Rhynchophorus ferrugineus larvae: A novel source for combating broad-spectrum bacterial and fungal infections.

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern due to the growth of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, which makes it difficult to treat infection. Due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against a diverse array of bacteria, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus larval antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have demonstrated potential as antimicrobial agents for the treatment of microbial infections and prevention of antibiotic resistance. This study emphasizes the unexplored mechanisms of action of R. ferrugineus larvae against microorganisms. Among the most widely discussed mechanisms is the effect of AMPs in larvae in response to a threat or infection. Modulation of immune-related genes in the intestine and phagocytic capacity of its hemocytes may also affect the antimicrobial activity of R. ferrugineus larvae, with an increase in phenoloxidase activity possibly correlated with microbial clearance and survival rates of larvae. The safety and toxicity of R. ferrugineus larvae extracts, as well as their long-term efficacy, are also addressed in this paper. The implications of future research are explored in this paper, and it is certain that R. ferrugineus larvae have the potential to be developed as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent with proper investigation.

Therapeutic potential of propolis in alleviating inflammatory response and promoting wound healing in skin burn.

Burns can cause inflammation and delayed healing, necessitating alternative therapies due to the limitations of conventional treatments. Propolis, a natural bee-produced substance, has shown promise in facilitating burn healing. This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of propolis' mechanisms of action, wound-healing properties, and its application in treating skin burns. Propolis contains bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising candidate for managing skin burn injuries. It helps prevent infections, neutralize harmful free radicals, and promote a well-balanced inflammatory response. Moreover, propolis aids in wound closure, tissue regeneration, collagen synthesis, cellular proliferation, and angiogenesis, contributing to tissue regeneration and remodeling. The article discusses various propolis extracts, extraction methods, chemical composition, and optimized formulations like ointments and creams for burn wound treatment. Considerations regarding dosage and safety are addressed. Further research is needed to fully understand propolis' mechanisms, determine optimal formulations, and establish suitable clinical dosages. Nevertheless, propolis' natural origin and demonstrated benefits make it a compelling avenue for burn care exploration, potentially complementing existing therapies and improving burn management outcomes.

Antimicrobial Potential of Rhynchophorus Beetle Larval Haemolymph Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The emergence of methicillin-resistant community-acquired <i>Staphylococcus aureus </i>and antibiotic-resistant <i>Neisseria gonorrhoeae</i> has raised significant concerns. Efforts to combat resistance involve the exploration of novel alternative therapies, particularly those derived from insect components. <i>Rhynchophorus</i> sp., a coconut pest commonly found in Southeast Asia, has haemolymph that exhibits bactericidal properties<i>.</i> The objective of this study was to assess the potential of the haemolymph of <i>Rhynchophorus</i> sp., larvae as an antimicrobial agent against Methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MRSA) and <i>Neisseria gonorrhoeae</i>. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> In this study, <i>Rhynchophorus</i> sp., larvae were gathered for the purpose of haemolymph extraction. These larvae were then divided into distinct groups, with one group subjected to immunization using <i>Escherichia coli</i>, while another group was left unimmunized. The study utilized the well diffusion method to evaluate antibacterial effectiveness. <b>Results:</b> Haemolymph fluid extracts from <i>Escherichia</i> coli-immunized <i>Rhynchophorus</i> sp., larvae, exhibited strong antibacterial activity, with an average value of 19.3±0.47 mm, against MRSA, more enhanced compared to unimmunized larvae. In contrast, haemolymph fluid extracts from <i>Escherichia coli</i>-immunized <i>Rhynchophorus</i> sp., larvae demonstrated a more moderate antibacterial activity, with a mean of 14.17±0.27 mm, against <i>Neisseria gonorrhoeae</i>, a level similar to unimmunized larvae. <b>Conclusion:</b> The haemolymph extracted from <i>Rhynchophorus </i>sp., beetles larvae exhibited antimicrobial effects against MRSA and <i>Neisseria gonorrhoeae</i>, particularly when it is enhanced through <i>Escherichia coli</i> immunization.

Crusted Scabies, a Neglected Tropical Disease: Case Series and Literature Review.

