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During the COVID-19 pandemic, facemasks played a pivotal role in preventing person-person droplet transmission of viral particles. However, prolonged facemask wearing causes skin irritations colloquially referred to as 'maskne' (mask + acne), which manifests as acne and contact dermatitis and is mostly caused by pathogenic skin microbes. Previous studies revealed that the putative causal microbes were anaerobic bacteria, but the pathogenesis of facemask-associated skin conditions remains poorly defined. We therefore characterized the role of the facemask-associated skin microbiota in the development of maskne using culture-dependent and -independent methodologies. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the majority of the facemask microbiota were anaerobic bacteria that originated from the skin rather than saliva. Previous work demonstrated direct interaction between pathogenic bacteria and antagonistic strains in the microbiome. We expanded this analysis to include indirect interaction between pathogenic bacteria and other indigenous bacteria classified as either 'pathogen helper (PH)' or 'pathogen inhibitor (PIn)' strains. In vitro screening of bacteria isolated from facemasks identified both strains that antagonized and promoted pathogen growth. These data were validated using a mouse skin infection model, where we observed attenuation of symptoms following pathogen infection. Moreover, the inhibitor of pathogen helper (IPH) strain, which did not directly attenuate pathogen growth in vitro and in vivo, functioned to suppress symptom development and pathogen growth indirectly through PH inhibitory antibacterial products such as phenyl lactic acid. Taken together, our study is the first to define a mechanism by which indirect microbiota interactions under facemasks can control symptoms of maskne by suppressing a skin pathogen.
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COVID-19 , Máscaras , Microbiota , Pele , Animais , Camundongos , Humanos , COVID-19/microbiologia , COVID-19/virologia , Pele/microbiologia , Acne Vulgar/microbiologia , SARS-CoV-2 , Feminino , Metagenômica/métodos , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Bactérias/classificação , Bactérias/genética , Bactérias/isolamento & purificação , Interações Microbianas , Dermatite de Contato/etiologiaRESUMO
The discovery of safe and efficient inhibitors against efflux pumps as well as metallo-ß-lactamases (MBL) is one of the main challenges in the development of multidrug-resistant (MDR) reversal agents which can be utilized in the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we have identified that introduction of an ethylene-linked sterically demanding group at the 3-OH position of the previously reported MDR reversal agent di-F-Q endows the resulting compounds with hereto unknown multitarget inhibitory activity against both efflux pumps and broad-spectrum ß-lactamases including difficult-to-inhibit MBLs. A molecular docking study of the multitarget inhibitors against efflux pump, as well as various classes of ß-lactamases, revealed that the 3-O-alkyl substituents occupy the novel binding sites in efflux pumps as well as carbapenemases. Not surprisingly, the multitarget inhibitors rescued the antibiotic activity of a carbapenem antibiotic, meropenem (MEM), in NDM-1 (New Delhi Metallo-ß-lactamase-1)-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), and they reduced MICs of MEM more than four-fold (synergistic effect) in 8-9 out of 14 clinical strains. The antibiotic-potentiating activity of the multitarget inhibitors was also demonstrated in CRE-infected mouse model. Taken together, these results suggest that combining inhibitory activity against two critical targets in MDR Gram-negative bacteria, efflux pumps, and ß-lactamases, in one molecule is possible, and the multitarget inhibitors may provide new avenues for the discovery of safe and efficient MDR reversal agents.
