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Wang X, Le C, Jin X, Feng Y, Chen L, Huang X, Tian S, Wang Q, Ji J, Liu Y, Zhang H, Huang J, Ren Z. Estimating postmortem interval based on oral microbial community succession in rat cadavers. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31897. [PMID: 38882314 PMCID: PMC11177140 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The accurate estimation of the postmortem interval has been one of the crucial issues to be solved in forensic research, and it is influenced by various factors in the process of decay. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology, forensic microbiology has become the major hot topic in forensic science, which provides new research options for postmortem interval estimation. The oral microbial community is one of the most diverse of microbiomes, ranking as the second most abundant microbiota following the gastrointestinal tract. It is remarkable that oral microorganisms have a significant function in the decay process of cadavers. Therefore, we collected outdoor soil to simulate the death environment and focused on the relationship between oral microbial community succession and PMI in rats above the soil. In addition, linear regression models and random forest regression models were developed for the relationship between the relative abundance of oral microbes and PMI. We also identified a number of microorganisms that may be important to estimate PMI, including: Ignatzschineria, Morganella, Proteus, Lysinibacillus, Pseudomonas, Globicatella, Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, Rothia, Aerococcus, Staphylococcus, and so on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Cuiyun Le
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaoye Jin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Yuhang Feng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaolan Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Shunyi Tian
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Qiyan Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Jingyan Ji
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Yubo Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Hongling Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Jiang Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Zheng Ren
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
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Cláudia-Ferreira A, Barbosa DJ, Saegeman V, Fernández-Rodríguez A, Dinis-Oliveira RJ, Freitas AR. The Future Is Now: Unraveling the Expanding Potential of Human (Necro)Microbiome in Forensic Investigations. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2509. [PMID: 37894167 PMCID: PMC10608847 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The relevance of postmortem microbiological examinations has been controversial for decades, but the boom in advanced sequencing techniques over the last decade is increasingly demonstrating their usefulness, namely for the estimation of the postmortem interval. This comprehensive review aims to present the current knowledge about the human postmortem microbiome (the necrobiome), highlighting the main factors influencing this complex process and discussing the principal applications in the field of forensic sciences. Several limitations still hindering the implementation of forensic microbiology, such as small-scale studies, the lack of a universal/harmonized workflow for DNA extraction and sequencing technology, variability in the human microbiome, and limited access to human cadavers, are discussed. Future research in the field should focus on identifying stable biomarkers within the dominant Bacillota and Pseudomonadota phyla, which are prevalent during postmortem periods and for which standardization, method consolidation, and establishment of a forensic microbial bank are crucial for consistency and comparability. Given the complexity of identifying unique postmortem microbial signatures for robust databases, a promising future approach may involve deepening our understanding of specific bacterial species/strains that can serve as reliable postmortem interval indicators during the process of body decomposition. Microorganisms might have the potential to complement routine forensic tests in judicial processes, requiring robust investigations and machine-learning models to bridge knowledge gaps and adhere to Locard's principle of trace evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cláudia-Ferreira
- 1H-TOXRUN, One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (A.C.-F.); (R.J.D.-O.)
| | - Daniel José Barbosa
- 1H-TOXRUN, One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (A.C.-F.); (R.J.D.-O.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Veroniek Saegeman
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Amparo Fernández-Rodríguez
- Microbiology Laboratory, Biology Service, Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, 28232 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
- 1H-TOXRUN, One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (A.C.-F.); (R.J.D.-O.)
