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Colistin resistance poses a significant clinical challenge, particularly in Gram-negative bacteria. This study investigates the occurrence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance among Enterobacterales isolates (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter spp.) and non-fermentative rods (Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). We analyzed 114 colistin-resistant isolates that were selected, based on resistance phenotypes, and isolated between 2019 and 2023. To achieve this, we used the rapid immunochromatographic test, NG-Test® MCR-1; multiplex PCR for mcr-1 to mcr-8, and real-time PCR for mcr-1 and mcr-2. One E. coli isolate was identified as carrying the mcr-1 gene, confirmed by NG-Test® MCR-1, multiplex PCR and whole-genome sequencing. This strain, belonging to ST69, harbored four plasmids, harboring different antimicrobial resistance genes, with mcr-1 being located on a 33,304 bp circular IncX4 plasmid. No mcr-2 to mcr-8-positive isolates were detected, prompting further investigation into alternative colistin resistance mechanisms. This is the first report of a mcr-1-positive, colistin-resistant E. coli isolated from a human clinical sample in the North-East of Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studiul nostru a investigat tipul de metalo-β-lactamaze (MBL) produse de Pseudomonas aeruginosa şi Acinetobacter baumannii rezistente la carbapeneme, izolate în cinci spitale din Iaşi, Romania şi inrudirea genetică a acestor tulpini. Din 106 tulpini rezistente la carbapeneme, 50 au dat rezultate pozitive la screening-ul prin Etest pentru producerea de MBL. Analiza PCR a arătat ca 46 dintre izolate (44 P. aeruginosa si 2 A. baumannii) aveau gena blaVIM. La tulpinile de P. aeruginosa, secvenţierea a demonstrat prezenţa a doi integroni de clasa 1 care conţin gena blaVIM: IntI1-aacA7-blaVIM-2-qacEΔ1, la 43 tulpini, respectiv IntI1-aacA7-ΔblaVIM-ΔcmlA1- qacEΔ1, la o singură tulpină. La tulpinile de A. baumannii gena blaVIM-2 nu a fost detectată într-un integron de clasa 1. Tiparea prin RAPD (Random amplified polymorphic DNA typing) a tulpinilor de P. aeruginosa producătoare de VIM-2 a evidenţiat prezenţa unui tip RAPD major, în toate cele cinci spitale. Detectarea precoce şi supravegherea unor astfel de izolate trebuie insoţită de măsuri riguroase de control al infecţiei, în vederea limitării răspândirii MBL în unitatile spitalicesti

