The proteomic profile is altered but not repaired after bariatric surgery in type 2 diabetes pigs

To reveal the sources of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in humans, animal models, mainly rodents, have been used. Here, we propose a pig model of T2D. Weaned piglets were fed high fat/high sugar diet suppling 150% of metabolizable energy. Measurements of weight gain, blood morphology, glucose plasma levels, cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as glucose tolerance (oral glucose tolerance test, OGTT) were employed to observe T2D development. The histology and mass spectrometry analyses were made post mortem. Within 6 months, the high fat-high sugar (HFHS) fed pigs showed gradual and significant increase in plasma triglycerides and glucose levels in comparison to the controls. Using OGTT test, we found stable glucose intolerance in 10 out of 14 HFHS pigs. Mass spectrometry analysis indicated significant changes in 330 proteins in the intestine, liver, and pancreas of the HFHS pigs. These pigs showed also an increase in DNA base modifications and elevated level of the ALKBH proteins in the tissues. Six diabetic HFHS pigs underwent Scopinaro bariatric surgery restoring glycaemia one month after surgery. In conclusion, a high energy diet applied to piglets resulted in the development of hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, and type 2 diabetes being reversed by a bariatric procedure, excluding the proteomic profile utill one month after the surgery.

Middle temporal gyrus approach to mesial temporal lobe tumours in children

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess whether the middle temporal gyrus (MTG) approach to mesial temporal lobe (MTL) tumours is an effective procedure for the treatment of epilepsy in children.

CLINICAL RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY

MTL tumours are a common cause of drug-resistant epilepsy in children. There is as yet no consensus regarding their treatment. One possibility is resection via a MTG approach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We assessed the medical records of patients treated at the Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Memorial Health Institute,Warsaw, Poland between 2002 and 2020. A prospectively maintained database including clinical, laboratory, and radiographic presentation, as well as pre- and post-operative course, was analysed. Patients with at least a one- -year follow-up were included.

RESULTS

There were 14 patients aged 4-18 years who underwent a MTG approach for a MTL tumour. All presented with epileptic seizure, and none had neurological deficit on admission to hospital. Median follow-up was 2.5 years. Neuronavigation was used to adjust the approach, localise the temporal horn, and achieve radical resection of the tumour and the hippocampus. Gross total resection was performed in all cases. In most patients, histopathological examination revealed ganglioglioma. One patient had transient aphasia. Two patients developed hemiparesis after surgery, which later improved. One of them also experienced visual disturbances. Acute complications were more frequent in younger patients (p = 0.024). In all cases, MRI confirmed complete resection and there was no tumour recurrence during the follow-up period. 13/14 patients remained seizure-free (Engel class I).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The MTG approach to MTL tumours is an effective procedure for the treatment of epilepsy in children. It avoids removal of the lateral temporal lobe and poses only a minor risk of permanent neurological complications.

Analysis of the Model of Atherosclerosis Formation in Pig Hearts as a Result of Impaired Activity of DNA Repair Enzymes

Excessive consumption of food rich in saturated fatty acids and carbohydrates can lead to metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular disease. Hyperlipidemia is a significant risk factor for acute cardiac events due to its association with oxidative stress. This leads to arterial wall remodeling, including an increase in the thickness of the intima media complex (IMT), and endothelial dysfunction leading to plaque formation. The decreased nitric oxide synthesis and accumulation of lipids in the wall result in a reduction in the vasodilating potential of the vessel. This study aimed to establish a clear relationship between markers of endothelial dysfunction and the activity of repair enzymes in cardiac tissue from a pig model of early atherosclerosis. The study was conducted on 28 female Polish Landrace pigs, weighing 40 kg (approximately 3.5 months old), which were divided into three groups. The control group (n = 11) was fed a standard, commercial, balanced diet (BDG) for 12 months. The second group (n = 9) was fed an unbalanced, high-calorie Western-type diet (UDG). The third group (n = 8) was fed a Western-type diet for nine months and then switched to a standard, balanced diet (regression group, RG). Control examinations, including blood and urine sampling, were conducted every three months under identical conditions with food restriction for 12 h and water restriction for four hours before general anesthesia. The study analyzed markers of oxidative stress formed during lipid peroxidation processes, including etheno DNA adducts, ADMA, and NEFA. These markers play a crucial role in reactive oxygen species analysis in ischemia-reperfusion and atherosclerosis in mammalian tissue. Essential genes involved in oxidative-stress-induced DNA demethylation like OGG1 (8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase), MPG (N-Methylpurine DNA Glycosylase), TDG (Thymine-DNA glycosylase), APEX (apurinic/apirymidinic endodeoxyribonuclease 1), PTGS2 (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2), and ALOX (Arachidonate Lipoxygenase) were measured using the Real-Time RT-PCR method. The data suggest that high oxidative stress, as indicated by TBARS levels, is associated with high levels of DNA repair enzymes and depends on the expression of genes involved in the repair pathway. In all analyzed groups of heart tissue homogenates, the highest enzyme activity and gene expression values were observed for the OGG1 protein recognizing the modified 8oxoG. Conclusion: With the long-term use of an unbalanced diet, the levels of all DNA repair genes are increased, especially (significantly) Apex, Alox, and Ptgs, which strongly supports the hypothesis that an unbalanced diet induces oxidative stress that deregulates DNA repair mechanisms and may contribute to genome instability and tissue damage.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity against Nosocomial Pathogens of an Enzymatically Derived α-Aminophosphonates Possessing Coumarin Scaffold

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the synergistic effect of two important pharmacophores, coumarin and α-amino dimethyl phosphonate moieties, on antimicrobial activity against selected strains of multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogenic bacteria. The previously developed enzyme-catalysed Kabachnik-Fields protocol allowed us to obtain the studied compounds with high yields which were free from metal impurities. The structure-activity relationship revealed that inhibitory activity is strongly related to the presence of the trifluoromethyl group (CF3-) in the coumarin scaffold. MIC and MBC studies carried out on six selected pathogenic bacterial strains (Gram-positive pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 23235) strain, as well as on Gram-negative Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC 17978), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442), Enterobacter cloacae (ATCC 49141), Porphyromonas gingivalis (ATCC 33277), and Treponema denticola (ATCC 35405)) have shown that tested compounds show a strong bactericidal effect at low concentrations. Among all agents investigated, five exhibit higher antimicrobial activity than those observed for commonly used antibiotics. It should be noted that all the compounds tested showed very high activity against S. aureus, which is the main source of nosocomial infections that cause numerous fatalities. Furthermore, we have shown that the studied coumarin-based α-aminophosphonates, depending on their structural characteristics, are non-selective and act efficiently against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, which is of great importance for hospitalised patients.

