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Abstract Introduction Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin production or utilization, leading to severe health complications. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent a major complication, often exacerbated by polymicrobial infections involving Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii. These pathogens, notorious for their resistance to antibiotics, complicate treatment efforts, especially due to biofilm formation, which enhances bacterial survival and resistance. This study explores the synergistic effects of combining gentamicin, imipenem, and fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide with antimicrobial properties, against both planktonic and biofilm forms of S. aureus and A. baumannii. Methods Isolates of S. aureus and A. baumannii were collected from DFUs and genetically confirmed. Methicillin resistance in S. aureus was identified through disk diffusion and PCR. Biofilm formation, including dual-species biofilms, was analyzed using the microtiter plate method. The antimicrobial efficacy of gentamicin, imipenem, and fucoidan was assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC), and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC). Synergistic interactions were evaluated using the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICi) and fractional bactericidal concentration index (FBCi). The expression of biofilm-associated genes (icaA in S. aureus and bap in A. baumannii) was analyzed, and the cytotoxicity of fucoidan was assessed. Results The study revealed that 77.4% of S. aureus and all A. baumannii isolates showed multidrug resistance. Among 837 tested conditions for dual-species biofilm formation, 72 resulted in strong biofilm formation and 67 in moderate biofilm formation. The geometric mean MIC values for gentamicin were 12.2 µg/mL for S. aureus, 22.62 µg/mL for A. baumannii, and 5.87 µg/mL for their co-culture; for imipenem, they were 19.84, 9.18, and 3.70 µg/mL, respectively, and for fucoidan, 48.50, 31.20, and 19.65 µg/mL, respectively. The MBC values for gentamicin were 119.42, 128, and 11.75 µg/mL; for imipenem, they were 48.50, 14.92, and 8 µg/mL; and for fucoidan, they were 88.37, 62.62, and 42.48 µg/mL. The MBIC values were 55.71, 119.42, and 18.66 µg/mL for gentamicin; 68.59, 48.50, and 25.39 µg/mL for imipenem; and 153.89, 101.49, and 53.53 µg/mL for fucoidan. The MBEC values were 315.17, 362.03, and 59.25 µg/mL for gentamicin; 207.93, 157.58, and 74.65 µg/mL for imipenem; and 353.55, 189.46, and 99.19 µg/mL for fucoidan. When cultured in planktonic form, the geometric mean FICi and FBCi values indicated additive effects, while co-culture showed FICi values of ≤ 0.5, suggesting a synergistic interaction. Treatment with gentamicin and fucoidan led to significant downregulation of the icaA and bap genes in both single-species and dual-species biofilms of S. aureus and A. baumannii. The reductions in gene expression were more pronounced in dual-species biofilms compared to single-species biofilms. Additionally, treatment with imipenem and fucoidan also resulted in significant downregulation of these genes in both biofilm types. Cytotoxicity assessments indicated that higher concentrations of fucoidan were toxic, yet no harmful effects were noted at the optimal synergistic concentrations used with antibiotics. Conclusion In our investigation, we found that combining gentamicin, imipenem, and fucoidan had a synergistic effect on dual-species biofilms of S. aureus and A. baumannii, suggesting potential benefits for treating such infections effectively. This underscores the importance of understanding microbial interactions, antibiotic susceptibility, and biofilm formation in DFUs.

Abstract Viral infections in humans often cause excessive inflammation. In some viral infections, inflammation can be serious and even fatal, while in other infections it can promote viral clearance. Viruses can escape from the host immune system via regulating inflammatory pathways, thus worsening the illness. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are tiny non-coding RNA molecules expressed within diverse tissues as well as cells and are engaged in different normal pathological and physiological pathways. Emerging proof suggests that miRNAs can impact innate and adaptive immunity, inflammatory responses, cell invasion, and the progression of viral infections. We discuss some intriguing new findings in the current work, focusing on the impacts of different miRNAs on host inflammatory responses and virus-mediated inflammation. A better understanding of dysregulated miRNAs in viral infections could improve the identification, prevention, and treatment of several serious diseases.

