bacteria

Severe alcoholic hepatitis is an ethical and clinical conundrum, wherein a liver transplant is often recommended. The adequacy of medical treatment versus the risk of recidivism after transplant is often debated. Complete recovery in 26 of 27 patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis was observed, and hence the data was retrospectively analysed.Methods: 27 patients, with severe alcoholic hepatitis, with Maddrey's discriminant function between 59.7 to 165.2 (mean 107.53), from June 2017 to May 2022, were followed up for between 11 months to 6 years. INR ranged from 1.99 to 3.7 (mean 2.709), and bilirubin was between 7.6 to 37.01, (mean 20.859). 8 patients had pre-existing liver cirrhosis. All patients received probiotics, nutritional support, physical rehabilitation, saturated fat (clarified butter/ desi ghee) supplementation, and anti-oxidant support. At 90 days, total bilirubin improved to between 1.0 to 6.8 (mean 2.625). ALT (Alanine Transaminase/ SGPT) ranged from 65 to 550 (mean ALT – 197); and AST (Aspartate Transaminase / SGOT) ranged from 58 to 810 (mean AST – 271.51). Both the AST and ALT were near normal after 90 days. One patient died due to bacterial pneumonia and sepsis; the remaining 26 patients made a complete recovery. All patients including those with diagnosed liver cirrhosis, had complete resolution of their ascites, and near-normal liver function. At the last outpatient visit, none had ascites, edema, or encephalopathy, and had normal albumin levels and INR values. Conclusion: Probiotics, nutrition, a saturated fat diet, and exercise; all have shown benefits in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis when tested individually. Concomitant use of all the above has not been reported in the treatment of alcoholic hepatitis. The role of nutrition alone versus the contribution of nutritional deficiencies and the role of gut-derived endotoxemia need to be studied in detail. How to identify patients who need a transplant, if it is needed at all, remains a challenge.

Introduction: Gentian Violet (GV) is a triphenylmethane industrial dye that is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-helminthic, and anti-tumor effects. Although many studies focused on determining the biological and pharmacological applications of GV, its exact effect on the immune response has not been elucidated yet. Methods: In this study, we investigate the immunomodulatory effects of GV in BALB/c mice after intraperitoneal injection of the dye by assessing cytokines levels in the spleen. Results: Our data show that GV-treated mice have decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) and increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4) in their spleens. In addition, IFN-γ which can modulate pro-inflammatory cytokine production was upregulated in GV-treated mice. Conclusion: Together, these findings suggest an anti-inflammatory activity of GV that warrants further studies investigating the potential of GV in immunotherapy. 

The overall human fertility rate has been continuously declining across the globe for a number of reasons. This review summarizes data, which proposes that the use of disposable diapers for newborns and infants may incur reproductive harm in adulthood. More than 70 years ago, a disposable synthetic waterproof baby diaper was developed, mainly to reduce the burden of working mothers. Modern diapers feature the same original design, which contains one unit of disposable material wrapped around the perineum to collect urine and feces. This design results in an increase in internal area temperatures by 2-4 °C, which can be detrimental to the function and development of reproductive cells. Moreover, the standard diaper template promotes the free passage of feces, including fecal bacteria, to the genitals, which can lead to urogenital infection and reproductive impairments. The available clinical data suggest that diaper use during infancy may have a negative impact on fertility after puberty. There is a critical need for additional studies to better assess the impact of diapers on reproductive health.

Deinococcus radiodurans (D. radiodurans) was accidentally discovered in 1956 when cans of ground meat were exposed to massive doses of ionizing gamma radiation, intended to kill dangerous bacteria. The bacterium can survive doses of radiation, even up to 1,000 times that which is deadly to humans. Among biologists and biophysicists, D. radiodurans is often humorously called “Conan the Bacterium.” This extreme radioresistance of the bacterium has been attributed to its ability to protect the proteome from ROS, which originates from water radiolysis, and also to carry out the effective repair of a large amount of DNA damage.

