A plethora of bacteria and fungi are able to alternate planktonic growth and community growth, commonly referred as biofilms. Orthodontic appliances favors the colonization by Candida albicans yeasts (C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis and C. krusei) in the saliva of individuals with or without clinical manifestations of candidiasis. The concern of biofilm formation during orthodontic treatment, associated with dental plaque formation and periodontal diseases is of concern considering that Candida spp. biofilms have a great resistance to antifungal drugs according to several studies. In order to minimize this problem, it is proposed to add antifungal properties to a biomaterial by modifying a glass ionomer cement with the addition of an imidazolium salt: C16MImCl. The process consisted of an structural modification of a commercially available glass ionomer cement by inserting the imidazolium salt 1-n-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C16MImCl), generating a new biomaterial with antifungal biofilm activity. Test specimens were prepared using a commercial glass ionomer cement to which 10 ppm of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as a reference ionic antifungal agent and C16MImCl were added. The feasibility and hypoallergenicity of the new biomaterial were assessed by microhardness plastic deformation and chorioallantoic membrane assays. Colony counting and SEM images evaluated the modified specimens’ antibiofilm activity against three multidrug-resistant Candida species. The modified glass ionomer cement presented a strong antibiofilm activity against Candida spp., without losing its original micromechanical and hypoallergenic properties. A good biofilm penetration was observed, breaking the fungal protection and characterizing an antifungal effect even at very low concentrations.

Besides that, the CPC and  C16MImCl incorporation into the glass powder and subsequent polymerization reaction did not modify the microhardness of the TS. This initial step is of utmost importance, since the inclusion of additives can compromise the physical–mechanical properties of GIC.  Considering the demand for biomaterials with antibiofilm activity, this new biomaterial could potentially improve the classical ionomer cement applicable in many areas of dentistry.

Background: Depression and anxiety remain serious problems in given unexpected circumstances like Covid-19. Serotonin is one of the most important neurotransmitters influencing mental health and a potential target for pharmacological treatments. 5HT₃ receptor antagonists like ondansetron; mainly used for management of acute & delayed cancer chemotherapy induced emesis, has shown anxiolytic and antidepressant effect in various studies. Another 5HT₃ antagonist; Palonosetron approved for delayed cancer chemotherapy induced emesis, has yet not been studied for anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Material & Methods: Light-dark compartment model was used for anti-anxiety effect evaluation and Swim despair test was used for evaluation of anti-depressant effect. Swiss albino mice were used and randomly divided in 5 groups of 6 each to receive following 5 treatments: Group 1Control i.e normal saline (0.1 ml/10 g of body weight i.p.), Group 2: Diazepam (1mg/kg i.p), Group 3: Fluoxetine (18mg/kg i.p), Group 4:  Palonosetron (0.025 mg/kg i.p), Group 5: Palonosetron (0.05mg/kg i.p) in each animal model. In light-dark compartment model efficacy was assessed at end of 15, 30, 60, 120, 180 & 300mins by observing time spent in light compartment and number of transitions made between both compartments. In Swim despair test efficacy was assessed by recording of immobility period after 1 hr & 24 hrs of drug administration. Results: Time spent in the light compartment at the end of 30, 60 and 120 min with palonosetron (0.05mg/kg) was statistically significant more as compared to control & fluoxetine.  No of transitions made between both compartments also increased with palonosetron (0.05mg/kg) at the end of 15, 30, 60 & 120 mins as compared to control and fluoxetine groups. In Swim despair test palonosetron (0.05mg/kg) showed statistically significant antidepressant activity as compared to control and fluoxetine group at 1 hr & 24 hrs respectively. Conclusion: Palonosetron (0.05mg/Kg) possesses significant antidepressant & anti-anxiety activity in animal models.  
Recent Publications (minimum 5)

1. Parekar SM, Dharmadhikari SC, Jaju JB, Pawar GR, Solunke R. Evaluation of antidepressant activity of ondansetron alone and in combination with fluoxetine-an experimental study. Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol 2016;5:90-7.
2. Kurhe Y , Mahesh R.  Ondansetron attenuates co-morbid depression and anxiety associated with obesity by inhibiting the biochemical alterations and improving serotonergic neurotransmission. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2015;136:107-16.
3. Lourdu JA, Shanthi M, Meher AR. Anxiolytic effect of Ondansetron, a 5-HT3 Antagonist on male albino mice in the Elevated plus maze. Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological & Chemical Sciences. 2013;4:1665-9.
4. Kurhe YV, Mahesh R, Gupta D. Anti-anxiety effect of a novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonist N-(benz[d]thiazol-2-yl)-3 ethoxyquinoxalin-2 carboxamide (6k) using battery tests for anxiety in mice. Indian J Pharmacol. 2014;46(1):100-4.
5. Garibova TL , Voronina TA,  KraÄ­neva VA, Val'dman EA.  The anxiolytic effect of ondansetron and its capacity to eliminate the benzodiazepine abstinence syndrome in rats. Eksp Klin Farmakol. 1999;62(6):16-9.

(COVID-19) Corona virus disease 2019 is related to severe lung damage and it is likely to cause multi-organ failure, finding a definitive treatment challenging researchers worldwide. Recently dexamethasone has demonstrated significant effects in COVID-19; it reduced mortality and improved recovery. It suppresses immune response and inhibits inflammatory factors, and hence it reduces inflammation and prevents progression to severe form of COVID-19 that caused by excessive cytokine release. Indeed, current evidence about dexamethasone role in the management of COVID-19 is insufficient. The pathophysiology of COVID-19 and dexamethasone action are key points behind its contribution in the treatment of this panepidemic.