1406 research outputs found
Sort by
Investigating antimicrobial efficacy of turmeric and rosemary oil against staphylococcus aureus
No full textThis study investigates the antimicrobial efficacy of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) against Streptococcus aureus, with a comparative analysis to phenoxyethanol, a widely used synthetic preservative. The growing consumer demand for natural cosmetic formulations have intensified the search for plant-derived alternatives to synthetic preservatives. Turmeric and rosemary oil were selected based on their documented antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this research was to evaluate whether these natural agents can serve as effective preservatives in topical gel formulations, either individually or in combination, and how their efficacy compares to phenoxyethanol.
Eight gel-based formulations were developed, incorporating turmeric, rosemary oil, and phenoxyethanol either independently or synergistically. Antimicrobial performance was assessed using the agar diffusion method and manual colony counting against a pure strain of Staphylococcus aureus. Results revealed that phenoxyethanol (F4) exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity, indicated by the largest zone of inhibition and minimal bacterial colony formation. Turmeric (F2) demonstrated moderate activity with a smaller inhibition zone and visible colony growth. Rosemary oil (F3) produced a limited antimicrobial effect when used alone. However, the combination of turmeric and rosemary (F5) showed a synergistic interaction, enhancing the zone of inhibition but failing to reduce colony count significantly. Notably, the triple-combination formula (F8), containing turmeric, rosemary oil, and phenoxyethanol, exhibited improved surface-level diffusion and colony suppression, suggesting a promising hybrid preservation system. The study concludes that while turmeric and rosemary oil offer mild to moderate antimicrobial effects individually, their combined use can enhance surface inhibition. However, their overall efficacy remains inferior to phenoxyethanol unless used in synergy. These findings underscore the potential of integrating natural extracts into cosmetic preservation systems, particularly in combination with low doses of synthetic agents to reduce chemical load while maintaining microbial safety. Further research should investigate long-term stability, activity against a broader range of microorganisms, and compatibility in complex cosmetic matrices. This research contributes valuable insights into sustainable formulation strategies and supports the growing movement toward clean, nature-derived preservatives in modern cosmetic science.
Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis), Phenoxyethanol, Cosmetic preservation, Natural preservatives, Antimicrobial resistanc
Effect of Thermal Treatment Duration on CO₂ Hydrogenation to Light Olefins Using Fe-Cu-Zn Catalysts
No full textINTRODUCTION: Rising global temperatures have contributed to glacial melting, rising sea levels, and disruptions to marine and terrestrial ecosystems. To address this issue, our study focuses on developing an effective catalyst for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions through catalytic carbon dioxide hydrogenation to produce value-added chemicals such as light olefins.
METHOD: In this work, we investigated the effect of thermal treatment duration on an Fe-Cu-Zn catalyst with a 1:1:1 molar ratio, selected based on previous findings demonstrating its optimal light olefin yield. To enhance catalytic performance, we employed a novel approach to synthesize highly magnetic Fe₃O₄, which plays a crucial role in catalyst efficiency. Interestingly, our results revealed that thermal treatment duration significantly influences catalytic performance. Catalysts were subjected to varying thermal treatment times—2 minutes, 6 minutes, and 20 minutes— as well as a full calcination process, and their impact on CO₂ hydrogenation activity was compared. The synthesized catalysts were then compressed and packed into quartz tubes for evaluation. CO₂ hydrogenation was conducted in a flow-bed reactor under controlled conditions, with product analysis performed via online gas chromatography (GC).
CONCLUSION: Our preliminary findings indicate a direct correlation between thermal treatment duration and light olefin yield, highlighting its critical role in catalyst optimization. This discovery provides valuable insights into finetuning thermal treatment parameters to enhance catalyst performance, paving the way for more efficient CO₂ conversion strategies. Title of Presentatio
Black Box Warning: The Boldest Caution in Medicine
No full textINTRODUCTION: A boxed warning, commonly referred to as a black box warning, informs the public and medical professionals about the serious and sometimes fatal side effects of prescribed drugs. In 1979, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first made it available. The information within the box must be arranged in bullet points, with a bold, uppercase header. This is intended to alert people to critical dangers like, cardiovascular issues, liver damage, or even death. As a result, these cautions enhance patient care by considering alternative treatments.
