Synergistic Effect of Essential Oils and Antifungal Agents in Fighting Resistant Clinical Isolates of .

Recently, a large number of nosocomial infections have been caused by an emerging pathogen that is rising as a worldwide issue in human health: . This yeast is considered resistant to antifungals of the first-line therapies, and consequently it is related to morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine the in vitro anti- activity against twenty-three resistant clinical strains of different essential oils (EOs), pure or in combination with traditional antifungal agents, mainly caspofungin, fluconazole, micafungin and 5-flucytosine.

New Generation of Osteoinductive and Antimicrobial Polycaprolactone-Based Scaffolds in Bone Tissue Engineering: A Review.

With respect to other fields, bone tissue engineering has significantly expanded in recent years, leading not only to relevant advances in biomedical applications but also to innovative perspectives. Polycaprolactone (PCL), produced in the beginning of the 1930s, is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. Due to its mechanical and physicochemical features, as well as being easily shapeable, PCL-based constructs can be produced with different shapes and degradation kinetics.

Is Silver Addition to Scaffolds Based on Polycaprolactone Blended with Calcium Phosphates Able to Inhibit and Adhesion and Biofilm Formation?

spp. periprosthetic joint infections are rare but difficult-to-treat events, with a slow onset, unspecific symptoms or signs, and a significant relapse risk. Treatment with antifungals meets with little success, whereas prosthesis removal improves the outcome.

In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Selected Essential Oils against Drug-Resistant Clinical spp. Strains.

Background: Treatment options for aspergillosis include amphotericin B (AMB) and azole compounds, such as itraconazole (ITZ). However, serious side effects related to these antifungal agents are increasingly evident, and resistance continues to increase. Currently, a new trend in drug discovery to overcome this problem is represented by natural products from plants, or their extracts.

Tuning of Silver Content on the Antibacterial and Biological Properties of Poly(ɛ-caprolactone)/Biphasic Calcium Phosphate 3D-Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering.

There is a growing interest in tissue engineering, in which biomaterials play a pivotal role in promoting bone regeneration. Furthermore, smart functionalization can provide biomaterials with the additional role of preventing orthopedic infections. Due to the growing microbial resistance to antimicrobials used to treat those infections, metal ions, such as silver, thanks to their known wide range of bactericidal properties, are believed to be promising additives in developing antibacterial biomaterials.

Facile One-Step Electrospinning Process to Prepare AgNPs-Loaded PLA and PLA/PEO Mats with Antibacterial Activity.

Nanofibers can play an important role in developing new kinds of medical applications. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PLA/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) antibacterial mats containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by a simple one-step electrospinning method that allows AgNPs to be synthesized simultaneously with the preparation of the electrospinning solution. The electrospun nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetry, while silver release over time was monitored by inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectroscopy.

Dalbavancin Boosts the Ability of Neutrophils to Fight Methicillin-Resistant .

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are the most important cell type involved in the early nonspecific host response to bacterial pathogens. has evolved mechanisms to evade immune responses that contribute to its persistence in PMNs, and acquired resistance to several antimicrobials. Additionally, methicillin-resistant (MRSA) is one of the most common causes of acute bacterial skin and skin-structure infections (ABSSSIs).

Design, Characterization, and Biological Activities of Erythromycin-Loaded Nanodroplets to Counteract Infected Chronic Wounds Due to .

causes a wide spectrum of diseases varying from mild to life threatening, despite antibiotic treatment. Nanoparticle application could facilitate the foreign pathogen fight by increasing the antimicrobial effectiveness and reducing their adverse effects. Here, we designed and produced erythromycin-loaded chitosan nanodroplets (Ery-NDs), both oxygen-free and oxygen-loaded.

A Rapid and Specific Real-Time PCR Assay for the Detection of Clinically Relevant Mucorales Species.

Infections triggered by filamentous fungi placed in the order Mucorales, phylum Zygomycota, can cause serious harm to immunocompromised patients. Since there is lack of a standardized PCR (polymerase chain reaction) assay for early diagnosis of this fungal infection, this work was aimed to develop a new PCR assay able to detect the presence of Mucorales genera in clinical specimens. Here, we describe a novel diagnostic TaqMan MGB probe assay for precise and rapid detection of the most common clinical species of Mucorales.