It is quite alarming the increasing rate of antibacterial resistance all over the world considering the public health threat and the re-emergence of multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae. The aim of this study is Antibacterial resistance and phenotypic detection of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from human and animal fecal samples in selected local government areas of Nasarawa state, Nigeria was carried out in the study. Hundred (100) samples comprising human and animal (goats, cattle, and chicken) were collected and 55 samples were multidrug resistant. A commercial biochemical kit (Eneterosystem 18R) was used for the isolation and identification of Enterobacteriaceae. Kirby Bauer Disk Diffusion Method was used for antibacterial susceptibility testing of Enterobacteriaceae isolates. The Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST) method was also used for the phenotypic confirmation test of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL). The occurrence of multidrug-resistant isolates shows that Escherichia coli (100.00%) which is the highest, Proteus mirabilis (14.54%), Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella enterica (10.90%), while the occurrence of Shigella flexneri (9.09%) was the lowest. The Enterobacteriaceae isolates were more resistant to Cefuroxime, Cefexime, Amoxicillin Clavulanate, and Imipenem/Cilastatin with percentage resistance ranges from 66.6% - 100%. The occurrence of ESBL producers shows that Escherichia coli (60.00%) and Proteus mirabilis (62.5%) were high while Shigella flexneri (20.0%) had a low occurrence of ESBL. The sale and in-discriminate use of antibiotics without a prescription is an important regulatory issue in the abuse of antibiotics for both humans and animals. The Beta-Lactam and gentamycin antibiotics were not effective against the Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) isolates and most of the isolates were ESBL producers.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a commonly diagnosed genitourinary infection that presents significant challenges both in diagnosis and treatment. In an upcoming era of antibiotic resistance, and limited therapeutic options it becomes imperative to revise current guidelines and to provide more effective treatment strategies. At the Eliava Phage Therapy Center (Tbilisi, Georgia) we utilize bacteriophage therapy as an alternative approach against chronic bacterial infections. Bacteriophages, viruses that target and lyse specific bacterial cells, can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with antibiotics. We present a case report of a patient with prostatitis caused by Escherichia coli infection, who prior to addressing our clinic, has been receiving antibiotic therapy without any positive effect. Our approach of combined use of antibiotics and phages was successful not only in complete clinical improvement but also in total bacterial eradication. This outcome shows the potential of bacteriophage therapy as a valuable adjunct to conventional antibacterials in the management of prostatitis.

Verrucous hyperplasia is a wart-like lesion that can develop on amputation stumps, often due to poor-fitting prostheses, venous stasis, friction, and bacterial infections. While surgical excision is sometimes necessary for intractable cases, many instances can be managed non-surgically. We present the case of a 35-year-old male with a slowly growing verrucous plaque on his amputated stump that had caused repeated infections. His prosthesis was loose, allowing the stump to hang loosely inside the socket. After histological confirmation of verrucous hyperplasia, he was advised to change his prosthesis and use compression bandaging. Over 5 months, the lesion resolved without surgery. Early recognition and non-surgical management, including proper prosthetic fit, compression, and hygiene, can often successfully treat verrucous hyperplasia of amputation stumps. This avoids the need for excision in many cases. Patients and clinicians should be aware of this condition and the importance of prosthetic fit and limb care to prevent and treat it.

Probiotic gummy candy is an innovative food that can be used as a carrier to deliver probiotics. This study aimed to manufacture healthy gummy candy (HGC) as a carrier for probiotic capsules. The ingredients' effect on the viability of probiotic capsules and free cells was evaluated for 48 days under refrigerated conditions. Also, the textural properties, overall acceptability of products, and physicochemical properties were tested. The encapsulation probiotics in sodium alginate and chitosan provided a high efficiency of 88.16%. At the same time, the encapsulated cells-based HGC (HGC-C) had higher counts of probiotics than free cells-based HGC, and it remained above the 3 log CFU/g at the end of the 48-day storage period in HGC-C, while the free cells reached zero at 30 days. The HGC product showed a low hardness value and high antioxidant capacity as well as, and the colour coordinates for the product showed more yellow, with an intense red colour. Using mango pulp and probiotics in gummy candies is an innovative and viable alternative to the confectionery industry; therefore, combining fruits as a source of prebiotics and probiotic bacteria could be a promising formula for probiotics gummy supplement preparation.

