International Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Analysis

Protective Role of Quercetin on Silver Nanoparticle-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Anita K Patlolla, Sidney Graham, Paul B Tchounwou — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 03:12:43 -0600

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are one of the most commercially used nanomaterials. However, their extensive usage has adverse biological effects, which has led to increasing concerns about their potential impact on human health and the environment. This study aimed to confirm Ag-NP-induced hepatotoxicity and determine the potential protective role of quercetin (Qur) in Ag-NP-induced hepatotoxicity. Fifteen healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three group: (1) Control group (administered deionized water), (2) Ag-NPs group (administered 100 mg/Kg Ag-NP orally), and (3) Ag-NP+Qur group (administered 100 mg/Kg Ag-NPs+100 µl of Qur) for five consecutive days. Samples were collected 24 h after the last treatment following standard protocols. The antioxidant activity of Qur against Ag-NP-induced toxicity was determined by measuring serum levels of various enzymes including Alanine Aminotransferases (ALT), Gamma-Glutamyl Transferases, (GGT), Alkaline Phosphatases (ALP), biomarkers of oxidative stress, Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and examining liver histopathology. A significant increase in the activity of serum liver enzymes (ALT, ALP, GGT), MDA and alterations in liver morphology were noted in Ag-NPs treated rats relative to control rats. In contrast, reduced glutathione level was considerably lower in Ag-NPs treated rats compared to that in control rats. Co-administration of Qur resulted in significant changes in the biochemical parameters compared to that in Ag-NP-treated rats. The activity of liver enzymes, liver injury and oxidative stress biomarkers were found to be decreased, whereas levels of reduced glutathione were increased in the Qur+Ag-NP group. Our results suggest that the antioxidant Qur may have a protective role against Ag-NP-induced hepatotoxicity.

Prevalence of Bacterial Pathogens and Antibiotic Susceptibility in Wound Infections: A Microbiological Study

Payal Kumari, Sayan Bhattacharyya — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Infections due to antibiotic resistant bacteria have increased alarmingly in both developed and developing countries. Unrestrained and rapidly spreading bacterial growth has turned the management of wound infection into a serious challenge. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of different bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility in various types of samples sent to the microbiology laboratory.

A study was conducted on 110 samples collected in forms of swabs and culture. All isolated bacteria were identified based on colony characteristics, Gram staining and standard biochemical tests and antibiotic susceptibility testing with the Kirby- Bauer test, known as the disc diffusion method. This method relies on the inhibition of bacterial growth measured under standard conditions. Several statistics and pie charts are used to present observation of the study.

The rate of isolation of bacteria was 100% from the samples collected from different sites of different patients. Staphylococcus aureus (50.91%) was found to be the most frequent isolate, followed by Escherichia coli (24.55%), Pseudomonas species (10.91%), klebsiella species (5.45%), Streptococcus pyogenes (5.45%), Proteus species (2.73%).

Gram-positive where mostly found sensitive to antibiotics imipenem, gentamycin, ceftriaxone vancomycin, Azithromycin in the study. Gram-negative where mostly found sensitive to ceftazidime, Ceftriaxone, gentamicin.

The diversity of isolated bacteria and their susceptibility patterns signify a need to implement a proper infection control strategy which can be achieved by carrying out antibiotic sensitivity test of the isolates.

Anaerobic Bacteria Causing Urinary Tract Infections: A Mini Review

Sayan Bhattacharyya — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 04:00:41 -0600

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can be commonly caused by aerobic bacteria, but anaerobic bacteria can also be rarely responsible for these infections. Anaerobes are often misidentified or even overlooked as aetiological agents of UTI. They may be quite significant in many predisposing conditions. This review article explores the role of anaerobic bacteria in causing UTIs, the diagnostic challenges and treatment options as well.

UVC Decontamination in Healthcare Environments

Valerie Edwards-Jones — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 05:24:33 -0600

Ultra Violet light-C (UVC) irradiation is used as a disinfection method in healthcare, agriculture and the food and water industries. In healthcare, it is seen as an alternative to hydrogen peroxide following terminal cleaning with conventional disinfectants. There are a number of different UVC systems on the market with varying properties that impact on their performance. The performance of each system is tested using standard testing methods and compliance with these standards is essential in many healthcare facilities before purchase. UVC is absorbed by proteins, DNA and/or RNA of the microorganism following exposure. The absorption of a photons causes adjacent thymine bases in DNA to bind together forming thymine dimers, instead of linking with a complementary base on the other strand. This causes disruption of DNA, rendering the microorganism incapable of replication. The main parameters of UVC decontamination include the wavelength emitted (usually 254 nm), dose (a high dose is recommended, above 100 mJ/cm³), relative humidity (30-60%) and room temperature (20 +/- 1ºС). No personnel should be within the area of decontamination when UVC is being emitted for health and safety risks. This is a brief overview of factors affecting performance and its impact in the healthcare environment.