Hasil untuk "Pharmaceutical industry"

Isack Ibrahim Mrisho, Elshan Musazade, Haobo Chen et al.

Plant-based products play an increasingly vital role in the pharmaceutical industry, including <i>Pogostemon cablin</i> (Blanco) Benth. (patchouli), which is notable for its rich history and extensive use in traditional medicine. Patchouli has a longstanding historical use as a remedy for a wide range of health conditions, including colds, fevers, headaches, inflammation, digestive disorders, and insect and snake bites. Comprehensive phytochemical studies have revealed that patchouli leaves contain diverse valuable bioactive compounds, notably patchouli alcohol, β-patchoulene, pogostone, α-bulnesene, and β-caryophyllene. Recent studies have demonstrated that patchouli leaves exhibit various pharmacological properties, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidepressant, and anticancer effects. Despite robust traditional knowledge, specific therapeutic applications of patchouli leaves require scientific validation and standardization of their bioactive compounds. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature on the phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, and underlying mechanisms of action of patchouli essential oil (PEO) and plant extracts obtained from patchouli leaves. It offers detailed insights into potential therapeutic applications, aiming to inform and guide future research across multiple medical disciplines. Ultimately, this review underscores the need for further research to validate and develop the medicinal applications of patchouli leaves, providing a foundation for future healthcare advancements.

Lul Raka, Arsim Kurti

AIM: This review aimed to identify barriers to the implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) programs and recommend solutions to address these challenges. BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat and AMS programs are crucial for optimizing antimicrobial use and reducing resistance. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies were selected based on predefined criteria focusing on barriers to AMS implementation. RESULTS: Many countries lack or fail to implement National Action Plans (NAPs) on AMR; regulatory gaps like over-the-counter antibiotic sales have impact on AMS efforts. Preventive measures such as infection prevention and control, vaccination, sanitation and hygiene are often low priorities. Developing countries face resource constraints, including limited human resources, diagnostics, and antibiotic access. The absence of national guidelines and training exacerbates knowledge gaps. Siloed work environments often inhibit interdisciplinary collaboration; cultural habits, prescriber autonomy, self-medication, patient compliance, poor surveillance data, and pharmaceutical industry influence pose additional barriers to AMS.To overcome these barriers, governments should enforce NAPs, establish strict regulatory frameworks, and prioritize preventive measures. Strong leadership, integration of AMS into national policies, and resource allocation are crucial. Bridging knowledge gaps through guidelines and training, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and raising public awareness are essential. Regulating the pharmaceutical industry, investing in robust surveillance systems, and evaluating principles are also important tools. CONCLUSIONS: Overcoming AMS barriers needs a holistic approach. Addressing these barriers can bridge the gap between scientific evidence and real-world practices, leading to more effective AMR management.

