Efficacy of octenidine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium causing skin and soft tissue infections, complicated urinary tract infections, blood infections, and nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections. One of the most often used antiseptics in the skin and soft tissue infections is octenidine dihydrochloride. The aim of this study was an evaluation of octenidine activity against strains of P. aeruginosa. Additionally, were compared two staining methods (TTC and MTT) for confirmation of bacterial growth. The study involved eight strains of P. aeruginosa. In order to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of octenidine, the microdilution method was used. For bacterial growth detection was used staining method with 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride (TTC) and with 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT). In the study has been demonstrated the excellent activity of octenidine against all strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For all tested strains, MICs of octenidine were 0.00039% or 0.00078%, what is equivalent to 3.9 µg/ml and 7.8 µg/ml, respectively. In the study, test with MTT for three strains was more sensitive than a test with TTC. Concluding, octenidine is an antiseptic with high efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Simultaneously, it was stated that a test with MTT is more sensitive than study with TTC. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.333949

Polyhexanide (PHMB) – properties and applications in medicine

Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) is one of the many antiseptics available in the medicine. It stands out from the others with its numerous advantages. It has a low toxicity factor, chemical stability, and bactericidal effect on most microorganisms. PHMB is used in many areas of medicine, veterinary medicine, gastronomy, and industry. The application of polyhexanide in the treatment of chronic wounds allows for fast regeneration and reduced time of wound treatment and hospitalization. According to the Recommendations of the Polish Wound Treatment Society, PHMB is recommended in treatment of critically colonized wounds, wounds at risk infection, burns, and decontamination of acute and chronic wounds, and as second choice in infected wounds. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.395681

Povidone-iodine in wound healing and prevention of wound infections

The wound infections caused by bacteria and fungi are a significant problem in healthcare. Therefore, an effective treatment and prevention seems to be essential. Povidone-iodine is one of the commercial antimicrobial agents used for skin disinfection, in surgery and for local anti-infective treatment. The broad activity spectrum of this compound includes numerous species of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. Povidone-iodine is recommended for acute wounds as well as lacerations, bruises and deep wounds due to its good tissue penetration. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.395822

Contribution to the bryoflora of the Chochołowska Valley in the Polish Tatra Mountains

The paper presents a list of 64 moss species recorded in the Chochołowska Valley (including Wyżnia Chochołowska Valley, Jarząbcza Valley and the surrounding peaks). Detected taxa belong to 25 families. Among them, the most commonly represented are Polytrichaceae (9 species), Dicranaceae (6), Pottiaceae (6), Hylocomiaceae (5), Hypnaceae (5), Grimmiaceae (4), and Bryaceae (4). Mosses were collected from different substrates, but they usually grew on humus (37 taxa), which sometimes covered with a thin layer of granite or limestone gravel. 15 species were found on epilithic habitats, especially on limestone rocks (10), while 8 species occurred on wood or tree trunks. Some mosses occupied synanthropic habitats (6 species). For example, apophytes widely distributed in the lowlands: Tortula muralis, Dryptodon pulvinatus, and Schistidium crassipilum were recorded on the wall near the PTTK shelter on the Chochołowska Glade, whereas an oreoapophyte – Pogonatum urnigerum grew on the path in Wyżnia Chochołowska Valley. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.254697

Ingredients of popular fruit teas in Poland

Fruit teas are very popular on the market of food products in many countries, due to their attractive taste and aroma as well as pro-health and medicinal properties. They are also characterized by the great wealth and diversity of composition. The purpose of this study was to analyze selected products based on the information contained on their packaging. The research included the most popular fruit teas widely available on the Polish food market, i.e. raspberry, cranberry and rosehip teas, 82 products in total. It was found that plant raw materials appearing in the tea names often constitute a small percentage of their composition, while hibiscus and apple occur very often and in the large quantities. The analysis of the content of the basic ingredient of raspberry and cranberry teas showed that they are characterized by a large diversity of quality. In addition to products with a relatively high amount of raspberry or cranberry (mean: 43.8 and 27.2%, respectively), there were teas with a very low level of these ingredients (mean: 7.5 and 1.6%). Against this background, rosehip tea has stood out positively. In this category of products, Rosa spp. hips, as a widely available plant raw material, most often obtained content above 30-40%. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.117558

Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity and Immunosuppressive Cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β1) in Patients with Gastric Cancer

Cytotoxic activity of NK cells was estimated as related to IL-10 and TGF-β1 serum levels and Helicobacter pylori infection in gastric cancer patients. Moreover, we sought to determine whether human gastric adenocarcinoma cells in vitro release IL-10, TGF-β1 or factor(s) affecting NK cytotoxicity. The studies were conducted on 42 patients with gastric cancer (14 with I-II stage—group 1; 28 with III-IV stage—group 2) and on 20 healthy volunteers. The cytotoxicity was tested on NK cells isolated from peripheral blood. IL-10 and TGF-β1 levels were determined by ELISA. H. pylori was detected in cultures of gastric mucosa biopsies and in direct preparations. In 71.4% patients of group 1 NK cytotoxicity and IL-10 serum levels remained within a normal range while in 68% patients of group 2 a marked decrease was noted in cytotoxic function of NK cells, accompanied by increased levels of IL-10 in serum. In turn, in most patients of either group, independently of NK cytotoxicity and stage grouping in the patients, elevated serum levels of TGF-β1 were detected. Presence of H. pylori infection manifested no relationship with NK cytotoxicity, IL-10, or the TGF-β1 serum levels. In cultures of tumour cells presence of IL-10 and TGF-β1 was demonstrated. Nevertheless, supernatants of the cultures did not change cytotoxic activity of NK cells. Development of gastric carcinoma is accompanied by markedly decreased cytotoxic function of NK cells and by elevated IL-10 and TGF-β1 serum levels. Gastric carcinoma cells may release IL-10, the suppressive activity of which may in a secondary manner decrease NK cytotoxicity

Występowanie zakażeń Chlamydia trachomatis u kobiet z niepłodnością w Polsce

Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis represents a causal factor of sexually transmitted infections (STI), the course of which is frequently asymptomatic. Chronic and relapsing infections with Chlamydia trachomatis may result in a disturbed function of oviducts, resulting in infertility. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between manifestations of asymptomatic infections with Chlamydia trachomatis and infertility among Polish women. Material and Methods: The study was conducted between 2010-2013 on 543 women in two groups. Group 1 included 190 patients (aged 23-39 years), in whom control tests were performed before planned pregnancy. Group 2 included 353 patients (aged 23-39 years), suffering from infertility (no pregnancy after 12 months of regular sexual intercourse). The study included all women presenting with infertility. A smear was taken from the cervical canal and DNA of C. trachomatis was isolated and identified using nested-PCR. In the statistical analysis the Fisher’s exact test was applied. Results: Infection with C. trachomatis was detected in 18 (9.47%) controls (group 1) but as many as 81 (22.95%) patients with infertility (group 2). The obtained results were significantly different (pWstęp: Chlamydia trachomatis jest czynnikiem przyczynowym zakażeń przenoszonych drogą płciową (STD), których przebieg kliniczny jest często bezobjawowy. Rezultatem przewlekłych i nawracających zakażeń Chlamydia trachomatis mogą być zaburzenia funkcji jajowodów prowadzące do niepłodności. Cel: Celem badań było dokonanie oceny współzależności pomiędzy występowaniem bezobjawowych zakażeń Chlamydia trachomatis i niepłodnością u kobiet w Polsce. Materiał i Metody: Badania przeprowadzono w latach 2010-2013 u 543 kobiet w 2 grupach. Grupa 1 obejmowała 190 pacjentek, w wieku 23-39 lat, u których przeprowadzono badania kontrolne przed planowaną ciążą. Grupa 2 obejmowała 353 pacjentki, w wieku 23-39 lat, z niepłodnością (brak ciąży po 12 miesiącach regularnego współżycia). Badanie obejmowało wszystkie zgłaszające się chore z niepłodnością. Z materiału pobranego z ujścia kanału szyjki macicy izolowano DNA C. trachomatis i identyfikowano przy użyciu metody nested-PCR. W analizie statystycznej zastosowano dokładny test Fishera. Wyniki: Zakażenie C. trachomatis stwierdzono u 18 (9,47%) pacjentek z kontrolnej grupy 1. Z kolei, w grupie 2 zakażenie C. trachomatis stwierdzono u 81 (22,95%) pacjentek z niepłodnością co stanowi różnicę istotną statystycznie (