METHOD: The author wants to shed light on the Food and Drug Administration\u27s assessment, communication, and management of drug’s risk information. This poster lists the categories of medicines that carry black box warnings as of January 2025 Excel database, extracted from the safety labelling section of the FDA website. It also highlights the trends in black box warning data over the year.
RESULTS: An increase in the detection of clozapine-induced myocarditis appears to be mostly due to cardiac monitoring, rather than a true increase in incidence. This has probably raised awareness among medical personnel, encouraging them to keep a closer eye out for these disorders in patients. According to a study, 8 of 38 patients developed clozapine-induced myocarditis after a monitoring strategy was introduced, compared to only 1 of 33 patients before the program.
CONCLUSION: Black Box Warning is a crucial method for highlighting a drug’s serious side effects. Most of the alerts include neuropsychiatric warnings, such as hypersensitive reactions, suicidal inclinations. To increase medication awareness and reduce adverse events, pharmacovigilance programs must be encouraged by collaboration between government, physician, pharmacist, and patient
Effects of Thermal Damage on the Formation of DNA Origami
No full textINTRODUCTION: In DNA nanotechnology, using DNA as a building block in fabricating nanostructures has expanded the scope of DNA-focused research. With the DNA origami method, a long single-stranded DNA scaffold is folded into nanoscale shapes using complementary staple strands of oligonucleotides. As this technique is used for many biomedical applications such as drug delivery, the structural stability of the DNA origami is essential to designing more robust and reliable nanostructures for practical use. The aim of this study is to see the effects of heat damage on the construction of these DNA origami nanostructures, using DNA triangles as a model structure.
METHOD: The process involves heating the long DNA strand and staple strands to 90°C-95°C, followed by gradual cooling to form the origami structure. Within this process, the degradation of the DNA triangle will be examined under the effects of pre-heating the M13 ssDNA to various temperatures, starting at 95°C, for different time intervals. Gel electrophoresis is used to confirm the formation of nanostructures while imaging with atomic force microscope (AFM) will show the morphology of the DNA triangles.
CONCLUSION: When a single-stranded DNA scaffold is exposed to high temperatures it may undergo heatinduced degradation, which results in improper formation of DNA origami triangles and reduced yield. This provides insight in determining the thermal stability of the long circular backbone for synthesizing DNA origami structures and improving overall yield
Racial and Gender Disparities in Access to and Outcomes of Traditional Mental Health Interventions for Black Mothers Across Generations
No full textINTRODUCTION: This study investigates the impact of racial and gender disparities on mental health interventions for Black mothers across generations. Despite advancements in mental health care, systemic racism, socioeconomic barriers, and a lack of culturally competent care continue to impede equitable access and outcomes for this population (Bailey et al., 2017; Holder et al., 2019).
METHOD: A comprehensive literature review, guided by Intersectionality Theory (Crenshaw, 1989) and the Social Determinants of Health Framework (World Health Organization [WHO], 2008), synthesizes peerreviewed research, government reports, and relevant gray literature. This methodological approach provides insights into generational differences, cultural competence in care, and structural barriers affecting Black mothers.
CONCLUSION: The findings will clarify how racial and gender disparities manifest in mental health care for Black mothers, emphasizing the role of generational shifts and systemic inequities. The study is expected to contribute to policy recommendations and culturally sensitive mental health interventions aimed at mitigating disparities and improving outcomes (Cénat et al., 2020; Pieterse et al., 2019)
Evaluating Vancomycin Susceptibility Trends against Clinical Enterococcus Faecalis Isolates and its Association with Daptomycin and Linezolid Susceptibility
No full textINTRODUCTION: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are a major cause of hospital-acquired infections, with mortality rates up to 21%. Enterococcus faecium more commonly are VRE compared to Enterococcus faecalis. (82.2% vs. 9.8%). Limited treatment options are available and emerging antibiotic resistance, such as borderline-penicillin-resistant, ampicillin-susceptible E. faecalis (borderline-PRASEF) add to the challenges. Remaining available therapies include daptomycin and linezolid. This study aimed to characterize E. faecalis vancomycin, daptomycin and linezolid susceptibility patterns.
