Article
Microbiology
Peng Li, Chaminda J. Seneviratne, Qingxian Luan, Lijian Jin
Summary: Candida albicans biofilms exhibit significantly increased antifungal resistance, with a higher survival rate and complex cellular pathways in response to caspofungin treatment. Key proteins involved in cell wall integrity, stress response, and metabolic activities play a crucial role in the antifungal resistance of C. albicans biofilms.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sarah R. Beattie, Taiwo Esan, Robert Zarnowski, Emily Eix, Jeniel E. Nett, David R. Andes, Timothy Hagen, Damian J. Krysan
Summary: New antifungal therapies are needed for various fungal infections, including biofilms and drug-resistant strains. A novel keto-alkyl-pyridinium scaffold has been identified with broad spectrum activity against medically important fungi. This class of molecules shows potential for non-systemic applications.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jiajia Ye, Wen Liang, Lang Wu, Rongjuan Guo, Wei Wu, Deqin Yang, Liang Chen
Summary: This study developed a biomimetic adherent oral mucosal drug delivery system that effectively inhibited the formation of Candida albicans biofilms and the development of oral candidiasis. The system showed promising therapeutic potential for oral mucosal infections, including candidiasis.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Virginia E. Glazier, Juraj Kramara, Tomye Ollinger, Norma V. Solis, Robert Zarnowski, Rohan S. Wakade, Min-Ju Kim, Gabriel J. Weigel, Shen-Huan Liang, Richard J. Bennett, Melanie Wellington, David R. Andes, Mark A. Stamnes, Scott G. Filler, Damian J. Krysan, James W. Kronstad
Summary: Candida albicans, a diploid human fungal pathogen, displays significant genomic and phenotypic heterogeneity. The effect of Rob1 on biofilm and filamentation virulence traits is dependent on both the specific environmental condition and the clinical strain of C. albicans. Different alleles of Rob1 have different functional effects, with the rare ROB1(946S) allele supporting increased filamentation and biofilm formation. These findings highlight the importance of heterozygosity as a driver of C. albicans phenotypic heterogeneity.
Article
Microbiology
Andrew S. Wagner, Stephen W. Lumsdaine, Mikayla M. Mangrum, Todd B. Reynolds
Summary: To effectively induce disease, Candida albicans masks immunogenic β(1,3)-glucan epitopes within its cell wall under a layer of mannosylated glycoproteins. Treatment with the antifungal drug caspofungin enhances the exposure (unmasking) of β(1,3)-glucan, making the fungal cells more visible to the host immune system and attenuating disease progression. Our study reveals a correlation between increased chitin synthesis and β(1,3)-glucan unmasking in response to caspofungin, suggesting that altered chitin synthesis drives increased unmasking during drug exposure.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yuting Wang, Haiying Yan, Jinfeng Li, Yuan Zhang, Zhen Wang, Shujuan Sun
Summary: The number of invasive fungal infections has increased significantly, leading to high morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Caspofungin (CAS) resistance is a growing concern, limiting the treatment options for severe invasive Candida albicans infections. This study investigated the activity of CAS in combination with ribavirin (RBV) against C. albicans, and found that the combination had synergistic effects in inhibiting biofilm formation and reducing tissue damage. The findings provide insights into drug resistance and suggest potential applications for RBV in the treatment of C. albicans infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Camila Cid-Chevecich, Andrea Muller-Sepulveda, Jose Antonio Jara, Rodrigo Lopez-Munoz, Rocio Santander, Mauricio Budini, Alejandro Escobar, Raul Quijada, Alfredo Criollo, Mario Diaz-Dosque, Alfredo Molina-Berrios
Summary: This study evaluates the antivirulence effect of oregano essential oil (O-EO) against Candida spp. and its potential to enhance the effectiveness of fluconazole and nystatin. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of O-EO ranged from 0.01 mg/L to 5.3 mg/L. O-EO inhibited morphogenesis, adhesion, and biofilm formation by at least 50% in the tested strains. O-EO also showed synergistic effects with fluconazole and nystatin. These findings suggest that O-EO could be considered as an adjunct therapy for antifungal treatment against Candida spp.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sajid Khan Sadozai, Saeed Ahmad Khan, Abdul Baseer, Rooh Ullah, Alam Zeb, Marc Schneider
Summary: An optimized topical antifungal gel was developed to prolong the release of ketoconazole, reduce systemic absorption, enhance therapeutic effect and improve patient compliance. The gel formulation, containing PLGA nanoparticles loaded with ketoconazole, showed excellent physical characteristics, controlled drug release, reduced skin permeation, and effective treatment of the infection.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Mohammed Yassine Benziane, Mourad Bendahou, Fethi Benbelaid, Abdelmounaim Khadir, Hanane Belhadef, Asma Benaissa, Saida Ouslimani, Fatma Mahdi, Alain Muselli
Summary: This study investigated the antifungal and antibiofilm activities of Origanum glandulosum, Ammoides verticillata, and Sacco-calyx satureioides essential oils against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata oral isolates. The essential oils showed significant activity in inhibiting and eradicating biofilms at sub-inhibitory concentrations. A synergistic effect was observed when Origanum glandulosum essential oil was combined with amphotericin B. The major compounds in the essential oils were thymol, borneol, and other components. These essential oils have potential as candidates for the management of oral Candida infections.