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Antibacterianos , Proteínas de Bactérias , Farmacorresistência Bacteriana Múltipla , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Quercetina , beta-Lactamases , beta-Lactamases/metabolismo , Animais , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antibacterianos/química , Farmacorresistência Bacteriana Múltipla/efeitos dos fármacos , Camundongos , Proteínas de Bactérias/antagonistas & inibidores , Proteínas de Bactérias/metabolismo , Quercetina/farmacologia , Quercetina/química , Inibidores de beta-Lactamases/farmacologia , Inibidores de beta-Lactamases/química , Enterobacteriaceae/efeitos dos fármacos , Enterobacteriaceae/enzimologia , Enterobacteriáceas Resistentes a Carbapenêmicos/efeitos dos fármacos , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Infecções por Enterobacteriaceae/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por Enterobacteriaceae/microbiologia , FemininoRESUMO
Skin microbiota, such as acne-related Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and fungal Candida albicans, can form polymicrobial biofilms with greater antimicrobial tolerance to traditional antimicrobial agents and host immune systems. In this study, the phytopigment shikonin was investigated against single-species and multispecies biofilms under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of shikonin were 10 µg/mL against C. acnes, S. aureus, and C. albicans, and at 1-5 µg/mL, shikonin efficiently inhibited single biofilm formation and multispecies biofilm development by these three microbes. Shikonin increased porphyrin production in C. acnes, inhibited cell aggregation and hyphal formation by C. albicans, decreased lipase production, and increased hydrophilicity in S. aureus. In addition, shikonin at 5 or 10 µg/mL repressed the transcription of various biofilm-related genes and virulence-related genes in C. acnes and downregulated the gene expression levels of the quorum-sensing agrA and RNAIII, α-hemolysin hla, and nuclease nuc1 in S. aureus, supporting biofilm inhibition. In addition, shikonin prevented multispecies biofilm development on porcine skin, and the antimicrobial efficacy of shikonin was recapitulated in a mouse infection model, in which it promoted skin regeneration. The study shows that shikonin inhibits multispecies biofilm development by acne-related skin microbes and might be useful for controlling bacterial infections.
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Acne Vulgar , Anti-Infecciosos , Naftoquinonas , Infecções Estafilocócicas , Animais , Camundongos , Candida albicans/genética , Staphylococcus aureus , Biofilmes , Anti-Infecciosos/farmacologiaRESUMO
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with susceptibility to sepsis and poor outcomes. However, changes to the intestinal microbiota during sepsis and their value as biomarkers are unclear. In this study, we compared the intestinal microbiota of patients with sepsis and healthy controls. Methods: Stool was collected from patients with sepsis (subdivided according to mortality) and controls. Microbiome diversity and composition were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. The α-diversity of the intestinal microbiome was determined using operational taxonomic unit counts and the Chao1, Shannon, and ACE indices. Adjusted Cox regression analyses assessed 6-month mortality risk factors. Results: Fifty-nine patients (14 in-hospital deaths) and 29 healthy controls were enrolled. Operational taxonomic unit counts and Chao1 and ACE indices were lower in the nonsurvivor than in the other groups. The controls showed a higher Shannon and lower Simpson index than did the sepsis group. The genus Blautia was more abundant in controls than in the sepsis group, and Faecalibacterium less abundant in the nonsurvivor than in the other groups. Regression analysis associated low Shannon index with 6-month mortality. Conclusions: Survivors of sepsis, nonsurvivors, and healthy controls have different gut microbiomes, and a low Shannon index is a risk factor for 6-month mortality.
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Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Microbiota , Sepse , Choque Séptico , Humanos , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genéticaRESUMO
γ-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a date-rape drug, causes certain symptoms, such as amnesia, confusion, ataxia, and unconsciousness, when dissolved in beverages and consumed by a victim. Commonly, assailants use GHB in secret for the crime of drug-facilitated sexual assault because it is tasteless, odorless, and colorless when dissolved in beverages. Generally, GHB detection methods are difficult to use promptly and secretly in situ and in real life because of the necessary detection equipment and low selectivity. To overcome this problem, we have developed a fast, simple, and easy-to-use second skin platform as a confidential self-protection platform that can detect GHB in situ or in real life without equipment. The second skin platform for naked-eye detection of GHB is fabricated with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polyurethane (PU), and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) included in the chemical receptor 2-(3-bromo-4-hydroxystyryl)-3-ethylbenzothiazol-3-ium iodide (BHEI). PAN conjugated with BHEI nanofibers (PB NFs) has various characteristics, such as ease of use, high sensitivity, and fast color change. PB NFs rapidly detected GHB at 0.01 mg/mL. Furthermore, the second-skin platform attached to the fingertip and wrist detected both 1 and 0.1 mg/mL GHB in solution within 50 s. The color changes caused by the interaction of GHB and the second skin platform cannot be stopped due to strong chemical reactions. In addition, a second skin platform can be secretly utilized in real life because it can recognize fingerprints and object temperatures. Therefore, the second skin platform can be used to aid daily life and prevent drug-facilitated sexual assault crime when attached to the skin because it can be exposed anytime and anywhere.