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana R. Freitas
- 1H-TOXRUN, One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (A.C.-F.); (R.J.D.-O.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Folliero V, Dell’Annunziata F, Santella B, Roscetto E, Zannella C, Capuano N, Perrella A, De Filippis A, Boccia G, Catania MR, Galdiero M, Franci G. Repurposing Selamectin as an Antimicrobial Drug against Hospital-Acquired Staphylococcus aureus Infections. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2242. [PMID: 37764086 PMCID: PMC10535345 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains requires the urgent discovery of new antibacterial drugs. In this context, an antibacterial screening of a subset of anthelmintic avermectins against gram-positive and gram-negative strains was performed. Selamectin completely inhibited bacterial growth at 6.3 μg/mL concentrations against reference gram-positive strains, while no antibacterial activity was found against gram-negative strains up to the highest concentration tested of 50 μg/mL. Given its relevance as a community and hospital pathogen, further studies have been performed on selamectin activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), using clinical isolates with different antibiotic resistance profiles and a reference biofilm-producing strain. Antibacterial studies have been extensive on clinical S. aureus isolates with different antibiotic resistance profiles. Mean MIC90 values of 6.2 μg/mL were reported for all tested S. aureus strains, except for the macrolide-resistant isolate with constitutive macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance phenotype (MIC90 9.9 μg/mL). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that selamectin exposure caused relevant cell surface alterations. A synergistic effect was observed between ampicillin and selamectin, dictated by an FIC value of 0.5 against methicillin-resistant strain. Drug administration at MIC concentration reduced the intracellular bacterial load by 81.3%. The effect on preformed biofilm was investigated via crystal violet and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Selamectin reduced the biofilm biomass in a dose-dependent manner with minimal biofilm eradication concentrations inducing a 50% eradication (MBEC50) at 5.89 μg/mL. The cytotoxic tests indicated that selamectin exhibited no relevant hemolytic and cytotoxic activity at active concentrations. These data suggest that selamectin may represent a timely and promising macrocyclic lactone for the treatment of S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Folliero
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (V.F.); (F.D.); (B.S.); (N.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Federica Dell’Annunziata
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (V.F.); (F.D.); (B.S.); (N.C.); (G.B.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.D.F.); (M.G.)
| | - Biagio Santella
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (V.F.); (F.D.); (B.S.); (N.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Emanuela Roscetto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.R.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.D.F.); (M.G.)
| | - Nicoletta Capuano
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (V.F.); (F.D.); (B.S.); (N.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Alessandro Perrella
- Division Emerging Infectious Disease and High Contagiousness, Hospital D Cotugno, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Anna De Filippis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.D.F.); (M.G.)
| | - Giovanni Boccia
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (V.F.); (F.D.); (B.S.); (N.C.); (G.B.)
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D’Aragona University Hospital, 84126 Salerno, Italy
- Hospital Hygiene and Epidemiology Complex Operating Unit, San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D’Aragona University Hospital, 84126 Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Catania
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.R.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.Z.); (A.D.F.); (M.G.)
- Section of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (V.F.); (F.D.); (B.S.); (N.C.); (G.B.)
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D’Aragona University Hospital, 84126 Salerno, Italy
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Shchegolev AI, Tumanova UN, Savva OV. [Characteristics of histochemical, molecular genetic and radiation-induced liver changes depending on the postmortem interval]. Sud Med Ekspert 2023; 66:59-63. [PMID: 37192462 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed20236603159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyze literature data on postmortem changes in the liver and their use in determination of postmortem interval. Biological death expectedly causes the development of postmortem disorders not only in the liver structure, but also changes in its biochemical and histochemical parameters. Literature data about changes of histochemical, immunohistochemical and biomolecular characteristics of liver tissue, as well as bacterial migration to the liver depending on the duration of postmortem period, are presented. The effectiveness of radiology for visualization of postmortem changes and, accordingly, for determining the postmortem interval is noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- A I Shchegolev
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after academician V.I. Kulakov, Moscow, Russia
| | - U N Tumanova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after academician V.I. Kulakov, Moscow, Russia
| | - O V Savva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after academician V.I. Kulakov, Moscow, Russia
- Bureau of Forensic Medicine named after D.I. Mastbaum, Ryazan, Russia
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5
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Stefano T, Francesca M, Guendalina G, Michele B, Chiara F, Salvatore A, Riccardo Z. Utility and diagnostic value of postmortem microbiology associated with histology for forensic purposes. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 342:111534. [PMID: 36528011 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, the diagnostic value of postmortem microbiological investigations is still a debated topic, but postmortem microbiology (PMM) remains a discipline with great forensic potential. To evaluate the usefulness and diagnostic-forensic value of postmortem microbiological cultures, it has been conducted a study on cadaveric material sampled during autopsy aiming to identify the correct cause of death. The study analyzed 45 cadavers subjected to judicial autopsy, divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of external or internal macroscopic autopsy signs suggesting infectious pathology. In the same cases, both the microbiological and conventional histological investigations have been simultaneously carried out. From the investigations, mono-bacterial, mono-fungal, mixed and negative cultures were observed. In mono-species microbiological growth, the histological epicrisis confirmed an infectious cause of death due to the presence of signs of acute infection with an aggressive infectious agent. In cases where growth was mixed, it was possible to distinguish between simple postmortal contamination and perimortem colonization. Finally, in some cases where the microbiology was negative, this has been essential in highlighting signs of a vital reaction to viral or parasitic infection. The joint and integrated evaluation of the laboratory results made it possible to correctly understand even those peculiar situations in which the PMM results alone would not have been significant. These methods, when combined, constitute an optimal forensic approach for the identification of the real cause of death and thus reduce the number of unsolved cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tambuzzi Stefano