The present study focuses on the chemical and biological analysis of the ethanolic 70% v/v extracts obtained from Amorpha fruticosa leaves, branches and fruits. The total phenolic content determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method was the highest in leaves extract (159.5 mg/g). The HPLC-MS analysis indicated the presence of ferulic acid, luteolin and rutoside in all three extracts. The antioxidant activity was tested by the DPPH method and the results indicated a good scavenging activity (EC50 = 18.8 ± 0.2 µg/mL) for the fruit extract, followed by leaf extract (EC50 = 38.03 ± 0.75 µg/mL) and branch extract (EC50 = 221.16 ± 1.7 µg/mL). The antimicrobial activity evaluated by agar disc diffusion method indicated the inhibition of growth for Staphylococcus aureus and Sarcina lutea for all samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study evaluated the antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and antimicrobial effects of both ethanolic and hydromethanolic extracts of the fruiting bodies of wild edible mushrooms Boletus edulis (penny bun) and Cantharellus cibarius (golden chanterelle) sampled in Poiana Stampei (Suceava county, Romania). The total phenolic contents of extracts were also determined. Boletus edulis hydromethanolic extract showed the highest total phenolic content (72.78±0.29 mg/g). This extract was also the most active as scavenger of DPPH and ABTS radicals (EC50=151.44±0.85 and 65.4±0.4 μg/mL, respectively) and reducing agent (EC50=46.77±0.34 μg/mL). Cantharellus cibarius ethanolic extract showed high ferrous ion chelating (EC50=82.9±0.6 μg/mL), 15-lipoxygenase (EC50=236.7±1.5 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (EC50=9.77±0.06 μg/mL) inhibitory activities. For both mushrooms, the ethanolic extracts were more active against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 than the hydromethanolic ones. The antioxidant and antihyperglycemic effects revealed in this study support further investigations for a possible valorization of both mushrooms in the dietary supplement and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prospective study aimed at establishing the incidence of sepsis with oro-maxillofacial portal of entry and of the causal relationship between the disease and the incriminated risk factors (factors in the living environment, collectivity, occupational environment, behavioral factors). The study group included 200 patients admitted to the Oro-Maxillofacial Surgery and ENT Clinics of the Iasi "St. Spiridon" Emergency Hospital in the interval 2012-2015. S. aureus was the main causal agent incriminated in the development of oro-dental sepsis, about ½ of the isolates strains being methicillin-resistant. Age under 50 years, male gender, urban, immunosuppression, recent medical history (previous hospitalization and antibiotic therapy) were significantly correlated with the oral-maxillofacial involvement, which draws attention on the outpatient follow-up of moderate and severe oral infections. The insidious onset described in 54.6% of patients did not raise the suspicion of a potentially life-threatening disease, such as sepsis, but the severe respiratory (43.1%) and neuromeningeal manifestations (25.7%) contributed to the early seeking of expert advice from an infectious diseases specialist. Over 92% of the study patients were at high risk for staphylococcal infection with multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, significantly more common in men and in patients in whom MRSA was identified as the sepsis pathogen. Depending on the MDR agent involved in the causation of oral-maxillofacial sepsis, the risk of developing severe infections is attributable to methicillin-resistant Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus anginosus, S. epidermidis, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella, β-hemolytic streptococcus, and Streptococcus salivarius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorpha fruticosa L. is mainly known as an ornamental plant, but also as the source of the medicinal substance amorphine. Indigo bush is an invasive shrub in the Fabaceae family, native to eastern part of North America. The fruits of this species contain the rotenoid compound amorphine which was used for its cardio-sedative properties in nervous complaints, vegetative neurosis and paroxysmal tachycardia. The present study aims to assess the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from Amorpha fruticosa fruits in correlation with its chemical composition. The volatile oil was extracted by hydrodistillation (1.3 - 1.8% dry basis) from the fruits of indigo bush, harvested from three locations near Iasi. Gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was applied in order to analyse the composition of volatile oil, revealing the following main compounds: γ-muurolene, α-zingiberene, δ- cadinene and α-eudesmol. The antimicrobial activity was tested against four Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Sarcina lutea, Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis), two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and against three fungi (Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. sake). The volatile oil manifested moderate antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and no antifungal activity that can be explained by the absence of phenolic compounds and the low content of oxygenated monoterpenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five cinnamic acid derivatives [cinnamic acid, 2,3-dibromo-3-phenyl-propanoic acid, 2,3-dibromo-3-(3-bromophenyl)- propanoic acid, 2,3-dibromo-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-propanoic acid, and 2,3-dibromo-3-(3-bromo-4-hydroxy-5- methoxyphenyl)-propanoic acid] were found to be active against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and their minimal bactericidal concentrations were determined (100 μg/mL). The first step in assessing their toxicological potential was the phytotoxicity and genotoxicity evaluation on Triticum aestivum. Wheat seeds were exposed to solutions of the tested compounds (100 μg/mL) for 24 and 48 h. The development of roots and seedlings, germination percentage, mitotic index, chromosomal aberrations, and total polyphenol content were analyzed. The substances caused in most experimental cases a slight inhibition in the growth of the tested plantlets in comparison to the control, with the exception of 2,3-dibromo-3-(3-bromo-4-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-propanoic acid (48 h of exposure). All compounds inhibited the germination process and mitotic activity. No aberrant metaphases were generated, but abnormal anatelophases appeared, and 4 types of chromosomal aberrations were identified: chromosome bridges, chromosome fragments, micronuclei, and multipolar anatelophases. Wheat plantlet metabolism was also affected; the total polyphenol content decreased in the treated plantlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The individualization of cosmetic products or personalized dermatology preparations are in great demand at the present time., Methods: 24 emulsifying cream bases were proposed which were prepared by the classical, automatic and semi-automatic methods, respectively, and the physical stability resulted from the three types of homogenization was taken into account. Texture parameters were also studied for the most stable cream bases in the preformulation stage and the t - statistical test was applied. In order to choose the most optimal preservative, the effectiveness of the NipaEster solution 0.1%, Cosgard and Euxyl ® PE 9010 was tested on the strains of Staphylococcus aureus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Candida albicans ., Results: 9 cream bases were stable through all the preparation methods used, and preservation was achieved with Euxyl ® PE 9010. Following the texture parameters, significant differences were observed for the same formula in the case of choosing a different preparation method., Conclusions: Formulas F1, with methyl glucose sesquistearate as emulsifier, F8, with cetearyl glucosite as emulsifier, and F14, with Ceteareth-20 can be used as cream bases for customized products.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus can become resistant to many different classes of antibiotics. Objective: To characterize aminoglycoside and macrolide resistance mechanisms in MRSA strains in relation to antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Materials and methods: We tested 86 MRSA strains using multiplex PCR for detection of genes mecA, aac(6′)-Ie/aph(2″), ant(4′)-Ia, aph(3′)-IIIa, ermA, ermC and msrA. Results: There was a prevalence of msrA (32.5%), ermC (30.2%) and aph(3')-IIIa (61.6%) genes, which are less frequently reported in MRSA. Most msrA genes was detected in PVL positive strains (92.8%) and was associated only with non-MDR strains, while ermC genes were associated with MDR strains. PVL producing strains were characterized by the presence of aph(3′)-IIIa (93.1%) and msrA genes (93.1%), being phenotypically susceptible to clindamycin. Conclusions: Detection of aminoglycoside and macrolide resistance genes allowed us to establish the concordance between genotypic and phenotypic methods and to correlate the presence of certain resistance genes with the type of circulating strain and the production of virulence factors.