Abstract The role of Streptococcus mutans in the initiation of caries is related to its acidogenicity, aciduricity, and polysaccharides extracellular layer production by glucosyltransferases in dental biofilms. Therefore, inhibition of glucosyltransferase activity impairs the virulence of cariogenic biofilms, which can be used to prevent dental caries. We evaluated the anti-bacterial, anti-biofilm, and anti-glucosyltransferases effects of nanoliposomal herbal aqueous extracts of Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra; G. glabra), Ginger (Zingiber officinale; Z. officinale), Pomegranate (Punica granatum; P. granatum), and Rose (Rosa damascene; R. damascene) via minimum bactericidal concentration and minimum inhibitory concentration against Streptococcus mutans strain ATCC 35,668. An anti-biofilm assay was performed using a minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration test. Among herbs, only P. granatum showed an antibacterial effect. Therefore, a nanoliposomal formulation of P. granatum was developed and characterized. Its effect on S.mutans glucosyltransferases was assessed by measuring glucan amount. The nanoliposomal formulation of P.granatum showed a significantly higher anti-biofilm effect than P. granatum aqueous extract. Their similar potential in blocking glucosyltransferases showed that the nanoliposomal formulation of P.granatum blocked other pathways rather than blocking glucosyltransferases for its anti-biofilm effect. Collectively, the nanoliposomal formulation of P.granatum, due to its anti- Streptococcus mutans characteristics, would be a production which open a new horizon for the oral pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) outbreak in intensive care units (ICUs) is a significant problem for healthcare facilities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the occurrence of CRAB isolates among ICU-admitted patients during the three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran using Multiple-Locus Variable Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA). We obtained 50 (A) baumannii isolates from tracheal aspirate and blood culture samples. In the disc diffusion method, all isolates were cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and cefepime-resistant, while 98% (49/50) of isolates were resistant to piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftazidime, and ciprofloxacin. Levofloxacin and tobramycin resistance was found in 76% (38/50) of isolates. In the microbroth dilution test all isolates were resistant to imipenem, 98% (49/50) to meropenem, 68% (34/50) to colistin, and 20% (10/50) to polymyxin (B) Based on the PCR findings, all isolates harbored bla OXA−40 , ISAba-1, and int-2 genes. There were no isolates found that have the bla OXA−58 , bla OXA−143 , bla VEB−1 , bla VIM , and int-3 genes. Among Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) genes, bla CTX−M , bla TEM , bla SHV , bla GES , and bla PER−1 have a prevalence of 42% (21/50), 84% (42/50), 58% (29/50), 78% (39/50), and 54% (27/50), respectively. 74% (37/50) of the isolates had the bla OXA−23 gene, while all of the isolates carried the bla OXA−40 gene. Among MBL genes, bla IPM , bla GIM , bla SIM , and bla NDM−1 have a prevalence of 20% (10/50), 8% (4/50), 22% (11/50), and 60% (30/50), respectively. The prevalence of int-1 was documented as 74% (37/50). Accordingly, all isolates were identified as CRAB. The co-existence of bla OXA−23 /int-2 and bla OXA−23 /isaba-1 was 74% (37/50). The co-existence of bla NDM−1 /ISAba-1 was observed in 30 (60%) isolates. Using an 80% similarity threshold on the dendrogram constructed through MLVA typing, all isolates were grouped into two clusters: cluster A with 9 isolates from wave 3, and cluster B with 41 isolates from waves 3, 4, and 5. Our study confirms a clonal transmission of CRAB during the study period and suggests using molecular typing methods like MLVA in healthcare settings to identify dominant clones, antibiotic resistance patterns, and transmission routes. This will help to better manage the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant strains in future outbreaks.

Abstract Blood culture-negative endocarditis (BCNE) is a challenging disease because of the significant impact of delayed diagnosis on patients. In this study, excised heart valves and blood serum samples were collected from 50 BCNE patients in two central hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Sera were tested by IFA for the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against Bartonella quintana and B. henselae. Genomic DNA extracted from the heart valves was examined for Bartonella-specific ssrA gene in a probe-based method real-time PCR assay. Any positive sample was Sanger sequenced. IgG titer higher than 1024 was observed in only one patient and all 50 patients tested negative for Bartonella IgM. By real-time PCR, the ssrA gene was detected in the valve of one patient which was further confirmed to be B. quintana. Bartonella-like structures were observed in transmission electron microscopy images of that patient. We present for the first time the involvement of Bartonella in BCNE in Iran. Future research on at-risk populations, as well as domestic and wild mammals as potential reservoirs, is recommended.

