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Introduction. Many methods have been proposed for the surgical treatment of varicocele, the most of which is of historical significance. At present, there is no consensus in favor of one or another method of surgical treatment of varicocele, which determines the relevance of further research.Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a new minimally invasive method of surgical treatment of varicocele using the author's method.Materials & methods. The study enrolled 763 patients aged 18 – 46 years (mean age 26.3 years) with varicocele who underwent testicular vein subinguinal ligation according to the author's technique. Inclusion criteria: varicocele grades 1 – 3, aged ≥ 18 years, semen abnormalities according to semen analysis and dilated spermatic cord veins according to ultrasound, retrograde blood flow according to Doppler ultrasound. Exclusion criteria: previously operated patients with recurrent varicocele, patients with May-Thurner syndrome and bilateral varicocele. The examination included eight control points: before surgery and 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after surgery. Physical scrotal examination with Valsalva test, semen analysis, and Dopper scrotal ultrasound were performed at the control dates.Results. The average surgery time was 15 min (10 – 30 min). All patients were discharged 1 to 2 days after surgery. At follow-up for 60 months, patients showed improvement in spermatogenesis / or no progression of semen abnormalities during follow-up after surgery based on clinical, laboratory and instrumental studies (semen analysis, ultrasound / Doppler ultrasound); no data on testicular hypotrophy, hydrocele were revealed. A scrotal haematoma was detected in one patient in the early postoperative period. Recurrent varicocele (1.4%) was detected in 11 patients during the follow-up period.Conclusion. The technique is effective, easily reproducible, characterised by a low rate of recurrence and postoperative complications.

Erectile dysfunction, remaining an urgent problem of our time, is pushing the world urological community to develop new methods of diagnosis and treatment. Currently, urologists have in their arsenal a variety of both conservative and surgical methods for correcting erectile dysfunction. This manuscript provides an overview of modern surgical treatment methods based on world literature data.

The subject matter of this article is the result of oxygen influence on oxidative wear of the carbide tool. Based on equation of entropy balance in theoretical dependence for the calculation of wear rate, the contribution of oxidation reactions of hard alloy metal components to the general mutual of metal cut-ting entropy is considered. Twin-layer coatings influence of carbide and nitride titanium on declination of oxidative wear is represented.

The work objective is to study the wear resistance of the experimental hard alloys (EHA) and complex alloyed high-speed steels (HSS) under cutting, as well as to establish the interconnection between their tribological characteristics and the entropy values (thermal EMF). The experimental studies on the EHA wear are carried out under the longitudinal turning, and HSS - under the friction conditions and drilling operations. Molybdenum, iron, titanium and copper mono carbide alloys are inserted into the cobalt bonds. It is shown that in this case, both entropy and wear-resistance increase (up to 2.5-3 times) as compared to the VK8 base alloy. At the same time the optimum machining spectrum extends. The functional relation between entropy and thermal EMF of the HSS is established, and it is shown that the minimum values of the thermal EMF correspond to the high entropy values. The HSS wear rate under friction is lower and the guaranteed life of drills is higher in steels with a high entropy value. The results obtained should be applied to the forming operations for the cutting-tool materials (CTM) of the maximum wear-resistance, and when developing new CTM.

Implementation of the controlling system onto the high-tech enterprises requires the development of specific tools for their evaluation. The models of projects estimation are offered on the article on the basis of the methods of factor analysis, linear regression analysis and fuzzy logic of Mamdani’s algorithm.

Scientific recognition and implementation of any new economic theory or concept depend significantly on the mathematical formalization which they allow. The article presents mathematical formalization of general principals of estimation of the controlling system and tools of its realization, the usage of which increases significantly effectiveness of controlling implementation on an enterprise.

The subject matter of this article is the result of oxygen influence on oxidative wear of the carbide tool. Based on equation of entropy balance in theoretical dependence for the calculation of wear rate, the contribution of oxidation reactions of hard alloy metal components to the general mutual of metal cut-ting entropy is considered. Twin-layer coatings influence of carbide and nitride titanium on declination of oxidative wear is represented.

