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Veterinary Medicine and Science Nov 2023Microorganisms living in the oral cavity play an important role in health and disease of the host. Cats are susceptible to oral infections, and it is documented that...
BACKGROUND
Microorganisms living in the oral cavity play an important role in health and disease of the host. Cats are susceptible to oral infections, and it is documented that fungi in the oral cavity could impact these infections. Antifungal resistance has been increasing in recent years.
OBJECTIVES
This study was designed to identify yeast isolates from the oral cavity of healthy cats and to evaluate their antifungal susceptibility pattern.
METHODS
Oral specimens were collected from 60 cats and cultured at 37°C for 10 days. Yeasts were isolated and identified. Their antifungal susceptibility pattern was determined according to CLSI M44-A.
RESULTS
Three yeast genera were isolated, including Candida spp (55.5%), Rhodotorula spp (33.3%) and Hanseniaspora spp (11.1%). Antifungal susceptibility profiling showed that, apart from a dose-dependent effect of itraconazole, Hanseniaspora spp was susceptible to all seven drugs studied. The Candida species were susceptible to all drugs except ketoconazole (sensitivity 80%) and caspofungin (sensitivity 40%). In R. glutinis and R. minuta, 100% sensitivity was observed for amphotericin B, posaconazole, ketoconazole and voriconazole.
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that, in comparison with humans and other animals, cats have a different oral mycoflora in terms of species, number and diversity. However, these isolates have similar susceptibility patterns to those seen in isolates from other animals and humans. More studies should be done to further characterize the oral mycobiota of cats and its role in oral infections.
Topics: Humans; Cats; Animals; Antifungal Agents; Ketoconazole; Fluconazole; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Yeasts; Candida; Mouth
PubMed: 37847594
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1280 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Sodium butyrate (SB) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that can induce changes in gene expression and secondary metabolite titers by inhibiting histone deacetylation....
Sodium butyrate (SB) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that can induce changes in gene expression and secondary metabolite titers by inhibiting histone deacetylation. Our preliminary analysis also indicated that SB significantly enhanced the biosynthesis of carotenoids in the strain YM25079, although the underlying regulatory mechanisms remained unclear. Based on an integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics, this study revealed changes in cell membrane stability, DNA and protein methylation levels, amino acid metabolism, and oxidative stress in the strain YM25079 under SB exposure. Among them, the upregulation of oxidative stress may be a contributing factor for the increase in carotenoid biosynthesis, subsequently enhancing the strain resistance to oxidative stress and maintaining the membrane fluidity and function for normal cell growth. To summarize, our results showed that SB promoted carotenoid synthesis in the strain YM25079 and increased the levels of the key metabolites and regulators involved in the stress response of yeast cells. Additionally, epigenetic modifiers were applied to produce fungal carotenoid, providing a novel and promising strategy for the biosynthesis of yeast-based carotenoids.
PubMed: 38786675
DOI: 10.3390/jof10050320 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Oct 2023Single-cell sorting is essential to explore cellular heterogeneity in biology and medicine. Recently developed Raman-activated cell sorting (RACS) circumvents the...
Single-cell sorting is essential to explore cellular heterogeneity in biology and medicine. Recently developed Raman-activated cell sorting (RACS) circumvents the limitations of fluorescence-activated cell sorting, such as the cytotoxicity of labels. However, the sorting throughputs of all forms of RACS are limited by the intrinsically small cross-section of spontaneous Raman scattering. Here, we report a stimulated Raman-activated cell ejection (S-RACE) platform that enables high-throughput single-cell sorting based on high-resolution multi-channel stimulated Raman chemical imaging, image decomposition, and laser-induced cell ejection. The performance of this platform was illustrated by sorting a mixture of 1 μm polymer beads, where 95% yield, 98% purity, and 14 events per second throughput were achieved. Notably, our platform allows live cell ejection, allowing for the growth of single colonies of bacteria and fungi after sorting. To further illustrate the chemical selectivity, lipid-rich cells were successfully sorted from a mixture with , confirmed by downstream quantitative PCR. Furthermore, by integrating a closed-loop feedback control circuit into the system, we realized real-time single-cell imaging and sorting, and applied this method to precisely eject regions of interest from a rat brain tissue section. The reported S-RACE platform opens exciting opportunities for a wide range of single-cell applications in biology and medicine.