Kelli Carneiro de Freitas Nakata, Helder Cássio de Oliveira

Introdução A supressão virológica figura como um dos principais objetivos do tratamento da síndrome da imunodeficiência humana. Entretanto, pessoas altamente experientes em tratamento com vírus da imunodeficiência humana podem não alcançar a supressão necessária devido a resistência a múltiplas drogas, intolerância e a atenção com a segurança. Esse contexto exige regimes terapêuticos altamente individualizados, bem como novos medicamentos. Está sob investigação o lenacapavir, um agente antirretroviral, que atua inibindo o capsídeo do vírus da imunodeficiência humana tipo 1 (HIV-1) em vários estágios do ciclo de vida viral apresentando como vantagem adicional o fato de não apresentar resistência cruzada a antiretrovirais de outras classes. O tratamento com o medicamento é dividido em dois períodos, sendo um de indução, realizado por via oral e, outro de manutenção, realizado a cada seis meses por via subcutânea. O objetivo desse trabalho foi levantar os potenciais impactos do lenacapavir para o tratamento de infecção por HIV-1 multirresistente. Métodos Com a finalidade de recuperar registros de ensaios clínicos que avaliaram a eficácia e segurança do lenacapavir no tratamento do HIV-1 as bases de dados ClinicalTrials.gov e CortellisTM foram consultadas. Ensaios de fase 3 ou 4 foram considerados elegíveis. Já entre os critérios de exclusão estavam estudos em que o lenacapavir foi avaliado para a profilaxia pré exposição à infecção por HIV. Uma segunda estratégia de busca foi considerada nas bases de dados EMBASE, Pubmed, Cochrane e BVS buscando identificar resultados já publicados. Dois revisores independentes realizaram a triagem de títulos usando a plataforma Rayyan®. Repositórios de agência sanitárias internacionais foram consultadas para verificar o status regulatório do lenacapavir. Adicionalmente foram consultados sítios eletrônicos de agências de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde -ATS na busca por relatórios envolvendo o uso de lenacapavir no tratamento de HIV multirresistente. Resultados Dois registros de ensaios multicêntricos de fase 2 e 3 foram selecionados, um deles com previsão de término em 2028 e o outro em 2023; este último, o estudo CAPELLA (NCT04150068), já com resultados publicados, demonstra que 88% (21/24) dos pacientes no grupo que utilizou lenacapavir alcançou uma redução de ≥ 0,5 log10 cópias/mL no RNA do HIV-1 desde a linha de base até o final do período de monoterapia funcional, em comparação a 17% (2/12) do grupo placebo (IC 95% 35% a 90%; p<0,001). Na semana 26, uma carga viral inferior a 50 cópias por mililitro foi relatada para 81% (29/36) dos pacientes (IC 95%, 64% a 92%) da coorte 1(indivíduos com viremia estável e HIV-1 RNA ≥400 cópias/ml durante período de triagem) e em 83% (30/36) dos pacientes na coorte 2 (participantes com viremia reduzida, HIV-1 RNA <400 cópias/ml). O lenacapavir possui registro sanitário nos Estados Unidos, Canadá, Reino Unido e na União Europeia para tratamento da infecção pelo HIV-1 multirresistente, em associação a outro antiretroviral, em adultos com falha na terapia. Não foram registrados efeitos adversos graves relacionados a nova terapia. Não foram localizados relatórios de ATS para lenacapavir. Discussão e conclusões O lenacapavir supre uma necessidade médica não atendida, o tratamento de adultos com infecção por HIV-1 multirresistente e, é capaz de promover redução sustentável da carga viral do HIV-1. Ademais acredita-se que pode cooperar com a adesão ao tratamento devido a sua comodidade posológica.

L. A. Musina, O. R. Shangina, A. I. Lebedeva et al.

Introduction. It is known that the problem of regeneration of damaged peripheral nerves is one of the leading problems in traumatology and neurosurgery.Aim. Aim of the study is to determine the features of the innervation of facial muscles when using allogeneic biomaterials.Materials and methods. The experiment was performed on Chinchilla rabbits (n = 36). The facial nerve was cut in the animals. In the control group (n = 9), the wound was sewn up, in the 1st experimental group (n = 12), a fragment of their masticatory muscle was sewn together with a neurovascular bundle to the denervated buccal muscle. In the 2nd experimental group (n = 15), dispersed allogeneic biomaterials "Regeneration stimulator" and "Vasculogenesis stimulator" were injected into the muscle junction in the operation zone. Rabbits were withdrawn from the experiment for 10, 30, 60 and 180 days. Tissue pieces from the surgery area were examined by transmission electron microscopy.Results and discussion. In the control and 1st experimental groups, the experiment ended with scarring of the operating area and contracture of facial muscles. In the 2nd experimental group, signs of tissue revascularization and axon germination to the buccal muscle with the restoration of individual neuromuscular synapses were revealed.Conclusion. The use of allogeneic biomaterials in operations to restore damaged peripheral nerves accompanying muscles creates conditions not only for the restoration of muscle fibers, but also the vascular bed, as well as nerve elements with neuromuscular connections.

Ainutajriani Ainutajriani, Sri Darmawati, Dewi Seswita Zilda et al.

Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of mortality in the world due to the formation of blood clots or thrombi in blood vessels. Bacterial proteases commonly function as thrombus dissolver agents in the pharmaceutical industry. Bacterial isolate HSFI-10 (Holothuria scabra Fermented Intestine-10) previously isolated from Rusip fermented sea cucumber had demonstrated thrombolytic activity. This study aimed to produce crude protease of HSFI-10 strain at an optimized incubation time and determine the thrombolytic activity of crude and dialysate proteases on A, B, AB, and O blood types. Isolate HSFI-10 was first molecularly identified and found to be Bacillus cereus with a homology level of 99.80% with Bacillus cereus strain ST06. The optimum crude enzyme was obtained after 48-h incubation with an activity of 222.52 U/mL, which increased to 438.84 U/mL after ammonium sulfate precipitation and dialysis. Clot lysis activity of crude enzymes was measured based on the gravimetry method on blood in the ABO system, showing results that ranged from 68.99% to 69.76%, while the dialysate ranged from 81.16% to 82.52%. In conclusion, partial purification of bacterial protease could increase both its specific and thrombolytic activities on human blood in the ABO system, with only 1% activity variability between A, B, AB, and O blood types.