Metformin is a widely used oral antidiabetic biguanide compound. According to the literature, metformin may lower the serum cyanocobalamin levels. We present the case of a 71-old-male treated with metformin for 15 years. When presenting to a periodic checkup, low serum cyanocobalamin levels where found. Laboratory tests showed levels below normal range for hemoglobin (12.7 g/dL) and hematocrit (37.8%). After patient reevaluation, a change in antidiabetic treatment will be considered if metformin will be found the cause of low serum cyanocobalamin levels. Other cases reported in the literature support this hypothesis, justifying the study of the influence of metformin therapy on serum vitamin B12 levels in patients diagnosed with diabetes. The influence of patient age, metformin dosage, duration of treatment and time since diabetes diagnosis on serum levels of vitamin B12 also need to be determined.

With the emergence and spread of new methicilin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, control of dissemination, both in hospitals and in the community, requires the molecular characterization of the circulating strains in order to establish their dynamics and identify the sources of infection. During this study we analyzed the MRSA isolates by means of PCR-based methods in order to improve epidemiological surveillance and early application of prevention measures. The presence of mecA, nuc, lukF-PV and lukS-PV genes, as well as SCCmec types was assessed in relation to clinical characteristics and multidrug resistance (MDR) for 86 MRSA isolates and showed that 51% of MDR strains were carriers of mobile genetic elements SCCmec IV and the majority of non-MDR SCCmec type IV strains were PVL-positive (81.8%). Comparison of diagnostic methods showed that PBP2 detection represents an extremely useful alternative to PCR for the rapid screening of MRSA isolates, in laboratories that lack facilities necessary for molecular diagnosis, such as PFGE (Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis), spa-typing and/or MLST (Multilocus Sequence Typing).

Aim: To obtain some chalcones and their dibrominated analogues and to evaluate their antimicrobial potential., Material and Methods: Eight chalcones were synthesized using the Claisen-Schmidt condensation of acetophenone/4-bromo-acetophenone and different benzaldehyde derivatives. These chalcones were further brominated using two different bromination agents: molecular bromine and pyridinium tribromide. The antimicrobial activity was tested using the disk diffusion method., Results and Discussions: The classical bromination technique was compared to the eco-friendly one using pyridinium tribromide. Pyridinium tribromide bromination did not improve the reaction yields (except for one compound), but it had the advantage of being a stable, non-corrosive and non-toxic salt. The results of the antimicrobial assessment indicated that the bromination of the double bond slightly increased the antimicrobial potential in some cases, but the results obtained during the antimicrobial evaluation were modest, some of the derivatives being active especially on Sarcina lutea ATCC 9341 and Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579., Conclusions: In this study, eight chalcones and their dibrominated analogues were synthesized, four of the α,β-dibromochalcones being reported for the first time. Pyridinium tribromide was used as an alternative for liquid bromine, the main advantage of this method being related to the reduced toxicity of the reagents. The synthesized compounds did not exhibit a very good antimicrobial potential.

