Effect of K1, K2 Anti-Bacterial Agents on Tobacco Ralstonia Solanacearum

The tobacco Ralstonia Solanacearum were both cultured on nutrient agar plates and inoculated in seedling stage of tobacco, then treated with K1 and K2, two anti-bacterial agents, at a serial con-centrations to study their inhibitory efficiency. The result indicated that K1 can inhibit R. Solanacearum growth entirely, at the concentration range from 1/50 to 1/5000. K2 can reach the same result at the concentration range from 1/50 to 1/50000. Compared with the control plates, K1, at the concentration 1/50000, had no significant differences, and the average number of colony per plate was 112-115. The immature tobacco shown wilt as soon as inoculated with R. Solanacearum, and recovered gradually after using K1, K2. The densities of microbial suspension, handled by K1, K2 within 10 hs, were both significantly lower than the controlled ones. The optical microscopy also shown that handled microbial body differed from the controlled, whose body was regular short, rod shape as opposed to the handled ones with irregular rod shape and damaged body. All the results indicated that K1 and K2 both had inhibitory effects on tobacco R. Solanacearum, and K2 was more efficient than K1.

Design,synthesis and bioevaluation of N-hydroxyquinolinones as potential anti-plasmodial,anti-bacterial and iron(Ⅱ)-chelating agents

OBJECTIVE To establish a small compound library via a versatile synthetic route for the investigation of natural-inspiring compounds containing N-hydroxypyridones motif as potential anti-plasmodial,anti-bacterial and iron(Ⅱ)-chelating agents.METHODS An amidation/cyclization approach was adopted to synthesize a library of N-hydroxyquinolinones.The anti-plasmodial susceptibility of lab clone 3D7 P.falciparum was measured using aprotocol modified from the WHO microtest.The minimum bactericidal concentration(MBC)values were determined against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus arueus.Nine compounds were selected to test their iron(Ⅱ)-chelating abilities.The iron(Ⅱ)-chelating ability was determined by measuring the absorbance of ferrozine-iron complex at 562 nm.RESULTS A new route for the facile synthesis of a library of N-hydroxyquinolinones based on one-pot palladium catalyzed C-N amidation/dehydrocyclizationsequence was implemented.Four compounds show anti-plasmodial activities with the range of 1.1-1.4μmol·L-1,50% chelation abilities of the nine selected compounds were shown to be 0.24-0.29mmol·L-1.CONCLUSION Alibrary of N-hydroxyquinolinones was synthesized via a novel synthetic route.The anti-plasmodial and anti-bacterial activities of these compounds were evaluated.Four compounds show potent anti-plasmodial activities Nine compounds were examined for their propensities to undergo iron chelation and these compounds were shown to be promising iron(Ⅱ)chelators as compared to EDTA.

Control Effect of Different Microbial Agents on Tobacco Bacterial Wilt

[ Objectives] The paper was to study effects of different microbial agents on occurrence of tobacco bacterial wilt. [ Methods I Antagonistic strains against Ralstonia solanacearum were screened from in situ soil, and prepared into four different combinations. The number of soil microorganisms and incidence of bacterial wilt of four combinations were observed. [ Results] The incidence rate of bacterial wilt treated by microbial agent OR-1 was significantly lower than that in control, and the control efficacy against bacterial wilt reached 67%. [ Conclusions] Application of microbial agent OR-1 could effectively reduce the incidence rate and disease index of bacterial wilt, thus improving the quality of tobacco.

Cycling of antibiotics for the prophylaxis of recurrent spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in a cirrhotic patient

More than 80% of cirrhotic patients who have been treated successfully for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis （SBP） experience a recurrence. Long-term prophylaxis with single daily oral antibiotic has been shown to be cost effective in delaying a recurrence but only for a short time. What has never been tested in this population is the cycling of antibiotics. We report the beneficial use of antibiotic cycling for 36 weeks in a 74-year-old woman with cryptogenic cirrhosis and recurrent SBE

Antibacterial Properties of Novel Bacterial Cellulose Nanofiber Containing Silver Nanoparticles

In this work,we describe a novel facile method to prepare long one-dimensional hybrid nanofibers by using hydrated bacterial cellulose nanofibers(BCF)as a template.Silver(Ag)nanoparticles with an average diameter of 1.5 nm were well dispersed on BCF via a simple in situ chemical-reduction between AgNO3and NaBH4at a relatively low temperature.A growth mechanism is proposed that Ag nanoparticles are uniformly anchored onto BCF by coordination with BC-containing hydroxyl groups.The bare BCF and as-prepared Ag/BCF hybrid nanofibers were characterized by several techniques including transmission electron microscopy,X-ray diffraction,thermogravimetric analyses,and ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis)absorption spectra.The antibacterial properties of Ag/BCF hybrid nanofibers against Escherichia coli(E.coli,Gram-negative)and Staphylococcu saureus(S.saureus,Gram-positive)bacteria were evaluated by using modified Kirby Bauer method and colony forming count method.The results show that Ag nanoparticles are well dispersed on BCF surface via in situ chemical-reduction.The Ag/BCF hybrid nanofiber presents strong antibacterial property and thus offers its candidature for use as functional antimicrobial agents.

Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activities of ethanol extracts of selected traditional Chinese medicinal herbs

Objective:To evaluate in ritro antimicrobial activities of selected 58 ethno-medicinal plant extracts with a view to assess their therapeutic potential.Methods:A total of 58 traditional Chinese medicinal plants were carefully selected based on the literature review and their traditional use.The antimicrobial activities of ethanol extracts of these medicinal plants were tested against fungi(Aspergillus funigaius),yeast(Candida albicans),gram-negative(Acirelobacter haumannii and Pseudornnruis aeruginosa)and gram-positive bacteria(Staphglococcus aureus).The activities were tested at three different concentrations of 1.00,0.10 and 0.01 mg/mL.The data was analysed using Gene data Screener program.Results:The measured antimicrobial activities indicated that out of the 58 plant extracts,15 extracts showed anti-fungal activity and 23 extracts exhibited anti-bacterial activity.Eight plant extracts have exhibited both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities.For instance,Eucommia ulmoides,Pohgonum cuspidcrtum,Poria cocas and Uncaria rhineophylla showed activity against both bacterial and fungal strains,indicating their broad spectrum of activity.Conclusions:The results revealed that the ethanol extracts of 30 plants out of the selected 58 possess significant antimicrobial activities.It is interesting to note that the findings from the current study are consistent with the traditional use.A clear correlation has also been found between the antimicrobial activity and the flavonoid content of the plant extracts which is in agreement with the literature.Hence.the results presented here can be used to guide the selection of potential plant species for the isolation and structure elucidation of novel antimicrobial compounds in order to establish the structure-activity relationship.This in turn is expected to lead the way to the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents for therapeutic use.

Anti-bacterial studies on Hemigraphis colorata(Blume) H.G.Hallier and Elephantopus scaber L.

Objective:To examine the ethanol,aqueous,chloroform,benzene,acetone and petroleum ether extracts of Hemigraphis colorata(H.colorata) leaves and stem and Elephantopus scaber (E.scaber) leaves,root and flower for the presence of phyto-constituents and screened the antibacterial activity against the selected pathogens.Methods:The fresh materials were shade dried and powdered using the tissue blender.The dried and powered materials(50 g) were extracted successively with 200 mL of aqueous,acetone,benzene,chloroform,etganol.and petroleum ether by using Soxhlet extractor for 8 h at a temperature not exceeding the boiling point of the solvent.Aqueous,acetone,benzene,chloroform,ethanol.and petroleum ether extracts were prepared from powdered materials were used for preliminary phytnehemical and antimicrobial studies using standard methods.Results:The crude aqueous,acetone,benzene,chloroform, ethauol.and petroleum ether extracts E.scaber leaves,flower and root and H.colorata leaves and stem demonstrated that out of(5×6×12 = 360) tests for the presence or absence of the above compounds.188 tests gave positive results and the remaining 172 gave negative results. The results of the phvtochemical screening revealed that phenol(12/12).carbohydrates(9/12). steroids(8/12).saponins and coumarins(7/12).tannins(6/12),proteins(5/12).earboxylic acid and flavonoids(4/12).xanthoproteins(3/12) and alkaloids(2/12) presence in the crude aqueous, acetone,benzene,chloroform,ethanol.and petroleum ether extracts of H.colorata leaves and stem.The crude aqueous,acetone,benzene,chloroform,ethanol.and petroleum ether extracts E.scaber leaves,flower and root displayed the presence of phenol(18/18).tannin(17/18). carbohydrates(16/18).steroids(14/18),oarboxylic acid and coumarins(12/18).saponins(10/18), xanthoprotein(9/18).flavonoids(7/18).protein(4/18) and alkaloids(2/18).The root ethanolic extracts of E.scaber illustrated the highest zone of inhibition against three pathogens viz.. Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)(24 mm).Escherichia coli(E.coli)(16 mm) and Psemlomonas aeruginosa {P.aeruginosa)(13 mm).The chlorofrom extracts of E.scaber showed the highest zone of inhibition against Bacillus cereus(B.ceretus)(12 mm).The leaves ethanolic extracts of E.scaber demonstrated the highest zone of inhibition against three pathogens viz.,Enterococcus faecalis (E.faecalis)(18 mm).Proteus mirabilis(P.mirabilis)(17 mm).Salmonella Typhi(S.typhi)(14 mm) and Enterobacter sp.(11 mm) While the benzene extracts of H.colorata demonstrated maximum zone of inhibition against the pathogen Acinetobucter sp.(14 mm) and S.aureus (12 mm).Conclusions:It is hoped that this study would direct to the establishment of some compounds that could be used to invent new and more potent antimicrobial drugs of natural origin.

