Search Results (116)

Background: Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma hominis are urogenital pathogens that may be missed by routine culture, particularly in patients with genitourinary symptoms in whom conventional methods fail to identify an etiologic agent. Limited routine implementation of targeted diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) for these organisms may contribute to diagnostic uncertainty and treatment failure. Methods: Seventy-five midstream urine samples submitted for suspected urinary tract infection and positive for Ureaplasma spp. according to a q-PCR urinary panel (Bioeksen, İstanbul, Türkiye) were tested the same day with MYCOPLASMA IST3 (bioMérieux, Marcy-l’Étoile, France) to assess growth and antimicrobial susceptibility. Results: q-PCR detected U. parvum in 54/75 (72%), U. urealyticum in 15/75 (20%), and both species in 6/75 (8%); M. hominis was not included in the PCR panel. MYCOPLASMA IST3 showed growth in 70/75 samples (positive percent agreement, 93.33%), while 5/75 (discordance, 6.66%) showed no growth. Among culture-positive samples, 57/70 (81.42%) yielded Ureaplasma spp. alone, and 13/70 (18.58%) yielded Ureaplasma spp. together with M. hominis. Resistance to levofloxacin and tetracycline was observed in 15.7% and 12.9% of Ureaplasma spp. isolates, respectively; resistance to moxifloxacin, erythromycin, and telithromycin was observed in 2.9% of isolates for each agent. In M. hominis isolates, no resistance to levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, or tetracycline was observed, whereas clindamycin resistance was observed in 7.7% of isolates. Conclusions: In addition to intrinsic resistance, acquired antimicrobial resistance in Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma species appears to be increasing; therefore, treatment decisions should be guided by AST whenever feasible. Clinical laboratories should implement appropriate diagnostic methods for these organisms and perform susceptibility testing when indicated to support clinical decision making and optimize antimicrobial selection. Full article

This research proposes a bioeconomy model that integrates the principles of Marketing 3.0 with the concept of a biorefinery to valorize the Creole-Antillean avocado cultivated in the Montes de María region, Colombia. The study emerges from the absence of commercial strategies that articulate social responsibility and economic viability in the use of agricultural by-products, considering that the current industry is almost exclusively focused on the Hass variety. The methodology employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. Market studies, consumer segmentation, competition and trend analyses were conducted, along with the use of the TradeMap platform to identify export opportunities and the international positioning of avocado-derived products. In the experimental phase, the production processes were validated: bio-oil was extracted through the Soxhlet method using solvents, while chlorophyll and biocontrol agents were isolated with ethanol, ensuring efficiency and scalability. The results obtained through Aspen Plus simulation were validated by comparing software outputs with data reported in the literature. The model includes a corporate social responsibility section that evaluates the regional impact, highlighting job creation, community inclusion, and the strengthening of the social fabric. Results show that in 2023, Mexico led exports with 1,220,919 tons, followed by the Netherlands and Peru, while Colombia reached 114,741 tons, consolidating itself as a country with high growth potential. The findings suggest that the valorization of the Creole-Antillean variety represents a strategic opportunity to diversify the agroindustry, strengthen competitiveness, create employment, reduce waste, and guide investment decisions in bioeconomy, sustainability, promoting rural development and green innovation in Colombia. Full article

The present work reports the bioguided isolation of constituents from the ethanol extract of Holarrhena floribunda stem bark, their identification by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identification, and the in silico prediction of the pharmacokinetic and toxicity parameters. The crude extract, along with its n-hexane and alkaloid-rich fractions, displayed moderate to good antiplasmodial activity in vitro against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and multidrug-resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 6.54 to 43.54 µg/mL. Seventeen steroidal alkaloids (1–17) were identified in the most active fraction using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, based on their fragmentation patterns and analysis with the Structural Similarity Network Annotation Platform for Mass Spectrometry (SNAP-MS). Furthermore, bioguided isolation of the ethanol extract yielded twenty-one compounds (3, 5, 10, 14–16, 18–31), whose structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Among them, compounds 5, 14, and 27 showed the highest potency against the two strains of P. falciparum, with IC₅₀ values between 25.97 and 55.78 µM. In addition, the in silico prediction of pharmacokinetic parameters and drug-likeness using the SwissADME web tool indicated that most of the evaluated compounds (1, 3–5, and 14–16) complied with Lipinski’s rule of five. Full article