PubMed: 37904930
DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.16.562526 -
Frontiers in Chemistry 2024This study investigates the biological activities of essential oil (LPEO), an endemic lavender species from the Canary Islands, traditionally used in treating various...
This study investigates the biological activities of essential oil (LPEO), an endemic lavender species from the Canary Islands, traditionally used in treating various ailments. LPEO was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacity assays. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion, MIC, MBC, and MFC determination against bacterial () and fungal () strains. Antidiabetic and anti-gout potential were investigated through α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and xanthine oxidase inhibition assays. Antityrosinase activity was determined using a modified dopachrome method. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay against breast (MCF-7, MDA-MB-468), liver (HepG2), colon (HCT-15) cancer cells, and normal cells (PBMCs). LPEO exhibits potent antiradical activity (IC50 = 148.33 ± 2.48 μg/mL) and significant antioxidant capacity (TAC = 171.56 ± 2.34 μg AA/mg of EO). It demonstrates notable antibacterial activity against four strains ( and ) with inhibition zones ranging from 18.70 ± 0.30 mm to 29.20 ± 0.30 mm, along with relatively low MIC and MBC values. LPEO displays significant antifungal activity against four strains ( and ) with a fungicidal effect at 1 mg/mL, surpassing the positive control (cycloheximide), and MIC and MFC values indicating a fungicidal effect. It exhibits substantial inhibition of xanthine oxidase enzyme (IC50 = 26.48 ± 0.90 μg/mL), comparable to allopurinol, and marked inhibitory effects on α-amylase (IC50 = 31.56 ± 0.46 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 58.47 ± 2.35 μg/mL) enzymes.The enzyme tyrosinase is inhibited by LPEO (IC50 = 29.11 ± 0.08 mg/mL). LPEO displays moderate cytotoxic activity against breast, liver, and colon cancer cells, with low toxicity towards normal cells (PBMC). LPEO exhibits greater selectivity than cisplatin for breast (MCF-7) and colon (HCT-15) cancer cells but lower selectivity for liver (HepG2) and metastatic breast (MDA-MB-468) cancer cells. These findings suggest the potential of LPEO as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-gout, antidiabetic, and anticancer agent.
PubMed: 38660570
DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1383731 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023, acknowledged through its indigenous nomenclature "samar", is part of the Juncaceae taxonomic lineage, bearing considerable import as a botanical reservoir harboring...
, acknowledged through its indigenous nomenclature "samar", is part of the Juncaceae taxonomic lineage, bearing considerable import as a botanical reservoir harboring conceivable therapeutic attributes. Its historical precedence in traditional curative methodologies for the alleviation of infections and inflammatory conditions is notable. In the purview of Eastern traditional medicine, Juncus species seeds find application for their remedial efficacy in addressing diarrhea, while the botanical fruits are subjected to infusion processes targeting the attenuation of symptoms associated with cold manifestations. The primary objective of this study was to unravel the phytochemical composition of distinct constituents within , specifically leaves (JALE) and roots (JARE), originating from the indigenous expanse of the Nador region in northeastern Morocco. The extraction of plant constituents was executed utilizing an ethanol-based extraction protocol. The subsequent elucidation of chemical constituents embedded within the extracts was accomplished employing analytical techniques based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). For the purpose of in vitro antioxidant evaluation, a dual approach was adopted, encompassing the radical scavenging technique employing 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay. The acquired empirical data showcase substantial radical scavenging efficacy and pronounced relative antioxidant activity. Specifically, the DPPH and TAC methods yielded values of 483.45 ± 4.07 µg/mL and 54.59 ± 2.44 µg of ascorbic acid (AA)/mL, respectively, for the leaf extracts. Correspondingly, the root extracts demonstrated values of 297.03 ± 43.3 µg/mL and 65.615 ± 0.54 µg of AA/mL for the DPPH and TAC methods. In the realm of antimicrobial evaluation, the assessment of effects was undertaken through the agar well diffusion technique. The minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum fungicidal concentration were determined for each extract. The inhibitory influence of the ethanol extracts was observed across bacterial strains including , , and , with the notable exception of . However, fungal strains such as and exhibited comparatively lower resistance, whereas and exhibited heightened resistance, evincing negligible antifungal activity. An anticipatory computational assessment of pharmacokinetic parameters was conducted, complemented by the application of the Pro-tox II web tool to delineate the potential toxicity profile of compounds intrinsic to the studied extracts. The culmination of these endeavors underpins the conceivable prospects of the investigated extracts as promising candidates for oral medicinal applications.
