BACKGROUND The optimal duration of antimicrobial treatment for acute cholangitis complicated by gram-positive coccus(GPC)bacteremia remains unclear.The Tokyo Guidelines 2018 recommended 14 days of antimicrobial treatm...BACKGROUND The optimal duration of antimicrobial treatment for acute cholangitis complicated by gram-positive coccus(GPC)bacteremia remains unclear.The Tokyo Guidelines 2018 recommended 14 days of antimicrobial treatment following adequate source control measures;however,evidence supporting this recommendation is limited,and deviations from real-world practice are often observed.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of shorter antimicrobial treatments for acute cholangitis complicated by GPC bacteremia.METHODS Adult patients with acute cholangitis complicated by GPC bacteremia who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography between July 2003 and December 2023 were included.Patients were categorized into two groups based on the duration of effective antimicrobial treatment:(1)Short-course treatment(SCT)(<14 days);and(2)Long-course treatment(LCT)(≥14 days).The outcomes assessed included mortality,recurrence,reinfection with the same organism related to the cholangitis,and length of hospital stay.RESULTS A total of 44 patients were included in the study:(1)19 patients in the SCT group;and(2)25 patients in the LCT group.The median duration of antimicrobial treatment was 9 days[interquartile range(IQR):2.5-11.0 days]and 16 days(IQR:15.0-19.0 days)in the SCT and LCT groups,respectively,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed in 30-day mortality,cholangitis recurrence,or reinfection with the same organisms within 3 months.However,the length of hospital stay was shorter in the SCT group(median:12.0 days vs 14.0 days,P=0.092).CONCLUSION For acute cholangitis complicated by GPC bacteremia,shorter antimicrobial treatment may be a viable option following appropriate biliary drainage.Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.展开更多
Background:The rapid antibiotics treatment targeted to a specific pathogen can improve clinical outcomes of septicemia.We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of biliary septicemia caused by cho...Background:The rapid antibiotics treatment targeted to a specific pathogen can improve clinical outcomes of septicemia.We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of biliary septicemia caused by cholangitis or cholecystitis according to causative organisms.Methods:We performed a retrospective cohort study in 151 patients diagnosed with cholangitis or cholecystitis with bacterial septicemia from January 2013 to December 2015.All patients showed clinical evidence of biliary tract infection and had blood isolates that demonstrated septicemia.Results:Gram-negative,gram-positive,and both types of bacteria caused 84.1%(127/151),13.2%(20/151),and 2.6%(4/151)episodes of septicemia,respectively.The most common infecting organisms were Escherichia coli among gram-negative bacteria and Enterococcus species(Enterococcus casseliflavus and Enterococcus faecalis)among gram-positive bacteria.There were no differences in mortality,re-admission rate,and need for emergency decompression procedures between the gram-positive and gram-negative septicemia groups.In univariate analysis,previous gastrectomy history was associated with gram-positive bacteremia.Multivariate analysis also showed that previous gastrectomy history was strongly associated with gram-positive septicemia(Odds ratio=5.47,95%CI:1.19–25.23;P=0.029).Conclusions:Previous gastrectomy history was related to biliary septicemia induced by gram-positive organisms.This information would aid the choice of empirical antibiotics.展开更多
In general, copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) possess very low or even virtually no bactericidal effect. Herein,we report a novel CuNCs possessing significantly high antibacterial activity, that is tannic acid (TA)capped Cu...In general, copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) possess very low or even virtually no bactericidal effect. Herein,we report a novel CuNCs possessing significantly high antibacterial activity, that is tannic acid (TA)capped CuNCs (TA-CuNCs). TA-CuNCs exhibit strong absorption and excitation-dependent fluorescence within pH 2-12, resulting from the functional groups of TA-CuNCs due to two prototropic equilibria,phenolphenolate and carboxyliccarboxylate. There exists synergistic effect of TA and copper nanoclusters which endows TA-CuNCs remarkable antibacterial capability as a microbicide, as characterized by the effective inhibition on the growth of gram-positive bacteria by damaging the cell membrane. By incubating 1 x 10~7 CFU/mL of gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis with 30 μg/mL of TA-CuNCs for 10 min, the bacteria are completely inhibited, while under same conditions the viabilities of gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa remain 85.0%, 72.0%, respectively. In addition, TA-CuNCs exhibit low cytotoxicity and favorable biocompatibility demonstrated by standard methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay with HepG2 and 293 Tcells, giving rise to cell viability of 94.2% for HepG2 and 96.7% for 293 T by incubating 10~6 cell/mL with 200 μg/mL of TA-CuNCs for 24 h. These results make TA-CuNCs a potential alternative as bactericide for infection treatment caused by gram-positive bacteria.展开更多
Copper-based pesticides and wood preservatives could end up in the environment during production,use,and end-of-life via different pathways that could cause unintended ecolog-ical and adverse health effects.This paper...Copper-based pesticides and wood preservatives could end up in the environment during production,use,and end-of-life via different pathways that could cause unintended ecolog-ical and adverse health effects.This paper provides the effect of colloid-size Cu-based pesti-cides(CuPRO and Kocide),micronized Cu azole(MCA-1 and MCA-2)and alkaline Cu quater-nary(ACQ)treated woods,Cu^(2+),Cu^(2+) spiked untreated wood(UTW),and CuCO_(3) solutions against Gram-positive Bacillus species using five-day biochemical oxygen demand(BOD 5)stan-dard test.The total Cu leached from MCA-1,MCA-2,and ACQ in Milli-Q water after 5 days were -0.1,-0.11,and -0.64 g/kg of wood,respectively.However,the form of Cu leached from MCA woods was mostly ionic(>90%).The total organic carbon(TOC)content of any tested wood(UTW/MCA-1/MCA-2/ACQ)was -99%of its corresponding total carbon(TC)content,whereas the TOC of any tested wood sawdust exceeded that of its corresponding piece/block by>300%.The dissolved oxygen(DO)consumption value in the presence of Cu^(2+),CuCO_(3),CuPRO,and Kocide solutions was significantly influenced by Cu particles/ions.However,the DO consumption value in the presence of UTW/MCA-1/MCA-2/ACQ woods was significantly influenced by organics leached from woods.On the other hand,the DO consumption of MCA sawdust was greater than(300%)that of MCA pieces/block.The findings of this study provide more insight into how organics leached from woods significantly reduce the toxic effects of Cu ions against Gram-positive Bacillus species.展开更多