Combination of Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Biomaterials and Essential Oils to Achieve Anti-Bacterial and Osteo-Proliferative Properties for 3D-Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine.

Biomedical implants, an essential part of the medical treatments, still suffer from bacterial infections that hamper patients' recovery and lives. Antibiotics are widely used to cure those infections but brought antibiotic resistance. Essential oils (EOs) demonstrate excellent antimicrobial activity and low resistance development risk.

Evaluation of a diagnostic algorithm for rapid identification of Gram-negative species and detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamase and carbapenemase directly from blood cultures.

Objectives: To evaluate a rapid diagnostic algorithm based on MALDI-TOF MS, lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) and molecular testing performed directly from positive blood cultures (BCs) for Gram-negative species identification and detection of CTX-M extended-spectrum β-lactamases and main carbapenemases.

Methods: Non-duplicate BCs positive to Gram-negative bacteria at microscope examination were subjected to species identification by direct MALDI-TOF MS following recovery of bacterial pellet by Rapid MBT Sepsityper® kit. Subsequently, NG-Test® CARBA 5 and NG-Test® CTX-M MULTI LFIAs were performed according to identified microbial species.

Current Knowledge on Biomaterials for Orthopedic Applications Modified to Reduce Bacterial Adhesive Ability.

A significant challenge in orthopedics is the design of biomaterial devices that are able to perform biological functions by substituting or repairing various tissues and controlling bone repair when required. This review presents an overview of the current state of our recent research into biomaterial modifications to reduce bacterial adhesive ability, compared with previous reviews and excellent research papers, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. In particular, we investigated biomaterials for replacement, such as metallic materials (titanium and titanium alloys) and polymers (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene), and biomaterials for regeneration, such as poly(ε-caprolactone) and calcium phosphates as composites.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Efficacy of Medium and Low Weight Chitosan-Shelled Nanodroplets for the Treatment of Infected Chronic Wounds.

Purpose: Medium versus low weight (MW vs LW) chitosan-shelled oxygen-loaded nanodroplets (cOLNDs) and oxygen-free nanodroplets (cOFNDs) were comparatively challenged for biocompatibility on human keratinocytes, for antimicrobial activity against four common infectious agents of chronic wounds (CWs) - methicillin-resistant (MRSA), and - and for their physical interaction with cell walls/membranes.

Methods: cNDs were characterized for morphology and physico-chemical properties by microscopy and dynamic light scattering. In vitro oxygen release from cOLNDs was measured through an oximeter.

Antimicrobial oxygen-loaded nanobubbles as promising tools to promote wound healing in hypoxic human keratinocytes.

Chronic wounds (CWs) are typically characterized by persistent hypoxia, exacerbated inflammation, and impaired skin tissue remodeling. Additionally, CWs are often worsened by microbial infections. Oxygen-loaded nanobubbles (OLNBs), displaying a peculiar structure based on oxygen-solving perfluorocarbons such as perfluoropentane in the inner core and polysaccharydes including chitosan in the outer shell, have proven effective in delivering oxygen to hypoxic tissues.

Activity of ceftolozane-tazobactam, ceftazidime-avibactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, cefiderocol and comparators against Gram-negative organisms causing bloodstream infections in Northern Italy (2019-2021): emergence of complex resistance phenotypes.

Herein we assessed the frequency of Gram-negative organisms causing bloodstream infections and activity spectrum of ceftolozane-tazobactam (CTZ), ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA), meropenem-vaborbactam (MEV), cefiderocol (CFDC) and comparators. Overall, 1605 Gram-negative isolates were consecutively collected during 2019-2021. Enterobacterales represented more than 75% and exhibited >90% susceptibility to CZA (97%), amikacin (91.

Exposure to the agricultural fungicide tebuconazole promotes Aspergillus fumigatus cross-resistance to clinical azoles.

Resistance to clinical triazoles in Aspergillus fumigatus is a growing concern for individuals at high risk of Aspergillus infection. Two triazole resistance selection routes are currently being investigated: one occurring in triazole-treated patients in healthcare settings, and the second taking place in the environment due to the widespread use of agricultural triazoles. This study aimed to assess the ability of agricultural azoles to promote cross-resistance to clinical azoles in A.

