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Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi Jun 2024is a sexually transmitted protozoan parasite that usually causes infections in women. Metronidazole is used as the first choice in the treatment of this parasitic...
OBJECTIVE
is a sexually transmitted protozoan parasite that usually causes infections in women. Metronidazole is used as the first choice in the treatment of this parasitic disease, but there is a need for new drugs since 1980's with increasing numbers of reported resistance. In this study, it was aimed to determine the antitrichomonal activity of the major components of (cinnamon) and (thyme) essential oils, cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol and thymol against metronidazole resistant and susceptible strains, and to determine their interaction with metronidazole by checkerboard method.
METHODS
Cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, thymol and metronidazole were obtained commercially. Two clinical isolates and one metronidazole resistant reference strain were used in the study. MIC50 and MLC values of essential oil components and metronidazole were determined by broth microdilution method. The combinations of essential oil components with metronidazole were determined by the checkerboard method.
RESULTS
According to activity tests, cinnamaldehyde was determined to be most effective essential oil component. Clinical isolates were susceptible to metronidazole. In combination study, metronidazole showed synergy with cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol, and partial synergy with thymol.
CONCLUSION
It was determined that cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol and thymol, which are known to have high antimicrobial activity, also have strong activity against isolates and show a synergistic interaction with metronidazole. The use of metronidazole at lower doses in the synergistic interaction may contribute to the literature in terms of reducing drug side effects, creating a versatile antimicrobial target, and reducing the rate of resistance development.
Topics: Acrolein; Thymol; Cymenes; Drug Synergism; Metronidazole; Humans; Oils, Volatile; Thymus Plant; Trichomonas vaginalis; Monoterpenes; Female; Cinnamomum zeylanicum; Antiprotozoal Agents; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Drug Resistance
PubMed: 38958374
DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2024.91855 -
Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz 2024Chagas disease is a tropical neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide, still demanding a more effective and safer therapy, especially in its chronic... (Review)
Review
Chagas disease is a tropical neglected disease that affects millions of people worldwide, still demanding a more effective and safer therapy, especially in its chronic phase which lacks a treatment that promotes substantial parasitological cure. The technical note of Romanha and collaborators published in 2010 aimed establish a guideline with the set of minimum criteria and decision gates for the development of new agents against Trypanosoma cruzi with the focus on developing new antichagasic drugs. In this sense, the present review aims to update this technical note, bringing the state of the art and new advances on this topic in recent years.
Topics: Chagas Disease; Trypanocidal Agents; Animals; Trypanosoma cruzi; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Drug Development
PubMed: 38958341
DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760240057 -
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... 2024The current study evaluates the antibacterial activity of Camponotus compressus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) body crude extracts. The increasing antibiotic resistance of...
The current study evaluates the antibacterial activity of Camponotus compressus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) body crude extracts. The increasing antibiotic resistance of bacteria has prompted the world to turn its attention towards insects in the search for new sources of antibacterial compounds. The body crude extract obtained with different solvents were tested against both Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae). Standard disc diffusion method was used to perform the activity. The extracts of C. compressus were investigated for their effectiveness against all resistant pathogenic bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most susceptible, exhibiting a high average growth inhibition, while Bacillus subtilis showed a lower average growth inhibition zone. Our findings regarding the inhibitory effect of C. compressus extracts show the presence of a broad-spectrum antibacterial compound. This will be helpful in the search for novel natural antibiotics against robust pathogenic bacterial strains.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Gram-Positive Bacteria; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Ants; Complex Mixtures
PubMed: 38958299
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.284085 -
American Journal of Reproductive... Jul 2024Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe and common cause of male infertility. Currently, the most reliable predictor of sperm retrieval success in NOA is...
PURPOSE
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe and common cause of male infertility. Currently, the most reliable predictor of sperm retrieval success in NOA is histopathology, but preoperative testicular biopsy often increases the difficulty of sperm retrieval surgery. This study aims to explore the characteristics of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in NOA patients and investigate the potential biomarkers and molecular mechanisms for pathological diagnosis and treatment of NOA using m6A-related genes.
METHODS
NOA-related datasets were downloaded from the GEO database. Based on the results of LASSO regression analysis, a prediction model was established from differentially expressed m6A-related genes, and the predictive performance of the model was evaluated using ROC curves. Cluster analysis was performed based on differentially expressed m6A-related genes to evaluate the differences in different m6A modification patterns in terms of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), biological features, and immune features.
RESULTS
There were significant differences in eight m6A-related genes between NOA samples and healthy controls. The ROC curves showed excellent predictive performance for the diagnostic models constructed with ALKBH5 and FTO. DEGs of two m6A modification subtypes indicated the influence of m6A-related genes in the biological processes of mitosis and meiosis in NOA patients, and there were significant immune differences between the two subtypes.
CONCLUSION
The NOA pathological diagnostic models constructed with FTO and ALKBH5 have good predictive ability. We have identified two different m6A modification subtypes, which may help predict sperm retrieval success rate and treatment selection in NOA patients.