Tsukamurella species are obligate aerobic,gram-positive,weak acid-fast,nonmotile bacilli.They are found in various environments,such as soil,water,sludge,and petroleum reservoir wastewater,and belong to the order Acti...Tsukamurella species are obligate aerobic,gram-positive,weak acid-fast,nonmotile bacilli.They are found in various environments,such as soil,water,sludge,and petroleum reservoir wastewater,and belong to the order Actinomycetales.In 2016,there was a reclassification of species within the genus Tsukamurella,merging the species Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens(T.tyrosinosolvens)and Tsukamurella carboxydivorans.Tsukamurella species are clinically considered to be a rare opportunistic pathogen,because most reported cases have been related to bacteremia and intravascular prosthetic devices and immunosuppression.To date,it has been isolated only from human specimens,and has always been associated with clinical disease;human infections are very rare.Reported infections have included pneumonia,brain abscesses,catheter-related bloodstream infections,ocular infections,bacteremia,and sepsis presenting with septic pulmonary emboli in patients who are immunocompromised.To date,there is no commercially available test for identification.On the other hand,sequence-based identification,including matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry,is an alternative method for identifying clinical isolates that are either slow growers or difficult to identify through biochemical profiling.The golden standards for diagnosis and optimal management still remain to be determined.However,newer molecular biological techniques can provide accurate identification,and contribute to the appropriate selection of definitive therapy for infections caused by this organism.Combinations of several antimicrobial agents have been proposed for treatment,though the length of treatment for infections has yet to be determined,and should be individualized according to clinical response.Immunocompromised patients often experience severe cases due to infection,and life-threatening T.tyrosinosolvens events associated with dissemination and/or failure of source control have occurred.Favorable prognoses can be achieved through earlier identification of the cause of infection,as well as successful management,including appropriate antibiotic therapy together with source control.Further analyses of similar cases are required to establish the most adequate diagnostic methods and treatment regimens for infections.展开更多
Objective: To compare the serum contents of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress mediators between patients with gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria infection. Methods: Patients who were diagnosed...Objective: To compare the serum contents of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress mediators between patients with gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria infection. Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with bloodstream bacterial infection in Zigong Third People's Hospital between March 2015 and April 2017 were selected as the research subjects and divided into gram-positive group and gram-negative group according to the results of blood culture and strain identification, and serum levels of inflammatory mediators PCT, IL-1β, IL-6, sTREM-1, TNF-α, NGAL, SAA, HPT and hs-CRP as well as oxidative stress mediators MDA, AOPP, TAC, CAT and SOD were determined. Results: Serum PCT, IL-1β, IL-6, sTREM-1, TNF-α, NGAL, SAA, HPT, hs-CRP, MDA and AOPP levels of gram-negative group were greatly higher than those of gram-positive group while TAC, CAT and SOD levels were greatly lower than those of gram-positive group. Conclusion: The changes of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress mediators in the serum of patients with gram-negative bacteria infection are more significant than those of patients with gram-positive bacteria infection.展开更多
Infectious diseases become one of the leading causes of human death.Traditional treatment based on classical antibiotics could not provide enough antibacterial activity to combat bacterial infections due to low bioava...Infectious diseases become one of the leading causes of human death.Traditional treatment based on classical antibiotics could not provide enough antibacterial activity to combat bacterial infections due to low bioavailability,even leading to antibiotic resistance.In recent years,biomimetic delivery systems have been developed to improve drug therapy for various diseases,such as malignant tumor and cardiovascular disease.In this work,we designed virus-inspired nanodrugs(VNDs)through co-assembly of amphiphilic lipopeptide dendrons and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)polymers for high-efficiency antibiotic delivery.These VNDs had well-defined and stable nanostructures for tetracycline encapsulation and delivery.The VNDs were capable of promoting antibiotic internalization and enhancing their antibacterial effects against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus.Additionally,no obvious cytotoxicity of VNDs was observed to human cell lines.This work successfully demonstrated the virus-mimetic nanoparticles served as promising and applicable antibiotic delivery platform for antibacterial treatment.展开更多
Background Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus have been a common cause of infection among liver transplant （LT） recipients in recent decades. The understanding of local epidemiology and its evolvin...Background Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus have been a common cause of infection among liver transplant （LT） recipients in recent decades. The understanding of local epidemiology and its evolving trends with regard to pathogenic spectra and antibiotic susceptibility is beneficial to prophylactic and empiric treatment for LT recipients. This study aimed to investigate etiology, timing, antibiotic susceptibility and risk factors for multidrug resistant （MDR） Gram-positive coccal bacteremia after LT.Methods A cohort analysis of prospectively recorded data was performed to investigate etiologies, timing, antibiotic susceptibility and risk factors for MDR Gram-positive coccal bacteremia in 475 LT recipients.Results In 475 LT recipients in the first six months after LT, there were a total of 98 episodes of bacteremia caused by Gram-positive cocci in 82 （17%） patients. Seventy-five （77%） bacteremic episodes occurred in the first post-LT month.The most frequent Gram-positive cocci were methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococcus （CoNS, 46 isolates）,methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus （MRSA, 13） and enterococcus （34, E. faecium 30, E. faecalis 4）. In all Gram-positive bacteremic isolates, 59 of 98 （60%） were MDR. Gram-positive coccal bacteremia and MDR Gram-positive coccal bacteremia predominantly occurred in patients with acute severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B and with fulminant/subfulminant hepatitis. Four independent risk factors for development of bacteremia caused by MDR Gram-positive coccus were： LT candidates with encephalopathy grades Ⅱ-Ⅳ （P=0.013, OR： 16.253, 95% CI：1.822-144.995）, pre-LT use of empirical antibiotics （P=0.018, OR： 1.029, 95% CI： 1.002-1.057）, post-LT urinary tract infections （P 〈0.001, OR： 20.340, 95% CI： 4.135-100.048） and abdominal infection （P=0.004, OR： 2.820, 95% CI：1.122-10.114）. The main infectious manifestations were coinfections due to gram-positive cocci and gram-negative bacilli.Conclusions Methicillin-resistant CoNS and enterococci are predominant pathogens among LT recipients with Gram-positive coccal bacteremia. Occurrences of Gram-positive coccal bacteremia may be associated with the severity of illness in the perioperative stage.展开更多
Cell-cell communication is critical for bacterial survival in natural habitats,in which miscellaneous regulatory networks are encompassed.However,elucidating the interaction networks of a microbial community has been ...Cell-cell communication is critical for bacterial survival in natural habitats,in which miscellaneous regulatory networks are encompassed.However,elucidating the interaction networks of a microbial community has been hindered by the population complexity.This study reveals thatγ-butyrolactone(GBL)molecules from Streptomyces species,the major antibiotic producers,can directly bind to the acyl-homoserine lactone(AHL)receptor of Chromobacterium violaceum and influence violacein production controlled by the quorum sensing(QS)system.Subsequently,the widespread responses of more Gram-negative bacterial AHL receptors to Gram-positive Streptomyces signaling molecules are unveiled.Based on the cross-talk between GBL and AHL signaling systems,combinatorial regulatory circuits(CRC)are designed and proved to be workable in Escherichia coli(E.coli).It is significant that the QS systems of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria can be bridged via native Streptomyces signaling molecules.These findings pave a new path for unlocking the comprehensive cell-cell communications in microbial communities and facilitate the exploitation of innovative regulatory elements for synthetic biology.展开更多