Risk-Adapted Treatment Strategies with Pre-Irradiation Chemotherapy in Pediatric Medulloblastoma: Outcomes from the Polish Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Group

Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) has been a major component of the standard of care treatment backbone for childhood medulloblastoma. However, chemotherapy regimens have varied based on protocol, patient age, and molecular subtyping. In one of the largest studies to date, we analyzed treatment outcomes in children with newly-diagnosed medulloblastoma treated with pre-irradiation chemotherapy followed by risk-adapted radiotherapy and maintenance chemotherapy. A total of 153 patients from the Polish Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Group were included in the analysis. The median age at diagnosis was 8.0 years, and median follow-up time was 6.4 years. Sixty-seven patients were classified as standard-risk and eighty-six as high-risk. Overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) for standard-risk patients at 5 years (±standard error) were 87 ± 4.3% and 84 ± 4.6%, respectively, while 5-year OS and EFS for high-risk patients were 81 ± 4.3% and 79 ± 4.5%, respectively. Only one patient had disease progression prior to radiotherapy. This study demonstrates promising survival outcomes in patients treated with pre-irradiation chemotherapy followed by risk-adapted CSI and adjuvant chemotherapy. Such an approach may be useful in cases where the initiation of radiotherapy may need to be delayed, a common occurrence in many institutions globally.

Biocontrol of fungal phytopathogens by Bacillus pumilus

Plant growth-promoting bacteria are one of the most interesting methods of controlling fungal phytopathogens. These bacteria can participate in biocontrol via a variety of mechanisms including lipopeptide production, hydrolytic enzymes (e.g., chitinase, cellulases, glucanase) production, microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) production, and induced systemic resistance (ISR) triggering. Among the bacterial genera most frequently studied in this aspect are Bacillus spp. including Bacillus pumilus. Due to the range of biocontrol traits, B. pumilus is one of the most interesting members of Bacillus spp. that can be used in the biocontrol of fungal phytopathogens. So far, a number of B. pumilus strains that exhibit biocontrol properties against fungal phytopathogens have been described, e.g., B. pumilus HR10, PTB180, B. pumilus SS-10.7, B. pumilus MCB-7, B. pumilus INR7, B. pumilus SE52, SE34, SE49, B. pumilus RST25, B. pumilus JK-SX001, and B. pumilus KUDC1732. B. pumilus strains are capable of suppressing phytopathogens such as Arthrobotrys conoides, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Fagopyrum esculentum. Importantly, B. pumilus can promote plant growth regardless of whether it alters the native microbiota or not. However, in order to increase its efficacy, research is still needed to clarify the relationship between the native microbiota and B. pumilus. Despite that, it can already be concluded that B. pumilus strains are good candidates to be environmentally friendly and commercially effective biocontrol agents.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities against Various E. coli Strains of a Novel Hybrid Peptide-LENART01

Finding the ideal antimicrobial drug with improved efficacy and a safety profile that eliminates antibiotic resistance caused by pathogens remains a difficult task. Indeed, there is an urgent need for innovation in the design and development of a microbial inhibitor. Given that many promising antimicrobial peptides with excellent broad-spectrum antibacterial properties are secreted by some frog species (e.g., bombesins, opioids, temporins, etc.), our goal was to identify the antimicrobial properties of amphibian-derived dermorphin and ranatensin peptides, which were combined to produce a hybrid compound. This new chimera (named LENART01) was tested for its antimicrobial activity against E. coli strains K12 and R1-R4, which are characterized by differences in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) core oligosaccharide structure. The results showed that LENART01 had superior activity against the R2 and R4 strains compared with the effects of the clinically available antibiotics ciprofloxacin or bleomycin (MIC values). Importantly, the inhibitory effect was not concentration dependent; however, LENART01 showed a time- and dose-dependent hemolytic effect in hemolytic assays.

Plant Growth Promotion Using Bacillus cereus

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) appear to be a sensible competitor to conventional fertilization, including mineral fertilizers and chemical plant protection products. Undoubtedly, one of the most interesting bacteria exhibiting plant-stimulating traits is, more widely known as a pathogen, Bacillus cereus. To date, several environmentally safe strains of B. cereus have been isolated and described, including B. cereus WSE01, MEN8, YL6, SA1, ALT1, ERBP, GGBSTD1, AK1, AR156, C1L, and T4S. These strains have been studied under growth chamber, greenhouse, and field conditions and have shown many significant traits, including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase production or phosphate solubilization, which allows direct plant growth promotion. It includes an increase in biometrics traits, chemical element content (e.g., N, P, and K), and biologically active substances content or activity, e.g., antioxidant enzymes and total soluble sugar. Hence, B. cereus has supported the growth of plant species such as soybean, maize, rice, and wheat. Importantly, some B. cereus strains can also promote plant growth under abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, and heavy metal pollution. In addition, B. cereus strains produced extracellular enzymes and antibiotic lipopeptides or triggered induced systemic resistance, which allows indirect stimulation of plant growth. As far as biocontrol is concerned, these PGPB can suppress the development of agriculturally important phytopathogens, including bacterial phytopathogens (e.g., Pseudomonas syringae, Pectobacterium carotovorum, and Ralstonia solanacearum), fungal phytopathogens (e.g., Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis cinerea, and Rhizoctonia solani), and other phytopathogenic organisms (e.g., Meloidogyne incognita (Nematoda) and Plasmodiophora brassicae (Protozoa)). In conclusion, it should be noted that there are still few studies on the effectiveness of B. cereus under field conditions, particularly, there is a lack of comprehensive analyses comparing the PGP effects of B. cereus and mineral fertilizers, which should be reduced in favor of decreasing the use of mineral fertilizers. It is also worth mentioning that there are still very few studies on the impact of B. cereus on the indigenous microbiota and its persistence after application to soil. Further studies would help to understand the interactions between B. cereus and indigenous microbiota, subsequently contributing to increasing its effectiveness in promoting plant growth.

Excited Electronic States of Sr2: Ab Initio Predictions and Experimental Observation of the 21Σu+ State

Despite its apparently simple nature with four valence electrons, the strontium dimer constitutes a challenge for modern electronic structure theory. Here we focus on excited electronic states of Sr₂, which we investigate theoretically up to 25000 cm^-1 above the ground state, to guide and explain new spectroscopic measurements. In particular, we focus on potential energy curves for the 1¹Σ_u⁺, 2¹Σ_u⁺, 1¹Π_u, 2¹Π_u, and 1¹Δ_u states computed using several variants of ab initio coupled-cluster and configuration-interaction methods to benchmark them. In addition, a new experimental study of the excited 2¹Σ_u⁺ state using polarization labeling spectroscopy is presented, which extends knowledge of this state to high vibrational levels, where perturbation by higher electronic states is observed. The available experimental observations are compared with the theoretical predictions and help to assess the accuracy and limitations of employed theoretical models. The present results pave the way for future more accurate theoretical and experimental spectroscopic studies.