Topics: Humans; Azoospermia; Male; Computational Biology; Adenosine; Gene Expression Profiling; Biomarkers; AlkB Homolog 5, RNA Demethylase; Transcriptome
PubMed: 38958252
DOI: 10.1111/aji.13892 -
Renal Failure Dec 2024To identify the risk factors of refractory peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis (PDRP) and construct a nomogram to predict the occurrence of refractory PDRP.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the risk factors of refractory peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis (PDRP) and construct a nomogram to predict the occurrence of refractory PDRP.
METHODS
Refractory peritonitis was defined as the peritonitis episode with persistently cloudy bags or persistent dialysis effluent leukocyte count >100 × 10/L after 5 days of appropriate antibiotic therapy. The study dataset was randomly divided into a 70% training set and a 30% validation set. Univariate logistic analysis, LASSO regression analysis, and random forest algorithms were utilized to identify the potential risk factors for refractory peritonitis. Independent risk factors identified using multivariate logistic analysis were used to construct a nomogram. The discriminative ability, calibrating ability, and clinical practicality of the nomogram were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 294 peritonitis episodes in 178 patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) were enrolled, of which 93 were refractory peritonitis. C-reactive protein, serum albumin, diabetes mellitus, PD duration, and type of causative organisms were independent risk factors for refractory peritonitis. The nomogram model exhibited excellent discrimination with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.781 (95% CI: 0.716-0.847) in the training set and 0.741 (95% CI: 0.627-0.855) in the validation set. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve indicated satisfactory calibration ability of the predictive model. Decision curve analysis revealed that the nomogram model had good clinical utility in predicting refractory peritonitis.
CONCLUSION
This nomogram can accurately predict refractory peritonitis in patients treated with PD.
Topics: Humans; Nomograms; Peritonitis; Peritoneal Dialysis; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Adult; Aged; ROC Curve; Retrospective Studies; Logistic Models; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Kidney Failure, Chronic; C-Reactive Protein
PubMed: 38958248
DOI: 10.1080/0886022X.2024.2368083 -
Journal of Medical Microbiology Jul 2024Anti-fungal agents are increasingly becoming less effective due to the development of resistance. In addition, it is difficult to treat organisms that form biofilms...
Anti-fungal agents are increasingly becoming less effective due to the development of resistance. In addition, it is difficult to treat organisms that form biofilms due to a lack of ability of drugs to penetrate the biofilms. We are attempting to assess the effect of a new therapeutic agent, -acetylcysteine (NAC), on adhesion and biofilm formation in clinical strains. Meanwhile, to detect the transcription level changes of adhesion and biofilm formation-associated genes ( and ) when administrated with NAC in strains, furthermore, to explore the mechanism of drug interference on biofilms. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) exhibits certain inhibitory effects on adhesion and biofilm formation in C. parapsilosis clinical strains from CRBSIs through: (1) down-regulating the expression of the CpEFG1 gene, making it a highly potential candidate for the treatment of C. parapsilosis catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), (2) regulating the metabolism and biofilm -forming factors of cell structure. To determine whether non-antifungal agents can exhibit inhibitory effects on adhesion, amounts of total biofilm formation and metabolic activities of isolates from candidemia patients, NAC was added to the yeast suspensions at different concentrations, respectively. Reverse transcription was used to detect the transcriptional levels of adhesion-related genes ( and ) and biofilm formation-related factors ( and ) in the knockout strain, CP7 and CP5 clinical strains in the presence of NAC. To further explore the mechanism of NAC on the biofilms of , RNA sequencing was used to calculate gene expression, comparing the differences among samples. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis helps to illustrate the difference between two particular samples on functional levels. A high concentration of NAC reduces the total amount of biofilm formation in . Following co-incubation with NAC, the expression of in both CP7 and CP5 clinical strains decreased, while there were no significant changes in the transcriptional levels of compared with the untreated strain. GO enrichment analysis showed that the metabolism and biofilm-forming factors of cell structure were all regulated after NAC intervention. The non-antifungal agent NAC exhibits certain inhibitory effects on clinical isolate biofilm formation by down-regulating the expression of the gene, making it a highly potential candidate for the treatment of catheter-related bloodstream infections.
Topics: Biofilms; Acetylcysteine; Humans; Candida parapsilosis; Catheter-Related Infections; Candidemia; Fungal Proteins; Antifungal Agents
PubMed: 38958241
DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001848 -
Chemical Biology & Drug Design Jul 2024To develop novel bovine lactoferrin (bLF) peptides targeting bLF-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) binding sites, we identified two...