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) reflects the intricate and bidirectional interplay between cardiac and renal dysfunction, commonly resulting in diagnostic uncertainty, therapeutic dilemmas and poor outcomes. While traditional biomarkers like serum creatinine (Cr) and natriuretic peptides remain widely used, their limitations in specificity, timing and contextual interpretation often hinder optimal management. This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence on established and emerging biomarkers in CRS, with emphasis on their clinical relevance, integration into real-world practice, and potential to inform precision therapy. Markers of glomerular filtration rate beyond creatinine—such as cystatin C—offer more accurate assessment in frail or sarcopenic patients, while tubular injury markers such as NGAL, KIM-1, and urinary L-FABP (uL-FABP) provide early signals of structural renal damage. The FDA-approved NephroCheck^® test—based on TIMP-2 and IGFBP7— enables risk stratification for imminent AKI up to 24 h before functional decline. Congestion-related markers such as CA125 and bio-adrenomedullin outperform natriuretic peptides in certain CRS phenotypes, particularly in right-sided heart failure or renally impaired patients. Fibrosis and inflammation markers (galectin-3, sST2, GDF-15) add prognostic insights, especially when combined with NT-proBNP or troponin. Rather than presenting biomarkers in isolation, this review proposes a framework that links them to specific clinical contexts—such as suspected decongestion-related renal worsening or persistent congestion despite therapy—to support actionable interpretation. A tailored, scenario-based, multi-marker strategy may enhance diagnostic precision and treatment safety in CRS. Future research should prioritize prospective biomarker-guided trials and standardized pathways for clinical integration. Full article

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), represent one of the main global health challenges. Cannabis sativa synthesizes spermidine-type alkaloids, whose potential biological activities have been little studied. This study aimed to isolate bioactive alkaloids from an alkaloid-enriched extract (AEE) of C. sativa roots throughout a bioguided approach using conventional chromatographic techniques based on AChE and BuChE inhibitory activities. A qualitative and semiquantitative analysis by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS as well as molecular modeling simulations were performed. In addition, predictive in silico analyses were conducted to assess toxicity properties. The alkaloids cannabisativine (CS) and anhydrocannabisativine (ACS) were isolated, and showed highly selective BuChE inhibitory activity. The molecular modeling study revealed a conserved interaction profile across both alkaloids, indicating the amino acids TRP82, GLU197, TYR440, and HIS438 as the major contributors involved in the complex formation. Finally, CS and ACS exhibited low in silico predictive toxicity values. In conclusion, CS and ACS alkaloids emerge as new selective BuChE inhibitors with therapeutic potential that deserves the attention from the field of pharmacology in neurodegenerative disease research. Additionally, this approach promotes innovation and environmental sustainability through the use of C. sativa roots. Full article

The kynurenine (KYN) metabolic pathway sits at the crossroads of immunity, metabolism, and neurobiology, yet its clinical translation remains fragmented. Emerging spatial omics, wearable chronobiology, and synthetic microbiota studies reveal that tryptophan (Trp) metabolism is regulated by distinct cellular “checkpoints” along the gut–brain axis, finely modulated by sex differences, circadian rhythms, and microbiome composition. However, current interventions tackle single levers in isolation, leaving a key gap in the precision control of Trp’s fate. To address this, we drew upon an extensive body of the primary literature and databases, mapping enzyme expression across tissues at single-cell resolution and linking these profiles to clinical trials investigating dual indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1)/tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) inhibitors, engineered probiotics, and chrono-modulated dosing strategies. We then developed decision-tree algorithms that rank therapeutic combinations against biomarker feedback loops derived from real-time saliva, plasma, and stool metabolomics. This synthesis pinpoints microglial and endothelial KYN hotspots, quantifies sex-specific chronotherapeutic windows, and identifies engineered Bifidobacterium consortia and dual inhibitors as synergistic nodes capable of reducing immunosuppressive KYN while preserving neuroprotective kynurenic acid. Here, we highlight a framework that couples lifestyle levers, bio-engineered microbes, and adaptive pharmaco-regimens into closed-loop “smart protocols.” By charting these intersections, this study offers a roadmap for biomarker-guided, multidisciplinary interventions that could recalibrate KYN metabolic activity across cancer, mood, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders, appealing to clinicians, bioengineers, and systems biologists alike. Full article