Aim: The retro-prospective analysis of antibiotic sensitivity of non-fermenting gram negative bacilli strains circulating in the Orthopedics-Traumatology Clinic from "Sf. Spiridon" Emergency Clinical Hospital in view of determining the trend of the resistance phenomenon and indicating the most useful treatment for the infections caused by these strains., Material and Methods: The retrospective component was conducted from 01.01.2003 to 31.12.2012, and the result of the diffusimetric antibiograms was taken from the hospital's informatics system; the prospective component of the study involved the collection of pathological products from the patients admitted during January-December 2013, who showed clinical suspicion of infection, in compliance with the general collection norms for the products destined for the bacteriological exam., Results: From the total 167 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated and identified from the patients, 48 (28.74%) were sensitive to at least one antibiotic from each tested class, 29 (17.39%) were resistant to a single antibiotic and the rest of 90 (53.89%) showed multiple resistance. We noticed a statistically significant difference between the number of strains sensitive to at least one antibiotic from each tested class and those with multiple resistance (p < 0.05). For the strains of Acinetobacter baumanii combined resistance was identified for 121 (87.04%), out of which 55 (39.56%) were resistant to two classes of antibiotics and the other (47.48%) to all three classes. The most frequently met was the association of resistance to quinolones and aminoglycosides, namely for a number of 49 strains (35.25%); only 3.59% of them were simultaneously sensitive to the three classes of antibiotics., Conclusion: The already high percentages and the rising trends of antibiotic resistance of non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria described in this study confirm the continuous decrease of the efficiency of antimicrobial agents and underline the necessity of a global strategy which aims at all health sectors regarding the rational use of antibiotics, on the one hand, and the continuation of studies concerning the surveillance of the antimicrobial resistance phenomenon, on the other hand.

Aim: This study aims to assess the microbial load of some medicinal plants (Matricaria chamomilla, Achillea millefolium, Ocimum basilicum, Calendula officinalis, Tilia cordata, Hypericum perforatum) commonly used as medicinal teas., Material and Methods: A total of 24 samples collected from the local market, as well as from the spontaneous flora of Galati County, were analyzed in terms of the total number of germs, the content of coliform bacteria, yeasts and molds, and the presence of specific pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, Salmonella spp.)., Results: The values obtained for total number of germs, yeasts and molds were in accordance with the limits set by the European Pharmacopoeia for plant products to which hot water is added before use. In the case of specific pathogenic bacteria, the presence of E. coli was confirmed in 41.66% of the samples, the presence of Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus in 16.66% of the samples, and the presence of Bacillus cereus in 33.33% of the samples. Salmonella spp. was absent in all samples., Conclusions: The study highlights a certain microbial load of medicinal plants analyzed, emphasizing the importance of quality control in all stages of production.

Aim: The retrospective analysis of antibiotic sensibility of S. aureus strains isolated from infected patients from the Orthopedics-Traumatology Clinic of "Sf. Spiridon" Clinical Emergency Hospital, Iaşi during January 2003-December 2013, in view of determining the evolution trend of the resistance phenomenon and of pinpointing the most useful treatment for these strains., Material and Method: The antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out using two methods: diffusimetric-Kirby-Bauer and the MIC determination by E-test (for the strains isolated in 2013); the interpretation of the sensitivity was made in a standardized manner, in compliance with the CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) standard for antibiotics testing in force., Results: The sensitivity testing for beta-lactams proved that during the 11 years of the study, the average value of the frequency of resistant strains was of 41.59% +/- 8.68. The highest frequency of MRSA (Methicillin Restant S. aureus) strains was noticed in 2012 (58.6%), followed by 2004 (50.7%). Even if in 2013 it dropped to 38.9%, the trend calculated for 2003-2013 is slightly rising (y = 0.0073x + 0.372). Out of the total of 495 S. aureus strains that were isolated, 164 (33.13%) were completely sensitive to the tested antibiotics and 26 (5.25%) were resistant only to beta-lactams. The other MRSA strains associated multiple resistance and MIC for vancomycin varied between 0.5-2 mg/ml. Two strains whose MIC was of 0.5 mg/ml were sensitive to most classes of tested antibiotics, including beta-lactams, except for macrolides (erythromycin), and the strain whose MIC was of 2 mg/ml, was resistant to all classes of tested antibiotics, except for glycopeptides and oxazolidiones. The other tested strains had a MIC for vancomycin equal to 1 mg/ml., Conclusions: Due to the fact that there are infections with SAMR strains in a rather worrying percentage (53.9%) that are resistant to the other classes of antibiotics, the only therapeutic solution being the vancomycin treatment, its use should be limited solely to those cases when it is really necessary. Fortunately, no vancomycin resistant MRSA strains have been identified in our country, but this phenomenon should be kept under close surveillance.

