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Espíndola-Rodríguez NH, Muñoz-Cázares N, Serralta-Peraza LEDS, Díaz-Nuñez JL, Montoya-Reyes F, García-Contreras R, Díaz-Guerrero M, Rivera-Chávez JA, Gutiérrez J, Sotelo-Barrera M, Castillo-Juárez I. Antivirulence and antipathogenic activity of Mayan herbal remedies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 332:118373. [PMID: 38782309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Yucatan Peninsula has a privileged wealth of vascular plants with which various Mayan herbal formulations have been developed. However, studies on their antipathogenic and antivirulence properties are scarce. AIM OF THE STUDY Identify antivirulence properties in Mayan herbal remedies and determine their antipathogenic capacity in burn wounds infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS An ethnobotanical study was conducted in Mayan communities in central and southern Quintana Roo, Mexico. Furthermore, the antipathogenic capacity of three Mayan herbal remedies was analyzed using an animal model of thermal damage and P. aeruginosa infection. Antivirulence properties were determined by inhibiting phenotypes regulated by quorum sensing (pyocyanin, biofilm, and swarming) and by the secretion of the ExoU toxin. The chemical composition of the most active herbal remedy was analyzed using molecular network analysis. RESULTS It was found that topical administration of the remedy called "herbal soap" (HS) for eleven days maintained 100% survival of the animals, reduced establishment of the bacteria in the burn and prevented its systemic dispersion. Although no curative effect was recorded on tissue damaged by HS treatment, its herbal composition strongly reduced swarming and ExoU secretion. Through analysis of Molecular Networks, it was possible to carry out a global study of its chemical components, and identify the family of oxindole monoterpenoid alkaloids and carboline and tetrahydropyrididole alkaloids. In addition, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and quinic acid derivatives were detected. CONCLUSIONS The antipathogenic and antivirulence capacity of ancient Mayan remedies makes them a potential resource for developing new antibacterial therapies to treat burns infected by P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Heidi Espíndola-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Aplicación de Fitoquímicos Bioactivos, Posgrado en Botánica, Colegio de Postgraduados, Texcoco, 56230, Mexico.
| | - Naybi Muñoz-Cázares
- Campo Experimental Chetumal, Instituto de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Quintana Roo, 77963, Mexico; Investigadora Posdoctoral CONAHCYT Comisionada al Colegio de Postgraduados-Campus Tabasco, Cárdenas, Tabasco, C. P. 86500, Mexico.
| | | | - José Luis Díaz-Nuñez
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Aplicación de Fitoquímicos Bioactivos, Posgrado en Botánica, Colegio de Postgraduados, Texcoco, 56230, Mexico.
| | - Francisco Montoya-Reyes
- Campo Experimental Chetumal, Instituto de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Quintana Roo, 77963, Mexico.
| | - Rodolfo García-Contreras
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, 04510, Mexico.
| | - Miguel Díaz-Guerrero
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, 04510, Mexico.
| | - José Alberto Rivera-Chávez
- Departamento de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, 04510, Mexico.
| | - Jorge Gutiérrez
- Área de Biología, Departamento de Preparatoria Agrícola, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Texcoco, 56230, Mexico.
| | - Mireya Sotelo-Barrera
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Aplicación de Fitoquímicos Bioactivos, Posgrado en Botánica, Colegio de Postgraduados, Texcoco, 56230, Mexico.
| | - Israel Castillo-Juárez
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Aplicación de Fitoquímicos Bioactivos, Posgrado en Botánica, Colegio de Postgraduados, Texcoco, 56230, Mexico; Conahcyt-Instituto de Ciencias Básicas e Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Mineral de la Reforma, Hidalgo, 42184, Mexico.
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Foley H, Bugarcic A, Adams J, Wardle J, Leach M, Steel A. Criteria for the selection, evaluation and application of traditional knowledge in contemporary health practice, education, research and policy: A systematic review. Health Info Libr J 2023; 40:233-261. [PMID: 37531012 DOI: 10.1111/hir.12499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) is highly utilised and draws on traditional knowledge (TK) as evidence, raising a need to explore how TK is currently used. OBJECTIVES Examine criteria used to select, evaluate and apply TK in contemporary health contexts. METHODS Systematic search utilising academic databases (AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SSCI, ProQuest Dissertations Theses Global), Trip clinical database and Google search engine. Citations and reference lists of included articles were searched. Reported use of TK in contemporary settings was mapped against a modified 'Exploration-Preparation-Implementation-Sustainment' (EPIS) implementation framework. RESULTS From the 54 included articles, EPIS mapping found TK is primarily used in the Exploration phase of implementation (n = 54), with little reporting on Preparation (n = 16), Implementation process (n = 6) or Sustainment (n = 4) of TK implementation. Criteria used in selection, evaluation and application of TK commonly involved validation with other scientific/traditional evidence sources, or assessment of factors influencing knowledge translation. DISCUSSION One of the difficulties in validation of TK (as a co-opted treatment) against other evidence sources is comparing like with like as TK often takes a holistic approach. This complicates further planning and evaluation of implementation. CONCLUSION This review identifies important criteria for evaluating current and potential contemporary use of TK, identifying gaps in research and practice for finding, appraising and applying relevant TK studies for clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope Foley
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrea Bugarcic
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jon Adams
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jon Wardle
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew Leach
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amie Steel
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
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Harrison F, Blower A, de Wolf C, Connelly E. Sweet and sour synergy: exploring the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of acetic acid and vinegar combined with medical-grade honeys. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001351. [PMID: 37435775 PMCID: PMC10433418 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Oxymel, a combination of honey and vinegar, has been used as a remedy for wounds and infections in historical and traditional medical settings. While honey is now clinically used to treat infected wounds, this use of a complex, raw natural product (NP) mixture is unusual in modern western medicine. Research into the antimicrobial activity of NPs more usually focuses on finding a single active compound. The acetic acid in vinegar is known to have antibacterial activity at low concentrations and is in clinical use to treat burn wound infections. Here, we investigated the potential for synergistic activity of different compounds present in a complex ingredient used in historical medicine (vinegar) and in an ingredient mixture (oxymel). We conducted a systematic review to investigate published evidence for antimicrobial effects of vinegars against human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. No published studies have explicitly compared the activity of vinegar with that of a comparable concentration of acetic acid. We then characterized selected vinegars by HPLC and assessed the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of the vinegars and acetic acid, alone and in combination with medical-grade honeys, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. We found that some vinegars have antibacterial activity that exceeds that predicted by their acetic acid content alone, but that this depends on the bacterial species being investigated and the growth conditions (media type, planktonic vs. biofilm). Pomegranate vinegars may be particularly interesting candidates for further study. We also conclude that there is potential for acetic acid, and some vinegars, to show synergistic antibiofilm activity with manuka honey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Harrison
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Anisa Blower
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Christopher de Wolf
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Erin Connelly
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
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Connelly E, Lee C, Furner-Pardoe J, del Genio CI, Harrison F. A case study of the Ancientbiotics collaboration. PATTERNS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 3:100632. [PMID: 36569547 PMCID: PMC9782248 DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2022.100632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Interdisciplinary collaboration is regarded as a desirable way of researching and, in some instances, even a requirement for academic teams and funding proposals. This paper explores the possibilities, but also the problems, of collaboration between different disciplines through a case study of the Ancientbiotics team. This team explores the potential of natural products contained in historical medical recipes. The search for clinically useful natural products in unusual places, such as historical medical practices, is a well-established endeavor in the scientific disciplines. The Ancientbiotics collaboration, largely based across UK institutions, takes this path a step forward in combining modern scientific knowledge of natural products with expertise from humanities to identify ingredient combinations. After 7 years of practice, the research has produced a variety of outcomes. This perspective will explore how the team worked within an interdisciplinary framework to advance investigation and application of historical medical recipes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Connelly
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK,Corresponding author
| | - Christina Lee
- School of English, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Jessica Furner-Pardoe
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK,Warwick Medical School, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Charo I. del Genio
- Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
| | - Freya Harrison
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
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Bruce J, Oyedemi B, Parsons N, Harrison F. Phase 1 safety trial of a natural product cocktail with antibacterial activity in human volunteers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19656. [PMID: 36385621 PMCID: PMC9667429 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22700-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
New antibiotics are urgently needed to reduce the health burden of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection. Natural products (NPs) derived from plants and animals are a current focus of research seeking to discover new antibacterial molecules with clinical potential. A cocktail of NPs based on a medieval remedy for eye infection eliminated biofilms of several highly antibiotic-resistant bacterial species in laboratory studies, and had a promising safety profile in vitro and in a mouse model. A necessary prelude to refining this remedy into a defined, synthetic mixture suitable for testing with wound infections is to firstly establish safety when applied to healthy human skin. We aimed to assess skin-related outcomes of the preparation in a sample of healthy volunteers. This prospective, single arm, non-randomised Phase I clinical trial consisted of a single patch test intervention with 48-h follow-up. Volunteers were staff, students and members of the public recruited from the University of Warwick and surrounding locality. Adults aged 18-79 years, with no history of severe immunity-related disease, diabetes, recent infection, or known pregnancy were eligible. A 100 µl application of a filter-sterilised NP mixture, comprising ground garlic, onion, white wine and bovine bile, was applied to skin on the upper arm and covered with a dressing. The primary outcome was skin-related adverse events over 48 h. Digital photographs were captured where bothersome, salve-related events were reported. 109 volunteers, aged 18-77 years, were recruited between June and July 2021. Sample mean age was 37.6 (SD 16.1) years, and 63 (58%) participants were female. Outcome data were obtained for 106/109 (97%); two participants were lost to follow-up and one removed the skin patch after nine hours due to a bothersome garlic odour. Twenty-one (19.8%) participants reported any patch-test related sign or symptom; of these 14 (13.2%) participants reported minor events related to the salve, including itchiness, redness, or garlic odour. No serious events were reported. We found no evidence of serious skin-related adverse events related to the NP preparation.Trial registration: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN10773579). Date registered: 08/01/2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bruce
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
- University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
| | - Blessing Oyedemi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Nick Parsons
- Statistics and Epidemiology Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Freya Harrison
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
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Abdallah B, Seguin C, Aubert E, Ait BenHassou H, Sbabou L, Choulier L, Vonthron C, Schalk IJ, Mislin GLA, Fournel S, Pitchon V, Fechter P. Past mastering of metal transformation enabled physicians to increase their therapeutic potential. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022; 71:126926. [PMID: 35033860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.126926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metals are trace elements, vital in some instances or toxic in others. Due to this toxicity, they have been used since ancient time as antimicrobials, and prescribed when plant-only remedies were not efficient enough. These remedies could still contain secrets that may lead to the discovery of new therapeutically interesting combinations. The objective of this study was to give a proof of concept that such remedies combining metals and plants are worth studying again. METHODS We exploited 4 medical formularies (aqrābādhīn), from three Arab authors from the 9-12th century. We reproduced a remedy, and analyzed the role of each ingredient. We further looked for the minimum inhibitory concentration against three pathogenic bacteria, and we analyzed toxic and inflammatory effects of this remedy on macrophages. RESULTS Even if plants were extensively used (almost 80 % of all ingredients), more than 36 different minerals have been found in these 4 aqrābādhīn. When it came to remedies against infections that could be applied externally, the use of metals grew to 70 %. We focused on a remedy, containing mainly metals. We have been able to attribute a role for each ingredient, to show that this skin remedy helped to combat the infection and to resorb the wound, and to highlight the mastering of metal transformation by these physicians. CONCLUSIONS With a very simple recipe, mainly composed of metals, these past physicians designed a complete and synergistic remedy to combat abscesses, while restricting the toxic effect of metals to the site of infection. It is a first example showing that different metal manufactures were evolved to improve their therapeutic potentials. The knowledge acquired by these physician should deserve more attention, and unexpected features, original organo-metallic compounds or therapeutic synergy could still be found from such research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma Abdallah
- Medical Biotechnology Center, Moroccan Foundation for Science, Innovation & Research (MAScIR), Rabat, 10100, Morocco; CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401, Illkirch, France; CNRS, UMR 7242, Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, 67400, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Cendrine Seguin
- CNRS, UMR 7199, Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401, Illkirch, France
| | - Elora Aubert
- CNRS, UMR 7242, Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, 67400, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France; Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique (LIT) UMR CNRS 7200, LabEx Medalis, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Hassan Ait BenHassou
- Medical Biotechnology Center, Moroccan Foundation for Science, Innovation & Research (MAScIR), Rabat, 10100, Morocco
| | - Laila Sbabou
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University Mohamed V Agdal, Faculty of Sciences, Rabat, 10100, Morocco
| | - Laurence Choulier
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401, Illkirch, France
| | - Catherine Vonthron
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique (LIT) UMR CNRS 7200, LabEx Medalis, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Isabelle J Schalk
- CNRS, UMR 7242, Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, 67400, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Gaetan L A Mislin
- CNRS, UMR 7242, Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, 67400, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Sylvie Fournel
- CNRS, UMR 7199, Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401, Illkirch, France
| | - Véronique Pitchon
- CNRS, UMR7044, Archéologie et Histoire Ancienne: Méditerranée- Europe, MISHA, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Pierre Fechter
- CNRS, UMR 7242, Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, 67400, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France.
