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Researchers at the University of Auckland have conducted a study on antibiotics, focusing on the antimicrobial peptide thanatin and its analogues. The research found that these compounds demonstrated potent and selective activity towards E. coli, and showed synergy with the antibiotic polymyxin B. The study suggests that these analogues could be promising for the development of narrow spectrum antimicrobials with reduced likelihood of resistance emerging in clinical settings. For more information, the full article is available in Frontiers in Pharmacology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Agency for Science Technology and Research (ASTAR) in Singapore delves into the mechanisms of action of polymyxin B1 (PMB1) in combating multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. The research highlights the importance of understanding how PMB1 interacts with bacterial inner membranes to develop new polymyxin-based antibiotics. By utilizing molecular dynamics simulations, the study sheds light on how PMB1 targets lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the inner membrane, providing valuable insights for enhancing antibiotic efficacy. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts to address the threat of polymyxin-resistant strains and the rise of postantibiotic era. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil explores the in vitro antibacterial activity of the combination of rifampicin and polymyxin B against extensively drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. The study found that the combination showed synergistic effects against these resistant strains, indicating potential for further research as a combination therapy. The research was supported by various scientific development organizations and has been peer-reviewed for accuracy and validity. For more details, the full article can be accessed through the journal Current Microbiology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published by the Department of Pharmacy highlights the effectiveness of combining polymyxin B with cefepime-avibactam in combating biofilms of polymyxin B-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The research found that this combination therapy not only suppressed the formation of biofilms but also effectively eradicated mature biofilms. In both in vitro and in vivo models, the combination therapy showed promising results in treating biofilm-related infections caused by these antibiotic-resistant bacteria. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Federal University in Dourados, Brazil, explored the potential of using Ocimum gratissimum essential oil in combination with Polymyxin B to combat Polymyxin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections. The research found that the essential oil exhibited antimicrobial activity against the bacteria and, when combined with Polymyxin B, showed a synergistic effect, enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing antimicrobial resistance. The study concluded that Ocimum gratissimum essential oil could be a promising therapeutic alternative for treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly when used in combination with Polymyxin B. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the State University of Londrina in Brazil have discovered that a compound called Fluopsin C (FlpC) has antibiofilm activity against extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (XDRAb). Biofilm formation is a survival mechanism for A. baumannii and makes it resistant to antimicrobial treatments. The researchers found that FlpC, when combined with polymyxin B, increased bacterial susceptibility to both antibiotics. This study suggests that FlpC has potential as a new antimicrobial product for the treatment of XDRAb infections. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo focused on Klebsiella pneumoniae, a type of Gram-negative bacteria that poses a significant risk to public health. The researchers explored the combination of aztreonam and ceftazidime/avibactam with varying dosages of polymyxin B and imipenem to combat these bacteria. The study found that high-dose polymyxin B and low-dose polymyxin B + imipenem were effective in clearing the bacterial population. The researchers suggest that further studies are needed to develop optimal antibiotic combinations to combat drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Jinan in Guangzhou, China, has discovered potential biofilm inhibitors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacteria. The researchers synthesized a series of compounds and found that compound 30b was the most effective in inhibiting biofilm formation and various virulence phenotypes of P. aeruginosa. Additionally, compound 30b enhanced the antibacterial activity of tobramycin and polymyxin B in combination therapy. These findings suggest that compound 30b could be a promising candidate for treating P. aeruginosa infections. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine provides new information about Acinetobacter baumannii, a type of Gram-negative bacteria. The study found that the standard method of testing the effectiveness of polymyxins, a class of antibiotics, in the laboratory does not accurately predict their efficacy in vivo. By culturing the bacteria in bicarbonate-containing media, the researchers were able to reduce the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antibiotics and accurately predict their effectiveness in a mouse model. This suggests that polymyxins may still be a viable treatment option for A. baumannii strains that were previously considered pan-resistant. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Costa Rica aimed to determine the toxicity of 27 pharmaceuticals and their interaction effects on two model organisms: the microcrustacean Daphnia magna and the bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri. The study found that six compounds exhibited moderate toxicity towards D. magna, and three compounds showed a moderate toxic effect on A. fischeri. The study also revealed interactions in mixtures of high-hazard drugs, particularly fluoxetine-containing mixtures. However, all effects observed were at concentrations higher than commonly found in the environment. The research provides valuable ecotoxicological information for the risk assessment of pharmaceuticals and their mixtures in the environment. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Venus Medicine Research Centre evaluated the nephrotoxicity reduction of a novel formulation of polymyxin B (PMB) called VRP-034 compared to marketed PMB using a 3D kidney-on-a-chip model. The study found that VRP-034 significantly reduced nephrotoxicity compared to marketed PMB, particularly at clinically relevant concentrations. VRP-034 also exhibited superior cell health outcomes and disrupted tubular integrity less than marketed PMB. The findings suggest that VRP-034 has the potential to enable the use of full therapeutic doses of PMB with an improved safety profile. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Russian Academy of Sciences focused on antimicrobial cationic peptides (AMPs), which are considered a potential alternative to common antibiotics. The study specifically examined the interaction between two well-known AMPs, melittin and magainin, and lipid membranes at a low peptide-to-lipid ratio. The researchers found that melittin inserts deeper into the lipid bilayer than magainin, resulting in different types of pores and translocation mechanisms. These findings provide insights into the structure-function relationship of AMPs based on their membrane insertion depth. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Universitas Islam Bandung explored the potential use of interleukin-8 (IL-8) inhibitors for the treatment of rosacea. The study found that increased IL-8 expression is associated with rosacea, particularly in moderate to severe cases. Through an in silico investigation, the researchers identified a small molecule, ZINC000022339916, that effectively inhibits IL-8 activity. Further validation through in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations is needed to confirm its potential as a therapeutic option for rosacea. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Tianjin University of Commerce in China focused on the identification and functional analysis of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that regulate intrinsic polymyxin resistance in foodborne Proteus vulgaris. Polymyxin is an antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. The study aimed to determine whether ncRNAs in Proteus vulgaris can regulate intrinsic polymyxin resistance. Through bioinformatics analysis, mutant construction, and experimental verification, the researchers successfully identified the ncRNAs involved and their potential target genes. These findings provide a foundation for identifying ncRNAs involved in the regulation of polymyxin resistance and offer insights into the screening of bacterial ncRNAs that contribute to antibiotic resistance regulation. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Texas Tech University discusses research findings on nosocomial infections, which are infections acquired in healthcare settings. The study focuses on the use of polymyxin B, a type of antibiotic, to inhibit the growth of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The researchers conducted in silico gene mining to identify bacteria with the potential to produce polymyxins, and confirmed the biosynthetic capacity of Paenibacillus polymyxa through metabolite characterization. In vitro analysis showed that polymyxin B was effective against select nosocomial pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Acinetobacter baumaii. This research provides valuable insights into potential treatment options for multidrug-resistant bacteria. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University in China have developed a simple method to measure the concentration of polymyxin B (PB) in human plasma using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The method was validated and applied to a pharmacokinetic study in elderly patients infected with multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The study found that both dose strategies used in the study resulted in excessive PB exposure in elderly patients, exceeding the therapeutic window recommended by guidelines. This research provides new insights into the pharmacokinetics of PB in this patient population. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences explores the use of porous silicon microneedle patches for the delivery of polymyxin-based antimicrobials. The researchers highlight the global trend of increasing antibiotic resistance to Gram-negative bacteria and the need for alternative antibiotics. The study demonstrates that the porous silicon microneedle patches efficiently deliver polymyxin B (PMB) to the skin, maintaining its bioactivity and antimicrobial efficacy. This research expands the possibilities of current transdermal drug delivery systems. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of California Davis have conducted a study on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. The study focused on the potential of two host defense peptides, LL-37 and hBD2, to influence the severity of NEC in preclinical models. The results showed that both peptides reduced NEC injury scores, with LL-37 functioning through antimicrobial properties and hBD2 through decreases in inflammation and improvement of intestinal barrier integrity. This research provides valuable insights into potential treatment and prevention strategies for NEC. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Federal University Pelotas in Brazil have conducted a study on the antibiofilm activity of biogenic silver nanoparticles (Bio-AgNP) and polymyxin B against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CR-Ab). Acinetobacter baumannii is a bacteria associated with nosocomial infections and is difficult to control due to its antibiotic resistance and ability to form biofilms. The study found that Bio-AgNP and polymyxin B, when used alone or in combination, demonstrated inhibitory and biofilm-disrupting activity against CR-Ab. This research suggests that Bio-AgNP could be an alternative in the control of CR-Ab strains. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from China Medical University have developed a quantum computational model to analyze drug delivery. Specifically, they studied the co-loading of mitoxantrone (MTX) and human beta-defensin 3 (HBD3) onto composite polymers. The study found that MTX strongly interacts with PLGA, while HBD3 interacts strongly with CHI. The researchers concluded that these molecular results can be used to design polymeric carriers for drug delivery. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Molecular Liquids. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) has shed light on the mechanisms behind polymyxin B resistance in Escherichia coli (E. coli) B strains. Polymyxins are a class of antibiotics used to treat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. The study found that specific insertion sequence 1 (IS1) elements play a role in the amplification of genes involved in the biosynthesis and transfer of certain modifications to the bacterial outer membrane, leading to increased resistance to polymyxin B. The research suggests that complex phenotypes, including polymyxin B resistance, can result from tandem amplification events. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium have developed a liquid chromatographic method for the fast determination of lincomycin, polymyxin, and vancomycin in a preservation solution for transplants. The method was found to be selective towards these antibiotics and their degradation products, with no interference from other ingredients in the preservation solution. The method was validated and found to be sensitive, linear, precise, and accurate. The antibiotics were also found to be stable in the preservation solution for four weeks when stored at -20 °C. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Autonomous University of Queretaro in Mexico has explored the potential of antimicrobial cationic peptides, specifically cathelicidins, as a treatment for babesiosis, an infectious disease caused by Babesia protozoan parasites. The study focused on Aquiluscidin, a cathelicidin obtained from Crotalus aquilus, and its derivative peptide Vcn-23. The results showed that Aquiluscidin demonstrated significant antimicrobial effects on Babesia species, while Vcn-23 did not exhibit babesiacidal activity. The researchers concluded that Aquiluscidin could be a promising candidate for further investigation into its antiparasitic properties and potential alternatives for the treatment of babesiosis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Russian Academy of Sciences has discovered a novel antimicrobial peptide called AmBRI-44a in the marine polychaete Arenicola marina. This peptide has shown potential as an antibiotic agent against multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. The study investigated the structure, activity, and mechanism of action of AmBRI-44a, and found that it has a specific activity against a narrow spectrum of bacteria and cytotoxic effects on eukaryotic cells. The research suggests that AmBRI-44a could be a candidate compound for the development of new antibiotics to treat infectious diseases. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the West China Hospital of Sichuan University have conducted a review on polymyxins, a type of antimicrobial cationic peptides used as a last line of defense against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. The review focuses on the antibacterial mechanisms, resistance pathways, and innovative strategies to mitigate resistance of polymyxins. The researchers emphasize the urgent need for further research on polymyxins to ensure their continued efficacy against challenging bacterial infections. The full article can be accessed for free through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Genentech Inc. discusses new research on antibiotics, specifically polymyxins, which are gram-negative antibiotics that target lipid A, a component of the outer membrane of bacteria. The study used surface plasmon resonance to investigate the interactions between polymyxins and lipid A and proposed a three-state mechanism for polymyxin activity: transient binding, membrane insertion, and super-stoichiometric cluster accumulation. The findings could potentially