Crusted scabies is a rare form of scabies that presents with more severe symptoms than those of classic scabies. It is characterized by large crusted lesions, extensive scales, thick hyperkeratosis, and contains a large number of highly contagious itch mites. Crusted scabies is more prevalent in immunocompromised, malnourished, and disabled individuals. This disease has been linked to a variety of health problems, including delayed diagnosis, infection risk, and high mortality, mainly from sepsis, and it has the potential to cause an outbreak due to its hyper-infestation, which makes it highly infectious. This article reports three cases of crusted scabies in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Recent updates and a comprehensive review of the literature on the disease are also included, emphasizing the critical importance of early diagnosis and effective medical management of patients, which are necessary to prevent the complications and spread in communities.

Fruit Bromelain-Derived Peptide Potentially Restrains the Attachment of SARS-CoV-2 Variants to hACE2: A Pharmacoinformatics Approach.

Before entering the cell, the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein receptor-binding domain (RBD) binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor. Hence, this RBD is a critical target for the development of antiviral agents. Recent studies have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 variants with mutations in the RBD have spread globally. The purpose of this in silico study was to determine the potential of a fruit bromelain-derived peptide. DYGAVNEVK. to inhibit the entry of various SARS-CoV-2 variants into human cells by targeting the hACE binding site within the RBD. Molecular docking analysis revealed that DYGAVNEVK interacts with several critical RBD binding residues responsible for the adhesion of the RBD to hACE2. Moreover, 100 ns MD simulations revealed stable interactions between DYGAVNEVK and RBD variants derived from the trajectory of root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), radius of gyration (Rg), and root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF) analysis, as well as free binding energy calculations. Overall, our computational results indicate that DYGAVNEVK warrants further investigation as a candidate for preventing SARS-CoV-2 due to its interaction with the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Mucocutaneous mycoses in people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: To date, integrated care for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) has improved. However, although the management of mucocutaneous mycosis cases has improved, disease progression might be different in immunocompromised patients, which leads to variable clinical manifestations. OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of mucocutaneous mycosis cases in the PLHIV population and its associated factors in Indonesia. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted from January 2014 to December 2018 in four academic hospitals. Data were acquired from medical records with the inclusion of mucocutaneous mycosis patients with concurrent HIV infection. Analysis with the chi-squared test was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. RESULTS: A total of 1,796 cases of mucocutaneous mycoses were identified in 1782 PLHIV. The most common types of infection were candidiasis (63%), followed by dermatophytosis (35.1%), and malasseziosis (1.9%), which were significantly higher in PLHIV with CD4 level <200 cells/mm3 . The proportions of male gender (78.6% vs. 56.3%, p < .001), high level of education (48.0% vs. 64.1%, p < .001), office workers (73.8% vs. 64.1%, p < .001), combination of topical and systemic antifungal agents (59.1% vs. 48.5%, p = .006) and not receiving antiretroviral therapy (63.2% vs. 7.8%, p < .001) were significantly higher in PLHIV with a CD4 level <200 cells/mm3 . CONCLUSION: In Indonesia, the most common fungal infection in PLHIV is candidiasis. This study also addressed the important matters regarding mucocutaneous mycoses in PLHIV. Education is an important measure to prevent the incidence of cutaneous mycoses in PLHIV, especially in high-risk groups.

A Review of the Antimicrobial Potential of Musca domestica as a Natural Approach with Promising Prospects to Countermeasure Antibiotic Resistance.

Drug-resistant pathogens have become a serious public health concern worldwide considering the rapid emergence and distribution of new strains, which outpace the development of antimicrobial drugs. It is a complex and serious clinical problem that can cause an epidemic of a disease; consequently, numerous research studies are conducted to determine the solution to these problems, including the development of new antibiotics derived from natural sources such as insects. The housefly (Musca domestica L.), an insect known as a cosmopolitan pest, possesses several qualities that can ameliorate diseases; consequently, they can be used as a bioactive component in the development of medicines. These qualities include its potential as a source of antibacterial agents. The external surface components, wings, internal organs, and whole body extract of M. domestica can all contribute antimicrobial potential due to bioactive compounds they produce. This article discusses several antimicrobial properties of M. domestica that could be utilized for healthcare benefits.

A Comprehensive Review of the Potential Use of Green Tea Polyphenols in the Management of COVID-19.

