Biospeckle Analysis and Biofilm Electrostatic Tests, Two Useful Methods in Microbiology

The development of more sensitive methodologies, capable of quickly detecting and monitoring a microbial population present in a specific biological matrix, as well as performing to allow for the study of all its metabolic changes (e.g., during the formation of biofilm) to occur, is an essential requirement for both well-being and the food industry. Two techniques, in particular, have gained the attention of scientists: The first is “biospeckle”, an optical technique representing an innovative tool for applications in food quality, food safety, and nutraceuticals. With this technique, we can quickly evaluate and monitor the presence of bacteria (or their proliferation) in a solid or liquid biological matrix. In addition, the technique is helpful in quantifying and optimizing the correct storage time of the pro-biotics, if they are entrapped in matrices such as alginate and follow their survival rate in simulated gastro-intestinal conditions. A second technique with great chances is the “biofilm electrostatic test” (BET). BET undoubtedly represents a fast, simple, and highly reproducible tool suitable for admitting the evaluation of the in vitro bacterial capacity in order to adhere through an electrostatic interaction with a pyro-electrified carrier after only 2 h of incubation. BET could represent the way for a quick and standardized evaluation of bacterial resistance among biofilm-producing microorganisms through a fast evaluation of the potential presence of the biofilm.

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Time-Dependent Degradation of Polyphenols from Thermally-Processed Berries and Their In Vitro Antiproliferative Effects against Melanoma

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules23102534 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (10) ◽

pp. 2534 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Zorița Diaconeasa

Keyword(s):

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Food Industry ◽

Storage Time ◽

Polyphenolic Compounds ◽

Published Data ◽

Antiproliferative Effects ◽

Phytochemical Composition ◽

Thermally Processed ◽

Hydroxybenzoic Acids

Polyphenols are natural occurring micronutrients that can protect plants from natural weathering and are also helpful to humans. These compounds are abundantly found in fruits or berries. Because of berry seasonal availability and also due to their rapid degradation, people have found multiple ways to preserve them. The most common options are freezing or making jams. Polyphenol stability, during processing is a continuous challenge for the food industry. There are also multiple published data providing that they are sensitive to light, pH or high temperature, vectors which are all present during jam preparation. In this context the aim of this study was to assess phytochemical composition and bioactive compounds degradation after jam preparation. We also monitored their degradation during storage time and their in vitro antiproliferative potential when tested on melanoma cells. The obtained results revealed that when processed and stored in time, the bioactive compounds from berries jams are degrading, but they still exert antioxidant and antiproliferative potential. Prior to LC-MS analysis, polyphenolic compounds were identified as: flavonoids (anthocyanins (ANT), flavonols (FLA)) and non-flavonoid (hydroxycinnamic acids (HCA) and hydroxybenzoic acids (HBA)). The most significant decrease was observed for HCA compared to other classes of compounds. This variation is expected due to differences in constituents and phenolic types among different analyzed berries.

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The Interrelationship between Thromboxane Biosynthesis, Aggregation and 5-Hydroxytryptamine Secretion in Human Platelets in Vitro

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1650007 ◽

1980 ◽

Vol 43 (01) ◽

pp. 038-040 ◽

Cited By ~ 55

Author(s):

L C Best ◽

T K Holland ◽

P B B Jones ◽

R G G Russell

Keyword(s):

Human Platelet ◽

Human Platelets ◽

Dense Granule ◽

Thromboxane B2 ◽

Essential Requirement ◽

Direct Mechanism ◽

Thromboxane Synthetase ◽

Thromboxane Production ◽

Higher Doses

SummaryPlatelet aggregation, secretion of 5-hydroxy tryptamine and production of thromboxane B2 were monitored simultaneously in human platelet suspensions in the absence and presence of cyclooxygenase or thromboxane synthetase inhibitors. Aggregation, secretion and thromboxane B2 formation in response to either sodium arachidonate or epinephrine were blocked by aspirin or by 1-N-butyl imidazole suggesting that thromboxane biosynthesis was an essential requirement for platelet activation by these agents. In contrast, thrombin and collagen could apparently induce aggregation and secretion via two pathways: at low doses involving thromboxane production, but at higher doses by a direct mechanism independent of thromboxane biosynthesis. In the case of ADP, inhibition of thromboxane production blocked secretion but had little effect on aggregation, indicating that secretion was probably dependent on thromboxane biosynthesis which probably occurred as a result of aggregation. Thus it appears that although the processes of thromboxane production, release of dense granule constituents and aggregation may often be intimately linked, each process can occur independently of the other, depending upon the stimulus used.