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Estupro , Oxibato de Sódio , EtanolRESUMO
Introduction: Green banana flour can be used as a prebiotic due to its ability to promote gut health and provide several health benefits. In this study, we investigated whether feeding mice green banana flour at different doses would alter intestinal microbiota composition. Methods: We fed C57BL/6N mice either a Low-dose (500 mg/kg/day) or High-dose (2000 mg/kg/day) of green banana flour daily for 3 weeks, and fecal samples were collected on days 0, 14, and 21 for microbiota analysis. Results: Our results showed that the composition of intestinal microbiota was significantly altered by day 21, regardless of the dose. Notably, the consumption of green banana flour increased the presence of beneficial bacteria, including Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002, Turicibacter, Parasutterella, Gastranaerophilales_ge, and RF39_ge. These changes in the intestinal microorganisms were accompanied by increased biological processes such as amino acid biosynthesis and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Conversely, the consumption of green banana flour resulted in a decrease in biological processes related to carbohydrate degradation, glycerol degradation, and similar functions. Discussion: These results emphasize the potential of green banana flour as a prebiotic that can benefit the gut microbiome.
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Korean native cattle are highly valued for their rich marbling and flavor. Nonetheless, endeavors to enhance marbling levels can result in obesity, a prevalent contributor to fat necrosis. Fat necrosis is characterized by the formation of necrotic fat masses in the abdominal cavity, which physically puts pressure on affected organs, causing physical torsion or obstruction, resulting in death and consequent economic loss. Pancreatic injuries or diabetes mellitus were reported as factors of fat necrosis in humans; however, the pathogenesis in animals has not been established. In this study, we identified fat necrosis in a 6-month-old Korean native cow and investigated its potential underlying causes. Serum samples were utilized for a microarray analysis of bovine miRNA. Comparative examination of miRNA expression levels between cattle afflicted with fat necrosis and healthy cattle unveiled notable variances in 24 miRNAs, such as bta-miR-26a, bta-miR-29a, bta-miR-30a-5p and bta-miR-181a. Upon conducting miRNA-mediated KEGG pathway analysis, several pathways including the prolactin signal pathway, insulin resistance, autophagy, the insulin-signaling pathway and the FoxO-signaling pathway were found to be significantly enriched in the calf affected by fat necrosis. As a result, this study potentially indicates a potential connection between fat necrosis and diabetes in Korean native cattle.
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Newborn piglets are susceptible to a highly contagious enteritis caused by the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), associated with high levels of mortality worldwide. There is pressing need for a rapid, safe, and cost-effective vaccine to safeguard pigs from getting infected by PEDV. PEDV belongs to the coronavirus family and is characterized by high levels of mutability. The primary goal of a PEDV vaccine is to provide immunity to newborn piglets through vaccination of sows. Plant-based vaccines are becoming more popular because they have low manufacturing costs, are easily scalable, have high thermostability, and a long shelf life. This is in contrast to conventional vaccines which include inactivated, live, and/or recombinant types that can be expensive and have limited ability to respond to rapidly mutating viruses. The binding of the virus to host cell receptors is primarily facilitated by the N-terminal subunit of the viral spike protein (S1), which also contains several epitopes that are recognized by virus-neutralizing antibodies. As a result, we generated a recombinant S1 protein using a plant-based vaccine platform. We found that the recombinant protein was highly glycosylated, comparable to the native viral antigen. Vaccination of pregnant sows at four and two weeks before farrowing led to the development of humoral immunity specific to S1 in the suckling piglets. In addition, we noted significant viral neutralization titers in both vaccinated sows and piglets. When challenged with PEDV, piglets born from vaccinated sows displayed less severe clinical symptoms and significantly lower mortality rates compared to piglets born from non-vaccinated sows.
