the nanocomposite films increased significantly (increase in 21-65%) and water vapor barrier (WVP) and O2 gas barrier (OP) properties decreased significantly (decrease in 43-50% and 60-65%, respectively) depending on the blending ratio of ZnO and kaolin nanoclay. The nanocomposite films also exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus), yeast (C. albicans), and mold (A. niger). The nanocomposite packaging films were effectively prevented the growth of microorganisms (coliforms, total microbial, and fungi) of the cheese during storage at low-temperature and showed microbial growth of less than 2.5 log CFU/g after 72 days of storage compared to the control group, and the quality of the packaged cheese was still acceptable.

    CONCLUSION: The semolina-based nanocomposite films, especially Sem/Z3 K2 film, were effective for packaging of low moisture mozzarella cheese to maintain the physicochemical properties (pH, moisture, and fat content) and quality (color, taste, texture, and overall acceptability) of the cheese as well as preventing microbial growth (coliforms, total microbial, and fungi). © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology*; Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry
  5. Fulltext Potential Antimicrobial Applications of Chitosan Nanoparticles (ChNP)
    Rozman NAS, Tong WY, Leong CR, Tan WN, Hasanolbasori MA, Abdullah SZ
    J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2019 Jul 28;29(7):1009-1013.
    PMID: 31288302 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.1904.04065
    Polymeric nanoparticles are widely used for drug delivery due to their biodegradability property. Among the wide array of polymers, chitosan has received growing interest among researchers. It was widely used as a vehicle in polymeric nanoparticles for drug targeting. This review explored the current research on the antimicrobial activity of chitosan nanoparticles (ChNP) and the impact on the clinical applications. The antimicrobial activities of ChNP were widely reported against bacteria, fungi, yeasts and algae, in both in vivo and in vitro studies. For pharmaceutical applications, ChNP were used as antimicrobial coating for promoting wound healing, preventing infections and combating the rise of infectious disease. Besides, ChNP also exhibited significant inhibitory on foodborne microorganisms, particularly on fruits and vegetables. It is noteworthy that ChNP can be also applied to deliver antimicrobial drugs, which further enhance the efficiency and stability of the antimicrobial agent. The present review addresses the potential antimicrobial applications of ChNP from these few aspects.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology*; Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry*
  6. Fulltext Terpene Derivatives as a Potential Agent against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Pathogens
    Mahizan NA, Yang SK, Moo CL, Song AA, Chong CM, Chong CW, et al.
    Molecules, 2019 Jul 19;24(14).
    PMID: 31330955 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24142631
    The evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogens has prompted extensive research to find alternative therapeutics. Plants rich with natural secondary metabolites are one of the go-to reservoirs for discovery of potential resources to alleviate this problem. Terpenes and their derivatives comprising of hydrocarbons, are usually found in essential oils (EOs). They have been reported to have potent antimicrobial activity, exhibiting bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against tested pathogens. This brief review discusses the activity of terpenes and derivatives against pathogenic bacteria, describing the potential of the activity against AMR followed by the possible mechanism exerted by each terpene class. Finally, ongoing research and possible improvisation to the usage of terpenes and terpenoids in therapeutic practice against AMR are discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology*; Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry*
  7. The biological activities of the spiderworts (Tradescantia)
    Tan JBL, Kwan YM
    Food Chem, 2020 Jul 01;317:126411.
    PMID: 32087517 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.126411
    Widely used throughout the world as traditional medicine for treating a variety of diseases ranging from cancer to microbial infections, members of the Tradescantia genus show promise as sources of desirable bioactive compounds. The bioactivity of several noteworthy species has been well-documented in scientific literature, but with nearly seventy-five species, there remains much to explore in this genus. This review aims to discuss all the bioactivity-related studies of Tradescantia plants and the compounds discovered, including their anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities. Gaps in knowledge will also be identified for future research opportunities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology; Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry
  8. Antimicrobial properties of starch films incorporated with chitosan nanoparticles: In vitro and in vivo evaluation
    Shapi'i RA, Othman SH, Nordin N, Kadir Basha R, Nazli Naim M
    Carbohydr Polym, 2020 Feb 15;230:115602.