Áurea Dias de Farias

Introdução: A fibromialgia é uma síndrome de etiologia desconhecida cuja prevalência é de 2% no Brasil que atinge mulheres em 90% dos casos e tem como principais sintomas a dor difusa, distúrbios de humor e sono, fadiga e piora na qualidade de vida. Não existe protocolo clínico para tratamento da fibromialgia no SUS e, sendo assim, a duloxetina, um antidepressivo dos mais prescritos para esta doença, não está disponível nas listas para disponibilização pela via administrativa. É de suma importância o conhecimento em Economia da Saúde por parte dos farmacêuticos, principalmente os que atuam dentro das secretarias estaduais e municipais para em casos assim, avaliar a possibilidade de inclusão de protocolos e/ou pareceres técnicos visando recomendações para estes tratamentos de modo a otimizar a disponibilização dos mesmos aos pacientes pela via administrativa, se for interessante na perspectiva do SUS. Objetivos: Instigar farmacêuticos atuantes em secretarias estaduais e municipais a fazerem uso da farmacoeconomia como ferramenta de apoio a tomada de decisão com o exemplo de análise de custo utilidade e de impacto orçamentário na tratativa da verificação da viabilidade de incorporação da duloxetina no tratamento da fibromialgia no âmbito do SUS partindo de demanda do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: notas de aula da Disciplina de Farmacoeconomia ministradas no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Economia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, revisão de literatura e descrição básica do método de mensuração de impacto orçamentário descrito na publicação “Diretrizes Metodológicas – Análise de Impacto Orçamentário – Manual para o Sistema de Saúde do Brasil”. Resultado: contextualização da Economia da Saúde do Brasil, conceitos de farmacoeconomia e exemplo de aplicação com avaliação de tecnologias de saúde no uso da duloxetina no tratamento farmacológico da fibromialgia, um dos mais demandados pela via judicial no Rio Grande do Sul. Possibilidade de atualização da lista especial estadual com a inclusão da duloxetina diante de estudo de impacto orçamentário ou, caso as evidências obtidas sejam de qualidade, publicação de nota técnica indicando a amitriptilina, disponível nas unidades básicas de saúde. Conclusão: o conhecimento de farmacoeconomia pode aumentar a sensibilização dos gestores e ajudar na tomada de decisão. No caso específico da fibromialgia, o aprofundamento dos farmacêuticos acerca do tema, fazendo uso de análises de custo utilidade e de impacto orçamentário traz a perspectiva de uma possível inclusão da duloxetina na lista especial do estado ou da elaboração de nota técnica orientando os pacientes a avaliarem com os prescritores a possibilidade de utilização de uma alternativa já disponível na atenção básica.

Janelle Applequist

Kelli Carneiro de Freitas Nakata , Helder Cássio de Oliveira

Objetivo: levantar os custos e estimar as consequências financeiras para o estado de Mato Grosso de uma provável incorporação de antagonistas muscarínicos de longa duração (LAMA) no tratamento de Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DPOC) moderada a grave. Métodos: foi utilizada técnica de modelagem estática no programa Microsoft Excel para um horizonte temporal de 5 anos sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde a nível estadual. A população elegível foi estimada principalmente com base em dados epidemiológicos da população de fumantes no estado; na relação causal entre tabagismo e DPOC e consenso de experts pela técnica Delphi. Foram considerados apenas custos diretos com a aquisição das tecnologias propostas a partir de preços de venda negociados diretamente com seus respectivos fabricantes. Resultados: num cenário hipotético de incorporação do LAMA de menor preço o impacto no orçamento para Mato Grosso foi estimado em R$ 1.179.008,36 no primeiro ano podendo chegar a R$ 2.526.446,48 no quinto ano. Já se fosse adotado o cenário composto pelos três LAMA disponíveis no mercado com oferta preferencial daquele com menor custo, o impacto presumido é de R$ 1.109.959,20 e R$2.219.918,40 para o primeiro e quinto ano, respectivamente. A análise de sensibilidade bivariada utilizando os parâmetros população elegível e taxa de implantação revelou que o impacto orçamentário é potencialmente sensível a essas variáveis. Conclusão: o impacto orçamentário apresenta ao gestor estadual subsídios para programação orçamentária e logística, bem como para elaboração de um protocolo de acesso a LAMA no estado de Mato Grosso.

