Candida Albicans Research Articles

Efficacy of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in arresting dentin caries against inter-kingdom biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.

To compare, in vitro, the efficacy of three proprietary silver diamine fluoride (SDF) products in mitigating progression of dentinal caries induced by an inter-kingdom, dual-species, bacterial-yeast biofilm. Human dentin blocks were demineralized to create artificial caries lesions and randomized into three SDF test groups: Saforide, Topamine, T-SDF, and an aqueous control (n = 26 per group). After application of foregoing SDF variants, the blocks were incubated with Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans for 24 h for biofilm development, and subsequently subjected to a microbe-induced, pH-cycling process for 7 days, to mimic the oral eco-system. The biofilm cell viability and surface topography were assessed by colony-forming units (CFUs) and scanning electron microscopy respectively. The lesion depth and mineral density were evaluated by micro-computer tomography. SDF precipitate and matrix-to-mineral ratio were evaluated by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Standard, accepted methodology was used for all these evaluations and procedures. After pH cycling, the SDF groups demonstrated comparable inhibition of the biofilm relative to the control. the log CFU of S. mutans for Saforide, Topamine, T-SDF, and control were 6.69±0.73, 6.48±0.56, 6.63±0.66, and 8.01±0.45, respectively. For C. albicans, the log CFU were 4.86±0.44, 4.72±0.53, 4.92±0.29, and 5.60±0.27, respectively. The log CFU of S. mutans and C. albicans in the SDF groups were significantly lower than the control group (p<0.001). Further, the lesion depth decreased by approximately 14.79±7.00% in the SDF groups, while it increased by 11.07±8.61% in the control (p<0.001), and the mineral density increased by 16.36±4.58% in the SDF group, as opposed to a 5.59±2.64% reduction in the control (p<0.001) implying their caries mitigating effect. These findings were corroborated by SEM images of the lesions. SDF significantly mitigated dentin caries due to an assault by a polymicrobial plaque biofilm whilst arresting mineral loss and lesion growth. There was no difference in the caries-arresting efficacy of the compared SDF variants.

Physicochemical and phytochemical analysis of three melon fruit (canary melon, watermelon, and muskmelon) peels, and their valorization in biscuits development

IntroductionMelons are highly sought after worldwide due to their exquisite and delectable taste. However, the peels of these fruits, which are rich in phytochemicals and sustainable components for innovative culinary formulations, are often discarded as waste.MethodsThis study explored the phytochemistry and valorization of three melon fruit, i.e., canary melon (Cucumis melo, var. Fonzy), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus, var. Augusta), and muskmelon (Cucumis melo, var. Cantaloupe), peels in food applications by incorporating into wheat flour biscuits. Peels of fruits were separated, dried and powders were extracted with 70% ethanol.Results and discussionComparing the muskmelon fruit peel to the peels of the other two fruits, the muskmelon fruit peel had the significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) high ash (8.36%), fiber (12.06%), fat (1.21%), protein (5.02%), mineral contents (Mg 233, Ca 364, K 1605, Fe 49.72, and Zn 2.39 mg/100 g), total phenolic content (167.49 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoid content (79.16 mg QE/100 g) and total antioxidant activity (56.92 mg Trolox equivalent/100 g). Results of the antimicrobial experiments of three melon peels showed that extracts from all peels showed enough antimicrobial activities, nearly comparable to the reference drugs (ampicillin and nystatin), which still showed the highest inhibition zones. Among three extracts, highest zone of inhibition against three bacterial species, i.e., Bacillus cereus (12.03 mm), Escherichia coli (10.02 mm), and Streptococcus aureus (18.08 mm), and fungal species, i.e., Candida albicans (8.09 mm), Aspergillus niger (7.06 mm), and Mucor meihi (7.02 mm) was exhibited by muskmelon peel extract. Moisture, ash, fat, fiber, minerals, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities of biscuits were increased as a result of incorporating peel flours. Correlation showed TPC and TAA were highly correlated in watermelon (10%; 1). Using principal component analysis, adding 5% canary watermelon peel powder to biscuits improved their healthful and active elements while maintaining sensory features. Baking with 10% muskmelon or watermelon peel powder boosted nutrition and antioxidant activity. After the control, biscuits fortified with 5% melon peel powder exhibited significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) high sensory scores. These findings highlight the value of melon peels as sustainable ingredients, promoting waste reduction and enhancing the dietary and functional benefits of food products.

Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Euphorbia paralias (L.): a bioprospecting study with phytoconstituents analysis.

The phytochemicals in the aerial parts of Euphorbia paralias (also known as Sea Spurge) and their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities were investigated. The methanolic extract was characterized using GC-MS and HPLC techniques. The anti-inflammatory feature was estimated through a Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization technique, while the antimicrobial feature was evaluated by the disc diffusion agar technique, minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) via micro-broth dilution method. The GC/MS results demonstrated the existence of various phytochemicals, such as n-hexadecenoic acid, cis-11-eicosenoic acid, and methyl stearate, recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial features. The similarity of the phytochemical composition with other Euphorbia species emphasizes the genus-wide similarity. The anti-inflammatory activity exhibited a noteworthy inhibitory effect comparable to the reference drug indomethacin. The extract's antimicrobial potential was tested against a range of microorganisms, demonstrating significant action against Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. The quantification of total phenolics and flavonoids further supported the therapeutic potential of the extract. The methanolic extract from E. paralias emerges as a successful natural source of important active constituents with potential applications as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents. This research provides a first step to valorize Euphorbia paralias insights as a source of worthwhile phytochemicals that have potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

In vitro antimicrobial, semisynthesis and in silico studies of 1, 2-naphthoquinone derivatives

Naphthoquinones have emerged as a potential class of compounds for treating microbial infections. In this study, our aim was to synthesize 1,2-naphthoquinones (1,2 NQs) starting from plicataloside (1), an O,O-diglucosylated naphthalene derivative isolated from Aloe rugosifolia, with the goal of further exploring their antimicrobial potential. Partial acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of plicataloside (1), followed by oxidation under basic conditions yielded 8-O-glucopyranosyl-3-methylnaphthalene-1,2‑dione (3, 27 %; w/w), while a series of reactions on plicataloside (1), including complete acid-catalyzed hydrolysis, Mannich-type reaction, and oxidation, led to 4-((dimethylamino)methyl)-8‑hydroxy-3-methylnaphthalene-1,2‑dione (6, 45 %; w/w). Using the microdilution method, Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited susceptibility to both compounds 3 and 6, with MIC values of 22.3 μM and 31.8 μM, respectively. Compound 6 also demonstrated moderate antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger, with MIC values of 255.0 μM and 508.2 μM, respectively. Molecular modeling studies provided additional insight into the mode of action, demonstrating that compound 3 effectively occupied the LPC-009-binding site of P. aeruginosa LpxC with a docking score of −8.898 kcal/mol. Compound 6 comfortably fitted into the FMN-binding pocket of C. albicans OYE1 enzyme, with a docking score of −6.396 kcal/mol. These findings suggest that 1,2-NQs hold promise for developing novel antimicrobial drugs against infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

Fungal Attachment-Resistant Polymers for the Additive Manufacture of Medical Devices.

