UNASSIGNED: Infectious disease treatment and prevention are threatened by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally. The knowledge and attitudes of doctors regarding AMR and the responsible use of antibiotics are critical to improving prescribing behaviours and mitigating the danger that AMR poses. This study aims to assess the knowledge attitudes and practices of doctors in Nigeria regarding AMR.
UNASSIGNED: This was an online survey of doctors in Nigeria. A 31-item self-administered questionnaire was distributed via an online forum for doctors. The questionnaire consisted of knowledge, attitudes, and practices sections. Demographic and practice data were also collected from respondents. Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS and were mainly descriptive. Bivariate correlation was used to determine the relationship between knowledge attitudes and practices.
UNASSIGNED: Two hundred and fifty -two doctors completed the survey. There were 105 (42%) resident doctors who participated in the study. Good knowledge and fair knowledge of AMR were shown by 95(41%) and 146(58%) doctors, respectively. There were few respondents with good attitudes and practices: 40 (16%) and 16 (6%), respectively. A large proportion of respondents had fair attitudes and practices -204(81%) and 185(73%) respectively. The relationship between practice, knowledge, and attitude was negligible. (r<1, p>0.05).
UNASSIGNED: Most doctors in this study showed fair to good knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding AMR. Efforts to reduce the incidence of AMR should leverage the perceptions and behaviours of these healthcare workers.

Background Periodontal disease poses a significant oral health challenge, involving inflammatory conditions impacting tooth-supporting structures. Treponema denticola, a \"red complex\" organism, plays a crucial role in periodontal pathogenesis, forming biofilms in subgingival environments and contributing to dysbiosis. Antimicrobial therapy is pivotal in managing periodontal disease, requiring a nuanced understanding of susceptibility patterns exhibited by key pathogens like T. denticola. Aims and objectives This study aims to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance profiles of Treponema denticola, a prominent bacterium in periodontal disease, by examining its responses to various antimicrobial agents commonly used in periodontal therapy. Methodology Plaque samples were meticulously collected from individuals diagnosed with periodontal disease to ensure a diverse representation of the oral microbiome. All the samples were cultured, and red complex bacteria were isolated under anaerobic culture. Treponema denticola isolates were cultured from these samples under anaerobic conditions, and molecular techniques were employed for species identification. A comprehensive panel of antimicrobial agents was selected to assess the response of Treponema denticola. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted using the antimicrobial gradient method, employing a hybrid approach combining elements of disk-diffusion and dilution methods. Results Treponema denticola had exhibited resistance to metronidazole, a commonly used antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria, emphasizing limitations in its applicability. However, the bacterium displayed sensitivity to tetracycline, imipenem, cefoperazone, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, and moxifloxacin, offering diverse therapeutic options. The antimicrobial gradient strip test provided detailed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, contributing to a nuanced understanding of susceptibility and resistance patterns. Conclusion This study significantly advances our understanding of Treponema denticola\'s antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance profiles in the context of periodontal disease. The findings underscore the importance of tailored treatment strategies and contribute to broader efforts in antimicrobial stewardship, aligning with global initiatives to combat antibiotic resistance. This research lays the foundation for more effective and personalized approaches to periodontal care, emphasizing the intricate microbial dynamics associated with periodontal health and disease.

In this study, a series of amine-modified mesoporous silica (AMS)-based epoxy composites with superhydrophobic biomimetic structure surface of Xanthosoma sagittifolium leaves (XSLs) were prepared and applied as anti-corrosion and anti-biofilm coatings. Initially, the AMS was synthesized by the base-catalyzed sol-gel reaction of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and triethoxysilane (APTES) through a non-surfactant templating route. Subsequently, a series of AMS-based epoxy composites were prepared by performing the ring-opening polymerization of DGEBA with T-403 in the presence of AMS spheres, followed by characterization through FTIR, TEM, and CA. Furthermore, a nano-casting technique with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the soft template was utilized to transfer the surface pattern of natural XSLs to AMS-based epoxy composites, leading to the formation of AMS-based epoxy composites with biomimetic structure. From a hydrophilic CA of 69°, the surface of non-biomimetic epoxy significantly increased to 152° upon introducing XSL surface structure to the AMS-based epoxy composites. Based on the standard electrochemical anti-corrosion and anti-biofilm measurements, the superhydrophobic BEAMS3 composite was found to exhibit a remarkable anti-corrosion efficiency of ~99% and antimicrobial efficacy of 82% as compared to that of hydrophilic epoxy coatings.

