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    Cranberry, a potential alternative treatment for urinary tract infections
    (Macedonian Association of Anatomists, 2023)
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    Radomir Jovchevski
    Vaccinium macrocarpon is perennial plant traditionally used as an herbal medicine in treatment and prevention of UTIs. Although the mechanisms of action are not jet fully understood it is presumed that they involve interferation with bacterial adhesion and changes in bacterial morphology mainly attributed to the plants proanthocyanidins. C ranberry extracts (CE) standardized for different concentrations of proanthocyanidinnes (PACs), CE in combination with antibiotics (norfloxacin and vancomy cin) and antibiotics alone (only antibiotics) were investigated for their effect on different strains of uropathogenic E.coli, S. saprophyticus and E. faecalis . As a source of CE we used commercial herbal supplements containing only Vaccinium macrocarpon extract (37.5 mg PACs) or CE in combination with D - manoza (25, 3 mg PACs). We used bacterial strains isolated from out patients with UTI s reffered for routine urine examination at the Institute of microbiology and parasitology. Sensitivity of the pathogen s to CE (as monoagent or combined in herbal mix) was evaluated with disc diffusion method. Our results showed stronger effect of CE on the growth of E.coli compared to G ram - positive strain s . S. saprophyticus strains were more susceptible to the extract/herbal mixes compared to the enterococci which predominantly presented as recalcitrant to the inhibitory activity of cranberry/herbal mixes. The sample size of this study was small to draw definite conclusions but our results illuminate avenues for future re search of the potential of cranberry as an alternative treatment in patients with UTIs.
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    Effect of synbiotic soymilk on intestinal microbiota and lipid profile in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats
    (SHMSHM/AAMD, 2015)
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    Mladenovska K
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    Petreska Ivanovska T
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    The aim of the study was to examine the influence of a new synbiotic fermented soymilk on microbiota and lipid profile in rats. In addition body weight, and stool consistency were also investigated. Мaterial and methods: Soy milk fortified with prebiotic (Synergy1) was fermented with probiotic L casei-01. The viable L casei-01 counts in fermented end product were 11.49±0.13 log10 cfu mL-1. 1 ml of synbiotic fermented soymilk was administered daily to six months old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR’s). After 4 weeks treatment, jejunal, illeal, colon and fecal samples were analyzed for Lactobacillus spp, E coli, Enterococcus spp and Staphylococcus spp viable counts. Cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL concentrations in blood samples were determined. Results: The significantly higher viable Lactobacillus spp counts followed with significantly decreased E coli and Enterococcus spp counts in all samples were observed in treated vs. control group. Staphylococcus spp counts were significantly decreased in colon samples. The difference in lipide profile was insignificant. In conclusion, synbiotic fermented soymilk significantly improved the composition of the intestinal microbiota in rats. The lipid profile of healthy adult spontaneously hypertensive rats was not altered.
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    Synbiotic loaded chitosan-Ca-alginate microparticles reduces inflammation in the TNBS model of rat colitis
    (2017)
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    Kristina Mladenovska
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    Zoran Zhivikj
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    Ivica Gjurovski
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    Antimicrobial resistance in Gram-positive bacteria isolated from blood culture
    (Macedonian Association of Anatomists and Morphologists, 2024-10)
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    Blood cultures are essential in diagnosing the existence of bacteria in the blood and they continue to be the gold standard for the diagnosis of septicemia. From Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. are the most common bacteria causing sepsis and septic shock. They are the leading causes of hospital-acquired infections globally. Aim of the paper was to identify Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. from hemoculture and to determine their susceptibility to antibiotics. Blood samples from hospitalized patients admitted for routine laboratory testing at the Institute of Microbiology from January 2023 to December 2023 were included in the study. Blood cultures bottles were incubated in automated Bact/Alert system. Isolated colonies were identified using automated VITEK 2 Compact system. MSSA and MRSA were isolated in 48.2% and 51.8% respectively. All isolates 100% were resistant to penicillin. Intermediate sensitivity to levofloxacin 92%, 60% and ciprofloxacin 96%, 64% was observed in MSSA and MRSA strains. Resistance to gentamicin of 63% was seen in MSSA isolates. Non-VRE and VRE were isolated in 67% and 33% respectively. Non-VRE strains had higher resistance towards gentamicin 77%, streptomycin 66%. VRE strains were resistant to gentamicin 93%, ampicillin 85%. Our findings give analysis of Gram-positive bacteria isolated from hemoculture and their resistance pattern. The findings give clinicians an insight for the right treatment option.