This study reports the development of the first copolymer material that (i) is resistant to fungal attachment and hence biofilm formation, (ii) operates via a nonkilling mechanism, i.e., avoids the use of antifungal actives and the emergence of fungal resistance, (iii) exhibits sufficient elasticity for use in flexible medical devices, and (iv) is suitable for 3D printing (3DP), enabling the production of safer, personalized medical devices. Candida albicans (C. albicans) can form biofilms on in-dwelling medical devices, leading to potentially fatal fungal infections in the human host. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is a common material used for the manufacture of medical devices, such as voice prostheses, but it is prone to microbial attachment. Therefore, to deliver a fungal-resistant polymer with key physical properties similar to PDMS (e.g., flexibility), eight homopolymers and 30 subsequent copolymers with varying glass transition temperatures (Tg) and fungal antiattachment properties were synthesized and their materials/processing properties studied. Of the copolymers produced, triethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate (TEGMA) copolymerized with (r)-α-acryloyloxy-β,β-dimethyl-γ-butyrolactone (AODMBA) at a 40:60 copolymer ratio was found to be the most promising candidate by meeting all of the above criteria. This included demonstrating the capability to successfully undergo 3DP by material jetting, via the printing of a voice prosthesis valve-flap using the selected copolymer.

In vitro Study of Biofilm Sensitivity of to the Enzyme Complex Included in Wobenzym

Background. Bacterial films are a marker of chronic recurrent infections. Biofilms on mucous membranes block the inflammatory response of the macroorganism, suppressing the activity of immunocytes, and thereby allow microorganisms to reach high concentrations. Currently, research is being conducted to find medications that can act on biofilms. Enzymes, especially their complexes, are substances that can destroy bacterial films. Objective. Еo determine in vitro the sensitivity of bacterial biofilms formed by vaginal microorganisms to the complex of enzymes included in Wobenzym. Materials and methods. The study included 72 clinical isolates of pure microorganism cultures isolated from the vaginal biotope: Gardnerella vaginalis (3), Enterococcus faecalis (9), Escherichia coli (18), Klebsiella pneumoniae (15), Klebsiella aerogenes (3), Lactobacillus crispatus (3), Streptococcus pyogenes (3), Acinetobacter baumanii (3), Staphylococcus aureus (3), Candida albicans (3), Enterococcus faecium (3), Streptococcus agalactiae (3), Lactobacillus acidophilus (3). Bacterial biofilm formation was determined in polystyrene flat-bottom plates using a modified method of Christensen et al. (1985). The tablet form of Wobenzym was used in the study. The tablet shell was washed with saline, the tablet itself was dissolved in 10 ml of 0.9% NaCl and used for in vitro studies. The result was determined using a reader on a spectrophotometer to determine the optical density (OD) of the formed biofilm. It was believed that the drug acted on the bacterial film, reducing the OD by more than three times. Results. An in vitro study revealed clinical isolates of bacteria that formed biofilms of varying severity. Of the 72 clinical bacterial isolates, 38 formed biofilms. A pronounced effect of the complex of enzymes included in Wobenzym on biofilms formed by microorganisms such as A. baumanii, S. aureus, G. vaginalis and E. faecalis was noted. Conclusion. Wobenzym has an effective destructive effect on biofilms formed by various microorganisms, including G. vaginalis, common causative agents of bacterial vaginosis, as well as staphylococci and enterococci, causative agents of aerobic (nonspecific) vaginitis. Conclusion. The drug Wobenzym has an effective destructive effect on biofilms formed by various microorganisms, including Gardnerella vaginalis, common causative agents of bacterial vaginosis, as well as staphylococci and enterococci, causative agents of aerobic (nonspecific vaginitis).

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of some metal ion complexes of mannich base derived from 2-Mercaptobenzimidazole as potential antimicrobial agents