Background Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for patients with end-stage liver failure, however infection after transplantation is a serious clinical complication. The purpose of this research was ...Background Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for patients with end-stage liver failure, however infection after transplantation is a serious clinical complication. The purpose of this research was to investigate the molecular epidemiology and the influence of multidrug-resistant Gram-positive infection in patients, following liver transplantation, to provide reference for clinical treatment and prevention of Gram-positive bacterial infection. Methods We isolated and detected bacteria from phlegm, throat swabs, urine, wound or wound secretions, blood, and fecal samples from 221 liver transplant patients in our hospital from January 2007 to April 2010. All isolated bacterial strains were identified and tested by minimal inhibitory concentration （MIC） drug-sensitive detection using the BioMerieux ATB bacterial identification instrument and repetitive extragenic palindromic-polymerase chain reaction （REP-PCR） detection of bacterial homology. Risk factors were calculated by multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Results We collected 250 specimens from 221 patients hospitalized following liver transplantation surgery, of which 29 patients developed multiple infections. Sixty-five Gram-positive bacterial strains were isolated from different specimens from 53 infectious patients. We detected 29 multidrug-resistant Gram-positive strains from 29 patients （44.62%）, including 20 Staphylococcus aureus （S. aureus） strains （68.97%） and nine Enterococcus strains （31.03%）. All 20 S. aureus strains were highly resistant to aminoglycosides （gentamicin）, cephalosporins （cefoxitin）, quinolones （ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin）, lincomycins （clindamycin）, penicillin, and erythromycin. The resistance rate reached 100% in some cases. The S. aureus strains were highly sensitive to vancomycin and oxazolidinone （linezolid）, with MIC50 〈2 pg/ml for both. The nine Enterococci strains were also highly resistant to aminoglycosides, quinolones, and penicillins, and highly sensitive to vancomycin （MIC50 〈2 pg/ml） and oxazolidinone （MIC50 〈1 pg/ml）. Using REP-PCR detection, S. aureus was divided into five genotypes with 14 B-type strains. Enterococcus was divided into 11 genotypes, with two D-type strains, two G-type strains, and two K-type strains. The risk factors for Gram-positive bacterial infection in patients following liver transplantation were preoperative use of antibiotics （OR=3.949, P=-0.004）, high intra-operative blood input （OR=1.071, P=0.005）, and postoperative renal failure （OR=5.427, P=-0.043）. Conclusions S. aureus and Enterococcus were the main pathogens causing infection following liver transplantation in patients with drug-resistant Gram-positive bacterial infection. The isolated strains were resistant to multiple antibiotics. B-type S. aureus strains were predominant. Reasonable use of antibiotics, decreasing intra-operative blood input, and preventing post-operative renal failure may reduce Gram-positive bacterial infections and the appearance of drug-resistant strains following liver transplantation.展开更多
Bacterial infections are grave threats to human health,particularly those caused by the most common Grampositive bacteria.The massive administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat various bacterial infections ...Bacterial infections are grave threats to human health,particularly those caused by the most common Grampositive bacteria.The massive administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat various bacterial infections has led to the evolution and spread of drug resistance.As a universal antimicrobial technique unapt to induce drug resistance,photothermal therapy(PTT)is attracting extensive attention in recent years.However,its unspecific killing capability and side effects towards adjacent mammalian cells severely impede the practical applications.Herein,we proposed a metabolic engineering strategy to selectively inactivate Gram-positive bacteria by PTT.A bioorthogonal photothermal agent was prepared by the conjugation of IR-780 iodide and dibenzocyclooctyne(IR780-DBCO).Upon pre-metabolizing with 3-azido-D-alanine,Gram-positive bacteria rather than Gramnegative ones,such as Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycinresistant Enterococcus faecalis(VRE),could be specifically tied up by the explosive IR780-DBCO via copper-free click chemistry.Thereafter,they spontaneously detonated under 15 min near-infrared light irradiation and inactivated nearly 100% Gram-positive bacteria in vitro.Moreover,superbug VRE-induced infection was significantly inhibited by this approach in a mouse skin wound model.This metabolic labelling-based photothermal ablation strategy specific to Gram-positive microbes would stimulate the development of precise antibacterial candidates for preclinical applications.展开更多
The design of nanostructured materials occupies a privileged position in the development and management of affordable and effective technology in the antibacterial sector.Here,we discuss the antimicrobial properties o...The design of nanostructured materials occupies a privileged position in the development and management of affordable and effective technology in the antibacterial sector.Here,we discuss the antimicrobial properties of three carbonaceous nanoblades and nanodarts materials of graphene oxide(GO),reduced graphene oxide(RGO),and single-wall carbon nanotubes(SWCNTs)that have a mechano-bactericidal effect,and the ability to piercing or slicing bacterial membranes.To demonstrate the significance of size,morphology and composition on the antibacterial activity mechanism,the designed nanomaterials have been characterized.The minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC),standard agar well diffusion,and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to evaluate the antibacterial activity of GO,RGO,and SWCNTs.Based on the evidence obtained,the three carbonaceous materials exhibit activity against all microbial strains tested by completely encapsulating bacterial cells and causing morphological disruption by degrading the microbial cell membrane in the order of RGO>GO>SWCNTs.Because of the external cell wall structure and outer membrane proteins,the synthesized carbonaceous nanomaterials exhibited higher antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacterial strains than Gram-negative and fungal microorganisms.RGO had the lowest MIC values(0.062,0.125,and 0.25 mg/mL against B.subtilis,S.aureus,and E.coli,respectively),as well as minimum fungal concentrations(0.5 mg/mL for both A.fumigatus and C.albicans).At 12 hr,the cell viability values against tested microbial strains were completely suppressed.Cell lysis and death occurred as a result of severe membrane damage caused by microorganisms perched on RGO nanoblades.Our work gives an insight into the design of effective graphene-based antimicrobial materials for water treatment and remediation.展开更多
The use of antibiotics in humans and animals has been marked as a significant step in health due to their effectiveness in controlling and treating bacterial infections. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have been...The use of antibiotics in humans and animals has been marked as a significant step in health due to their effectiveness in controlling and treating bacterial infections. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have been identified as risk factors for bacterial resistance since microorganisms adapt and develop mechanisms to defend against antibiotics. According to the Centers for Disease Protection and Control (CDC), around 23,000 individuals die every year in the United States due to antibiotic resistance complications. As a result, a demand for alternative treatments has been a goal for scientists as the microbes adapt to selective pressure. The aim of this study is to test the antibacterial activity of leaf extracts of Peganum harmala and Haloxylon salicornicum on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria on various mediums. The results of the study showed that both P. harmala and H. salicornicum inhibited the bacterial growth in two different media. The results were also compared with different common antibiotics used in both human’s and animal’s fields and showed a promising outcome as alternative antibiotics.展开更多