Nowadays, bacteria resistance to many antibiotics is a huge problem, especially in clinics and other parts of the healthcare system. This critical health issue requires a dynamic approach to produce new types of antibacterial coatings to combat various pathogen microbes. In this research, we prepared a new type of carbon quantum dots based on phloroglucinol using the bottom-up method. Polyurethane composite films were produced using the swell-encapsulation-shrink method. Detailed electrostatic force and viscoelastic microscopy of carbon quantum dots revealed inhomogeneous structure characterized by electron-rich/soft and electron-poor/hard regions. The uncommon photoluminescence spectrum of carbon quantum dots core had a multipeak structure. Several tests confirmed that carbon quantum dots and composite films produced singlet oxygen. Antibacterial and antibiofouling efficiency of composite films was tested on eight bacteria strains and three bacteria biofilms.

Endodontic infections arise from the interactive activities of microbial communities colonizing in the intricate root canal system. The present study aims to update the latest knowledge of nanomaterials, their antimicrobial mechanisms, and their applications in endodontics. A detailed literature review of the current knowledge of nanomaterials used in endodontic applications was performed using the PubMed database. Antimicrobial nanomaterials with a small size, large specific surface area, and high chemical activity are introduced to act as irrigants, photosensitizer delivery systems, and medicaments, or to modify sealers. The application of nanomaterials in the endodontic field could enhance antimicrobial efficiency, increase dentin tubule penetration, and improve treatment outcomes. This study supports the potential of nanomaterials as a promising strategy in treating endodontic infections.

Hymedesmiidae is one of the largest families of marine sponges and stands out as an exceptional source of variable metabolites with diverse biological activities. In this study, the ethyl acetate fraction (HE) of a Hymedesmia sp. marine sponge from the Red Sea, Egypt, was analyzed for the first time using Ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis. The analysis tentatively identified 29 compounds in this fraction, including the isolation and identification of six compounds (two pyrimidine nucleosides, one purine, and two pyrimidine bases in addition to one cerebroside) for the first time. The structures of the isolated compounds were established by 1D and 2D NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), MS (mass spectrometry), and IR (infrared) spectroscopy. Furthermore, the cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the ethyl acetate fraction were evaluated in vitro. The fraction exhibited strong DPPH scavenging activity with an IC50 of 78.7 µg/mL, compared to ascorbic acid as a positive control with an IC50 of 10.6 µg/mL. It also demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 13.5 µg/mL and 25.3 µg/mL against HCT-116 and HEP-2 cell lines, respectively, compared to vinblastine as a positive control with IC50 values of 2.34 µg/mL and 6.61 µg/mL against HCT-116 and HEP-2, respectively. Additionally, the ethyl acetate fraction displayed promising antibacterial activity against S. aureus with a MIC value of 62.5 µg/mL, compared to ciprofloxacin as a positive control with MIC values of 1.56 µg/mL for Gram-positive bacteria and 3.125 µg/mL for Gram-negative bacteria. It also exhibited activity against E. coli and P. aeruginosa with MIC values of 250 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively. Briefly, this is the first report on the biological activities and secondary metabolite content of the ethyl acetate fraction of Hymedesmia sp. marine sponge, emphasizing the potential for further research against resistant bacterial and fungal strains, as well as different cancer cell lines. The ethyl acetate fraction of Hymedesmia sp. is a promising source of safe and unique natural drugs with potential therapeutic and pharmaceutical benefits.

