60 research outputs found
Mini Review: Is fluoroquinolone drug or poison?
Quinolones are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics with valuable pharmacological properties due to their improved pharmacokinetic properties, particular mechanism of action and broad and potent activity; being one of the fastest growing class antibacterial growths in terms of therapeutic use and overall benefit. Because of their effectiveness, spectrum of activity, and generally good safety profile, fluoroquinolones were used widely for multiple clinical indications throughout the world. Although still clinically valuable, fluoroquinolone use has become limited in some clinical situations, as bacterial resistance has emerged over time. In the sections that follow we review the range of molecular mechanisms that motivate quinolone resistance
Mini Review: Is fluoroquinolone drug or poison?
Quinolones are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics with valuable pharmacological properties due to their improved pharmacokinetic properties, particular mechanism of action and broad and potent activity; being one of the fastest growing class antibacterial growths in terms of therapeutic use and overall benefit. Because of their effectiveness, spectrum of activity, and generally good safety profile, fluoroquinolones were used widely for multiple clinical indications throughout the world. Although still clinically valuable, fluoroquinolone use has become limited in some clinical situations, as bacterial resistance has emerged over time. In the sections that follow we review the range of molecular mechanisms that motivate quinolone resistance
Methods for Evaluating the <em>In vivo</em> Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Essential Oils
Essential oils (EOs) are products of the secondary metabolism of plants, and the constituents are mainly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes of formula general (C5H8)n. The beneficial effects of the volatile compounds of essential oils have been used for a very long time by ancient civilizations to treat common pathologies. Today, so-called natural medicines are enjoying growing success with the public. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the essential oil has significant potential as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antidiabetic and painkiller agents. The use of animals is widespread in biomedical research and pain studies are no exception. Since experimentation on human subjects must be limited to moderate stimuli that do not cause injury or disease, the researchers turned to animals to find answers to their questions. Several methods have been used for the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of medicinal plant extracts, and most of the tests used to evaluate pain and inflammation in animal experiments involve inducing pain in animals with different agents
Development of a Survey to Assess Conceptual Understanding of Quantum Mechanics among Moroccan Undergraduates
We developed a Quantum Mechanics Conceptual Understanding Survey (QMCUS) in this study. The survey was conducted using a quantitative methodology. A multiple-choice survey of 35 questions was administered to 338 undergraduate students. Three experienced quantum mechanics instructors examined the validity of the survey. The reliability of our survey was measured using Cronbach's alpha, the Fergusson delta index, the discrimination index, and the point biserial correlation coefficient. These indices showed that the developed survey is reliable. The statistical analysis of the students' results using SPSS shows that the scores obtained by the students have a normal distribution, around the score of 7.14. The results of the t-test show that the students' scores are below the required threshold, which means that it is still difficult for the students to understand the concepts of quantum mechanics. The obtained results allow us to draw some conclusions. The students' difficulties in understanding the quantum concepts are due to the nature of these concepts; they are abstract and counterintuitive. In addition, the learners did not have frequent contact with the subatomic world, which led them to adopt misconceptions. Moreover, students find it difficult to imagine and conceptualize quantum concepts. Therefore, subatomic phenomena are still explained with classical paradigms. Another difficulty is the lack of prerequisites and the difficulties in using the mathematical formalism and its translation into Dirac notation
Antimicrobial Activity and Brine Shrimp Lethality Bioassay of the Leaves Extract of Dillenia indica Linn
The crude methanolic extract of Dillenia indica Linn. (Dilleniaceae) leaves has been investigated for the evaluation of antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Organic solvent (n-hexane, carbon tetrachloride and chloroform) fractions of methanolic extract and methanolic fraction (aqueous) were screened for their antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method. Besides, the fractions were screened for cytotoxic activity using brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality bioassay. Among the four fractions tested, n-hexane, carbon tetrachloride, and chloroform fractions showed moderate antibacterial and antifungal activity compared to standard antibiotic, kanamycin. The average zone of inhibition was ranged from 6 to 8 mm at a concentration of 400 µg/disc. But the aqueous fraction was found to be insensitive to microbial growth. Compared to vincristine sulfate (with LC50 of 0.52 µg/ ml), n-hexane and chloroform fractions demonstrated a significant cytotoxic activity (having LC50 of 1.94 µg/ml and 2.13 µg/ml, respectively). The LC50 values of the carbon tetrachloride and aqueous fraction were 4.46 µg/ml and 5.13 µg/ ml, respectively. The study confirms the moderate antimicrobial and potent cytotoxic activities of Dillenia indica leaves extract and therefore demands the isolation of active principles and thorough bioassay
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