    PMID: 31887886 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115602
    Chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) were synthesized via ionic gelation and used for the preparation of starch-based nanocomposite films containing different concentration of CNP (0, 5, 10, 15, 20% w/w). Antimicrobial properties of starch/CNP films was evaluated via in vitro (disc diffusion analysis) and in vivo (microbial count in wrapped cherry tomatoes) study. It was found that inhibitory zone of the 15 and 20% of starch/CNP films were clearly observed for all the tested bacteria including Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. In vivo study revealed that the starch/CNP film (15% w/w) was more efficient to inhibit the microbial growth in cherry tomatoes (7 × 102 CFU/g) compared to neat starch film (2.15 × 103 CFU/g) thus confirmed the potential application of the films as antimicrobial food packaging.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology; Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry*
  9. Review: antimicrobial properties of allicin used alone or in combination with other medications
    Choo S, Chin VK, Wong EH, Madhavan P, Tay ST, Yong PVC, et al.
    Folia Microbiol (Praha), 2020 Jun;65(3):451-465.
    PMID: 32207097 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-020-00786-5
    Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a well-known spice widely utilised for its medicinal properties. There is an extensive record of the many beneficial health effects of garlic which can be traced back to as early as the ancient Egyptian era. One of the most studied properties of garlic is its ability to cure certain ailments caused by infections. In the 1940s, the antimicrobial activities exhibited by garlic were first reported to be due to allicin, a volatile compound extracted from raw garlic. Since then, allicin has been widely investigated for its putative inhibitory activities against a wide range of microorganisms. Allicin has demonstrated a preference for targeting the thiol-containing proteins and/or enzymes in microorganisms. It has also demonstrated the ability to regulate several genes essential for the virulence of microorganisms. Recently, it was reported that allicin may function better in combination with other antimicrobials compared to when used alone. When used in combination with antibiotics or antifungals, allicin enhanced the antimicrobial activities of these substances and improved the antimicrobial efficacy. Hence, it is likely that combination therapy of allicin with additional antimicrobial drug(s) could serve as a viable alternative for combating rising antimicrobial resistance. This review focuses on the antimicrobial activities exhibited by allicin alone as well as in combination with other substances. The mechanisms of action of allicin elucidated by some of the studies are also highlighted in the present review in order to provide a comprehensive overview of this versatile bioactive compound and the mechanistic evidence supporting its potential use in antimicrobial therapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology*; Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use*
  10. Improved DNA Delivery Efficiency of Bacterial Vectors by Co-Delivery with Exogenous Lipid and Antimicrobial Reagents
    Osahor AN, Narayanan K
    Methods Mol Biol, 2021;2211:15-27.
    PMID: 33336267 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0943-9_2
    Gene delivery using invasive bacteria as vectors is a robust method that is feasible for plasmid and artificial chromosome DNA construct delivery to human cells presenting β1 integrin receptors. This technique is relatively underutilized owing to the inefficiency of gene transfer to targeted cell populations. Bacterial vectors must successfully adhere to the cell membrane, internalize into the cytoplasm, undergo lysis, and deliver DNA to the nucleus. There are limited studies on the use of exogenous reagents to improve the efficiency of bacteria-mediated gene delivery to mammalian cells. In this chapter, we describe how cationic lipids, conventionally used for DNA and protein transfection, as well as antimicrobial compounds, can be used to synergistically enhance the adherence of invasive bacterial vectors to the cell membrane and improve their predisposition to internalize into the cytoplasm to deliver DNA. Using simple combinatorial methods, functional DNA transfer can be improved by up to four-fold of invaded cell populations. These methods are easy to perform and are likely to be applicable for other bacterial vectors including Listeria and Salmonella.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/administration & dosage*; Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry
  11. The subcellular localisation and the time course of bismuth in the gastric mucosa of rats after short-term administration of colloidal bismuth subcitrate
    Ismail NM, Mustapha MS, Megat R
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 1997 Nov;26(6):754-7.
    PMID: 9522974
    The aim of this study was to investigate if colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS) can penetrate the gastric mucus barrier to reach the different sites of the antral mucosa and to estimate the time course for CBS to reach and remain in the mucosa. A single dose of CBS was administered orally to rats that were sacrificed at different time intervals post treatment. The control group received gum acacia without CBS. Colloidal bismuth subcitrate, visualised as electron dense precipitate (EDP), was seen in the gastric mucus layer, intercellular spaces and intracellularly after 30 minutes and disappeared after 6 hours. Scant amounts of EDP were observed in the gastric crypts, confined only to the upper parts of these structures. We concluded that CBS can penetrate the mucus and has a wide but uneven distribution in the gastric mucosa. Colloidal bismuth subcitrate, in the concentration given only penetrated the upper two-thirds of gastric pits and not the lower one-third. We also concluded that CBS has to be given 6 hourly to ensure its continuous presence in the gastric mucosa.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/administration & dosage; Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacokinetics*
  12. Fulltext Synthesis, PASS-Predication and in Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Benzyl 4-O-benzoyl-α-l-rhamnopyranoside Derivatives
    Matin MM, Nath AR, Saad O, Bhuiyan MM, Kadir FA, Abd Hamid SB, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2016 Aug 27;17(9).
    PMID: 27618893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17091412
    Benzyl α-l-rhamnopyranoside 4, obtained by both conventional and microwave assisted glycosidation techniques, was subjected to 2,3-O-isopropylidene protection to yield compound 5 which on benzoylation and subsequent deprotection of isopropylidene group gave the desired 4-O-benzoylrhamnopyranoside 7 in reasonable yield. Di-O-acetyl derivative of benzoate 7 was prepared to get newer rhamnopyranoside. The structure activity relationship (SAR) of the designed compounds was performed along with the prediction of activity spectra for substances (PASS) training set. Experimental studies based on antimicrobial activities verified the predictions obtained by the PASS software. Protected rhamnopyranosides 5 and 6 exhibited slight distortion from regular ¹C₄ conformation, probably due to the fusion of pyranose and isopropylidene ring. Synthesized rhamnopyranosides 4-8 were employed as test chemicals for in vitro antimicrobial evaluation against eight human pathogenic bacteria and two fungi. Antimicrobial and SAR study showed that the rhamnopyranosides were prone against fungal organisms as compared to that of the bacterial pathogens. Interestingly, PASS prediction of the rhamnopyranoside derivatives 4-8 were 0.49 < Pa < 0.60 (where Pa is probability 'to be active') as antibacterial and 0.65 < Pa < 0.73 as antifungal activities, which showed significant agreement with experimental data, suggesting rhamnopyranoside derivatives 4-8 were more active against pathogenic fungi as compared to human pathogenic bacteria thus, there is a more than 50% chance that the rhamnopyranoside derivative structures 4-8 have not been reported with antimicrobial activity, making it a possible valuable lead compound.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology*; Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry*
  13. Comparative Study of Betacyanin Profile and Antimicrobial Activity of Red Pitahaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and Red Spinach (Amaranthus dubius)
    Yong YY, Dykes G, Lee SM, Choo WS
    Plant Foods Hum Nutr, 2017 Mar;72(1):41-47.
    PMID: 27917454 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-016-0586-x
    Betacyanins are reddish to violet pigments that can be found in red pitahaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and red spinach (Amaranthus dubius). This study investigated the impact of sub-fractionation (solvent partitioning) on betacyanin content in both plants. Characterization of betacyanins and evaluation of their antimicrobial activities were also carried out. Betanin was found in both plants. In addition, isobetanin, phyllocactin and hylocerenin were found in red pitahaya whereas amaranthine and decarboxy-amaranthine were found in red spinach. Sub-fractionated red pitahaya and red spinach had 23.5 and 121.5 % more betacyanin content, respectively, than those without sub-fractionation. Sub-fractionation increased the betanin and decarboxy-amaranthine content in red pitahaya and red spinach, respectively. The betacyanin fraction from red spinach (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] values: 0.78-3.13 mg/mL) demonstrated a better antimicrobial activity profile than that of red pitahaya (MIC values: 3.13-6.25 mg/mL) against nine Gram-positive bacterial strains. Similarly, the red spinach fraction (MIC values: 1.56-3.13 mg/mL) was more active than the red pitahaya fraction (MIC values: 3.13-6.25 mg/mL) against five Gram-negative bacterial strains. This could be because of a higher amount of betacyanin, particularly amaranthine in the red spinach.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/analysis*; Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology
  14. Fulltext Biosynthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles by a New Pichia kudriavzevii Yeast Strain and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities
    Moghaddam AB, Moniri M, Azizi S, Rahim RA, Ariff AB, Saad WZ, et al.
    Molecules, 2017 May 24;22(6).