PubMed: 38004275
DOI: 10.3390/life13112135 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2023The organoleptic profile and quality of wine are affected by the presence of different non-s species and strains. Therefore, the identification and characterization of...
The organoleptic profile and quality of wine are affected by the presence of different non-s species and strains. Therefore, the identification and characterization of non-s yeasts are the first step to understand their function, and to develop a better strain selection program for winemaking. This study investigated the biodiversity of non- yeasts associated with spontaneous fermentation of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from five sub-regions (Shi Zuishan, Yinchuan, Yu Quanying, Qing Tongxia and Hong Sibu) in Ningxia, China. Yeast species were identified by sequencing the 26S rRNA D1/D2 region, and strains at the subspecies level were discriminated using tandem repeat-tRNA (TRtRNA) PCR analysis. A total of 524 yeast colonies were isolated, and 19 non- yeast species belonging to 10 genera were identified, including , , sp., , , , , , sp., , , , , , , and . , , and were the three most dominated species, while other non- species were only present in the early stage of spontaneous fermentations at different levels. Further, for the yeast discrimination at strain level, 34 profiles were obtained by amplification with primer pairs TtRNASC/5CAG, while 40 profiles were obtained with primer pairs TtRNASC/ISSR-MB. This study explored the diversity of non- species in Ningxia, China, and made an important contribution of genetic resources for further strain development.
PubMed: 37664125
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1253969 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2023The mastic tree, scientifically known as , which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, was used in this study. The aim of this research was to analyze the chemical...
The mastic tree, scientifically known as , which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, was used in this study. The aim of this research was to analyze the chemical composition of this plant and assess its antioxidant and antibacterial properties using both laboratory experiments and computer simulations through molecular docking, a method that predicts the binding strength of a small molecule to a protein. The soxhlet method (SE) was employed to extract substances from the leaves of found in the eastern region of Morocco. Hexane and methanol were the solvents used for the extraction process. The n-hexane extract was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify its fatty acid content. The methanolic extract underwent high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) to determine the presence of phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH spectrophotometric test. The findings revealed that the main components in the n-hexane extract were linoleic acid (40.97 ± 0.33%), oleic acid (23.69 ± 0.12%), and palmitic acid (22.83 ± 0.10%). Catechin (37.05 ± 0.15%) was identified as the predominant compound in the methanolic extract through HPLC analysis. The methanolic extract exhibited significant DPPH radical scavenging, with an IC50 value of 0.26 ± 0.14 mg/mL. The antibacterial activity was tested against , , and , while the antifungal activity was evaluated against and . The extract demonstrated notable antimicrobial effects. Additionally, apart from molecular docking, other important factors, such as drug similarity, drug metabolism and distribution within the body, potential adverse effects, and impact on bodily systems, were considered for the substances derived from . Scientific algorithms, such as Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS), Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion (ADME), and Pro-Tox II, were utilized for this assessment. The results obtained from this research support the traditional medicinal usage of and suggest its potential for drug development.
PubMed: 37374175
DOI: 10.3390/life13061393 -
ACS Omega Apr 2024Two unprecedented isomeric secondary metabolites named vibralactones Z () and Z (), in addition to eleven known compounds (-), were isolated from solid-state rice...
Two unprecedented isomeric secondary metabolites named vibralactones Z () and Z (), in addition to eleven known compounds (-), were isolated from solid-state rice culture medium of (Bondarzewiaceae). Chemical structures of the isolated compounds were established via spectral analyses. The new lactone derivatives were weakly active against without any significant cytotoxicity, while the molecules containing an aldehyde functionality showed significant antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects. For instance, erinacine P () and (+)-isovelleral () and erinacine P () were cytotoxic against all tested cell lines at IC values in the ranges of 3.5-14.2 and 2.8-30.2 μM, respectively. In addition, they revealed moderate antimicrobial activity with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values recorded against (8.3 μg/mL), , and at 16.6 μg/mL.
PubMed: 38680360
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02011 -
Microorganisms Jul 2023Sugar-rich waste streams, generated in very high quantities worldwide, constitute an important source of environmental pollution. Their eco-friendly conversions into a...
