Full Profiling of GE81112A, an Underexplored Tetrapeptide Antibiotic with Activity against Gram-Negative Pathogens.

After the first total synthesis combined with structure revision, we performed thorough and profiling of the underexplored tetrapeptide GE81112A. From the determination of the biological activity spectrum and physicochemical and early absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion-toxicity (eADMET) properties, as well as data regarding tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) in mice and efficacy in an Escherichia coli-induced septicemia model, we were able to identify the critical and limiting parameters of the original hit compound. Thus, the generated data will serve as the basis for further compound optimization programs and developability assessments to identify candidates for preclinical/clinical development derived from GE81112A as the lead structure.

Antimicrobial Peptides from Rat-Tailed Maggots of the Drone Fly Show Potent Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria.

The spread of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria is an increasing threat to human health, because novel compound classes for the development of antibiotics have not been discovered for decades. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may provide a much-needed breakthrough because these immunity-related defense molecules protect many eukaryotes against Gram-negative pathogens. Recent concepts in evolutionary immunology predict the presence of potent AMPs in insects that have adapted to survive in habitats with extreme microbial contamination.

Profiling antimicrobial peptides from the medical maggot Lucilia sericata as potential antibiotics for MDR Gram-negative bacteria.

Background: The ability of MDR Gram-negative bacteria to evade even antibiotics of last resort is a severe global challenge. The development pipeline for conventional antibiotics cannot address this issue, but antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer an alternative solution.

Objectives: Two insect-derived AMPs (LS-sarcotoxin and LS-stomoxyn) were profiled to assess their suitability for systemic application in humans.

Biological Profiling of Coleoptericins and Coleoptericin-Like Antimicrobial Peptides from the Invasive Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis.

The spread of antibiotic-resistant human pathogens and the declining number of novel antibiotics in the development pipeline is a global challenge that has fueled the demand for alternative options. The search for novel drug candidates has expanded to include not only antibiotics but also adjuvants capable of restoring antibiotic susceptibility in multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Insect-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can potentially fulfil both of these functions.

[Violence against elderly people. Recognize--Sensitize--Act!].

Elder abuse is--especially in view of the demographic development--a topic that is still neglected socially and in health policy, but also in terms of scientific research. There are different definitions of violence and these can be difficult to formulate, depending on the field. In gerontology, a rather broad frame is usually used to describe the phenomenon of violence.

Evaluation of a standardized humor group in a clinical setting: a feasibility study for older patients with depression.

Background: Positive effects of humor on older patients with depressive symptoms have been repeatedly reported. Empirical evidence however is rare. We investigated the efficacy of a standardized humor therapy group in a clinical context especially for older depressed patients.

[Persons with dementia caught between medicine, care and politics].

When there is a suggestion of dementia, a thorough diagnostic work up including a comprehensive assessment is needed for the benefit of the old person, his family and society. This provides the basis for needed interventions, including prevention and rehabilitation, in addition to treatment and care. A comprehensive approach is in order since dementia is the single most important cause for care-dependency.