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Displaying publications 2001 - 2020 of 2186 in total

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Effects of Shape and Size of Cobalt Phosphate Nanoparticles against Acanthamoeba castellanii

Anwar A, Chi Fung L, Anwar A, Jagadish P, Numan A, Khalid M, et al.

Pathogens, 2019 Nov 22;8(4).
PMID: 31766722 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8040260

T4 genotype Acanthamoeba are opportunistic pathogens that cause two types of infections, including vision-threatening Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and a fatal brain infection known as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). Due to the existence of ineffective treatments against Acanthamoeba, it has become a potential threat to all contact lens users and immunocompromised patients. Metal nanoparticles have been proven to have various antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Previously, different types of cobalt nanoparticles showed some promise as anti-acanthamoebic agents. In this study, the objectives were to synthesize and characterize the size, morphology, and crystalline structure of cobalt phosphate nanoparticles, as well as to determine the effects of different sizes of cobalt metal-based nanoparticles against A. castellanii. Cobalt phosphate octahydrate (CHP), Co3(PO4)2•8H2O, was synthesized by ultrasonication using a horn sonicator, then three different sizes of cobalt phosphates Co3(PO4)2 were produced through calcination of Co3(PO4)2•8H2O at 200 °C, 400 °C and 600 °C (CP2, CP4, CP6). These three types of cobalt phosphate nanoparticles were characterized using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Next, the synthesized nanoparticles were subjected to biological assays to investigate their amoebicidal, amoebistatic, anti-encystation, and anti-excystation effects against A. castellanii, as well as cell cytotoxicity. The overall results showed that 1.30 ± 0.70 µm of CHP microflakes demonstrated the best anti-acanthemoebic effects at 100 µg/mL, followed by 612.50 ± 165.94 nm large CP6 nanograins. However, amongst the three tested cobalt phosphates, Co3(PO4)2, the smaller nanoparticles had stronger antiamoebic effects against A. castellanii. During cell cytotoxicity analysis, CHP exhibited only 15% cytotoxicity against HeLa cells, whereas CP6 caused 46% (the highest) cell cytotoxicity at the highest concentration, respectively. Moreover, the composition and morphology of nanoparticles is suggested to be important in determining their anti-acathamoebic effects. However, the molecular mechanisms of cobalt phosphate nanoparticles are still unidentified. Nevertheless, the results suggested that cobalt phosphate nanoparticles hold potential for development of nanodrugs against Acanthamoeba.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Fulltext Microbiology of diabetic foot infections in three district hospital in Malaysia and comparison with South East Asian Countries

Kow RY, Low CL, Ruben JK, Zaharul Azri WMZ, Mor Japar Khan ESK

Med J Malaysia, 2019 Oct;74(5):394-399.
PMID: 31649215

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot infection, a complication that is associated with lower-limb amputation, incurs a huge economic burden to the hospital and health care system of Malaysia. The bacteriological profile of pathogens in diabetic foot infections in Malaysia has been sparsely studied. We investigated the microbiology of diabetic foot infections in patients admitted to the district hospitals on the east coast of Malaysia.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in three district hospitals (Hospital Kuala Lipis, Hospital Bentong and Hospital Raub) in Malaysia from 1st of January 2016 to 31st December 2016. The clinical specimens were cultured using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Antibiotic sensitivity testing to different antibiotics was carried out using the disc diffusion method.

RESULT: A total of 188 pathogens were isolated from 173 patients, with an average of 1.09 pathogens per lesion. Majority of the pathogens isolated were gram negative pathogens (73.4%). The most commonly isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (17.5%). This was followed by Klebsiella spp. (17%), Pseudomonas spp. (15.4%) and Proteus spp. (13.8%). Gram positive pathogens were sensitive to most of the antibiotics tested except penicillin and fusidic acid. Gram negative pathogens were sensitive to all antibiotics tested except ampicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Amikacin provide coverage for all gram negative pathogens in DFI.