Antimicrobial proteins and peptides had been found from a wide variety of organisms in the last few years These molecules have attracted much research interest because of their biochemical diversity, broad specificity...Antimicrobial proteins and peptides had been found from a wide variety of organisms in the last few years These molecules have attracted much research interest because of their biochemical diversity, broad specificity on anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungi, anti-protozoan parasites, anti-tumoural, and wound-healing effects. Antimicrobial proteins and peptides play key roles in innate immunity. They interact directly with bacteria and kill them. The brown-spotted grouper, Epinephelusfario, is an important marine fish cultured in southem China. Recently, bacteria and virus have caused high mortality in E. fario cultures, but its endogenous antimicrobial peptides and proteins have not been explored. An antimicrobial component was found from the skin homogenate of E. fario. After the skin homogenate was digested with trypsin, its antimicrobial activity was lost, which showed that the antimicrobial component is a protein. The antimicrobial protein （Efap） was purified from the skin homogenate of E. fario by successive ion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Efap was demonstrated to be single protein band by SDS-PAGE, with the apparent molecular weight of 41 kD. Efap exhibited antimicrobial activity both for the Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis, and for the Gram-negative bacteria, Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio fluvialis, Pasteurella multocida, Aeromonas hydrophila, Eschrrichiu coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Except A. hydrophila, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli （MIC〉20 mol/L）, most of the tested Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to Efap （MIC〈20 mol/L）. Interestingly, Efap showed potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus （MIC 5-10 mol/L） but comparatively weak antimicrobial activity against M. luteus and B. subtilis. The broad antimicrobial activities of Efap suggest that it contributes to the innate host defence of E. fario.展开更多
A new method was used to preparing genomic DNA from Microbacterium sp.quickly and efficiently.DNA quantity and purity was measured by UV absorbance.Integrity of the genomic DNA was tested by agarose gel eletrophoresis...A new method was used to preparing genomic DNA from Microbacterium sp.quickly and efficiently.DNA quantity and purity was measured by UV absorbance.Integrity of the genomic DNA was tested by agarose gel eletrophoresis.The DNA prepared by this method was sufficiently pure for PCR.This method saves time and cost,practices easily as well.展开更多
The removal of rare earth elements （REEs） from solution in various microorganisms was examined. Seventy-six strains from 69 species （22 bacteria, 20 actinomycetes, 18 fungi, and 16 yeasts） were tested. Initially, ...The removal of rare earth elements （REEs） from solution in various microorganisms was examined. Seventy-six strains from 69 species （22 bacteria, 20 actinomycetes, 18 fungi, and 16 yeasts） were tested. Initially, Sm was used to test the removal capabilities of the various organisms. Gram-positive bacteria, such as Bacillus licheniformis, B. subtilis, Brevibacterium helovolum, and Rhodococcus elythropolis, exhibited a particularly high capacity for accumulating Sm. In particular, the B. lichemiformis cells accumulated approximately 316 μmol Sm per gram dry wt. of microbial cells. A full suite of screenings was then conducted to compare the abilities of the organisms to remove Se, Y, La, Er, and, Lu from solution. Tests were done with solutions containing one REE at a time. Accumulation was nearly identical for the various metals and organisms. However, when solutions with equimolar amounts of two REEs were used, preferential removal from solution was observed. When an Eu/Gd solution was used, gram-positive bacteria removed more Eu and Gd as compared to actinomycetes. When Eu/Sm combination was used, gram-positive bacteria removed equal mounts of both metals and some actinomycetes removed more Eu. The selective removal was quantified by calculating separation factors （S. F.）, which indicated that Streptomyces levoris cells accumulated the greatest proportion of Eu. The removal of REEs from a solution containing five metals （Y, La, Sm, Er, and Lu） was then examined. Mucorjavanicus preferentially accumulated Sm and S. flavoviridis preferentially accumulated Lu. The effects of pH and Sm concentration on the accumulation of Sm by B. licheniformis were also examined. Accumulation increased at higher pH and at greater solution concentrations.展开更多
Bacterial infection in the first month after liver transplantation is a frequent complication that poses a serious risk for liver transplant recipients as contributes substantially to increased length of hospitalizati...Bacterial infection in the first month after liver transplantation is a frequent complication that poses a serious risk for liver transplant recipients as contributes substantially to increased length of hospitalization and hospital costs being a leading cause of death in this period. Most of these infections are caused by gramnegative bacilli, although gram-positive infections, especially Enterococcus sp. constitute an emerging infectious problem. This high rate of early postoperative infections after liver transplant has generated interest in exploring various prophylactic approaches to surmount this problem. One of these approaches is selective intestinal decontamination(SID). SID is a prophylactic strategy that consists of the administration of antimicrobials with limited anaerobicidal activity in order to reduce the burden of aerobic gram-negative bacteria and/or yeast in the intestinal tract and so prevent infections caused by these organisms. The majority of studies carried out to date have found SID to be effective in the reduction of gram-negative infection, but the effect on overall infection is limited due to a higher number of infection episodes by pathogenic enterococci and coagulase-negative staphylococci. However, difficulties in general extrapolation of the favorable results obtained in specific studies together with the potential risk of selection of multirresistant microorganisms has conditioned controversy about the routinely application of these strategies in liver transplant recipients.展开更多
The pyogenic liver abscess caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens ) is a rare, but rapidly fatal infection. It is usually associated with malignancy and immunosuppression. We report the case of 50-year-old ...The pyogenic liver abscess caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens ) is a rare, but rapidly fatal infection. It is usually associated with malignancy and immunosuppression. We report the case of 50-year-old lady with the secondary liver metastases from rectal cancer presented with fever and epigastric pain. The identification of Grampositive bacilli septicaemia, the presence of gas-forming liver abscess and massive intravascular hemolysis should lead to the suspicion of C. perfringens infection. Here we review twenty cases published since 1990 and their clinical features are discussed. The importance of "an aggressive treatment policy" with multidisciplinary team approach is emphasized.展开更多
Objective:To investigate antibacterial potential of Trifolium alexandrinum(T.alexandrinum) Linn,against seven gram positive and eleven gram negative hospital isolated human pathogenic bacterial strains responsible for...Objective:To investigate antibacterial potential of Trifolium alexandrinum(T.alexandrinum) Linn,against seven gram positive and eleven gram negative hospital isolated human pathogenic bacterial strains responsible for many tropical diseases.Methods:Non-polar and polar extracts of the leaves of T.alexandrinum i.e.,hexane,dichloromethane(DCM),ethyl acetate(EtOAc), methanol(MeOH) and aqueous(AQ) extracts at five different concentrations(1,2,5,10 and 15 mg/ mL) were prepared to evaluate their antibacterial value.NCCL standards were strictly followed to perform antimicrobial disc susceptibility test using disc diffusion method.Results:Polar extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against tested pathogens.EtOAc and MeOH extracts showed maximum antibacterial activity with higher inhibition zone and were found effective against seventeen of the tested pathogens.While AQ plant extract inhibited the growth of sixteen of the test strains.EtOAc and MeOH plant extracts inhibited the growth of all seven gram positive and ten of the gram negative bacterial strains.Conclusions:The present study strongly confirms the effectiveness of crude leaves extracts against tested human pathogenic bacterial strains causing several tropical diseases.Since Egyptian clover is used as a fodder plant,it could be helpful in controlling various infectious diseases associated with cattle as well.展开更多
OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the antibacterial activity of the combination of different honey brands and methanolic fraction of Herba Ocimi Basilici using agar well diffusion assay. METHODS： The antibacterial activity was...OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the antibacterial activity of the combination of different honey brands and methanolic fraction of Herba Ocimi Basilici using agar well diffusion assay. METHODS： The antibacterial activity was deter- mined against thirteen pathogenic bacterial clini- cal isolates including six gram negative （Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimirium, Xanthomonas campestris） and six gram positive strains （Enterococcus faecalis faecalis, Bacillus subti- lis, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens type C, Clostridium perfringens type D, CIostridium chauvoei）. Agar well diffusion method was used while zones of inhibition were measured with verni- er scale. RESULTS： At higher concentration, all the honey brands showed good to significant activity. Thehighest activity was observed for Hamdard brand honey （27.60±0.40） against Enterococcus faecalis. CONCLUSION： These results revealed that combi- nations of plant extracts of Herba Ocimi Basilici with honey can be used for the development of potent and novel antibacterial agents.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND The optimal duration of antimicrobial treatment for acute cholangitis complicated by gram-positive coccus(GPC)bacteremia remains unclear.The Tokyo Guidelines 2018 recommended 14 days of antimicrobial treatment following adequate source control measures;however,evidence supporting this recommendation is limited,and deviations from real-world practice are often observed.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of shorter antimicrobial treatments for acute cholangitis complicated by GPC bacteremia.METHODS Adult patients with acute cholangitis complicated by GPC bacteremia who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography between July 2003 and December 2023 were included.Patients were categorized into two groups based on the duration of effective antimicrobial treatment:(1)Short-course treatment(SCT)(<14 days);and(2)Long-course treatment(LCT)(≥14 days).The outcomes assessed included mortality,recurrence,reinfection with the same organism related to the cholangitis,and length of hospital stay.RESULTS A total of 44 patients were included in the study:(1)19 patients in the SCT group;and(2)25 patients in the LCT group.The median duration of antimicrobial treatment was 9 days[interquartile range(IQR):2.5-11.0 days]and 16 days(IQR:15.0-19.0 days)in the SCT and LCT groups,respectively,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed in 30-day mortality,cholangitis recurrence,or reinfection with the same organisms within 3 months.However,the length of hospital stay was shorter in the SCT group(median:12.0 days vs 14.0 days,P=0.092).CONCLUSION For acute cholangitis complicated by GPC bacteremia,shorter antimicrobial treatment may be a viable option following appropriate biliary drainage.Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
文摘Background:The rapid antibiotics treatment targeted to a specific pathogen can improve clinical outcomes of septicemia.We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of biliary septicemia caused by cholangitis or cholecystitis according to causative organisms.Methods:We performed a retrospective cohort study in 151 patients diagnosed with cholangitis or cholecystitis with bacterial septicemia from January 2013 to December 2015.All patients showed clinical evidence of biliary tract infection and had blood isolates that demonstrated septicemia.Results:Gram-negative,gram-positive,and both types of bacteria caused 84.1%(127/151),13.2%(20/151),and 2.6%(4/151)episodes of septicemia,respectively.The most common infecting organisms were Escherichia coli among gram-negative bacteria and Enterococcus species(Enterococcus casseliflavus and Enterococcus faecalis)among gram-positive bacteria.There were no differences in mortality,re-admission rate,and need for emergency decompression procedures between the gram-positive and gram-negative septicemia groups.In univariate analysis,previous gastrectomy history was associated with gram-positive bacteremia.Multivariate analysis also showed that previous gastrectomy history was strongly associated with gram-positive septicemia(Odds ratio=5.47,95%CI:1.19–25.23;P=0.029).Conclusions:Previous gastrectomy history was related to biliary septicemia induced by gram-positive organisms.This information would aid the choice of empirical antibiotics.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.21675019,21727811,21575020)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Nos. N170505002,N170504017,N170507001)
文摘In general, copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) possess very low or even virtually no bactericidal effect. Herein,we report a novel CuNCs possessing significantly high antibacterial activity, that is tannic acid (TA)capped CuNCs (TA-CuNCs). TA-CuNCs exhibit strong absorption and excitation-dependent fluorescence within pH 2-12, resulting from the functional groups of TA-CuNCs due to two prototropic equilibria,phenolphenolate and carboxyliccarboxylate. There exists synergistic effect of TA and copper nanoclusters which endows TA-CuNCs remarkable antibacterial capability as a microbicide, as characterized by the effective inhibition on the growth of gram-positive bacteria by damaging the cell membrane. By incubating 1 x 10~7 CFU/mL of gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis with 30 μg/mL of TA-CuNCs for 10 min, the bacteria are completely inhibited, while under same conditions the viabilities of gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa remain 85.0%, 72.0%, respectively. In addition, TA-CuNCs exhibit low cytotoxicity and favorable biocompatibility demonstrated by standard methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay with HepG2 and 293 Tcells, giving rise to cell viability of 94.2% for HepG2 and 96.7% for 293 T by incubating 10~6 cell/mL with 200 μg/mL of TA-CuNCs for 24 h. These results make TA-CuNCs a potential alternative as bactericide for infection treatment caused by gram-positive bacteria.
文摘Copper-based pesticides and wood preservatives could end up in the environment during production,use,and end-of-life via different pathways that could cause unintended ecolog-ical and adverse health effects.This paper provides the effect of colloid-size Cu-based pesti-cides(CuPRO and Kocide),micronized Cu azole(MCA-1 and MCA-2)and alkaline Cu quater-nary(ACQ)treated woods,Cu^(2+),Cu^(2+) spiked untreated wood(UTW),and CuCO_(3) solutions against Gram-positive Bacillus species using five-day biochemical oxygen demand(BOD 5)stan-dard test.The total Cu leached from MCA-1,MCA-2,and ACQ in Milli-Q water after 5 days were -0.1,-0.11,and -0.64 g/kg of wood,respectively.However,the form of Cu leached from MCA woods was mostly ionic(>90%).The total organic carbon(TOC)content of any tested wood(UTW/MCA-1/MCA-2/ACQ)was -99%of its corresponding total carbon(TC)content,whereas the TOC of any tested wood sawdust exceeded that of its corresponding piece/block by>300%.The dissolved oxygen(DO)consumption value in the presence of Cu^(2+),CuCO_(3),CuPRO,and Kocide solutions was significantly influenced by Cu particles/ions.However,the DO consumption value in the presence of UTW/MCA-1/MCA-2/ACQ woods was significantly influenced by organics leached from woods.On the other hand,the DO consumption of MCA sawdust was greater than(300%)that of MCA pieces/block.The findings of this study provide more insight into how organics leached from woods significantly reduce the toxic effects of Cu ions against Gram-positive Bacillus species.
