Search

In this study, using the Box–Behnken model, we optimized the ethanolic extraction of phytochemicals from Enantia chloranta bark for the first time, assessed the composition with HPLC-MS/MS, performed the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and characterized them with UV-Vis spectrophotometry, photon cross-correlation spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The antibacterial and antibiotic-resistance reversal properties of optimized extract (O-ECB) and AgNPs were assessed on various microorganisms (15 Gram−, 7 Gram+, and 2 fungi) using the well diffusion method and microbroth dilution assay. The mechanism of action was investigated on growth kinetic and proton pumps of Escherichia coli. The in vivo antimicrobial activity and toxicity were assessed on Galleria mellonella larvae. The optimal mass yield (14.3%) related to the highest antibacterial activity (31 mm vs. S. aureus ATCC 6538) was obtained with the following operating conditions: % EtOH—100%; ratio m/v—20 g/mL; and extraction time—6 h. All the compounds identified in O-ECB were alkaloids and the major constituents were palmatine (51.63%), columbamine +7,8-dihydro-8-hydroxypalmatine (19.21%), jatrorrhizine (11.02%), and pseudocolumbamine (6.33%). Among the minerals found in O-ECB (S, Si, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Br), Br, Fe, and Cl were the most abundant with mean fluorescence intensities of 4.6529, 3.485,4, and 2.5942 cps/uA, respectively. The synthesized AgNPs revealed a strong absorption plasmon band between 430 and 450 nm and an average hydrodynamic diameter ×50 of 59.74 nm, and the presence of Ag was confirmed by a characteristic peak in the spectrum at the silver Kα line of 22.105 keV. Both O-ECB and AgNPs displayed noteworthy and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against 20/24 and 24/24 studied microorganisms, respectively, with recorded minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 8 to ≥1024 µg/mL and 2 to 64 µg/mL. O-ECB and AgNPs showed antibiofilm properties and significantly enhanced the efficacy of conventional antibiotics against selected multidrug-resistant bacteria, and the mechanistic investigations revealed their interference with bacterial growth kinetic and the inhibition of H+-ATPase proton pumps. LD50s were 40 mg/mL and 0.6 mg/mL for O-ECB and AgNPs, respectively. In conclusion, the current study provides a strong experimental baseline to consider Enantia chlorantha bark and their green synthetized AgNPs as potent antimicrobial compounds in this era of antimicrobial resistance.

For more than two years, lingering sequalae of COVID-19 have been extensively investigated. Approximately 10% of individuals infected by COVID-19 have been found to experience long-term symptoms termed "long COVID-19". The neurological and psychiatric manifestations of long COVID-19 are of particular concern. While pathogenesis remains unclear, emerging imaging studies have begun to better elucidate certain pathological manifestation. Of specific interest is imaging with [ 18 F]FDG PET which directly reflects cellular glycolysis often linked to metabolic and inflammatory processes. Seeking to understand the molecular basis of neurological features of long COVID-19, this review encompasses the most recent [ 18 F]FDG PET literature in this area.

This checklist reports 47 species of Psocoptera from 15 families and three suborders from Georgia, of which 31 species are recorded for the first time, increasing the known fauna of the country by more than 65%. Of these, 37 species have been barcoded, representing 210 Barcode Identification Numbers (BINs). An additional 14 species are expected to occur in Georgia but remain undiscovered, meaning that only ≈ 77% of the fauna is currently documented. Barcodes, comments on distributions, and images of voucher specimens are given followed by a map of the sampling sites., Competing Interests: No conflict of interest was declared., (Armen Seropian, Eka Arsenashvili, Natalia Bulbulashvili, Anano Shubashishvili, Giorgi Iankoshvili, Mariami Todua, Ana Ananiashvili, Shota Japarashvili, Tinatin Chkhartisvhili, Aleksi Memishishi, Sopio Balkhamishvili, Beka Chitadze, Elisabeth Karalashvili, Levan Mumladze, Nils Hein, Björn Rulik.)

Content available: Audio Recording., Competing Interests: Nothing to report., (© 2022 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.)

The purpose of the work was to demonstrate that an early stage diagnosis of the interstitial lung disease would allow establishing the proper treatment course and as a result, increase life expectancy and quality in patients with this disorder. More than 200 acute and chronic conditions with inflammatory and fibroproliperative changes comprise the group of diffuse lung diseases. Definitive diagnosis cannot be made based on chest X-ray only. Diffuse lung disease (DLD) is difficult to differentiate from bacterial lung diseases, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, which frequently results in incorrect treatment, disease progression and poor outcome. All of the these factors emphasize the importance of the issue of differential diagnosis. Professionals especially pay attention to idiopathic forms of diffuse lung disease, which is characterized with severe clinical course and poor prognosis due to progressive fibrous processes. The right method of approach is to rule out more common conditions, such as infectious diseases of lungs, structural abnormalities of the respiratory airway, immune deficiencies, congenital heart diseases, cystic fibrosis. Thus, DLD is a diagnostic challenge for pediatricians and pulmonologists. Article presents the case report of 4-month old infant with DLD that was analyzed according to the diagnostic and management approach. It includes anamnesis, clinical and diagnostic criteria of the disease, established by multiple studies, different methods of treatment, outcome and recommendations.

Introduction: This article summarizes the medical experience in establishing stroke units and systemic thrombolysis in Georgia, which, like many other post-Soviet countries, still faces problems in organizing stroke care even after 30 years of independence., Patients and Methods: We created an example of treating acute stroke with systemic thrombolysis and introduced stroke units in several hospitals in the country, including standardization of the diagnostic and treatment process, consistent evaluation, and monthly feedback to the stroke unit staff., Results: Systemic thrombolysis has become a clinical routine in some large hospitals and is meanwhile reimbursed by the state insurance. The data of consecutive 1,707 stroke patients in 4 major cities demonstrated significant time lost at the prehospital level, due to failure in identifying stroke symptoms, delay in notification, or transportation. The consequent quality reports resulted in a dramatic increase in adherence to the European and national guidelines. A mandatory dysphagia screening and subsequent treatment led to a decrease in pneumonia rates., Discussion: We discuss our experience and suggestions on how to overcome clinical, financial, and ethical problems in establishing a stroke services in a developing country., Conclusion: The Georgian example might be useful for doctors in other post-Soviet countries or other parts of the world., (© 2021 S. Karger AG, Basel.)