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Prebiotic Carbohydrates for Therapeutics.

Endocrine Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1871530320666200929140522 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

Author(s):

Renuka Basavaiah ◽

Prapulla Siddalingaiya Gurudutt

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Lipid Metabolism ◽

Bacterial Infection ◽

Food Industry ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Well Being ◽

Intestinal Disease ◽

Mineral Absorption ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Insulin Dependent

: The food industry is constantly shifting focus based on prebiotics as health-promoting substrates rather than just food supplements. A prebiotic is ‘‘a selectively fermented ingredient that allows specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity in the gastrointestinal microflora that confers benefits upon host well-being and health.” Prebiotics exert a plethora of health-promoting effects, which has lead to the establishment of multimillion food and pharma industries. The following are the health benefits attributed to prebiotics: mineral absorption, better immune response, increased resistance to bacterial infection, improved lipid metabolism, possible protection against cancer, relief from poor digestion of lactose, and reduction in the risk of diseases such as intestinal disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes, obesity and allergy. Numerous studies in both animals and humans have demonstrated the health benefits of prebiotics.

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In Vitro Characterization of the Antibacterial Spectrum of Novel Bacterial Type II Topoisomerase Inhibitors of the Aminobenzimidazole Class

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.50.4.1228-1237.2006 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 50 (4) ◽

pp. 1228-1237 ◽

Cited By ~ 56

Author(s):

Nagraj Mani ◽

Christian H. Gross ◽

Jonathan D. Parsons ◽

Brian Hanzelka ◽

Ute Müh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Resistance ◽

Wide Spectrum ◽

Dna Gyrase ◽

Antibacterial Activities ◽

Mechanisms Of Action ◽

Fluoroquinolone Resistance ◽

Topoisomerase Iv ◽

Low Frequencies

ABSTRACT Antibiotics with novel mechanisms of action are becoming increasingly important in the battle against bacterial resistance to all currently used classes of antibiotics. Bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV (topoIV) are the familiar targets of fluoroquinolone and coumarin antibiotics. Here we present the characterization of two members of a new class of synthetic bacterial topoII ATPase inhibitors: VRT-125853 and VRT-752586. These aminobenzimidazole compounds were potent inhibitors of both DNA gyrase and topoIV and had excellent antibacterial activities against a wide spectrum of problematic pathogens responsible for both nosocomial and community-acquired infections, including staphylococci, streptococci, enterococci, and mycobacteria. Consistent with the novelty of their structures and mechanisms of action, antibacterial potency was unaffected by commonly encountered resistance phenotypes, including fluoroquinolone resistance. In time-kill assays, VRT-125853 and VRT-752586 were bactericidal against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, and Haemophilus influenzae, causing 3-log reductions in viable cells within 24 h. Finally, similar to the fluoroquinolones, relatively low frequencies of spontaneous resistance to VRT-125853 and VRT-752586 were found, a property consistent with their in vitro dual-targeting activities.

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The Uniform Status of Children of Assisted Conception Act: Does It Protect the Best Interests of the Child in a Surrogate Arrangement?

American Journal of Law & Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0098858800008534 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 525-553

Author(s):

Mimi Yoon

Keyword(s):

Artificial Insemination ◽

Medical Technology ◽

Well Being ◽

Best Interests ◽

Medical Procedures ◽

Assisted Conception ◽

Regulatory Scheme ◽

Infertile Couples ◽

Definition Of

Medical technology is easing the plight of many infertile couples by offering such reproductive alternatives as in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination and surrogacy. In response to the changes in our society's definition of family, wrought by scientific advances, the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform States Laws promulgated the Uniform Status of Children of Assisted Conception Act. The purpose of this Act is to protect the interests of children born through extraordinary medical procedures. This Note analyzes the Act's provisions regarding surrogacy and focuses on how the Commission's regulatory scheme fails to protect the child's interests. The Act's alternative of voiding the surrogacy contract also does not protect the child's interests. A more complete regulatory scheme which protects the adult parties’ interests, as well as the child's, should be devised, as the adequacy of the adult parties’ protection ultimately affects the child's well-being.