This study aims to prepare new compounds and investigate them spectroscopically and biologically against selected types of positive and negative bacteria and fungi to demonstrate their biological effectiveness. The prepared ligand combining formaldehyde, indole, sulfa benzamide, and 2-mercapto benzimidazole, a Mannich base ligand (L) was synthesized. The six metal ions including Cobalt (II), Nickel (II), Copper (II), Palladium (II), Platinum (IV), and gold (III) have interacted with the ligand and formed new complexes. Different spectroscopic methods, including C.H.N.S., FTIR, UV- Range visible, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, mass spectra, magnetic moment, and molar conductivity were used to suggest the new geometry of the complexes. The result from the infrared spectrum showed that the ligand behaves as tridentate with all prepared complexes. Conductivity analysis revealed the electrolytic nature of palladium, platinum, and gold ions complexes and non-electrolytes. The antibacterial activity of the compounds that were produced was tested using an agar-well diffusion procedure towards two strains of gram-positive as well as two strains of gram-negative bacteria and fungi (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans) respectively at 0.02M. The standard (∆Eo) and (∆Hfo) of ligand and six complexes were calculated using the program Hyper chem 8.0.7. The research established that complexes are more stable than ligands. Calculated HOMO and LUMO and vibration frequencies using (parametric method 3 (PM3)) to find out the active sites in the ligand showed that they can coordinate and note the extent to which the results of theoretical vibrational frequencies are close to the process when calculating the vibrational frequency of the active aggregates.

Unveiling the Innate and Adaptive Immunity Interplay: Global Transcriptomic Profiling of the Host Immune Response in Candida albicans Endophthalmitis in a Murine Model.

Intraocular fungal infection poses a significant clinical challenge characterized by chronic inflammation along with vision impairment. Understanding the host defense pathways involved in fungal endophthalmitis will play a pivotal role in identifying adjuvant immunotherapy. Clinical isolates of Candida albicans (15,000 CFU/μL) were intravitreally injected in C57BL/6 mice followed by enucleation at 24 and 72 h postinfection. Histopathological analysis was performed to evaluate the retinal changes and the disease severity. RNA-seq analysis was conducted on homogenized eyeballs to assess the relevant gene profiles and their differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Pathway enrichment analysis was performed to further annotate the functions of the DEGs. Histopathological analysis demonstrated a higher disease severity with increased inflammatory cells at 72 hpi and transcriptome analysis revealed 27,717 DEGs, of which 1493 were significant (adj p value ≤0.05, FC ≥ 1.5). Among these, 924 were upregulated, and 569 were downregulated. Majority of the upregulated genes were associated with the inflammatory/host immune response and signal transduction and enriched in the T-cell signaling pathway, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, C-type receptor signaling pathway, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Furthermore, inflammation-associated genes such as T-cell surface glycoprotein CD3, cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, and lymphocyte cell-specific protein tyrosine kinase were enriched, while pathways such as MAPK, cAMP, and metabolic pathways were downregulated. Regulating the T-cell influx could be a potential strategy to modulate excessive inflammation in the retina and could potentially aid in better vision recovery in fungal endophthalmitis.

Synthesis, Characterization and Antifungal Studies of Novel Substituted Benzaldehyde Derivatives of 2-Amino-6-ferrocenyl-4-phenylpyrimidine

A series of novel 2-amino-6-ferrocenyl-4-phenylpyrimidine (AFPP) derivatives (6a-j) have been synthesized by coupling AFPP with thioglycolic acid and various substituted benzaldehydes (a-j) using standard 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) protocol. The synthesized compounds were characterized by FTIR, 13C NMR, 1H NMR and MS techniques. The synthesized compounds 6a-j were evaluated for antifungal activities against Candida albicans MTCC 183. Comparing compounds 6a-j to standard amphotericin B, it was found that the synthesized compounds showed excellent activity.

Anticancer, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Cr (III) and Rh(III) Complexes Derived from A New Mannich Base

