Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and enterotoxin gene profiles of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from mobile phones of the food vendors in Phayao province, Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Mobile phones are widely used and may cause bacterial pathogens to spread among various professionals. Staphylococcus aureus from the mobile phones can contaminate the hands of food vendors and food during the cooking or packaging process. This research aimed to determine the prevalence, enterotoxin genes, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of S. aureus contaminating the vendors' mobile phones. METHODS: In this study, 266 mobile phone samples were randomly collected from food vendors selling food on walking streets (n = 139) and in food centers (n = 127) in Phayao province. All samples were identified as S. aureus by the conventional culture method and confirmed species-specific gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Then, all identified S. aureus isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by broth microdilution method and for the presence of staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) genes by PCR. RESULTS: The results showed that 12.8% of the mobile phones collected were contaminated with S. aureus. Of 49 S. aureus isolates obtained, 30 (61.2%) were positive for SE genes. The most common SE gene was sea followed by sec, seb, sem, seq, and sel. Moreover, S. aureus was most frequently resistant to penicillin, followed by chloramphenicol and tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, and gentamicin. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA), and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were also detected. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that mobile phones were an intermediate surface for the transmission of S. aureus, including MDR variants. It indicates that hand hygiene and the decontamination of mobile phones are essential to prevent cross-contamination of S. aureus in food settings.

Evaluation of Anti-Hyperglycemia and Complications of Red and Black Thai Jasmine Rice Cultivars in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

The phytochemical constituents of red (RR) and black (BR) rice extracts were determined using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of catechin, rutin, isoquercetin, cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside, peonidin and quercetin. The anti-diabetic activities of RR and BR extracts on diabetic complications were examined in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Rats (n = 80) were divided into 10 groups (n = 8 rats per group). Healthy and diabetic RR or BR-treated groups received 10, 50, or 200 mg of RR or BR per kg of body weight daily for 45 days. The results demonstrated significantly improved glucose control in rats administered RR or BR, while triglyceride and cholesterol levels were reduced in the diabetic groups. Moreover, RR or BR treatment led to decreased levels of malondialdehyde, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. Further, glutathione concentration was significantly increased in both serum and liver tissue from RR- and BR-treated diabetic rats.

Isothermal detection of lncRNA using T7 RNA polymerase mediated amplification coupled with fluorescence-based sensor.

In this study, the isothermal detection of a cervical cancer-associated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), namely, lncRNA-ATB, was performed for the first time with high selectivity and sensitivity via a T7 RNA polymerase transcription-mediated amplification system combined with a graphene oxide (GO) fluorescence-based sensor. Specific lncRNA primers with the T7 promoter overhang were designed and further had with the efficient amplification ability of T7 RNA polymerase. This detection platform distinguished the target lncRNA-ATB from other lncRNAs. In addition, the super fluorescence quenching ability of GO resulted in the development of a switch on/off fluorescence sensor. The resulting platform was able to detect target lncRNAs from samples of cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa) and human sera with high selectivity and a low detection limit of 1.96 pg. Therefore, the assay developed in this study demonstrated a high potential as an alternative tool for lncRNA quantification in clinical diagnosis.

Rolling circle amplification and graphene-based sensor-on-a-chip for sensitive detection of serum circulating miRNAs.

In this study, we developed a simple multiplex miRNA detection platform based on rolling circle amplification and the fluorescence quenching property of reduced graphene oxide. The detection platform could be applied on a microfluidics chip with a mobile system controller to eliminate contamination and to facilitate potential use in remote areas. As a proof of concept, two fluorescence-labeled ssDNA tags were used for detection of miR-29a and miR-144*, two miRNAs that are highly expressed in the blood circulation of some patients with cancer or tuberculosis. The circular ssDNA probes in this study were designed to have an advantage over padlock probes as they can be prepared in advance. Our multiplex miRNA detection platform exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity, with a limit of detection of 0.05 pmol. In addition, our platform could detect target miRNAs from the total miRNA population extracted from human serum or a cancer cell line. These results indicated that our miRNA sensor has the potential to provide simple and high throughput miRNA analysis for disease diagnosis and prognosis.

