Modelling of Cetylpyridinium Chloride Availability in Complex Mixtures for the Prediction of Anti-Microbial Activity Using Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy, Saturation Transfer Difference and 1D NMR.

A range of NMR techniques, including diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) were used to characterise complex micelles formed by the anti-microbial cationic surfactant cetylpyridium chloride and to quantify the degree of interaction between cetylpyridium chloride and hydroxyethyl cellulose in a variety of commercially relevant formulations as a model for the disk retention assay. This NMR-derived binding information was then compared with the results of formulation analysis by traditional disk retention assay (DRA) and anti-microbial activity assays to assess the suitability of these NMR techniques for the rapid identification of formulation components that could augment or retard antimicrobial activity DRA. NMR showed a strong ability to predict anti-microbial activity for a diverse range of formulations containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC).

Myxobacteria from soil can substantially reduce the bacterial load in a wound infection model.

Aims: Myxobacteria are non-pathogenic, saprophytic, soil-dwelling predatory bacteria known for their antimicrobial potential. Many pathogenic bacteria form biofilms to protect themselves from antimicrobial agents and the immune system. This study has investigated the predatory activities of myxobacteria against pathogenic bacteria in biofilms.

Applying Iterative Student Feedback across Flipped Classroom and Flexible Teaching Approaches: Impact on Veterinary Students' Learning Experience.

No single teaching strategy supports all learning styles in veterinary science students. To facilitate more convenient and flexible teaching, learning, and revision, an innovative online digital learning platform-VetCloud-was developed to provide access to modularized programme content across courses to promote active, integrated learning. This study aimed to understand student perceptions regarding the enhancement of the student learning experience in a foundational course in gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology at The University of Queensland across two learning cycles, via applying iterative student feedback in transitioning a flipped classroom approach using VetCloud for the delivery of lecture content in 2022 to a flexible learning approach in 2023.

The genetic basis of predation by myxobacteria.

Myxobacteria (phylum Myxococcota) are abundant and virtually ubiquitous microbial predators. Facultatively multicellular organisms, they are able to form multicellular fruiting bodies and swarm across surfaces, cooperatively hunting for prey. Myxobacterial communities are able to kill a wide range of prey microbes, assimilating their biomass to fuel population growth.