Over the past 10-15 years, the number of clinically available antifungal agents has increased substantially, due to rise in the number of invasive fungal infections, which are a real problem for specialists. Echinocandins are the new class of antifungal agents available for clinical use. This class comprises over 20 natural echinocandins and several semisynthetic ones. Natural echinocandins are not of clinical utility due to their toxicity and low water-solubility (which does not allow obtaining parenteral pharmaceutical forms), although they have good antifungal activity against Candida species. Consequently, semisynthetic echinocandins with minimal toxicity, good antifungal activity and high water-solubility were obtained. All echinocandins inhibit beta-1,3-glucan-synthase, an essential component of the fungal cell wall. Echinocandins exhibit potent antifungal activity against key pathogenic fungi, including Candida species, Aspergillus species and Pneumocystis carinii. The available echinocandins lack in vitro activity against Cryptococcus neoformans. The semisynthetic echinocandins have great advantages, among which low toxicity, fast antifungal activity, favorable pharmacokinetics that allow once-daily administration. The echinocandins recently available for clinical use are: caspofungin, micafungin and anidulafungin.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of infections according to their etiologic spectrum and antibiotic sensitivity in patients with or without implants and endoprostheses., Material and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted based on a customized study protocol on 773 cases admitted to the Clinic of Orthopedics - Traumatology of the Iaşi "Sf. Spiridon" Emergency Hospital in the interval January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2011 for postoperative infectious complication., Results: S. aureus was more frequently found in the patients without implant (58.2%) and in those with subcutaneous implant (45.5%); the lowest frequency was noticed in the patients with endoprosthesis (27.1%), the frequency distributions showing marked statistically significant differences (p = 0.001). P. aeruginosa was more frequently detected in the patient group with endoprosthesis (30.2%), while in the other groups it was found in approximately 7% (p = 0.001). The presence of Acinetobacter spp. was significantly higher in patients with deep implant (12.9%), with the lowest frequency noticed in the patients without implant (4.5%) (p = 0.029). Of the total isolated and identified types, 59.6% were non-multidrug-resistant (non-MDR), the remaining 40.4% being MDR types., Conclusions: S. aureus was the most frequent etiological agent in patients with or without cutaneous implant (45.5 and 58.2%, respectively), and P. aeruginosa (30.2%) in the endoprosthesized patients. Implementation of a preoperative screening protocol for the identification of healthy S. aureus carriers (Methicillin-sensitive S. aureus - MSSA/Methicillin-resistant S. aureus - MRSA) and subsequent decolonization would be an efficient way of reducing the incidence of infections caused by this bacterium.

Aim: To design new derivatives of aryl-propionic acid with potential antibacterial and antioxidant activity., Material and Methods: New hydrazone of ibuprofen (2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionic acid) have been synthesized by reaction of ethyl ester of ibuprofen with hydrazine hydrate and then condensation of corresponding hydrazide with various aromatic aldehydes., Results: The synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Sarcinalutea ATCC 9341, Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram negative bacterial strains (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922). Some of them were found to have good antibacterial activity. The antioxidant activity of these compounds was also tested using the total antiox idant capacity test., Conclusions: The chemical modulations performed on ibuprofen structure have a good influence on the biological activity of the synthesized compounds.

Aim: To design new hydrazones with pyrazolone structure with improved biological properties., Material and Methods: New hydrazones of antipyrine have been prepared by reaction of 4-aminophenazone (4-aminoantipyrine) with chloracetylchoride and hydrazine hydrate and then condensation with various aromatic aldehydes., Results: The synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Sarcinalutea ATCC 9341, Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram negative bacterial strains (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922) and pathogenic yeasts (Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida sake, Candidaglabrata). Some of them were found to have good antibacterial and antifungal activity. The antioxidant activity of these compounds was also evaluated using the total antioxidant capacity test., Conclusions: The chemical modulations performed on antipyrine structure have a good influence on the biological activity of the synthesized compounds.