Green tea is produced from Camellia sinensis (L.) buds and leaves that have not gone through the oxidation and withering processes used to produce black and oolong teas. It was originated in China, but its cultivation and production have expanded to other Eastern Asian countries. Several polyphenolic compounds, including flavandiols, flavonols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, are found in green tea and may constitute greater than 30% of the dry weight. Flavonols, especially catechins, represent the majority of green tea polyphenols. Green tea polyphenolic compounds have been reported to confer several health benefits. This review describes the potential use of green tea polyphenols in the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of green tea polyphenols have also been considered in this review. In addition to describing the bioactivities associated with green tea polyphenols, this review discusses the potential delivery of these biomolecules using a nanoparticle drug delivery system. Moreover, the bioavailability and toxicity of green tea polyphenols are also evaluated.

In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Potential of Bacillus cereus Isolated from Apis dorsata Gut against Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health and development concern on a global scale. The increasing resistance of the pathogenic bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae to antibiotics necessitates efforts to identify potential alternative antibiotics from nature, including insects, which are already recognized as a source of natural antibiotics by the scientific community. This study aimed to determine the potential of components of gut-associated bacteria isolated from Apis dorsata, an Asian giant honeybee, as an antibacterial against N. gonorrhoeae by in vitro and in silico methods as an initial process in the stage of new drug discovery. The identified gut-associated bacteria of A. dorsata included Acinetobacter indicus and Bacillus cereus with 100% identity to referenced bacteria from GenBank. Cell-free culture supernatants (CFCS) of B. cereus had a very strong antibacterial activity against N. gonorrhoeae in an in vitro antibacterial testing. Meanwhile, molecular docking revealed that antimicrobial lipopeptides from B. cereus (surfactin, fengycin, and iturin A) had a comparable value of binding-free energy (BFE) with the target protein receptor for N. gonorrhoeae, namely penicillin-binding protein (PBP) 1 and PBP2 when compared with the ceftriaxone, cefixime, and doxycycline. The molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) study revealed that the surfactin remains stable at the active site of PBP2 despite the alteration of the H-bond and hydrophobic interactions. According to this finding, surfactin has the greatest antibacterial potential against PBP2 of N. gonorrhoeae.

Potential of Plant Bioactive Compounds as SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) and Spike (S) Glycoprotein Inhibitors: A Molecular Docking Study.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 19) pandemic, researchers have been trying to investigate several active compounds found in plants that have the potential to inhibit the proliferation of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). The present study aimed to evaluate bioactive compounds found in plants using a molecular docking approach to inhibit the main protease (Mpro) and spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2. The evaluation was performed on the docking scores calculated using AutoDock Vina (AV) as a docking engine. A rule of five (Ro5) was calculated to determine whether a compound meets the criteria as an active drug orally in humans. The determination of the docking score was performed by selecting the best conformation of the protein-ligand complex that had the highest affinity (most negative Gibbs' free energy of binding/ΔG). As a comparison, nelfinavir (an antiretroviral drug), chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine sulfate (antimalarial drugs recommended by the FDA as emergency drugs) were used. The results showed that hesperidin, nabiximols, pectolinarin, epigallocatechin gallate, and rhoifolin had better poses than nelfinavir, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine sulfate as spike glycoprotein inhibitors. Hesperidin, rhoifolin, pectolinarin, and nabiximols had about the same pose as nelfinavir but were better than chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine sulfate as Mpro inhibitors. This finding implied that several natural compounds of plants evaluated in this study showed better binding free energy compared to nelfinavir, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine sulfate, which so far are recommended in the treatment of COVID-19. From quantum chemical DFT calculations, the ascending order of chemical reactivity of selected compounds was pectolinarin > hesperidin > rhoifolin > morin > epigallocatechin gallate. All isolated compounds' C=O regions are preferable for an electrophilic attack, and O-H regions are suitable for a nucleophilic attack. Furthermore, Homo-Lumo and global descriptor values indicated a satisfactory remarkable profile for the selected compounds. As judged by the RO5 and previous study by others, the compounds kaempferol, herbacetin, eugenol, and 6-shogaol have good oral bioavailability, so they are also seen as promising candidates for the development of drugs to treat infections caused by SARS-CoV-2. The present study identified plant-based compounds that can be further investigated in vitro and in vivo as lead compounds against SARS-CoV-2.