Cecile Oger

Despite abundant references in the literature on Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) and on the specific topic of ethics within the pharmaceutical sector, very little is provided on the general theme of Corporate Social Responsibility and the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this thesis was therefore to investigate CSR practices and reporting within the global pharmaceutical sector. Secondary research was carried out on the top 65 global pharmaceutical companies. Their CSR activities and reporting were recorded and analyzed. Results indicated that the pharmaceutical industry's CSR practices and reporting follow trends, models and theories observed in other industries and described in the literature. Further to demonstrating that most companies within the industry practice and report on CSR, the research proved that the size of the company, its country of origin, as well as the type of products manufactured (prescription medicine, generics, biopharmaceuticals) all influence the nature of the pharmaceutical company's CSR approach.

Cecile Oger

Despite abundant references in the literature on Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) and on the specific topic of ethics within the pharmaceutical sector, very little is provided on the general theme of Corporate Social Responsibility and the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this thesis was therefore to investigate CSR practices and reporting within the global pharmaceutical sector. Secondary research was carried out on the top 65 global pharmaceutical companies. Their CSR activities and reporting were recorded and analyzed. Results indicated that the pharmaceutical industry's CSR practices and reporting follow trends, models and theories observed in other industries and described in the literature. Further to demonstrating that most companies within the industry practice and report on CSR, the research proved that the size of the company, its country of origin, as well as the type of products manufactured (prescription medicine, generics, biopharmaceuticals) all influence the nature of the pharmaceutical company's CSR approach.

Draksler Petra, Mikac Urša, Laggner Peter et al.

This article describes the designing of matrix tablets composed of polyethylene oxides (PEOs) with relative molecular masses of 1 × 106, 2 × 106, and 4 × 106. Percolation thresholds were determined for all of the selected PEO formulations (18, 16, and 12 %, m/m), taking into consideration excipients and tablet surface area which significantly increased the percolation threshold. Moreover, the robustness of the gel layer in PEO matrix tablets was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging under various mechanical stresses (no flow, 12 mL min−1, and 64 mL−1 of medium flow). Correlations between the percolation threshold and gel thickness (R2 = 0.86), gel thickness and the erosion coefficient (R2 = 0.96) was detected. Furthermore, small-angle X-ray scattering of the selected PEOs detected differences in polymer molecular complexity at the nanoscale. Finally, the ratio of the heat of coalescence to the heat of fusion has confirmed the PEO molecular mass-dependent percolation threshold.

Krešimir Osman, Dennis Jankovich

This paper aims to present the approach to the creation and rendering of a detailed solution for cooling plants including all supporting documents. The paper presents all steps and specific sub steps of the presented approach and the approach has been verified on an example of a cooling plant with water-cooled chillers in the pharmaceutical industry. The authors were motivated to use such approach to find an expedient and high-quality solution for the system architecture. They believe that optimal cooling plant system architecture can be provided by an adequate selection of the required equipment and all system parameters it needs to comply with, through two phases of evaluation analysis, including all supporting technical documents. The approach is based on the designers&rsquo; engineering knowledge and years of experience in this field. It is based on a so-called Configuration and Change Management approach where the required/acceptable solution is provided by configuring the product and changing product properties through several loopback steps. The approach is quite comprehensive and complex, however, it produces a satisfactory solution with well presented results, which makes it applicable to the creation of new cooling plants.

Adela Castelló, Beatriz Pérez-Gómez, David Lora-Pablos et al.