Unlabelled: Many studies show that flavonoids have a numerous biological properties, antimicrobial effects included. It is also known that rutin is able to increase the antibacterial activity of other compounds., Material and Methods: Starting from these facts, we synthesised some water soluble rutin derivatives treating rutin with 1, 3-dichloro-2-propanol, 1-bromo-3-chloro-propane, 2-dibromethane, and dibrommethane, and than with 7-amino-cephalosporanic acid. The antimicrobial activity of the new compounds was determined by disc diffusion method., Results: Molecular formula, weight, yield, melting points and solubility of the new derivatives have been determined. Elemental analysis and spectral analysis (UV and IR) confirmed the structure of new compounds. CONCLUSIONS. These derivatives are water-soluble and have a good antimicrobial activity, both on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, comparable with that of tetracycline.

Unlabelled: The aim of our study was to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility profile and the presence of metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) among carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates., Material and Methods: A total of 84 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates collected between January 2007- February 2011 from four university hospitals in Iasi (North-East region of Romania) were randomly selected. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to CLSI 2010 (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) guidelines. The isolates were tested for MBLs using EPI (EDTA-phenanthroline-imipenem) phenotypic test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for bla(VIM) and bla(IMP)., Results: Fifty-eight carbapenem resistant strains were identified, from which 24 (41,3%) were positive for VIM-type MBLs. No IMP - type MBL was detected. All MBL-producing isolates displayed a MDR (multidrug resistant) phenotype, two of them were XDR (extensively drug-resistant). Colistin remained the most effective antibiotic., Conclusions: The high proportion of MBL producing P. aeruginosa clinical isolates urges the need for a better use of antibiotics and for efficient infection control measures to prevent dissemination of MBL producers. This is the first report of VIM-like enzymes in P. aeruginosa isolates from the Iasi area.

Due to drug-resistance phenomenon, there is a constant need for discovering new antiinfectious agents. A series of cinnamic acid derivatives was synthesized and then brominated with bromine in the presence of chloroform or acetic acid. The structure of the new compounds was confirmed by elemental and spectral data. Their antimicrobial activity was tested by disc-diffusion method. The tested compounds had mainly antifungal activity and were moderately active against Gram-positive bacteria. Bromination of the double bond determined the enhancement of the antimicrobial activity for all the tested compounds.

Aim: To evaluate the susceptiblity of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing organisms among Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, isolated between January-October 2009 from hospital and community., Materials and Methods: From 611 enterobacteria strains, for 112 strains (E. coli, n = 84 and K. pneumoniae, n = 28), the ESBL phenotypic confirmation was performed with double disk test (DDT) and the replacement disk method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for next antimicrobial agents tested: ceftazidime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, cefepime, cefpirome, imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem, moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin were performed by agar dilution method. Resistance rates were reported using the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) breakpoints for the fully susceptible category; moderately susceptible isolates were classified as resistant. K. pneumoniae ATCC 700603 and E. coli ATCC 25922 were used for quality control., Results: Resistance rates for ceftazidime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and aztreonam among tested strains were very high: 84.5%, 100%, 100% and 96.4% for E. coli and 98.8%, 98.8%, 97.6% and 89.2% for K. pneumoniae, with the MIC90 values > 256 mg/L for either antimicrobial tested agent. The MICs for fourth generation cephalosporins ranges from 4 mg/L to 512 mg/L. The MICs for tested quinolones were > 2 mg/L for 89.2% strains. Using breakpoint for susceptibility, all isolates were sensitive to ertapenem, imipenem and meropenem., Conclusions: We noticed a high resistance rate for ceftazidime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and aztreonam. In this study, carbapenems demonstrated the highest degree of activity.

