Metabolic engineering of Rhizopus oryzae for the production of platform chemicals

Rhizopus oryzae is a filamentous fungus belonging to the Zygomycetes. It is among others known for its ability to produce the sustainable platform chemicals l-(+)-lactic acid, fumaric acid, and ethanol. During glycolysis, all fermentable carbon sources are metabolized to pyruvate and subsequently distributed over the pathways leading to the formation of these products. These platform chemicals are produced in high yields on a wide range of carbon sources. The yields are in excess of 85 % of the theoretical yield for l-(+)-lactic acid and ethanol and over 65 % for fumaric acid. The study and optimization of the metabolic pathways involved in the production of these compounds requires well-developed metabolic engineering tools and knowledge of the genetic makeup of this organism. This review focuses on the current metabolic engineering techniques available for R. oryzae and their application on the metabolic pathways of the main fermentation products

Ongoing strategies to improve the management of upper respiratory tract infections and reduce inappropriate antibiotic use particularly among lower and middle-income countries: findings and implications for the future

Introduction: Antibiotics are indispensable to maintaining human health; however, their overuse has resulted in resistant organisms, increasing morbidity, mortality and costs. Increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat, resulting in multiple campaigns across countries to improve appropriate antimicrobial use. This includes addressing the overuse of antimicrobials for self-limiting infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), particularly in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where there is the greatest inappropriate use and where antibiotic utilization has increased the most in recent years. Consequently, there is a need to document current practices and successful initiatives in LMICs to improve future antimicrobial use. Methodology: Documentation of current epidemiology and management of URTIs, particularly in LMICs, as well as campaigns to improve future antimicrobial use and their influence where known. Results: Much concern remains regarding the prescribing and dispensing of antibiotics for URTIs among LMICs. This includes considerable self-purchasing, up to 100% of pharmacies in some LMICs. However, multiple activities are now ongoing to improve future use. These incorporate educational initiatives among all key stakeholder groups, as well as legislation and other activities to reduce self-purchasing as part of National Action Plans (NAPs). Further activities are still needed however. These include increased physician and pharmacist education, starting in medical and pharmacy schools; greater monitoring of prescribing and dispensing practices, including the development of pertinent quality indicators; and targeted patient information and health education campaigns. It is recognized that such activities are more challenging in LMICs given more limited resources and a lack of healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Initiatives will grow across LMICs to reduce inappropriate prescribing and dispensing of antimicrobials for URTIs as part of NAPs and other activities, and these will be monitored

Effet antimicrobien et sur le mal de gorge d’un spray à base d’extraits de sauge et de sureau, d’huile essentielle de menthe poivrée, de miel et de zinc

International audienceSore throat is one of the most common reasons for consultation in general medicine. Besides the usual allopathic drugs, phytotherapy can be envisaged for its management. To assess the relevance of a product combining extracts of sage and elder, peppermint essential oil, honey and zinc for the management of sore throat, its effect was evaluated in vitro against the main pathogens involved in sore throat (broth microdilution method) and in a prospective observational study carried out in pharmacies. Bactericidal activity was observed against all Gram-negative (Branhamella catarrhalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Haemophilus influenzae) and Gram-positive (Streptococcus pyogenes) bacteria strains; antiviral activity was also tested against type 3 para-influenzae virus. Product activity was maintained at 1:64 dilution ratio. Data collected during the observational study suggest that the product can relieve pain and other symptoms such as dry throat sensation and erythema within 17 minutes on average after spraying. While eliminating possible pathogens involved, the product could relieve pain and symptoms associated with sore throat. These results will have to be confirmed in a clinical trial.Le mal de gorge est un des motifs de consultation en médecine générale les plus fréquents. Pour le soulager, outre les traitements allopathiques usuels, la prise de produits de phytothérapie peut être envisagée. L’intérêt d’un produit de phytothérapie associant des extraits de sauge et de sureau, de l’huile essentielle de menthe poivrée, du miel et du zinc dans la prise en charge du mal de gorge a été évalué in vitro en mesurant son activité sur les principaux pathogènes impliqués dans les angines (microméthode en milieu liquide) et au cours d’une enquête observationnelle prospective conduite en pharmacie d’officine. Une activité bactéricide a été observée à la fois sur les bactéries à Gram négatif (Branhamella catarrhalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum et Haemophilus influenzae) et à Gram positif (Streptococcus pyogenes) étudiées ainsi qu’une activité antivirale vis à-vis du virus para-influenzae de type 3. Cette activité a été maintenue après dilution du produit au 1/64. Les données recueillies au cours de l’étude observationnelle suggèrent que le produit de phytothérapie peut soulager le mal de gorge et les symptômes associés en particulier la sensation de gorge sèche et l’érythème dans un délai de 17 minutes en moyenne après pulvérisation du produit. Tout en éliminant les éventuels pathogènes impliqués, le produit de phytothérapie pourrait donc soulager la douleur et les symptômes associés au mal de gorge. Ces résultats devront être confirmés au cours d’une étude clinique