Molecular Oxygen Levels and Percentages of DNA Damage in TPN Patients

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a life-saving therapy for patients with intestinal failure, but it carries the risk of complications, including an increase in liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) after long-term use. Patients receiving chronic TPN are also exposed to metabolic stress from both the underlying disease and parenteral nutrition. The aim of this study was to compare the concentration of liver transaminases AST and ALT in relation to the rate of oxygen consumption in platelet mitochondria in patients receiving long-term TPN with the degree of oxidative stress induced by lipid emulsions, and to explain their role in cellular energy metabolism and changes in the liver based on the percentage of genomic DNA damage. The study group consisted of 86 TPN patients, while the control group consisted of 86 healthy volunteers who were fed only orally. The results of the study showed that the percentage of molecular oxygen depended on the type of lipid emulsion supplied. Analyzing time on TPN as a factor, we observed a decrease in percentage genomic DNA damage and an increase in percentage molecular oxygen in cells. It remains unclear whether TPN has a direct effect on genomic DNA damage and the level of molecular oxygen in cells during the course of treatment. In conclusion, this study provides important insights into the potential effects of TPN on liver enzymes and cellular metabolism. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop strategies to minimize the risk of complications associated with TPN.

Enzymatic Synthesis of a Novel Coumarin Aminophosphonates: Antibacterial Effects and Oxidative Stress Modulation on Selected E. coli Strains

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the synergistic effect of two important pharmacophores, coumarin and α-amino dimethyl phosphonate moieties, on antimicrobial activity toward selected LPS-varied E. coli strains. Studied antimicrobial agents were prepared via a Kabachnik-Fields reaction promoted by lipases. The products were provided with an excellent yield (up to 92%) under mild, solvent- and metal-free conditions. A preliminary exploration of coumarin α-amino dimethyl phosphonate analogs as novel antimicrobial agents was carried out to determine the basic features of the structure responsible for the observed biological activity. The structure-activity relationship revealed that an inhibitory activity of the synthesized compounds is strongly related to the type of the substituents located in the phenyl ring. The collected data demonstrated that coumarin-based α-aminophosphonates can be potential antimicrobial drug candidates, which is particularly crucial due to the constantly increasing resistance of bacteria to commonly used antibiotics.

Bioremediation of Heavy Metals by the Genus Bacillus

Environmental contamination with heavy metals is one of the major problems caused by human activity. Bioremediation is an effective and eco-friendly approach that can reduce heavy metal contamination in the environment. Bioremediation agents include bacteria of the genus Bacillus, among others. The best-described species in terms of the bioremediation potential of Bacillus spp. Are B. subtilis, B. cereus, or B. thuringiensis. This bacterial genus has several bioremediation strategies, including biosorption, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS)-mediated biosorption, bioaccumulation, or bioprecipitation. Due to the above-mentioned strategies, Bacillus spp. strains can reduce the amounts of metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, arsenic or nickel in the environment. Moreover, strains of the genus Bacillus can also assist phytoremediation by stimulating plant growth and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the soil. Therefore, Bacillus spp. is one of the best sustainable solutions for reducing heavy metals from various environments, especially soil.

Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of the Pathogenic E. coli Strains of p-Quinols: Additive Effects of Copper-Catalyzed Addition of Aryl Boronic Acid to Benzoquinones

A mild and efficient protocol for the synthesis of p-quinols under aqueous conditions was developed. The pivotal role of additives in the copper-catalyzed addition of aryl boronic and heteroaryl boronic acids to benzoquinones was observed. It was found that polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was the most efficient additive used for the studied reaction. The noteworthy advantages of this procedure include its broad substrate scope, high yields up to 91%, atom economy, and usage of readily available starting materials. Another benefit of this method is the reusability of the catalytic system up to four times. Further, the obtained p-quinols were characterized on the basis of their antimicrobial activities against E. coli. Antimicrobial activity was further compared with the corresponding 4-benzoquinones and 4-hydroquinones. Among tested compounds, seven derivatives showed an antimicrobial activity profile similar to that observed for commonly used antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, bleomycin, and cloxacillin. In addition, the obtained p-quinols constitute a suitable platform for further modifications, allowing for a convenient change in their biological activity profile.

Aluminium(III) Oxide-The Silent Killer of Bacteria

In this article, we describe the antimicrobial properties of pristine anodised aluminium oxide matrices-the material many consider biologically inert. During a typical anodisation process, chromium and chlorine compounds are used for electropolishing and the removal of the first-step aluminium oxide. Matrices without the use of those harmful compounds were also fabricated and tested for comparison. The antibacterial tests were conducted on four strains of Escherichia coli: K12, R2, R3 and R4. The properties of the matrices were also compared to the three types of antibiotics: ciprofloxacin, bleomycin and cloxacillin using the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) tests. Moreover, DNA was isolated from the analysed bacteria which was additionally digested with formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (Fpg) protein from the group of repair glycosases. These enzymes are markers of modified oxidised bases in nucleic acids produced during oxidative stress in cells. Preliminary cellular studies, MIC and MBC tests and digestion with Fpg protein after modification of bacterial DNA suggest that these compounds may have greater potential as antibacterial agents than the aforementioned antibiotics. The described composites are highly specific for the analysed model Escherichia coli strains and may be used in the future as new substitutes for commonly used antibiotics in clinical and nosocomial infections in the progressing pandemic era. The results show much stronger antibacterial properties of the functionalised membranes on the action of bacterial membranes in comparison to the antibiotics in the Fpg digestion experiment. This is most likely due to the strong induction of oxidative stress in the cell through the breakdown of the analysed bacterial DNA.

The Synthesis and Evaluation of Diethyl Benzylphosphonates as Potential Antimicrobial Agents

The impact of substituent at phenyl ring of diethyl benzylphosphonate derivatives on cytotoxic activity was studied. The organophosphonates were obtained based on developed palladium-catalyzed α, β-homodiarylation of vinyl esters protocol. The new synthetic pathway toward 1,2-bis(4-((diethoxyphosphoryl)methyl)phenyl)ethyl acetate was proposed which significantly improves the overall yield of the final product (from 1% to 38%). Several newly synthesized organophosphonates were tested as new potential antimicrobial drugs on model Escherichia coli bacterial strains (K12 and R2-R3). All tested compounds show the highest selectivity and activity against K12 and R2 strains. Preliminary cellular studies using MIC and MBC tests and digestion of Fpg after modification of bacterial DNA suggest that selected benzylphosphonate derivatives may have greater potential as antibacterial agents than typically used antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, bleomycin and cloxacillin. These compounds are highly specific for pathogenic E. coli strains based on the model strains used and may be engaged in the future as new substitutes for commonly used antibiotics, which is especially important due to the increasing resistance of bacteria to various drugs and antibiotics.