CONCLUSION: For the management of patient with infection in diabetic foot, the choice of antibiotic therapy depends on the sensitivity of the pathogens, the severity of the infection, the patient's allergies history, toxicity and excretion of the antibiotics.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Fulltext Chemical and antibacterial data of synthesized thioureido derivatives

Kadir MA, Ramli R, Yusof MSM, Ismail N, Ngah N, Haris NSH

Data Brief, 2019 Dec;27:104651.
PMID: 31700958 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.104651

This paper provided comprehensive data on spectroscopic and antibacterial activities of thioureido compounds which are relevant with research article entitled "Synthesis, Spectroscopic Studies and Antibacterial Activity of New Lauroyl Thiourea Amino Acid Derivatives" [1]. Based on the reported study, four new thioureido derivatives, namely 3-(3-dodecanoyl-thioureido)propionic acid (R1), 2-(3-dodecanoyl-thioureido)-3-methyl butyric acid (R2), (3-dodecanoyl-thioureido)acetic acid (R3) and 2-(3-dodecanoyl-thioureido)-3-phenyl propionic acid (R4) were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C NMR), and Ultraviolet Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The preliminary results from antibacterial assay which were tested against Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium are also described.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Isolation and characterization of Enterococcus faecium DSM 20477 with ability to secrete antimicrobial substance for the inhibition of oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans UKMCC 1019

Ng ZJ, Zarin MA, Lee CK, Phapugrangkul P, Tan JS

Arch Oral Biol, 2020 Feb;110:104617.
PMID: 31794906 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2019.104617

Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans are the main oral pathogens which contribute to dental caries that affects all ages of human being.
OBJECTIVES: This study focuses on the potential of crude cell free supernatant (CCFS) from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to inhibit of the growth of S. mutans UKMCC 1019.
DESIGN: A total of 61 CCFS from LAB strains were screened for their inhibitory ability against S. mutans UKMCC 1019 by broth microdilution method. The selected LAB with highest antimicrobial activity was identified and its CCFS was characterized for pH stability, temperature tolerance, enzyme sensitivity, metabolism of carbohydrates, enzymatic activities and antimicrobial activity against S. mutans UKMCC 1019 and C. albicans UKMCC 3001 by well diffusion assay. The effect of CCFS on cell structure of S. mutans UKMCC 1019 was observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
RESULTS: The CCFS from isolate CC2 from Kimchi showed the highest inhibition against S. mutans UKMCC 1019, which was 76.46 % or 4406.08 mm2/mL and it was identified to be most closely related to Enterococcus faecium DSM 20477 based on 16 s rRNA sequencing. The CCFS of E. faecium DSM 20477 had high tolerance to acidic and alkaline environment as well as high temperature. It also shows high antifungal activities against C. albicans UKMCC 3001 with 2362.56 mm2/mL. Under TEM, the cell walls and the cytoplasm membrane of S. mutans UKMCC 1019 were disrupted by the antimicrobial substance, causing cell lysis.
CONCLUSIONS: Hence, the CCFS from E. faecium DSM 20477 is a potential bacteriocin in future for the treatment of dental caries.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Electron microscopy studies of the effects of garlic extract against trichophyton rubrum

FARZAD AALA, UMI KALSOM YUSUF, ROSIMAH NULIT

Sains Malaysiana, 2013;42:1585-1590.

Trichophyton rubrum is one of dermatophytes that penetrates keratinized tissues such as skin, hair and nail of human and animals. Recently, antifungal drugs such as imodazole and triazole was found to cause side effects, toxicity to patients and also not very efficient due to resistance to these drugs. As an alternative, some plants extract had been used to treat dermatophytes. This studies was done using Garlic extract (Allium sativum) to evaluate its effects on the growth of hypha of Trichophyton using Electron miscroscopy. Garlic had been known to posses antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antithrombotic and antitumor activities. This studies found that garlic extract as low as 4 mg/mL inhibit the growth of hypha. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed that hypha treated with garlic extract showed shrinkage, flat and cell wall demolition, similar to hypha treated with allicin (positive control) having rough surface, shrinkage and distortion. The tip of hypa became large after treatment with garlic extract. Transmission electron microscopy studies also found that hypha treated with allicin display cell wall thickening, local thickening, destruction of cytoplasmic content, mean while hypha treated with garlic extract exhibited cell wall thickening, disordered hyphal tip and desolution of cytoplasmic compartments and similar with hypha treated with allicin. These results showed that garlic extract and pure allicin could be use as an alternative to treat dermatophytes.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Fulltext Leukemic phase of ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma in a patient who is on androgenic steroids: A case report