The influence of temperature on the precipitation evolution in different zones of friction stir welded (FSW) heat-treatable aluminum alloys has been well investigated. However, the role of plastic deformation in affecting precipitation transformations remains less explored. To isolate the contribution of these factors and specifically assess the role of plastic deformation, an approach combining numerical and physical modeling techniques was used. Welding temperature cycles in the FSW weld zones calculated by means of a 3D finite element model were accurately reproduced using a Gleeble instrument. This approach was implemented under two scenarios such as the reproduction of the influence of temperature alone, and the combined effects of temperature and thermally induced plastic strain. The precipitation states and hardness obtained from these controlled experiments were compared to those observed in actual friction stir welds, providing a deeper understanding of the influence mechanisms at play. The results revealed that deformation significantly influences precipitation formation in the stir zone of both 2024 and 6082 alloys, with this effect extending to the heat-affected zone in the case of the 2024 alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The friction stir welding (FSW) process is a unique combination of deformation and high temperature, which provides opportunities to modify microstructures through the adjustment of the processing parameters and is an ideal way to join non-weldable aluminum alloys by avoiding the formation of a molten pool. The 7xxx series heat-treatable aluminum alloys are widely used in the aerospace field as high-performance structural materials. The microstructure evolution and mechanical performance of these alloys are affected by the effects of thermomechanical processing, which provides opportunities to optimize the material properties by controlling microstructural features such as intermetallic constituent particles, dispersoids and nanoscale precipitates. This paper focuses on the basic principles of the thermal and mechanical effects generated during FSW on the evolution of second-phase particles in different zones of the weld. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While cardiovascular disease, cancer, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) mortality rates have decreased over the past 20 years, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) deaths have risen by 145% since 2010. Despite significant research efforts, effective AD treatments remain elusive due to a poorly defined etiology and difficulty in targeting events that occur too downstream of disease onset. In hopes of elucidating alternative treatment pathways, now, AD is commonly being more broadly defined not only as a neurological disorder but also as a progression of a variety of cerebrovascular pathologies highlighted by the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier. The endothelial glycocalyx (GCX), which is an essential regulator of vascular physiology, plays a crucial role in the function of the neurovascular system, acting as an essential vascular mechanotransducer to facilitate ultimate blood-brain homeostasis. Shedding of the cerebrovascular GCX could be an early indication of neurovascular dysfunction and may subsequently progress neurodegenerative diseases like AD. Recent advances in in vitro modeling, gene/ protein silencing, and imaging techniques offer new avenues of scrutinizing the GCX’s effects on AD-related neurovascular pathology. Initial studies indicate GCX degradation in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases and have begun to demonstrate a possible link to GCX loss and cerebrovascular dysfunction. This review will scrutinize the GCX’s contribution to known vascular etiologies of AD and propose future work aimed at continuing to uncover the relationship between GCX dysfunction and eventual AD-associated neurological deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new drugs derived from plant sources is of significant interest in modern pharmacy. One of the promising plant sources for introduction into pharmaceuticals is Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip., also known as Tripleurospermum perforatum (Merat.) M. This plant has been shown to possess various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antimycotic activities, among others. However, a review of the current literature reveals a paucity of studies investigating the chemical composition of the herb Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip. This study presents the development of a method for obtaining an extract of the herb Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip. enriched with flavonoids, harvested before flowering and butonization. This study focused on determining the optimal conditions for