Synergistic antimicrobial nanofiber membranes based on metal incorporated silica nanoparticles as advanced antimicrobial layers.

In this post-new-normal era, the public prioritizes preventive measures over curing, which is a constructive approach to staying healthy. In this study, an innovative antimicrobial membrane material has been developed, showcasing the promising potential for various applications. The metal-doped silica nanoparticles (Ag, Cu, and Co) were incorporated into a cellulose acetate (CA) polymer-based nanofiber membrane using the electrospinning technique.

Advances in experimental bladder models: bridging the gap between in vitro and in vivo approaches for investigating urinary tract infections.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) pose a substantial burden on global healthcare systems. When unraveling the complex pathophysiology of UTIs, bladder models are used to understand complex and multifaceted interactions between different components within the system. This review aimed to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo experimental bladder models towards UTI research.

Nanoarchitectonics for synergistic activity of multimetallic nanohybrids as a possible approach for antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The global threat posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to public health is an immensurable problem. The effectiveness of treating infections would be more at risk in the absence of effective antimicrobials. Researchers have shown an amplified interest in alternatives, such as developing advanced metallic nanohybrids as new therapeutic candidates for antibiotics due to their promising effectiveness against resistant microorganisms.

Potential antifungal applications of heterometallic silica nanohybrids: A synergistic activity.

An estimated 1.7 million fatalities and 150 million cases worldwide are attributed to fungal infections annually, that are in rise due to immunocompromised patient population. The challenges posed by traditional treatments can be addressed with the help of nanotechnology advancements.

Phytomedicinal properties of (Neeramulliya).

which is known as "Neermulli'' in the vernacular is an herbaceous plant native to Sri Lanka. Ancient medicinal literature suggests the use of whole plant or its parts for the treatment of different communicable and non-communicable diseases including diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis. Active constituents and secondary metabolites including alkaloids, tannins, steroids, proteins, flavonoids, and glycosides are identified to possess antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, nephroprotective, antidiabetic, anticataract, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, hematopoietic, diuretic, antiurolithiatic, antipyretic, neuroprotection, and anti-endotoxin activities.

Salivary Interleukin Levels in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oral Epithelial Dysplasia: Findings from a Sri Lankan Study.

The incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and its precursor, oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), is on the rise, especially in South Asia. OSCC is the leading cancer in males in Sri Lanka, with >80% diagnosed at advanced clinical stages. Early detection is paramount to improve patient outcome, and saliva testing is a promising non-invasive tool.

Distinct microbiome profiles and biofilms in Leishmania donovani-driven cutaneous leishmaniasis wounds.

The endemic strain of Leishmania donovani in Sri Lanka causes cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) rather than more common visceral form. We have visualized biofilms and profiled the microbiome of lesions and unaffected skin in thirty-nine CL patients. Twenty-four lesions (61.

Reduced Crystalline Biofilm Formation on Superhydrophobic Silicone Urinary Catheter Materials.

Crystalline biofilm formation in indwelling urinary catheters is a serious health problem as it creates a barrier for antibacterial coatings. This emphasizes the failure of antibacterial coatings that do not have a mechanism to reduce crystal deposition on catheter surfaces. In this study, trifluoropropyl spray-coated polydimethylsiloxane (TFP-PDMS) has been employed as an antibiofilm forming surface without any antibacterial agent.

Diagnosing Cutaneous leishmaniasis using Fluorescence Hybridization: the Sri Lankan Perspective.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by MON-37 is becoming a major public health problem in Sri Lanka, with 100 new cases per month being reported in endemic regions. Diagnosis of CL is challenging for several reasons. Due to relative specificity and rapidity we propose Fluorescence Hybridization as a diagnostic tool for CL.

Effect of natural curcuminoids-intercalated layered double hydroxide nanohybrid against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis: A bactericidal, antibiofilm, and mechanistic study.

The study aimed to determine the antibacterial/antibiofilm effect and mechanism of interaction of curcuminoids-intercalated Mg/Al layered double hydroxide (curcuminoids-LDH) against three different bacteria. Antimicrobial effect of curcuminoids-LDH nanohybrid was investigated against P. aeruginosa, S.

Imprint cytology: a useful screening test for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori in resource poor settings.

Objective: The study aimed to compare the usefulness of two staining methods for imprint cytology for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Gastric biopsy specimens (from dyspeptic patients attending routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy) were placed on glass slides to obtain imprints. The imprints were stained with Toluidine blue and Giemsa stains separately and observed under ×400 magnification using a light microscope.