Ultrasensitive detection of lung cancer-associated miRNAs by multiple primer-mediated rolling circle amplification coupled with a graphene oxide fluorescence-based (MPRCA-GO) sensor.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in gene regulation and have been reported as biomarkers in cancer diagnosis. Herein, we develop an isothermal miRNA detection platform based on the highly efficient, multiple primer-mediated rolling circle amplification method coupled with a graphene oxide-based fluorescence (MPRCA-GO) assay, using lung cancer-associated miRNAs (miR-21 and miR-210) and a reference miRNA (miR-16) as model targets. The combination of the designed ssDNA probe and T4 RNA ligase (T4 Rnl2) used in the MPRCA-GO assay allowed for single-base mismatch discrimination. In addition, the superfluorescence quenching ability of GO allowed for rapid fluorescence detection. The developed platform had a limit of detection as low as 0.87 fM and could detect target miRNAs in cancer cell lines and human serums. Therefore, the MPRCA-GO sensor has the potential for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and applications in clinical diagnostics.

Comprehensive phytochemical profiling and biological activities of Hodgsonia heteroclita subsp. indochinensis seed extracts.

Hodgsonia heteroclita subsp. indochinensis, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is utilized in traditional medicinal remedies based on indigenous wisdom. This study aimed to comprehensively identify and analyze the bioactive phytoconstituents within H. heteroclita subsp. indochinensis seeds. Seeds were sequentially extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis detected ferulic acid, salicylic acid, cucurbitacin E, stigmasterol glucoside, and ß-sitosterol glucoside in all extracts. The total phenolic content in the HH(S)-EtOAc and HH(S)-MeOH was 14.22 ± 1.58 and 12.98 ± 1.03 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, respectively. Consequently, the HH(S)-EtOAc demonstrated antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 1.10 ± 0.28 mg/mL, while the HH(S)-MeOH displayed strong antioxidant potential with an IC50 of 0.04 ± 0.00 mg/mL according to an ABTS assay. Antibacterial evaluations of both the HH(S)-hexane and HH(S)-EtOAc revealed significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus (zone of inhibition (ZOI): 13.67 ± 2.31 and 11.67 ± 1.53 mm, respectively) but limited activity against Escherichia coli (ZOI: 7.33 ± 0.58 and 7.67 ± 0.58 mm, respectively). Additionally, the extracts exhibited low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values, ranging from 62.50 to 250 mg/mL. The antiproliferative activity of seed extracts was assessed against two breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), normal breast cells (MCF10A), and human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells, through MTT and clonogenic assays. The results revealed IC50 values exceeding 400 µg/mL, indicating that the extracts are safe. Furthermore, all seed extracts (50 µg/mL) exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity, evident by their substantial inhibition of nitric oxide production (p < 0.001) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression (p < 0.05) in LPS-induced RAW264.7. These findings demonstrate the potential for H. heteroclita subsp. indochinensis seed extracts in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements due to their diverse bioactive compounds and substantial biological activities, particularly their anti-inflammatory effects.

Enhancing cancer immunotherapy using cordycepin and Cordyceps militaris extract to sensitize cancer cells and modulate immune responses.

Integrating immunotherapy with natural compounds holds promise in enhancing the immune system's ability to eliminate cancer cells. Cordyceps militaris, a traditional Chinese medicine, emerges as a promising candidate in this regard. This study investigates the effects of cordycepin and C. militaris ethanolic extract (Cm-EE) on sensitizing cancer cells and regulating immune responses against breast cancer (BC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Cordycepin, pentostatin and adenosine were identified in Cm-EE. Cordycepin treatment decreased HLA-ABC-positive cells in pre-treated cancer cells, while Cm-EE increased NKG2D ligand and death receptor expression. Additionally, cordycepin enhanced NKG2D receptor and death ligand expression on CD3-negative effector immune cells, particularly on natural killer (NK) cells, while Cm-EE pre-treatment stimulated IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10 production. Co-culturing cancer cells with effector immune cells during cordycepin or Cm-EE incubation resulted in elevated cancer cell death. These findings highlight the potential of cordycepin and Cm-EE in improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy for BC and HCC.