Kasinathan G

Ann Med Surg (Lond), 2020 Jan;49:1-4.
PMID: 31871676 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2019.11.007

ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a peripheral T-cell lymphoma that usually involves lymph nodes or extranodal sites. Leukemic phase of ALK-negative ALCL is exceedingly rare and often carries a poor prognosis. Androgenic steroids have gained popularity among the young, and at higher doses, it can result in immune dysregulation and may be potentially carcinogenic. Case presentation: A 30-year-old gentleman of Malay ethnicity presented to the hematology department with night fevers, loss of weight and bony pain for the past 6 weeks. He is a gymnasium instructor with a history of chronic usage of intramuscular testosterone enanthate. Physical examination revealed ecchymosis over the left elbow and hepatomegaly. A complete blood count depicted anemia, thrombocytopenia and leucocytosis. An 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18-FDG PET/CT) imaging showed a hypermetabolic anterior mediastinal mass of 6.8 × 7.0 × 6.5 cm with diffuse hypermetabolism in the liver, spleen and axial skeleton. The bone marrow trephine and mediastinal tissue histology were consistent with leukemic ALK-negative ALCL. He was treated with CHOEP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisolone) induction chemotherapy in which he required intensive antibiotic and blood support. He progressed with worsening B symptoms and new diffuse lymphadenopathies suggesting rapid dissemination of the disease. He subsequently succumbed to multiorgan failure with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy at the intensive care unit. Conclusion: Leukemic phase ALK-negative ALCL often carries a complex karyotype and requires early intensive polychemotherapy. Use of anabolic steroids depletes the ability of defending lymphocytes to remove tumour producing cells.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
First Report of Dolabra nepheliae Associated with Corky Bark Disease of Rambutan and Pulasan in Honduras

Rossman A, Melgar J, Walker D, Gonzales A, Ramirez T, Rivera J

Plant Dis, 2012 May;96(5):765.
PMID: 30727564 DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-01-12-0081-PDN

In the last decade, rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L., Sapindaceae) and pulasan (N. mutabile Blume) have been cultivated in Honduras to produce exotic fruits for export to North America (2). Recently, a disease was observed that produces dark brown to black fissured cankers from 1 to 3 cm long and 1 to 4 cm wide. The infected bark tissue becomes swollen with the middle region 3 to 8 mm thick. Symptoms appear when the trees are approximately 3 years old. As the trees mature, the cankers increase in size and weaken the branches, often resulting in breakage with the weight of the fruit causing substantial plant damage and fruit loss. In August 2010, fissured branch samples of rambutan and pulasan were collected from 6- to 8-year-old trees from the Humid Tropical Demonstrative Agroforestry Center in Honduras, Atlantida, La Masica (15°33'47.4″N, 87°05'2.5″W, elevation 106 m). A fungus associated with the cankers was identified as Dolabra nepheliae. It produces black, stipitate, elongate ascomata, 312 to 482 × 250 to 281 μm with broadly cylindric, bitunicate asci, 120 to 138 × 11.2 to 15.0 μm, and filiform, hyaline ascospores, 128 to 135 × 2.8 to 3.2 μm. Fungi from rambutan and pulasan were isolated on cornmeal agar plus 0.5% dextrose and antibiotics. On potato dextrose agar, the ascospores produced slow-growing colonies, 5 mm per week. In culture, isolates from both hosts produced pycnidia with elongated, slightly to strongly curved or S-shaped, hyaline conidia, 22.8 to 46.4 × 2.8 to 3.7 μm. This fungus was first reported on rambutan and pulasan from Malaysia (1,4), and later reported on rambutan and litchi in Hawaii and Puerto Rico (3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of D. nepheliae on pulasan and rambutan from Honduras. Specimens have been deposited at the U.S. National Fungus Collections (BPI 882442 on N. lappaceum and BPI 882443 on N. mutabile). Cultures were deposited at the Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures (CBS) as CBS 131490 on N. lappaceum and CBS 131491 on N. mutabile. Sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region including ITS1, 5.8S, and ITS2 intergenic spacers were deposited in GenBank (Accession No. JQ004281 on N. lappaceum and Accession No. JQ004280 on N. mutabile). A BLAST search and pairwise comparison using the GenBank web server were used to compare ITS sequence data and recovered the following results: (i) CBS 131490 on N. lappaceum is 99% (538 of 544) identical to D. nepheliae CBS 123297 on Litchi chinensis from Puerto Rico; and (ii) CBS 131491 on N. mutabile is 99% (527 of 533) identical to the same strain of D. nepheliae. On the basis of the ITS sequence data, the isolates from Honduras were confirmed as the same species, D. nepheliae from Puerto Rico. Efforts to develop resistant germplasm and management strategies to control this disease have been initiated. References: (1) C. Booth and W. P. Ting. Trans. Brit. Mycol. Soc. 47:235, 1964. (2) T. Ramírez et al. Manual Para el Cultivo de Rambutan en Honduras. Fundación Hondureña de Investigación Agrícola. La Lima, Cortes, Honduras, 2003. (3) A. Y. Rossman et al. Plant Dis. 91:1685, 2007. (4) H. Zalasky et al. Can. J. Bot. 49:559, 1971.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Fulltext Brodie's Abscess of Posterior Ilium with Gluteal Syndrome, an Unusual Cause of Paediatric Low Back Pain: A Case Report