The Mannich base ligand was synthesized in an ethanol medium through a condensation reaction of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole and ciprofloxacin at room temperature. Subsequently, several metal complexes of this ligand were prepared. To characterize both the base ligand and the metal complexes, various techniques were employed, including elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, molar conductivity measurements, magnetic moment determination, and melting point analysis. The results were shown that the metal complexes formed have the formula [Cr(L)2Cl2] Cl.H2O and [Rh(L)2(H2O)2] Cl3.H2O, where L= mannich base ligand. Based on spectroscopic analytical, coordination with metal ions involves the 'N' donor atom of mannich base and 'N' atom of piprizaing ring, and two complexes are A six-coordinated octahedral structure is suggested. Molar conductivity of these complexes showed that they were electrolytic in nature. In this study, the anticancer and antioxidant potential of the Mannich base ligand and its metal complexes were investigated against MDA-MB-231 cell lines and using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Moreover, the in vitro efficacy of the ligand and its complexes against Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), as well as the fungal strain Candida albicans, was evaluated using the disc diffusion method. The results indicated that Cr (III) and Rh(III) complexes demonstrated the highest levels of cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cell lines, enhances antioxidant and antimicrobial activity more than the free ligand. These findings suggest that these metal complexes may have promising applications in the development of novel anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.

Photodynamic activity of curcumin against Candida biofilms on toothbrushes

Oral hygiene is necessary for maintaining human health, and regular brushing is recommended to control oral microbial biofilm. Toothbrushes are manufactured free of microorganisms, but after the first use they become contaminated and can represent a potential source of cross-contamination. Regular replacement or decontamination of toothbrushes is recommended. In this context, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a technology based on the production of reactive oxygen species, when light-absorbing compounds (photosensitizers) react with light and oxygen. The products of these reactions have antimicrobial activity and are used in dentistry to control microbial biofilms. Take into account, this study evaluated the activity of curcumin photoactivated with 450nm LED light against Candida krusei Ck7 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 biofilms adhered to toothbrushes. Curcumin without photoactivation reduced the number of viable cells by 77.5% and 91.73%, respectively. Photoactivated curcumin reduced the biofilm of C. krusei Ck7 by 97.94% and C. albicans by 98.8%. Therefore, photoactivated curcumin provided a powerful reduction in the number of viable yeasts associated with the biofilm and may represent a promising complementary technique to conventional antimicrobial agents.

РАЗРАБОТКА ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОЙ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННОЙ ФОРМЫ ДЛЯ МЕСТНОГО ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ С ПРОТИВОГРИБКОВЫМ ДЕЙСТВИЕМ

Currently, mycoses are one of the urgent health problems. According to WHO, up to 1/3 of the world's population suffers from fungal pathologies. Currently, fungal infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat, which is associated both with the identification of new species of fungi that were previously considered non-pathogenic, and with the development of resistance of pathogens to available medicines. The problem of mycoses is becoming more urgent due to the variety of pathways of transmission of pathogens and their high resistance in the external environment, changes in the immune response of the human body. Therefore, it is so important to expand the range and constantly improve the compositions and forms of antifungal agents. The substance of the silver salt pyrazole-3-carboxamide (SSP) synthesized in PGFA showed antifungal activity, which allowed it to be included in the experimental mild dosage form. The purpose of this study is to develop an experimental mild dosage form based on the silver salt of pyrazole–3-carboxamide for topical use in candidiasis dermatomycosis and to evaluate its antifungal activity. Materials and methods. The pharmacologically active component is the pharmaceutical substance of the silver salt N-{4-[(1,3-thiazole-2-yl)sulfamoyl]phenyl}-1-phenyl-5-(4-ethoxyphenyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide. The antifungal activity of the compound was studied by double serial dilutions in a liquid nutrient medium in relation to reference strains of fungi of the genus Candida: Candida albicans NCTC 885-653, Candida krusei RCPGU-1472/310, Candida glabrata RCPGU-1485/47. To determine the antifungal activity of an experimental mild dosage form in relation to a typical strain of fungi of the genus Candida, a three-nesting variant of the agar diffusion method was used. Statistical processing of the results of chemical studies was carried out according to generally accepted methods using standard EXCEL computer programs. Results and discussion. As a result of the conducted research, the composition of an experimental mild dosage form based on the silver salt of pyrazole-3-carboxamide has been substantiated and developed. A technology for the manufacture of ointment has been developed to ensure the quality of the dosage form, its therapeutic activity and stability. Conclusion. Based on technological and microbiological studies, an experimental mild dosage form based on the silver salt of pyrazole-3-carboxamide has been developed with the aim of further introduction into medical practice for the local treatment of dermatomycosis after appropriate studies.