- Laboratorio di Istopatologia Forense e Microbiologia Medico Legale - Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni - Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute - Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Maciocco Francesca
- Laboratorio di Immunoematologia e Medicina Trasfusionale (SIMT) - Azienda Ospedaliera S. Carlo Borromeo, Via Pio II, 3, 20153 Milano, Italy
| | - Gentile Guendalina
- Laboratorio di Istopatologia Forense e Microbiologia Medico Legale - Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni - Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute - Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Boracchi Michele
- Laboratorio di Istopatologia Forense e Microbiologia Medico Legale - Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni - Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute - Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Faraone Chiara
- Laboratorio di Istopatologia Forense e Microbiologia Medico Legale - Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni - Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute - Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Andreola Salvatore
- Laboratorio di Istopatologia Forense e Microbiologia Medico Legale - Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni - Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute - Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Zoja Riccardo
- Laboratorio di Istopatologia Forense e Microbiologia Medico Legale - Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni - Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute - Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Petrillo F, Petrillo A, Sasso FP, Schettino A, Maione A, Galdiero M. Viral Infection and Antiviral Treatments in Ocular Pathologies. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2224. [PMID: 36363815 PMCID: PMC9694090 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular viral infections are common and widespread globally. These infectious diseases are a major cause of acute red eyes and vision loss. The eye and its nearby tissues can be infected by several viral agents, causing infections with a short course and limited ocular implications or a long clinical progression and serious consequences for the function and structure of the ocular region. Several surveillance studies underline the increased emergence of drug resistance among pathogenic viral strains, limiting treatment options for these infections. Currently, in the event of resistant infections, topical or systemic corticosteroids are useful in the management of associated immune reactions in the eye, which contribute to ocular dysfunction. Many cases of viral eye infections are misdiagnosed as being of bacterial origin. In these cases, therapy begins late and is not targeted at the actual cause of the infection, often leading to severe ocular compromises, such as corneal infiltrates, conjunctival scarring, and reduced visual acuity. The present study aims at a better understanding of the viral pathogens that cause eye infections, along with the treatment options available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Petrillo
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria-Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonietta Schettino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Maione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Marilena Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Tozzo P, Amico I, Delicati A, Toselli F, Caenazzo L. Post-Mortem Interval and Microbiome Analysis through 16S rRNA Analysis: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2641. [PMID: 36359484 PMCID: PMC9689864 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The determination of the Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) is an issue that has always represented a challenge in the field of forensic science. Different innovative approaches, compared to the more traditional ones, have been tried over the years, without succeeding in being validated as successful methods for PMI estimation. In the last two decades, innovations in sequencing technologies have made it possible to generate large volumes of data, allowing all members of a bacterial community to be sequenced. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a review regarding new advances in PMI estimation through cadaveric microbiota identification using 16S rRNA sequencing, in order to correlate specific microbiome profiles obtained from different body sites to PMI. The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. For this purpose, 800 studies were identified through database searching (Pubmed). Articles that dealt with PMI estimation in correlation with microbiome composition and contained data about species, body site of sampling, monitoring time and sequencing method were selected and ultimately a total of 25 studies were considered. The selected studies evaluated the contribution of the various body sites to determine PMI, based on microbiome sequencing, in human and animal models. The results of this systematic review highlighted that studies conducted on both animals and humans yielded results that were promising. In order to fully exploit the potential of the microbiome in the estimation of PMI, it would be desirable to identify standardized body sampling sites and specific sampling methods in order to align data obtained by different research groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Tozzo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
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Antiviral Activity of Ficus rubiginosa Leaf Extracts against HSV-1, HCoV-229E and PV-1. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102257. [PMID: 36298811 PMCID: PMC9607631 DOI: 10.3390/v14102257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ficus rubiginosa plant extract showed antimicrobial activity, but no evidence concerning its antiviral properties was reported. The antiviral activity of the methanolic extract (MeOH) and its n-hexane (H) and ethyl acetate (EA) fractions against Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), Human coronavirus (HCoV) -229E, and Poliovirus-1 (PV-1) was investigated in the different phases of viral infection in the VERO CCL-81 cell line. To confirm the antiviral efficacy, a qPCR was conducted. The recorded cytotoxic concentration 50% was 513.1, 298.6, and 56.45 µg/mL for MeOH, H, and EA, respectively, assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay after 72 h of treatment. The Ficus rubiginosa leaf extract inhibited the replication of HSV-1 in the early stages of infection, showing a complete inhibition up to 0.62, 0.31, and 1.25 µg/mL. Against HCoV-229E, a total inhibition up to 1.25 µg/mL for MeOH and H as well as 5 µg/mL for EA was observed. Otherwise, no activity was recorded against PV-1. The leaf extract could act directly on the viral envelope, destructuring the lipid membrane and/or directly blocking the enriched proteins on the viral surface. The verified gene inhibition suggested that the treatments with M, H, and EA impaired HSV-1 and HCoV-229E replication, with a greater antiviral efficiency against HSV-1 compared to HCoV-229E, possibly due to a greater affinity of Ficus rubiginosa towards membrane glycoproteins and/or the different lipid envelopes.