Background: Biomimetic strategies have gained increasing attention for their ability to enhance the delivery, stability, and functionality of nutraceuticals by emulating natural biological systems. However, the literature remains fragmented, often focusing on isolated technologies without integrating regulatory, predictive, or translational perspectives. Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary synthesis of biomimetic and bio-inspired nanocarrier strategies for nutraceutical delivery, while identifying critical gaps in standardization, scalability, and clinical translation. Results: We present a structured classification matrix that maps biomimetic delivery systems by material type, target site, and bioactive compound class. In addition, we analyze predictive design tools (e.g., PBPK modeling and AI-based formulation), regulatory frameworks (e.g., EFSA, FDA, and GSRS), and risk-driven strategies as underexplored levers to accelerate innovation. The review also integrates ethical and environmental considerations, and highlights emerging trends such as multifunctional hybrid systems and green synthesis routes. Conclusions: By bridging scientific, technological, and regulatory domains, this review offers a novel conceptual and translational roadmap to guide the next generation of biomimetic nutraceutical delivery systems. It addresses key bottlenecks and proposes integrative strategies to enhance design precision, safety, and scalability. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, largely driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a multidrug-resistant pathogen, remains a critical target for novel antibiotic development. This study explores the rhizosphere of the wild apple tree (Malus trilobata) in Lebanon as a potential source of antibacterial compounds. A bacterial strain, MR7S4, identified as Streptomyces anulatus, was isolated and characterized. Its crude extracts exhibited potent activity against Gram-positive pathogens, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 2 µg/mL against S. aureus ATCC 29213, S. aureus Newman, and S. aureus N315 (MRSA), and of 1 µg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433. Bio-guided fractionation and structural analysis identified a novel antibacterial pyrazinone derivative, MR7S4-F3. This compound demonstrated MIC values of 4–16 µg/mL against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, multiple S. aureus strains, E. faecalis ATCC 19433, E. faecium DSM 17050 (VRE), and E. faecium DSM 20478, while exhibiting no activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Whole-genome sequencing of MR7S4 revealed 35 biosynthetic gene clusters, underscoring its potential for natural product discovery. These findings highlight the untapped microbial diversity of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as a valuable reservoir for antibiotic discovery. MR7S4-F3 emerges as a promising bioactive scaffold, addressing the urgent need for new therapeutic options to combat AMR. Full article

Background: Monomicrobial Enterobacterales necrotizing fasciitis is associated with exceedingly high mortality rates. Although effective antimicrobial therapy is an important part of treatment, the traditional microbiological diagnostic methods are not fast enough to meaningfully influence early therapeutic decisions. Methods: Here, we report the application of the BioMérieux Biofire Filmarray Joint Infection Panel (BFJIP) for the rapid detection of the causative agent and susceptibility prediction in such a case. Aside from the BFJIP-based rapid diagnostic approach and culturing, the whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the causative agent was performed using Illumina MiSeq and Oxford Nanopore MinION platforms. Results: The BFJIP indicated the presence of K. pneumoniae, without KPC, VIM, IMP, NDM, OXA-48 carbapenemase genes, and CTX-M-type extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. Based on the WGS data, the isolate belonged to the K1-capsule-type ST23, harboured a pNTUH-2044-like plasmid, and was positive for all the virulence factors associated with this lineage. The conventional susceptibility results were also in accordance with the BFJIP results; the isolate lacked any of these acquired resistance mechanisms. Conclusions: Despite this being the first case of the successful identification of pathogenic bacteria in necrotising fasciitis using this assay, the BFJIP may become a useful tool for rapid identification of pathogens in necrotising fasciitis cases and guiding antimicrobial therapy for better clinical outcomes. Full article