    PMID: 28538674 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22060872
    The potential ability of a new yeast strain, Pichia kudriavzevii, in the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) through a green method was explored in this study. The effect of reaction time (12, 24 and 36 h) on the structure of the resulting ZnO nanoparticles was investigated. From the XRD and TEM results, the ZnO-NPs with a hexagonal wurtzite structure and a particle crystal size of ~10-61 nm was formed at different reaction times. Combing XRD, TEM, and PL results, it was revealed that the sample prepared at intermediate duration (24 h) has the most favorable nanosized structure with the lowest defect concentration. The biomedical properties of ZnO-NPs as free radical scavenging activity, cytotoxicity and antibacterial agents were characterized. Biosynthesized ZnO-NPs showed strong DPPH free radical scavenging and a dose dependent toxicity with non-toxic effects on Vero cells for concentrations below 190 µg/mL. Desirable bactericidal activity was shown by the ZnO-NPs on Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aurous) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens). A maximum inhibition zone of ~19 mm was observed for Staphylococcus epidermidis at a concentration of 100 µg/mL for sample prepared at 24 h. The results from this study reveal that ZnO-NPs possesses potential for many medical and industrial applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology*; Anti-Infective Agents/chemistry*
  15. Fulltext Calcium sensing receptor hyperactivation through viral envelop protein E of SARS CoV2: A novel target for cardio-renal damage in COVID-19 infection
    Singh Y, Ali H, Alharbi KS, Almalki WH, Kazmi I, Al-Abbasi FA, et al.
    Drug Dev Res, 2021 09;82(6):784-788.
    PMID: 33687087 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21810
    Over the recent decades, a number of new pathogens have emerged within specific and diverse populations across the globe, namely, the Nipah virus, the Ebola virus, the Zika virus, and coronaviruses (CoVs) to name a few. Recently, a new form of coronavirus was identified in the city of Wuhan, China. Interestingly, the genomic architecture of the virus did not match with any of the existing genomic sequencing data of previously sequenced CoVs. This had led scientists to confirm the emergence of a new CoV strain. Originally, named as 2019-nCoV, the strain is now called as SARS-CoV-2. High serum levels of proinflammatory mediators, namely, interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-1β, IL-6, interferon-gamma (IFNγ), chemoattractant protein-1, and IFN-inducible protein, have been repeatedly observed in subjects who were infected with this virus. In addition, the virus demonstrated strong coagulation activation properties, leading to further the understanding on the SARS-CoV2. To our understanding, these findings are unique to the published literature. Numerous studies have reported anomalies, namely, decline in the number of lymphocytes, platelets and albumins; and a rise in neutrophil count, aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, troponins, creatinine, complete bilirubin, D-dimers, and procalcitonin. Supplementation of calcium during the SARS CoV-2 associated hyperactive stage of calcium-sensing receptors (CaSR) may be harmful to the cardio-renal system. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of CaSR may prevent the increase in the levels of intracellular calcium, oxidative, inflammatory stress, and cardio-renal cellular apoptosis induced by high cytokines level in COVID-19 infection.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology; Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use
  16. The role of artificial intelligence in the battle against antimicrobial-resistant bacteria
    Lau HJ, Lim CH, Foo SC, Tan HS
    Curr Genet, 2021 Jun;67(3):421-429.
    PMID: 33585980 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-021-01156-5
    Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria is a global health crisis due to the rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria and the lengthy development of new antimicrobials. In light of this, artificial intelligence in the form of machine learning has been viewed as a potential counter to delay the spread of AMR. With the aid of AI, there are possibilities to predict and identify AMR in bacteria efficiently. Furthermore, a combination of machine learning algorithms and lab testing can help to accelerate the process of discovering new antimicrobials. To date, many machine learning algorithms for antimicrobial-resistance discovery had been created and vigorously validated. Most of these algorithms produced accurate results and outperformed the traditional methods which relied on sequence comparison within a database. This mini-review will provide an updated overview of antimicrobial design workflow using the latest machine-learning antimicrobial discovery algorithms in the last 5 years. With this review, we hope to improve upon the current AMR identification and antimicrobial development techniques by introducing the use of AI into the mix, including how the algorithms could be made more effective.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/adverse effects; Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use*
  17. Could antiseptic gargling prevent COVID-19?
    Mohamed NA, Ahmad Zainol Hady A, Abdul Aziz AH, Isahak I
    Trop Biomed, 2020 Dec 01;37(4):1141-1145.