Potential of four marine-derived fungi extracts as anti-proliferative and cell death-inducing agents in seven human cancer cell lines

Objective:To evaluate the in vitro anticancer activity of crude ethyl acetate extracts of the culture of four marine-derived fungi Aspergillus similanensis KUFA 0013(E1),Neosartorya paulistemis KUFC 7897(E2),Neosartorya siamensis KUFA 0017(E4) and Talaromyces trachyspermus KUFC 0021(E3) on a panel of seven human cancer cell lines.Methods:Effects on cell proliferation,induction of DNA damage and cell death were assessed by MTT and clonogenic assays,comet assay and nuclear condensation assay,respectively.Results:The proliferation of HepG2,HCTl 16 and A375 cells decreased after incubation with the extracts E2 and E4.The anti-proliterative effect was confirmed by morphologic alterations and by clonogenic assay.Both extracts also induced cell death in HepG2 and HCT116 cells.Doxorubicin was used as a positive control and showed in vitro anticancer activity.Conclusions:This study demonstrated,for the first time,that extracts of Neosartorya paulistensis and Neosartorya siamensis have selective anti-proliferative and cell death activities in HepG2,HCT16 and A375 cells.The bioactivity of these extracts suggests a potential for biotechnological applications and substantiates that both should be further considered for the elucidation of the molecular targets and signal transduction pathways involved.

Intravitreal anti-VEGF agents, oral glucocorticoids, and laser photocoagulation combination therapy for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion: preliminary report

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined anti-vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） agents, oral glucocorticoid, and laser photocoagulation therapy for macular edema （ME） secondary to retinal vein occlusion （RVO）. METHODS： This study included 16 eyes of 16 patients with RVO-associated ME. Patients were initially treated with oral prednisone and an intravitreal anti-VEGF agent. Two weeks later, patients underwent standard laser photocoagulation. Best-corrected visual acuity （BCVA）, central retinal thickness （CRT）, and retinal vessel oxygenation were examined over 12mo. RESULTS： Patients received 1.43＋0.81 anti-VEGF injections. Mean baseline and 12-month IogMAR BCVA were 0.96±0.51 （20/178） and 0.31±0.88 （20/40）, respectively, in eyes with central retinal vein occlusion （CRVO） （P〈0.00）, and 1.02±0.45 （201209） and 0.60±0.49 （20/80）, respectively, in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion （BRVO） （P〈0.00）. At 12mo, CRT had significantly decreased in eyes with CRVO （P〈0.00） and BRVO （P〈0.00）. Venous oxygen saturation had significantly increased in eyes with CRVO （P〈0.00） and BRVO （P〈0.00）. No examined parameters were significantly different between the 2 RVO groups. No serious adverse effects occurred. CONCLUSION： Anti-VEGF, glucocorticoid, and photocoagulation combination therapy improves visual outcome, prolongs therapeutic effect, and reduces the number of intravitreal injections in eyes with RVO- associated ME.

In vitro anti-biofilm and anti-bacterial activity of Junceella juncea for its biomedical application

Objective:To investigate the anti-biofilm and anti-bacterial activity of Junceella juncea(J.juncea)against biofilm forming pathogenic strains.Methods:Gorgonians were extraeted with methanol and analysed with fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.Biofilm forming pathogens were identified by Congo red agar supplemented with sucrose.A quantitative spectrophotometric method was used to monitor in vitro biofilm reduction by microtitre plate assay.Anti-bacterial activity of methanolic gorgonian extract(MGE)was carried out by disc diffusion method followed by calculating the percentage of increase with crude methanol(CM).Results:The presence of active functional group was exemplified by FT-IR spectroscopy.Dry,black,crystalline colonies confirm the production of extracellular polymeric substances responsible for biofilm formation in Congo red agar.MGE exhibited potential anti-biofilm activity against all tested bacterial strains.The anti-bacterial activity of methanolic extract was comparably higher in Salmonella typhii followed by Escherichia colt,Vibrio cholerae and Shigella flexneri.The overall percentage of increase was higher by 50.2%to CM.Conclusions:To conclude,anti-biofilm and anti-bacterial efficacy of J.juncea is impressive over biofilm producing pathogens and are good source for novel anti-bacterial compounds.