The present investigation deals with comparisons drawn among three types of different mustard seed coat colors, namely, Black (Brassica nigra), Brown (Brassica juncea), and White (Sinapis alba), with respect to protein’s bio-availability through pepsin digestibility, with and without the involvement of major anti-nutritional factors (glucosinolate type AITC, Allylisothiothiocyanate) and relative food functions. These are validated by means of crude protein determination, precipitated protein isolate preparation for evaluating the fat absorption capacity (FAC), emulsifying activity (EA), emulsion stability (ES), whippability, foam stability (FS), the nitrogen solubility index (NSI), and the protein dispersibility index (PDI). The results indicate that the partial removal of glucosinolates from brown mustard (0.91 to 0.31%), black mustard (0.74 to 0.31%), and white mustard (0.58 to 0.30%) improved protein’s digestibility, as analyzed through a pepsin assay, with values of 12.84, 12.60, and 4.53% in brown, black, and white mustard, respectively. Among functional properties, the highest FAC, whippability, foam stability, and NSI values were noted in the brown mustard seed meal, derived from precipitated protein isolates, while EA and PDI were the highest in white mustard seeds, and black seeds possessed the highest ES value. Interestingly, these mustard seed meals are limited in their consumption, albeit by virtue of the different phytochemical and food functional parameters that are being elucidated here. The present research shows the relevance of different food functional properties and the presence of anti-nutritional factors, and uses protein-digestibility tests, which are important deciding parameters for enhanced food consumption in animal diets. Additionally, targeted molecular and protein–protein docking results revealed how and why the mustard seed meals are limited in their consumption by virtue of various metabolite interactions. This thereby opens the gateways to many required in vivo and in silico future research insights among AITC–pepsin, AITC–myrosinase, pepsin–myrosinase, and cruciferin–myrosinase complexes. Consequently, the metabolic pathways governing AITC involved in the glucosinolate–myrosinase system need to be studied in depth for a better understanding of in vivo AITC metabolism. This knowledge can guide future studies in improving the health benefits of mustard seeds and seed meals while addressing their consumption limitations. Full article

Pentadesma butyracea is a medicinal plant of which bark decoctions are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhea symptoms in Gabon. The aim of the present work was to perform phytochemical and pharmacological analyses of decoctions of P. butyracea bark. In a principal approach, spectrophotometric analyses were used to quantify phenolic compounds, followed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis that allowed the identification of flavanone–flavone dimers as the main metabolites. Pharmacological analyses showed the absence of toxicity, thus confirming the safety of use of this decoction in traditional medicine. The antioxidant activity of the bark decoctions was demonstrated to depend on their phenolic contents. The decoction of stem barks harvested during the rainy season also induced a dose-dependent relaxation of isolated ileum fragments from Wistar rats. In addition, the antidiarrheal activity of P. butyracea barks was investigated against castor oil-induced diarrhea. The oral administration of different concentrations of this decoction led to a decrease in wet stools, indicating an antidiarrheal effect at the doses that were used. These results encourage the deepening of bio-guided research on P. butyracea bark decoctions in order to propose standard traditional medical treatments. Full article

Wound healing stands as a paramount therapeutic pursuit, imposing significant challenges on healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations. Cedrus brevifolia, a species endemic to Cyprus, thrives in the Tripylos region, commonly known as Cedar Valley, within the Paphos forest. Despite its endemism, this species exhibits negligible genetic divergence from its Mediterranean related species. This study aims to investigate the potential of C. brevifolia resin and bark extracts in promoting wound healing in a mouse model. Previous in vitro investigations have elucidated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of extracts and isolates derived from the title plant, warranting further exploration in an in vivo setting. This experimental design employed 40 male SKH-hr2 black and brown mice aged 2–4 months. Wounds measuring 1 cm² were meticulously induced in the anesthetized mice and the potential healing effect of the herbal hydrogel formulations was evaluated. The healing potential of the C. brevifolia extracts was rigorously assessed through the daily application of gel formulations containing resin concentrations of 5% and 10% w/w, alongside sapwood and heartwood extracts at concentrations of 0.5% and 1% w/w. The evaluation of the treatments encompassed a multifaceted approach, incorporating clinical observations, skin biophysical parameter assessments utilizing an Antera 3D camera, and FT-IR spectroscopy, in addition to histopathological examination. The chemical compositions were also investigated through NMR and bio-guided isolation. The most prominent herbal hydrogel preparation proved to be the 10% resin, followed by the sapwood at 1%. The chemical analysis unveiled abietic acid, manool, and lariciresinol derivatives that potentially contributed to the observed results. Bridging the gap between in vitro observations and in vivo outcomes attempts to shed light on the potential therapeutic benefits of C. brevifolia hydrogels in wound care. Full article