Green synthesis of CaO nanoparticles from chicken eggshells: antibacterial, antifungal, and heavy metal (Pb2⁺, Cr2⁺, Cd2⁺ and Hg2⁺) adsorption properties

BackgroundChicken eggshells, a common poultry byproduct, are rich in calcium and provide a sustainable source for producing calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO NPs). Their use in eco-friendly synthesis aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable materials for environmental and biomedical applications. Objectives: This study develops an eco-friendly method for synthesizing CaO NPs from chicken eggshells, characterizes their physicochemical properties, and evaluates their antibacterial and antifungal activities. It also tests their effectiveness in removing heavy metal ions (Pb2⁺, Cr2⁺, Cd2⁺, and Hg2⁺) from aqueous solutions.MethodsCaO NPs were synthesized by calcining chicken eggshells at 700°C for 7 h. Comprehensive characterization included analysis of crystalline structure, morphology, optical properties, bandgap energy, chemical composition, and thermal stability. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were tested using the well-agar diffusion method. Batch adsorption experiments evaluated heavy metal ion removal under varying conditions of pH, temperature, stirring time, and adsorbent concentrationResultsThe synthesis produced spherical, single-crystal CaO NPs with diameters ranging from 5 to 30 nm and a crystalline size of approximately 20 nm. The nanoparticles had a bandgap energy of about 4.7 eV. Significant antibacterial activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, with increasing inhibition zones correlating with nanoparticle concentration. The CaO NPs also effectively inhibited Candida albicans. For efficient metal ion removal, the optimal conditions were found to be 30 min at pH 6 with 40 mg of CaO NPs at 25°C, achieving recovery rates of 98% for Pb2⁺, 97% for Cd2⁺, 97% for Cr2⁺, and 97% for Hg2⁺. For near-complete removal, extending the process to 70 min at pH 6 with 40 mg of CaO NPs at 45°C achieved the highest recovery rates: 99% for Pb2⁺, 98% for Cd2⁺, 99% for Cr2⁺, and 99% for Hg2⁺, though this approach involves higher energy and cost.ConclusionCaO NPs derived from chicken eggshells are effective antibacterial agents and adsorbents for heavy metal removal. These findings highlight their potential for sustainable applications in environmental and biomedical fields.

Transition metal complexes of benzimidazole-based ligands: Synthesis, characterization, biological, and catecholase activities

Heterocyclic ligands 5a and 5b and their metal complexes (1–10) and (11–20) respectively, were synthesized and characterized by mass spectrometry, FT-IR, ESR, 1H, 13C NMR and UV–visible spectroscopy. In vitro antifungal activity of the heterocyclic analogs 5a, 5b and metal complexes (1–20) was evaluated against the fungal strains: Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida tropicalis., The results showed that Fe(III) 2 and Co(II) complex 13 display considerable antifungal activity with MIC values of 350, 375 and 435 μg/mL and 450, 455, and 455 μg/mL against C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis, respectively. Promising 5a, 5b, Fe(III) 2, and Co(II) complex 13 show groove binding mode with Ct-DNA, which has been confirmed by several techniques, including UV–visible, fluorescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. PDB ID: 1BNA was used for the molecular docking investigation of the heterocyclic analogs 5a and 5b. The active Fe(III) complex 2 and Co(II) complex 13 are effectively catalyzed for the oxidation of catechol in acetonitrile to its corresponding quinone with turnover number 5.44 × 104 and 9.78 × 104 h−1, respectively with first order that follow Michaelis-Menten enzymatic kinetics. The pharmacokinetics properties of the all compounds showed good oral bioavailability. Antioxidant potential of ligands 5a, 5b, Fe(III) 2 and Co(II) complex 13 was further approximated through DPPH free radical and H2O2 with remarkable antioxidant activity.

