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Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Jun 2024Bacterial biofilms commonly cause chronic and persistent infections in humans. Bacterial biofilms consist of an inner layer of bacteria and an autocrine extracellular... (Review)
Review
Bacterial biofilms commonly cause chronic and persistent infections in humans. Bacterial biofilms consist of an inner layer of bacteria and an autocrine extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Biofilm dispersants (abbreviated as dispersants) have proven effective in removing the bacterial physical protection barrier EPS. Dispersants are generally weak or have no bactericidal effect. Bacteria dispersed from within biofilms (abbreviated as dispersed bacteria) may be more invasive, adhesive, and motile than planktonic bacteria, characteristics that increase the probability that dispersed bacteria will recolonize and cause reinfection. The dispersants should be combined with antimicrobials to avoid the risk of severe reinfection. Dispersant-based nanoparticles have the advantage of specific release and intense penetration, providing the prerequisite for further antibacterial agent efficacy and achieving the eradication of biofilms. Dispersant-based nanoparticles delivered antimicrobial agents for the treatment of diseases associated with bacterial biofilm infections are expected to be an effective measure to prevent reinfection caused by dispersed bacteria. KEY POINTS: • Dispersed bacteria harm and the dispersant's dispersion mechanisms are discussed. • The advantages of dispersant-based nanoparticles in bacteria biofilms are discussed. • Dispersant-based nanoparticles for cutting off reinfection in vivo are highlighted.
Topics: Biofilms; Nanoparticles; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Humans; Bacteria; Bacterial Infections; Reinfection; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix
PubMed: 38896257
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13120-7 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The present work deals with the sol-gel synthesis of silica-poly (vinylpyrrolidone) hybrid materials. The nanohybrids (Si-PVP) have been prepared using an acidic...
The present work deals with the sol-gel synthesis of silica-poly (vinylpyrrolidone) hybrid materials. The nanohybrids (Si-PVP) have been prepared using an acidic catalyst at ambient temperature. Tetramethyl ortosilane (TMOS) was used as a silica precursor. Poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) was introduced into the reaction mixture as a solution in ethanol with a concentration of 20%. The XRD established that the as-prepared material is amorphous. The IR and Si MAS NMR spectra proved the formation of a polymerized silica network as well as the hydrogen bonding interactions between the silica matrix and OH hydrogens of the silanol groups. The TEM showed spherical particle formation along with increased agglomeration tendency. The efficacy of SiO/PVP nanoparticles as a potential antimicrobial agent against a wide range of bacteria was evaluated as bacteriostatic, using agar diffusion and spot tests. Combined effects of hybrid nanomaterial and antibiotics could significantly reduce the bactericidal concentrations of both the antibiotic and the particles, and they could also eliminate the antibiotic resistance of the pathogen. The registered prooxidant activity of the newly synthesized material was confirmative and explicatory for the antibacterial properties of the tested substance and its synergetic combination with antibiotics. The effect of new hybrid material on Crustacea was also estimated as harmless under concentration of 0.1 mg/mL.
Topics: Silicon Dioxide; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Povidone; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Nanoparticles; Phase Transition; Bacteria
PubMed: 38893548
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112675 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Oridonin (Ori) is a naturally existing diterpenoid substance that mainly exists in the Chinese medicinal plant Rabdosia rubescens. It was previously found to possess...
Oridonin (Ori) is a naturally existing diterpenoid substance that mainly exists in the Chinese medicinal plant Rabdosia rubescens. It was previously found to possess intriguing biological properties; however, the quick clearance from plasma and limited solubility in water restricts its use as a drug. Several metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), having big surfaces and large pores, have recently been considered promising drug transporters. The zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), a form of MOF consisting of 2-methylimidazole with zinc ions, is structurally stable under physiologically neutral conditions, while it can degrade at low pH values such as in tumor cells. Herein, a nanosized drug delivery system, Ori@ZIF-8, was successfully designed for encapsulating and transporting oridonin to the tumor site. The drug loading of the prepared Ori@ZIF-8 was 26.78%, and the particles' mean size was 240.5 nm. In vitro, the release of Ori@ZIF-8 exhibited acid sensitivity, with a slow release under neutral conditions and rapid release of the drug under weakly acidic conditions. According to the in vitro anti-tumor experiments, Ori@ZIF-8 produced higher cytotoxicity than free Ori and induced apoptosis in A549 cancer cells. In conclusion, Ori@ZIF-8 could be a potential pH-responsive carrier to accurately release more oridonins at the tumor site.