Promiscuous Lipase-Catalyzed Knoevenagel-Phospha-Michael Reaction for the Synthesis of Antimicrobial β-Phosphono Malonates

An enzymatic route for phosphorous–carbon bond formation was developed by discovering new promiscuous activity of lipase. We reported a new metal-free biocatalytic method for the synthesis of pharmacologically relevant β-phosphonomalononitriles via a lipase-catalyzed one-pot Knoevenagel–phospha–Michael reaction. We carefully analyzed the best conditions for the given reaction: the type of enzyme, temperature, and type of solvent. A series of target compounds was synthesized, with yields ranging from 43% to 93% by enzymatic reaction with Candida cylindracea (CcL) lipase as recyclable and, a few times, reusable catalyst. The advantages of this protocol are excellent yields, mild reaction conditions, low costs, and sustainability. The applicability of the same catalyst in the synthesis of β-phosphononitriles is also described. Further, the obtained compounds were validated as new potential antimicrobial agents with characteristic E. coli bacterial strains. The pivotal role of such a group of phosphonate derivatives on inhibitory activity against selected pathogenic E. coli strains was revealed. The observed results are especially important in the case of the increasing resistance of bacteria to various drugs and antibiotics. The impact of the β-phosphono malonate chemical structure on antimicrobial activity was demonstrated. The crucial role of the substituents attached to the aromatic ring on the inhibitory action against selected pathogenic E. coli strains was revealed. Among tested compounds, four β-phosphonate derivatives showed an antimicrobial activity profile similar to that obtained with currently used antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, bleomycin, and cloxacillin. In addition, the obtained compounds constitute a convenient platform for further chemical functionalization, allowing for a convenient change in their biological activity profile. It should also be noted that the cost of the compounds obtained is low, which may be an attractive alternative to the currently used antimicrobial agents. The observed results are especially important because of the increasing resistance of bacteria to various drugs and antibiotics.

Influence of Open Chain and Cyclic Structure of Peptidomimetics on Antibacterial Activity in E. coli Strains

An efficient method for the synthesis of functionalized peptidomimetics via multicomponent Ugi reaction has been developed. The application of trifluoroethanol (TFE) as a reaction medium provided desired products with good yields. Further, using the developed cyclisation reaction, the obtained peptidomimetics were transformed into the cyclic analogues (diketopiperazines, DKPs). The goal of the performed studies was to revised and compare whether the structure of the obtained structurally flexible acyclic peptidomimetics and their rigid cycling analogue DKPs affect antimicrobial activity. We studied the potential of synthesized peptidomimetics, both cyclic and acyclic, as antimicrobial drugs on model E. coli bacteria strains (k12, R2–R4). The biological assays reveal that DKPs hold more potential as antimicrobial drugs compared to open chain Ugi peptidomimetics. We believe that it can be due to the rigid cyclic structure of DKPs which promotes the membrane penetration in the cell of studied pathogens. The obtained data clearly indicate the high antibiotic potential of synthesized diketopiperazine derivatives over tested antibiotics.

MEDB-26. Outcomes of children with standard-risk and high-risk medulloblastoma treated with pre-irradiation chemotherapy and risk-adapted craniospinal irradiation: a report on patients from the Polish Pediatric Neuro-oncology Group

BACKGROUND: The last two decades have witnessed several efforts to minimize the adverse sequelae of craniospinal irradiation (CSI), a standard of care treatment modality in medulloblastoma. This has been accomplished by adding chemotherapy to the treatment backbone. The use of pre-irradiation chemotherapy has also been previously reported. In one of the largest studies to date, we analyze treatment outcomes in children with standard and high-risk medulloblastoma treated with pre-irradiation chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose radiotherapy in SR and maintenance chemotherapy. METHODS: Data from the Polish Pediatric Neuro-oncology Group (PPNG) was analyzed in patients greater than 3 years of age with newly-diagnosed medulloblastoma. RESULTS : Among 138 patients, median age at diagnosis was 7.9 years and median follow-up was 5.5 years. Comprehensive molecular subgrouping was not available for all patients at the time of data collection. Of 60 standard-risk patients, there was pre-irradiation disease recurrence in one patient. One patient expired prior to radiation due to metastatic disease. Of 78 high-risk patients, one had pre-irradiation recurrence. Overall survival (OS) for high-risk patients at 3 and 5 years (± standard error) was 89.2 ± 4.0% and 81.3 ± 5.8%, respectively. OS for standard-risk patients at 3 and 5 years was 92.5 ± 3.8% and 88.2 ± 5.1%, respectively. Among high-risk patients, event-free survival (EFS) at 3 and 5 years was 82.5 ± 5.3% and 81.0 ± 5.6%. Among standard-risk patients, 3-year EFS was 89.2 ± 4.6% and 5-year EFS was 86.8 ± 5.3%. CONCLUSION : This study demonstrates promising survival outcomes in pediatric medulloblastoma patients treated with pre-irradiation chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose CSI and adjuvant chemotherapy. Such an approach may be helpful if delays in starting radiotherapy are expected, which is usually the case in many institutions around the globe.

Relationship between Structure and Antibacterial Activity of α-Aminophosphonate Derivatives Obtained via Lipase-Catalyzed Kabachnik-Fields Reaction

We reported a new method dealing with the synthesis of novel pharmacologically relevant α-aminophosphonate derivatives via a lipase-catalyzed Kabachnik−Fields reaction with yields of up to 93%. The advantages of this protocol are excellent yields, mild reaction conditions, low costs, and sustainability. The developed protocol is applicable to a range of H-phosphites and organic amines, providing a wide substrate scope. A new class of α-aminophosphonate analogues possessing P-chiral centers was also synthesized. The synthesized compounds were characterized on the basis of their antimicrobial activities against E. coli. The impact of the various alkoxy groups on antimicrobial activity was demonstrated. The crucial role of the substituents, located at the aromatic rings in the phenylethyloxy and benzyloxy groups, on the inhibitory action against selected pathogenic E. coli strains was revealed. The observed results are especially important because of increasing resistance of bacteria to various drugs and antibiotics.

From 2,5-Diformyl-1,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles to Quadrupolar, Centrosymmetric Two-Photon-Absorbing A-D-A Dyes

An original approach has been developed for the insertion of formyl substituents at positions 2 and 5 of 1,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles by conversion of thiazol-2-yl substituents. The synthetic utility of these formyl groups was investigated, and a series of centrosymmetric A−π–D−π–A frameworks were constructed. The two-photon absorption of the quadrupolar pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole possessing two dicyanovinylidene flanking groups is attributed to an S₀ → (S₁) → S₄ transition which has a large TPA cross-section (1300 GM) for a molecule of this size.

Promiscuous Lipase-Catalyzed Markovnikov Addition of H-Phosphites to Vinyl Esters for the Synthesis of Cytotoxic α-Acyloxy Phosphonate Derivatives

An enzymatic route for phosphorous-carbon- bond formation is developed by discovering new promiscuous activity of lipase. This biocatalytic transformation of phosphorous-carbon- bond addition leads to biologically and pharmacologically relevant α-acyloxy phosphonates with methyl group in α-position. A series of target compounds were synthesized with yields ranging from 54% to 83% by enzymatic reaction with Candida cylindracea (CcL) lipase via Markovnikov addition of H-phosphites to vinyl esters. We carefully analyzed the best conditions for the given reaction such as the type of enzyme, temperature, and type of solvent. The developed protocol is applicable to a range of H-phosphites and vinyl esters significantly simplifying the preparation of synthetically challenging α-pivaloyloxy phosphonates. Further, the obtained compounds were validated as new potential antimicrobial drugs with characteristic E. coli bacterial strains and DNA modification recognized by the Fpg protein, N-methyl purine glycosylases as new substrates. The impact of the methyl group located in the α-position of the studied α-acyloxy phosphonates on the antimicrobial activity was demonstrated. The pivotal role of this group on inhibitory activity against selected pathogenic E. coli strains was revealed. The observed results are especially important in the case of the increasing resistance of bacteria to various drugs and antibiotics.