文摘Tsukamurella species are obligate aerobic,gram-positive,weak acid-fast,nonmotile bacilli.They are found in various environments,such as soil,water,sludge,and petroleum reservoir wastewater,and belong to the order Actinomycetales.In 2016,there was a reclassification of species within the genus Tsukamurella,merging the species Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens(T.tyrosinosolvens)and Tsukamurella carboxydivorans.Tsukamurella species are clinically considered to be a rare opportunistic pathogen,because most reported cases have been related to bacteremia and intravascular prosthetic devices and immunosuppression.To date,it has been isolated only from human specimens,and has always been associated with clinical disease;human infections are very rare.Reported infections have included pneumonia,brain abscesses,catheter-related bloodstream infections,ocular infections,bacteremia,and sepsis presenting with septic pulmonary emboli in patients who are immunocompromised.To date,there is no commercially available test for identification.On the other hand,sequence-based identification,including matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry,is an alternative method for identifying clinical isolates that are either slow growers or difficult to identify through biochemical profiling.The golden standards for diagnosis and optimal management still remain to be determined.However,newer molecular biological techniques can provide accurate identification,and contribute to the appropriate selection of definitive therapy for infections caused by this organism.Combinations of several antimicrobial agents have been proposed for treatment,though the length of treatment for infections has yet to be determined,and should be individualized according to clinical response.Immunocompromised patients often experience severe cases due to infection,and life-threatening T.tyrosinosolvens events associated with dissemination and/or failure of source control have occurred.Favorable prognoses can be achieved through earlier identification of the cause of infection,as well as successful management,including appropriate antibiotic therapy together with source control.Further analyses of similar cases are required to establish the most adequate diagnostic methods and treatment regimens for infections.
文摘Objective: To compare the serum contents of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress mediators between patients with gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria infection. Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with bloodstream bacterial infection in Zigong Third People's Hospital between March 2015 and April 2017 were selected as the research subjects and divided into gram-positive group and gram-negative group according to the results of blood culture and strain identification, and serum levels of inflammatory mediators PCT, IL-1β, IL-6, sTREM-1, TNF-α, NGAL, SAA, HPT and hs-CRP as well as oxidative stress mediators MDA, AOPP, TAC, CAT and SOD were determined. Results: Serum PCT, IL-1β, IL-6, sTREM-1, TNF-α, NGAL, SAA, HPT, hs-CRP, MDA and AOPP levels of gram-negative group were greatly higher than those of gram-positive group while TAC, CAT and SOD levels were greatly lower than those of gram-positive group. Conclusion: The changes of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress mediators in the serum of patients with gram-negative bacteria infection are more significant than those of patients with gram-positive bacteria infection.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,Nos.91956105,22077028 and 32000995)China National Postdoctoral Program for Innovative Talents(No.BX20200124)+2 种基金China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2020M682544)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central University(No.531118010440)Major Research Projects(No.531118100003)from Hunan University。
文摘Infectious diseases become one of the leading causes of human death.Traditional treatment based on classical antibiotics could not provide enough antibacterial activity to combat bacterial infections due to low bioavailability,even leading to antibiotic resistance.In recent years,biomimetic delivery systems have been developed to improve drug therapy for various diseases,such as malignant tumor and cardiovascular disease.In this work,we designed virus-inspired nanodrugs(VNDs)through co-assembly of amphiphilic lipopeptide dendrons and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)polymers for high-efficiency antibiotic delivery.These VNDs had well-defined and stable nanostructures for tetracycline encapsulation and delivery.The VNDs were capable of promoting antibiotic internalization and enhancing their antibacterial effects against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus.Additionally,no obvious cytotoxicity of VNDs was observed to human cell lines.This work successfully demonstrated the virus-mimetic nanoparticles served as promising and applicable antibiotic delivery platform for antibacterial treatment.
文摘Background Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus have been a common cause of infection among liver transplant （LT） recipients in recent decades. The understanding of local epidemiology and its evolving trends with regard to pathogenic spectra and antibiotic susceptibility is beneficial to prophylactic and empiric treatment for LT recipients. This study aimed to investigate etiology, timing, antibiotic susceptibility and risk factors for multidrug resistant （MDR） Gram-positive coccal bacteremia after LT.Methods A cohort analysis of prospectively recorded data was performed to investigate etiologies, timing, antibiotic susceptibility and risk factors for MDR Gram-positive coccal bacteremia in 475 LT recipients.Results In 475 LT recipients in the first six months after LT, there were a total of 98 episodes of bacteremia caused by Gram-positive cocci in 82 （17%） patients. Seventy-five （77%） bacteremic episodes occurred in the first post-LT month.The most frequent Gram-positive cocci were methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococcus （CoNS, 46 isolates）,methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus （MRSA, 13） and enterococcus （34, E. faecium 30, E. faecalis 4）. In all Gram-positive bacteremic isolates, 59 of 98 （60%） were MDR. Gram-positive coccal bacteremia and MDR Gram-positive coccal bacteremia predominantly occurred in patients with acute severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B and with fulminant/subfulminant hepatitis. Four independent risk factors for development of bacteremia caused by MDR Gram-positive coccus were： LT candidates with encephalopathy grades Ⅱ-Ⅳ （P=0.013, OR： 16.253, 95% CI：1.822-144.995）, pre-LT use of empirical antibiotics （P=0.018, OR： 1.029, 95% CI： 1.002-1.057）, post-LT urinary tract infections （P 〈0.001, OR： 20.340, 95% CI： 4.135-100.048） and abdominal infection （P=0.004, OR： 2.820, 95% CI：1.122-10.114）. The main infectious manifestations were coinfections due to gram-positive cocci and gram-negative bacilli.Conclusions Methicillin-resistant CoNS and enterococci are predominant pathogens among LT recipients with Gram-positive coccal bacteremia. Occurrences of Gram-positive coccal bacteremia may be associated with the severity of illness in the perioperative stage.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFA0901900 and 2020YFA0907700)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31771378 and 31800029)。
文摘Cell-cell communication is critical for bacterial survival in natural habitats,in which miscellaneous regulatory networks are encompassed.However,elucidating the interaction networks of a microbial community has been hindered by the population complexity.This study reveals thatγ-butyrolactone(GBL)molecules from Streptomyces species,the major antibiotic producers,can directly bind to the acyl-homoserine lactone(AHL)receptor of Chromobacterium violaceum and influence violacein production controlled by the quorum sensing(QS)system.Subsequently,the widespread responses of more Gram-negative bacterial AHL receptors to Gram-positive Streptomyces signaling molecules are unveiled.Based on the cross-talk between GBL and AHL signaling systems,combinatorial regulatory circuits(CRC)are designed and proved to be workable in Escherichia coli(E.coli).It is significant that the QS systems of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria can be bridged via native Streptomyces signaling molecules.These findings pave a new path for unlocking the comprehensive cell-cell communications in microbial communities and facilitate the exploitation of innovative regulatory elements for synthetic biology.