Topics: Diterpenes, Kaurane; Metal-Organic Frameworks; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Liberation; Drug Carriers; A549 Cells; Cell Line, Tumor; Zeolites; Neoplasms; Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Survival; Imidazoles
PubMed: 38893518
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112643 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Kostel. is a species of mangrove used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammatory conditions. The present study aims to establish monographic botanical...
Kostel. is a species of mangrove used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammatory conditions. The present study aims to establish monographic botanical and chemical quality criteria for leaf and bark as herbal substances and to evaluate their in vitro antioxidant potential. Macroscopic and microscopic qualitative and quantitative analyses, chemical LC-UV/DAD-ESI/MS profiling, and the quantification of key chemical classes were performed. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays. Macroscopically, the leaf is asymmetrical with an emarginated apex and cuneate base. Microscopically, it shows features such as two-layered adaxial palisade parenchyma, vascular bundles surrounded by 3-6 layers of sclerenchyma, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals (5.89 ± 1.32 μm) along the fibers, paracytic stomata only on the abaxial epidermis (stomatal index-20.15), and non-glandular trichomes only on petiolules. The microscopic features of the bark include a broad cortex with large lignified sclereids, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals (8.24 ± 1.57 μm), and secondary phloem with distinct 2-5 seriated medullary rays without crystals. Chemical profile analysis revealed that phenolic derivatives, mainly condensed tannins and flavonoids, are the main classes identified. A total of 22 marker compounds were tentatively identified in both plant parts. The major compounds identified in the leaf were quercetin-3--glucoside and taxifolin pentoside and in the bark were B-type dimeric proanthocyanidins and taxifolin 3--rhamnoside. The total phenolics content was higher in the leaf (1521 ± 4.71 mg GAE/g dry weight), while the total flavonoids and condensed tannins content were higher in the bark (82 ± 0.58 mg CE/g and 1021 ± 5.51 mg CCE/g dry weight, respectively). A total of 70% of the hydroethanolic extracts of leaf and bark showed higher antioxidant activity than the ascorbic acid and concentration-dependent scavenging activity in the DPPH assay (IC 23.95 ± 0.93 and 23.63 ± 1.37 µg/mL, respectively). A positive and statistically significant ( < 0.05) correlation between the phenol content and antioxidant activity was found. The results obtained will provide important clues for the quality control criteria of leaf and bark, as well as for the knowledge of their pharmacological potential as possible anti-inflammatory agents with antioxidant activity.
Topics: Plant Bark; Plant Leaves; Antioxidants; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Flavonoids; Phytochemicals; Herbal Medicine; Phenols; Proanthocyanidins
PubMed: 38893505
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112629 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024is a crucial edible fungus used in tea fermentation. In the industrial fermentation process, the fungus experiences a low to high osmotic pressure environment. To...
is a crucial edible fungus used in tea fermentation. In the industrial fermentation process, the fungus experiences a low to high osmotic pressure environment. To explore the law of material metabolism changes during osmotic pressure changes, NaCl was used here to construct different osmotic pressure environments. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) combined with multivariate analysis was performed to analyze the distribution and composition of under different salt concentrations. At the same time, the in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated. The LC-MS metabolomics analysis revealed significant differences between three mycelium samples grown on media with and without NaCl concentrations of 8% and 18%. The contents of gibberellin A3, A124, and prostaglandin A2 related to mycelial growth and those of arabitol and fructose-1,6-diphosphate related to osmotic pressure regulation were significantly reduced at high NaCl concentrations. The biosynthesis of energy-related pantothenol and pantothenic acid and antagonism-related fluvastatin, aflatoxin, and alternariol significantly increased at high NaCl concentrations. Several antioxidant capacities of mycelia were directly related to osmotic pressure and exhibited a significant downward trend with an increase in environmental osmotic pressure. The aforementioned results indicate that adapts to changes in salt concentration by adjusting their metabolite synthesis. At the same time, a unique set of strategies was developed to cope with high salt stress, including growth restriction, osmotic pressure balance, oxidative stress response, antioxidant defense, and survival competition.