extraction, including the concentration of the extractant (ethanol), extraction time, raw material/extractant ratio, extraction frequency, complexation reaction time, amount of aluminum chloride solution, and amount of diluted acetic acid. The results indicate that herbs harvested during this specific period exhibited a higher flavonoid content compared to those collected during butonization and flowering. Moreover, this study demonstrated that the flavonoid content could exceed 7% mg REq/100 g D.W. through a one-hour extraction process. Furthermore, the flavonoid content was found to be 7.65 ± 0.03 mg REq/100 g D.W. following a three-minute ultrasound-assisted extraction process, followed by thermal extraction. A qualitative analysis identified a variety of phenolic compounds in the extract, such as chlorogenic acid, 5-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid, 1-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid, luteolin-7-glucoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, luteolin-7-rutinoside, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercetin-3-O-malonylglucoside, apigenin-7-glucoside, luteolin-3-malonylglucoside, cynarin, rhamnetin-3-(O-dimethyl rhamnosyl glucosylglucoside), and luteolin. Moreover, this study demonstrated the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, anti-aggregation, and antioxidant activities of the aqueous alcoholic extract from T. inodorum herb (ETIH) against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Additionally, the extract exhibited comparable anti-inflammatory effects on diclofenac sodium. These findings contribute to the understanding of the potential pharmacological applications of the developed herb extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondria are essential for survival and as such, impairments in organelle homeostasis significantly accelerate age‐related morbidity and mortality. Here, we determined the contribution of bioenergetic efficiency to life span and health span in Drosophila melanogaster utilizing the mitochondrial uncoupler BAM15. Life span was determined in flies fed a normal diet (ND) or high fat diet (HFD) supplemented with vehicle or BAM15. Locomotor function was determined by negative geotaxis assay in middle‐aged flies fed vehicle or BAM15 under ND or HFD conditions. Redox capacity (high‐resolution respirometry/fluorometry), citrate synthase (enzyme activity), mtDNA content (qPCR), gene expression (qPCR), and protein expression (western blot) were assessed in flight muscle homogenates of middle‐aged flies fed vehicle or BAM15 ND. The molar ratio of H2O2 and O2 (H2O2:O2) in a defined respiratory state was calculated as a measure of redox balance. BAM15 extended life span by 9% on ND and 25% on HFD and improved locomotor activity by 125% on ND and 53% on HFD. Additionally, BAM15 enhanced oxidative phosphorylation capacity supported by pyruvate + malate, proline, and glycerol 3‐phosphate. Concurrently, BAM15 enhanced the mitochondrial H2O2 production rate, reverse electron flow from mitochondrial glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (mGPDH) to Complex I, mGPDH, and Complex I without altering the H2O2:O2 ratio. BAM15 upregulated transcriptional signatures associated with mitochondrial function and fitness as well as antioxidant defense. BAM15‐mediated restriction of bioenergetic efficiency prolongs life span and health span in Drosophila fed a ND or HFD. Improvements in life span and health span in ND were supported by synergistic enhancement of muscular redox capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gonad has become a central organ for understanding aging in C. elegans, as removing the proliferating stem cells in the germline results in significant lifespan extension. Similarly, when starvation in late larval stages leads to the quiescence of germline stem cells the adult nematode enters reproductive diapause, associated with an extended lifespan. This review summarizes recent advancements in identifying the mechanisms behind gonad-mediated lifespan extension, including comparisons with other nematodes and the role of lipid signaling and transcriptional changes. Given that the gonad also mediates lifespan regulation in other invertebrates and vertebrates, elucidating the underlying mechanisms may help to gain new insights into the mechanisms and evolution of aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yeast Yarrowia lipolytica degrades petroleum compounds, including alkanes, via the monoterminal oxidation pathway, the hydrophobic carbon substrate assimilation is mediated by biosurfactants, and extracellular amphiphilic molecules are produced by the yeast cell. This study focuses on the ability of the strain Y. lipolytica CMGB32 to degrade n-hexadecane by producing biosurfactants with high potential for bioremediation. The hydrocarbon-degrading potential of