Antibiotic resistance is a global public health concern, posing a significant threat to the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating bacterial infections. The accurate and timely detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is crucial for implementing appropriate treatment strategies and preventing the spread of resistant strains. This manuscript provides an overview of the current and emerging technologies used for the detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We discuss traditional culture-based methods, molecular techniques, and innovative approaches, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and potential future applications. By understanding the strengths and limitations of these technologies, researchers and healthcare professionals can make informed decisions in combating antibiotic resistance and improving patient outcomes.
Malaysia is a multicultural and multiethnic country comprising numerous ethnic groups. From the total population of 32.7 million, Malays form the bulk of the Bumiputera in Malaysia comprise about 69.9%, followed by Chinese 22.8%, Indian 6.6%, and others 0.7%. The heterogeneous population and increasing numbers of non-citizens in this country affects the heterogeneity of genetic diseases, diversity, and heterogeneity of thalassaemia mutations. Alpha (α)-thalassaemia is an inherited haemoglobin disorder characterized by hypochromic microcytic anaemia caused by a quantitative reduction in the α-globin chain. A majority of the α-thalassaemia are caused by deletions in the α-globin gene cluster. Among Malays, the most common deletional alpha thalassaemia is -α3.7 deletion followed by --SEA deletion. We described the molecular characterization of a new --GB deletion in our population, involving both alpha genes in cis. Interestingly, we found that this mutation is unique among Malay ethnicities. It is important to diagnose this deletion because of the 25% risk of Hb Bart's with hydrops fetalis in the offspring when in combination with another α0- thalassaemia allele. MLPA is a suitable method to detect unknown and uncommon deletions and to characterize those cases which remain unresolved after a standard diagnostic approach.
To investigate the factors associated with sarcopenia in elderly individuals residing in nursing homes and community settings, we conducted a systematic search of databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane, up to May 2023. We incorporated a total of 70 studies into our analysis. Our findings revealed that the prevalence of sarcopenia in nursing homes ranged from 25% to 73.7%, while in community settings, it varied from 5.2% to 62.7%. The factors associated with sarcopenia in both nursing homes and community settings included male gender, BMI, malnutrition, and osteoarthritis. In community settings, these factors comprised age, poor nutrition status, small calf circumference, smoking, physical inactivity, cognitive impairment, diabetes, depression and heart disease. Currently, both the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) and the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) standards are widely utilized in nursing homes and community settings, with the EWGSOP standard being more applicable to nursing homes. Identifying factors associated with sarcopenia is of paramount significance, particularly considering that some of them can be modified and managed. Further research is warranted to investigate the impact of preventive measures on these factors in the management of sarcopenia among elderly individuals residing in nursing homes and community settings.
The prehydrolysate from dilute acid pretreatment of lignocellulosic feedstocks often contains inhibitory compounds that can seriously inhibit the subsequent enzymatic and fermentation processes. Acetic acid is one of the most representative toxic compounds. In this research, alkaline deacetylation of corn stover was carried out using sodium carbonate under mild conditions to selectively remove the acetyl groups of the biomass and reduce the toxicity of the prehydrolysate. The deacetylation process was optimized by adjusting factors such as temperature, treatment time, and sodium carbonate concentration. Sodium carbonate solutions (2~6 wt%) at 30~50 °C were used for the deacetylation step, followed by dilute acid pretreatment with 1.5% H2SO4 at 121 °C. Results showed that the acetyl content of the treated corn stover could be reduced up to 87%, while the hemicellulose loss remained low. The optimal deacetylation condition was found to be 40 °C, 6 h, and 4 wt% Na2CO3, resulting in a removal of 80.55% of the acetyl group in corn stover and a hemicellulose loss of 4.09%. The acetic acid concentration in the acid prehydrolysate decreased from 1.38 to 0.34 g/L. The enzymatic hydrolysis of solid corn stover and the whole slurry after pretreatment increased by 17% and 16%, respectively.
This paper presents a Patient-Specific Aneurysm Model (PSAM) analyzed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The PSAM combines the energy strain function and stress-strain relationship of the dilated vessel wall to predict the rupture of aneurysms. This predictive model is developed by analyzing ultrasound images acquired with a 6-9 MHz Doppler transducer, which provides real-time data on the arterial deformations. The patient-specific cyclic loading on the PSAM is extrapolated from the strain energy function developed using historical stress-strain relationships. Multivariant factors are proposed to locate points of arterial weakening that precede rupture. Biaxial tensile tests are used to calculate the material properties of the artery wall, enabling the observation of the time-dependent material response in wall rupture formation. In this way, correlations between the wall deformation and tissue failure mode can predict the aneurysm's propensity to rupture. This method can be embedded within the ultrasound measures used to diagnose potential AAA ruptures.