METHOD: A total of 270 E. faecalis isolates from a New York City health system underwent vancomycin susceptibility testing via manual broth microdilution. Categorization followed Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute breakpoints: susceptible (≤4 μg/mL), intermediate (8-16 μg/mL), and resistant (≥32 μg/mL). A subset of 222 isolates underwent daptomycin and linezolid susceptibility testing via E-test in the clinical microbiology lab. Both daptomycin and linezolid susceptibility breakpoints were as susceptible (≤2 μg/mL), intermediate (4 μg/mL), and resistant (≥8 μg/mL). Penicillin susceptibility was previously assessed, with borderline resistance defined as an MIC of 4-8 μg/mL and susceptibility defined as an MIC of 1-2 μg/mL. Vancomycin MICs were correlated to daptomycin and linezolid susceptibility patterns.
CONCLUSION: Among 270 E. faecalis isolates, 11.48% were VRE, and 27.04% were borderline-PRASEF. VRE was more frequently observed among isolates with borderline penicillin MICs (39.73%) compared to those with penicillin MICs \u3c 4 μg/mL (1.01%). Daptomycin susceptibility was more common in VRE (83.87%) than in VSE (70.14%), and a similar trend was observed with linezolid, with susceptibility rates of 90.32% in VRE and 73.95% in VSE. These findings highlight the need for continued surveillance of daptomycin resistance, while linezolid remains a reliable treatment option
Clinical Importance of Pharmacogenomics for Codeine Dosing: An analysis of Codeine Metabolism within Arab Populations
No full textNTRODUCTION: Codeine is an analgesic that requires metabolic activation to have its full effect. However, its efficacy and safety depend on the rate at which codeine is converted into its metabolite, morphine. The extent to which one metabolizes codeine is dependent on their genetic disposition. Ultra-rapid metabolizers convert higher levels of codeine into morphine, increasing the risks of opioid intoxication. Arab populations across MENA have been observed to have a high prevalence of ultra-rapid metabolizers. The objective of this review is to highlight the importance of pharmacogenomics when determining codeine dosing, especially for Arabs who may be susceptible to ultra-rapid metabolism.
METHOD: A literature-based search was conducted to gather information on codeine metabolism in the Arab population, using the key search terms of codeine metabolism, CYP2D6 polymorphism, allele duplication, Arabs, and pharmacogenomics. This review includes original research articles that address the pharmacokinetics of codeine and CYP2D6 allele duplication in relation to Arab populations. Data from these articles analyzes the prevalence of ultra-rapid metabolizers and the associated harms of codeine use in these populations.
RESULTS: The reviewed literature demonstrates that there is a notably higher prevalence of ultra-rapid metabolizers within Arab populations across the Middle East and North Africa at 11.02%, with some countries such as Algeria having a frequency as high as 28.3%. On the contrary, the average prevalence of ultra-rapid metabolism across the rest of the world was seen to be 1.5%. As observed in the literature, ultra-rapid metabolizers are at higher risk for opioid intoxication and codeine addiction when compared to normal metabolizers. With just one dose of codeine, concentrations of morphine within ultra-rapid metabolizers were 150% the number of normal metabolizers. This issue is more concerning for vulnerable populations, such as those with underlying conditions, children, and breast-feeding mothers. There have been cases of breast-feeding mothers taking codeine who are unaware of their ultra-rapid metabolism transferring high levels of morphine to their infant, resulting in fatal respiratory depression. Concentrations of morphine within poor metabolizers (individuals with little to no metabolizing activity) were 2200% less when compared to normal metabolizers. This results in poor pain management, which in turn can develop into chronic pain.
