Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Arunima Mishra, Irena Cosic, Ivan Loncarevic, Drasko Cosic, Hansel M. Fletcher
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health concern that requires new treatments, especially for multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study used the Resonant Recognition Model to evaluate the structure-function properties of beta-lactamase proteins and designed peptides as inhibitors, showing promising results.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Christophe Le Terrier, Patrice Nordmann, Laurent Poirel
Summary: The in vitro activity of aztreonam in combination with novel beta-lactamase inhibitors was evaluated against MDR MBL-producing Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. The results showed that combinations including aztreonam and the inhibitors had significant activity against the isolates.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Valeria Toppi, Gabriele Scattini, Laura Musa, Valentina Stefanetti, Luisa Pascucci, Elisabetta Chiaradia, Alessia Tognoloni, Stefano Giovagnoli, Maria Pia Franciosini, Raffaella Branciari, Patrizia Casagrande Proietti
Summary: Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are nanoparticles released by Gram-negative bacteria, which contain different cargo molecules and mediate several biological processes. OMVs from five S. Infantis beta-lactam resistant strains were collected and investigated for the presence of beta-lactamase enzymes. The results showed that all strains release spherical OMVs ranging from 60 to 230 nm, and beta-lactamase enzymes were found within the OMVs.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ji-Hyun Choi, Md. Sekendar Ali, Bo-Youn Moon, Hee-Young Kang, Su-Jeong Kim, Hyun-Ju Song, Abraham Fikru Mechesso, Dong-Chan Moon, Suk-Kyung Lim
Summary: A total of 836 Escherichia coli isolates were recovered from dogs and cats between 2018 and 2019, with 17.1% and 21.2% of isolates resistant to cefovecin and enrofloxacin, respectively. Higher resistance rates were observed in dog isolates compared to cat isolates. The detection of the ST131 clone carrying bla(CTX-M-14/15) in companion animals poses a public health threat.
Review
Immunology
Hiroki Namikawa, Waki Imoto, Koichi Yamada, Yoshihiro Tochino, Yukihiro Kaneko, Hiroshi Kakeya, Taichi Shuto
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis identified predictors of mortality from extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) bacteremia. Previous antimicrobial therapy, neutropenia, nosocomial infection, rapidly fatal underlying disease, respiratory tract infection, Pitt bacteremia score, severe sepsis, and urinary tract infection were found to be predictors of mortality. Appropriate empirical therapy was identified as a protective factor against mortality.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Se Ra Shin, Seong Mi Noh, Woo Kyung Jung, Sook Shin, Young Kyung Park, Dong Chan Moon, Suk-Kyung Lim, Yong Ho Park, Kun Taek Park
Summary: The study conducted in South Korea between 2017 and 2019 identified various ESC-resistant bacterial isolates in companion animals, with predominant species being E. coli, Klebsiella, and others. These isolates displayed diversity in sequence types and resistance genes.
Article
Immunology
Isabelle Vock, Lisandra Aguilar-Bultet, Adrian Egli, Pranita D. Tamma, Sarah Tschudin-Sutter
Summary: Majority of infections in hospitalized patients colonized with ESBL-PE are not caused by ESBL-PE. Site of infection and patient-level exposures may serve as useful predictors for nESBI,-PE infections, potentially guiding empiric treatment recommendations.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Laurence Armand-Lefevre, Emilie Rondinaud, Dimitri Desvillechabrol, Jimmy Mullaert, Olivier Clermont, Marie Petitjean, Etienne Ruppe, Thomas Cokelaer, Christiane Bouchier, Olivier Tenaillon, Laurence Ma, Yasmine Nooroya, Sophie Matheron, Antoine Andremont, Erick Denamur, Sean P. Kennedy
Summary: This study investigated the long-term carriage of ESBL-E in travelers to tropical regions, revealing a correlation between the species and characteristics of Escherichia coli strains and the duration of colonization.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yuanyuan Dai, Wenjiao Chang, Xin Zhou, Wei Yu, Chen Huang, Yunbo Chen, Xiaoling Ma, Huaiwei Lu, Rujin Ji, Chaoqun Ying, Peipei Wang, Zhiying Liu, Qingfeng Yuan, Yonghong Xiao
Summary: The study evaluated the administration regimen of ceftazidime/avibactam for bloodstream infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Different dosage regimens were optimized based on efficacy evaluations to guide individualized treatment for better clinical responses.
DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Monica Romero Nieto, Sara Maestre Verdu, Vicente Gil, Carlos Perez Barba, Jose Antonio Quesada Rico, Reyes Pascual Perez
Summary: This study identified male sex, smoking, hypertension, urinary incontinence, and recurrent urinary tract infections as independent factors associated with the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli in patients with acute community-acquired pyelonephritis. The multivariate logistic models could correctly classify individuals with ESBL-producing E. coli infection in 80.2% of cases.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Haonan Sun, Yunjian Yu, Yufei Zhang, Jie Li, Yijie Cheng, Siyuan Huang, Wenbo Wang, Xinge Zhang
Summary: This study developed a highly efficient nanotherapeutic that can precisely deliver antibiotics to bacteria overexpressing beta-lactamase, effectively inhibiting the activity of beta-lactamase and significantly enhancing the ability to kill drug-resistant bacteria.
Article
Immunology
Judith A. Anesi, Ebbing Lautenbach, Pranita D. Tamma, Kerri A. Thom, Emily A. Blumberg, Kevin Alby, Warren B. Bilker, Alissa Werzen, Pam Tolomeo, Jacqueline Omorogbe, Lisa Pineles, Jennifer H. Han
Summary: The study identified several risk factors for ESBL-EB BSIs among solid organ transplant recipients, including prior ESBL-EB colonization, corticosteroid-containing immunosuppression regimen, corticosteroid treatment for acute rejection, and exposure to certain antibiotics. Further studies and interventions are needed to explore and address these modifiable risk factors in this population.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Gregory G. Stone, Meredith A. Hackel
Summary: This analysis investigated the in vitro activity of ceftazidime-avibactam and comparator agents against levofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli isolates collected from four geographic regions between 2012 and 2018. The results showed that ceftazidime-avibactam exhibited consistently high susceptibility rates against these isolates, including those with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) activity. Susceptibility to other comparator agents was also high in all regions.
ANNALS OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND ANTIMICROBIALS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Mireia Lopez-Siles, Zaira Moure, Aly Salimo Muadica, Sergio Sanchez, Raquel Cruces, Alicia avila, Noelia Lara, Pamela Carolina Koster, Alejandro Dashti, Jesus Oteo-Iglesias, David Carmena, Michael J. McConnell
Summary: This study aimed to identify external factors associated with ESBL-E carriage and characterize clonal relationships and mechanisms of resistance in ESBL-E isolates. Among the 887 healthy children surveyed, 24 ESBL-E strains were detected, mainly Escherichia coli. The prevalence of ESBL-E in children was found to be lower than the average colonization rate previously observed in Europe for both children and adults, with CTX-M being the most frequently identified ESBL type.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Nafeesa Yasmeen, Bilal Aslam, Liang-xing Fang, Zulqarnain Baloch, Yahong Liu
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence and dissemination of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) harboring Klebsiella pneumoniae in various ecological niches under the one health approach. A total of 793 samples from animals, humans, and the environment were collected. The findings revealed higher occurrence of ESBL genes in animals compared to humans and the environment, with 18 distinct sequence types (STs) and 12 clonal complexes of K. pneumoniae observed. The high occurrence rate of ESBL-harboring K. pneumoniae in animals is alarming and has the potential to be disseminated to the associated environment and community.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
George Necula, Mihaela Bacalum, Mihai Radu
Summary: Using molecular dynamics simulations, the interaction between a short antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from two models of E. coli outer membrane (OM) was investigated. The results showed that AMP insertion in the LPS layer was facilitated by the gap created by OmpF, forming hydrogen bonds with the inner core oligosaccharides. OM proteins, such as OmpF, may play a crucial role in the permeation of short AMPs across the OM by exposing the LPS binding site or facilitating direct translocation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gabriela Isopencu, Iuliana Deleanu, Cristina Busuioc, Ovidiu Oprea, Vasile-Adrian Surdu, Mihaela Bacalum, Roberta Stoica, Anicuta Stoica-Guzun