the yeast strain was observed via a 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP) test in Bushnell–Hass medium with 1% n-hexadecane, and cell hydrophobicity was expressed as microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons (MATH). Biosurfactant production on yeast peptone (YP) with 1% n-hexadecane was estimated after 72 h using the emulsification index (E24%) against toluene. Crude biosurfactant (cell-free broth) stability tests were performed at different temperatures (4 °C, 70 °C) and NaCl concentrations (2–10%). The effects of a biosurfactant on synthetic wastewater remediation comprised the growth curves (OD measurements) of natural heavy metal degrader Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, determination of nutrients (spectrophotometrically), physico-chemical parameters, and removal capacity of lead and cadmium ions (via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry—ICP-MS). The antimicrobial and anti-adherence activities of 20 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL of the biosurfactant against pathogenic Candida krusei strains involved growth observations and the crystal violet microtiter method. The DCPIP decolorization occurred after six days, corresponding to the maximum growth phase of the Y. lipolytica culture. After 72 h, the cells presented high hydrophobicity (82.61% MATH) and stable biosurfactant production (E24% 47%). The crude biosurfactant (5%) increased the growth of R. mucilaginosa strains cultivated on synthetic wastewater cultures contaminated with Pb2+ and Cd2+, increased the conductivity and COD (86%) of the samples, and determined Pb2+ (66%) and Cd2+ (42%) ions reduction. The concentrated biosurfactant inhibited C. krusei growth (70%) and biofilm adherence. In conclusion, Y. lipolytica CMGB32 shows important potential for development of biosurfactant-based technologies for the remediation of heavy-metal- and emerging pathogen-contaminated wastewaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Farnesol (FOH) is a quorum-sensing molecule with potential as an antifungal drug. Given the growing concern about fungal drug resistance, exploring new solutions is crucial. Therefore, summarizing the antifungal activity of FOH is expected to be the basis for further FOH research and application. Herein, we reviewed the in vitro and in vivo antifungal efficacy of FOH alone and in combination with conventional antifungal drugs, as well as its mechanisms of action. Furthermore, we discussed the prospects and challenges of the FOH application in detail. Recent Findings: Recent studies have revealed that FOH can target various aspects, such as reactive oxygen species production, induction of apoptosis, and modulation of virulence factors, to inhibit fungal growth and reduce fungal pathogenicity, thereby exerting its antifungal activity. Furthermore, FOH can suppress resistance-associated genes, such as those of biofilm and ergosterol, so as to enhance the fungicidal effectiveness of conventional antifungal drugs. However, the action mechanism of FOH on drug efflux pumps remains unclear and warrants further investigation. Summary: FOH can prevent and treat fungal infections. It exerts significant antimicrobial effects on fungal planktonic and biofilm cells, enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of conventional antifungal drugs, and reverses and reduces fungal drug resistance. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to assess the safety of FOH due to potential adverse effects on immune cells and other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary tract infections occupy a special niche among diseases of infectious etiology. Many microorganisms associated with urinary tract infections, such as Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterococcus spp., Morganella morganii, Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus spp., and Candida spp., can form biofilms. The aim of this research was to study the effect of the enzyme L-lysine-Alpha-oxidase (LO) produced by the fungus Trichoderma harzianum Rifai on the biofilm formation process of microorganisms associated with urinary tract infections. Homogeneous LO showed a more pronounced effect than the culture liquid concentrate (cCL). When adding samples at the beginning of incubation, the maximum inhibition was observed in relation to Enterococcus faecalis 5960—cCL 86%, LO 95%; Enterococcus avium 1669—cCL 85%, LO 94%; Enterococcus cloacae 6392—cCL 83%, LO—98%; and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3057—cCL 70%, LO—82%. The minimum inhibition was found in Candida spp. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out, and numerous morphological and structural changes were observed in the cells after culturing the bacterial cultures in a medium supplemented with homogeneous LO. For example, abnormal division was detected, manifesting as the appearance of joints in places where the bacteria diverge. Based on the results of this work, we can draw conclusions about the possibility of inhibiting microbial biofilm formation with the use of LO; especially significant inhibition was achieved when the enzyme was added at the beginning of incubation. Thus, LO can be a promising drug candidate for the treatment or prevention of infections associated with biofilm formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is the primary risk factor for the development of numerous human chronic diseases. On a molecular level, it significantly impacts the regulation of protein modifications, leading to the accumulation of degenerative protein modifications (DPMs) such as aberrant serine phosphorylation (p‐Ser) and trioxidized cysteine (t‐Cys) within the proteome. The altered p‐Ser is linked to abnormal cell signaling, while the accumulation of t‐Cys is associated with chronic diseases induced by oxidative stress. Despite this, the potential cross‐effects and functional interplay between these two critical molecular factors of aging remain undisclosed. This study analyzes the aging proteome of wild‐type C57BL/6NTac mice over 2 years using advanced proteomics and bioinformatics. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive analysis of how t‐Cys affects cell signaling and protein structure in the aging process. The results obtained indicate that t‐Cys residues accumulate in the aging proteome, interact with p‐Ser interacting enzymes, as validated in vitro, and alter their structures similarly to p‐Ser. These findings have significant implications for understanding the interplay of oxidative stress and phosphorylation in the aging process. Additionally, they open new venues for further research on the role(s) of these protein modifications in various human chronic diseases and aging, wherein exacerbated oxidation and aberrant phosphorylation are implicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and an ensuing increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production have been suggested to be a cause of the aging process ("the mitochondrial hypothesis of aging"). In agreement with this, mtDNA-mutator mice accumulate a large amount of mtDNA mutations, giving rise to defective mitochondria and an accelerated aging phenotype. However, incongruously, the rates of ROS production in mtDNA mutator mitochondria have generally earlier been reported to be lower – not higher – than in wildtype, thus apparently invalidating the "mitochondrial hypothesis of aging". We have here re-examined ROS production rates in mtDNA-mutator mice mitochondria. Using traditional conditions for measuring ROS (succinate in the absence of rotenone), we indeed found lower ROS in the mtDNA-mutator mitochondria compared to wildtype. This ROS mainly results from reverse electron flow driven by the membrane potential, but the membrane potential reached in the isolated mtDNA-mutator mitochondria was 33 mV lower than that in wildtype mitochondria, due to the feedback inhibition of succinate oxidation by oxaloacetate, and to a lower oxidative capacity in the mtDNA-mutator mice, explaining the lower ROS production. In contrast, in normal forward electron flow systems (pyruvate (or glutamate) + malate or palmitoyl-CoA + carnitine), mitochondrial ROS production was higher in the mtDNA-mutator mitochondria. Particularly, even during active oxidative phosphorylation (as would be ongoing physiologically), higher ROS rates were seen in the mtDNA-mutator mitochondria than in wildtype. Thus, when examined under physiological conditions, mitochondrial ROS production rates are indeed increased in mtDNA-mutator mitochondria. While this does not prove the validity of the mitochondrial hypothesis of aging, it may no longer be said to be negated in this respect. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Professor Vladimir P. Skulachev. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of Candida bloodstream infection (BSI) may rely on a PCR-based analysis of a positive blood culture (PBC) obtained from the patient at the time of BSI. In this study, a yeast DNA extraction protocol for use on PBCs was developed and evaluated with the molecular mouse (MM) yeast blood (YBL) chip-based PCR assay, which allowed us to detect nine medically relevant Candida species. We studied 125 simulated or clinical PBCs for Candida species. A positive correlation between the DNA concentration and colony-forming unit count was found for simulated (Spearman's ρ = 0.58; p < 0.0001) and clinical (Spearman's ρ = 0.23, p = 0.09) PBCs. The extracted DNA yielded positive results with the MM YBL chip assay that agreed with the Candida species-level identification results for 63 (100%) of 63 isolates from simulated PBCs and 66 (99.5%) of 67 isolates from clinical PBCs. The false-negative result