A Literature Review of the Role of Candida albicans in the Occurrence and Development of Several Cancers

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is an opportunistic fungus that usually colonizes specific parts of the human body and tends to infect hosts with immunocompromised function, including cancer patients. Several studies have pointed to the direct or indirect involvement of (C. albicans) in oral, esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal, liver, breast, and skin cancers. So, this article reviews the relationship between C. albicans and various cancers and describes the mechanisms by which this fungus may be involved in the occurrence and development of these cancers. For this reason, keywords such as: "Candida," "cancer," "oral cancer," "esophageal cancer," "gastric cancer," "colorectal cancer," "pancreatic cancer," "liver cancer," "breast cancer," "skin cancer", "risk factors" and "epidemiology" were searched. Articles published in scientific databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, Elsevier, and Scopus, were used. In these articles, it is mentioned that C. albicans may play a role in the occurrence and development of various cancers via several mechanisms, such as modulation of the immune system, induction of matrix metalloproteinases, over-expression of prognostic marker genes related to metastatic events, damaging mucosal epithelium, microbiome changes, activation of oncogenic signalling pathways, induction of chronic inflammation and production of carcinogenic metabolites including nitrosamine and acetaldehyde.

Comparing the Antibacterial Efficacy of Morus Alba (Mulberry Leaf) Extract and 0.2% Chlorhexidine: An Invitro Assay

Background: Morus Alba is being used for the treatment of diabetes to reduce blood sugar levels. It has also shown antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity against Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus epidermis, and S. aureus. Extracts of the bark of Morus alba have also shown bactericidal activity against the oral Streptococci. Aim: To compare the antibacterial efficacy of Morus Alba (mulberry leaf) extract with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash. Material &amp; methods: The Morus Alba aqueous leaf extraction was carried out by using the hot maceration technique with deionised water, and the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) of the of the Morus Alba aqueous leaf extract was evaluated against the biofilm-forming Streptococcus mutans. Results: The minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) of hot methanol extract of Morusalba (2.5 mg/ 10 ml) was used to study its effect on bacterial growth. As the concentration of Morus Alba aqueous leaf extract increases, the OD values decrease, indicating reduced bacterial growth. The reduction percentage increases with higher concentrations of leaf extract, showing a dose-dependent inhibition of Streptococcus mutans. The 0.2% CHX shows the highest reduction, confirming its effectiveness. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Morus Alba mouthwash shows a significant inhibitory effect on Streptococcus mutans, with higher concentrations leading to a greater reduction in bacterial growth.

The Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Effects of Equisetum arvense Extracts

Equisetum arvense L, also known as horsetail, is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine. Especially, it is used in the treatment of bleeding, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, urethritis, jaundice and hepatitis. In the study, the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of extracts obtained from different solvents of E. arvense were investigated. Antimicrobial activity of E. arvense extracts was determined using the disc diffusion method. The antimicrobial activity was determined utilizing the pathogenic microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Bacillus megaterium, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. In the results obtained, it was determined that the ethanol extract of E. arvense at 500 µg concentration showed antimicrobial activity at different rates (14.3-28.0). Ethanol extract showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Candida glabrata (28.0 mm) at the same concentration. It was detected that the chloroform extract showed antimicrobial activity (7.3-10.6 mm) against the microorganisms used. The antioxidant activity of the aerial parts of E. arvense at different concentrations of methanol extract was determined according to the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil radical scavenging capacity method. The highest radical scavenging capacity of the methanol extract was observed at a concentration of 10mg/mL (91.5%). The IC50 value of the methanol extract of E. arvense was calculated as 3.13 mg/mL.

Some oral microbiota in complete cleft infants in comparison with normal infants.