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In Vitro Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Leaf Extract against Cutibacterium acnes. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091952. [PMID: 36145700 PMCID: PMC9501556 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is the main causative agent of acne vulgaris. The study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of a natural product, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract, against C. acnes. Preliminary chemical–physical characterization of the extract was carried out by means of FT-IR, TGA and XPS analyses. Skin permeation kinetics of the extract conveyed by a toning lotion was studied in vitro by Franz diffusion cell, monitoring the permeated arbutin (as the target component of the extract) and the total phenols by HPLC and UV-visible spectrophotometry, respectively. Antimicrobial activity and time-killing assays were performed to evaluate the effects of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract against planktonic C. acnes. The influence of different Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract concentrations on the biofilm biomass inhibition and degradation was evaluated by the crystal violet (CV) method. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was used to determine the viability of immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) after exposure to Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract for 24 and 48 h. Levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were quantified after HaCaT cells cotreatment with Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract and heat-killed C. acnes. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) which exerted a bacteriostatic action on 90% of planktonic C. acnes (MIC90) was 0.6 mg/mL. Furthermore, MIC and sub-MIC concentrations influenced the biofilm formation phases, recording a percentage of inhibition that exceeded 50 and 40% at 0.6 and 0.3 mg/mL. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract disrupted biofilm biomass of 57 and 45% at the same concentrations mentioned above. Active Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract doses did not affect the viability of HaCaT cells. On the other hand, at 1.25 and 0.6 mg/mL, complete inhibition of the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines was recorded. Taken together, these results indicate that Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract could represent a natural product to counter the virulence of C. acnes, representing a new alternative therapeutic option for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
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Diac I, Keresztesi AA, Cerghizan AM, Negrea M, Dogăroiu C. Postmortem Bacteriology in Forensic Autopsies—A Single Center Retrospective Study in Romania. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12082024. [PMID: 36010374 PMCID: PMC9407211 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12082024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Postmortem bacteriology examinations have been a controversial topic over the years, though the value of postmortem bacteriology cultures remains promising. The aim of this study was to review the postmortem bacteriological sampling procedures and results in a single centre in Bucharest over a period of 10 years. Material and methods: The present study was a retrospective, single-center study, performed at the Mina Minovici National Institute of Legal Medicine in Bucharest, Romania, from 2011–2020. Results: Postmortem bacteriology was requested 630 forensic autopsies, 245 female (38.9%) and 385 male (61.1%), age range 0 and 94 years, median age of 52 years. Deaths occurred in hospital for 594 cases (94.3%) and out-of-hospital for 36 cases (5.7%—field case). Blood cultures were requested in the majority of cases, followed by tracheal swabs and lung tissue. In-hospital and out of hospital deaths did not differ significantly regarding the number of microorganisms identified in a positive blood culture. Postmortem bacteriology cultures of the respiratory tract showed a statistically significant association to microscopically confirmed lung infections. Conclusions Postmortem sampling for bacteriology testing in our center in Bucharest is heterogeneous with a high variation of patterns. A positive blood culture result for Staphylococcus species without the identification of a specific microorganism is more likely due to postmortem contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliana Diac
- Mina Minovici National Institute of Legal Medicine, 042122 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Arthur-Atilla Keresztesi
- “Fogolyan Kristof” Emergency County Hospital Sfantu Gheorghe, Covasna County Institution of Forensic Medicine, 520045 Covasna, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.-A.K.); (A.-M.C.)