ARCHIVES OF ORAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Rabina Kumpakha, Donna M. Gordon
Summary: In this study, the researchers demonstrated the efficacy of occidiofungin against biofilm development of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis, including inhibiting cell dispersal. The results suggest that occidiofungin has strong antibiofilm activity and potential as a therapeutic for Candida infections.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Majid Rasool Kamli, Elham A. Alzahrani, Soha M. Albukhari, Aijaz Ahmad, Jamal S. M. Sabir, Maqsood Ahmad Malik
Summary: This study describes a seedless biogenic synthesis of Ag-Ni bimetallic nanoparticles that exhibit potent antifungal activity against FLZ-resistant C. albicans. The combination of Ag-Ni NPs with FLZ shows synergistic effects, inhibiting biofilm formation and efflux pump function in C. albicans.
Article
Microbiology
Cesar Augusto Abreu-Pereira, Ana Luiza Gorayb-Pereira, Joao Vinicius Menezes Noveletto, Claudia Carolina Jordao, Ana Claudia Pavarina
Summary: This study assessed the effect of zerumbone on fluconazole-resistant and susceptible Candida albicans biofilms and verified its influence on extracellular matrix components. The results showed that zerumbone had inhibitory effects on biofilms of both fluconazole-resistant and susceptible Candida albicans, and it also disrupted the composition of the extracellular matrix.
Article
Plant Sciences
Estefania Cordisco, Elisa Petenatti, Laura Svetaz, Maximiliano Sortino
Summary: The study evaluated the photodynamic antifungal activity of T. pentachaeta root extracts, showing strong antifungal effects against C. albicans and the generation of active substances under UVA light irradiation.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mairim Russo Serafini, Valdeene Vieira Santos, Bruna Gaelzer Silva Torres, Francine Johansson Azeredo, Flavia Medeiros Savi, Izabel Almeida Alves
Summary: Fungal biofilms, particularly Candida albicans biofilms, pose significant challenges due to their high tolerance to conventional antimicrobial drugs. The development of new drugs and specific therapies is necessary. Most patent contents focus on new synthetic drugs derived from natural products and their combinations with existing antifungal drugs, as well as methods and biomaterials for the treatment and prevention of fungal biofilms, primarily targeting C. albicans biofilms.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefan Mijatovic, Jelena Antic Stankovic, Ivana Colovic Calovski, Eleonora Dubljanin, Dejan Pljevljakusic, Dubravka Bigovic, Aleksandar Dzamic
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility of Candida albicans sputum isolates on fluconazole and caspofungin, as well as the antifungal potential of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil (LAEO). The results showed that LAEO effectively inhibited the growth of C. albicans and showed equal effectiveness against fluconazole and caspofungin susceptible strains.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gamze Colak, Gregory Leinders, Remi Delville, Frederic Jutier, Marc Verwerft, Jef Vleugels
Summary: This study assessed the process conditions for fabricating porous uranium oxide microspheres through internal gelation. The effects of calcination temperature and pore-formers were investigated. Starch was found to be an effective pore-former, leading to increased accessible porosity. The infiltration of neodymium nitrate into the microspheres was successful.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Matheus de Medeiros Tavares, Shuigen Huang, Jinhua Huang, Jozef Vleugels, Meysam Mashhadikarimi, Uilame Umbelino Gomes
Summary: This study investigates the influence of milling parameters and sintering cycle on the microstructure and properties of cemented carbides. Different milling methods and sintering temperatures were used to study the variations in microstructure, and the formation of bi-layered structured materials with different hardness and toughness was observed.
MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Zahid Anwer, Jozef Vleugels, Amit Datye, Shuhan Zhang, Shuigen Huang
Summary: The influence of varying carbon content on the microstructure and mechanical properties in the (V, Nb,Ta,Ti,W)C -12 vol% Ni system was investigated. The results revealed the impact of carbon content on eutectic temperature, carbide grain size and morphology, phase stability, and mechanical properties in high entropy carbide (V,Nb,Ta,Ti,W)C-Ni cermets. Additionally, the phase stability and chemical reactivity with steel of the High Entropy Carbide (HEC) cermets were assessed and compared to conventional WC-Co cemented carbides at 1200 degrees C.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ahmed Selema, Margherita Beretta, Matty Van Coppenolle, Hans Tiismus, Ants Kallaste, Mohamed N. Ibrahim, Marleen Rombouts, Jozef Vleugels, Leo A. I. Kestens, Peter Sergeant
Summary: Nowadays, surpassing conventional 2D laminated structures is crucial for enhancing the functionality of electrical machines in the design process. Additive manufacturing (AM) provides unparalleled 3D freedom for processing metal-based materials, optimizing weight and cost effectiveness. This study focuses on 3D printing and testing of ferromagnetic material. Different parts are built using silicon steel (Fe-3wt%Si) powder through various AM techniques, and their magnetic properties are measured and compared. The results demonstrate the potential of AM technology in manufacturing magnetic materials, as well as the good magnetic properties achieved from the 3D printed samples. The study also highlights the possibilities of 3D multi-material printing for electrical machines.
JOURNAL OF MAGNETISM AND MAGNETIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jolien Breukers, Karen Ven, Caroline Struyfs, Louanne Ampofo, Iene Rutten, Maya Imbrechts, Francesca Pollet, Julie Van Lent, Winnie Kerstens, Sam Noppen, Dominique Schols, Paul De Munter, Hendrik Jan Thibaut, Karen Vanhoorelbeke, Dragana Spasic, Paul Declerck, Bruno P. A. Cammue, Nick Geukens, Karin Thevissen, Jeroen Lammertyn
Summary: FLUIDOT is a versatile microfluidic platform that incorporates customizable microwells, optical tweezers, and an interchangeable cell-retrieval system. It is straightforward to fabricate and operate, making it widely accessible. FLUIDOT's performance and flexibility have been validated and demonstrated in two applications, allowing for the study and screening of single cells.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jide Han, Berfu Goksel, Shiva Mohajernia, Manuela Sonja Killian, Jozef Vleugels, Annabel Braem, Sylvie Castagne
Summary: Zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) is commonly used in hip joint implants and cutting tools due to its unique properties. The difference in material properties between zirconia and alumina phases leads to the selectivity of phase melting and the disintegration of alumina grains during laser processing. This selective phase melting phenomenon makes the material removal mechanism of the nanocomposite significantly different from that of single-phase materials.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Nicole Dilissen, Jef Vleugels, Jules Vermeiren, Beatriz Garcia-Banos, Juan Rafael Sanchez Marin, Jose M. Catala-Civera
Summary: This study focuses on the microwave (MW) dehydration and clinkering of hydrated cement paste, specifically investigating the MW-material interaction during heating to 1100 degrees C. The dielectric properties of various cement components were measured, and their changes were correlated to phase changes detected through different analysis methods. The research shows that ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) can be effectively MW heated, and the dielectric properties of hydrated cement contribute to its efficient heating process. The recovery of clinker phases demonstrates the potential for cement retrieval from hydrates.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Masanao Inokoshi, Hengyi Liu, Kumiko Yoshihara, Mao Yamamoto, Watcharapong Tonprasong, Yasuhiko Benino, Shunsuke Minakuchi, Jef Vleugels, Bart Van Meerbeek, Fei Zhang
Summary: This study investigated crystallography, translucency, phase content, microstructure and flexural strength of two commercial strength-gradient multilayered dental zirconia grades. The results showed that the 'enamel' layer contains a higher amount of c-ZrO2, resulting in higher translucency but lower flexural strength. The strength-gradient approach allowed for integration of monoliths with irreconcilable properties.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gamze Colak, Gregory Leinders, Jef Vleugels, Remi Delville, Marc Verwerft