Background: Self-reported data about environmental exposures can lead to measurement error. Objectives: To validate the self-reported perception of proximity to industrial facilities. Methods: MCC-Spain is a population-based multicase-control study of cancer in Spain that recruited incident cases of breast, colorectal, prostate, and stomach cancer. The participant’s current residence and the location of the industries were geocoded, and the linear distance between them was calculated (gold standard). The epidemiological questionnaire included a question to determine whether the participants perceived the presence of any industry at ≤1 km from their residences. Sensitivity and specificity of individuals' perception of proximity to industries were estimated as measures of classification accuracy, and the area under the curve (AUC) and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of misclassification were calculated as measures of discrimination. Analyses were performed for all cases and controls, and by tumor location, educational level, sex, industrial sector, and length of residence. Finally, aORs of cancer associated with real and self-reported distances were calculated to explore differences in the estimation of risk between these measures. Results: Sensitivity of the questionnaire was limited (0.48) whereas specificity was excellent (0.89). AUC was sufficient (0.68). Participants with breast (aOR(95%CI) = 2.03 (1.67;2.46)), colorectal (aOR(95%CI) = 1.41 (1.20;1.64)) and stomach (aOR(95%CI) = 1.59 (1.20;2.10)) cancer showed higher risk of misclassification than controls. This risk was higher for lower educational levels (aOR<primary vs. university (95%CI) = 1.78 (1.44;2.20)), among younger participants (aOR22-54 years vs. 73-85 years (95%CI) = 1.32 (1.09;1.60)), and for some industrial sectors: pharmaceutical (aOR(95%CI) = 29.02 (19.52;43.14)), galvanization (aOR(95%CI) = 14.14 (6.78;29.47)), and ceramic (aOR(95%CI) = 12.73 (7.22;22.44)). Participants living ≤1 year in the study area showed a lower risk of misclassification ((aOR≤1 vs. >15 years (95%CI) = 0.56 (0.36;0.85)). The use of self-reported proximity vs. real distance to industrial facilities biased the effect on cancer risk towards the nullity. Conclusions: Self-reported distance to industrial facilities can be a useful tool for hypothesis generation, but hypothesis-testing studies should use real distance to report valid conclusions. The sensitivity of the question might be improved with a more specific formulation. Keywords: Self-reported perception, Residential proximity, Case-control study, Sensitivity, Specificity, AUC, Industrial pollution, MCC-Spain

Yunheng Ji, Yunheng Ji, Changkun Liu et al.

Ultra-barcoding is a technique using whole plastomes and nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) sequences for plant species identification. Paris yunnanensis is a medicinal plant of great economic importance for the pharmaceutical industry. However, the alpha taxonomy of P. yunnanensis is still uncertain, hindering effective conservation and management of the germplasm. To resolve long-standing taxonomic disputes regarding this species, we newly generated the complete plastomes and nrDNA sequences from 22 P. yunnanensis accessions. Ultra-barcoding analyses suggest that P. yunnanensis as currently circumscribed is made up of two distinct genetic lineages, corresponding to the two phenotypes (“typical” and “high stem” form) identified early in our study. With distinct morphologies and distribution, the “high stem” form should be recognized as a previously unrecognized species; here it is described as a new species, P. liiana sp. nov. Moreover, the ultra-barcoding data do not support treatment of P. yunnanensis as a conspecific variety under Paris polyphylla. Our study represents a guiding practical application of ultra-barcoding for discovery of cryptic species in taxonomically challenging plant taxa. The findings highlight the great potential of ultra-barcoding as an effective tool for resolving perplexing problems in plant taxonomy.

Steven Ostrove

Brusač Edvin, Jeličić Mario-Livio, Klarić Daniela Amidžić et al.

A new method for determination of distribution coefficient of drugs azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and 6-thioguanine and nutrient folic acid used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease based on a miniaturized shake-flask and HPLC/DAD was developed. Special attention was made to the most commonly reported problems in the measurement of distribution coefficients using a shake-flask method such as mixing technique, speed and time, the temperature of experiment, type of buffer and its pH as well as n-octanol/buffer phase ratio. The concentration of compounds in the buffer is determined by HPLC directly from shake flasks or conventional 2-mL vials. The developed method was fully validated according to ICH guidelines. Furthermore, experimental data were successfully compared with lipophilicity and human intestinal absorption calculated by the use of four different theoretical approaches. The method shows potential for high-throughput measurements of a large number of compounds.

Clarke B. Cole, Stine Trolle, Danny J. Edwards

Abstract Major pharmaceutical companies contribute important expertise to health research and development (R&D), particularly in their ability to develop and bring pharmaceuticals to market. The Access to Medicine Index evaluates how 20 of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies are directing R&D efforts towards the needs of people living in low- and middle-income countries. In dissemination of its findings, the Index stimulates pharmaceutical companies to expand R&D activities in this direction. The Index methodology is reviewed every 2 years, most recently for the 2018 Index, to ensure their R&D activity is benchmarked against current health R&D priorities as defined by the global health community. The review is based on consensus-building processes involving global health stakeholders. In the latest review, two main changes to the methodology were made that will further deepen the Index’s analysis of (1) how far companies’ R&D activity aligns with global health priorities; and (2) whether companies make plans to ensure resulting innovations reach populations in need globally. These changes will be applied in the 2018 Access to Medicine Index. Importantly, the methodology review process highlighted the need for further prioritisation from the global health community, in particular to emphasise to innovators which product innovations are needed most critically to address the burden of non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries. Should such prioritisations be developed, the Index can play an important role in tracking and stimulating company contributions towards them.