Surface Anti-bacterial Adhesion Characteristics of TiO_2-coated PMMA

The anti-bacterial adhesion properties of TiO2-coated polymethyl methacrylate （PMMA） surfaces are investigated systematically. In detail, the adhesion of S. aureus （gram positive） and E. coli （gram negative） to TiO2-coated and uncoated PMMA surfaces are performed by the plate counting method. Afterwards, the adhesion free energy of bacteria on both supporting materials is quantified using the thermodynamic approach of Lifshitz van der Waals and acid/base interactions. The superior anti-adhesion capability of TiO2-coated PMMA is demonstrated when compared to native PMMA, both experimentally and theoretically.

Novel anti-diabetic agents in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a mini-review

BACKGROUND:Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)encompasses a spectrum that ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)and to cirrhosis.The recommended treatment for this disease includes measures that target obesity and insulin resistance.The present review summarizes the role of newer anti-diabetic agents in treatment of NAFLD.DATA SOURCES:PubMed,MEDLINE and Ovid databases were searched to identify human studies between January 1990and January 2013 using specified key words.Original studies that enrolled patients with a diagnosis of NAFLD or NASH and involved use of newer classes of anti-diabetic agents for a duration of at least 3 months were included.RESULTS:Out of the screened articles,four met eligibility criteria and were included in our review.The classes of newer anti-diabetic medications described were dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues.CONCLUSIONS:Liraglutide and Exenatide showed improvement in transaminases as well as histology in patients with NASH.Sitagliptin showed improvement in transaminases but limited studies are there to access its effect on histology.Further studies are needed to support use of newer anti-diabetic medications in patients with NAFLD.

Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Urea and Thiourea Derivatives of Anacardic Acid Mixture Isolated from A Natural Product Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL)

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of some novel urea and thiourea derivatives (8a - 8k, 9a - 9f) of anacardic acid prepared from commercially available anacardic acid which is obtained from natural product Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL). Compounds (8a - 8k, 9a - 9f) were tested for Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial cultures. Most of the compounds were showed active compared with standard drug ampicilline.

Challenges and opportunities of using stereotactic body radiotherapy with anti-angiogenesis agents in tumor therapy

Microvessels promote proliferation of tumor cells by delivering oxygen and nutrients, but rapid growth of tumors results in unmet demands for oxygen and nutrients, thereby creating a hypoxia microenvironment. Under hypoxic conditions, vascular endothelial cells（ECs） initiate the formation of immature and abnormal microvasculature. This results in leakage and tortuosity that facilitates tumor cell invasion, metastasis and resistance to cytotoxic treatment.Radiotherapy（RT） is a vital tumor treatment modality. Currently, more than 60% of patients with malignant tumors receive RT at certain points during their treatment. Hypoxia induced by abnormal microvessels can hamper the cytotoxic effect of ionizing radiation, particularly, stereotactic body radiotherapy（SBRT）. Anti-angiogenesis（AA） agents are known to reduce and renormalize microvessels in tumors, and hence alleviate hypoxia. The combination of AA agents with SBRT may have a synergistic role in inhibiting the growth of tumors. On the contrary, large doses of irradiation may affect tumor microvessels itself. In this review, we aim to clarify the relationship between SBRT and microvessel formation in tumors. In addition, we provide a retrospective analysis of the combination therapy involving SBRT and AA agents in preclinical and clinical practice to define its role in antitumor treatment.

Phytochemical and anti-bacterial activity of epidermal glands extract of Christella parasitica (L.) H. Lev.

Objective:To study the morphology,biochemistry and bioactivity of the epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of Christella parasitica(C.parasitica)(L.) H.Lev.Methods: Morphological studies on epidermal glands were earned out by using light microscope and scanning electron microscope.To prepare the extract,the shade-dried fronds of glandular morphotype were soaked in acetone.For antibacterial studies paper disc method was followed by using various pathogenic bacteria.Results:Detailed micromorphological,phytochemical and bioactivity studies on a medicinal fern C.parasitica(L.) H.Lev.showed its inlraspecific variation in antibacterial activity.The presence or absence of the epidermal glands was the key factor for antibacterial activity in the morphovariants of this species.The epidermal glands were orange-coloured,stalked and elongated ones of about 84.2μm×45μm,and distributed on the undersurface of cosla,coslules and veins in croziers,young and mature leaves.Frequency of glands varied from 15/cm on costa in mature leaves to 140/cm on costules in croziers.The acetone extract of the glands showed antibacterial activities and also toxic effect against mosquito larvae and tadpoles of frog.Preliminary phytochemical analysis and HPLC studies of the gland extract showed the presence of various kinds of terpenoids,alkaloids,tannins,saponins and flavonoids in it.Conclusions:The present study shows that epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of C. parasitica(L.) H.Lev.have several bioactive compounds and such rare moiphovariant should be conserved in nature.The next step is to isolate the pure compounds and to screen the bioactivity of individual compounds of the epidermal glands.