Summary: Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer studied intensively for biomedical applications. However, it lacks antimicrobial activity and has limited water retention capacity. To address these limitations, BC composites with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and turmeric extract (TE) were developed using citric acid (CA) as the crosslinking agent. These composites showed high swelling degrees, adsorbing exudate from chronic wounds, and exhibited potential antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The composites were also found to be non-toxic to fibroblast cells, making them promising candidates for wound dressing applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Silviu Adrian Predoi, Steluta Carmen Ciobanu, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Mikael Motelica-Heino, Daniela Predoi, Simona Liliana Iconaru
Summary: Water contamination is a global problem due to its negative effects on human organisms and the environment. Hydroxyapatite shows potential in decontaminating water by immobilizing pollutants. In this study, synthesized hydroxyapatite was used to remove Sr2+ ions from contaminated solutions. Batch adsorption experiments confirmed the strong affinity of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for Sr2+ ions. Furthermore, cytotoxic assays showed no harmful effects of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on HeLa cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Georgiana Alexandra Grigore, Ilda Czobor Barbu, Mariana-Carmen Chifiriuc, Octavian Savu
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection disrupts intestinal microbiota, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes, leading to more severe disease outcomes. The infection results in changes in the gut microbiome, with an increase in pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria. Additionally, certain members of the microbiota are associated with the severity of the disease and inflammatory markers.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mina Raileanu, Raluca Borlan, Andreea Campu, Lorant Janosi, Ioan Turcu, Monica Focsan, Mihaela Bacalum
Summary: In recent years, the treatment of skin infections and chronic wounds has become challenging due to the unprecedented rise of bacterial antibiotic resistance and lack of adequate therapies. In this review, the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is discussed as a potential new treatment strategy. The appropriate selection of AMPs based on their characteristics and physicochemical properties is emphasized to maximize their antibacterial efficacy against multi-drug resistant pathogens. Clinical trials investigating the efficacy of AMPs in skin and soft tissue infections are comprehensively assessed, and two strategies using AMPs to overcome antibiotic resistance are presented.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ana-Maria Radomir, Mihaela Temelie, Radu-Cristian Moldovan, Roberta Stoica, Alina-Maria Petrache, Florenta-Elena Helepciuc, Diana Iulia Savu, Cristina-Adela Iuga, Ana-Maria Morosanu, Constantin Daniel Negut, Mihai Radu
Summary: Gamma irradiation at low doses has a stimulating effect on the phenolic content, biological activity, and cellular ultrastructure of sage. Despite the limited increase in these properties, it shows potential for increasing the production of bioactive compounds in sage.
PLANT CELL TISSUE AND ORGAN CULTURE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gabriela Marinescu, Daniela C. Culita, Teodora Mocanu, Raul-Augustin Mitran, Simona Petrescu, Miruna S. Stan, Mariana C. Chifiriuc, Marcela Popa
Summary: A series of nanostructured materials were obtained by functionalizing SBA-15 mesoporous silica with Ru(II) and Ru(III) complexes bearing Schiff base ligands. The resulting materials showed antitumoral activity against lung tumor cells and inhibitory effects against bacteria.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexandru Bujor, Anamaria Hanganu, Victorita Tecuceanu, Augustin M. Madalan, Madalina Tudose, Luminita Marutescu, Marcela Popa, Carmen Mariana Chifiriuc, Irina Zarafu, Petre Ionita
Summary: 4-Aminodiphenylamino derivatives were studied for their antioxidant and hydrophobic properties, as well as their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. Novel derivatives were obtained by reacting the starting material with NBD-chloride. A comprehensive structural analysis was conducted using various techniques, and the hydrophobicity of the compounds was measured experimentally or calculated. The results showed a correlation between the experimental and computed properties. Additionally, some of the synthesized compounds exhibited antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Roxana Roman, Lucia Pintilie, Miron Teodor Caproiu, Florea Dumitrascu, Diana Camelia Nuta, Irina Zarafu, Petre Ionita, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Cornel Chirita, Alina Morosan, Marcela Popa, Coralia Bleotu, Carmen Limban