Unlabelled: We evaluated the performances and analyzed practicability of an ESBL-detecting chromogenic agar medium (chromID ESBL, bioMerieux) for the screening of ESBL production., Material and Methods: We have tested 112 enterobacteria strains, isolated in 2009 year, in North Eastern region of Romania. Each bacterial strain was cultured on a prepared plate chromogenic medium and the results were recorded after incubation at 37 degrees C for 18 to 24 h or, if necessary, for 48 h. We calculated the sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values for this medium, using as gold standard ceftzidime or cefotaxime and clavulanate combination disks on Iso-Sensitest agar. K. pneumoniae ATCC 700603 and E. coli ATCC 25922 were used as the positive and negative control for ESBL production, respectively., Results: For all tested strains, the chromID ESBL agar showed a high sensitivity (97%), but a low specificity (66%). The positive and negative predictive values were 98% and 57%, respectively. The chromID ESBL had false-positive results for 2 confirmed ESBL-positive strains., Conclusion: The very good sensitivity of the chromID ESBL agar ESBL detection represent a convenient method for the recovery and identification of ESBL-producing enterobacteria.

The antimicrobial activities of ethanol, methanol and hexane extracts from Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia annua and Artemisia vulgaris were studied. Plant extracts were tested against five Gram-positive bacteria, two Gram-negative bacteria and one fungal strain. The results indicated that Artemisia annua alcoholic extracts are more effective against tested microorganisms. However, all plants extracts have moderate or no activity against Gram-negative bacteria. The obtained results confirm the justification of extracts of Artemisia species use in traditional medicine as treatment for microbial infections.

Unlabelled: Different strains of microorganisms contaminate medicinal herb, and theirs, enzymes could modify the normal composition of herbal products., Material and Methods: We evaluated the microbiological quality of 12 samples of Chamomillae floss commercialized in, markets and specific stores. Microbiological quality has been evaluated according European Pharmacopoeia rules. In all samples we determined the total number of germs, total number of fungi and we evaluated the presence of coliform bacilli, respectively Staphylococcus species., Results: For all samples, the total number of germs was under the limits with variation between 320 CFU/g (P 4) and 14000 CFU/g (P 11). The total number of fungi was under the limits; in most of samples, we detected Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. In 4 samples the total number of Escherichia coli strains was over the limits (100 CFU/g)., Conclusions: An important decrease of total number of coliform bacilli was observed after boiling water has been added but the total number of germs was decreased insignificantly, so these extracts are not very safe for patient especially when vegetal products contain a great number of germs.

Unlabelled: In our study, four samples of volatile oil from Foeniculum vulgare, cultivated in different pedoclimatic conditions, were investigated for their antimicrobial activity and chemical composition., Material and Methods: Organisms. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Candida albicans were included in the report. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests. The comparative inhibitory activity of volatile oil samples with other antimicrobial agents was quantitative determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Oil samples are the volatile oils extracted by steam distillation, from two ecological vegetative populations of Foeniculum vulgare. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to determine the chemical composition of the essential oils., Results: All oil samples have a good activity against E. coli and S. aureus at low concentrations. Against B. cereus and P. aeruginosa these oil samples are less active. The oil samples were generally bactericidal at a concentration up to twofold or fourfold higher than the MIC value. Significantly synergic activity with amoxicillin or tetracycline showed all fennel samples against E. coli, Sarcina lutea and B. subtilis strains. Fennel oil samples have shown high activity against Candida albicans., Conclusion: No significant antimicrobial activity variations were observed for Foeniculum vulgare volatile oil samples obtained after two or three years cultivation period. The most important identified compounds in all samples of fennel volatile oils were trans-anethole, estragole, fenchone, limonene, alpha-pinene and gamma-terpinene.

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro activity of ciprofloxacin against communitary and hospital staphylococcal strains isolated during 2006-2008 in Eastern region of Romania., Material and Methods: We have tested 1022 staphylococci strains, identified by conventional laboratory methods. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by agar dilution method, according to NCCLS., Results: For both hospital and communitary isolates, MIC 90 was 0.25 mg/L (4 fold less than breakpoint for sensitivity). Resistance was absent or reduced (1.7%) for coagulase- positive staphylococci, both communitary and hospital. For coagulase negative staphylococci, resistance for clinical strains is increased (6%) compared to comunitary strains (0.3%). In conclusion, ciprofloxacin is highly effective against staphylococci representing a therapeutic option for multiresistant strains. Our data shown the necessity of adequate antibiotic use in the hospital and community.

