Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging public health problem in modern times and the current COVID-19 pandemic has further exaggerated this problem. Due to bacterial co-infection in COVID-19 cases, an irrational consumption of antibiotics has occurred during the pandemic. This study aimed to observe the COVID-19 patients hospitalized from 1 March 2019 to 31 December 2020 and to evaluate the AMR pattern of bacterial agents isolated. This was a single-center study comprising 494 bacterial isolates (blood and urine) that were obtained from patients with SARS-CoV-2 admitted to the ICU and investigated in the Department of Microbiology of a tertiary care hospital in Delhi, India. Out of the total bacterial isolates, 55.46% were gram negative and 44.53% were gram positive pathogens. Of the blood samples processed, the most common isolates were CoNS (Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus) and Staphylococcus aureus. Amongst the urinary isolates, most common pathogens were Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. A total of 60% MRSA was observed in urine and blood isolates. Up to 40% increase in AMR was observed amongst these isolates obtained during COVID-19 period compared to pre-COVID-19 times. The overuse of antibiotics gave abundant opportunity for the bacterial pathogens to gradually develop mechanisms and to acquire resistance. Since the dynamics of SARS-COV-2 are unpredictable, a compromise on hospital antibiotic policy may ultimately escalate the burden of drug resistant pathogens in hospitals. A shortage of trained staff during COVID-19 pandemic renders it impossible to maintain these records in places where the entire hospital staff is struggling to save lives. This study highlights the extensive rise in the use of antibiotics for respiratory illness due to COVID-19 compared to antibiotic use prior to COVID-19 in ICUs. The regular prescription audit followed by a constant surveillance of hospital infection control practices by the dedicated teams and training of clinicians can improve the quality of medications in the long run and help to fight the menace of AMR.

Cosmetics, commonly known as ‘makeup’ are products that can enhance the appearance of the human body. Cosmetic products include hair dyes, shampoos, skincare, sunscreens, kajal, and other makeup products. Cosmetics are generally applied throughout the face and over the neck region. Sunlight has different wavelengths of light, which include UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, and other radiations. Most cosmetic products have absorption maxima (λmax) in the range of visible light and UV-R. The effect of light-induced photosensitization of cosmetic products, which results in the production of free radicals through type-I and type-II photosensitization mechanisms. Free-radicals-mediated DNA damage and oxidative stress are common consequences of cosmetic phototoxicity. Cosmetic phototoxicity may include percutaneous absorption, skin irritation, eye irritation, photosensitization, mutagenicity, and genotoxicity. Oxidative stress induces membrane lipid peroxidation, glycoxidation, and protein covalent modifications, resulting in their dysfunction. Natural antioxidants inhibit oxidative-stress-induced cosmetic toxicity. Sunlight-induced photodegradation and accumulation of cosmetic photoproducts are also a matter of serious concern. India has tropical weather conditions throughout the year and generally, a majority of human activities such as commerce, agriculture, sports, etc. are performed under bright sunlight conditions. Thus, more focused and dedicated research is warranted to explore the effects of cosmetics on oxidative stress, glycoxidation of biomolecules, and photoproducts accumulation for its total human safety.

Background and Purpose: In the present work, chitosan is furnished with tin dioxide (CsSnO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using the green route using Moringa oleifera ( M. oleifera) flower extract. Materials and Methods: These preparation methods are low-cost, easily reproducible, nontoxic, and eco-friendly. X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and photoluminescence (PL) analysis were used to learn more about the CsSnO₂ NPs. The antibacterial property of CsSnO₂ NPs was assessed by the disc diffusion method against various pathogens. The MTT assay was done to assess the cytotoxicity of CsSnO₂ NPs in MCF-7 cells. The expressions of the apoptotic proteins were examined using assay kits. Results: XRD results demonstrated that the formulated CsSnO₂ NPs exhibit a tetragonal structure. From the FT-IR spectra, the Sn–O stretching peak was observed at 579 cm^–1. A FESEM image shows that the CsSnO₂ NPs were formed into a spherical structure. Surface defects, such as tin and oxygen vacancies, are visible in the PL spectra, and the average particle size of CsSnO₂ NPs is 32 nm. Thus, surface defects are essential parameters for biocidal properties. The antimicrobial property of CsSnO₂ NPs and amoxicillin was investigated against bacteria and human fungal pathogens. CsSnO₂ NPs exhibit similar antimicrobial properties as compared to amoxicillin. Also, the dosage of CsSnO₂ NPs elevated their antimicrobial activity. The anticancer property of the green-synthesized CsSnO₂ NPs against MCF-7 cells was further analyzed to study their ability to cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction, like caspase-3, -8, and -9 activation. Conclusion: The study’s outcome revealed that the green synthesized CsSnO₂ NPs are an outstanding candidate for cancer therapy.