Topics: Aspergillus; Metabolomics; Chromatography, Liquid; Salt Stress; Antioxidants; Metabolome; Osmotic Pressure; Mycelium; Mass Spectrometry; Sodium Chloride; Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Sugar Alcohols
PubMed: 38893389
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112513 -
Nutrients Jun 2024This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the independent or combined use of nutritional ergogenic aids belonging to Group A of the ABCD... (Review)
Review
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the independent or combined use of nutritional ergogenic aids belonging to Group A of the ABCD classification by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in the context of cycling (caffeine, creatine, sodium bicarbonate, beta-alanine, nitrates, and glycerol). A comprehensive search was carried out using three databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. All the databases were searched for Randomized Controlled Trials or crossover design studies assessing the effects of supplementation on cycling performance in comparison with placebos in healthy adults. The methodological quality of each study was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Thirty-six articles involving 701 participants were included in this review, examining supplementation with caffeine (n = 5), creatine (n = 2), sodium bicarbonate (n = 6), beta-alanine (n = 3), and nitrates (n = 8). Additionally, supplemental combinations of caffeine and creatine (n = 3), caffeine and sodium bicarbonate (n = 3), caffeine and nitrates (n = 1), creatine and sodium bicarbonate (n = 1), and sodium bicarbonate and beta-alanine (n = 4) were analyzed. A benefit for cyclists' athletic performnce was found when consuming a caffeine supplement, and a potential positive effect was noted after the consumption of sodium bicarbonate, as well as after the combination of caffeine and creatine. However, no statistically significant effects were identified for the remaining supplements, whether administered individually or in combination.
Topics: Humans; Dietary Supplements; Bicycling; Athletic Performance; Nitrates; Performance-Enhancing Substances; Caffeine; Creatine; Sodium Bicarbonate; beta-Alanine; Adult; Male; Female; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38892701
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111768 -
Nutrients Jun 2024This study assessed the impact of acute caffeine intake on muscular strength, power, and endurance performance between resistance-trained male and female individuals... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Sex Differences in the Ergogenic Response of Acute Caffeine Intake on Muscular Strength, Power and Endurance Performance in Resistance-Trained Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
BACKGROUND
This study assessed the impact of acute caffeine intake on muscular strength, power, and endurance performance between resistance-trained male and female individuals according to load in upper- and lower-body exercises.
METHODS
Here, 76 resistance-trained individuals (38 females, 38 males) participated in a study comparing caffeine and a placebo. Each received either 3 mg/kg of caffeine or a placebo 60 min before tests measuring muscular strength and power through bench press and back squat exercises at different intensities (25%, 50%, 75%, 90% 1RM). Muscular endurance at 65% 1RM was also assessed by performing reps until reaching task failure.
RESULTS
Compared to placebo, caffeine increased mean, peak and time to reach peak velocity and power output ( < 0.01, η = 0.242-0.293) in the muscular strength/power test in males and females. This effect was particularly observed in the back squat exercise at 50%, 75% and 90% 1RM (2.5-8.5%, < 0.05, g = 1.0-2.4). For muscular endurance, caffeine increased the number of repetitions, mean velocity and power output ( < 0.001, η = 0.177-0.255) in both sexes and exercises (3.0-8.9%, < 0.05, g = 0.15-0.33).
CONCLUSIONS
Acute caffeine intake resulted in a similar ergogenic effect on muscular strength, power, and endurance performance in upper- and lower-body exercises for male and female resistance-trained participants.
