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Scientific Reports Aug 2023This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 3 mouthwashes in reducing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load in the saliva of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 3 mouthwashes in reducing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load in the saliva of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients at 30 min, 1, 2 and 3 h after rinsing. This pilot study included 40 admitted COVID-19 positive patients (10 in each group). Saliva samples were collected before rinsing and at 30 min, 1, 2 and 3 h after rinsing with: Group 1-0.2% Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX); Group 2-1.5% Hydrogen peroxide (HO); Group 3-Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) or Group 4 (control group)-No rinsing. Viral load analysis of saliva samples was assessed by Reverse Transcription quantitative PCR. Mean log viral load at different time points was compared to that at baseline in all groups using a random effects linear regression analysis while for comparison between groups linear regression analysis was used. The results showed that all groups had a significantly reduced mean log viral load both at 2 (p = 0.036) and 3 (p = 0.041) hours compared to baseline. However, there was no difference in mean log viral load between any of the investigated mouthwashes and the control group (non-rinsing) at the evaluated time points. Although a reduction in the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the saliva of COVID-19 patients was observed after rinsing with mouthwashes containing 0.2% CHX, 1.5% HO, or CPC, the reduction detected was similar to that achieved by the control group at the investigated time points. The findings of this study may suggest that the mechanical action of rinsing/spitting results in reduction of SARS-CoV-2 salivary load.
Topics: Humans; Mouthwashes; SARS-CoV-2; Pilot Projects; COVID-19; Hydrogen Peroxide; Saliva; Viral Load; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 37542087
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39308-x -
Frontiers in Dentistry 2023Enlarged adenoids can lead to obstruction of the nasopharyngeal airway and subsequent oral respiration. Oral breathing can cause dry mouth, dehydration in gingival...
Enlarged adenoids can lead to obstruction of the nasopharyngeal airway and subsequent oral respiration. Oral breathing can cause dry mouth, dehydration in gingival tissue, and resistance to plaque accumulation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of tonsillectomy on oral health status, salivary pH and flow rate, and common complications caused by tonsillar hypertrophy in children. An analytical before-and-after study was conducted on 60 children aged 5-12 years who required tonsillectomy. We gathered data through a questionnaire and collected unstimulated saliva using the spitting method for five minutes. Salivary pH was measured by a pH meter and its volume was determined with a calibrated test tube. The plaque index, bleeding index and modified gingival index were determined using a disclosing tablet, Williams' probe and observational examination, respectively. All measurements were repeated one month after tonsillectomy. Paired t-test was used for data analysis. We found a significant increase in mean pH and salivary flow rate after tonsillectomy and observed a decrease in oral health indices among the children one month after surgery. Over half of the children who reported complications such as dry mouth, itchy nose and throat, snoring, night sweats, and sleep disturbances experienced complete recovery after tonsillectomy. Based on the results obtained in the present study, children with enlarged adenoids showed significant improvements in salivary pH, salivary flow rate, and oral health indices, one month after tonsillectomy.
PubMed: 37701649
DOI: 10.18502/fid.v20i24.13168 -
Allergy Dec 2023
Topics: Humans; Immunity, Innate; Nasal Polyps; Reaction Time; Lymphocytes; Sinusitis; Chronic Disease; Rhinitis
PubMed: 37705461
DOI: 10.1111/all.15877 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood Nov 2023Blood appearing in a previously well child's mouth may have many sources, and it should not be assumed to be haemoptysis, that is, coming from the respiratory tract... (Review)
Review
Blood appearing in a previously well child's mouth may have many sources, and it should not be assumed to be haemoptysis, that is, coming from the respiratory tract below the larynx. In addition to the lungs and lower airways, consider also the upper airways, the mouth, gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular conditions. This article discusses the differential diagnosis and appropriate investigations.
Topics: Humans; Child; Hemoptysis; Lung; Larynx; Trachea; Mouth
PubMed: 36990647
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-324276 -
Biotechnology Reports (Amsterdam,... Sep 2023Snake venoms possess a range of pharmacological and toxicological activities. Here we evaluated the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against...
Snake venoms possess a range of pharmacological and toxicological activities. Here we evaluated the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant (MSSA and MRSA) of venoms from the Samar spitting cobra and the Puff adder Both venoms prevented biofilm production by pathogenic in a growth-independent manner, with the venom being most potent. Fractionation showed the active molecule to be heat-labile and >10 kDa in size. Proteomic profiles of venom revealed neurotoxins and cytotoxins, as well as an abundance of serine proteases and three-finger toxins, while serine proteases, metalloproteinases and C-lectin types were abundant in venom. These enzymes may have evolved to prevent bacteria colonising the snake venom gland. From a biomedical biotechnology perspective, they have valuable potential for anti-virulence therapy to fight antibiotic resistant microbes.
PubMed: 37559690
DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2023.e00810 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2023Kolanut contains caffeine and it is widely consumed in various social contexts in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries. While some studies have suggested that...
Kolanut contains caffeine and it is widely consumed in various social contexts in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries. While some studies have suggested that kolanut is consumed by pregnant women, there is a dearth of information on the prevalence, consumption pattern and reasons for kolanut consumption among this group. This study investigated kolanut use among pregnant women in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study involving 478 consenting pregnant women in all trimesters of pregnancy was conducted. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Associations between kolanut use and respondent characteristics were investigated using the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. The mean age of the women was 28.7 ± 6.3 years. One hundred and sixty-two (33.9%) of women reported kolanut use during pregnancy, 140 (29.3%) in the current pregnancy. Fifty-five (39.3%) pregnant women reported frequent use and 46 (32.9%) used it in high quantities. Significant associations were found between current kolanut use and Hausa respondents (p = 0.014), educational level; secondary (p = 0.032), tertiary (p = 0.006), TBA (p = 0.005). The majority (93.7%) used kolanut to prevent spitting, nausea, and vomiting. This study showed that kolanut use is quite common among pregnant women and frequently used in large quantities.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Young Adult; Black People; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nigeria; Pregnant Women; Prevalence; Cola; Eating
PubMed: 37660226
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41754-6 -
African Journal of Emergency Medicine :... Dec 2023Snakebites are a neglected tropical disease. In many areas, envenoming incidence and antivenom administration rates are unknown. This study compared antivenom (AV)...
