This study aimed to investigate the biofilm-production ability of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), the biofilm-eradication potential of 70% ethanol and 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, the effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) against planktonic and biofilm-embedded CRAB, and the relationship between biofilm production and bacterial genotypes. A total of 111 CRAB isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, biofilm formation, presence of the genes encoding carbapenemases, and biofilm-associated virulence factors. The antibiofilm effects of disinfectants and SeNPs against CRAB isolates were also tested. The vast majority of the tested isolates were biofilm producers (91.9%). The bap, ompA, and csuE genes were found in 57%, 70%, and 76% of the CRAB isolates, with the csuE being significantly more common among biofilm producers (78.6%) compared to non-biofilm-producing CRAB (25%). The tested disinfectants showed a better antibiofilm effect on moderate and strong biofilm producers than on weak producers (p < 0.01). The SeNPs showed an inhibitory effect against all tested planktonic (MIC range: 0.00015 to >1.25 mg/mL) and biofilm-embedded CRAB, with a minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration of less than 0.15 mg/mL for 90% of biofilm producers. In conclusion, SeNPs might be used as promising therapeutic and medical device coating agents, thus serving as an alternative approach for the prevention of biofilm-related infections.

In this study, the focus was on the effects of sub-MICs of the antibiotics on adherence, hydrophobicity, and biofilm formation by two groups of Streptococcus pyogenes strains, which were responsible for different clinical cases. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of sub-MICs of penicillin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, and clindamycin on adherence, surface hydrophobicity, and biofilm biomass in two selected collections of group A streptococcus (GAS): strains isolated from carriers (CA) and strains isolated from patients with tonsillopharyngitis (TPh). Isolates were tested for hydrophobicity to xylene, adherence, and biofilm production in uncoated microtiter plates before and after treatment with 1/2 and 1/4 MICs of antibiotics. Penicillin reduced adherence and biofilm production in TPh strains, whereas ceftriaxone diminished adherence and biofilm formation in CA group. On the contrary, clindamycin enhanced adherence and biofilm production in both groups of strains. Erythromycin did not significantly alter adherence, but triggered biofilm production in both groups of isolates. Hydrophobicity of both groups of strains was significantly reduced after exposure to all antibiotics. Beta-lactams displayed anti-biofilm activity; penicillin diminished both adherence and biofilm production in TPh strains, whereas ceftriaxone reduced it in strains isolated from CA.

Background: Myocardial injury (MI) is characterized by an increased level of at least one cardiac troponin. Experimental MI can be induced by isoprenaline, a β-adrenergic agonist, and it can lead to heart failure (HF). Liraglutide is glucagon-like 1 peptide receptor agonist used in diabetes management, but it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, which can be beneficial in treatment of HF. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of liraglutide on isoprenaline-induced MI and prevention of HF. Methods: Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: Con—received saline the first 2 days + saline the next 7 days; Iso—isoprenaline the first 2 days + saline the next 7 days; Lir—saline the first 2 days + liraglutide the next 7 days; Iso + Lir—isoprenaline the first 2 days + liraglutide the next 7 days. On day 10, blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis and oxidative stress marker evaluation, and hearts were isolated for pathohistological analysis. Cardiac function was assessed by electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography (ECHO). Results: Liraglutide treatment significantly attenuated oxidative stress, repaired ECG and ECHO parameters, and mitigated myocardial morphological changes induced by isoprenaline. Conclusions: Liraglutide restores cardiac function in isoprenaline-induced HF.

Infectious diseases remain a major global health concern, with a growing burden of antimicrobial resistance and consequent higher mortality in the human population. Accurate bacterial identification is fundamental across clinical, veterinary, agricultural, and research settings, supporting effective diagnosis, antimicrobial stewardship, infection control, food safety, and environmental monitoring; however, conventional approaches are limited by time constraints, reduced sensitivity, and challenges in detecting fastidious or uncultivable organisms. This review provides a comprehensive overview of classical and advanced methods, including microscopy, culture, biochemical testing, immunological and serological assays, proteomic and spectroscopy-based techniques, and molecular approaches, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), digital PCR, DNA hybridization, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, and metagenomics. The integration of artificial intelligence has further enhanced analytical performance. Nevertheless, harmonization of bioinformatics frameworks remains essential, as variability in algorithm-defined cut-off values limits standardized implementation of whole-genome sequencing in routine laboratories. Emerging technologies, including CRISPR-based diagnostics and phage- and nanomaterial-based detection systems, offer promising alternatives. Overall, the integration of these approaches is expected to improve the accuracy, speed, and applicability of bacterial identification across diverse settings; however, these advances should be implemented cautiously, with standardization remaining a key priority alongside technological modernization.