文摘Background Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for patients with end-stage liver failure, however infection after transplantation is a serious clinical complication. The purpose of this research was to investigate the molecular epidemiology and the influence of multidrug-resistant Gram-positive infection in patients, following liver transplantation, to provide reference for clinical treatment and prevention of Gram-positive bacterial infection. Methods We isolated and detected bacteria from phlegm, throat swabs, urine, wound or wound secretions, blood, and fecal samples from 221 liver transplant patients in our hospital from January 2007 to April 2010. All isolated bacterial strains were identified and tested by minimal inhibitory concentration （MIC） drug-sensitive detection using the BioMerieux ATB bacterial identification instrument and repetitive extragenic palindromic-polymerase chain reaction （REP-PCR） detection of bacterial homology. Risk factors were calculated by multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Results We collected 250 specimens from 221 patients hospitalized following liver transplantation surgery, of which 29 patients developed multiple infections. Sixty-five Gram-positive bacterial strains were isolated from different specimens from 53 infectious patients. We detected 29 multidrug-resistant Gram-positive strains from 29 patients （44.62%）, including 20 Staphylococcus aureus （S. aureus） strains （68.97%） and nine Enterococcus strains （31.03%）. All 20 S. aureus strains were highly resistant to aminoglycosides （gentamicin）, cephalosporins （cefoxitin）, quinolones （ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin）, lincomycins （clindamycin）, penicillin, and erythromycin. The resistance rate reached 100% in some cases. The S. aureus strains were highly sensitive to vancomycin and oxazolidinone （linezolid）, with MIC50 〈2 pg/ml for both. The nine Enterococci strains were also highly resistant to aminoglycosides, quinolones, and penicillins, and highly sensitive to vancomycin （MIC50 〈2 pg/ml） and oxazolidinone （MIC50 〈1 pg/ml）. Using REP-PCR detection, S. aureus was divided into five genotypes with 14 B-type strains. Enterococcus was divided into 11 genotypes, with two D-type strains, two G-type strains, and two K-type strains. The risk factors for Gram-positive bacterial infection in patients following liver transplantation were preoperative use of antibiotics （OR=3.949, P=-0.004）, high intra-operative blood input （OR=1.071, P=0.005）, and postoperative renal failure （OR=5.427, P=-0.043）. Conclusions S. aureus and Enterococcus were the main pathogens causing infection following liver transplantation in patients with drug-resistant Gram-positive bacterial infection. The isolated strains were resistant to multiple antibiotics. B-type S. aureus strains were predominant. Reasonable use of antibiotics, decreasing intra-operative blood input, and preventing post-operative renal failure may reduce Gram-positive bacterial infections and the appearance of drug-resistant strains following liver transplantation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52003222 and 21875189)Ningbo Natural Science Foundation(202003N4064)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing(cstc2020jcyj-msxmX0752)the Joint Research Funds of Department of Science&Technology of Shaanxi Province and Northwestern Polytechnical University(2020GXLH-Z-013)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.
文摘Bacterial infections are grave threats to human health,particularly those caused by the most common Grampositive bacteria.The massive administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat various bacterial infections has led to the evolution and spread of drug resistance.As a universal antimicrobial technique unapt to induce drug resistance,photothermal therapy(PTT)is attracting extensive attention in recent years.However,its unspecific killing capability and side effects towards adjacent mammalian cells severely impede the practical applications.Herein,we proposed a metabolic engineering strategy to selectively inactivate Gram-positive bacteria by PTT.A bioorthogonal photothermal agent was prepared by the conjugation of IR-780 iodide and dibenzocyclooctyne(IR780-DBCO).Upon pre-metabolizing with 3-azido-D-alanine,Gram-positive bacteria rather than Gramnegative ones,such as Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycinresistant Enterococcus faecalis(VRE),could be specifically tied up by the explosive IR780-DBCO via copper-free click chemistry.Thereafter,they spontaneously detonated under 15 min near-infrared light irradiation and inactivated nearly 100% Gram-positive bacteria in vitro.Moreover,superbug VRE-induced infection was significantly inhibited by this approach in a mouse skin wound model.This metabolic labelling-based photothermal ablation strategy specific to Gram-positive microbes would stimulate the development of precise antibacterial candidates for preclinical applications.
基金supported by the Center for Functional Materials,National Institute for Materials Science,Japan,Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute,Egypt,and Nano-Environmental Uint,Theodor Bilharz Research Institute,Egypt。
文摘The design of nanostructured materials occupies a privileged position in the development and management of affordable and effective technology in the antibacterial sector.Here,we discuss the antimicrobial properties of three carbonaceous nanoblades and nanodarts materials of graphene oxide(GO),reduced graphene oxide(RGO),and single-wall carbon nanotubes(SWCNTs)that have a mechano-bactericidal effect,and the ability to piercing or slicing bacterial membranes.To demonstrate the significance of size,morphology and composition on the antibacterial activity mechanism,the designed nanomaterials have been characterized.The minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC),standard agar well diffusion,and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to evaluate the antibacterial activity of GO,RGO,and SWCNTs.Based on the evidence obtained,the three carbonaceous materials exhibit activity against all microbial strains tested by completely encapsulating bacterial cells and causing morphological disruption by degrading the microbial cell membrane in the order of RGO>GO>SWCNTs.Because of the external cell wall structure and outer membrane proteins,the synthesized carbonaceous nanomaterials exhibited higher antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacterial strains than Gram-negative and fungal microorganisms.RGO had the lowest MIC values(0.062,0.125,and 0.25 mg/mL against B.subtilis,S.aureus,and E.coli,respectively),as well as minimum fungal concentrations(0.5 mg/mL for both A.fumigatus and C.albicans).At 12 hr,the cell viability values against tested microbial strains were completely suppressed.Cell lysis and death occurred as a result of severe membrane damage caused by microorganisms perched on RGO nanoblades.Our work gives an insight into the design of effective graphene-based antimicrobial materials for water treatment and remediation.
文摘The use of antibiotics in humans and animals has been marked as a significant step in health due to their effectiveness in controlling and treating bacterial infections. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have been identified as risk factors for bacterial resistance since microorganisms adapt and develop mechanisms to defend against antibiotics. According to the Centers for Disease Protection and Control (CDC), around 23,000 individuals die every year in the United States due to antibiotic resistance complications. As a result, a demand for alternative treatments has been a goal for scientists as the microbes adapt to selective pressure. The aim of this study is to test the antibacterial activity of leaf extracts of Peganum harmala and Haloxylon salicornicum on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria on various mediums. The results of the study showed that both P. harmala and H. salicornicum inhibited the bacterial growth in two different media. The results were also compared with different common antibiotics used in both human’s and animal’s fields and showed a promising outcome as alternative antibiotics.