There is increasing evidence of the difficulty in understanding the “biological functioning” of some complex microbial communities. Complex microbial communities exist everywhere in nature, and the interactions among their constituent microorganisms are a crucial aspect that influences their development. The ability of microorganisms to colonize an environment includes their ability to interact with other species in the same ecosystem, as well as their ability to adapt and integrate into the evolving community. The interactions among microorganisms and not just their numbers, or the presence of different species, biotypes, and variants, in many cases, seems to become a decisive factor in understanding and analyzing the development of microbial ecosystems and the biological function of the individual microbial entities that are part of them.After working to isolate individual microbial cells and study the mechanisms of their functioning and development, it is time to embark on a backward journey “from the small to the complex” for a better understanding of complex microbial ecosystems and their application potential. The purpose of this brief contribution is to further the development of the understanding of the role of microbial communities in nature and the mode of their development and evolution.

This review aims to emphasize the scientific focus on platelet therapies by presenting the results already obtained in mares susceptible to Persistent Breeding-Induced Endometritis (PBIE), as well as highlighting opportunities for further improvement. The recent publication demonstrating the absence of bacterial growth in susceptible mares treated with PRP underscores the potential of regenerative therapies to control infections without promoting the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Alternative therapies have gained prominence in the current public health context, with the World Health Organization listing antimicrobial resistance among the ten most significant global threats. Endometritis is the leading cause of subfertility in mares, and empirical antibiotic therapies are commonly used in the field due to market pressures related to the high financial value of embryos, along with logistical challenges in obtaining laboratory-dependent diagnostic results. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an alternative therapy derived from whole blood plasma with a high concentration of platelets. Its anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and antimicrobial properties are particularly tested when traditional therapies fail to achieve the desired effect. In recent years, research on the use of PRP in equine reproduction has primarily focused on endometritis, with a particular emphasis on persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE). However, there is a growing interest in other platelet derivatives, such as lyophilized platelet-rich plasma and platelet lysate, which offer practical field applications.

Conventional antibiotics are resisted by bacteria at an increasing rate, prompting studies into the development of alternate antibiotic agents. This work demonstrates the fabrication and characterization of amine functionalized graphene quantum dots (af-GQDs) with starting materials of graphene oxide, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide by chemical oxidation and hydrothermal methods. The synthesized af-GQDs were characterized using analytical techniques such as UV-vis, fluorescence, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and morphological studies through TEM. TEM images showed that af-GQDs have smooth surface morphology with porous in nature and are spherical in shape with particle size less than 20 nm. The prepared af-GQDs show a quantum yield of 26.32%. A growth inhibition test was performed on E. coli and S. aureus for the prepared af-GQDs at different increasing concentrations. The minimum inhibitory concentration for the prepared af-GQDs on E. coli was found to be 55 μg/mL and for S. aureus was found to be 35 μg/mL. Percentage cell viability studies were performed on HeLa and Jukart cells for 24 hours at different concentrations. Both cells showed maximum cell viability percentage at the initial concentration. At higher concentrations, the cell viability is decreased for both cells but the Jukart cells show a minimum percentage of cell viability at higher concentrations than the HeLa cells.

Background: Stunting is a condition of growth and development disorders in children under 5 years of age who appear shorter than their age caused by nutritional deficiencies. The stunted growth and development of children can be influenced by deficiencies in the intake of macronutrients such as protein and micronutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin D. One nutrient that is relevant to current dental health research is vitamin D. Objective: This review article will further analyze the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and Porphyromonas gingivalis bacterial lipopolysaccharide in stunting children. Literature review: Vitamin D deficiency can cause various problems related to the oral cavity such as a decrease in salivary flow rate, buffer capacity, and salivary content such as protein. A decrease in salivary flow rate causes secretory Immunoglobulin A (IgA) to decrease, thus disrupting the colonization of normal microflora in the oral cavity. Reduced vitamin D levels can potentially increase the number of Porpyhromonas gingivalis bacteria and also lipopolysaccharides (LPS), thus inhibiting the proliferation and differentiation of alveolar bone cells. Conclusion: Therefore, lack of micronutrient intake such as vitamin D deficiency can trigger the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria and an increase in bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharides, especially in stunted children. 