Behera G, Poduval M, Patro DK, Sahoo S

Malays Orthop J, 2017 Jul;11(2):68-71.
PMID: 29021883 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1707.009

Brodie's abscess is a variety of subacute osteomyelitis with a long duration of presentation and intermittent pain. It usually involves the metaphyseal region of long bones of the lower limbs. Brodie's abscess of pelvic bone is very rare. Involvement of posterior ilium with gluteal syndrome is extremely unusual and can be easily missed or misdiagnosed. We present a 9-year old boy who reported to us with intermittent low back pain of three months duration without any other constitutional symptoms. Clinically, there was mild tenderness over the posterior ilium. Computed tomography showed a lytic lesion in the posterior ilium with a breach in the outer cortex. MRI and bone scan were suggestive of inflammatory pathology. Keeping infective, tubercular and benign bone tumors as differential diagnoses, open biopsy and curettage were done. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured and histopathology was suggestive of osteomyelitis. The patient received appropriate antibiotics for six weeks. He was asymptomatic till 18 months of follow up without any recurrence. We present this case because of its rarity and unusual presentation as gluteal syndrome and low back pain, and its resemblance to other pelvic and sacroiliac joint pathologies which are often missed or misdiagnosed in paediatric patients.

Study done in India

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Fulltext Pulmonary Embolism Masquerading as Severe Pneumonia: A Case Report

Payus AO, Rajah R, Febriany DC, Mustafa N

Open Access Maced J Med Sci, 2019 Feb 15;7(3):396-399.
PMID: 30834009 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.114

BACKGROUND: De novo pulmonary embolism (DNPE) is a term used when pulmonary embolism (PE) occur in the absence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Most DNPE cases occur in a patient who had a recent injury to the chest.
CASE PRESENTATION: However, here we report a case of DNPE with a slightly different presentation where there is no preceding trauma and has symptoms that mimic severe pneumonia. He presented with high fever, dyspnoea and pleuritic chest pain. Despite on 10 L of oxygen supplementation via high flow mask and already given bolus intravenous antibiotic, the patient still tachypnoeic and was persistently in type I respiratory failure. His chest X-ray showed consolidative changes. Upon further investigation revealed no evidence of DVT on Doppler ultrasound and normal D-dimer level. Due to the high index of suspicion by the attending physician, PE was suspected and later confirmed with computed tomography pulmonary angiography scan. He was successfully treated with anticoagulation therapy. The objective of this case report is to share the difficult experience of diagnosing PE when the presentation highly atypical and mimics severe pneumonia.
CONCLUSION: And with such a masquerading presentation, one can easily miss the diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, there are very few similar cases reported.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Fulltext Comparison of antimicrobial activity of crude extracts of piper betle, aloe vera, solanum lycopersicum, cinnamomum zeylanicum and cucumis sativus against acne inducing bacteria