was for one C. tropicalis isolate that grew together with C. albicans in PBC. None of the 30 (Candida)-negative clinical BCs included as negative controls yielded a positive result with the MM YBL chip assay. Our DNA extraction protocol for the Candida species couples efficiency and simplicity together. Nevertheless, further studies are needed before it can be adopted for use with the MM YBL chip assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic vector-borne disease with worldwide distribution. All current approaches in leishmaniasis control or development of vaccines/cures showed only limited success. Recently, paratransgenesis has been marked as a promising strategy for leishmaniasis control. Thus, the investigations of the gut microbial content of sand flies have gained popularity. Gut microbial composition of the laboratory colony of Phlebotomus papatasi was investigated via microbial culturomics approach which refers to the combination of multiple culture conditions and different selective and/or enriched culture mediums, followed by 16S rDNA sequencing. Investigations were conducted on three offspring generations, with six samplings of immature stages (four larval samplings, one pre-pupa, one pupa) and samplings of adults before and after blood feeding. The aim was to determine if microbiome changes during the sand fly development and to identify bacteria with transstadial potential. The presence of 8 bacterial taxa (Bacillus sp., Terribacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Alcaligenes sp., Microbacterium sp., Leucobacter sp., Ochrobactrum sp. and Enterobacter sp.), 2 fungi (Fusarium sp. and Acremonium sp.) and 1 yeast (Candida sp.) were recorded. Gram-positive bacteria were more diverse, but gram-negative bacteria were more abundant. All taxa were recorded among immature stage samples, while only one bacterium was detected in adults. Microbial diversity among larval samples was stable, with a steady decrease in pre-pupa and pupa, resulting in the survival of only Ochrobactrum sp. in adults. Abundance of microbes was higher when larvae were actively feeding, with a gradual decrease after larvae stopped feeding and commenced pupation. Ochrobactrum sp. is the bacteria with transstadial potential, worthy of future in-depth analysis for the application in paratransgenic approach for the control of Leishmania sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cesium sulfatoscandate CsSc(SO4)2 (space group P , a = b = 5.0971(1) Å, c = 8.6924(5) Å, V = 195.580(2) Å3, Z = 1) has been crystallized from aqueous solutions in layered hexagonal prisms sized up to 50 µm and up to 2–5 µm thick. Its water solubility is 0.0104 mol/L at 25 ± 1°С. A way to reduce the solubility of scandium as CsSc(SO4)2 is to increase acidity to 3.5–5.5 М H2SO4 and add Cs2SO4. Experimental evidence is supported by calculations that took into account changes in the ionic strength of the solution and the influence of the simultaneous presence of Cs+ and ions. The results will be useful for those who will study the behavior of rare-metal compounds having similar properties and their separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the mechanical characteristics of friction stir processed dissimilar joints between AA5083 and AA6082 alloys reinforced with coal particles. Employing friction stir welding (FSW), the mean grain size measured 19.7 μm, but using the FSP technique with coal reinforcement (FSP + Coal) significantly refined the grain size to 8.75 μm. In flexural testing, FSW face samples exhibited failure at 12.7% strain and 535 MPa stress, while FSP + Coal face specimens showed diminished performance at 3% strain and 222 MPa stress. Similar trends were observed in root specimens. For FSW joints, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) peaked at 145.90 MPa, with the lowest recorded UTS at 93.43 MPa. FSP + Coal joints reached a maximum UTS at 142 MPa and minimum UTS at 104.06 MPa. Fractures in both FSWed and FSPed samples occurred on the AA5083 side. In terms of hardness, FSW joints exhibited 80.33 HV, while FSP + Coal joints displayed a higher hardness of 83.66 HV at the nugget zone. Fracture surface morphology analysis revealed a prominent ductile failure mechanism for both FSWed and FSP + Coal joints. This study provides insight into the enhanced mechanical properties achieved through FSP + Coal processing, offering valuable implications for dissimilar alloy joints in various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The therapeutic potential of Angelica ternata extract was tested against biofilm-associated fungi Candida albicans. Such an extract with a 1.896 ± 0.071% per 1 mL rutin content of flavonoids can reliably suppress the formation of biofilms of pathogenic yeast-like fungi up to 76.6%. The herbal medicine has a significant effect on the initiation, adhesion, and development