Lisanne F. ten Brinke, John R. Best, Rachel A. Crockett et al.

Abstract Background Given the world’s aging population, it is important to identify strategies that promote healthy cognitive aging and minimize cognitive decline. Currently, no curative pharmaceutical therapy exists for cognitive impairment and dementia. As a result, there is much interest in lifestyle approaches. Specifically, complex mental activity, such as cognitive training, may be a promising method to combat cognitive decline in older adults. As such, the industry of commercial computerized cognitive training (CCT) applications has rapidly grown in the last decade. However, the efficacy of these commercial products is largely not established. Moreover, exercise is a recognized strategy for promoting cognitive outcomes in older adults and may augment the efficacy of computerized cognitive training applications. Therefore, we propose a proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine the effect of a commercial CCT program in community-dwelling older adults. Methods An 8-week RCT to examine the effect of a commercial CCT program, alone and preceded by a 15-min brisk walk, on cognitive function and explore the underlying neural mechanisms in adults aged 65–85 years old. Participants will be randomized to one of three intervention groups: 1) Computerized cognitive training (FBT); 2) A 15-min brisk walk followed by computerized cognitive training (Ex-FBT); or 3) A combination of educational classes, sham cognitive training, and balanced and tone exercises (active control, BAT). Participants in all intervention groups will attend three one-hour classes per week over the course of the intervention. Participants will be assessed at baseline, trial completion, and 1-year post study completion (1-year follow-up). Discussion If results from this study show benefits for cognition at trial completion, CCT programs, alone or in combination with walking, might be a strategy to promote healthy cognitive aging in older adults. In addition, results from the 1-year follow-up measurement could provide important information regarding the long-term benefits of these CCT programs. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration System: NCT02564809; registered September 1, 2015.

Hemmat K. Abd El Latif , Ramdan H. Ibrahim , Amira M. El-Ganiny et al.

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant Klebsiella species that produce Extended-Spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) enzymes have been reported with increasing frequency in intensive-care units and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Because of the high resistance to numerous antimicrobial agents, treatment can be problematic. Moreover formation of microbial biofilms has imposed a serious problem in treatment of microbial infections using conventional antibiotics. This has prompted researchers to identify alternatives such as plant products as antimicrobial agents. Researches on plant derived natural antimicrobials agents, has exclusively focused more on their effects against planktonic micro-organisms, however, the biofilm forms are more resistant to antimicrobial agents and therefore more difficult to control. In this study we investigated the prevalence of (ESBLs) among Klebsiella isolates, the prevalence of biofilm formation among these isolates and the effect of five natural essential oils on inhibition of biofilm formation. Out of the 102 Klebsiella isolates, 52 isolates were (ESBL), and 44 isolates were strong and moderate biofilm producer. ESBL production was more common among strong and moderate biofilm producers; this probably is due to high rate of conjugation inside the biofilm, which facilitates transfer of drug resistant genes. Out of the five commercial essential oils investigated for their effect on inhibition of biofilm formation the Eucalyptus oil showed the maximum inhibition of biofilm formation followed by garlic oil, clove oil, ginger oil and black seed oil.

Sabrin R.M. Ibrahim, Khalid Z. Alshali, Mostafa A. Fouad et al.

B-friedoolean-5-ene-3-β-ol (1), β-sitosterol (2), stigmasta-5,22,25-trien-3-β-ol (3), betulinic acid (4), and 5-hydroxy-6,7,4′-trimethoxyflavone (5) were isolated from the aerial parts of Clerodendrum inerme L. (Verbenaceae). Their structures were established based on analyses of physical and spectroscopic data. Compounds 1, 4, and 5 were isolated for the first time from the plant. C. inerme L. was known as a rich source of terpenes, sterols, and phenolic compounds, so the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. The total methanolic extract (TME) and compound 5 showed scavenging activity with maximum inhibition of 61.84% for TME (100 μg/mL) and 37.19% for 5 (20 μM), respectively, using DPPH assay. In addition, the TME exhibited anti-inflammatory activity more than indomethacin at dose 200 mg/kg using the formalin induced hind paw edema method.