Abstract Long-term oral health issues caused by fungi and bacteria are a primary concern for individuals who wear dentures. Denture stomatitis, primarily caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans), is a prevalent condition among denture users. Metal nanoparticles exhibit improved antimicrobial effectiveness and fewer adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal and antibacterial effects of nystatin-coated silver nanoparticles (Nys-coated AgNPs) embedded in acrylic resin as a more biocompatible material for denture resins. AgNPs and Nys-coated AgNPs were synthesized and characterized using UV-Vis, SEM, EDX, and DLS. Specimens of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with three different concentrations of Nys, AgNPs, and Nys-coated AgNPs (0.1%, 1%, 10% w/w) were prepared. The water absorption properties of the disks and drug release were investigated for 14 days and 120 h, respectively. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of the samples and their contact angles were evaluated using the sessile drop technique. The antifungal and antimicrobial activity of the prepared discs was studied against C. albicans and Streptococcus mutans, respectively. Adding Nys-coated AgNPs decreased the contact angle of discs from 67° to 49°. Furthermore, the water absorption rates of the different discs were not significantly different from those of the control groups. Results showed that Nys-coated AgNPs (10% w/w) in PMMA effectively inhibited C. albicans growth better than Nys composites (10% w/w). Additionally, Nys-coated AgNPs composites, as well as AgNPs-containing composites, showed considerable antibacterial activity against S. mutans. Nys-coated AgNPs (10% w/w) had no toxic effect on NIH3T3 cells. In conclusion, Nys-coated AgNPs could be considered a good candidate for incorporation into denture resins to address chronic oral diseases.

Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms shield the bacteria from antibiotics and the body’s defenses, often leading to chronic infections that are challenging to treat. This study aimed to assess the impact of sub-lethal doses of antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (sAPDI) utilizing carbon dots (CDs) derived from gentamicin and imipenem on biofilm formation and the expression of genes (pelA and pslA) associated with P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. The anti-biofilm effects of sAPDI were evaluated by exposing P. aeruginosa to sub-minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations (sub-MBIC) of CDsGEN-NH2, CDsIMP-NH2, CDsGEN-IMP, and CDsIMP-GEN, combined with sub-lethal UVA light irradiation. Biofilm formation ability was assessed by crystal violet (CV) assay and enumeration method. Additionally, the impact of sAPDI on the expression of pelF and pslA genes was evaluated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Compared to the control group, the sAPDI treatment with CDsGEN-NH2, CDsIMP-NH2, CDsGEN-IMP, and CDsIMP-GEN resulted in a significant reduction in biofilm activity of P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (P

Background: Finding herbal herbicides with biodegradability and selectivity against weeds is an interesting and vital challenge for human health. The study was considered to analyze the phytochemical profile, phytotoxicity and biological activities of Rindera lanata together with a molecular docking perspective. The study was considered to analyze the phytochemical profile, phytotoxicity and biological activities of Rindera lanata together with a molecular docking perspective. Methods: Aerial parts of R. lanata were successively solvent extracted with the Soxhlet apparatus, followed by maceration. Different chromatography methods were employed to isolate and purify the major compounds of the plant. The compounds were assigned by spectroscopic methods, containing 1D and 2D NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance). Several in vitro antioxidant assays, together with an antimicrobial assay, alongside the allelopathic property on the germination of Cuscuta campestris seeds, were assessed upon the extracts. As a final point, molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the interactions among the identified compounds with 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), glutamine synthetase (GS), and acetohydroxyacid synthetase (AHAS). Results: Phytochemical analysis of the extracts led to the identification of a new flavonoid 3, 5, 4’-tri-O-methylquercetin (1), apigenin (2), chrysoeriol (3), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (4) and rutin (5). It was exposed that ethyl acetate extract not only illustrated the highest antioxidant effect in all the in vitro assays but also exhibited the maximum antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Effectively, it showed conventional allelopathic activity in preventing germination, seedling length and seedling weight growth of C. campestris seeds, as well as a concentration-dependent enhancement (p≤0.05). Docking analysis results indicated that rutin had a good affinity for HPPD, GS and AHAS enzymes, with docking score values of -11.454, -10.422 and -10.152 kJ/mol, respectively. Conclusion: The present study suggested that isolated flavonoids from R. lanata could be used as the lead compounds in the development of natural herbicides for strong bonds in the active region of HPPD, GS and AHAS enzymes.