of biofilms. If the extract is added to a developed biofilm, it has a significant effect on the matrix. As a result, the "glue" between the cells is washed out and they are more easily washed away from the well of the microplate to which they are attached. In this case, the optical density of the biofilm is halved (50.5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, the number of infections caused by biofilm-forming fungal pathogens is very high. In human medicine, there is an increasing proportion of immunocompromised patients with prolonged hospitalization, and patients with long-term inserted drains, cannulas, catheters, tubes, or other artificial devices, that exhibit a predisposition for colonization by biofilm-forming yeasts. A high percentage of mortality is due to candidemia caused by medically important Candida species. Species of major clinical significance include C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, and C. auris. The association of these pathogenic species in the biofilm structure is a serious therapeutic problem. Candida cells growing in the form of a biofilm are able to resist persistent therapy thanks to a combination of their protective mechanisms and their ability to disseminate to other parts of the body, thus representing a threat from the perspective of a permanent source of infection. The elucidation of the key mechanisms of biofilm formation is essential to progress in the understanding and treatment of invasive Candida infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the welding of coarse- (CG) and ultrafine-grained (UFG) Al-Mg-Si alloy using friction stir welding (FSW) was attempted. The purpose of welding the UFG material was to check the possibility of applying FSW to materials with a thermally unstable microstructure, which is achieved by severe plastic deformation. This group of materials has significant potential due to the enhanced mechanical properties as a result of the elevated number of structural defects. The CG sample was also examined in order to assess whether there is an influence of the base material microstructure on the weld microstructure and properties. To refine the microstructure, incremental equal channel angular pressing was used. Plastic deformation resulted in grain refinement from 23 µm to 1.5 µm. It caused an increase in the microhardness from 105 HV0.1 to 125 HV0.1 and the tensile strength from 320 MPa to 394 MPa. Similar welds obtained using an FSW method exhibited good quality and grain size in a stir zone of 5 µm. For both welds, a decrease in the microhardness occurred in the stir zone. However, for the weld of UFG Al-Mg-Si, the microhardness distribution was homogeneous, while for the weld of the CG, it was inhomogeneous, which was caused by different characteristics of the second-phase precipitates. The tensile strength of the welds was lowered and equaled 269 MPa and 220 MPa for the CG and UFG welds, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candidemia is the most common form of invasive fungal infection associated with several risk factors, and one of them is the use of medical devices, to which microbial biofilms can attach. Candidemia related to the use of peripheral intravascular and central venous catheters (CVC) is referred to as Candida catheter-related bloodstream infection, with more than 90% being related to CVC usage. The infection is associated with a higher morbidity and mortality rate than nosocomial bacterial infections. Candida spp. can protect themselves from the host immune system and antifungal drugs because of the biofilm structure, which is potentiated by the extracellular matrix (ECM). Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis are the most pathogenic species often found to form biofilms associated with catheter usage. Biofilm formation of C. albicans includes four mechanisms: attachment, morphogenesis, maturation and dispersion. The biofilms formed between C. albicans and non-albicans spp. differ in ECM structure and composition and are associated with the persistence of colonization to infection for various catheter materials and antifungal resistance. Efforts to combat Candida spp. biofilm formation on catheters are still challenging because not all patients, especially those who are critically ill, can be recommended for catheter removal; also to be considered are the characteristics of the biofilm itself, which readily colonizes the permanent medical devices used. The limited choice and increasing systemic antifungal resistance also make treating it more difficult. Hence, alternative strategies have been developed to manage Candida biofilm. Current options for prevention or therapy in combination with systemic antifungal medications include lock therapy, catheter coating, natural peptide products and photodynamic inactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]