Summary: A hybrid route combining internal gelation and a single-step infiltration was investigated to prepare U1-yNdyO2-x sintered microspheres as a surrogate for U1-yAmyO2-x transmutation targets. The use of starch as a pore-forming agent in the internal gelation process for fabricating porous uranium oxide microspheres has been studied in detail. High accessible porosity levels were measured after calcination, allowing efficient infiltration behavior and achieving high average dopant levels up to y = 30 mol% after sintering.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Jinhua Huang, Shuigen Huang, Jef Vleugels
Summary: By using thermodynamic simulation, NbC-Ni based cermets with different W and C additions were designed and sintered in liquid state, resulting in varied phase constitution, microstructure, and mechanical properties. Microscopic analysis revealed the presence of cubic (Nb,W)C solid solution, Ni alloy binder, and carbon-deficient phase in the cermets. Additionally, mechanical properties such as hardness, toughness, and strength were found to be influenced by the phases and NbC grain size.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Maoyin Li, Bensu Tunca, Bart Van Meerbeek, Jef Vleugels, Fei Zhang
Summary: This study proposes a simpler and more controllable method to improve the mechanical properties of conventional ceria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Ce-TZP) by doping aliovalent oxides that can segregate at the zirconia-grain boundaries. It is found that doping with calcium and magnesium can change the microstructure and transformation behavior of the material, enabling ceramic materials to undergo inelastic deformation to a certain extent, thereby achieving the optimal combination of toughness, biaxial strength, and damage tolerance.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Physiology
Kamila Melnikov, Sona Kucharikova, Zuzana Bardyova, Norbert Botek, Alzbeta Kaiglova
Summary: The expansion of industry and pesticide use in agriculture is a major cause of environmental contamination. Monitoring the impact of these chemicals on human health is crucial. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a useful model organism for toxicology research due to its unique characteristics and similarities to humans at the molecular level.
PHYSIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
J. H. Huang, S. G. Huang, J. Vleugels
Summary: Binderless NbC with 0-25 wt% WC powder mixtures were pressureless sintered in vacuum at different temperatures to generate open porosity (Nb,W)C skeletons. The formation of residual minor amounts of W2C and WC was discussed and compared with thermodynamic predictions. The microstructure of the as-sintered homogeneous (Nb,W)C grains in the skeleton changed after Cu infiltration due to the partial dissolution of Nb. The properties of the as-sintered porous and Cu-infiltrated materials were evaluated and discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
D. Lunt, R. Thomas, D. Bowden, M. T. P. Rigby-Bell, S. de Morae Shubeita, C. Andrews, T. Lapauw, J. Vleugels, J. Quinta da Fonseca, K. Lambrinou, P. Frankel
Summary: This work proposes a novel approach to detect strain localisation caused by irradiation-induced damage in nuclear materials on the microstructural level. High-resolution digital image correlation (HRDIC) is used to determine local strains and generate high-resolution strain maps, which can help understand the effects of irradiation-induced dimensional change and cracking. The combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and HRDIC is demonstrated to measure irradiation-induced dimensional changes in three different materials and is crucial in designing microstructures that are structurally resilient during irradiation.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Optics
Jide Han, Jozef Vleugels, Annabel Braem, Sylvie Castagne
Summary: Inspired by the applications of metal-dielectric nanocomposite materials, the study investigated the ultrashort single pulse laser irradiation of zirconia-alumina nanocomposite with band gap contrast. It was observed that the higher melting point zirconia phase melted while the lower melting point alumina phase remained intact, suggesting a significant temperature heterogeneity in the composite. Theoretical modeling revealed that the material band gap plays a significant role in laser energy absorption, resulting in a remarkable temperature difference between the two phases.
OPTICS AND LASERS IN ENGINEERING
(2023)