Abstract Background and Aims Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prevalent among hospitalized patients, constituting the most frequent health‐care infections. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is leading causative agent of UTIs. The present study was aimed to examine the susceptibility of UPEC isolates obtained from nosocomial cases to antibiotics, as well as their biofilm formation capability and frequency of virulence genes. Methods A total of 100 UPEC isolates were collected from nosocomial UTIs at Imam Reza Hospitals in Tabriz, Iran, spanning from April 2022 to January 2023. The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were evaluated using the disk diffusion method, along with the detection of broad‐spectrum β‐lactam enzymes (ESBLs) and carbapenemases. The ability of isolates to form biofilms was assessed using the microtiter‐plate method, while the PCR method was employed to identify the presence of virulence genes. Results The highest resistance was observed toward piperacillin (82%), followed by aztreonam and ciprofloxacin (81%), while the lowest resistance was found against piperacillin/tazobactam (12%) and meropenem (9%). ESBLs were detected in 62% of the isolates. The microtiter‐plate results revealed strong, moderate, and weak biofilm formation abilities in 32%, 33%, and 24% of the isolates, respectively. The most prevalent virulence gene was fimA (74%) followed by hlyF (68%), papA (44%), papC (32%), iroN (26%), and cnf (20%). Conclusion The elevated levels of resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents, coupled with the co‐presence of virulence genes and biofilm formation abilities, contribute to the persistence of UPEC‐related infections, particularly in hospitalized patients. These findings underscore the necessity of implementing an effective program to control nosocomial UTIs caused by UPEC in the healthcare centers.

Osteomyelitis caused by drug-resistant pathogens is one of the most important medical challenges due to high rates of mortality and morbidity, and limited therapeutical options. The application of novel nano-scaffolds loaded with antibiotics has widely been studied and extensively evaluated for in vitro and in vivo inhibition of pathogens, regenerating damaged bone tissue, and increasing bone cell proliferation. The treatment of bone infections using the local osteogenic scaffolds loaded with antimicrobial agents may efficiently overcome the problems of the systemic use of antimicrobial agents and provide a controlled release and sufficient local levels of antibiotics in the infected sites. The present study reviewed various nano-scaffolds delivery systems of antimicrobial drugs evaluated to treat osteomyelitis. Nano-scaffolds offer promising approaches because they simulate natural tissue regeneration in terms of their mechanical, structural, and sometimes chemical properties. The potential of several nano-scaffolds prepared by natural polymers such as silk, collagen, gelatin, fibrinogen, chitosan, cellulose, hyaluronic, alginate, and synthetic compounds such as polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid), poly-ɛ-caprolactone have been studied for usage as drug delivery systems of antimicrobial agents to treat osteomyelitis. In addition to incorporated antimicrobial agents and the content of scaffolds, the physical and chemical characteristics of the prepared delivery systems are a determining factor in their effectiveness in treating osteomyelitis.

انصب التّركيز على النمو الاحتوائي من قبل صنّاع السّياسات والمؤسسات المسؤولة عن التنمية وتخفيف حدة الفقر كبنك التنمية الآسيوي وصندوق النقد الدولي، إذ أدرجت معظم الدّول مؤشر النمو الاحتوائي ضمن دورياتها الإحصائيّة وتقاريرها كمؤشر ذي دلالة على شموليّة الفئات المهمّشة والأكثر فقراً في عملية التنمية الاقتصاديّة المستدامة. يقدم هذا البحث إطاراً لقياس مؤشر النمو الاحتوائي السّوري استناداً إلى المؤشرات المُختارة من قبل بنك التنمية الآسيوي والاتحاد الاقتصادي الأوراسي خلال الفترة (1997-2021) باستخدام تحليل المكونات الرئيسيّة PCA. أظهر مؤشر النمو الاحتوائي لسوريّة بعد بناءه انخفاضاً ملحوظاً خلال الفترة المدروسة، كما سجّل معدلات سالبة خلال (1997-2000) و(2018-2021) وهي الفترات المقابلة للصدمات الاقتصاديّة والسّياسيّة في سوريّة، مما يعكس حجم الاختلالات الهيكليّة ضمن الاقتصاد السّوري التي زادت من معدلات الفقر والتفاوت في توزيع الدّخل، الأمر الذي يتطلب إجراء جملة من الإصلاحات الهيكليّة لتعزيز النمو الاقتصادي الشامل الذي يقلل من عدم المساواة الاجتماعيّة والفوارق بين فئات المجتمع، ويضع البلاد على طريق تنمية أكثر استدامة.