Despite its well-known fragrance in cosmetics and medicine, a complete understanding of the phytochemical properties within by-products generated during commercial extraction of Damask rose remains elusive. Cultivated in Thailand for their essential oil, Damask rose varieties, including Mon Dang Prasert, Mon Klai Kangwon, and Bishop\'s Castle, share phenylethyl alcohol (57.62-61.11%) as the dominant component, which is responsible for their characteristic floral, sweet, rosy, and bready aroma. Through a circular hydro-distillation process, three different by-product fractions, including distilled water (D), hydrosol (H), and rose dreg (R), were recovered. Subsequently, we assessed their pharmaceutical potential, including the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-melanogenesis properties of these residual substances. The H fraction displayed the highest total phenolics (10.56 mgGAE/g) and flavonoids (6.93 mgCE/g) and significant antioxidant activity (IC50, 0.67-0.97 µg/mL). While the H fraction inhibited melanin formation at 50 μg/mL, the R fraction of MK (100 μg/mL) surprisingly promoted melanin production in B16-F10 cells. Nevertheless, the antimicrobial assay against Staphylococcus aureus, Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans revealed no antimicrobial activity in any fraction. Murine macrophage stimulation (J774A.1) with lipopolysaccharide revealed no anti-inflammatory effects from the by-products, as measured by IL-1β production. In summary, the H fraction exhibited the highest level of phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant and anti-melanogenesis activities. Therefore, this by-product is a desirable choice for the development of value-added products such as functional food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.

Simvastatin, a blockbuster drug for treating hypercholesterolemia, has multifactorial benefits as an antimicrobial agent and plays a preventative role in reducing the incidence of Alzheimer\'s Disease (AD). Although most of the beneficial effects of simvastatin have been attributed to its ability to reduce cholesterol levels, recent scientific studies have suggested that its benefits are largely due to its pleiotropic effects in targeting other pathways, e.g., by inhibiting protein lipidation. There are certain pleiotropic effects that can be predicted from the inhibition of the mevalonate pathway; however, some of the effects of simvastatin in proteostasis lead to reduced levels of amyloid beta, the key contributor to AD. This review discusses the use of simvastatin as an antimicrobial agent and anti-AD drug.

Traditional microbial diagnostic methods face many obstacles such as sample handling, culture difficulties, misidentification, and delays in determining susceptibility. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has markedly transformed microbial diagnostics with rapid and precise analyses. Nonetheless, ethical considerations accompany AI adoption, necessitating measures to uphold patient privacy, mitigate biases, and ensure data integrity. This review examines conventional diagnostic hurdles, stressing the significance of standardized procedures in sample processing. It underscores AI\'s significant impact, particularly through machine learning (ML), in microbial diagnostics. Recent progressions in AI, particularly ML methodologies, are explored, showcasing their influence on microbial categorization, comprehension of microorganism interactions, and augmentation of microscopy capabilities. This review furnishes a comprehensive evaluation of AI\'s utility in microbial diagnostics, addressing both advantages and challenges. A few case studies including SARS-CoV-2, malaria, and mycobacteria serve to illustrate AI\'s potential for swift and precise diagnosis. Utilization of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in digital pathology, automated bacterial classification, and colony counting further underscores AI\'s versatility. Additionally, AI improves antimicrobial susceptibility assessment and contributes to disease surveillance, outbreak forecasting, and real-time monitoring. Despite a few limitations, integration of AI in diagnostic microbiology presents robust solutions, user-friendly algorithms, and comprehensive training, promising paradigm-shifting advancements in healthcare.

The application prospects of composite sponges with antibacterial and drug-carrying functions in the field of medical tissue engineering are extensive. A solution of cassava silk fibroin (CSF) was prepared with Ca(NO3)2 as a solvent, which was then combined with chitosan (CS) to create a sponge-porous material by freeze-drying. The CSF-CS composite sponge with a mesh structure was successfully fabricated through hydrogen bonding. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared absorption (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to investigate the appearance and structure of the cassava silk\'s fibroin materials, specifically examining the impact of different mass percentages of CS on the sponge\'s structure. The swelling rate and mechanical properties of the CSF-CS sponge were analyzed, along with its antibacterial properties. Furthermore, by incorporating ibuprofen as a model drug into these loaded sponges, their potential efficacy as efficient drug delivery systems was demonstrated. The results indicate that the CSF-CS sponge possesses a three-dimensional porous structure with over 70% porosity and an expansion rate exceeding 400% while also exhibiting good resistance against pressure. Moreover, it exhibits excellent drug-carrying ability and exerts significant bacteriostatic effects on Escherichia coli. Overall, these findings support considering the CSF-CS composite sponge as a viable candidate for use in drug delivery systems or wound dressings.