    PMID: 33612766 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.4.1141
    Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected more than 8 million people globally since its discovery in December 2019. For COVID-19 prevention, the World Health Organization recommended regular handwashing with soap, cough etiquette, mask wearing and social distancing. However, COVID-19 is rather difficult to contain because of its high transmissibility property. Gargling is effective for reducing infection in the respiratory tract. Most antiseptic gargles have antimicrobial properties against common respiratory pathogens. No published study on the effectiveness of antiseptic gargling among COVID-19 patients has been available to date. This article reviewed available literature on methods and solutions available for gargling and their effect on respiratory tract infections.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents, Local/administration & dosage; Anti-Infective Agents, Local/therapeutic use*
  18. Fulltext Typology of interventions for antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture systems in low- and middle-income countries
    Garza M, Mohan CV, Brunton L, Wieland B, Häsler B
    Int J Antimicrob Agents, 2022 Jan;59(1):106495.
    PMID: 34896577 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2021.106495
    Indiscriminate antimicrobial use (AMU) in aquaculture to treat and prevent diseases is common and can lead to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant micro-organisms, potentially impacting public health and connected ecosystems. This study aimed to develop a typology to classify and characterise interventions to reduce AMU in aquaculture and identify points of action. Seventeen aquaculture and animal health professionals in Asian and African countries were interviewed to gather information on characteristics of interventions in different contexts to develop a typology. Seven types of interventions were defined: (i) legislation and regulations; (ii) industry rules and standards; (iii) voluntary instruments; (iv) commercial technology and alternatives to antimicrobials; (v) on-farm management; (vi) learning and awareness-raising; and (vii) activities with co-benefits. Types were based on intervention function, scope of implementation, implementer, compulsion, strength of the intervention, AMU/antimicrobial resistance (AMR) objective and stakeholder to influence. For each type, examples were described and discussed. The most common interventions to address AMU and AMR were legislative and regulatory frameworks and voluntary instruments, including National Action Plans. Interventions addressing AMU/AMR specifically were scarce. Other interventions focused on indirect effect pathways to AMU and AMR reduction aiming to improve good aquaculture practices, disease prevention and improved management. Monitoring and evaluation of these interventions were found to be rare, only present for interventions driven by development projects and international agencies. The presented typology of existing strategies and interventions addressing AMU/AMR in aquaculture systems can guide evaluation of AMR-sensitive interventions that promote responsible AMU, and informs the design and implementation of future interventions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/standards*; Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use*
  19. Evaluation of polycaprolactone matrices for the intravaginal delivery of metronidazole in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis
    Pathak M, Turner M, Palmer C, Coombes AG
    J Biomater Appl, 2014 Sep;29(3):354-63.
    PMID: 24682036 DOI: 10.1177/0885328214528256
    Microporous, poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) matrices loaded with the antibacterial, metronidazole were produced by rapidly cooling suspensions of drug powder in PCL solutions in acetone. Drug incorporation in the matrices increased from 2.0% to 10.6% w/w on raising the drug loading of the PCL solution from 5% to 20% w/w measured with respect to the PCL content. Drug loading efficiencies of 40-53% were obtained. Rapid 'burst release' of 35-55% of the metronidazole content was recorded over 24 h when matrices were immersed in simulated vaginal fluid (SVF), due to the presence of large amounts of drug on matrix surface as revealed by Raman microscopy. Gradual release of around 80% of the drug content occurred over the following 12 days. Metronidazole released from PCL matrices in SVF retained antimicrobial activity against Gardnerella vaginalis in vitro at levels up to 97% compared to the free drug. Basic modelling predicted that the concentrations of metronidazole released into vaginal fluid in vivo from a PCL matrix in the form of an intravaginal ring would exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration of metronidazole against G. vaginalis. These findings recommend further investigation of PCL matrices as intravaginal devices for controlled delivery of metronidazole in the treatment and prevention of bacterial vaginosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/administration & dosage*; Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use
  20. Fulltext In vitro antimicrobial activity of mangrove plant Sonneratia alba
    Saad S, Taher M, Susanti D, Qaralleh H, Awang AF
    Asian Pac J Trop Biomed, 2012 Jun;2(6):427-9.
    PMID: 23569943 DOI: 10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60069-0
    To investigate the antimicrobial property of mangrove plant Sonneratia alba (S. alba).
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents/isolation & purification; Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology*
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