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Probiotics have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory effects in the gut by directly reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and by secreting anti-inflammatory molecules. However, their systemic anti-inflammatory effects have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we aimed to develop probiotics that have efficacy in both intestinal and lung inflammation. Lactobacillus plantarum KC3 (KC3), which was isolated from kimchi, was selected as a pre-candidate based on its inhibitory effects on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. To further validate the effectiveness of KC3, we used ear edema, DSS-induced colitis, and ambient particulate-matter-induced lung inflammation models. First, KC3 exhibited direct anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal cells with the inhibition of IL-1ß and TNF-α production. Additionally, KC3 treatment alleviated ear edema and DSS-induced colic inflammation, improving colon length and increasing the number of regulatory T cells. Beyond its local intestinal anti-inflammatory activity, KC3 inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar fluid and prevented neutrophil infiltration in the lungs. These results suggest that KC3 could be a potential functional ingredient with respiratory protective effects against air-pollutant-derived inflammation, as well as for the treatment of local gut disorders.
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Recently, many companies have introduced automated defect detection methods for defect-free PCB manufacturing. In particular, deep learning-based image understanding methods are very widely used. In this study, we present an analysis of training deep learning models to perform PCB defect detection stably. To this end, we first summarize the characteristics of industrial images, such as PCB images. Then, the factors that can cause changes (contamination and quality degradation) to the image data in the industrial field are analyzed. Subsequently, we organize defect detection methods that can be applied according to the situation and purpose of PCB defect detection. In addition, we review the characteristics of each method in detail. Our experimental results demonstrated the impact of various degradation factors, such as defect detection methods, data quality, and image contamination. Based on our overview of PCB defect detection and experiment results, we present knowledge and guidelines for correct PCB defect detection.
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Aprendizado Profundo , Comércio , Confiabilidade dos Dados , Contaminação de Medicamentos , IndústriasRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Although polymyxin has been used as a last-resort antibiotic against resistant bacteria, its use is restricted due to nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. While the present antibiotic resistance issue compels clinicians to reconsider polymyxin use in severe illness cases, polymyxin-resistant microorganisms exert an effect. OBJECTIVES: To address the issue of antibiotic resistance, the cycle of developing new antibiotics to counteract emerging resistance must be discontinued. Here we tried to develop novel therapies that do not rely on direct antimicrobial activity and thus do not promote antibiotic resistance. METHODS: By a high-throughout screening system based on bacterial respiration, chemical compounds accelerating the antimicrobial effects of polymyxin B were screened. In vitro and in vivo tests were performed to validate adjuvanticity. In addition, membrane depolarization and total transcriptome analysis were used to determine molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: PA108, a newly discovered chemical compound, was used to eradicate polymyxin-resistant A. baumannii and three other species in the presence of polymyxin B at concentrations less than the MIC. Since this molecule lacks self-bactericidal action, we hypothesized that PA108 acts as an antibiotic adjuvant, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of polymyxin B against resistant bacteria. At working concentrations, no toxicity was observed in cell lines or mice, although co-treatment with PA108 and polymyxin B increased survival of infected mouse and decreased bacterial loads in organs. CONCLUSIONS: Boosting antibiotic efficiency through the use of antibiotic adjuvants holds significant promise for tackling the rise in bacterial antibiotic resistance.