lead to the development of new lipid A-targeting antibiotics and provide insights into interactions with the gram-negative outer membrane. The full article can be accessed for free through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Capital Medical University in Beijing, China have developed a novel biosensor for the rapid and accurate detection of healthcare-associated infection (HAI)-related bacteria. The biosensor utilizes an antimicrobial peptide called cecropin 1 (CP1) immobilized on the surface of Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles to capture Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli O157:H7 simultaneously. The biosensor demonstrated excellent capturing ability, magnetic enrichment function, and antibacterial activity. It also exhibited high sensitivity and specificity when applied to urine samples. The researchers believe that this biosensor has great potential for detecting multiple bacteria after infection and monitoring therapeutic efficacy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Deraya University focused on the quantification of Polymyxin B, an antibiotic used to treat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. The researchers developed a fast and environmentally friendly fluorimetric method to measure the drug's concentration. By optimizing the reaction conditions, they were able to successfully quantify the drug in ophthalmic and intravenous pharmaceutical forms. The study also assessed the methodology's greenness using Analytical Eco-Scale scores. For more information, readers can refer to the original research article published in BMC Chemistry. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Tianjin University in China have made advancements in the production of the antibiotic polymyxin B through combinatorial metabolic engineering. Polymyxin B is effective against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, but its clinical development has been limited due to low production levels and the presence of similar compounds. By integrating the polymyxin gene cluster into Bacillus subtilis and expressing a specific gene from Paenibacillus polymyxa, the researchers were able to increase the production of polymyxin B. Through further optimization, they achieved a final titer of 962.1 mg/L. This study demonstrates a successful approach for enhancing polymyxin B production and increasing its effectiveness through metabolic engineering. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from researchers at the University General Hospital of Heraklion in Greece discusses the challenges posed by Acinetobacter baumannii, a bacterium that has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, including colistin. The report explores the mechanisms of colistin resistance and the genetic factors contributing to it, such as modifications to lipopolysaccharide or lipid A structures. The researchers also evaluate various treatment options, including the use of new antibiotics and combinations of drugs. However, they note that more clinical data is needed to determine the most effective strategies against colistin-resistant A. baumannii infections. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Konya City Hospital has found that polymyxins, a type of antibiotic, can cause a rare side effect of petechial rash on the skin. Polymyxins are drugs that bind to the outer cell membrane of gram-negative bacteria, but they can also have adverse effects such as nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. The study highlights the importance of monitoring patients for hypersensitivity reactions related to polymyxin B use and emphasizes the need for proper anamnesis to determine the cause of these symptoms. This information is valuable in the context of the increasing use of polymyxins in the era of multidrug-resistant bacteria. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Calcutta in India has found that the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin has potential as a treatment for visceral leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease. The peptide was shown to kill drug-sensitive and resistant Leishmania parasites and increase the production of interleukin 12, a cytokine that is beneficial to the host. However, the study also found that the infection downregulates the production of cathelicidin by exploiting a host protein called CREM, which could be a potential drug target. This research provides valuable insights into the development of novel therapeutics for visceral leishmaniasis. [Extracted from the article]

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence of polymyxin-resistant bacterial strains in India. The study found that the rate of polymyxin-resistant bacteria in India was 15.0%, higher than the global average of 10%. Tamil Nadu had the highest prevalence of polymyxin resistance at 28.3%. Additionally, 8.4% of the polymyxin-resistant strains carried the mcr genes. The study suggests that these findings can help develop a monitoring strategy to contain the spread of such strains and preserve the efficacy of polymyxins. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Islamic Azad University in Shiraz, Iran, explores the use of nanofibers for wound healing. The study focuses on designing nanofibers with antibacterial properties using electrospinning technology. The researchers fabricated a nanocomposite from polyethylene oxide coated with copper nanoparticles and defensin peptide, and evaluated its properties through various analyses. The nanocomposite showed promising results in terms of wound healing, antibacterial activity, and potential applications in industries such as textiles, drugs, and medicine. The study provides valuable insights into the use of nanofibers for medical purposes. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran has found that histatin 5, a salivary antimicrobial peptide, has potential anti-biofilm effects against Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria associated with dental caries. The study used in vitro and in silico approaches to evaluate the effects of histatin 5 on biofilm formation, acidogenicity, and acidurity of S. mutans. The findings showed that histatin 5 inhibited biofilm formation and could potentially limit the acid production of S. mutans. The researchers suggest that histatin 5 could be a promising candidate for the development of new therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India, has explored the use of gold nanoparticles for the detection of antibiotic contaminants in the environment. The researchers developed a method using gold nanoparticles that can detect Polymyxin B (PMB) in an aqueous medium. By tuning the physicochemical properties of the gold nanoparticles using polyethyleneimine (PEI), the researchers were able to achieve high sensitivity and selectivity in detecting PMB. This study presents a novel approach for the development of advanced sensing systems for antibiotic detection in environmental and biological samples. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Andres Bello in Santiago, Chile, explores the impact of b-lactam antibiotics on the tolerance of Salmonella enterica to polymyxin B, an antimicrobial peptide. The study found that sub-lethal doses of b-lactam antibiotics increased bacterial survival against polymyxin B by inducing the release of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) with a higher affinity for the peptide. This phenomenon may contribute to decreased effectiveness of polymyxin B in treating infections caused by Salmonella enterica and other Gram-negative bacteria. The study highlights the importance of evaluating the interaction between OMVs and antimicrobial agents in the presence of b-lactam antibiotics. [Extracted from the article]

A new study from the National University Hospital in Singapore has found that polymyxin-induced neuromuscular weakness is a rare but potentially fatal condition. The study describes a patient who developed respiratory failure after taking polymyxin for multi-drug resistant Escherichia Coli bacteremia. However, after discontinuing the drug, the patient regained full strength and recovered. The researchers emphasize the importance of early recognition and prompt discontinuation of polymyxin to prevent this life-threatening condition. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Purdue University has found that the combination of polymyxin B and tobramycin can reduce the pulmonary toxicity caused by polymyxins. Polymyxins are commonly used to treat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, but their accumulation in lung epithelial cells can lead to increased oxidative stress and toxicity. The researchers investigated the transport and uptake of polymyxin B and tobramycin in human lung epithelial cells and found that the combination treatment significantly reduced their transport and uptake, resulting in reduced pulmonary toxicity. The study suggests that polymyxin B and tobramycin share a common transporter called megalin. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application by Japan Tobacco Inc. has been made available online for a "Skin Barrier Function Improving Agent." The inventors have discovered that a JAK inhibitor can increase the expression of proteins related to skin barrier function, such as filaggrin, loricrin, involucrin, and b-defensin 3. They have also found that the JAK inhibitor can improve the moisturizing function of the stratum corneum and accelerate the reduction of transepidermal water loss in a dry skin mouse model. The invention aims to provide a novel pharmaceutical use for JAK inhibitors in treating or preventing various skin diseases caused by deterioration in the skin barrier function, including senile xerosis, asteatosis, eczema, contact dermatitis, ichthyosis vulgaris, Netherton syndrome, and type B peeling skin syndrome. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Lung and Blood Institute has found that beta-defensin-2 (BD2) levels are associated with psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease. The study also investigated the impact of biological interventions on BD2 levels and its connection to subclinical atherosclerosis. The researchers discovered that IL-17A-driven BD2 expression occurs through a PI3-kinase and Rac1 GTPase-dependent mechanism. These findings suggest that BD2 could serve as a potential biomarker for psoriasis and shed light on the signaling pathways involved in BD2 expression. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Grenoble-Alpes in France has identified new findings regarding the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study focused on the development of resistance to the last-line antibiotics, polymyxins, by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The researchers discovered a polymyxin-induced operon called mipBA, which is activated by the ParR/ParS two-component regulatory system in response to polymyxins. The study suggests that the membrane proteins MipA and MipB act as sensors to help the bacterium cope with polymyxin-mediated envelope stress. [Extracted from the article]