INTRODUCTION
Snakebites are a neglected tropical disease. In many areas, envenoming incidence and antivenom administration rates are unknown. This study compared antivenom (AV) availability to rates of envenoming and recommendations to treat (RTT) in South Africa.
METHODS
This retrospective study identified, extracted, and reviewed all cases of envenoming (snake bites and spits) reported to the Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape of South Africa (PIHWC) from June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2020 by public hospitals in the Western Cape. A standardized interview was administered to the pharmacies of the 40 hospitals in winter and summer to determine how many vials of monovalent and polyvalent AV they had on hand at the time of the call and their expiration dates Descriptive analysis was used to compare rates of envenoming and recommendations to treat to antivenom stock in winter and summer and by hospital type and location.
RESULTS
Public hospitals reported 300 envenomings, 122 from snakes. The PIHWC recommended antivenom administration in 26% of cases ( = 32). All hospital pharmacies queried answered our questions. Our study demonstrates urban district hospitals have higher ratios of AV vials compared to mean annual rates of envenoming and RTT than rural district hospitals at both the winter and summer timepoints.
CONCLUSION
This study evaluates antivenom supply and demand in a province of South Africa. The findings suggest South African urban hospitals have a relative excess of antivenom, and thus more capacity to meet demand, than their rural counterparts. It supports consideration of a redistribution of antivenom supply chains to match seasonal and local rates of envenoming. It indicates a need for higher quality, prospective data characterizing envenoming incidence and treatment.
PubMed: 37745277
DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2023.08.002 -
The American Journal of Forensic... Mar 2024Spit hoods are used by law enforcement, officers in correctional facilities, and medical personnel during the restraint of agitated subjects that are actively spitting...
Spit hoods are used by law enforcement, officers in correctional facilities, and medical personnel during the restraint of agitated subjects that are actively spitting to prevent the transmission of droplet-transmitted pathogens. We could find no studies reporting on the time course of normal breathing to clear saliva from such a saturated spit hood. We purchased samples of 3 popular spit hood models and applied a section over the output of a pneumatic test system. We used a digital anemometer, digital manometer, and an inline controllable fan for back pressure and flow. The pressure was 3 mm Hg to match quiet breathing. The tested area was saturated with artificial saliva, and air pressure was applied while we recorded the pressure and airflow. Within 5 seconds, the spit hoods all cleared sufficient artificial saliva to allow 1 m/s of airflow, which exceeds that of an N95 mask with similar pressure. Commonly used spit hoods offer very low resistance to breathing even after being initially saturated with artificial saliva. Our results do not support the hypothesis that a saliva-filled spit hood might contribute to death.
Topics: Humans; Saliva; Saliva, Artificial; Air Movements; Ventilation
PubMed: 37589602
DOI: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000877 -
Journal of Molecular Modeling Sep 2023Adsorption of 1 and 2 HO molecules for hydrogen production and storage on the surface of pristine, carbamic acid and 2-amino 3-acetylpyridine functionalized SWCNTs with...
Adsorption of 1 and 2 HO molecules for hydrogen production and storage on the surface of pristine, carbamic acid and 2-amino 3-acetylpyridine functionalized SWCNTs with the dimensionality of (2, 4), (5, 5), and (6, 0) at various positions, i.e., center and edges were investigated by using computational DFT calculations. Adsorption energies and structural and electronic parameters were determined for pristine and functionalized SWCNTs with four different HO orientations. Functionalization of 2-amino 3-acetylpyridine resulted in more favorable adsorption energies for 1 and 2 HO molecules splitting as compared to spitting on pristine and carbamic acid functionalized SWCNT. Calculated adsorption constant, Kad confirmed greater binding interactions of functionalized SWCNTs with 1 and 2 HO molecules as compared to pristine SWCNT. Isosurface for the adsorption of 1 and 2 HO molecules on pristine and functionalized SWCNTs elaborated altered electrophilic and nucleophilic character. Effect of HO concentration was monitored to determine hydrogen storage capacity which was found to be 7.17 wt.% for thirty molecules. An important finding of study is production of Stone-Wales (SW) defect upon HO adsorption leading to increase in hydrogen production and its storage capacity. The functionalization of topological defected SWCNTs provides distinctive applications of CNTs for gas storage purposes.t: METHODS: In the current study, First Principal Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were carried which provides greater computational efficiency as compared to many traditional quantum mechanical methods. SCME: ADF (2018) modeling suite software with in framework of DFT approach using exchange correlation (XC) LDA-GGA (Generalized Gradient Approximation) with PBE (Perdew, Burke and Ernzerhof) functional and DZ (Double beta) basis set was employed to investigate structural, energetic and electronic aspects of adsorption on the surface of pristine, carbamic acid and 2-amino 3-acetly pyridine functionalized SWCNTs. (2, 4), (5, 5) and (6, 0) SWCNTs were designed using Avogadro's software and were imported to SCM: ADF graphical interface and were optimized as adsorbent. Single point energy (SPE), geometry optimization and high accuracy frequency calculations were performed to determine energetic, electronic and thermodynamic characteristics and feasibility of adsorption using XC of GGA-PBE functional & DZ basis set.
PubMed: 37670084
DOI: 10.1007/s00894-023-05678-2