Deploying a Novel Approach to Prepare Silver Nanoparticle Bellamya bengalensis Extract Conjugate Coating on Orthopedic Implant Biomaterial Discs to Prevent Potential Biofilm Formation.

This study is based on the premise of investigating antibacterial activity through a novel conjugate of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in line with a green synthesis approach by developing antimicrobial-coated implants to prevent bacterial resistance. The AMPs were obtained from Bellamya Bengalensis (BB), a freshwater snail, to prepare the nanocomposite conjugate, e.g., AgNPs@BB extract, by making use of UV-Visible spectroscopy. The antimicrobial assessment of AgNPs@BB extract conjugate was performed using the Resazurin Microtiter Assay Method (REMA), followed by the use of three biocompatible implant materials (titanium alloys, Ti 6AL-4V stainless steel 316L, and polyethylene). Finally, the coating was analyzed under confocal microscopy. The results revealed a significant reduction of biofilm formation on the surfaces of implants coated with conjugate (AgNPs@BB extract) in comparison to uncoated implants. For the MTT assay, no significant changes were recorded for the cells grown on the AgNPs/AMP++ sample in high concentrations. Staphylococcus epidermidis, however, showed more prominent growth on all implants in comparison to Staphylococcus aureus. It is evident from the results that Staphylococcus epidermidis is more susceptible to AgNPs@BB extract, while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of AgNPs@BB extract conjugates and biosynthesized AgNPs was also on the higher side. This study indicates that AgNPs@BB extract carries antibacterial activity, and concludes that an excessive concentration of AgNPs@BB extract may affect the improved biocompatibility. This study recommends using robust, retentive, and antimicrobial coatings of AgNPs@BB extract for implantable biocompatible materials in accordance with the novel strategy of biomaterial applications.

Lipofection of Single Guide RNA Targeting MMP8 Decreases Proliferation and Migration in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells.

Background and Objectives: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) have been implicated as major determinants of tumour growth and metastasis, which are considered two of the main hallmarks of cancer. The interaction of MMP8 and other signalling molecules within and adjacent tumoral tissues, including immune cells, are rather elusive, particularly of adenocarcinoma cell type. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of MMP8 in non-small cell lung cancer proliferation and invasiveness potential. Materials and Methods: We individually lipofected with two different single guide RNA (sgRNAs) that specifically targeted on MMP8, with CRISPR-Cas 9 protein into the cells. Results: Our results clearly indicated that the lipofection of these complexes could lead to reduced ability of A549 cells to survive and proliferate to form colonies. In addition, when compared to non-transfected cells, the experimental cell groups receiving sgRNAs demonstrated relatively decreased migration rate, hence, wider wound gaps in scratch assay. The quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) demonstrated significant reduction in the MAP-K, survivin and PI3-K gene expression. MMP8 might have protective roles over tumour growth and spread in our body. Conclusions: The delivery of sgRNAs targeting on the MMP8 gene could induce tumour cell death and arrest cell migratory activity.

Systematic Review on Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Antibacterial Activities: Application and Theoretical Perspectives.

The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and the antibacterial activities has provided enormous data on populations, geographical areas, and experiments with bio silver nanoparticles' antibacterial operation. Several peer-reviewed publications have discussed various aspects of this subject field over the last generation. However, there is an absence of a detailed and structured framework that can represent the research domain on this topic. This paper attempts to evaluate current articles mainly on the biosynthesis of nanoparticles or antibacterial activities utilizing the scientific methodology of big data analytics. A comprehensive study was done using multiple databases-Medline, Scopus, and Web of Sciences through PRISMA (i.e., Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The keywords used included 'biosynthesis silver nano particles' OR 'silver nanoparticles' OR 'biosynthesis' AND 'antibacterial behavior' OR 'anti-microbial opposition' AND 'systematic analysis,' by using MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms, Boolean operator's parenthesis, or truncations as required. Since their effectiveness is dependent on particle size or initial concentration, it necessitates more research. Understanding the field of silver nanoparticle biosynthesis and antibacterial activity in Gulf areas and most Asian countries also necessitates its use of human-generated data. Furthermore, the need for this work has been highlighted by the lack of predictive modeling in this field and a need to combine specific domain expertise. Studies eligible for such a review were determined by certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study contributes to the existence of theoretical and analytical studies in this domain. After testing as per inclusion criteria, seven in vitro studies were selected out of 28 studies. Findings reveal that silver nanoparticles have different degrees of antimicrobial activity based on numerous factors. Limitations of the study include studies with low to moderate risks of bias and antimicrobial effects of silver nanoparticles. The study also reveals the possible use of silver nanoparticles as antibacterial irrigants using various methods, including a qualitative evaluation of knowledge and a comprehensive collection and interpretation of scientific studies.

Effects of a family diabetes self-management education intervention on the patients' supporters.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs that engage the families of patients with diabetes have shown to be effective in improving diabetes-related outcomes of the patients. The health effects of these "family models" of DSME on participating family members are rarely studied. Opportunity exists for the participating family members to benefit from the healthy lifestyle recommendations offered through such programs. METHOD: Using data from a randomized controlled trial to assess the effect of family DSME compared to standard DSME among Marshallese adults with Type 2 diabetes, this study examined baseline to 12-month changes in A1c, body mass index (BMI), food consumption, and physical activity among participating family members, comparing outcomes of family members based on attended at least 1 (n = 98) versus attended no (n = 44) DSME sessions. RESULTS: Overall, family member attendance was low. There were no differences in the level of change from baseline to 12 months for A1c, BMI, food consumption, and physical activity between groups. After controlling for attendance and sociodemographic measures, lowering of BMI was the only significant predictor of not having an A1c level indicative of diabetes at 12 months. DISCUSSION: Future research on family DSME should consider ways to improve family member attendance; have them set their own health improvement goals; and integrate healthy lifestyle education, such as healthy eating and being physically active, along with the DSME core content to create an added benefit of diabetes prevention for participating family members. The limitations of this study and recommendations for future research are provided. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Molecular epidemiology of Clostridium difficile isolated from piglets.

Information on the epidemiology of C. difficile infection (CDI) in South-East Asian countries is limited, as is data on possible animal reservoirs of C. difficile in the region. We investigated the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of C. difficile in piglets and the piggery environment in Thailand and Malaysia. Piglet rectal swabs (n = 224) and piggery environmental specimens (n = 23) were collected between 2015 and 2016 from 11 farms located in Thailand and Malaysia. All specimens were tested for the presence of C. difficile with toxigenic culture. PCR assays were performed on isolates to determine the ribotype (RT), and the presence of toxin genes. Whole genome sequencing was used on a subset of isolates to determine the evolutionary relatedness of RT038 (the most prevalent RT identified) common to pigs and humans from Thailand and Indonesia. C. difficile was recovered from 35% (58/165) and 92% (54/59) of the piglets, and 89% (8/9) and 93% (13/14) of the environmental specimens from Thailand and Malaysia, respectively. All strains from Thailand, and 30 strains from Malaysia (23 piglet and 7 environmental isolates) were non-toxigenic. To our knowledge, this is the first and only report with a complete lack of toxigenic C. difficile among piglets, a feature which could have a protective effect on the host. The most common strain belonged to RT038 (ST48), accounting for 88% (51/58) of piglet and 78% (7/9) of environmental isolates from Thailand, and all 30 isolates tested from Malaysia. Piglet RT038 isolates from Thailand and Malaysia differed by only 18 core-genome single nucleotide variants (cgSNVs) and both were, on average, 30 cgSNVs different from the human strains from Thailand and Indonesia, indicating a common ancestor in the last two decades.

Approaches to control sexually transmitted diseases in Haiti, 1992-95.

Despite major obstacles, activities to control sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were initiated in Haiti in 1992 in collaboration with local nongovernmental organizations. The approaches included review of available local data, assessment of STD case management practices and constraints, and development of specific STD control activities at the primary health care level, such as systematic screening of all pregnant women for syphilis and improved comprehensive syndrome-based STD case management. The activities included conduct of local studies, presentation and dissemination of results to key audiences, training of health care providers, improvement of local capacities, and consensus-building on implementation of STD control approaches. STD awareness and case management improved considerably; for example, 69% of the clinicians interviewed reported correct STD treatments in the north-eastern primary health care centres in 1995, compared with < 10% in 1992. At the end of the project, national STD case management guidelines were developed by consensus between the various organizations and the Ministry of Health. Lessons learned included the importance of local data generation and of communication and collaboration with various institutions for consensus-building, the need for continued training, and field supervision to ensure behaviour change among STD care providers. A national STD control programme should be implemented as soon as possible in both the public and private sector. External funding will remain critical to control this important public health problem in Haiti.

PIP: Mid-1992 was a time of considerable political and socioeconomic instability in Haiti. Haiti's first democratically elected president had been ousted by a military junta and both political crimes and human rights abuses abounded. No national sexually transmitted disease (STD) control program was in place and almost no data were available on the magnitude and scope of STDs in the country. In this context, and despite many obstacles, STD control activities were planned with the hope of eventually developing a national STD control program. US Agency for International Development-funded AIDSCAP HIV/AIDS/STD prevention initiatives were first launched in Haiti in mid-1992 in collaboration with local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Direct collaboration with the de facto government was not allowed until democracy was restored in October 1994. The authors describe the STD control approaches and interventions initiated under these circumstances, with lessons learned for potential application outside of Haiti. Approaches included a review of available local data, an assessment of STD case management practices and constraints, and the development of specific STD control activities at the primary health care level, such as the systematic screening of all pregnant women for syphilis and improved comprehensive syndrome-based STD case management. Local studies were conducted, with the salient results presented to key audiences; health care providers were trained; local capacities improved; and consensus built upon the implementation of STD control approaches. STD awareness and case management improved considerably, with national STD case management guidelines developed at the end of the project through consensus between various organizations and the Ministry of Health.