Aiza Izyani Aminuddin, Siti Suraiya, Ruzilawati Abu Bakar

Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;2(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

Acne vulgaris is a typical skin disorder among adolescence, causing inflammation of pilosebaceous follicle
which characterized by comedones, papules, pustules, cysts, nodules and often scars in face, neck, upper trunk
and arms. Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis have been recognized that play as a major
role in acne formation. This study was conducted to compare the antimicrobial activity of five plant extracts
namely Piper betle, Aloe vera, Solanum lycopersicum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Cucumis sativus against P.
acnes and S. epidermidis. The well diffusion assay was used to determine the sensitivity of the samples, while
the liquid dilution method was used for the determination of the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC). The
result showed a remarkable antibacterial activity of Piper betle extract compared to other plant extracts and
Doxycycline (positive control) against both of acne-inducing bacteria, P. acnes and S. epidermidis.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Fulltext Elucidation of Antimicrobial Activity of Non-Covalently Dispersed Carbon Nanotubes

Saleemi MA, Fouladi MH, Yong PVC, Wong EH

Materials (Basel), 2020 Apr 03;13(7):6-6.
PMID: 32260216 MyJurnal DOI: 10.3390/ma13071676

Microorganisms have begun to develop resistance because of inappropriate and extensive use of antibiotics in the hospital setting. Therefore, it seems to be necessary to find a way to tackle these pathogens by developing new and effective antimicrobial agents. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted growing attention because of their remarkable mechanical strength, electrical properties, and chemical and thermal stability for their potential applications in the field of biomedical as therapeutic and diagnostic nanotools. However, the impact of carbon nanotubes on microbial growth has not been fully investigated. The primary purpose of this research study is to investigate the antimicrobial activity of CNTs, particularly double-walled and multi-walled nanotubes on representative pathogenic strains such as Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and fungal strain Candida albicans. The dispersion ability of CNT types (double-walled and multi-walled) treated with a surfactant such as sodium dodecyl-benzenesulfonate (SDBS) and their impact on the microbial growth inhibition were also examined. A stock concentration 0.2 mg/mL of both double-walled and multi-walled CNTs was prepared homogenized by dispersing in surfactant solution by using probe sonication. UV-vis absorbance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for the characterization of CNTs dispersed in the surfactant solution to study the interaction between molecules of surfactant and CNTs. Later, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate how CNTs interact with the microbial cells. The antimicrobial activity was determined by analyzing optical density growth curves and viable cell count. This study revealed that microbial growth inhibited by non-covalently dispersed CNTs was both depend on the concentration and treatment time. In conclusion, the binding of surfactant molecules to the surface of CNTs increases its ability to disperse in aqueous solution. Non-covalent method of CNTs dispersion preserved their structure and increased microbial growth inhibition as a result. Multi-walled CNTs exhibited higher antimicrobial activity compared to double-walled CNTs against selected pathogens.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
The Results of Two-stage Revision for Methicillin-resistant Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) of the Hip

Santoso A, Yoon TR, Park KS, Anwar IB, Utomo P, Soetjahjo B, et al.

Malays Orthop J, 2020 Mar;14(1):18-23.
PMID: 32296477 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2003.003

Introduction: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the hip due to methicillin-resistant bacteria is difficult to treat and remain a challenge for arthroplasty surgeon.
Material and Methods: Retrospective review was done to the patients who received two-stage revisions with an antibiotic loaded cement-spacer for PJI of the hip between January 2010 to May 2015. We found 65 patients (65 hips) with positive culture findings. Eight patients were lost to follow-up and excluded from the study. Among the rest of the 57 patients, methicillin-resistant infection (MR Group) was found in 28 cases. We also evaluate the 29 other cases that caused by the other pathogen as control group. We compared all of the relevant medical records and the treatment outcomes between the two groups.
Results: The mean of follow-up period was 33.7 months in the methicillin-resistant group and 28.4 months in the control group (p = 0.27). The causal pathogens in the methicillin-resistant group were: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in 10 cases, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) in 16 cases and Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (MRCNS) in two cases. The reimplantation rate was 92.8% and 89.6% in the methicillin-resistant and control group, respectively (p= 0.66). The rates of recurrent infection after reimplantation were 23.1% (6/26) in the methicillin-resistant group and 7.6% (2/26) in the control group (p= 0.12). The overall infection control rate was 71.4% (20/28) and 89.6% (26/29) in the methicillin-resistant and control group, respectively (p = 0.08). Both groups showed comparable baseline data on mean age, BMI, gender distribution, preoperative ESR/CRP/WBC and comorbidities.
Conclusions: Two-stage revision procedure resulted in low infection control rate and high infection recurrency rate for the treatment of methicillin-resistant periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the hip. Development of the treatment strategy is needed to improve the outcome of methicillin-resistant periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the hip.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Fulltext Behavior of schmutzdecke with varied filtration rates of slow sand filter to remove total coliforms