PD-L1/miR-155 Interplay in Pediatric High-Grade Glioma

High-grade pediatric glioma (p-HGG—WHO 2021, formerly GBM—WHO 2016), as a common, aggressive, and highly lethal primary brain malignancy in adults, accounts for only 3–15% of primary brain tumors in pediatric patients. After leukemia, brain malignancies are the second most common in the pediatric population and first in incidences concerning solid tumors. This study was designed on the basis of 14 pediatric patients hospitalized at Children’s Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw, Poland, due to p-HGG treatment. All the patients had a histopathological diagnosis performed by an experienced neuropathologist according to WHO guidelines (WHO 2016 Grade IV Glioblastoma). A significant correlation was found between the miR-155 concentration and the level of PD-L1 expression in p-HGG tumor tissue. Very few reports have indicated PD-L1 expression in pediatric patients.

The Evaluation of DHPMs as Biotoxic Agents on Pathogen Bacterial Membranes

Herein, we present biological studies on 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones (DHPMs) obtained via Biginelli reaction catalyzed by NH4Cl under solvent-free conditions. Until now, DHPMs have not been tested for biological activity against pathogenic E. coli strains. We tested 16 newly synthesized DHPMs as antimicrobial agents on model E. coli strains (K12 and R2–R4). Preliminary cellular studies using MIC and MBC tests and digestion of Fpg after modification of bacterial DNA suggest that these compounds may have greater potential as antibacterial agents than typically used antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (ci), bleomycin (b) and cloxacillin (cl). The described compounds are highly specific for pathogenic E. coli strains based on the model strains used and may be engaged in the future as new substitutes for commonly used antibiotics in clinical and nosocomial infections in the pandemic era.

Preparation of Allyl Alcohol Oligomers Using Dipicolinate Oxovanadium(IV) Coordination Compound

Currently, new precatalysts for olefin oligomerization are being sought in the group of vanadium(IV) complexes. Thus, the aim of our research was to examine the catalytic activity of the oxovanadium(IV) dipicolinate complex [VO(dipic)(H₂O)₂] 2 H₂O (dipic = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate anion) in 2-propen-1-ol oligomerization as well as to characterize oligomerization products using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The oligomerization process took place at room temperature, under atmospheric pressure and under nitrogen atmosphere to prevent oxidation of the activator MMAO-12-the modified methylaluminoxane (7 wt.%) aluminum in toluene. The last point was to determine the catalytic activity of the complex in the oligomerization reaction of 2-propen-1-ol. The aspect that enriches this work is the proposed mechanism of oligomerization of allyl alcohol based on the literature.

Influence of the Zinc and Fibre Addition in the Diet on Biomechanical Bone Properties in Weaned Piglets

The effects of the zinc and fibre source in piglets' diet on the bone mineral content, density, and strength parameters of the femur were investigated using 24 piglets fed a diet supplemented with either lignocellulose (LC) or potato fibre (PF). Half of each group of piglets consumed a diet with ZnSO4 monohydrate or with zinc glycinate (ZnGly). The diets contained similar amounts of lysine, energy, and fibre. Bone mineral content and density were over 9% higher in pigs receiving diets with ZnGly than in animals fed diets with ZnSO4. Moreover, ZnGly strongly improved maximum and elastic strength (by 25.7 and 20.0%, respectively, p < 0.0001) and bone stiffness (by 29.4%, p < 0.0001). Only the mass of the femur was affected by the type of fibre in the diet, as the femurs of piglets fed diets with LC were over 7% (p < 0.0001) heavier than in piglets fed diets with PF. The intake of digestible zinc and the zinc content in the blood serum were positively correlated with the measured bone parameters and, depending on the parameter, "r" ranged from 0.749 to 0.866 and from 0.400 to 0.479, respectively. It can be concluded that bone parameters are affected more strongly by the organic than inorganic source of zinc.

Going beyond the borders: pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles with deep red emission

A two-step route to strongly absorbing and efficiently orange to deep red fluorescent, doubly B/N-doped, ladder-type pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrroles has been developed. We synthesize and study a series of derivatives of these four-coordinate boron-containing, nominally quadrupolar materials, which mostly exhibit one-photon absorption in the 500-600 nm range with the peak molar extinction coefficients reaching 150 000, and emission in the 520-670 nm range with the fluorescence quantum yields reaching 0.90. Within the family of these ultrastable dyes even small structural changes lead to significant variations of the photophysical properties, in some cases attributed to reversal of energy ordering of alternate-parity excited electronic states. Effective preservation of ground-state inversion symmetry was evidenced by very weak two-photon absorption (2PA) at excitation wavelengths corresponding to the lowest-energy, strongly one-photon allowed purely electronic transition. π-Expanded derivatives and those possessing electron-donating groups showed the most red-shifted absorption- and emission spectra, while displaying remarkably high peak 2PA cross-section (σ _2PA) values reaching ∼2400 GM at around 760 nm, corresponding to a two-photon allowed higher-energy excited state. At the same time, derivatives lacking π-expansion were found to have a relatively weak 2PA peak centered at ca. 800-900 nm with the maximum σ _2PA ∼50-250 GM. Our findings are augmented by theoretical calculations performed using TD-DFT method, which reproduce the main experimental trends, including the 2PA, in a nearly quantitative manner. Electrochemical studies revealed that the HOMO of the new dyes is located at ca. -5.35 eV making them relatively electron rich in spite of the presence of two B^--N⁺ dative bonds. These dyes undergo a fully reversible first oxidation, located on the diphenylpyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole core, directly to the di(radical cation) stage.

Catalytic Activity of New Oxovanadium(IV) Microclusters with 2-Phenylpyridine in Olefin Oligomerization

So far, few microclusters containing vanadium have been described in the literature. In this report, the synthesis protocol for the preparation of oxovanadium (IV) microclusters with 2-phenylpyridine is shown for the first time. Moreover, the crystal structure of these microclusters is also studied through the use of X-rays. The morphology of the prepared crystals is investigated using a field-emission Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The new compound, after activation by modified methylaluminoxane as the catalytic system, is investigated regarding the oligomerizations of 3-buten-1-ol, 2-chloro-2-propen-1-ol, allyl alcohol, and 2,3-dibromo-2-propen-1-ol. The products of oligomerization are tested by the TG-FTIR and MALDI-TOF-MS methods. Moreover, the values of catalytic activities for the new oxovanadium(IV) microclusters with 2-phenylpyridine are determined for the 3-buten-1-ol, 2-chloro-2-propen-1-ol, allyl alcohol, and 2,3-dibromo-2-propen-1-ol oligomerizations. Oxovanadium(IV) microclusters with 2-phenylpyridine are shown to be very highly active precatalysts for the oligomerization of allyl alcohol, 2,3-dibromo-2-propen-1-ol, and 3-buten-1-ol. However, in the case of 2-chloro-2-propen-1-ol oligomerization, the new microclusters are seen as highly active precatalysts.