Association of tumor necrosis factor alpha gene polymorphisms with Helicobacter pylori infection in dyspeptic patients in Sri Lanka.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms present on the promoter sequence of the TNF-α gene may affect production of TNF-α, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, during immune responses. The presence of TNF-α polymorphisms is also reportedly associated with more severe manifestations of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, the frequency of TNF-α polymorphisms and the associated disease severity vary between different patient groups.

Proinflammatory Cytokine IL-17 Shows a Significant Association with Infection and Disease Severity.

Background: The pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines play an important role in the immune response against infection. The proinflammatory cytokines of Th17 cells have been suggested to play a major role in infection and resulting gastric inflammation.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the expression of selected inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, and TNF-) in -infected patients and healthy controls and to understand their association with infection and disease severity.

The Effect of Nutritive and Non-Nutritive Sweeteners on the Growth, Adhesion, and Biofilm Formation of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis.

Objective: To determine the effect of glucose, sucrose, and saccharin on growth, adhesion, and biofilm formation of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis.

Materials And Methods: The growth rates of mono-cultures of planktonic C. albicans and C.

Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles of bacteria from the saliva of twenty four different individuals form clusters that showed no relationship to the yeasts present.

Objectives: The aim was to investigate the relationship between groups of bacteria identified by cluster analysis of the DGGE fingerprints and the amounts and diversity of yeast present.

Methods: Bacterial and yeast populations in saliva samples from 24 adults were analysed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of the bacteria present and by yeast culture.

Results: Eubacterial DGGE banding patterns showed considerable variation between individuals.

Culture media profoundly affect Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis growth, adhesion and biofilm development.

As there are sparse data on the impact of growth media on the phenomenon of biofilm development for Candida we evaluated the efficacy of three culture media on growth, adhesion and biofilm formation of two pathogenic yeasts, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. The planktonic phase yeast growth, either as monocultures or mixed cultures, in sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB), yeast nitrogen base (YNB), and RPMI 1640 was compared, and adhesion as well as biofilm formation were monitored using MTT and crystal violet (CV) assays and scanning electron microscopy. Planktonic cells of C.

Utility of modified Faine's criteria in diagnosis of leptospirosis.

Background: Leptospirosis is a globally emerging zoonotic disease and an important public health threat in developing countries. Diagnosis of leptospirosis is mainly based on clinical presentations in resource poor countries. World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced "Faine's criteria" for diagnosis of leptospirosis.

Candida infection in oral leukoplakia: an unperceived public health problem.

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the proportion, known risk factors and etiology for Candida infection in leukoplakia lesions among patients with oral leukoplakia attending the Oral and Maxillofacial Clinic at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sri Lanka.

Materials And Methods: Eighty clinically suspected oral leukoplakia patients were included. Two oral swabs each, from leukoplakia patients: one swab from the lesion and the other one from the contralateral unaffected corresponding area (as a control) were collected.

Natural curcuminoids encapsulated in layered double hydroxides: a novel antimicrobial nanohybrid.

Currently, there is an increased scientific interest to discover plant based drug formulations with improved therapeutic potential. Among the cornucopia of traditional medicinal plants, Curcuma longa rhizomes have been used as a powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent. However, its practical applications are limited due to its instability under thermal and UV radiation and its low bioavailability and the extensive procedures needed for isolation.

Use of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis for the identification of mixed oral yeasts in human saliva.

A PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) method was established for the simultaneous presumptive identification of multiple yeast species commonly present in the oral cavity. Published primer sets targeting different regions of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae 26-28S rRNA gene (denoted primer sets N and U) and the 18S rRNA gene (primer set E) were evaluated with ten Candida and four non-Candida yeast species, and twenty Candida albicans isolates. Optimized PCR-DGGE conditions using primer set N were applied to presumptively identify, by band matching, yeasts in the saliva of 25 individuals.

Susceptibility to rubella among pregnant women and the serological evidence of congenital rubella in newborn babies at Colombo South Teaching Hospital.

Objective: To determine the susceptibility to rubella infection in early pregnancy and the incidence of seropositivity of cord blood for rubella specific IgM among the newborn babies at Colombo South Teaching Hospital.

Methods: 1000 cord blood samples and 500 maternal blood samples from pregnant women before the 16th week of gestation were taken from the labour room and the antenatal clinic of the University Unit, Colombo South Teaching Hospital during the period of February 1999 to February 2001. These samples were tested for rubella specific IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA.