An Up-to-Date Review on Bio-Resource Therapeutics Effective against Bacterial Species Frequently Associated with Chronic Sinusitis and Tonsillitis

Comparative Chemical Analysis and Bioactive Properties of Aqueous and Glucan-Rich Extracts of Three Widely Appreciated Mushrooms: Agaricus bisporus (J.E.Lange) Imbach, Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.) Murill and Agrocybe aegerita (V. Brig.) Vizzini

Herein we describe the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing potential of aqueous and polysaccharide extracts from three widely appreciated mushrooms: Agrocybe aegerita, Laetiporus sulphureus and Agaricus bisporus. Moreover, we present their detailed phenolic, polysaccharide and protein profiles and ATR-FTIR spectra. The study found that polysaccharide extracts (PEs) from mushrooms had higher total and β-glucan levels than aqueous extracts (AEs), with A. aegerita showing the highest content. L. sulphureus had a higher total protein content, and A. aegerita AE had the highest phenolic content. Our results indicate that all the tested extracts have high potential regarding their bioactive properties, with A. aegerita being the most promising one. Namely, the antibacterial activity assay showed that the development of the skin-infection-causing agent, Staphylococcus aureus, was inhibited with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 4.00 mg/mL and minimal bactericidal concentration of 8.00 mg/mL, while the results regarding wound healing showed that, over the course of 24 h, the A. aegerita extract actively promoted wound closure in the HaCaT keratinocyte cell line model. The anti-inflammatory activity results clearly showed that when we used S. aureus as an inflammation-inducing agent and the A. aegerita aqueous extract in treatment, IL-6 levels reduced to the level of 4.56 pg/mL. The obtained data suggest that the tested mushroom extracts may serve as a source of bioactive compounds, with potential applications in the cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and food industries. Furthermore, potential skin preparations carefully crafted with mushroom extract may help restore the skin's barrier function, decrease the probability of staph infections and minimize skin irritation.

Characteristics of the complete chloroplast genome of Saxifragaceae species Bergenia purpurascens (Hook. f. et Thoms.) Engl

Bergenia purpurascens (Hook. f. et Thoms.) Engl. is one species of traditional Chinese medicinal plant. This is the first publication of its complete chloroplast (cp) genome. The whole cp genome has 157,246 base pairs in length with 132 annotated genes, of which were 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. According to the phylogenetic study, B. purpurascens and Bergenia scopulosa T. P. Wang. 1974 had a sister relationship. This genomic data and conclusions from B. purpurascens phylogenetic research will provide useful information and throw light on more in-depth investigations of the systematics and evolutionary patterns of Saxifragaceae.

Awareness and Perceptions of the Impact of Tonsillectomy on the Level of Immunity and Autoimmune Diseases among the Adult Population in Abha City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The widespread misconception that tonsillectomy leads to a decrease in immunity may lead to fear and avoidance of the operation. This can result in a deterioration of the situation, such as sleep-related breathing issues, frequent infections, and an increase in complications. The current research was conducted to assess the awareness and perception with respect to the impact of tonsillectomy on the immune system and to assess the awareness and perception of the relationship between autoimmune diseases and tonsillectomy. This 6-month descriptive cross-sectional online questionnaire survey was conducted among individuals who were 18 years and above living in Abha city, Saudi Arabia. Out of the 800 study subjects, 104 (13%) had undergone tonsillectomy. Statistically significant associations were found between age group, education, income, and occupation among those who had undergone tonsillectomy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ages 18-30 years and 31-40 years (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.18-4.71, and OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.53-3.97) and education levels of high school, bachelors, and above (OR: 8.30, 95% CI: 3.05-22.58 and OR: 10.89, 95% CI: 4.23-28.05) were found to be associated with tonsillectomy status of the subjects. On the contrary, income levels of 5000-9000 and >9000 (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.36-1.17 and OR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.42-1.42) and male gender (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.52-1.19) were found to be associated with non-tonsillectomy status of subjects. Almost 36% of study subjects thought that tonsillectomy affects immunity. Only 18% of study subjects thought that there is a relationship between tonsillectomy and autoimmune diseases. About one-third of the respondents had received this information from community members and social media. A small number of study subjects relied on public awareness programs. Therefore, social media can play a vital role in the community to remove misconceptions regarding tonsillectomy and its effect on immunity and autoimmune disease. Further educational interventional studies are required to see the correction to the public perception of tonsillectomy and its effect on immunity and autoimmune diseases.

Analysis of Tonsil Tissues from Patients Diagnosed with Chronic Tonsillitis-Microbiological Profile, Biofilm-Forming Capacity and Histology

Chronic tonsillitis (CT) is a global health issue which can impair patient's quality of life and has an important socioeconomic impact due to the nonrational use of antibiotics, increased antimicrobial resistance and frequent need for surgical treatment. In order to isolate and identify the causing agents of CT, a total of 79 postoperative palatine and adenoid tissue samples were obtained from the ENT Clinic, KBC Zvezdara, Belgrade, Serbia. Culture identification was performed by MALDI-TOF MS and the Staphylococcus aureus isolates were tested for biofilm forming capability and antibiotic susceptibility. Additionally, a histological examination of palatine and adenoid tissue was performed in order to detect the presence of CT-causing bacteria. The slight majority of participants were females with median age of 28 years for adult patients (group I) and 6 years for children (group II). Analysis of the incidence of bacteria isolated from tissue samples in both groups showed the highest prevalence of S. aureus, Streptococcus oralis and Streptococcus parasanquinis. In addition to interfollicular hyperplasia, colonies of species S. aureus were detected in histological material. The presence of biofilm might be the reason for the recurrence of infection. Therefore, searching for a new treatment of CT is of great importance.

Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Properties of Wild Edible Mushrooms from Native Nothofagus Patagonian Forests

Nothofagus forests of the Andean Patagonian region are home to numerous wild edible mushroom (WEM) species with interesting organoleptic characteristics, although many of them have unknown nutritional and nutraceutical profiles. The proximal composition, fatty and organic acids, soluble sugars, phenolic compounds, ergosterol, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of 17 WEMs were analyzed. Carbohydrates, the most abundant macronutrients, varied between 49.00 g/100 g dw (C. magellanicus) and 89.70 g/100 g dw (F. antarctica). Significantly higher values were found for total fat in G. gargal (5.90 g/100 g dw) followed by A. vitellinus (4.70 g/100 g dw); for crude protein in L. perlatum (36.60 g/100 g dw) followed by L. nuda (30.30 g/100 g dw); and for energy in G. gargal (398 Kcal/100g) and C. hariotii (392 Kcal/100g). The most effective extracts regarding the TBARS antioxidant capacity were those of Ramaria. This is the first time that a study was carried out on the chemical composition of G. sordulenta, C. xiphidipus, F. pumiliae, and L. perlatum. The promotion of sustainable use of WEMs, including their incorporation in functional diets that choose WEMs as nutritious, safe, and healthy foods, and their use in an identity mycogastronomy linked to tourism development, requires the detailed and precise nutritional and nutraceutical information of each species.

Antioxidant Extracts of Three Russula Genus Species Express Diverse Biological Activity

This study explored the biological properties of three wild growing Russula species (R. integra, R. rosea, R. nigricans) from Serbia. Compositional features and antioxidant, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activities were analyzed. The studied mushroom species were identified as being rich sources of carbohydrates and of low caloric value. Mannitol was the most abundant free sugar and quinic and malic acids the major organic acids detected. The four tocopherol isoforms were found, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were the predominant fat constituents. Regarding phenolic compounds, P-hydroxybenzoic and cinnamic acids were identified in the prepared methanolic and ethanolic extracts, which displayed antioxidant activity through the inhibition of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation and oxidative hemolysis; the highest activity was attributed to the R. nigricans ethanolic extract. This is the first report on the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of the studied species, with the most promising activity observed towards Streptococcus spp. (0.20-0.78 mg/mL as the minimal inhibitory concentration, MIC). The most promising cytotoxic effect was caused by the R. integra methanolic extract on non-small cell lung cancer cells (NCI-H460). Therefore, due to the observed in vitro bioactive properties, the studied mushrooms arise as a source of functional ingredients with potential to be used in novel nutraceutical and drug formulations, which can be used in the treatment of various diseases and health conditions.