Unlabelled: Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) is used in traditional medicine to treat insomnia, anxiety, gastric conditions, psychiatric conditions, migraines, hypertension and bronchial conditions. Natural essential oils (mixtures of fragrant chemical) obtained from various parts of plants are efficient active antimicrobial agents. The widespread use of antimicrobial agents selects resistant bacterial strains, which seriously compromise the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment. The use of herbal medicines might be a precautionary measure to prevent the development of lack of susceptibility to synthetic antibiotics that is associated with therapeutic failures., Material and Methods: In this work, the chemical composition and the antimicrobial properties of essential oil from romanian Melissa officinalis were determined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro antimicrobial activity of lemon balm oil by comparison with lavender essential oil, which is also utilised for its antimicrobial properties in folk medicine., Results: The most important identified compounds, well known for their antimicrobial effects were citral (neral and geranial) (16.10%), citronellal (3.76%) and trans-caryophyllene (3.57%).The lemon balm oil sample exhibited a higher degree antibacterial activity than did Lavandula oil against Gram-positive strains. The both oil samples tested has shown a high activity against Candida albicans. The gram-negative bacteria were not affected by the lemon balm oil.

Unlabelled: Isoniazid is one of the most used antituberculosis drugs, but its toxicity is high. In this study, four derivatives of rutin and isoniazid were prepared and their antibacterial and antimycotic activities were investigated., Method: Synthesis of these compounds started through reaction of rutin with fresh prepared sodium methoxide, subsequently treating with 1, 3-dichloro-2-propanol, 1-brom-3-chloropropane, 1, 2-dibrom-ethane or dibrommethane and finally, stirring with isoniazid, to afford crystalline, yellow, water soluble powders., Results: The four compounds were marginally active against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus and were inactive against Escherichia coli., Conclusion: We synthesised four new derivatives of rutin and isoniazid; melting points, solubility, yields characterised these compounds, and their structure was confirmed by C, H, N elemental analysis and UV spectra. The compounds showed a modest antibacterial activity. We think that the toxicity of the new derivatives will be lower that of isoniazid toxicity. The next steps in our research will be the toxicological study and antituberculosis assay.

Unlabelled: Ertapenem is a new carbapenem with an excellent activity against different Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Its good antibacterial activity is closely related to high hydrolysis resistance by bacterial beta-lactamases., Material and Method: We evaluated antimicrobial activity of ertapenem by comparison that of methicillin, gatifloxacin, cefepime and linezolid against 455 staphylococci collected during 2006-2007 period from healthy individuals., Results: Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined by agar dilution technique. Ertapenem has an activity comparable to the other tested agents. Resistance rate was 1% for all investigated strains.

Unlabelled: Gatifloxacin is in a class of drug called fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It eliminates bacteria that cause many infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, sinus, respiratory tract and urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution is used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis., Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of gatifloxacin against recent 457 staphylococci, community isolates and compared it with that of pefloxacin., Material and Method: Powders of gatifloxacin and pefloxacin, obtained from commercial sources were tested in concentration range from 0.125 to 64 mg/l. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the agar dilution method established by NCCLS guidelines., Results: The MIC 50 values for tested quinolones against coagulase-positive staphylococci are identically with MIC 90 (0.125 mg/l for gatifloxacin and 0.25 mg/l for pefloxacin respectively). Against coagulase-negative staphylococci the MICs 50 values were two-fold smaller than MICs 90 values for both gatifloxacin and pefloxacin., Conclusions: Gatifloxacin was more active than pefloxacin against coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative staphylococci.

Unlabelled: Cefpirome is a fourth-generation cephalosporin with an expanded spectrum against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of cefpirome against staphylococci, clinical isolates. For comparison oxacillin was also tested., Material and Methods: A total 434 isolates (coagulase-positive staphylococci, n = 268 and coagulase-negative staphylococci, n = 166) were tested. Susceptibility testing was performed using the Mueller-Hinton agar dilution method., Results: Cefpirome inhibited the majority of strains at 0.5-8 mg/l. Cefpirome had excellent activity against coagulase-negative staphylococci with 91.6% susceptibility. Except the coagulase-positive staphylococci, of the 268 isolates, 81.3% were cefpirome sensitive. Concerning oxacillin, 35.1% of coagulase-positive staphylococci isolates were resistant, comparative with 26.5% of the coagulase-negative staphylococci. A cross-resistance analysis showed the association of resistance between cefpirome and oxacillin., Conclusion: Against staphylococci, cefpirome had the best activity when compared with the oxacillin.