Summary: New N-acyl thiourea derivatives with heterocyclic rings were synthesized and characterized. In vitro tests showed antibiofilm and antioxidant activities for compound 1d. A RP-HPLC method was optimized for quantitative determination of compound 1d. The promising potential of these derivatives will be further investigated for drug development.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ioana Cristina Marinas, Eliza Oprea, Diana Madalina Gaboreanu, Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Mihaela Buleandra, Eugenia Nagoda, Irinel Adriana Badea, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
Summary: The essential oil of Achillea setacea was extracted and characterized by GC-MS. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity were evaluated, as well as its biocompatibility. The oil showed antimicrobial effects against various important microbial strains and demonstrated potential applications beyond the clinical field.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Alexandra-Gabriela Ciocan, Elena-Monica Mitoi, Florenta-Elena Helepciuc, Daniel Negut, Radu-Cristian Moldovan, Alina-Maria Petrache, Cristina-Adela Iuga, Irina-Mihaela Holobiuc, Carmen-Rodica Maximilian, Mihai Radu, Gina-Carmen Cogalniceanu
Summary: Leontopodium alpinum Cass. (Edelweiss) is a protected species in some European countries and has become of growing interest for exploitation by the food supplements and cosmetics industry. This study compared two performant L. alpinum callus culture lines and investigated the effect of acute low dose gamma irradiation on biomass accumulation, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and secondary metabolites' profile.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristiana Plocon, Alexandru Evanghelidis, Monica Enculescu, Gabriela Isopencu, Ovidiu Oprea, Mihaela Bacalum, Mina Raileanu, Sorin Jinga, Cristina Busuioc
Summary: This study focuses on the fabrication and characterization of composite scaffolds based on polycaprolactone (PCL) and cerium (Ce)-containing powders. The composite scaffolds showed good biological activity and antibacterial effect. The scaffolds were composed of either dimensionally homogeneous fibers or mixtures of fibers with a wide size distribution and beads of different shapes. The immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) triggered the degradation of PCL, mainly through cracks and gaps. The composite scaffolds exhibited excellent biocompatibility, with the samples consisting of PCL and Ce-doped calcium phosphates showing superior performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
N. M. Florea, C. R. Nita, C. Sotty, R. M. Marginean, M. Bacalum, M. Enculescu, N. Marginean, E. Matei, P. Mereuta, C. Mihai, S. Vasilca
Summary: This study presents a new method of producing and characterizing enriched isotopic selenium-82 (82Se) thin films with trigonal hexagonal crystal structure (t-82Se), which is the most thermodynamically stable form of the element. The obtained t-82Se thin films were used as targets in accelerator-based nuclear structure experiments. The microstructure, morphology, and composition of the 82Se films were evaluated using various techniques, and an in-beam γ-spectroscopy experiment confirmed the high durability and purity of the thermally treated t-82Se films.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dana Gingasu, Daniela C. C. Culita, Jose Maria Calderon Moreno, Gabriela Marinescu, Cristina Bartha, Ovidiu Oprea, Silviu Preda, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Marcela Popa
Summary: This study investigated a new method called wet ferritization to produce magnetic cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) using eucalyptus leaves aqueous extract. The prepared samples showed single cubic phases of cobalt ferrite confirmed by various analysis techniques. The biosynthesized CoFe2O4 showed potential for biomedical applications with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Gram-negative bacteria and fungal strains.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irina Negut, Gratiela Gradisteanu-Pircalabioru, Mihaela Dinu, Bogdan Bita, Anca Constantina Parau, Valentina Grumezescu, Carmen Ristoscu, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
Summary: This study reports the use of MAPLE synthesized thin films based on BG and VD3 to enhance osseointegration and corrosion protection of Ti-like implant surfaces. The results show that the films have good chemical stability and biocompatibility, with favorable cell adhesion and no inflammatory response. The films also demonstrate good wettability, facilitating interaction with biological fluids.