Sugar-rich waste streams, generated in very high quantities worldwide, constitute an important source of environmental pollution. Their eco-friendly conversions into a plethora of added-value compounds through the use of microbial fermentations is currently a very "hot" scientific topic. The aim of this study, was to assess the potential of single cell oil (SCO), microbial mass and citric acid (CA) production by non-conventional yeast strains growing on expired ("waste") glucose. Six yeast strains (. DSM 4444, NRRL YB-252, NRRL Y-27012, LFMB Y-20, ACA-DC 50109 and DSM 70296) were initially grown in shake flasks with expired glucose used as substrate under nitrogen limitation, in order to "boost" the cellular metabolism towards the synthesis of SCO and CA, and their growth response was quantitatively evaluated. Initial glucose concentration (Glc) was adjusted at . 50 g/L. Besides , all other yeast strains produced noticeable SCO quantities [lipid in dry cell weight (DCW) ranging from 25.3% / to 55.1% /]. Lipids of all yeasts contained significant quantities of oleic acid, being perfect candidates for the synthesis of 2nd generation biodiesel. The highest DCW production (=13.6 g/L) was obtained by DSM 70296, while both strains did not accumulate noticeable lipid quantities, but produced non-negligible CA amounts. The most promising CA-producing strain, namely ACA-DC 50109 was further studied in stirred-tank bioreactor systems, while the very promising DCW- and SCO-producing DSM 70296 was further studied in shake flasks. Both strains were grown on media presenting higher Glc concentrations and the same initial nitrogen quantity as previously. Indeed, grown at Glc = 85 g/L, produced DCW = 34.0 g/L, that contained lipid =34.1% / (thus SCO was =11.6 g/L). The strain ACA-DC 50109 in stirred tank bioreactor with Glc ≈ 105 g/L produced CA up to 46 g/L (yield of CA produced on glucose consumed; Y ≈ 0.45 g/g). Finally, in fed-batch bioreactor experiment, the significant CA quantity of 82.0 g/L (Y = 0.50 g/g) was recorded. Concluding, "waste" glucose proved to be a suitable substrate for a number of non-conventional yeast strains. ACA-DC 50109 produced significant quantities of CA while DSM 70296 was a very interesting DCW- and SCO-producing candidate. These strains can be used as potential cell factories amenable to convert glucose-based residues into the mentioned metabolic compounds, that present high importance for food, chemical and biofuel facilities.
PubMed: 37513034
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071863 -
Medicine Jul 2023Rhodotorula glutinis is a rare cause of fungal peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The combination treatment between aggressive PD catheter replacement and...
RATIONALE
Rhodotorula glutinis is a rare cause of fungal peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The combination treatment between aggressive PD catheter replacement and adequate antifungal treatment is crucial in managing peritonitis due to fungal infection and onychomycosis.
PATIENT CONCERNS
A 37-year-old man PD patient presented with cloudy effluent, abdominal pain, and black debris in the lumen of his PD catheter. Twelve days before admission, the patient traveled for 10 days to a high-temperature country, Saudi Arabia, for purpose of accomplishing haj. From the physical examinations, there was an onychomycosis in his right toenail.
DIAGNOSES
The result of the dialysate cell count confirmed the evidence of peritonitis (i.e., cell count of 187 cells per µL, however with polymorphonuclear 31%). The dialysate culture indicated R glutinis, with no growth of bacteria. Fungal culture of his toenail scrapings was obtained and the result was Penicillium sp.
INTERVENTIONS
Based on the high clinical suspicion of fungal peritonitis, fluconazole intraperitoneal (IP) was immediately given on the first day in addition to empirical antibiotics, that is, cefazolin and gentamycin IP. His peritoneal catheter was simultaneously removed and reinserted on the 4th day of treatment. Since there was a sign of fluconazole resistance, fluconazole IP was switched into oral voriconazole, without any antimicrobial treatment intraperitoneally. After 21 days of voriconazole, oral itraconazole was given until 3 months for his onychomycosis.
OUTCOMES
Clinical improvement was seen on the effluent where the leucocyte count falls below 100 cells after 21 days of giving voriconazole.
LESSONS
This case report suggests the need for comprehensive evaluations of the risk for fungal infection in continuous ambulatory PD patients, especially those who live in a tropical country.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adult; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory; Onychomycosis; Fluconazole; Voriconazole; Mycoses; Peritonitis; Dialysis Solutions
PubMed: 37443482
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034199