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    Synbiotic loaded chitosan-Ca-alginate microparticles reduces inflammation in the TNBS model of rat colitis
    (Elsevier, 2017)
    Tanja Petreska Ivanovska
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    Zoran Zhivikj,
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    Ivica Gjurovski
    New therapeutic strategies against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) consider the usage of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics as beneficial for the intestinal microbial balance. Limitations of such an approach are addressed into difference in survival, persistence, colonization and variable effects among different probiotic strains, lack in understanding of probiotic mechanisms of action, as well the complex etiology of IBD. The anti-inflammatory activity of Lactobacillus casei 01 (L. casei 01) was assessed in trinitrobenzenesulphonic (TNBS) acid model of rat colitis when the probiotic was used alone and/or in combination with oligofructose-enriched inulin (Synergy 1), and as synbiotic (L. casei 01 + Synergy 1) loaded chitosan-Ca-alginate microparticles; all suspended in ayran. The results from the probiotic/ synbiotic treatments (8.5–8.9 log CFU g 1 L. casei 01 and 1.5% Synergy 1) have shown reduction in the colonic damage and increased lactobacilli counts in feces. Lactobacilli translocation to sterile extra- intestinal organs demonstrated acceptable safety of the probiotic strain used. The best effect at reducing inflammation and lesions associated with a significant decline in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was observed in rats that received synbiotic microparticles. This finding suggests colon targeted delivery of the probiotics/synbiotics, as an advantageous approach in prevention and treatment of IBD.
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    Seminal Fluid Microbiota and Male Infertility: An Emerging Frontier
    (Macedonian Association of Anatomists and Morphologists, 2024-10)
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    Infertility is a multifaceted issue affecting millions globally, with male factors contributing to approximately 50% of cases. Traditionally, male infertility has been linked to genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. However, emerging research highlights that disruptions or imbalances of the microbiota residing in the male reproductive tract, including the prostate, seminal vesicles, and urethra have significant implications for male reproductive health. Male urogenital system, particularly the urethra is home to a wide variety of microorganisms with rather high quantity. The composition of male genital microbiome can vary significantly between individuals and while the core microbiome is consised of a few dominant species a high variability is noted in minor species. It is predominantly composed of bacteria, with species from the genera Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Propionibacterium being commonly found. Differentiating between pathogenic bacteria and the usual resident microflora is a difficulty in clinical practice, especially when it comes to male infertility. Furthermore, even though it is often benign, an imbalance in the commensal microbiota might encourage inflammation or foster an atmosphere that is favorable for pathogenic infections. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend and maintain this equilibrium in order to create successful plans for the treatment and prevention of infertility. Traditional diagnostic approaches on male infertility focus on hormonal levels, sperm analysis, sperm culture and genetic factors, but unlike conventional culture methods which might find it difficult to distinguish between pathogenic and benign microorganisms because of genotypic and phenotypic overlaps and low pathogen presentation, developments in molecular methods for microbiota analysis, offer the possibility of more precise diagnosis and treatment of urogenital infections and imbalances. Modulating the genital microbiome could offer new treatment strategies for male infertility and related conditions.
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    Protective Effects of At1-Receptor Blocker and Ca Antagonist Combination on Renal Function in Salt Loaded Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats/ Протективни Ефекти На Комбинацијата На Ат1 Рецепторен Блокатор И Калциум Антагонист Врз Реналната Функција Кај Спонтано Хипертензивни Стаорци Оптоварени Со Сол
    (Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts/Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2015-05-01)
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    Salt sensitive hypertension is known to be a contributing factor for the progression of kidney disease. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of excessive dietary salt on renal function and to evaluate the effect of valsartan and amlodipin given as a combination therapy on blood pressure and parameters specific to the renal function in salt loaded SHR rats. 48 male SHR rats at age of 20 weeks and body weight ranging between 270-350 g were used. SHR rats were divided into 3 groups: control group of rats -SHRC (n = 16) given tab water ad libitum and two salt treated groups in which tab water was replaced with a solution of NaCl (1%) from age of 8 weeks given ad libitum: SHRVAL+AMLO group (n = 16) where investigated drugs were administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg/ b.w. (valsartan) and 5 mg/kg/ b.w. (amlodipin) by gavage and SHR NaCl group (n = 16) that received saline in the same volume and the same time intervals as the SHRVAL+AMLO group. For a period of 12 weeks we have investigated the effect of the VAL+AMLO drug combination on systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight and renal function tests. Salt loading with 1% solution in the SHR NaCl group has lead to significant increase of blood pressure, proteinuria and decrease in creatinine clearance. Combined treatment with АТ1-receptor blocker and calcium antagonist has managed to control blood pressure and ameliorated renal damage.</jats:p>
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    Cutaneus Myiasis: report of nosocomial case
    (2019-11-23)
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    Gordana Mircevska
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    Valentina Slavevska-Stamenkovic
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    Clinical characteristics and management of neurocysticercosis patients: a retrospective assessment of case reports from Europe
    (Oxford University Press (OUP), 2022-10-12)
    Stelzle, Dominik
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    Abraham, Annette
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    Kaminski, Miriam
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    Schmidt, Veronika
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    De Meijere, Robert
    Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium. NCC mainly occurs in Africa, Latin America and South-East Asia and can cause a variety of clinical signs/symptoms. Although it is a rare disease in Europe, it should nonetheless be considered as a differential diagnosis. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics and management of patients with NCC diagnosed and treated in Europe.