Topics: Humans; Caffeine; Female; Male; Muscle Strength; Resistance Training; Physical Endurance; Young Adult; Adult; Sex Factors; Performance-Enhancing Substances; Muscle, Skeletal; Double-Blind Method; Sex Characteristics
PubMed: 38892692
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111760 -
Nutrients May 2024This study undertakes a comprehensive examination of the intricate link between diet nutrition, age, and metabolic syndrome (MetS), utilizing advanced artificial...
This study undertakes a comprehensive examination of the intricate link between diet nutrition, age, and metabolic syndrome (MetS), utilizing advanced artificial intelligence methodologies. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 1999 to 2018 were meticulously analyzed using machine learning (ML) techniques, specifically extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and the proportional hazards model (COX). Using these analytic methods, we elucidated a significant correlation between age and MetS incidence and revealed the impact of age-specific dietary patterns on MetS. The study delineated how the consumption of certain dietary components, namely retinol, beta-cryptoxanthin, vitamin C, theobromine, caffeine, lycopene, and alcohol, variably affects MetS across different age demographics. Furthermore, it was revealed that identical nutritional intakes pose diverse pathogenic risks for MetS across varying age brackets, with substances such as cholesterol, caffeine, and theobromine exhibiting differential risks contingent on age. Importantly, this investigation succeeded in developing a predictive model of high accuracy, distinguishing individuals with MetS from healthy controls, thereby highlighting the potential for precision in dietary interventions and MetS management strategies tailored to specific age groups. These findings underscore the importance of age-specific nutritional guidance and lay the foundation for future research in this area.
Topics: Humans; Machine Learning; Metabolic Syndrome; Adult; Middle Aged; Male; Female; Young Adult; Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Age Factors; Adolescent; Diet; Nutrients; Child; Proportional Hazards Models; Theobromine
PubMed: 38892592
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111659 -
Nutrients May 2024Liver cancer ranks third globally among causes of cancer-related deaths, posing a significant public health challenge. However, current treatments are inadequate,... (Review)
Review
Liver cancer ranks third globally among causes of cancer-related deaths, posing a significant public health challenge. However, current treatments are inadequate, prompting a growing demand for novel, safe, and effective therapies. Natural products (NPs) have emerged as promising candidates in drug development due to their diverse biological activities, low toxicity, and minimal side effects. This paper begins by reviewing existing treatment methods and drugs for liver cancer. It then summarizes the therapeutic effects of NPs sourced from various origins on liver cancer. Finally, we analyze the potential mechanisms of NPs in treating liver cancer, including inhibition of angiogenesis, migration, and invasion; regulation of the cell cycle; induction of apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis; influence on tumor metabolism; immune regulation; regulation of intestinal function; and regulation of key signaling pathways. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of NPs research in liver cancer treatment, offering a foundation for further development and application in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.
Topics: Humans; Biological Products; Liver Neoplasms; Apoptosis; Signal Transduction; Antineoplastic Agents; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Autophagy
PubMed: 38892575
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111642 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Berberine (BBR) is used to treat cancer, inflammatory conditions, and so on. But the side effects of BBR causing constipation should not be ignored. In clinical...
Berberine (BBR) is used to treat cancer, inflammatory conditions, and so on. But the side effects of BBR causing constipation should not be ignored. In clinical application, the combination of Lour. (AVL) and BBR can relieve it. However, the effective ingredients and molecular mechanism of AVL in relieving constipation are not clear. A small intestine propulsion experiment was conducted in constipated mice to screen active ingredients of AVL. We further confirmed the molecular mechanism of action of the active ingredient on BBR-induced constipation. Quercetin (QR) was found to be the effective ingredient of AVL in terms of relieving constipation. QR can efficiently regulate the microbiota in mice suffering from constipation. Moreover, QR significantly raised the levels of substance P and motilin while lowering those of 5-hydroxytryptamine and vasoactive intestinal peptide; furthermore, it also increased the protein expression levels of calmodulin, myosin light-chain kinase, and myosin light chain. The use of QR in combination with BBR has an adverse effect-reducing efficacy. The study provides new ideas and possibilities for the treatment of constipation induced by BBR.
Topics: Animals; Berberine; Quercetin; Constipation; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Mice; Male; Disease Models, Animal; Motilin
PubMed: 38892414
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116228