(1) Background: The latest research illustrates that microglia phenotype is not the binary 'resting' and 'activated' profiles. Instead, there is wide diversity in microglia states. Similarly, when testing different stimulation protocols for BV2 microglia, we discovered differences in the response of the cells in terms of the production of intracellular ROS (iROS), nitric oxide (NO), CD40 expression, and migratory capacity. (2) Methods: BV2 microglia were treated with single interferon gamma (IFN-γ) stimulation, LPS/IFN-γ co-stimulation, and priming with IFN-γ followed by stimulation with LPS for 24 h. The responses of BV2 microglia were then assessed using the H2DCFDA test for iROS, the Griess assay for NO, immunophenotyping for CD40/CD11b/MHC II, and migration using a transwell apparatus. (3) Results: Single stimulation with IFN-γ induced NO but not ROS in BV2 microglia. Co-stimulation with LPS200IFN-γ2.5 induced a higher iROS production (a 9.2-fold increase) and CD40 expression (28031 ± 8810.2 MFI), compared to priming with primedIFN-γ50LPS100 (a 4.0-fold increase in ROS and 16764 ± 1210.8 MFI of CD40). Co-stimulation also induced cell migration. On the other hand, priming BV2 microglia (primedIFN-γ50LPS100) resulted in a higher NO production (64 ± 1.4 µM) compared to LPS200IFN-γ2.5 co-stimulation (44 ± 1.7 µM). Unexpectedly, priming inhibited BV2 migration. (4) Conclusions: Taken together, the findings from this project reveal the ability of co-stimulation and priming in stimulating microglia into an inflammatory phenotype, and the heterogeneity of microglia responses towards different stimulating approaches.
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi s.l.), which is predominantly spread by ticks, is the cause of Lyme disease (LD), also known as Lyme borreliosis, one of the zoonotic diseases affecting people. In recent years, LD has become more prevalent worldwide, even in countries with no prior records. Currently, Lyme Borrelia detection is achieved through nucleic acid amplification, antigen detection, microscopy, and in vitro culture. Nevertheless, these methods lack sensitivity in the early phase of the disease and, thus, are unable to confirm active infection. This review briefly discusses the existing direct detection methods of LD. Furthermore, this review also introduces the use of aptamer technology integrated with biosensor platforms to detect the Borrelia antigen. This aptamer technology could be explored using other biosensor platforms targeting whole Borrelia cells or specific molecules to enhance Borrelia detection in the future.
Salmonella infection has emerged as a global health threat, causing death, disability, and socioeconomic disruption worldwide. The rapid and sensitive detection of Salmonella is of great significance in guaranteeing food safety. Herein, we developed a colorimetric/fluorescent dual-mode method based on a DNA-nanotriangle programmed multivalent aptamer for the sensitive detection of Salmonella. In this system, aptamers are precisely controlled and assembled on a DNA nanotriangle structure to fabricate a multivalent aptamer (NTri-Multi-Apt) with enhanced binding affinity and specificity toward Salmonella. The NTri-Multi-Apt was designed to carry many streptavidin-HRPs for colorimetric read-outs and a large load of Sybr green I in the dsDNA scaffold for the output of a fluorescent signal. Therefore, combined with the magnetic separation of aptamers and the prefabricated NTri-Multi-Apt, the dual-mode approach achieved simple and sensitive detection, with LODs of 316 and 60 CFU/mL for colorimetric and fluorescent detection, respectively. Notably, the fluorescent mode provided a self-calibrated and fivefold-improved sensitivity over colorimetric detection. Systematic results also revealed that the proposed dual-mode method exhibited high specificity and applicability for milk, egg white, and chicken meat samples, serving as a promising tool for real bacterial sample testing. As a result, the innovative dual-mode detection method showed new insights for the detection of other pathogens.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency in June 2022. In Pakistan, positive cases of monkeypox were reported in April 2023. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are considered as a front-line force to combat such outbreaks. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 11 public sector educational institutions in Punjab, Pakistan, during May and June 2023 among final year medical, pharmacy, and nursing students concerning their knowledge of monkeypox. This included the signs/symptoms of monkeypox. Healthcare students were chosen as they are the HCWs of tomorrow. A total of 389 healthcare students participated in the study, with a mean age of 23.17 ± 1.72 years, and the majority were female. The mean knowledge score was 17.69 ± 4.55 (95% CI 17.24-18.14) out of a maximum total knowledge score of 26 (each correct answer was given a score of 1). The proportion of students with good, moderate, and poor knowledge was 21.6%, 43.2%, and 35.2%, respectively. Age (p = 0.017), gender (p < 0.001), and education (p < 0.001) had a significant impact on the knowledge score. In the multivariate linear regression model, education was the only significant factor linked to knowledge scores. Overall, the majority of future HCWs had moderate knowledge of monkeypox. Consequently, educational activities are needed to improve monkeypox-related knowledge among future HCWs. Furthermore, emerging infectious diseases should be routinely incorporated into HCW curricula.
Overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture has generated bacterial resistance and altered the ecology. Aquacultural disease control requires an environmentally sustainable approach. Bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) as bioimmunostimulants have not been extensively explored in aquaculture. This study investigated EPS produced from 5% w/v riceberry broken rice as a carbon source and 1% w/v soybean meal as a nitrogen source by Bacillus tequilensis PS21 from milk kefir grain for its immunomodulatory, antioxidant activities and resistance to pathogenic Streptococcus agalactiae in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The FTIR spectrum of EPS confirmed the characteristic bonds of polysaccharides, while the HPLC chromatogram of EPS displayed only the glucose monomer subunit, indicating its homopolysaccharide feature. This EPS (20 mg/mL) exhibited DPPH scavenging activity of 65.50 ± 0.31%, an FRAP value of 2.07 ± 0.04 mg FeSO4/g DW, and antimicrobial activity (14.17 ± 0.76 mm inhibition zone diameter) against S. agalactiae EW1 using the agar disc diffusion method. Five groups of Nile tilapia were fed diets (T1 (Control) = 0.0, T2 = 0.1, T3 = 0.2, T4 = 1.0, and T5 = 2.0 g EPS/kg diet) for 90 days. Results showed that EPS did not affect growth performances or body composition, but EPS (T4 + T5) significantly stimulated neutrophil levels and serum lysozyme activity. EPS (T5) significantly induced myeloperoxidase activity, catalase activity, and liver superoxide dismutase activity. EPS (T5) also significantly increased the survival of fish at 80.00 ± 5.77% at 14 days post-challenge with S. agalactiae EW1 compared to the control (T1) at 53.33 ± 10.00%. This study presents an efficient method for utilizing agro-industrial biowaste as a prospective source of value-added EPS via a microbial factory to produce a bio-circular green economy model that preserves a healthy environment while also promoting sustainable aquaculture.
CO2 absorption has been driven by the need for efficient and environmentally sustainable CO2 capture technologies. The development in the synthesis of ionic liquids (ILs) has attracted immense attention due to the possibility of obtaining compounds with designated properties. This allows ILs to be used in various applications including, but not limited to, biomass pretreatment, catalysis, additive in lubricants and dye-sensitive solar cell (DSSC). The utilization of ILs to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most well-known processes in an effort to improve the quality of natural gas and to reduce the green gases emission. One of the key advantages of ILs relies on their low vapor pressure and high thermal stability properties. Unlike any other traditional solvents, ILs exhibit high solubility and selectivity towards CO2. Frequently studied ILs for CO2 absorption include imidazolium-based ILs such as [HMIM][Tf2N] and [BMIM][OAc], as well as ILs containing amine groups such as [Cho][Gly] and [C1ImPA][Gly]. Though ILs are being considered as alternative solvents for CO2 capture, their full potential is limited by their main drawback, namely, high viscosity. Therefore, the hybridization of ILs has been introduced as a means of optimizing the performance of ILs, given their promising potential in capturing CO2. The resulting hybrid materials are expected to exhibit various ranges of chemical and physical characteristics. This review presents the works on the hybridization of ILs with numerous materials including activated carbon (AC), cellulose, metal-organic framework (MOF) and commercial amines. The primary focus of this review is to present the latest innovative solutions aimed at tackling the challenges associated with IL viscosity and to explore the influences of ILs hybridization toward CO2 capture. In addition, the development and performance of ILs for CO2 capture were explored and discussed. Lastly, the challenges in ILs hybridization were also being addressed.
