All posts by Anna Białecka

IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN FAECAL BIOBANKING: FROM COLLECTION TO STORAGE


Izabela Lewandowska, Katarzyna Grzech, Jolanta Krzysztoń-Russjan
3 February 2025

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Abstract: The freezing and storage conditions of faecal samples in biobanks influence the preservation of the integrity and stability of genetic material and play a crucial role in scientific and clinical research quality. In recent years, there has been a particular increase in the number of studies related to the gut microbiome and the importance of its impact on the functioning human body. The review includes research on faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), microbiome analysis, ‘-omics’ research, cancer and parasites. The primary topic addressed in this research is the impact of storage conditions and freezing methods for faecal samples on the stability and diversity of the gut microbiome. Standardizing procedures for storing and analyzing faecal samples is essential to carry out this task. This standardization is not a goal but a necessity for the quality control of the storage of faecal samples to reach comparative results and to develop new diagnostic methods. Collected data presented here highlight a crucial step in microbiota research concerning optimizing biobanking conditions for faecal samples.

Autor: Anna Białecka
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CONTEMPLATING THE BIBLIOMETRIC DATA ONTO SEPSIS AND GUT MICROBIOME: MAPPING TRENDS, COLLABORATIONS, AND GLOBAL CONTRIBUTIONS


Li Zhang, Yi Wang, Ping Li, Xiang Li, Xiangyou Yu
3 February 2025

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Abstract: Sepsis is a leading cause of hospital mortality, closely linked to gut dysfunction and dysbiosis. The gut microbiome’s role in sepsis pathogenesis and progression necessitates a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to elucidate current research trends. Utilizing the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E) database, literature was systematically retrieved using the terms: sepsis AND (“gut” OR “gastrointestinal”) AND (“microbiome” OR “microbiota” OR “microflora” OR “bacillus”). After data refinement and duplicate removal, 2485 articles were included for statistical analysis using R software’s bibliometric package, with Excel used to visualize publication trends. Findings demonstrate a progressive annual increase in published studies and citations. The United States and France emerged as primary contributors, exhibiting extensive international collaboration. Among leading institutions, the University of California ranked highest in research output, while Wiersinga WJ from the University of Amsterdam led in publication volume and collaborative networks. Research predominantly focuses on critical care medicine, immunology, and microbiology, with keywords such as sepsis, microbiome, microbiota, and microflora recurring. Current trends indicate a growing focus on the relationship between sepsis and gut microbiome dynamics, with a notable gap in evidence-based clinical applications. The prominence of the United States in the field underscores the need for well-designed clinical trials and prospective cohort studies to advance therapeutic strategies. Strengthening global collaboration, particularly through increased involvement of Chinese researchers, is crucial for a comprehensive understanding and future advancements in this complex and evolving field.

Autor: Anna Białecka
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DESCRIPTION OF METHODOLOGY FOR TESTING THE SYNERGISTIC AND ADDITIVE EFFECTS OF ANTIBIOTICS IN VITRO


Paweł Z. Kmiecikowski, Aniela Gabriel, Dagmara Depka, Tomasz Bogiel
3 February 2025

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Abstract: Given the dynamic growth of antibiotic resistance observed over the past few decades, new therapeutic methods for life-threatening infections are crucial. Effective treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms increasingly requires the use of last resort drugs, and new antibiotics generate resistance in less time than it takes to bring them to the therapy. Therefore it is advisable to seek solutions using currently available antibiotics. Effective therapy of infections with multidrug-resistant microorganisms may be enabled by the use of additive and synergistic interactions, resulting from the combination of different groups of antibiotics with the same or different modes of action – including those to which a particular bacterial strain is resistant. This paper describes methods for determining the synergistic and additive effects of antibiotics in vitro, including the CombiANT method under testing. The purpose of this study is to present possible methods for determining the additive and synergistic effects between antibiotics in vitro and to propose appropriate laboratory procedures for their use. This paper reviews the latest literature on methods for determining the antimicrobials interactions. Clinical studies indicate significant benefits of using the phenomenon of antibiotic addition or synergy in clinical practice, not only improving the effectiveness of therapy, but also minimizing side effects and reducing the risk of developing de novo antibiotic resistance. Despite the significant problem of increasing antibiotic resistance level, clinical practice still lacks clearly standardized methods for determining synergism. Further research is needed to determine the most beneficial standard available for a wide range of microbiology diagnostic facilities.

Autor: Anna Białecka
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POLYURETHANES AS BIOMATERIALS IN MEDICINE: ADVANCED APPLICATIONS, INFECTION CHALLENGES, AND INNOVATIVE SURFACE MODIFICATION METHODS


Kamil Drożdż, Monika Gołda-Cępa, Monika Brzychczy-Włoch
3 February 2025

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Abstract: Polyurethanes (PUs) are exceptionally versatile polymers widely utilized in medicine due to their outstanding mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and adaptability to various applications. This article explores advanced applications of polyurethane biomaterials in medicine, the challenges posed by infections associated with their use, and innovative surface modification techniques to improve their functionality. PUs are employed in a diverse array of medical devices, including non-implantable applications such as wound dressings, catheters, and infusion sets; short-term implants like bone stabilizers and tracheostomy tubes; and long-term implants such as tissue regeneration scaffolds, artificial blood vessels, and heart valves. Despite their many advantages, their use carries a significant risk of infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia, infective endocarditis, and urinary tract infections. An important challenge lies in bacterial biofilms, which complicate treatment and enhance bacterial resistance to antibiotics. To address these issues, innovative PU surface modification methods are being developed, including laser texturing, nanoparticle deposition with antibacterial properties, ion implantation, cold metal spraying, the integration of biodegradable and biocompatible components, and plasma modifications. These advanced techniques aim to enhance polyurethane biomaterials’ antibacterial properties and biocompatibility, thereby reducing infection risks and improving clinical outcomes. This article underscores the importance of ongoing research to effectively combat biomaterial-associated infections and broaden the medical applications of polyurethanes. The development of advanced surface modification methods holds great promise for improving patient quality of life and the efficacy of medical treatments.

Autor: Anna Białecka
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WHAT DO WE KNOW SO FAR ABOUT GES CARBAPENEMASES, AND WHAT THREAT DO THEY POSE?


Rutkowski K., Osnytskyy A., Ślifierska M., Jarząbek P., Bielec F., Pastuszak-Lewandoska D., Brauncajs M.
28 October 2024

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Abstract: Carbapenemases, classified as bacterial enzymes, have the ability to hydrolyze carbapenems – important broad-spectrum antibiotics. This work attempts to summarize the information on the diversity of Guiana Extended-Spectrum (GES) subgroup of carbapenemases, and highlights the serious threat posed by infections caused by bacteria capable of producing these enzymes. The structure, functional characteristics, classification of different types of GES carbapenemases and diagnostic methods are discussed in detail. There are 59 GES-type carbapenemases, which have different amino acid sequences of the protein chains as well as activity against various antibiotics. Currently, bacterial strains with antibiotic resistance of the GES type are treated with: cefiderocil belonging to the cephalosporins, eravacycline belonging to the tetracyclines, lefamulin belonging to the pleuromutulins, colistin, fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin, tobramycin, amikacin, imipenem with relebactam, meropenem with waborbactam, ceftazidime with avibactam and plazomycin. In addition, the following drugs are under study: durlobactam with sulbactam, taniborbactam and cefepime with enmetazobactam This paper aims to summarize the current knowledge on GES-type carbapenemases, their diagnosis and treatment.

Autor: Anna Białecka
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Current Issue

Current Issue

Advancements of Microbiology
Volume 63 (2024): Issue 4

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PTM

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