To develop novel bovine lactoferrin (bLF) peptides targeting bLF-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) binding sites, we identified two peptides that could target bLF-TRAF6 binding sites using structural analysis. Moreover, another peptide that could bind to the TRAF6 dimerization area was selected from the bLF sequence. The effects of each peptide on cytokine expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated osteoblasts (ST2) and on osteoclastogenesis were examined using an LPS-treated co-culture of primary bone marrow cells (BMCs) with ST2 cells and a single culture of osteoclast precursor cells (RAW-D) treated with soluble receptor activator of NF-κB ligand. Finally, the effectiveness of these peptides against LPS-induced alveolar bone destruction was assessed. Two of the three peptides significantly suppressed LPS-induced TNF-α and interleukin-1β expression in ST2 cells. Additionally, these peptides inhibited and reversed LPS-induced receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) upregulation and osteoprotegerin (OPG) downregulation, respectively. Furthermore, both peptides significantly reduced LPS-induced osteoclastogenesis in the BMC-ST2 co-culture and RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in RAW-D cells. In vivo, topical application of these peptides significantly reduced the osteoclast number by downregulating RANKL and upregulating OPG in the periodontal ligament. It is indicated that the novel bLF peptides can be used to treat periodontitis-associated bone destruction.
Topics: Animals; Lactoferrin; Lipopolysaccharides; Rats; Peptides; Osteoclasts; RANK Ligand; Male; Alveolar Bone Loss; Cattle; Mice; Osteoblasts; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Osteogenesis; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Binding Sites; Coculture Techniques; Osteoprotegerin; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 38958121
DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14574 -
Dental and Medical Problems 2024Dentists, through inappropriate antibiotic prescription, may contribute to the global problem of antibiotic resistance (AR).
BACKGROUND
Dentists, through inappropriate antibiotic prescription, may contribute to the global problem of antibiotic resistance (AR).
OBJECTIVES
Understanding dentists' antibiotic prescription patterns, source of knowledge, and the driving forces behind their prescription practices may be crucial for the effective implementation of the rational use of antibiotics (RUA) in dentistry.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Active members of the Turkish Dental Association were invited to participate in an electronic survey comprising questions focusing on their role, knowledge and perceptions regarding RUA, the perceived barriers to adapting RUA in daily dental work, and the actual antibiotic prescription practices. The potential impact of age, gender, professional experience, and the mode of dental practice was also evaluated. Dentists' prescription practices for periodontal disease/conditions were evaluated as well.
RESULTS
Based on 1,005 valid responses, there was consensus on the necessity of RUA (99.1%); however, its implementation was low. The main barriers were dentists' own safety concerns (74.4%), strong patients' demands (42.2%) and the fact that prescribing antibiotics became a professional habit (35.8%). Different educational background resulted in clear variances in everyday prescription practices.
CONCLUSIONS
The implementation of RUA was not sufficient and the perceived barriers had an impact on daily prescribing habits. Support for dental professionals through the efficient dissemination of evidencebased clinical guidelines and decision-making aids is likely to require additional help from professional organizations in order to actively combat AR.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Practice Patterns, Dentists'; Surveys and Questionnaires; Male; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Turkey; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Attitude of Health Personnel; Inappropriate Prescribing
PubMed: 38958119
DOI: 10.17219/dmp/159490 -
Ghana Medical Journal Dec 2023The study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among attendants of the Out-patient Department (OPD) at Madina Polyclinic before seeking...
OBJECTIVES
The study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among attendants of the Out-patient Department (OPD) at Madina Polyclinic before seeking medical consultation and associated factors.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional study.
SETTING
The study was conducted at Madina Polyclinic.
PARTICIPANTS
The study involved 319 general OPD attendants aged 18 years and above accessing healthcare services at the Madina Polyclinic between May and June 2019.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The prevalence of antibiotic self-medication and the factors associated with this practice.
RESULTS
From the study, 46.4% (95% CI 40.8%- 52.0%) had self-medicated with antibiotics before presenting for medical consultation at the hospital. Less than half of the respondents (44.5%) had adequate knowledge about the use of antibiotics. Having a tertiary level of education was significantly associated with self-medication (aOR= 8.09, 95% CI 2.31-28.4, p = 0.001), whilst adequate knowledge on the use of antibiotics reduced the odds of self-medication by 53% (aOR= 0.47, 95% CI 0.23- 0.66, p<0.001). The level of education modified the relationship between knowledge and self-medication with antibiotics.
CONCLUSION
The practice of antibiotic self-medication is rife among OPD attendants. Therefore, adequate public education on the use of antibiotics and the effects of using them inappropriately must be done. The Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) policy ought to be reinforced and made known to all, especially among the pharmacies that dispense antibiotics indiscriminately.
FUNDING
None declared.
Topics: Humans; Self Medication; Male; Female; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Middle Aged; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Young Adult; Outpatients; Adolescent; Aged; Educational Status
PubMed: 38957850
DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v57i4.8 -
Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences Jan 2024
Topics: Humans; Malaria, Vivax; Antimalarials; Plasmodium vivax; Aminoquinolines
PubMed: 38957344
DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v34i1.1