Bacterial Infection in the Limbs of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis during Biological Agent Therapy

Biological therapies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are known to increase the risk of serious infections. The present study was performed to evaluate the clinical features of bacterial infections occurring in the limbs during biological therapies in patients with RA. By March 2011, 11 RA patients (14 limbs) treated with biological agents at our institution required hospitalization due to bacterial infections occurring in the limbs. These patients had an average age of 53.7 years old. Infections occurred an average of 19 months after biological treatment. Two limbs in one patient were treated with infliximab, eight limbs in six patients were treated with etanercept, one limb in one patient was treated with adalimumab, and three limbs in three patients were treated with tocilizumab. Cellulitis occurred in 7 limbs, late infections after total knee arthroplasty occurred in two limbs, early infections after orthopedic surgery occurred in three limbs, and septic arthritis occurred in two limbs. Four cases had comorbidities—liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus in one and three cases, respectively. All patients were treated using corticosteroid with an average dose of 4.6 mg daily. Seven limbs required surgical treatment. All patients finally recovered. Ten limbs continued treatment with biological agents. Care must be taken regarding bacterial infection in the limbs of RA patients treated by using biological agents, particularly those with comorbidities. Further studies are required to confirm means of preventing such infections in daily practice.

Era of direct acting anti-viral agents for the treatment of hepatitis C

Hepatitis C infection is universal and the most common indication of liver transplantation in the United States. The period of less effective interferon therapy with intolerable side effects has gone. Now we have stepped into the era of direct acting anti-viral agents(DAAs) against hepatitis C virus. Treatment of hepatitis C is now extremely effective, tolerable and requires a short duration of intake of oral agents. Less monitoring is required with the current therapy and drug-drug interactions are less than the previous regimen. The current treatment options of chronic hepatitis C with various DAAs are discussed in this article.

Anti-angiogenic agents in metastatic colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer(CRC) is a major public health concern being the third leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. The availability of better therapeutic options has led to a decline in cancer mortality in these patients. Surgical resection should be considered in all stages of the disease. The use of conversion therapy has made surgery a potentially curative option even in patients with initially unresectable metastatic disease. In this review we discuss the role of various antiangiogenic agents in patients with metastatic CRC(m CRC). We describe the mechanism of action of these agents, and the rationale for their use in combination with chemotherapy. We also review important clinical studies that have evaluated the safety and efficacy of these agents in m CRC patients. Despite the discovery of several promising anti-angiogenic agents, m CRC remains an incurable disease with a median overall survival of just over 2 years in patients exposed to all available treatment regimens. Further insights into tumor biology and tumor microenvironment may help improve outcomes in these patients.

Toxicity Study of Anti-HABs Agents on Penaeus chinensis

In order to study the effect of anti-HABs agents on Penaeus chinensis, the toxicity experiments on clay, Ca(ClO)2, FeCl3, and AlCl3 to Penaeus chinensis are carried out. The results show that: (1) the clay isn't toxic to Penaeus chinensis; (2) Ca(ClO)2 has no toxicity to Penaeus chinensis at low levels, but has acute and chronic toxicity at high levels; (3) Penaeus chinensis can accumulate Fe and Al. The toxic effect needs further study.

Antibacterial Activity of Polyethylenimine/Carrageenan Multilayer against Pathogenic Bacteria

The multilayer of polyethylenimine (PEI) and carrageenan (k, i, l) formed by layer-by-layer assembly was investigated for its antibacterial activity against Enterobacter cloaceae, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis 29505 for potential use as coating on biomaterial surface. All the multilayers exhibited growth inhibition. PEI/Iota carrageenan multilayer was effective in inhibiting the growth of the E. cloaceae, S. aureus and E. faecalis while PEI/Lambda carrageenan was effective in inhibiting the growth of E. cloaceae. Results of the paper strip test for combined action of carrageenan and PEI showed synergism with regards to bacterial growth inhibition. The multilayers had also contact-killing effect with the test organisms. The multilayer was also characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and biomolecular interaction analysis.