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Cai T, Wang X, Li B, Xiong F, Wu H, Yang X. Deciphering the synergistic network regulation of active components from SiNiSan against irritable bowel syndrome via a comprehensive strategy: Combined effects of synephrine, paeoniflorin and naringin. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 86:153527. [PMID: 33845366 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SiNiSan (SNS) is an ancient Chinese herbal prescription, and the current clinical treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is effective. In the previous study of the research team, the multi-functional co-synergism of SNS against IBS was presented. Some potential drug targets and candidate ligands were predicted. PURPOSE This study attempts to explore the crucial ingredient combinations from SNS formula and reveal their synergistic mechanism for IBS therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS In present study, a comprehensive strategy was performed to reveal IBS related pathways and biological modules, and explore synergistic effects of the ingredients, including ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) screening, Text mining, Venn analysis, Gene ontology (GO) analysis, Pathway cluster analysis, Molecular docking, Network construction and Experimental verification in visceral hypersensitivity (VHS) rats. RESULTS Three compressed IBS signal pathways were derived from ClueGO KEGG analysis of 63 IBS genes, including Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, Inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP (transient receptor potential) channels and Serotonergic synapse. A multi-module network, composed of four IBS therapeutic modules (psychological, inflammation, neuroendocrine and cross-talk modules), was revealed by Target-Pathway network. Nine kernel targets were considered closely associated with the IBS pathways, including ADRA2A, HTR2A, F2RL1, F2RL3, TRPV1, PKC, PKA, IL-1Β and NGF. In silico analysis revealed that three crucial ingredients (synephrine, paeoniflorin and naringin) were assumed to coordinate the network of those IBS therapeutic modules by acting on these kernel targets in the important pathways. In vivo experimental results showed that the crucial ingredient combinations synergistically affected the expressions of the kernel biological molecules, and improved the minimum capacity threshold of AWR in VHS rats. CONCLUSION The study proposes the important IBS associated pathways and the network regulation mechanisms of the crucial ingredients. It reveals the multi-target synergistic effect of the crucial ingredient combinations for the novel therapy on IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Cai
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bangjie Li
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hao Wu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinghao Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Ukachukwu FU, Rafiq A, Snyder LAS. Challenges in treating ophthalmia neonatorum. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2021.1829475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Faith Uche Ukachukwu
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, UK
| | - Afshan Rafiq
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, UK
| | - Lori A. S. Snyder
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, UK
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Antimicrobial resistance: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Emerg Top Life Sci 2020; 4:129-136. [PMID: 32463087 DOI: 10.1042/etls20190194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As the Royal Society for Biology (RSB) was forming 10 years ago, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was being heralded as the next threat with a magnitude on a par with global warming. Just a few years later, in 2016, Jim O'Neill's report was published laying out recommendations for tackling drug-resistant infections globally. Where are we now, and what are the challenges ahead? As a slow burner, how will the impact of AMR compare against the recent rapid devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how can we channel some of the good things that come from it (like the awareness and technique of effective hand hygiene) to help us combat AMR speedily and definitively?
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Connelly E, Del Genio CI, Harrison F. Data Mining a Medieval Medical Text Reveals Patterns in Ingredient Choice That Reflect Biological Activity against Infectious Agents. mBio 2020; 11:e03136-19. [PMID: 32047130 PMCID: PMC7018648 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03136-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pharmacopeia used by physicians and laypeople in medieval Europe has largely been dismissed as placebo or superstition. While we now recognize that some of the materia medica used by medieval physicians could have had useful biological properties, research in this area is limited by the labor-intensive process of searching and interpreting historical medical texts. Here, we demonstrate the potential power of turning medieval medical texts into contextualized electronic databases amenable to exploration by the use of an algorithm. We used established methodologies from network science to reveal patterns in ingredient selection and usage in a key text, the 15th-century Lylye of Medicynes, focusing on remedies to treat symptoms of microbial infection. In providing a worked example of data-driven textual analysis, we demonstrate the potential of this approach to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and to shine a new light on the ethnopharmacology of historical medical texts.IMPORTANCE We used established methodologies from network science to identify patterns in medicinal ingredient combinations in a key medieval text, the 15th-century Lylye of Medicynes, focusing on recipes for topical treatments for symptoms of microbial infection. We conducted experiments screening the antimicrobial activity of selected ingredients. These experiments revealed interesting examples of ingredients that potentiated or interfered with each other's activity and that would be useful bases for future, more detailed experiments. Our results highlight (i) the potential to use methodologies from network science to analyze medieval data sets and detect patterns of ingredient combination, (ii) the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration to reveal different aspects of the ethnopharmacology of historical medical texts, and (iii) the potential development of novel therapeutics inspired by premodern remedies in a time of increased need for new antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Connelly
- Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charo I Del Genio
- Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems, School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Freya Harrison
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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