CONCLUSION: Although pharmacogenomics in clinical practice is not yet established, the literature suggests that its application can lead to significant improvements in drug safety and efficacy. For codeine, knowing whether a patient is an ultra-rapid or poor metabolizer could mean the difference between opioid intoxication and insufficient pain management. Adopting measures to, at the very least, educate patients who may be part of a vulnerable demographic can help prevent codeine abuse. Among these vulnerable demographics, Arab populations show a significantly higher prevalence of ultra-rapid metabolism. Regulatory agencies should consider incorporating pharmacogenomic data into their guidelines to ensure safety and efficacy
Optimizing Intravenous Drug Concentrations in Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Smart Infusion Pump Libraries
No full textINTRODUCTION: Intravenous (IV) drug delivery in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) poses significant risks for medication errors due to the complex processes involved and the limited availability of pediatric-specific formulations. Standardizing IV drug concentrations can reduce these risks by promoting safer medication delivery. The purpose of this project is to standardize the NICU and PICU IV drug libraries, aligning them with current guidelines from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), Vermont Oxford Network (VO), and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), to enhance patient safety for pediatric and neonatal patients.
METHOD: Continuous and intermittent IV drug concentrations and administration parameters from the SUNY Downstate Medical Center Alaris pump PICU and NICU libraries were reviewed and compared to the latest ASHP, VO, and ISMP standards. Key metrics included the percentage of drug concentration and dosing unit entries that needed updates. We also identified if additional modifications to the pump parameters were needed for “high-risk” medications. Compliance with standards was analyzed via descriptive statistics, and comparisons between libraries were analyzed using the Chi-Square test in SPSS.
RESULTS: Approximately 231 of the 259 drug concentrations in the NICU and PICU libraries were updated, with intermittent drug concentrations showing less standardization compared to continuous ones. Fifty-two “high-risk” drugs were identified, and modifications were made to 30 of them to ensure safe dosing and administration. Additionally, 11 Look-Alike Sound-Alike (LASA) drug entries were corrected per FDA and ISMP recommendations using tall man lettering to prevent confusion. We found that intermittent drug libraries were statistically less standardized than the continuous libraries and required more optimization.
CONCLUSION: Standardization of IV drug concentrations in the PICU and NICU will enhance patient safety, reduce the risk of medication errors and adverse drug effects, and improve clinical outcomes. Ongoing monitoring and updates are necessary to maintain compliance with evolving standards
Molecular Mechanisms of MTA1-Mediated Progression in Canine Urothelial Carcinoma
No full textUrothelial carcinoma (UC) is the most common form of canine urinary bladder cancer, affecting tens of thousands of dogs each year. Novel targeted therapies are urgently needed for better management of canine UC. In our previous studies, we reported the clinical significance of metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1), a master transcriptional regulator responsible for inflammation, tumor growth and metastasis across a wide range of cancers, including canine urothelial carcinoma (UC) (manuscript under review). We found that MTA1 expression was correlated with aggressive clinicopathological features such as high tumor grade, muscular/vascular invasion, and metastasis. We hypothesized that MTA1 may represent a key upstream effector tightly associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) events in canine UC. To understand the detailed molecular processes and pathways that drive MTA1-mediated progression of canine UC, we analyzed MTA1 and EMT-associated markers (E-cadherin, Snail, Slug, vimentin, Cyclin D1) in four invasive canine UC cell lines. Using two cell lines, AxA and SH, with high MTA1 expression and their corresponding MTA1 knockdown (shMTA1) clones, we validated the direct link between MTA1 and EMT markers on mRNA and protein levels. Overall, these findings suggest that MTA1 may be considered a feasible interceptive and therapeutic target for canine UC treatment
Rossum’s Universal Robots, Karel Čapek, and the Importance of Artistic Advocacy
No full textThis presentation will serve to highlight the importance of Theatre as a tool for social and political advocacy, specifically through the lens of an actor’s work on Rossum’s Universal Robots by Karel Čapek. The play explores the consequences of industrialization without moral or ethical framework, and the rights of laborers. The actor specifically uses Shakespearean textual analysis skills, such as interpreting grammar and syntax choices, alliteration and assonance, repetition and antithesis, and text structure within the dramaturgical framework of 1920s Czechoslovakia. These skills, coined and taught by Dr. Valerie Clayman Pye, assist in understanding the implicit reasoning behind Čapek’s writing, and apply this lens to the practice of creating politically motivated theatre for the 21st century audience