On the synergy between silver nanoparticles and doxycycline towards the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus growth

In a previous paper (RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 66886–66893), we showed that the combination of silver nanoparticles (NanoAg) with doxycycline (DO) culminated in an increased bactericidal activity towards E. coli. Herein we further investigated the metabolic changes that occurred on Staphylococcus aureus upon exposure to NanoAg with the help of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) coupled with multivariate data analysis. It has been discovered that the combination of DO with NanoAg produced metabolic changes in S. aureus that were not simply the overlap of the treatments with DO and NanoAg separately. Our results suggest that DO and NanoAg act synergistically to impede protein synthesis by the bacteria.

Silver nanoparticles conjugated with doxycycline act synergistically to halt S. aureus growth via inhibition of protein synthesis.     

Amino acid ionic liquids as catalysts in a solvent-free Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction

In the present work, we describe the preparation of ten amino acid ionic liquids (AAILs) formed from ammonium salts as cations, derivatives of glycerol, and natural amino acids as anions. All of them are viscous oils, colorless or pale yellow, and hygroscopic at room temperature. They have appreciable solubility in many protic and aprotic polar solvents. The AAILs were used as catalysts in a Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) reaction. The ionic liquids derivative from l-proline and l-histidine demonstrated the ability to catalyze the reaction between methyl vinyl ketone and aromatic aldehydes differently substituted in the absence of an additional co-catalyst under organic solvent-free conditions. The AAIL derivatives from l-valine, l-leucine, and l-tyrosine catalyzed the MBH reaction only in the presence of imidazole. The MBH adducts were obtained in moderate to good yields. Although the catalytic site in the ILs was in its enantiomerically pure form, all the MBH adducts were obtained in their racemic form.

In this work, we describe the preparation of ten amino acid ionic liquids (AAILs). The AAILs were used as catalysts in a Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) reaction. The MBH adducts were obtained from moderate to good yields and in their racemic form.     

Twenty Years of Active Bacterial Core Surveillance

Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) was established in 1995 as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emerging Infections Program (EIP) network to assess the extent of invasive bacterial infections of public health importance. ABCs is distinctive among surveillance systems because of its large, population-based, geographically diverse catchment area; active laboratory-based identification of cases to ensure complete case capture; detailed collection of epidemiologic information paired with laboratory isolates; infrastructure that allows for more in-depth investigations; and sustained commitment of public health, academic, and clinical partners to maintain the system. ABCs has directly affected public health policies and practices through the development and evaluation of vaccines and other prevention strategies, the monitoring of antimicrobial drug resistance, and the response to public health emergencies and other emerging infections.     

Fructose:Glucose Ratios—A Study of Sugar Self-Administration and Associated Neural and Physiological Responses in the Rat

This study explored whether different ratios of fructose (F) and glucose (G) in sugar can engender significant differences in self-administration and associated neurobiological and physiological responses in male Sprague-Dawley rats. In Experiment 1, animals self-administered pellets containing 55% F + 45% G or 30% F + 70% G, and Fos immunoreactivity was assessed in hypothalamic regions regulating food intake and reward. In Experiment 2, rats self-administered solutions of 55% F + 42% G (high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)), 50% F + 50% G (sucrose) or saccharin, and mRNA of the dopamine 2 (D2R) and mu-opioid (MOR) receptor genes were assessed in striatal regions involved in addictive behaviors. Finally, in Experiment 3, rats self-administered HFCS and sucrose in their home cages, and hepatic fatty acids were quantified. It was found that higher fructose ratios engendered lower self-administration, lower Fos expression in the lateral hypothalamus/arcuate nucleus, reduced D2R and increased MOR mRNA in the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens core, respectively, as well as elevated omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the liver. These data indicate that a higher ratio of fructose may enhance the reinforcing effects of sugar and possibly lead to neurobiological and physiological alterations associated with addictive and metabolic disorders.     

Comparative toxicity of physiological and biochemical parameters in Euglena gracilis to short-term exposure to potassium sorbate

Ecotoxicology - Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, is a widespread and efficient antioxidant that has multiple functions in plants, traditionally associated with the reactions...     

Association of acidosis with coagulopathy and transfusion requirements in liver transplantation

Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis - The relationship between acidosis and coagulopathy has long been described in vitro and in trauma patients, but not yet in orthotopic liver transplantation...     

Placental Impact of Dietary Supplements: More Than Micronutrients

PurposeMaternal nutrition is a key modifier of fetal growth and development. However, many maternal diets in the United States do not meet nutritional recommendations. Dietary supplementation is therefore necessary to meet nutritional goals. The effects of many supplements on placental development and function are poorly understood. In this review, we address the therapeutic potential of maternal dietary supplementation on placental development and function in both healthy and complicated pregnancies.MethodsThis is a narrative review of original research articles published between February 1970 and July 2020 on dietary supplements consumed during pregnancy and placental outcomes (including nutrient uptake, metabolism and delivery, as well as growth and efficiency). Impacts of placental changes on fetal outcomes were also reviewed. Both human and animal studies were included.FindingsWe found evidence of a potential therapeutic benefit of several supplements on maternal and fetal outcomes via their placental impacts. Our review supports a role for probiotics as a placental therapeutic, with effects that include improved inflammation and lipid metabolism, which may prevent preterm birth and poor placental efficiency. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids (as found in fish oil) during pregnancy tempers the negative effects of maternal obesity but may have little placental impact in healthy lean women. The beneficial effects of choline supplementation on maternal health and fetal growth are largely attributable to its placental impacts. l-arginine supplementation has a potent provascularization effect on the placenta, which may underlie its fetal growth–promoting properties.ImplicationsThe placenta is exquisitely sensitive to dietary supplements. Pregnant women should consult their health care practitioner before continuing or initiating use of a dietary supplement. Because little is known about impacts of many supplements on placental and long-term offspring health, more research is required before robust clinical recommendations can be made.     

Right but not left angular gyrus modulates the metric component of the mental body representation: a tDCS study

The parietal lobes contribute to body-space representation. The present work aims at characterizing the functional role of the inferior parietal lobe in body-space representation and at studying the different roles of the angular gyrus in the right and left hemisphere. We conducted three separate transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) experiments using “tactile distance task” as an implicit measure of body representation. Whereas anodal tDCS on the right angular gyrus influences vocal reaction times (vRT) for stimuli delivered on the ipsilateral body parts without changes of accuracy, right tDCS improved both vRT and accuracy for tactile stimuli on the contralateral limbs. Sham or left parietal anodal tDCS had no effect. These evidences support the view that right parietal areas have a crucial role in the metric component of the body representation.