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi (Fop) poses significant threats to pea cultivation worldwide. Controlling this disease is mainly achieved through the integration of various disease management procedures, among which biological control has proven to be a safe and effective approach. This study aims to extract and identify antifungal secondary metabolites from Streptomyces alboflavus KRO3 strain and assess their effectiveness in inhibiting the in vitro growth of Fop. This bacterial strain exerts in vitro antagonistic activity against Fop, achieving highly significant inhibition over one week. The ethyl acetate extract, obtained from its ISP2 agar medium culture, also exhibited strong antifungal activity, maintaining an inhibition rate of approximately 90% at concentrations up to 250 µg/plug compared to the control. Thus, the organic extract has been fractionated using chromatographic techniques and its bioguided purification allowed us to isolate the main bioactive compound. This latter was identified as metacycloprodigiosin using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and specific optical rotation data. Metacycloprodigiosin demonstrates dose-dependent inhibitory activity against the phytopathogen with an effective concentration of 125 µg/plug. The other secondary metabolites present in the ethyl acetate extract were also identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). This study highlighted the potential of S. alboflavus KRO3 strain and its antimicrobial compounds for the management of the pea pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi. Full article

This study focused on bio-guided isolation based on antioxidant activities from Dicranopteris linearis spores and Averrhoa bilimbi branches. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined. For D. linearis spores, the ethyl acetate (EA) extract exhibited the highest TPC (120.13 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g) and TFC (21.94 ± 0.30 mg QE/g), along with strong DPPH antioxidant activity (96.3 ± 0.3% inhibition, IC₅₀ of 39.4 ± 0.3 µg/mL). For A. bilimbi branches, the n-hexane–ethyl acetate (HEA) extract showed the highest TPC (165.21 ± 0.24 mg GAE/g) and TFC (26.20 ± 0.01 mg QE/g), with significant DPPH antioxidant activity (89.6 ± 0.7% inhibition, IC₅₀ of 39.7 ± 1.9 µg/mL). Phytochemical investigation led to the identification of ten compounds (D1–D10) from D. linearis spores and twelve compounds (A1–A12) from A. bilimbi branches. Notably, compound A1 was identified as a new natural compound. The chemical structures were elucidated through NMR spectroscopy and comparison with existing literature. The antioxidant activities of selected compounds (D3–D5, D8–D10, and A1–A11) were evaluated using DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays. Among them, compound A3 exhibited the strongest antioxidant activities (IC₅₀ of 7.1 ± 0.1 µg/mL for DPPH and 14.8 ± 0.1 for ABTS, respectively). The results of this study highlight the potential of D. linearis and A. bilimbi for use in natural product-based antioxidant applications. Full article

This study focused on isolating, identifying, and evaluating the trypanocidal potential against the hemoflagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi of compounds from Parthenium incanum (Mariola), a plant used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat stomach and liver disorders. P. incanum has a wide distribution in Mexico. This study found that methanolic extracts of P. incanum, obtained by static maceration and successive reflux, had promising results. The fractions were compared using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and those that showed similarities were mixed. A bioguided assay was performed with Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, using agar diffusion and bioautography techniques to determine the preliminary biological activity. The fractions with antimicrobial activity were purified using a preparative thin-layer chromatography (PTLC) plate, obtaining the bioactive bandages that were subjected to a trypanocidal evaluation against the Ninoa strain of T. cruzi in its epimastigote stage. This revealed an IC₅₀ of up to 45 ± 2.5 µg/mL, in contrast to the values obtained from the crude extracts of less than 100 µg/mL. The TLC, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) techniques were used to identify the compounds, demonstrating the presence of sesquiterpene lactones, parthenin, and coronopolin. We concluded that these compounds have the potential to inhibit T. cruzi growth. Full article