Nicotine is an addictive compound found in cigarette smoke that leads to vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) exerts an anti-contractile effect on the underlying vasculature through the production of adipokines, such as adiponectin, which acts on adiponectin receptors 1 (adipoR1) to cause vasorelaxation. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a transcription factor that regulates adiponectin gene expression and PVAT development. This study aimed to determine the effect of nicotine on the anti-contractile function of PVAT via the PPARγ-adiponectin-adipoR1 axis. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into a control group (given normal saline), a nicotine group (given 0.8 mg/kg of nicotine), and a nicotine + PPARγ agonist group (given nicotine and 5 mg/kg of telmisartan). Thoracic aorta PVAT was harvested after 21 days of treatment. The results showed that nicotine reduced the anti-contractile effect of PVAT on the underlying thoracic aorta. Nicotine also decreased the gene and protein expression of PPARγ, adiponectin, and adipoR1 in PVAT. Treatment with telmisartan restored the anti-contractile effect of PVAT and increased the gene and protein expression of PPARγ, adiponectin, and adipoR1 in PVAT. In conclusion, nicotine attenuates the anti-contractile function of PVAT through inhibition of the PPARγ-adiponectin-adipoR1 axis.
Bougainvillea is popular in ornamental horticulture for its colorful bracts and excellent adaptability, but the complex genetic relationship among this genus is fuzzy due to limited genomic data. To reveal more genomic resources of Bougainvillea, we sequenced and assembled the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequences of Bougainvillea spectabilis 'Splendens'. The cp genome size was 154,869 bp in length, containing 86 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNAs, and eight rRNAs. Cp genome comparison across 12 Bougainvillea species (B. spectabilis, B. glabra, B. peruviana, B. arborea, B. praecox, B. stipitata, B. campanulata, B. berberidifolia, B. infesta, B. modesta, B. spinosa, and B. pachyphylla) revealed five mutational hotspots. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that B. spectabilis published previously and B. glabra clustered into one subclade as two distinct groups, sister to the subclade of B. spectabilis 'Splendens'. We considered the phylogeny relationships between B. spectabilis and B. glabra to be controversial. Based on two hypervariable regions and three common plastid regions, we developed five molecular markers for species identification in Bougainvillea and applied them to classify 53 ornamental Bougainvillea cultivars. This study provides a valuable genetic resource for Bougainvillea breeding and offers effective molecular markers to distinguish the representative ornamental species of Bougainvillea.
The landscape of diagnosing and treating endometrial cancer is undergoing a profound transformation due to the integration of molecular analysis and innovative therapeutic approaches. For several decades, the cornerstone treatments for endometrial cancer have included surgical resection, cytotoxic chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiation therapy. However, in recent years, the concept of personalised medicine has gained momentum, reshaping the way clinicians approach cancer treatment. Tailoring treatments based on specific biomarkers has evolved into a standard practice in both initial and recurrent therapy protocols. This review aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the current state of molecular analysis and treatment strategies in the context of endometrial cancer, focusing on the immunological aspect of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Furthermore, it seeks to shed light on emerging and innovative approaches that hold promise for the future modulation of endometrial cancer treatments. In essence, as researchers delve into the complex molecular landscape of endometrial cancer and harness the understanding of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, we are paving the way for more targeted, effective, and personalised therapies that have the potential to significantly improve the outcomes and quality of life for patients with this challenging disease.
Our skin is constantly exposed to blue light (BL), which is abundant in sunlight and emitted by digital devices. Prolonged exposure to BL can lead to oxidative stress-induced damages and skin hyperpigmentation. For this study, we used a cell line-based model to examine the protective effects of tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) on BL-induced oxidative stress and hyperpigmentation in B16-F1 melanocytes. Alpha-tocopherol (αTP) was used as a comparator. Molecular assays such as cell viability assay, flow cytometry, western blotting, fluorescence imaging, melanin and tyrosinase analysis were performed. Our results showed that TRF effectively suppressed the formation of reactive oxygen species and preserved the mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, TRF exhibited anti-apoptotic properties by reducing the activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase molecule and downregulating the expression of cleaved caspase-3. Moreover, TRF modulated tyrosinase activity, resulting in a lowered rate of melanogenesis and reduced melanin production. In contrast, αTP did not exhibit significant protective effects against skin damages and pigmentation in BL-induced B16-F1 cells. Therefore, this study indicates that TRF may offer superior protective effects over αTP against the effects of BL on melanocytes. These findings demonstrate the potential of TRF as a protective natural ingredient that acts against BL-induced skin damages and hyperpigmentation via its anti-oxidative and anti-melanogenic properties.