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Acinetobacter baumannii , Polimixina B , Animais , Camundongos , Polimixina B/farmacologia , Farmacorresistência Bacteriana Múltipla , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Polimixinas/farmacologia , Testes de Sensibilidade MicrobianaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Although Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is safe, this finding was only evaluated in 3-mo-long studies. Its safety was verified through a 6-mo KRG administration clinical study, but long-term studies beyond 6 mo are insufficient. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of 12-mo KRG administration. METHODS: In this study, 300 mg/kg of KRG was administered to male and female Sprague Dawley rats for 4, 8, and 12 mo to evaluate its efficacy and safety. Clinical signs, including pathological examination and haematological analyses, were observed. Flow cytometric analyses were utilised to analyse spleen and thymus immune cell counts after 12 mo. Proteomic analysis of the sera was performed using a nanospray-interfaced mass spectrometer with an 11-plex Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) labelling system. Bioinformatic analysis was then performed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and PANTHER. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD032036. RESULTS: No significant body and organ weight changes were observed, and haematological and serum biochemical analyses did not show clinical significance. The effectiveness of long-term KRG administration was confirmed through increased immune cell distribution and activity. Changes in proteins correlated with viral infection reduction were confirmed through proteomic analysis. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that 12-mo KRG intake is safe, improves immune system activity, and reduces viral infections with no significant changes in toxicological aspects.
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Panax , Masculino , Feminino , Ratos , Animais , Proteômica , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Estudos LongitudinaisRESUMO
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most contagious diseases in cloven hoof animals. Vaccination can prevent or control FMD, and vaccine antigens should be matched against circulating viruses. According to phylogenetic analyses, field isolates in this region belonged to genotype V and showed low genetic similarity with the Asia1 Shamir vaccine, the OIE-recommended vaccine strain. In this study, we investigated whether pigs vaccinated with the Asia1 Shamir vaccine could be protected from challenges with the Asia1/MOG/05 virus, one of the genotype V field isolates. Eight pigs were divided into either vaccinated or nonvaccinated control groups. After two vaccinations with Asia1 Shamir, both groups of pigs were challenged with the Asia1/MOG/05 field isolate at 2 weeks after the second vaccination. In the control group, symptoms appeared at 2 days post-infection (dpi). The clinical sign score peaked at 4 dpi, and this coincided with virus shedding through nasal discharge. Neutralizing antibody titers peaked at 17 dpi. In the vaccinated group, clinical signs were delayed compared with the control group, and the highest score was shown at 10 dpi accompanied with virus nasal shedding, which peaked at 11 dpi. Neutralizing antibodies were induced 2 weeks after the second vaccination and peaked at 17 dpi. In conclusion, Asia1 Shamir vaccination in pigs provided partial protection from Asia1/MOG/05 virus infection.
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Vírus da Febre Aftosa , Febre Aftosa , Vacinas Virais , Animais , Anticorpos Antivirais , Ásia Oriental , Filogenia , Suínos , Vacinação , Vacinas Virais/genéticaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: As the rapidly evolving characteristic of SARS-CoV-2 could result in false negative diagnosis, the use of as much sequence data as possible is key to the identification of conserved viral sequences. However, multiple alignment of massive genome sequences is computationally intensive. OBJECTIVE: To extract conserved sequences from SARS-CoV-2 genomes for the design of diagnostic PCR primers using a bioinformatics approach that can handle massive genomic sequences efficiently. METHODS: A total of 230,163 full-length viral genomes were retrieved from the NCBI SARS-CoV-2 Resources and GISAID EpiCoV database. This number was reduced to 14.11% following removal of 5'-/3'-untranslated regions and sequence dereplication. Fast, reference-based, multiple sequence alignments identified conserved sequences and specific primer sets were designed against these regions using a conventional tool. Primer sets chosen among the candidates were evaluated by in silico PCR and RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Out of 17 conserved sequences (totaling 4.3 kb), two primer sets targeting the nsp2 and ORF3a genes were picked that exhibited > 99.9% in silico amplification coverage against the original dataset (230,163 genomes) when a 5% mismatch between the primers and target was allowed. In addition, the primer sets successfully detected nine SARS-CoV-2 variant RNA samples (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Eta, Iota, and Kappa) in experimental RT-qPCR validations. CONCLUSION: In addition to the RdRp, E, N, and S genes that are targeted commonly, our approach can be used to identify novel primer targets in SARS-CoV-2 and should be a priority strategy in the event of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants or other pandemic outbreaks.