The Synthesis and Evaluation of Aminocoumarin Peptidomimetics as Cytotoxic Agents on Model Bacterial E. coli Strains

This work presents the successful synthesis of a library of novel peptidomimetics via Ugi multicomponent reaction. Most of these peptidomimetics contain differently substituted aminocoumarin; 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin and 7-amino-4-(trifluoromethyl) coumarin. Inspired by the biological properties of coumarin derivatives and peptidomimetics, we proposed the synthesis of coumarin incorporated peptidomimetics. We studied the potential of synthesized compounds as antimicrobial drugs on model E. coli bacterial strains (k12 and R2–R4). To highlight the importance of coumarin in antimicrobial resistance, we also synthesized the structurally similar peptidomimetics, using benzylamine. Preliminary cellular studies suggest that the compounds with coumarin derivatives have more potential as antimicrobial agents compared to the compounds without coumarin. We also analyzed the effect of aldehyde, free acid group and ester group on the course of their antimicrobial properties.

Pyridine Derivatives-A New Class of Compounds That Are Toxic to E. coli K12, R2-R4 Strains

A preliminary study of 2-amino-4-aryl-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-thiopyridines as new potential antimicrobial drugs was performed. Special emphasis was placed on the selection of the structure of target pyridine derivatives with the highest biological activity against different types of Gram-stained bacteria by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Herein, Escherichia coli model strains K12 (without LPS in its structure) and R2–R4 (with different lengths of LPS in its structure) were used. Studied target compounds were provided with yields ranging from 53% to 91% by the lipase-catalyzed one pot multicomponent reaction of various aromatic aldehydes with malononitrile, and thiols. The presented work showed that the antibacterial activity of the studied pyridines depends on their structure and affects the LPS of bacteria. Moreover, the influence of the pyridines on bacteria possessing smooth and rough LPS and oxidative damage to plasmid DNA caused by investigated compounds was indicated. Additionally, the modification of the bacterial DNA with the tested compounds was performed to detect new potential oxidative damages, which are recognized by the Fpg protein. The obtained damage modification values of the analyzed compounds were compared with the modifications after antibiotics were used in this type of research. The presented studies demonstrate that 2-amino-4-aryl-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-thiopyridines can be used as substitutes for known antibiotics. The observed results are especially important in the case of the increasing resistance of bacteria to various drugs and antibiotics.

Brain Tissue Low-Level Mosaicism for MTOR Mutation Causes Smith-Kingsmore Phenotype with Recurrent Hypoglycemia-A Novel Phenotype and a Further Proof for Testing of an Affected Tissue

De novo somatic variants in genes encoding components of the PI3K-AKT3-mTOR pathway, including MTOR, have been linked to hemimegalencephaly or focal cortical dysplasia. Similarly to other malformations of cortical development, this condition presents with developmental delay and intractable epilepsy, often necessitating surgical treatment. We describe a first patient with the Smith-Kingsmore syndrome phenotype with recurrent hypoglycemia caused by low-level mosaic MTOR mutation restricted to the brain. We provide discussion on different aspects of somatic mosaicism. Deep exome sequencing combined with a variant search in multiple tissues and careful phenotyping may constitute a key to the diagnosis of the causes of rare brain anomalies.

Maternal High-Fat Diet Exposure During Gestation and Lactation Affects Intestinal Development in Suckling Rats

Maternal health and diet influence metabolic status and play a crucial role in the development of metabolic function in offspring and their susceptibility to metabolic diseases in adulthood. The pathogenesis of various metabolic disorders is often associated with impairment in intestinal structure and function. Thus, the aim of the current study was to determine the effects of maternal exposure to a high fat diet (HFD), during gestation and lactation, on small intestinal growth and maturation in rat pups at 21 days old. Female, Wistar Han rats were fed either a breeding diet (BD) or high fat diet (HFD), from mating until the 21st day of lactation. Maternal HFD exposure increased body weight, BMI and adiposity. Compared to the maternal BD, HFD exposure influenced small intestine histomorphometry in a segment-dependent manner, changed the activity of brush border enzymes and had an impact on intestinal contractility via changes in cholinergic signaling. Moreover, offspring from the maternal HFD group had upregulated mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, which plays a role in the inflammatory process. These results suggest that maternal HFD exposure, during gestation and lactation, programs the intestinal development of the offspring in a direction toward obesity as observed changes are also commonly reported in models of diet-induced obesity. The results also highlight the importance of maternal diet preferences in the process of developmental programming of metabolic diseases.

A Low-Dimensional Layout of Magnetic Units as Nano-Systems of Combinatorial Logic: Numerical Simulations

Nanotechnology has opened numerous ways for physically realizing very sophisticated nanodevices that can be fabricated exclusively using molecular engineering methods. However, the synthesis procedures that lead to the production of nanodevices are usually complicated and time consuming. For this reason, the destination materials should be well designed. Therefore, numerical simulations can be invaluable. In this work, we present numerical simulations of the magnetic behaviour of magnetic units shaped into nanometric strips as a low dimensional layout that can be used as nano-systems of combinatorial logic. We showed that magnetic layouts that contain fewer than 16 magnetic units can take on a specific configuration as a response to the input magnetic field. Such configuration can be treated as an output binary word. The layouts that contained various numbers of magnetic units showed different switching characteristics (utterly different order of inverting of strips' magnetic moments), thus creating numerous combinations of the output binary words in response to the analog magnetic signal. The number of possible output binary words can be increased even more by adding parameters--the system's initial magnetic configuration. The physical realization of the model presented here can be used as a very simple and yet effective encryption device that is based on nanometric arrays of magnetic units rather than an integrated circuit. The same information, provided by the proposed system, can be utilized for the construction of a nano-sensor for measuring of magnetic field with the possibility of checking also the history of magnetization.

The Immunological Role of the Placenta in SARS-CoV-2 Infection-Viral Transmission, Immune Regulation, and Lactoferrin Activity

A pandemic of acute respiratory infections, due to a new type of coronavirus, can cause Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has created the need for a better understanding of the clinical, epidemiological, and pathological features of COVID-19, especially in high-risk groups, such as pregnant women. Viral infections in pregnant women may have a much more severe course, and result in an increase in the rate of complications, including spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and premature birth-which may cause long-term consequences in the offspring. In this review, we focus on the mother-fetal-placenta interface and its role in the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2, including expression of viral receptors and proteases, placental pathology, and the presence of the virus in neonatal tissues and fluids. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the anti-viral activity of lactoferrin during viral infection in pregnant women, analyzes its role in the pathogenicity of pandemic virus particles, and describes the potential evidence for placental blocking/limiting of the transmission of the virus.