Citrus sinensis is a rich source of bioactive compounds  and has attracted attention due to its medicinal benefits. Historically regarded as agricultural waste, orange peel is rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and essential oils with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities. The phytochemicals in Citrus sinensis peel were used as natural reducing and stabilizing agents in the green synthesis method used in this work to create silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This method is an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional nanoparticle production, eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals. Based on the study’s results, green-synthesized silver nanoparticles derived from Citrus sinensis peel extract offer a sustainable and biocompatible substitute for biomedical applications. The pharmaceutical and healthcare industries may find therapeutic uses for them due to their exceptional antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are common opportunistic diseases, primarily caused by Escherichia coli, which utilizes various virulence factors, including the hlyA gene encoding hemolysin. Phenolic compounds in fruits and vegetables, known for their antimicrobial properties, were examined for their effects on E. coli. This study involved 60 E. coli isolates from Aleppo University Hospital, identified via biochemical and molecular tests. The hemolytic ability was assessed phenotypically, and the hlyA gene was detected using PCR. The impact of pyrogallol and catechol on these isolates was also evaluated. Results showed a 54.6% isolation rate of E. coli, with a higher rate in females (71.7%) than males (28.3%). The 20-40 age group was most affected, comprising 38.4% of cases. Hemolytic activity was observed in 45% of isolates, and the hlyA gene was present in 41.6% of cases. Pyrogallol exhibited a bactericidal effect at high concentrations and mild growth at lower levels, while catechol showed no antibacterial effects. These experimental investigations were validated by docking those polyphenols to the hlyA predicted, validated 3D structure where pyrogallol exhibited stronger binding affinity than catechol (-5.2 vs. -4.8 kcal/mol). The study underscores the significance of the hlyA gene in E. coli virulence and highlights the potential antibacterial properties of phenolic compounds at specific concentrations.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbursts began at the end of 2019, which imposed a serious crisis on public health and the economy all over the world. To date, there is no antiviral drug available for SARS-CoV-2, and hence vaccination is the most preferred method to prevent people from getting attacked by this virus, especially for those who are at high risk. To counter coronavirus-2, there are various types of vaccines, which are being used, such as live attenuated vaccines, killed or inactivated vaccines, recombinant vaccines, mRNA vaccines, recombinant vector vaccines, and DNA vaccines. Novavax data shows that the vaccine is effective against severe diseases caused by B.1.351. The Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines show evidence of some protection against P.1. Due to the immune response, the Human body can recognize and protect itself against harmful foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms. The immune system protects our body from these harmful substances by identifying them as antigens. Virus-infected cells release many chemicals such as chemokines and cytokines for the initiation of immune response. To control the pandemic situation, herd immunity is required by the immunization of a critical mass of the world population at once. In this review article, we have made an analysis of the immune response of the human body to SARS-CoV-2 infection, different types, and modes of action of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines along with the current status of vaccines.

Microplastics (MPs) pose a significant risk to human health, particularly through seafood consumption. Once ingested, MPs can spread from the digestive system to other organs via phagocytosis and endocytosis, leading to toxicological effects. Accumulation of MPs in tissues causes swelling, blockages, oxidative stress, and Cytotoxicity. Studies show MPs alter metabolism, disrupt immune function, and contribute to autoimmune diseases. Chronic exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity, vascular inflammation, and increased cancer risk due to DNA damage. MPs can cross biological barriers, including the placenta, affecting fetal development. Additionally, they serve as vectors for pollutants and bacteria, further complicating health risks. MPs in the bloodstream can trigger inflammatory responses, endothelial adhesion, and red blood cell coagulation, leading to cardiovascular complications. In vitro studies indicate MPs impair renal function and cause long-term inflammation in distal tissues. Moreover, oxidative stress caused by MPs plays a critical role in carcinogenicity. Despite growing evidence of adverse health effects, further research is necessary to understand the full impact of MPs’ exposure on human health and develop effective mitigation strategies.