Positive and Negative Ions Potently Inhibit the Viability of Airborne Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria.

Positive and negative ions (PAIs and NAIs, respectively) generated by air ionizers curb indoor spread of airborne pathogens through cellular oxidative damage. Thus, here, we asked whether ion exposure of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria-either plated on agar or trapped in air filters-would affect their viability and whether this effect would be influenced by variations in bacterial type and load, action area, distance from the ion generator, exposure time, or filter type. We selected these two vegetative bacterium species because, besides being representative of Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, respectively, they are widely recognized as the two most common airborne pathogens.

Novel Silver-Functionalized Poly(ε-Caprolactone)/Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds Designed to Counteract Post-Surgical Infections in Orthopedic Applications.

In this study, we designed and developed novel poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based biomaterials, for use as bone scaffolds, through modification with both biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), to impart bioactive/bioresorbable properties, and with silver nitrate, to provide antibacterial protection against , a microorganism involved in prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed that the samples were characterized by square-shaped macropores, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of PCL and BCP phases, while inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) established the release of Ag in the medium (~0.15-0.

Inhibition of Human Neutrophil Functions In Vitro by Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapies.

There is a growing optimism about the potential of new disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in the management of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. However, this initial enthusiasm has been tempered by evidence indicating that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients undergoing DMT may be at higher risk of developing infections through incompletely understood mechanisms. As neutrophils provide the first line of defense against pathogens, here we have compared the effects of some of the commonly used MS DMTs (i.

Serological and molecular detection of Bartonella henselae in specimens from patients with suspected cat scratch disease in Italy: A comparative study.

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is an infectious disease caused by Bartonella henselae, usually characterized by self-limiting regional lymphadenopathy and fever. Given the low clinical diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of conventional anti-B. henselae indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFAs), real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection of B.

Single Double Skin Preparation for Infection Prevention in Proximal Humeral Fracture Surgery.

Preoperative skin preparation plays a major role in preventing postoperative infections. This study aims to compare a single skin preparation (povidone iodine) with a double skin preparation (chlorhexidine gluconate followed by povidone iodine). Forty patients affected by proximal humeral fracture were included in the study.

Unexpected Listeria monocytogenes detection with a dithiothreitol-based device during an aseptic hip revision.

Prosthetic joint infection diagnosis is often difficult since biofilm-embedded microorganisms attach well to the prosthetic surfaces and resist their detection by conventional methods. DL-dithiothreitol has been described as a valid method for biofilm detachment on orthopedic devices. We report the case of an occasional detection of Listeria monocytogenes in a non immuno-compromised patient with a preoperative diagnosis of aseptic loosening.

The Microbiological@mind project: a public engagement initiative of Turin University bringing microbiology and health education into primary schools.

Despite ongoing global efforts, antimicrobial resistance continues to threaten the treatment of an ever-increasing range of bacterial infections. There is substantial evidence that public education programs that foster microbial literacy amongst young school audiences may improve correct knowledge of specific health issues, such as prevention of microbial infections and responsible use of antibiotics. The aim of the Microbiological@mind project was to engage primary school students with the subject of microbiology, to promote both scientific interest and awareness towards correct behaviors that may ensure a safer lifestyle.

Vancomycin-loaded nanobubbles: A new platform for controlled antibiotic delivery against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Vancomycin (Vm) currently represents the gold standard against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. However, it is associated with low oral bioavailability, formulation stability issues, and severe side effects upon systemic administration. These drawbacks could be overcome by Vm topical administration if properly encapsulated in a nanocarrier.

Key Roles of Human Polymorphonuclear Cells and Ciprofloxacin in Lactobacillus Species Infection Control.

Lactobacilli have the potential to act as reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes similar to those found in human pathogens, with the risk of transferring these genes to many pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we investigated the role of human polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) against Lactobacillus spp. both resistant and susceptible to ciprofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone) and the effect of ciprofloxacin on the interaction between PMNs and three Lactobacillus spp.