To compare caries-related microorganisms and candida in complete cleft infants with normal palate infants. The case-control study was conducted from April 2021 to January 2022 at the College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised infants with age ranging from 1 day to 4 months. They were divided into complete cleft group A and control group B. Group A was subdivided into those with class III Veau's palatal classification, and the rest with class IV Veau's palatal classification. Samples were taken using oral swab which were subjected to colony morphology, gram staining and biochemical testing. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the 52 subjects, 26(50%) were in each of the 2 groups. The subgroups of group A had 13(50%) patients each. The counting and colonisation of streptococcus mutans, lactobacilli and candida albicans were significantly higher in group A than in group B (p<0.05). The difference between the subgroups of group A was not significant (p>0.05). Infants with cleft palate were more susceptible to dental caries and oral infection than those with normal palate.

Antimicrobial gelatin-based films with cinnamaldehyde and ZnO nanoparticles for sustainable food packaging

Cinnamaldehyde (CIN), a harmless bioactive chemical, is used in bio-based packaging films for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. However, high amounts can change food flavor and odor. Thus, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) as a supplementary antimicrobial agent are added to gelatin film with CIN. The CIN/ZnO interactions are the main topic of this investigation. FTIR-Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to investigate CIN/ZnO@gelatin films. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images revealed nanospheres morphology of ZnO NPs, with particle sizes ranging from 12 to 22 nm. ZnO NPs integration increased the overall activation energy of CIN/ZnO@gelatin by 11.94%. The incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CIN@gelatin film significantly reduced water vapour permeability (WVP) of the CIN/ZnO@gelatin film by 12.07% and the oxygen permeability (OP) by 86.86%. The water sorption isotherms of CIN/ZnO@gelatin were described using Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model. The incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CIN@gelatin film reduced monolayer moisture content (M0) by 35.79% and significantly decreased the solubility of CIN/ZnO@gelatin by 15.15%. The inclusion of ZnO into CIN@gelatin film significantly decreased tensile strength of CIN/ZnO@gelatin by 13.32% and Young`s modulus by 18.33% and enhanced elongation at break by 11.27%. The incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CIN@gelatin film caused a significant decrease of antioxidant activity of CIN/ZnO@gelatin film by 9.09%. The most susceptible organisms to the CIN/ZnO@gelatin film included Candida albicans, Helicobacter pylori, and Micrococcus leutus. The inhibition zone produced by the CIN/ZnO@gelatin film versus Micrococcus leutus was 25.0 mm, which was comparable to the inhibition zone created by antibacterial gentamicin (23.33 mm) and cell viability assessment revealed that ZnO/CIN@gelatin (96.8 ± 0.1%) showed great performance as potent biocompatible active packaging material.

Inspecting Candida Oral Infections among Diabetics

Objective: Oral candidiasis infection is more prevalent in diabetic patients. There are numerous factors that can exacerbate the colonization of Candida species in the oral cavity, including salivary pH disorders and xerostomia. The study aimed to evaluate Candida spp. resistance to antifungal agents and compare their colonization levels in diabetics and nondiabetics oral cavities. Methods: We conducted the investigation from February 2023 to April 2023. We conducted the following analyses after collecting 100 oral samples: gram stain, culture on Sabaroud dextrose agar, and direct microscopic inspection. The Vitek 2 System confirmed the yeasts through carbohydrate assimilation profiles. Results: Out of 100 oral samples cultured, 69 yielded Candida species. Fifty-two samples were from diabetics and 17 were from nondiabetic patients. The frequencies of isolated Candida species, including C. albicans, were 28, C. tropicalis 17, C. krusei 16, C. glabrata 6, and C. dubliniensis 2. The results indicated that C. albicans exhibited higher resistance rates against clotrimazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole than the no albicans Candida species. Clotrimazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole, on the other hand, showed no effect on 11, 29, and 18 samples for all Candida species, respectively. Conclusion: C. albicans was the most prevalent Candida species in people with diabetes; however, other Candida species were common. Fluconazole and nystatin often treat oral Candida infections.