| | - Anda-Mihaela Cerghizan
- Medical Clinic, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540043 Mures, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.-A.K.); (A.-M.C.)
| | - Mihai Negrea
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Science, “Babeș Bolyai” University, 400084 Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Cătălin Dogăroiu
- Mina Minovici National Institute of Legal Medicine, 042122 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Legal Medicine and Bioethics, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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11
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Impact of Escherichia coli Outer Membrane Vesicles on Sperm Function. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070782. [PMID: 35890027 PMCID: PMC9319964 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive tract infections account for approximately 15% of male infertility cases. Escherichia coli (E. coli) represents the most frequently isolated bacterial strain in the semen of infertile men. All Gram-negative bacteria constitutively produce outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). The present study proved, for the first time, the involvement of OMVs in human sperm function. E. coli OMVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized via sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. Human sperm was exposed to OMVs (8 µg/mL) for different times (30, 45, 60 and 90 min). The vitality, motility, morphology, ROS level and DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa were evaluated. OMVs reduced the progressive motility and increased the immobile spermatozoa amount after 30 min of treatment. In addition, a significant increase in the percentage of intracellular ROS and sperm DNA fragmentation was recorded for each vesicular exposure time. These preliminary findings prove that OMVs contribute to altering human sperm function via two mechanisms: (i) impaired motility and (ii) DNA fragmentation.
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12
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Petrillo F, Petrillo A, Marrapodi M, Capristo C, Gicchino MF, Montaldo P, Caredda E, Reibaldi M, Boatti LMV, Dell’Annunziata F, Folliero V, Galdiero M. Characterization and Comparison of Ocular Surface Microbiome in Newborns. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071390. [PMID: 35889110 PMCID: PMC9320102 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The ocular microbiome is of fundamental importance for immune eye homeostasis, and its alteration would lead to an impairment of ocular functionality. Little evidence is reported on the composition of the ocular microbiota of term infants and on the impact of antibiotic prophylaxis. Methods: A total of 20 conjunctival swabs were collected from newborns at birth and after antibiotic treatment. Samples were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing via system MiSeq Illumina. The data were processed with the MicrobAT software and statistical analysis were performed using two-way ANOVA. Results: Antibiotic prophylaxis with gentamicin altered the composition of the microbiota. In detail, a 1.5- and 2.01-fold reduction was recorded for Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) and Massilia timonae (M. timonae), respectively, whereas an increase in Staphylococcus spp. of 6.5 times occurred after antibiotic exposure. Conclusions: Antibiotic prophylaxis altered the ocular microbiota whose understanding could avoid adverse effects on eye health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Petrillo
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic Section, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (F.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Arianna Petrillo
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS “Ca’ Granda-Ospedale Maggiore-Policlinico”, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Maddalena Marrapodi
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (M.M.); (M.F.G.)
| | - Carlo Capristo
- Department of Neonatology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.C.); (P.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Maria Francesca Gicchino
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (M.M.); (M.F.G.)
| | - Paolo Montaldo
- Department of Neonatology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.C.); (P.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Elisabetta Caredda
- Department of Neonatology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.C.); (P.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Michele Reibaldi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic Section, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (F.P.); (M.R.)
| | | | - Federica Dell’Annunziata
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.D.); (V.F.)
| | - Veronica Folliero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.D.); (V.F.)
| | - Marilena Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.D.); (V.F.)
- Correspondence:
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13
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Folliero V, Dell’Annunziata F, Roscetto E, Cammarota M, De Filippis A, Schiraldi C, Catania MR, Casolaro V, Perrella A, Galdiero M, Franci G. Niclosamide as a Repurposing Drug against Corynebacterium striatum Multidrug-Resistant Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11050651. [PMID: 35625295 PMCID: PMC9137567 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11050651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Corynebacterium striatum (C. striatum) is an emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen associated with nosocomial infections. In this scenario, we screened the antimicrobial activity of the anthelmintic drugs doramectin, moxidectin, selamectin and niclosamide against 20 C. striatum MDR clinical isolates. Among these, niclosamide was the best performing drug against C. striatum. Niclosamide cytotoxicity was evaluated by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on immortalized human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT). After 20 h of treatment, the recorded 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) was 2.56 μg/mL. The antibacterial efficacy was determined via disc diffusion, broth microdilution method and time-killing. Against C. striatum, niclosamide induced a growth inhibitory area of 22 mm and the minimum inhibitory concentration that inhibits 90% of bacteria (MIC90) was 0.39 μg/mL, exhibiting bactericidal action. The biofilm biomass eradicating action was investigated through crystal violet (CV), MTT and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Niclosamide affected the biofilm viability in a dose-dependent manner and degraded biomass by 55 and 49% at 0.39 μg/mL and 0.19 μg/mL. CLSM images confirmed the biofilm biomass degradation, showing a drastic reduction in cell viability. This study could promote the drug-repurposing of the anthelmintic FDA-approved niclosamide as a therapeutic agent to counteract the C. striatum MDR infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Folliero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (V.F.); (F.D.); (M.C.); (A.D.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Federica Dell’Annunziata
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (V.F.); (F.D.); (M.C.); (A.D.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Emanuela Roscetto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.R.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Marcella Cammarota
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (V.F.); (F.D.); (M.C.); (A.D.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Anna De Filippis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (V.F.); (F.D.); (M.C.); (A.D.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Chiara Schiraldi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (V.F.); (F.D.); (M.C.); (A.D.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Catania
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (E.R.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Vincenzo Casolaro
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, 84081 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Perrella
- Division Emerging Infectious Disease and High Contagiousness, Hospital D Cotugno, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (V.F.); (F.D.); (M.C.); (A.D.F.); (C.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (G.F.)
| | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, 84081 Salerno, Italy;
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D’Aragona University Hospital, 84126 Salerno, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (G.F.)
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14
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MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Analysis and Human Post-Mortem Microbial Community: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074354. [PMID: 35410034 PMCID: PMC8998342 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The human post-mortem microbiome (HPM) plays a major role in the decomposition process. Successional changes in post-mortem bacterial communities have been recently demonstrated using high throughput metagenomic sequencing techniques, showing great potential as a post-mortem interval (PMI) predictor. The aim of this study is to verify the application of the mass spectrometry technique, better known as MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry), as a cheap and quick method for microbe taxonomic identification and for studying the PM microbiome. Methods: The study was carried out on 18 human bodies, ranging from 4 months to 82 years old and with a PMI range from 24 h up to 15 days. The storage time interval in the coolers was included in the final PMI estimates. Using the PMI, the sample study was divided into three main groups: seven cases with a PMI < 72 h; six cases with a PMI of 72−168 h and five cases with a PMI > 168 h. For each body, microbiological swabs were sampled from five external anatomical sites (eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and rectum) and four internal organs (brain, spleen, liver, and heart). Results: The HPM became increasingly different from the starting communities over time in the internal organs as well as at skin sites; the HPM microbiome was mostly dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla; and a PM microbial turnover existed during decomposition, evolving with the PMI. Conclusions: MALDI-TOF is a promising method for PMI estimation, given its sample handling, good reproducibility, and high speed and throughput. Although several intrinsic and extrinsic factors can affect the structure of the HPM, MALDI-TOF can detect the overall microbial community turnover of most prevalent phyla during decomposition. Limitations are mainly related to its sensitivity due to the culture-dependent method and bias in the identification of new isolates.
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15
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Wang Y, Wang M, Luo C, Li L, Xu W, Hu G, Wang Y, Amendt J, Wang J. Dynamics of insects, microorganisms and muscle mRNA on pig carcasses and their significances in estimating PMI. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 329:111090. [PMID: 34752998 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The accurate estimate of the postmortem interval (PMI) is of vital significance in the investigation of homicide cases. In this study, three pig carcasses were placed in the field to study the pattern of insect succession, the change of microorganisms and the degradation of muscle tissue RNA during the decomposition process. The results showed that insects could quickly colonize the carcasses and still exist on them until the end of the experiment (41 days). Their development and succession patterns are useful indicators for PMI estimation. The diversity of rectal microorganisms decreased with the decomposition time. In different decomposition periods, significant differences in the rectal and soil microbial composition and relative abundance were found, which could be used to estimate the PMI with an accuracy of 3-4 days. The RNA of muscle tissue was found to have a time-dependent relationship with the PMI. Ppia and Gapdh showed a linear upward trend within 10 h after the death, followed by a gradual downward trend from 10 to 240 h. The expression of β-actin gene showed a gradual downward trend during 0-240 h. This is the first study in China to analyze the changes of insects, muscle RNA and microorganisms on pig carcasses in the same natural environment, which provide basic data for the PMI estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Man Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Chengliang Luo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Wang Xu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Guoliang Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Frankfurt, Kennedyallee, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
| | - Jiangfeng Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China.
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