Apmis最新文献

This review summarizes key clinical findings on probiotics in addressing bacterial vaginosis (BV) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in women. Lactobacillus bacteria play a critical role in maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiome by supporting an acidic environment and helping combat conditions like BV, AIDS, maternal group B Streptococcus (GBS), and candidiasis. Probiotics, either alone or combined with antibiotics, have shown promise in promoting microbiome recovery and potentially reducing recovery time. However, their efficacy depends on the strains used and specific conditions, emphasizing the need for further research. Additionally, probiotics can mitigate risks associated with excessive antibiotic use, including antibiotic resistance. The increasing interest in probiotics for women's sexual health has led to the development of specialized products, though identifying superior strains and optimal dosages remains an ongoing challenge. In conclusion, probiotics offer a non-invasive and cost-effective approach to supporting women's health by promoting microbiota balance and enhancing immune function. They offer a promising strategy for managing BV and potentially reducing STD risks. However, further research is necessary to standardize strains, dosages, and application methods in order to achieve consistent and effective outcomes.

Leptospira interrogans, known for its association with environmental biofilms, poses significant challenges in managing leptospirosis due to its persistent virulence and resistance to antimicrobial agents. Addressing the biofilms in infection and resistance necessitates novel anti-leptospiral agents and strategies, with bioactive compounds offering better biomolecules to combat leptospiral biofilms. This study investigates the role of eugenol against L. interrogans, which has been unexplored. In this study, we have evaluated the impact of eugenol on the growth and biofilm formation of L. interrogans. Eugenol inhibited 70% of biofilm formation at its MBIC70 (10 mM). These findings were further validated through fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy to assess cell viability and morphological changes. Furthermore, the expression levels of key genes, csrA and lipL32, associated with bacterial growth and biofilm formation, were analyzed using qRT-PCR. To complement these findings, molecular docking, c-DFT, and ADME profiles were performed to investigate the interaction of eugenol with the transpeptidase/penicillin-binding protein. The results strongly correlate with the biological outcomes observed in the experimental studies, supporting the efficacy of eugenol against L. interrogans.

The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance, particularly among multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) and biofilm-associated infections, poses a critical public health threat. In this study, a multifunctional nanocomposite with enhanced antibiofilm potential was developed by integrating zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) into a bacterial cellulose (BC)-based scaffold. ZnO NPs, synthesized via the co-precipitation method, displayed uniform spherical morphology and were comprehensively characterized using UV–Vis, FTIR, FE-SEM, EDS, XRD, and DLS analyses. A composite nanofiber matrix was fabricated by electrospinning a chitosan (CS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blend containing ZnO NPs onto BC, yielding structurally stable BC-PVA-CS-ZnO nanofibers (NFs). Both ZnO NPs and nanofibers exhibited antioxidant activity (30.42% and 34.54%, respectively), and hemocompatibility, confirming their biocompatible nature. Antibacterial studies against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa revealed significant bacterial inhibition, while biofilm assays demonstrated disruption rates of 29.5% (ZnO NPs) and 24.4% (nanofibers), respectively, against P. aeruginosa. The synergistic integration of ZnO with CS/PVA and BC effectively disrupted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and suppressed MDR biofilms. Owing to its structural integrity, biodegradability, and tissue compatibility, the engineered nanocomposite demonstrates strong potential as an alternative to conventional antibiotics for wound management and prevention of biofilm-related resistant infections.

Dental caries, a significant global health concern, is intricately linked to the development and persistence of cariogenic biofilms on tooth surfaces. These complex microbial ecosystems orchestrate a multifactorial process of decay, adhering to teeth, producing acids that erode enamel, and exhibiting resistance to traditional therapies. This review delves into the intricate mechanisms of cariogenic biofilm formation and pathogenesis, exploring adhesion, acid production, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) mediated acid tolerance, and nutrient acquisition within the biofilm. We then explore novel strategies for disrupting these biofilms, including next-generation antimicrobials, anti-adhesion molecules, biofilm-dispersing enzymes, and the potential of probiotics and prebiotics. Finally, the review examines promising future directions in oral disease treatment, highlighting the potential of personalized medicine, biofilm-modifying enzymes and peptides, host modulation strategies, and the development of combination therapies and advanced delivery systems for enhanced biofilm control. Understanding the mechanisms of cariogenic biofilms and exploring innovative treatment strategies could pave the way for more effective prevention and management of dental caries.

Antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), is an increasing concern in dairy production. Using a One Health approach, this cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles, and biofilm-forming ability of S. aureus from pooled bovine milk, animal handler hand swabs, and herd slurry collected from 405 farms across Punjab, India. The prevalence of coagulase-positive S. aureus was highest in hand swabs (43.7%), followed by milk (30.1%) and slurry (17.5%). Phenotypic resistance varied by source: milk isolates showed the greatest resistance to cefoxitin (37.7%) and penicillin (36.9%); hand swab isolates showed resistance to erythromycin (42.9%) and tetracycline (36.7%); and slurry isolates showed resistance to tetracycline (66.2%) and cefoxitin (59.2%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was found in 45.9% of milk, 60.5% of hand swabs, and 92.9% of slurry isolates. MRSA was detected in 6.6% of milk, 2.8% of hand swab, and 1.4% of slurry isolates, with SCCmec type V as the most common type. Genotypic screening identified blaZ, mecA, tetK, ermC, and aacA-aphD, with the highest genotype–phenotype concordance for tetracycline resistance. Biofilm assays showed 94.9% of isolates formed biofilms; 28.4% were strong producers. MDR milk isolates showed the highest strong biofilm capacity (39.3%). This study underscores the need for integrated AMR surveillance and improved dairy biosecurity.

Dental plaque is a complex microbial biofilm that contributes significantly to the onset of oral diseases and related infections. The initial attachment of primary colonizers to the salivary pellicle, which coats the tooth surface, is a critical first step in plaque development. Primary colonizers use pili on their cell surfaces to facilitate attachment to host surfaces and other bacteria. Pili-mediated adhesion and interbacterial coaggregation promote oral biofilm growth. Recent structural studies of primary colonizers and other oral bacteria have provided new insights into the role of pili in dental plaque formation. Understanding the molecular intricacies of pilus assembly and adhesion paves the way for the development of antiadhesive approaches to control dental plaque formation. Disrupting initial bacterial attachment by targeting pili- and pili-mediated interactions may offer a promising strategy to prevent oral biofilm development and associated infections. This review provides updates on pili and pilus components in oral bacteria, with a focus on the primary colonizers of dental plaque from a structural perspective.

This study aims to review recent literature on the delayed re-emergence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and to discuss its epidemiological characteristics, treatment strategies, and future research directions for global MP prevention and control. Through a systematic review of the recent relevant literature, the epidemiological changes in MP and the rate of increase in drug resistance during and after the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed. Moreover, the main treatment strategies for MP, including traditional antibiotics, immunomodulators, and combination therapy, were comprehensively analyzed. The results demonstrated that nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic exerted a marked reduction in MP detection rates. However, subsequent to the progressive relaxation of NPI measures, a resurgence of MP infections has been observed across multiple global regions, accompanied by an escalating prevalence of antimicrobial resistance—particularly concerning macrolide antibiotics. The investigation further conducted systematic analyses of current therapeutic regimens for MP infection, providing critical evaluations of their respective clinical advantages and limitations in practical application. This study proposes strategies for MP's delayed recirculation control amidst its changing epidemiology and drug resistance, offering a scientific basis and practical suggestions for global MP prevention.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common hepatic disease. In the cirrhotic phase, the characteristic manifestations of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) disappear, making a diagnosis challenging. During January 2018 and December 2022, all explanted livers with a pre-transplantation clinical diagnosis of NASH-related cirrhosis were included in this study. The clinical data of the patients, the disease duration prior to transplant, and laboratory data were extracted from documents. Concurrently, the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides and special stains were examined. Among the 2229 liver transplantations, 242 cases (11%) were due to the clinical diagnosis of pure NASH (71% = male, 29% = female). The patients' ages ranged from 28 to 74 years. The criteria for diagnosing NASH, including steatosis, ballooning degeneration, and lobular inflammation, were present in only 66%, 47%, and 3% of cirrhotic livers, respectively. Glassy cytoplasm, glycogenated nuclei, and small cell change were other common histologic features. Diagnosis of NASH in the cirrhotic phase is challenging because the characteristic features of NASH, particularly steatosis, may be non-significant or even completely disappear. In this situation, other histological findings, such as glycogenated nuclei or glassy cytoplasm, may help suggest NASH as a potential diagnosis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by high recurrence and metastasis, resulting in low patient survival. Dysbiosis of intestinal flora increases CRC metastasis risk. Mesalazine, an anti-inflammatory drug with proven antitumor activity, is commonly used to treat CRC in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, but whether it mediates CRC hepatic metastasis by affecting key flora is unknown. An animal model of CRC liver metastasis was established by injecting HCT116 cells into the spleens of mice and treated with mesalazine. Mouse feces were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze the abundance of intestinal flora. In vitro experiments demonstrated that mesalazine inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC by modulating Bacteroides fragilis. Rescue experiments validated molecular mechanisms. Mesalazine inhibited CRC hepatic metastasis and reduced the abundance of Bacteroides fragilis in the feces of CRC hepatic metastatic mice by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. In vitro experiments showed that mesalazine inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC by affecting Bacteroides fragilis, mainly through the histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3)/Wingless/Int/Beta-catenin (Wnt/β-catenin) axis. The study elucidated the mechanism by which mesalazine inhibited CRC liver metastasis through the HDAC3/Wnt/β-catenin axis by affecting the abundance of Bacteroides fragilis, which provided a new idea for CRC treatment.