Evaluation of antimicrobial resistance of Helicobacter pylori in the last 15 years in West Poland

Increasing resistance to drugs represents a serious problem in treatment of infections with Helicobacter pylori, providing cause of frequent therapeutic failures. Present study aimed at analysis of changes in resistance of H. pylori to antibiotics in West Poland within the recent 15 years. 108 strains of H. pylori were analysed, isolated from gastric mucosa of adult patients. Group 1 involved 66 strains isolated in years of 1998/1999. Group 2 comprised 42 isolates obtained in years of 2013/2014. Susceptibility to amoxicillin (AMX), clarithromycin (CL), tetracycline (TC) and metronidazole (MTZ) was determined by E-test (AB Biodisc). All strains on both studied groups were susceptible to AMX. In group 1 all strains proved to be susceptible to TC, while 9% and 36% of tested strains were resistant to CL and MTZ, respectively. By contrast, in group 2, 31% and 83% of strains were resistant to CL and MTZ, respectively. In parallel, 14% strains were found to be resistant to TC (according to EUCAST interpretations). In West Poland, within recent 15 years a dramatic increase was noted in H. pylori strains resistant to metronidazole. In parallel, a significant increase was noted in proportion of strains resistant to clarithromycin

Phytochemical and crystallographic studies of Azara dentata extracts and its cytotoxic effects on human breast cancer cell, MCF-7

Azara dentata Ruiz & Pav. also called “Corcolen” is an endemic shrub of Chile. The honey produced in areas with abundance of Azara dentata is highly appreciate by its polyphenols. In the present work, we isolated and identified for the first time the phytochemical components of Azara dentata and its cytotoxic effects were analyzed on cancer cells together with its antimicrobial activity. The results showed that palmitic acid methyl ester, linolenic acid methyl ester, α-tocopherol and β-sitosterol are the main non-polar constituents of the plant, while the compounds AD-3 (3-phenylisocoumarin, 0.0001% yield) and AD-4 (methyl 2-phenacyl-benzoate, 0.00039% yield) were isolated by column chromatography with n-hexane/EtOAc (3:2 v/v) and their structures were determined using NMR analysis. In addition, the structure of AD-4 was complemented by a single crystal x-ray structural determination. Azara dentata showed moderate antibacterial activity against S. aureus and S. epidermidis with a MIC of 5.0 and 10 mg/mL respectively. The cytotoxic activity of Azara dentata against MCF-7 cancer cells showed an IC50 of 15.63 µg/mL, this is a promissory value for the deeper study of its metabolites in cancer models.Fil: Paz, Cristian. Universidad de La Frontera; ChileFil: González Chavarría, Iván. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Freire Espeleta, Eleonora. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Investigaciones y Aplicaciones no Nucleares. Gerencia de Física (Centro Atómico Constituyentes); Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Ortiz, Leandro. Universidad Austral de Chile; ChileFil: Karpiński, Tomasz M.. Poznan University Of Medical Sciences; PoloniaFil: Duprat, Felix. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Baggio, Ricardo Fortunato. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Investigaciones y Aplicaciones no Nucleares. Gerencia de Física (Centro Atómico Constituyentes); Argentin