Matuzahroh N, Fitriani N, Ardiyanti PE, Kuncoro EP, Budiyanto WD, Isnadina DRM, et al.

Heliyon, 2020 Apr;6(4):e03736.
PMID: 32280804 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03736

The previous research showed that slow sand filtration (SSF) can remove the total coli by approximately 99% because of the schmutzecke layer in the filter. The presented study aimed to complete the previous research on SSF, especially on the schmuztdecke layer mechanism, to remove total coli. Total coli is a parameter of water quality standard in Indonesia, and the behavior of schmutzdecke affects the total coli removal. In the present study, the raw water from Amprong River was treated using horizontal roughing filter (HRF) and SSF. The variations in SSF rate used were 0.2 and 0.4 m/h. Total coliforms were analyzed using the most probable number test, and schmutzdecke visualization was conducted through scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The best coliform concentration in water treated by the combination of HRF and SSF was 4,386 colonies per 100 mL of sample using the filtration rate of 0.2 m/h, and its removal efficiency was 99.60%. However, the quality of water treated by the combination of HRF and SSF did not meet the drinking water quality standard because the removal of total coli must be 100%. The SEM-EDX visualization results in schmutzdecke showed that the average bacteria in the schmutzdecke layer were small, white, opaque, and circular, with entire edge and flat elevation. The Gram test results showed that the schmutzdecke bacteria consisted of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with basil as the common cell form.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Phytochemical and biological evaluation of Defatted seeds of Jatropha Curcas

Ul Haq MN, Wazir SM, Ullah F, Khan RA, Shah MS, Khatak A

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:1435-1442.

In this study, the antimicrobial, antioxidant, phytotoxic and phytochemical properties of defatted seeds of Jatropha curcas were evaluated. A crude methanolic extract of defatted seeds was tested against three fungal strains - Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus - and five bacteria: Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram negative) and Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive). The methanolic extract was diluted in dimethylsulfoxide to final concentrations of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mg/10 mL. The largest zones of inhibition against K. pneumoniae, M. luteus and B. subtilis were achieved using the concentration of 5 mg/10 mL. The concentration of 1 mg/10 mL was most effective against S. aureus and E. coli. In a 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylahydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, the 5 mg/10 mL concentration of the Jatropha seed extract showed the strongest activity. Higher concentrations of the Jatropha seed extract (10 mg/50 mL and 5 mg/50 mL) significantly inhibited the germination of radish seeds and had negative effects on radish seedling relative water content, shoot length, root length, seedling fresh weight and seedling dry weight (p<0.05). Phytochemical analyses of the defatted seeds detected alkaloids (7.3%), flavonoids (0.39%) and soluble phenolics (mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract). Based on these results, it was inferred that J. curcas seeds contain active ingredients that are effective against pathogenic microbes and therefore could be used to formulate drugs to treat various diseases.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Highly porous chitosan beads embedded with silver-graphene oxide nanocomposites for antibacterial application

Chook SW, Chia CH, Hatika Kaco, Sarani Zakaria, Huang NM, Neoh HM

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:1663-1667.