This review summarizes information about the specific features that are characteristic of the centrosome and its relationship with the cell function of highly specialized cells, such as endotheliocytes. It is based on data from other researchers and our own long-term experience. The participation of the centrosome in the functional activity of these cells, including its involvement in the performance of the main barrier function of the endothelium, is discussed. According to modern concepts, the centrosome is a multifunctional complex and an integral element of a living cell; the functions of which are not limited only to the ability to polymerize microtubules. The location of the centrosome near the center of the interphase cell, the concentration of various regulatory proteins in it, the organization of the centrosome radial system of microtubules through which intracellular transport is carried out by motor proteins and the involvement of the centrosome in the process of the perception of the external signals and their transmission make this cellular structure a universal regulatory and distribution center, controlling the entire dynamic morphology of an animal cell. Drawing from modern data on the tissue-specific features of the centrosome's structure, we discuss the direct involvement of the centrosome in the performance of functions by specialized cells.
We suggest a method to improve quantum correlations in cavity magnomechanics, through the use of a coherent feedback loop and magnon squeezing. The entanglement of three bipartition subsystems: photon-phonon, photon-magnon, and phonon-magnon, is significantly improved by the coherent feedback-control method that has been proposed. In addition, we investigate Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering under thermal effects in each of the subsystems. We also evaluate the scheme's performance and sensitivity to magnon squeezing. Furthermore, we study the comparison between entanglement and Gaussian quantum discord in both steady and dynamical states.
In this work, Al-10Sr alloy and Na2CO3 were added to LM6 (reference alloy) as hybrid modifiers through ladle metallurgy. The microstructure enhancement was analyzed using an optical microscope (OM). The results were further confirmed with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The results showed that Na2CO3 and Al-10Sr alloy successfully hybrid modified the sharp needle-like eutectic Si into fibrous eutectic Si. Soft primary Al dendrites were also discovered after the hybrid modification. The formation of β-Fe flakes was suppressed, and α-Fe sludge was transformed into Chinese script morphology. A 2.13% density reduction was recorded. A hardness test was also performed to investigate the mechanical improvement of the hybrid-modified LM6. 2.3% of hardness reduction was recorded in the hybrid-modified LM6 through ladle metallurgy. Brittle cracks were not observed, while ductile pile-ups were the main features that appeared on the indentations of hybrid-modified LM6, indicating a brittle to ductile transformation after hybrid modification of LM6 by Na2CO3 and Al-10Sr alloy through ladle metallurgy.
Given the urgency due to the rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, bacteriophages (phages), which are viruses that specifically target and kill bacteria, are rising as a potential alternative to antibiotics. In recent years, researchers have begun to elucidate the safety aspects of phage therapy with the aim of ensuring safe and effective clinical applications. While phage therapy has generally been demonstrated to be safe and tolerable among animals and humans, the current research on phage safety monitoring lacks sufficient and consistent data. This emphasizes the critical need for a standardized phage safety assessment to ensure a more reliable evaluation of its safety profile. Therefore, this review aims to bridge the knowledge gap concerning phage safety for treating MDR bacterial infections by covering various aspects involving phage applications, including phage preparation, administration, and the implications for human health and the environment.
The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in recent times has prompted the search for new and more potent antibiotics. Bacteriophages (commonly known as phages) are viruses that target and infect their bacterial hosts. As such, they are also a potential alternative to antibiotics. These phages can be broadly categorized into monovalent (with a narrow host range spectrum and specific to a single bacterial genus) and polyvalent (with a broad host range and specific to more than two genera). However, there is still much ambiguity in the use of these terms, with researchers often describing their phages differently. There is considerable research on the use of both narrow- and broad-host range phages in the treatment of infections and diseases caused by MDR bacteria, including tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infectious diseases. From this, it is clear that the host range of these phages plays a vital role in determining the effectiveness of any phage therapy, and this factor is usually analyzed based on the advantages and limitations of different host ranges. There have also been efforts to expand phage host ranges via phage cocktail development, phage engineering and combination therapies, in line with current technological advancements. This literature review aims to provide a more in-depth understanding of the role of phage host ranges in the effectiveness of treating MDR-bacterial diseases, by exploring the following: phage biology, the importance of phages in MDR bacteria diseases treatment, the importance of phage host range and its advantages and limitations, current findings and recent developments, and finally, possible future directions for wide host range phages.