BackgroundBiofilms are bacterial communities that can protect them against external factors, including antibiotics. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were formed by modifying AgNPs with C-phycocyanin (Ag-Pc) to inhibit the growth of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR P. aeruginosa) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and destroy biofilm of these bacteria.MethodsThe AgNPs were prepared with the green synthesis method, and Pc was used to stabilize the AgNPs. The Ag-Pc’s antibacterial and antibiofilm effects were evaluated using the Microbroth dilution method and microtiter plate assay. The inhibitory effect of Ag-Pc on the expression of biofilm-related genes was evaluated by real-time PCR. Moreover, the MTT assay was used to assess the Ag-Pc toxicity.ResultsThe Ag-Pc minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 7.4 μg/mL for CR P. aeruginosa and MRSA. Pc did not show antibacterial effects against any of the strains. Ag-Pc suppressed biofilm formation and destroyed matured biofilm in both bacteria more efficiently than the AgNPs (P< 0.05). The expression of all genes was not significantly reduced in the presence of synthesized nanoparticles. Finally, the MTT assay results did not show toxicity against a murine fibroblast cell line (L929) at MIC concentration.ConclusionThe present study showed the promising potential of Pc for improving the antibacterial and antibiofilm function of AgNPs and inhibiting drug-resistant bacteria. Therefore, Ag-Pc nanoparticles can be considered a promising therapeutic approach for the managing of the bacterial biofilm.

شهدت بلاد الشام خلال القرن التاسع عشر هجرات كبيرة لأهل الشام نحو الخارج، وهذا الأمر يتعلق بعوامل داخلية في بلاد الشام وهي البلاد المهاجر منها، والمتمثلة بالأزمات السياسية والدينية، وما رافقها من تردي الأوضاع الاقتصادية والاجتماعية في المنطقة، فعلى الصعيد السياسي انعدم الأمن والاستقرار، نتيجة سياسة الحكام العثمانيون القائمة على القمع والاستبداد. وعلى الصعيد الديني: ساهمت التوترات الطائفية في تكريس سياسة الانقسام المجتمعي، نتيجة تكتل أبناء الطائفة الواحدة مع بعضها، وهذا ما قاد إلى الحساسيات الدينية وحدوث مشكلات طائفية عدة. وعلى الصعيد الاقتصادي: تراجع الأوضاع المعيشية للسكان وفقدان الكثير من متطلبات الحياة. هذا الواقع المرير قاد إلى هجرة عدد كبير من أبناء الشام نحو مختلف بلدان العالم، وكانت إحدى تلك الوجهات مصر، التي شهدت خلال القرن التاسع عشر، ومع تولي محمد علي وأسرته الحكم من بعده حالة من الاستقرار السياسي والاقتصادي والاجتماعي، وبالتالي عرفت البلاد نهضة شاملة على كافة الصعد، ومع استقرار هؤلاء المهاجرين في مصر، بدأوا نشاطاتهم المتنوعة في محاولة منهم للاندماج بالمجتمع المصري، وقد لهذا الأمر دوراً مهماً في دفع هؤلاء للعمل في مختلف النشاطات الاقتصادية، وصولاً إلى تحقيق نجاحات كبيرة أسهمت في نهضة المجتمع المصري.

Abstract Background Tissue conditioners are used for treating and improving the tissues supporting complete dentures. On the other hand, recent advances in nanotechnology have revolutionized various fields of science, including dentistry. The present study aimed to investigate novel antimicrobial applications of copper oxide nanoparticle-based tissue conditioner used in complete prostheses. Methods The present experimental study included 126 tissue conditioner samples with different concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles (20%, 10%, 5%, 2.5%, 1.25%, 0.625%, and 0% w/w). The samples were incubated with Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in 24-well plates for 24 h. Then, samples from the wells were re-incubated for 24 h, and the microorganisms were counted. Results The culture media containing E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa showed significantly different growth between different nanoparticle concentrations following 24 h (P

Background and Objectives: Today, medicinal plants and their derivatives are considered to reduce the prevalence of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Mentha longifolia essential oil on oqxA efflux pump gene expression and biofilm formation in ciprofloxacin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 clinical strains of K. pneumoniae resistant to ciprofloxacin were studied. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of M. longifolia essential oil and its synergistic effect with ciprofloxacin were determined using the microbroth dilution method and the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) method. Minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC) of M. longifolia essential oil was detected. The effect of essential oils on the expression level of the oqxA gene was detected by Real-time PCR. Results: M. longifolia essential oil showed inhibitory activity against ciprofloxacin-resistant strains of K. pneumoniae. When M. longifolia essential oil was combined with ciprofloxacin, the MIC was reduced 2-4 times. In 28% of the strains, M. longifolia with ciprofloxacin showed a synergistic effect. M. longifolia essential oil reduces the strength of biofilm formation and alters the biofilm phenotype. A significant decrease in oqxA gene expression was observed in all isolates after treatment with M. longifolia essential oil. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it was observed that supplementing M. longifolia essential oil can help reduce ciprofloxacin resistance and inhibit biofilm formation in fluoroquinolone-resistant K. pneumoniae strains.