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Potential of Probiotic Frozen Blackcurrant Products: Consumer Preference, Physicochemical Characterization, and Cell Viability

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10040792 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 792

Author(s):

Kati Väkeväinen ◽

Noora Rinkinen ◽

Roosa-Maria Willman ◽

Jenni Lappi ◽

Kaisa Raninen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Storage Time ◽

Physicochemical Characterization ◽

Consumer Preference ◽

Nutritional Composition ◽

Point Of View ◽

Raw Material ◽

Frozen Food ◽

High Viability ◽

Food Applications

Blackcurrant is a healthy, affordable, and traditionally gardened berry that, thus far, has been underused in food applications. From the consumers’ point of view, the acidic taste of blackcurrants is a challenge; therefore, these berries have mainly been utilized for sugary juice production. This research study aimed to develop a frozen vegan blackcurrant product with pleasant sensory properties and potential probiotic function. A candidate probiotic, Lactoplantibacillus plantarum Q823, was used in the manufacturing process. The physicochemical properties, nutritional composition, and consumer preference for the developed product were assessed, as was the viability of L. plantarum Q823 during storage time and in an in vitro gastrointestinal model. Consumers (n = 71) perceived the developed product to be pleasant. L. plantarum Q823 had high viability counts (log colony forming units (cfu) g−1 7.0 ± 0.38) in the final product, although the viability of L. plantarum Q823 during storage time needs to be enhanced to obtain a probiotic product. Thus, within an optimized formulation, blackcurrant berries represent a potential raw material for functional frozen food products.

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Antibacterial Mechanisms and Efficacy of Sarecycline in Animal Models of Infection and Inflammation

Antibiotics ◽

10.3390/antibiotics10040439 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 439

Author(s):

Christopher G. Bunick ◽

Jonette Keri ◽

S. Ken Tanaka ◽

Nika Furey ◽

Giovanni Damiani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Broad Spectrum ◽

Bacterial Resistance ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Infection Model ◽

Severe Acne ◽

Rat Paw Edema ◽

Infection And Inflammation

Prolonged broad-spectrum antibiotic use is more likely to induce bacterial resistance and dysbiosis of skin and gut microflora. First and second-generation tetracycline-class antibiotics have similar broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Targeted tetracycline-class antibiotics are needed to limit antimicrobial resistance and improve patient outcomes. Sarecycline is a narrow-spectrum, third-generation tetracycline-class antibiotic Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for treating moderate-to-severe acne. In vitro studies demonstrated activity against clinically relevant Gram-positive bacteria but reduced activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Recent studies have provided insight into how the structure of sarecycline, with a unique C7 moiety, interacts with bacterial ribosomes to block translation and prevent antibiotic resistance. Sarecycline reduces Staphylococcus aureus DNA and protein synthesis with limited effects on RNA, lipid, and bacterial wall synthesis. In agreement with in vitro data, sarecycline demonstrated narrower-spectrum in vivo activity in murine models of infection, exhibiting activity against S. aureus, but reduced efficacy against Escherichia coli compared to doxycycline and minocycline. In a murine neutropenic thigh wound infection model, sarecycline was as effective as doxycycline against S. aureus. The anti-inflammatory activity of sarecycline was comparable to doxycycline and minocycline in a rat paw edema model. Here, we review the antibacterial mechanisms of sarecycline and report results of in vivo studies of infection and inflammation.

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An In Vitro Coumarin-Antibiotic Combination Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms

Natural Product Communications ◽

10.1177/1934578x20987744 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 1934578X2098774

Author(s):

Jinpeng Zou ◽

Yang Liu ◽

Ruiwei Guo ◽

Yu Tang ◽

Zhengrong Shi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽

Drug Resistance ◽

Combination Treatment ◽

Crude Extract ◽

Biofilm Formation ◽

Bacterial Resistance ◽

Antibacterial Properties ◽

Biofilm Growth ◽

Antibiotic Combination

The drug resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a worldwide problem due to its great threat to human health. A crude extract of Angelica dahurica has been proved to have antibacterial properties, which suggested that it may be able to inhibit the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa; initial exploration had shown that the crude extract could inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa effectively. After the adaptive dose of coumarin was confirmed to be a potential treatment for the bacteria’s drug resistance, “coumarin-antibiotic combination treatments” (3 coumarins—simple coumarin, imperatorin, and isoimperatorin—combined with 2 antibiotics—ampicillin and ceftazidime) were examined to determine their capability to inhibit P. aeruginosa. The final results showed that (1) coumarin with either ampicillin or ceftazidime significantly inhibited the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa; (2) coumarin could directly destroy mature biofilms; and (3) the combination treatment can synergistically enhance the inhibition of biofilm formation, which could significantly reduce the usage of antibiotics and bacterial resistance. To sum up, a coumarin-antibiotic combination treatment may be a potential way to inhibit the biofilm growth of P. aeruginosa and provides a reference for antibiotic resistance treatment.

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