基金Key Research Program for International Cooperation(2005DFA30610)Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University(NCET-05-0755)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation(30700128)Natural Science Foundation of Hainan Province(80623)Research Foundation of Education Department of Hainan Province(Hj200731)
文摘Antimicrobial proteins and peptides had been found from a wide variety of organisms in the last few years These molecules have attracted much research interest because of their biochemical diversity, broad specificity on anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungi, anti-protozoan parasites, anti-tumoural, and wound-healing effects. Antimicrobial proteins and peptides play key roles in innate immunity. They interact directly with bacteria and kill them. The brown-spotted grouper, Epinephelusfario, is an important marine fish cultured in southem China. Recently, bacteria and virus have caused high mortality in E. fario cultures, but its endogenous antimicrobial peptides and proteins have not been explored. An antimicrobial component was found from the skin homogenate of E. fario. After the skin homogenate was digested with trypsin, its antimicrobial activity was lost, which showed that the antimicrobial component is a protein. The antimicrobial protein （Efap） was purified from the skin homogenate of E. fario by successive ion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Efap was demonstrated to be single protein band by SDS-PAGE, with the apparent molecular weight of 41 kD. Efap exhibited antimicrobial activity both for the Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis, and for the Gram-negative bacteria, Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio fluvialis, Pasteurella multocida, Aeromonas hydrophila, Eschrrichiu coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Except A. hydrophila, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli （MIC〉20 mol/L）, most of the tested Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to Efap （MIC〈20 mol/L）. Interestingly, Efap showed potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus （MIC 5-10 mol/L） but comparatively weak antimicrobial activity against M. luteus and B. subtilis. The broad antimicrobial activities of Efap suggest that it contributes to the innate host defence of E. fario.
文摘A new method was used to preparing genomic DNA from Microbacterium sp.quickly and efficiently.DNA quantity and purity was measured by UV absorbance.Integrity of the genomic DNA was tested by agarose gel eletrophoresis.The DNA prepared by this method was sufficiently pure for PCR.This method saves time and cost,practices easily as well.
基金This work was supported by the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC)
文摘The removal of rare earth elements （REEs） from solution in various microorganisms was examined. Seventy-six strains from 69 species （22 bacteria, 20 actinomycetes, 18 fungi, and 16 yeasts） were tested. Initially, Sm was used to test the removal capabilities of the various organisms. Gram-positive bacteria, such as Bacillus licheniformis, B. subtilis, Brevibacterium helovolum, and Rhodococcus elythropolis, exhibited a particularly high capacity for accumulating Sm. In particular, the B. lichemiformis cells accumulated approximately 316 μmol Sm per gram dry wt. of microbial cells. A full suite of screenings was then conducted to compare the abilities of the organisms to remove Se, Y, La, Er, and, Lu from solution. Tests were done with solutions containing one REE at a time. Accumulation was nearly identical for the various metals and organisms. However, when solutions with equimolar amounts of two REEs were used, preferential removal from solution was observed. When an Eu/Gd solution was used, gram-positive bacteria removed more Eu and Gd as compared to actinomycetes. When Eu/Sm combination was used, gram-positive bacteria removed equal mounts of both metals and some actinomycetes removed more Eu. The selective removal was quantified by calculating separation factors （S. F.）, which indicated that Streptomyces levoris cells accumulated the greatest proportion of Eu. The removal of REEs from a solution containing five metals （Y, La, Sm, Er, and Lu） was then examined. Mucorjavanicus preferentially accumulated Sm and S. flavoviridis preferentially accumulated Lu. The effects of pH and Sm concentration on the accumulation of Sm by B. licheniformis were also examined. Accumulation increased at higher pH and at greater solution concentrations.
文摘Bacterial infection in the first month after liver transplantation is a frequent complication that poses a serious risk for liver transplant recipients as contributes substantially to increased length of hospitalization and hospital costs being a leading cause of death in this period. Most of these infections are caused by gramnegative bacilli, although gram-positive infections, especially Enterococcus sp. constitute an emerging infectious problem. This high rate of early postoperative infections after liver transplant has generated interest in exploring various prophylactic approaches to surmount this problem. One of these approaches is selective intestinal decontamination(SID). SID is a prophylactic strategy that consists of the administration of antimicrobials with limited anaerobicidal activity in order to reduce the burden of aerobic gram-negative bacteria and/or yeast in the intestinal tract and so prevent infections caused by these organisms. The majority of studies carried out to date have found SID to be effective in the reduction of gram-negative infection, but the effect on overall infection is limited due to a higher number of infection episodes by pathogenic enterococci and coagulase-negative staphylococci. However, difficulties in general extrapolation of the favorable results obtained in specific studies together with the potential risk of selection of multirresistant microorganisms has conditioned controversy about the routinely application of these strategies in liver transplant recipients.
文摘The pyogenic liver abscess caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens ) is a rare, but rapidly fatal infection. It is usually associated with malignancy and immunosuppression. We report the case of 50-year-old lady with the secondary liver metastases from rectal cancer presented with fever and epigastric pain. The identification of Grampositive bacilli septicaemia, the presence of gas-forming liver abscess and massive intravascular hemolysis should lead to the suspicion of C. perfringens infection. Here we review twenty cases published since 1990 and their clinical features are discussed. The importance of "an aggressive treatment policy" with multidisciplinary team approach is emphasized.
基金financially supported by SERC Fast Track OYSSchem,Department of Science and Technology(DST),New Delhi,India[grant No.304/2004(SR/FT/L-129/2004)]
文摘Objective:To investigate antibacterial potential of Trifolium alexandrinum(T.alexandrinum) Linn,against seven gram positive and eleven gram negative hospital isolated human pathogenic bacterial strains responsible for many tropical diseases.Methods:Non-polar and polar extracts of the leaves of T.alexandrinum i.e.,hexane,dichloromethane(DCM),ethyl acetate(EtOAc), methanol(MeOH) and aqueous(AQ) extracts at five different concentrations(1,2,5,10 and 15 mg/ mL) were prepared to evaluate their antibacterial value.NCCL standards were strictly followed to perform antimicrobial disc susceptibility test using disc diffusion method.Results:Polar extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against tested pathogens.EtOAc and MeOH extracts showed maximum antibacterial activity with higher inhibition zone and were found effective against seventeen of the tested pathogens.While AQ plant extract inhibited the growth of sixteen of the test strains.EtOAc and MeOH plant extracts inhibited the growth of all seven gram positive and ten of the gram negative bacterial strains.Conclusions:The present study strongly confirms the effectiveness of crude leaves extracts against tested human pathogenic bacterial strains causing several tropical diseases.Since Egyptian clover is used as a fodder plant,it could be helpful in controlling various infectious diseases associated with cattle as well.
文摘OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the antibacterial activity of the combination of different honey brands and methanolic fraction of Herba Ocimi Basilici using agar well diffusion assay. METHODS： The antibacterial activity was deter- mined against thirteen pathogenic bacterial clini- cal isolates including six gram negative （Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimirium, Xanthomonas campestris） and six gram positive strains （Enterococcus faecalis faecalis, Bacillus subti- lis, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens type C, Clostridium perfringens type D, CIostridium chauvoei）. Agar well diffusion method was used while zones of inhibition were measured with verni- er scale. RESULTS： At higher concentration, all the honey brands showed good to significant activity. Thehighest activity was observed for Hamdard brand honey （27.60±0.40） against Enterococcus faecalis. CONCLUSION： These results revealed that combi- nations of plant extracts of Herba Ocimi Basilici with honey can be used for the development of potent and novel antibacterial agents.