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COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19/diagnóstico , COVID-19/genética , Humanos , Pandemias , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo Real , SARS-CoV-2/genéticaRESUMO
Erysipelas, caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, is considered one of the most serious infectious diseases of captive and free-ranging cetaceans worldwide, as these animals are known to be highly susceptible to the bacterial infections. The potential diversity between E. rhusiopathiae isolates from captive cetaceans has been previously described; however, the microbiological features of the free-ranging cetacean isolates remain unclear. Here, we describe a case of bacteremia in a rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis) caused by E. rhusiopathiae. Additionally, we present the first genomic features of the bacteria from free-ranging cetacean individuals. Histopathological and microbial examinations revealed that E. rhusiopathiae caused bacteremia and systemic infection in the dolphin. The genome of the isolated E. rhusiopathiae strain KC-Sb-R1, which was classified as Clade 1 possessing SpaB gene, was clearly differentiated from the other swine-isolated E. rhusiopathiae, and the comparison of its serovar-defining chromosomal region revealed that our isolate was greatly similar to those of other previously reported serovar 2/15 isolates, including the captive-dolphin isolate. Moreover, most of the potential virulence factors in the strain KC-Sb-R1 were similar to those in the strain Fujisawa. Further, a potential cytotoxicity of the isolate was confirmed, suggesting that marine mammal-isolated E. rhusiopathiae could possess strong pathogenic potential in other animals, including humans. These results would further increase our understanding on the risk factors for controlling zoonotic pathogens of emerging infectious diseases in captive or free-ranging cetaceans, and also provide important insight into the diversity of E. rhusiopathiae in animals.
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The study aims to identify the safety profile of a mixed extract (KGC-02-PS) from two traditional medicinal herbs, Puerariae radix and Hizikia fusiforme. In a subacute oral toxicity study, KGC-02-PS was administered orally for 28 days by gavage to Sprague Dawley rats (both sexes) at a daily dose of 0, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body weight. Bodyweight, food consumption, and clinical signs were monitored during the experimental period. After administering the final dose, this study conducted hematology, serum biochemistry, and pathological evaluations. In addition, the study performed a bacterial reverse mutation test with varying concentrations of KGC-02-PS (312.5 µg - 5,000 µg/plate) following OECD guideline No. 471, before testing five bacterial strains (Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, and Escherichia coli WP2) in the presence or absence of metabolic activation. The preclinical evaluation of KGC-02-PS's subacute oral toxicity yielded no associated toxicological effects or any changes in clinical signs, body weight, and food consumption. Moreover, examining KGC-02-PS's hematological and serum biochemical characteristics and pathology yielded no toxicological changes in terms of organ weight measurements and gross or histopathological findings. KGC-02-PS neither increased the number of revertant colonies in all bacterial strains used in the bacterial reverse mutation test, nor did it induce genotoxicity related to bacterial reverse mutations under the study's conditions. Also, KGC-02-PS's no-observed-adverse-effect level was greater than 2000 mg/kg.
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Mutagênicos , Pueraria , Animais , Peso Corporal , Escherichia coli/genética , Feminino , Masculino , Testes de Mutagenicidade , Mutagênicos/farmacologia , Pueraria/genética , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-DawleyRESUMO
Antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance are slower-moving pandemics than the fast-spreading coronavirus disease 2019; however, they have potential to cause a much greater threat to global health. Here, we report a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) assay for multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. This assay was developed via a synergistic combination of the specific gene-recognition ability of the CRISPR system, superb sensitivity of SERS, and simple separation property of magnetic nanoparticles. This assay detects three multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, species Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, without purification or gene amplification steps. Furthermore, MDR A. baumannii-infected mice were successfully diagnosed using the assay. Finally, we demonstrate the on-site capture and detection of MDR bacteria through a combination of the three-dimensional nanopillar array swab and CRISPR-mediated SERS assay. This method may prove effective for the accurate diagnosis of MDR bacterial pathogens, thus preventing severe infection by ensuring appropriate antibiotic treatment.