Tuning Anti-Biofilm Activity of Manganese(II) Complexes: Linking Biological Effectiveness of Heteroaromatic Complexes of Alcohol, Aldehyde, Ketone, and Carboxylic Acid with Structural Effects and Redox Activity

The constantly growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and other antibacterial substances has led us to an era in which alternative antimicrobial therapies are urgently required. One promising approach is to target bacterial pathogens using metal complexes. Therefore, we investigated the possibility of utilizing series of manganese(II) complexes with heteroaromatic ligands: Alcohol, aldehyde, ketone, and carboxylic acid as inhibitors for biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To complete the series mentioned above, Mn-dipyCO-NO₃ with dipyridin-2-ylmethanone (dipyCO) was isolated, and then structurally (single-crystal X-ray analysis) and physicochemically characterized (FT-IR, TG, CV, magnetic susceptibility). The antibacterial activity of the compounds against representative Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria was also evaluated. It is worth highlighting that the results of the cytotoxicity assays performed (MTT, DHI HoloMonitorM4) indicate high cell viability of the human fibroblast (VH10) in the presence of the Mn(II) complexes. Additionally, the inhibition effect of catalase activity by the complexes was studied. This paper focused on such aspects as studying different types of intermolecular interactions in the crystals of the Mn(II) complexes as well as their possible effect on anti-biofilm activity, the structure-activity relationship of the Mn(II) complexes, and regularity between the electrochemical properties of the Mn(II) complexes and anti-biofilm activity.

The Influence of Diet on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Induced by Bacterial Biofilms in the Human Oral Cavity

The article is a concise compendium of knowledge on the etiology of pathogenic microorganisms of all complexes causing oral diseases. The influence of particular components of the diet and the role of oxidative stress in periodontal diseases were described. The study investigated the bacteriostatic effect of the diet of adults in in vivo and in vitro tests on the formation of bacterial biofilms living in the subgingival plaque, causing diseases called periodontitis. If left untreated, periodontitis can damage the gums and alveolar bones. Anaerobic bacteria, called periopathogens or periodontopathogens, play a key role in the etiopathogenesis of periodontitis. The most important periopathogens of the oral microbiota are bacteria of all complexes, including the red complex. The obtained results suggest the possibility of using a specific diet in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases-already treated as a disease of civilization. The quoted article is an innovative compilation of knowledge on this subject and it can be a valuable source of knowledge for professional hygienists, dentists, peridontologists, dentistry students and anyone who cares about proper oral hygiene. The obtained results suggest the possibility of using this type of diet in the prophylaxis of the oral cavity in order to avoid periodontitis.

1,2-Diarylethanols-A New Class of Compounds That Are Toxic to E. coli K12, R2-R4 Strains

An initial study of 1,2-diarylethanols derivatives as new potential antibacterial drugs candidates was conducted. Particular emphasis was placed on the selection of the structure of 1,2-diarylethanols with the highest biological activity of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the model strains of Escherichia coli K12 (without LPS in its structure) and R2–R4 (with different lengths of LPS in its structure). In the presented studies, based on the conducted minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and MBC tests, it was demonstrated that the antibacterial (toxic) effect of 1,2-diarylethanols depends on their structure and the length of LPS bacteria in the membrane of specific strains. Moreover, the oxidative damage of bacterial DNA isolated from bacteria after modification with newly synthesized compounds after application of the repair enzyme Fpg glycosylases was analysed. The analysed damage values were compared with modification with appropriate antibiotics; bacterial DNA after the use of kanamycin, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, bleomycin and cloxicillin. The presented research clearly shows that 1,2-diarylethanol derivatives can be used as potential candidates for substitutes for new drugs, e.g., the analysed antibiotics. Their chemical and biological activity is related to two aromatic groups and the corresponding chemical groups in the structure of the substituent. The observed results are particularly important in the case of increasing bacterial resistance to various drugs and antibiotics, especially in nosocomial infections and neoplasms, and in the era of pandemics caused by microorganisms.

Effects of Fish Oil and Dietary Antioxidant Supplementation on Bone Health of Growing Lambs

Simple Summary

The current study investigated the bone status of growing lambs fed diets supplemented with bioactive components (fish oil, carnosic acid, SeY, and Na₂SeO₃) improving bone parameters. The study provides new information with regards to the positive role of bioactive components supplemented to diets for growing lambs on their femur characteristics (bone content, bone mineral density, geometry, and strength).

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of partial replacement of rapeseed oil (RO) with fish oil (FO) combined with dietary supplementation of various antioxidants on the characteristics of lamb femur. Thirty male lambs were assigned to five dietary treatments and fed isoproteinous and isoenergetic diets for 35 days. The control diet was enriched with 3.0% RO, while the experimental diets were enriched either only with 2.0% RO and 1.0% FO or additionally with 0.1% carnosic acid, 0.1% carnosic acid and 0.35 ppm Se as selenized yeast, or 0.1% carnosic acid and 0.35 ppm Se as sodium selenite. After 35 days, the lambs were slaughtered, and the femur was dissected from the carcass of each animal and analyzed for morphometric, geometric, densitometric, and biomechanical properties. The dietary modifications, specifically the supplementation of FO and selenized yeast, significantly improved the geometric, densitometric, and biomechanical properties of lamb femur.

All That Glitters Is Not Silver-A New Look at Microbiological and Medical Applications of Silver Nanoparticles

Silver and its nanoparticles (AgNPs) have different faces, providing different applications. In recent years, the number of positive nanosilver applications has increased substantially. It has been proven that AgNPs inhibit the growth and survival of bacteria, including human and animal pathogens, as well as fungi, protozoa and arthropods. Silver nanoparticles are known from their antiviral and anti-cancer properties; however, they are also very popular in medical and pharmaceutical nanoengineering as carriers for precise delivery of therapeutic compounds, in the diagnostics of different diseases and in optics and chemistry, where they act as sensors, conductors and substrates for various syntheses. The activity of AgNPs has not been fully discovered; therefore, we need interdisciplinary research to fulfil this knowledge. New forms of products with silver will certainly find application in the future treatment of many complicated and difficult to treat diseases. There is still a lack of appropriate and precise legal condition regarding the circulation of nanomaterials and the rules governing their safety use. The relatively low toxicity, relative biocompatibility and selectivity of nanoparticle interaction combined with the unusual biological properties allow their use in animal production as well as in bioengineering and medicine. Despite a quite big knowledge on this topic, there is still a need to organize the data on AgNPs in relation to specific microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. We decided to put this knowledge together and try to show positive and negative effects on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Biosorption as a method of biowaste valorization to feed additives: RSM optimization

The aim of this work was to prepare an innovative microelemental feed additive for laying hens, based on waste biomass from the agricultural sector (alfalfa and goldenrod after CO₂ extraction in supercritical state). The process was optimized by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and the most favourable enrichment conditions were selected for Cu(II), Mn(II) and Zn(II) ions: pH - 5, sorbate concentration of Cu(II), Mn(II), Zn(II) - 10.0 mg/L for alfalfa and 10.7 mg/L for goldenrod and biomass dose - 0.1 g/L. Physicochemical properties of biomass were studied and functional groups involved in the binding of Cu(II), Mn(II), Zn(II) ions were determined (mainly carboxylic and hydroxylic groups). An interesting and unique element of this work is the verification of the properties of prepared feed additives in conditions simulating the digestive tract of animals. The release of components in solutions simulating conditions in the intestine and stomach (pH 11 and pH 1) was tested (in vitro tests). The best desorption results were achieved at a strongly acidic pH which corresponds to the stomach environment: 9.80, 14.4% Cu(II), 69.0, 66.9% (Zn), 46.5, 31.9 Mn(II) for alfalfa and goldenrod, respectively. It was concluded that the biomass enriched with micronutrients in biosorption has the potential as a feed additive for sustainable agriculture.