Curcumin-loaded albumin submicron particles with potential as a cancer therapy: an in vitro study.

Curcumin (CUR), a polyphenolic compound, shows promising biological properties, particularly antioxidant activity. However, its medical applications are limited due to its low water solubility, bioavailability, and pH-instability. CUR-loaded albumin microparticles (CUR-HSA-MPs) of submicron size in the range of 800 to 900 nm and a zeta potential of -15 mV were prepared. The CUR loading efficiency was up to 65%. A maximum release of 37% of the encapsulated CUR was observed within 6 h when the CUR-HSA-MPs were dispersed in 50% ethanol in PBS at pH 7, while in RPMI 1640 medium the release was 7%. This demonstrates a sustainable release. The in vitro cytotoxicity of CUR-HSA-MPs showed promising anticancer potential against human hepatocellular carcinoma (Huh-7) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines, although this effect was less pronounced in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFB) and human cholangiocyte (MMN) cell lines. Confocal microscopy was used to confirm the uptake of CUR-HSA-MPs by cancer cells. Our studies revealed that HSA-MPs are potentially promising vehicles for increasing the solubility and bioavailability of CUR.

Anti-cancer effect of a phytochemical compound - 7R-acetylmelodorinol - against triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype currently lacking effective treatment options. Consequently, novel and effective drugs or compounds are urgently needed to treat TNBC. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of 7R-acetylmelodorinol (7R-AMDL), a phytochemical compound isolated from Xylopia pierrei Hance, a plant found in Thailand, as a novel therapeutic agent for TNBC. MTT and clonogenic assays showed that 7R-AMDL significantly reduced the survival of breast cancer cell lines, with a markedly potent effect on MDA-MB-231 cells. Flow cytometry showed that treating MDA-MB-231 cells with 7R-AMDL at the concentration of dose 8 µM significantly increased early and late apoptosis after 24 and 48 h compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). The highest tested 7R-AMDL dose upregulated the death receptors and their ligands, with extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways significantly activated via the caspase cascade, compared to the untreated group (p < 0.05). In addition, immunoblots showed decreased BCL2-like 1 (BCL2L1/Bcl-xL) expression (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, wound healing and Transwell assays showed that at a non-cytotoxic dose (≤4 µM), 7R-AMDL significantly inhibited the MDA-MB-231 cell migration and invasion. This reduction in cell migration was associated with decreased matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) expression (p < 0.01) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation (p < 0.05). Altogether, 7R-AMDL has anti-cancer effects against TNBC and the potential to be further developed and evaluated for treating this disease.

Efficacy and safety of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials and observational studies.

Background: The efficacy and safety of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have yielded inconsistent findings. Materials and methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, including comparative and noncomparative trials and cohort studies, to assess the efficacy and safety of nab-paclitaxel in advanced NSCLC. The search covered PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov until October 2022. Efficacy outcomes (OR, PR, progressive disease, OS, and PFS) and safety outcomes (neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and sensory neuropathy) were analyzed. Results: Our meta-analysis included data from 35 studies (9 RCTs, 2 cohort studies, and 24 noncomparative studies). Nab-paclitaxel significantly improved OR rate (RRRCT 1.35 [95% CI 1.19, 1.53], I2 = 36.6%; RRcohort 1.67 [95% CI 1.30, 2.14], I2 = 4.3%) and PR rate (RRRCT 1.34 [95% CI 1.18, 1.53], I2 = 38.8%; RRcohort 1.59 [95% CI 1.22, 2.07], I2 = 19.4%) compared to the control group. It further demonstrated more pronounced benefits in squamous cell carcinoma and as a second-line treatment. Pooled evidence from the RCTs also indicated improved OS (HR 0.90 [95% CI 0.81, 0.99], I2 = 9.2%) and PFS (HR 0.84 [95% CI 0.76, 0.93], I2 = 14.5%) However, evidence on the reduction of adverse events with nab-paclitaxel treatment was insufficient, and biases in study selection and detection may have influenced the results. Conclusions: Nab-paclitaxel enhances OR, PR, PFS, and marginally improves OS in advanced NSCLC, particularly in patients with prior chemotherapy. Further research is needed to establish its safety advantages.

High prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates: A 5-year retrospective study at a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Thailand.

Background: The global emergence and spread of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales, especially Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, have been recognized as a public health concern as severe infections caused by these microorganisms increase morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ESBL-positive E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains isolated from hospitalized patients in Chiangrai Prachanukroh hospital, Chiangrai province, Thailand. Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted from January 2016 to December 2020. A total of 384,001 clinical specimens were collected aseptically and further cultivated on an appropriate medium. All clinical isolates (one isolate per patient) were identified based on standard laboratory methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique following CLSI guidelines. ESBL production was screened with ceftazidime and cefotaxime discs based on the CLSI recommendations. Phenotypic confirmation of ESBL production was carried out using a double-disc synergy technique following the CLSI standard. Results: Of a total of 384,001 clinical samples analyzed for bacterial species identification, 11,065 (2.9%) tested positive for E. coli and 5,617 (1.5%) for K. pneumoniae. Approximately 42.5% (4,706/11,065) of E. coli and 30.2% (1,697/5,617) of K. pneumoniae isolates were classified as ESBL producers. A higher proportion of ESBL producers was found in patients older than 60 years and male groups. The highest infection rates of ESBL-positive pathogens were observed among patients in a medical unit. ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates were predominantly found in urine and sputum, respectively. ESBL producers exhibited a high resistance rate to ampicillin (99.8-100%), cefazolin (100%), cefotaxime (100%), fluoroquinolones, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the high prevalence and emerging antibiotic resistance of ESBL-positive E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates from patients admitted to a provincial hospital in northern Thailand. Most ESBL-producing strains were highly resistant to several antimicrobial agents apart from carbapenems and aminoglycosides. These findings indicated that carbapenems and aminoglycosides should be advised as the first-line drugs of choice for serious infections with ESBL-producing Enterobacterales.

A single-step polymerase chain reaction for simultaneous detection and differentiation of nontypeable and serotypeable Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

OBJECTIVE: The critically high prevalence of bacterial otitis media worldwide has prompted a proper disease management. While vaccine development for otitis media is promising, the reliable and effective methods for diagnosis of such etiologic agents are of importance. METHODS: We developed a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for simultaneous detection and differentiation of nontypeable and serotypeable Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Five primer pairs targeting genes fumarate reductase (H. influenzae), outer membrane protein B (M. catarrhalis), major autolysin (S. pneumoniae), capsulation-associated BexA protein (all encapsulated H. influenzae) and 16S rRNA were incorporated in this single-step PCR. Validation of the multiplex PCR was also performed on clinical isolates. RESULTS: The developed multiplex PCR was highly specific, enabling the detection of the target pathogens in a specific manner, either individually or as a mixture of all target organisms. The assay was also found to be sensitive with the lowest detection limit of 1 ng of bacterial DNA. When applied to clinical isolates from diverse specimen sources, the multiplex PCR developed in this study correctly identified each microorganism individually or in a combination of two or more target organisms. All results matched with conventional culture identification. In addition, the ability of such assay to differentiate H. influenzae encapsulation from the study clinical isolates was 100%. CONCLUSION: Our multiplex PCR provides a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool for detection of the 4 target organisms. Such assay would serve as a useful tool for clinicians and epidemiologists in their efforts to the proper treatment and disease management caused by these organisms.