Incorporation of silver nanomaterial into polymer matrix can further accomplished their potential usage in real life
applications. In our previous study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver-graphene oxide nanocomposites (AgGO)
were prepared via a rapid microwave-assisted method. Hereby, the as-synthesized AgNPs or AgGO was dispersed in a
chitosan solution. Subsequently, the resultant mixture solution was further coagulated in a coagulation bath containing
sodium hydroxide via a neutralization process. This resulted in the formation of spherical-shaped chitosan beads.
The structure of the beads showed that the chitosan beads embedded with AgGO exhibited a more porous structure as
compared to the plain chitosan beads. Furthermore, the chitosan beads containing AgNPs or AgGO were tested for
their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The antibacterial results indicated that
the silver nanomaterial contained chitosan beads could effectively inhibit the growth of both E. coli and S. aureus as
compared to the bare chitosan beads. The produced chitosan nanocomposite envisioned that can be potentially employed
for water disinfection purpose.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Fulltext Clinical and Antibacterial Effects of Tualang Honey on Pseudomonas-induced Keratitis in Rabbit Eyes

Punitan R, Sulaiman SA, Hasan HB, Shatriah I

Cureus, 2019 Mar 27;11(3):e4332.
PMID: 31186997 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.4332

Introduction Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of microbial keratitis that can cause a significant loss of visual acuity. Antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides, are clinically effective against Pseudomonas-induced keratitis, but their effectiveness has been conspicuously reduced as resistant pathogens have become more potent. This study sought to evaluate the clinical and antibacterial effects of tualang honey as an alternative therapeutic agent against Pseudomonas-induced keratitis. Methods We conducted a randomized control trial in which 30 rabbits were injected intrastromally with 1,000 colony-forming units (CFU) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the right eye of each rabbit (n = 30). The rabbits were then randomized into three groups of 10 rabbits each. Group A was treated with topical gentamicin 0.3%, group B was treated with topical tualang honey 30%, and group C received both treatments. The specified treatments were administered every two hours from 24 to 48 hours post injection, and subsequently every four hours for six days. Clinical examinations were performed on days one, two, three, five, and seven, and the mean results of slit lamp examinations (SLEs) were documented. On day seven after pseudomonas induction, the rabbits were euthanized and their corneas were harvested to determine the median CFU per cornea. Results There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in mean SLE scores (p = 0.209) or median CFU values (p = 0.820) between the three groups. Conclusion Topical gentamicin, topical tualang honey, and the combination of the two all showed similar clinical and antimicrobial effects in treating Pseudomonas-induced keratitis in rabbits. These findings should be verified in further studies with larger sample sizes and the addition of a control group.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Prevalence of salmonella sp. In African catfish (clarias gariepinus) obtained from farms and wet markets in Kelantan, Malaysia and their antibiotic resistance

Sing CK, Md. Zahirul Islam Khan, Hassan Hj. Mohd Daud, Abd. Rahman Aziz

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:1597-1602.

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella sp. isolated from
African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). A total of 30 catfish were harvested from four different farms and four different
wet markets. A total of 60 samples (30 catfish skins and 30 catfish intestines) were used for Salmonella sp. isolation
(pellet-method), its biochemical and serological test. Confirmation of Salmonella sp. were determined by polyvalent
O antisera and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using genus specific primers for invA genes (DNA amplification
showed one distinct band with molecular weight of 389 bp) and the species of isolated Salmonella sp. were identified
by serotyping. The result showed 6/30 (20%) of fish or 6/60 (10%) of organ samples were positive for Salmonella sp.
Among those positive for Salmonella sp., 4/6 were from intestine samples and 2/6 were from skin samples. No significant
difference was found in the prevalence of Salmonella sp. isolates between fish harvested from farms and wet markets
(p-value= 0.406). The Salmonella serovars identified were Salmonella corvallis (n=3), Salmonella mbandaka (n=2)
and Salmonella typhmurium (n=1). Salmonella sp. isolates were resistance to Penicillin (P 10, 100%), Clindamycin
(DA 2, 100%), Tetracycline (TE 30, 100%) and Rifampicin (RD 5, 100%) and all of the isolates were susceptible or
intermediate resistance to Ceftazidime (CAZ 30) and Trimethopin (W 5). Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of
all Salmonella sp. isolates in current study was 0.67 indicating that fish sampled in the present study was under high
risk of been exposed to the tested antibiotics.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Initial screening of mangrove endophytic fungi for antimicrobial compounds and heavy metal biosorption potential

Ling Onn M, Teen Lim P, Aazani Mujahid, Proksch P, Müller M

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:1063-1071.