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Panax ginseng, a medicinal plant, has been used as a blood-nourishing tonic for thousands of years in Asia, including Korea and China. P. ginseng exhibits adaptogen activity that maintains homeostasis by restoring general biological functions and non-specifically enhancing the body's resistance to external stress. Several P. ginseng effects have been reported. Korean Red Ginseng, in particular, has been reported in both basic and clinical studies to possess diverse effects such as enhanced immunity, fatigue relief, memory, blood circulation, and anti-oxidation. Moreover, it also protects against menopausal symptoms, cancer, cardiac diseases, and neurological disorders. The active components found in most Korean Red Ginseng varieties are known to include ginsenosides, polysaccharides, peptides, alkaloids, polyacetylene, and phenolic compounds. In this review, the identity and bioactivity of the non-saponin components of Korean Red Ginseng discovered to date are evaluated and the components are classified into polysaccharide and nitrogen compounds (protein, peptide, amino acid, nucleic acid, and alkaloid), as well as fat-soluble components such as polyacetylene, phenols, essential oils, and phytosterols. The distinct bioactivity of Korean Red Ginseng was found to originate from both saponin and non-saponin components rather than from only one or two specific components. Therefore, it is important to consider saponin and non-saponin elements together.
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Owing to an increase in the consumption of herbal products as supplementary diets or functional foods, their safety has become an important issue. Repeated oral administration to rats for 13-week was performed to evaluate the potential toxicity of a mixture of Korean red ginseng and deer antler extract, the most popular traditional herbal ingredients. Three test groups for the mixture of Korean red ginseng and deer antler extract were administered at 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg/day in addition to a control group (water for injection). 10 male and 10 female rats were included in each group, and we evaluated the clinical, clinicopathological, and histopathological changes in the rats. One male rat in the test group at 1000 mg/kg/day died; however, it was considered a spontaneous death unrelated to the administration of the test substance. No test substance-related toxic effects were noted in rats in terms of body weight, food consumption, ophthalmological findings, urinalysis, hematological parameters, blood biochemical parameters, organ weights, gross postmortem findings, and histopathological findings. The present results suggest that the no observed adverse effect level of the mixture of Korean red ginseng and deer antler extract was greater than 2000 mg/kg/day in all rats after repeated oral administration for 13-week under the present study conditions.
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BACKGROUND: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has been widely used as an herbal medicine to normalize and strengthen body functions. Although many researchers have focused on the biological effects of KRG, more studies on the action mechanism of red ginseng are still needed. Previously, we investigated the proteomic changes of the rat spleen while searching for molecular signatures and the action mechanism of KRG. The proteomic analysis revealed that differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were involved in the increased immune response and phagocytosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological activities of KRG, especially the immune-enhancing response of KRG. METHODS: Rats were divided into 4 groups: 0 (control group), 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg administration of KRG powder for 6 weeks, respectively. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation was performed with Q-Exactive LC-MS/MS to compare associated proteins between the groups. The putative DEPs were identified by a current UniProt rat protein database search and by the Gene Ontology annotations. RESULTS: The DEPs appear to increase the innate and acquired immunity as well as immune cell movement. These results suggest that KRG can stimulate immune responses. This analysis refined our targets of interest to include the potential functions of KRG. Furthermore, we validated the potential molecular targets of the functions, representatively LCN2, CRAMP, and HLA-DQB1, by Western blotting. CONCLUSION: These results may provide molecular signature candidates to elucidate the mechanisms of the immune response by KRG. Here, we demonstrate a strategy of tissue proteomics for the discovery of the molecular function of KRG.