Abstract Polymicrobial communities lead to worsen the wound infections, due to mixed biofilms, increased antibiotic resistance, and altered virulence production. Promising approaches, including enzymes, may overcome the complicated condition of polymicrobial infections. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate Staphopain A-mediated virulence and resistance alteration in an animal model of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa co-infection. S. aureus and P. aeruginosa were co-cultured on the L-929 cell line and wound infection in an animal model. Then, recombinant staphopain A was purified and used to treat mono- and co-infections. Following the treatment, changes in virulence factors and resistance were investigated through phenotypic methods and RT-PCR. Staphopain A resulted in a notable reduction in the viability of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The biofilm formed in the wound infection in both animal model and cell culture was disrupted remarkably. Moreover, the biofilm-encoding genes, quorum sensing regulating genes, and virulence factors (hemolysin and pyocyanin) controlled by QS were down-regulated in both microorganisms. Furthermore, the resistance to vancomycin and doripenem decreased following treatment with staphopain A. According to this study, staphopain A might promote wound healing and cure co-infection. It seems to be a promising agent to combine with antibiotics to overcome hard-to-cure infections.

Background: Because of the rise in antibiotic resistance and the control of pathogenicity, polymicrobial bacterial biofilms exacerbate wound infections. Since bacterial quorum sensing (QS) signals can dysregulate biofilm development, they are interesting therapeutic treatments. In this study, Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS) was used to treat an animal model of a wound that had both Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa co-infection. Methods: S. aureus and P. aeruginosa mono- and co-infection models were developed in vitro on the L-929 cell line and in an animal model of wound infection. Moreover, PQS was extracted and purified using liquid chromatography. Then, the mono- and co-infection models were treated by PQS in vitro and in vivo. RT-PCR analysis was used to look into changes in biofilm, QS, tissue regeneration, and apoptosis genes after the treatment. Results: PQS significantly disrupted established biofilm up to 90% in both in vitro and in vivo models. Moreover, a 93% reduction in the viability of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was detected during the 10 days of treatment in comparison to control groups. In addition, the biofilm-encoding and QS-regulating genes were down-regulated to 75% in both microorganisms. Also, fewer epithelial cells died when treated with PQS compared to control groups in both mono- and co-infection groups. Conclusion: According to this study, PQS may facilitate wound healing by stimulating the immune system and reducing apoptosis. It seems to be a potential medication to use in conjunction with antibiotics to treat infections that are difficult to treat.

Islamic banking across the developing countries may undoubtedly become more prevalent thanks to financial technology, making it more competitive in the financial sector. The current study's goal is to extensively address fintech on Islamic banks and to examine the effect of fintech Services upon Islamic banking financial performance around Jordan. The investigation utilized a quantitative-descriptive survey approach. The study utilized annual data (panel data) which were acquired via financial institutions figures of the annual statements from the Jordan's Islamic Bank (JIB) registered with Amman Stock Exchange from 2017 to 2021. This investigation found Fintech services, such as internet banking, mobile banking, crowdfunding, and automated teller machines had a substantial effect on JIB's financial performance. The positive beta value suggests that there were favorable relationships among JIB's financial success from 2017 to 2021 on Fintech services. Finally, the study recommends that JIB increase its efforts to inform the public concerning Islamic banking services.

The aim of this study was to examine how the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic moderate the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the effective application of Cyber Governance (CG) in Islamic banks. A total of 93 questionnaires from branch heads of Islamic banks were used in this study, and the data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) through descriptive-analytical methods. The findings indicated that AI has a significant influence on the effective application of CG in Islamic banks. The study also revealed that the Covid-19 Pandemic positively moderates the influence of AI on the effective application of CG in Islamic banks. The results of this study have implications for regulators and decision-makers in proposing new legislation to effectively apply CG in the Islamic banking sector, which can help protect public funds and limit cyber-attacks. This study is the first to investigate the moderating effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the influence of AI on the effective application of CG in Islamic banks.