α-Amidoamids as New Replacements of Antibiotics-Research on the Chosen K12, R2-R4 E. coli Strains

A preliminary study of α-amidoamids as new potential antimicrobial drugs was performed. Special emphasis was placed on selection of structure of α-amidoamids with the highest biological activity against different types of Gram-stained bacteria by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Herein, Escherichia coli model strains K12 (without LPS in its structure) and R1-R4 (with different length LPS in its structure) were used. The presented work showed that the antibacterial activity of α-amidoamids depends on their structure and affects the LPS of bacteria. Moreover, the influence of various newly synthesized α-amidoamids on bacteria possessing smooth and rought LPS and oxidative damage of plasmid DNA caused by all newly obtained compounds was indicated. The presented studies clearly explain that α-amidoamids can be used as substitutes for antibiotics. The chemical and biological activity of the analysed α-amidoamids was associated with short alkyl chain and different isocyanides molecules in their structure such as: tetr-butyl isocyanide or 2,5-dimethoxybenzyl isocyanide. The observed results are especially important in the case of the increasing resistance of bacteria to various drugs and antibiotics.

Nanostructured Silica with Anchoring Units: The 2D Solid Solvent for Molecules and Metal Ions

The ability to organize, separate and manipulate individual molecules and ions on a surface opens up almost unlimited opportunities. However, it often requires complex techniques and a proper support material. With this in mind, we show a new concept of 2D solid solvents and review a simple and efficient procedure which is based on nanostructured forms of silica with anchoring units. We describe silica supports, such as spherical nanoparticles and mesoporous silica structures, as well as review the methods for chemical modification of the surface of silica with the functional groups. Finally, we present a few particular examples of the immobilization of molecules and ions on the surface of 2D solid solvents along with the experimental investigation of the obtained materials.

Ruthenium(IV) Complexes as Potential Inhibitors of Bacterial Biofilm Formation

With increasing antimicrobial resistance there is an urgent need for new strategies to control harmful biofilms. In this study, we have investigated the possibility of utilizing ruthenium(IV) complexes (H₃O)₂(HL1)₂[RuCl₆]·2Cl·2EtOH (1) and [RuCl₄(CH₃CN)₂](L³2)·H₂O (2) (where L1-2-hydroxymethylbenzimadazole, L³2-1,4-dihydroquinoxaline-2,3-dione) as effective inhibitors for biofilms formation. The biological activities of the compounds were explored using E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa PAO1, and P. aeruginosa LES B58. The new chloride ruthenium complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, Hirshfeld surface analysis, FT-IR, UV-Vis, magnetic and electrochemical (CV, DPV) measurements, and solution conductivity. In the obtained complexes, the ruthenium(IV) ions possess an octahedral environment. The intermolecular classical and rare weak hydrogen bonds, and π···π stacking interactions significantly contribute to structure stabilization, leading to the formation of a supramolecular assembly. The microbiological tests have shown complex 1 exhibited a slightly higher anti-biofilm activity than that of compound 2. Interestingly, electrochemical studies have allowed us to determine the relationship between the oxidizing properties of complexes and their biological activity. Probably the mechanism of action of 1 and 2 is associated with generating a cellular response similar to oxidative stress in bacterial cells.

The Effect of Allopregnanolone on Enzymatic Activity of the DNA Base Excision Repair Pathway in the Sheep Hippocampus and Amygdala under Natural and Stressful Conditions

The neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AL) has many beneficial functions in the brain. This study tested the hypothesis that AL administered for three days into the third brain ventricle would affect the enzymatic activity of the DNA base excision repair (BER) pathway in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 fields and the central amygdala in luteal-phase sheep under both natural and stressful conditions. Acute stressful stimuli, including isolation and partial movement restriction, were used on the last day of infusion. The results showed that stressful stimuli increased N-methylpurine DNA glycosylase (MPG), thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG), 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1), and AP-endonuclease 1 (APE1) mRNA expression, as well as repair activities for 1,N6-ethenoadenine (εA), 3,N4-ethenocytosine (εC), and 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) compared to controls. The stimulated events were lower in stressed and AL-treated sheep compared to sheep that were only stressed (except MPG mRNA expression in the CA1 and amygdala, as well as TDG mRNA expression in the CA1). AL alone reduced mRNA expression of all DNA repair enzymes (except TDG in the amygdala) relative to controls and other groups. DNA repair activities varied depending on the tissue-AL alone stimulated the excision of εA in the amygdala, εC in the CA3 and amygdala, and 8-oxoG in all tissues studied compared to controls. However, the excision efficiency of lesioned bases in the AL group was lower than in the stressed and stressed and AL-treated groups, with the exception of εA in the amygdala. In conclusion, the presented modulating effect of AL on the synthesis of BER pathway enzymes and their repair capacity, both under natural and stressful conditions, indicates another functional role of this neurosteroid in brain structures.

Effect of Ligilactobacillus salivarius and Other Natural Components against Anaerobic Periodontal Bacteria

In this present study, the bacteriostatic effect of Salistat SGL03 and the Lactobacillus salivarius strain contained in it was investigated in adults in in vivo and in vitro tests on selected red complex bacteria living in the subgingival plaque, inducing a disease called periodontitis, i.e., chronic periodontitis. Untreated periodontitis can lead to the destruction of the gums, root cementum, periodontium, and alveolar bone. Anaerobic bacteria, called periopathogens or periodontopathogens, play a key role in the etiopathogenesis of periodontitis. The most important periopathogens of the oral microbiota are: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola and others. Our hypothesis was verified by taking swabs of scrapings from the surface of the teeth of female hygienists (volunteers) on full and selective growth media for L. salivarius. The sizes of the zones of growth inhibition of periopathogens on the media were measured before (in vitro) and after consumption (in vivo) of Salistat SGL03, based on the disk diffusion method, which is one of the methods of testing antibiotic resistance and drug susceptibility of pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, each of the periopathogens analyzed by the reduction inoculation method, was treated with L. salivarius contained in the SGL03 preparation and incubated together in Petri dishes. The bacteriostatic activity of SGL03 preparation in selected periopathogens was also analyzed using the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests. The obtained results suggest the possibility of using the Salistat SGL03 dietary supplement in the prophylaxis and support of the treatment of periodontitis-already treated as a civilization disease.