Endophytic fungi provide protection to their host plant and the fungi often produce antimicrobial compounds to aid the host
fighting off pathogens. These bioactive compounds were secondary metabolites which were often produced as waste- or
by-products. In the present study, endophytic fungi isolated from mangrove plants and soils were characterized and their
antimicrobial production and bioremediation potential of heavy metals copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were assessed. Twelve
(12) isolated and identified endophytic fungi belonged to seven species; Penicillium, Curvularia, Diaporthe, Aspergillus,
Guignardia, Neusartorya and Eupenicillium. Antimicrobial activities of these 12 fungal endophytes were tested against
Gram negative bacteria; Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Gram positive bacteria; Escherichia coli and fungi;
Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger among others. Two isolates (related to Guignardia sp. and Neusartoya sp.) showed
strong antimicrobial (and antifungal) activity whereas the rest showed no activity. Compounds were isolated from both
isolates and screened using HPLC. Both isolates displayed chemically very interesting chromatograms as they possessed a
high diversity of basic chemical structures and peaks over a wide range of polarities, with structures similar to Trimeric
catechin and Helenalin among others. For bioremediation assessment, the results showed maximum biosorption capacity
for two isolates related to Curvularia sp. and Neusartorya sp., with the former removing 25 mg Cu/g biomass and the
latter removing 24 mg Zn/g biomass. Our results indicated the potential of mangrove endophytic fungi in producing
bioactive compounds and also highlighted their potential for the treatment of heavy metal-contaminated wastewater.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Fulltext Zinc oxide from aloe vera extract: two-level factorial screening of biosynthesis parameters

Rasli NI, Basri H, Harun Z

Heliyon, 2020 Jan;6(1):e03156.
PMID: 32042952 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03156

Zinc oxide (ZnO) was biosynthesised from aloe vera plant extract. The aloe vera plant extract was used as a reducing agent in biosynthesis process. Green synthesis method was proposed because it is cost effective and environmentally friendly. ZnO was characterised using SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD analyses. The antibacterial property was tested against Escherichia coli. The effects of aloe vera volume (2-50) mL, precursor concentration (0.001-0.300) M, reaction time (20 min-48 h), and temperature of the reaction (26-200) °C on ZnO characteristics were investigated and screened using a two-level factorial method. Based on the observation and ANOVA analysis result, precursor concentration was the only significant parameter that affected the production of the ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). The EDX analysis proved the presence of ZnO while the SEM analysis confirmed the average size of ZnO particle size was in the range of (18-618) μm with a rod-shape appearance. The XRD analysis showed that the average crystallite size was 0.452 μm and it was in the hexagonal phase. It was also proven to have antibacterial property against E. coli.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents
Fulltext Isoniazid Conjugated Magnetic Nanoparticles Loaded with Amphotericin B as a Potent Antiamoebic Agent against Acanthamoeba castellanii

Iqbal K, Abdalla SAO, Anwar A, Iqbal KM, Shah MR, Anwar A, et al.

Antibiotics (Basel), 2020 May 25;9(5).
PMID: 32466210 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9050276

The pathogenic free-living amoeba, Acanthamoeba castellanii, is responsible for a rare but deadly central nervous system infection, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and a blinding eye disease called Acanthamoeba keratitis. Currently, a combination of biguanides, amidine, azoles and antibiotics are used to manage these infections; however, the host cell cytotoxicity of these drugs remains a challenge. Furthermore, Acanthamoeba species are capable of transforming to the cyst form to resist chemotherapy. Herein, we have developed a nano drug delivery system based on iron oxide nanoparticles conjugated with isoniazid, which were further loaded with amphotericin B (ISO-NPs-AMP) to cause potent antiamoebic effects against Acanthamoeba castellanii. The IC50 of isoniazid conjugated with magnetic nanoparticles and loaded with amphotericin B was found to be 45 μg/mL against Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and 50 μg/mL against cysts. The results obtained in this study have promising implications in drug discovery as these nanomaterials exhibited high trophicidal and cysticidal effects, as well as limited cytotoxicity against rat and human cells.

Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents

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