Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is used for the characterization of six yeast species and six isolates. The sample for SERS analysis is prepared by mixing the yeast cells with a four times concentrated silver colloidal suspension. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the strength of the interaction between silver nanoparticles and the yeast cells depends on the biochemical structure of the cell wall. The SERS spectra are used to identify the biochemical structures on the yeast cell wall. It is found that the density of -SH and -NH2 groups might be higher on certain yeast cell walls. Finally, the obtained SERS spectra from yeast is used for the classification of the yeast.

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Many studies have been performed to determine the interaction between bacterial species and cancer. However, there has been no attempts to demonstrate a possible relationship between Enterobacter spp. and colon cancer so far. Therefore, in the present study, it is aimed to investigate the effects of Enterobacter strains on colon cancer. Bacterial proteins were isolated from 11 Enterobacter spp., one Morganella morganii, and one Escherichia coli strains, and applied onto NCM460 (Incell) and CRL1790 (ATCC) cell lines. Cell viability and proliferation were determined in MTS assay. Flow Cytometry was used to detect CD24 level and apoptosis. Real-Time PCR studies were performed to determine NFKB and Bcl2 expression. Graphpad Software was used for statistical analysis. The results showed that proteins, isolated from the Enterobacter spp., have significantly increased cell viability and proliferation, while decreasing the apoptosis of the cell lines tested. The data in the present study indicated that Enterobacter strains might promote colon cancer. Moreover, Enterobacter spp. could be a clinically important factor for colon cancer initiation and progression. Studies can be extended on animal models in order to develop new strategies for treatment.

Mono-Mannich bases, 1-aryl-3-phenethylamino-1-propanone hydrochlorides, 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a, and semi-cyclic mono-Mannich bases, 3-aroyl-4-aryl-1-phenethyl-4-piperidinols, 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, were synthesized by a non-classical Mannich reaction. The aryl part was: C(6)H(5 )for 1a, 1b; 4-CH(3)C(6)H(4) for 2a, 2b; 4-CH(3)OC(6)H(4 )for 3a, 3b; 4-ClC(6)H(4 )for 4a, 4b; 4-FC(6)H(4) for 5a, 5b; 4-BrC(6)H(4) for 6a, 6b; 2,4-(Cl)(2)C(6)H(3) for 7a, 7b; 4-NO(2)C(6)H(4 )for 8a, 8b; and C(4)H(3)S(2-yl) i. e., 2-thienyl for 9a, 9b. Piperidinol compounds 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 7b, 8b, and 9b are reported here for the first time. The synthesized compounds were tested against seven types of plant pathogenic fungi and three types of human pathogenic fungi using the agar dilution assay. Itraconazole was tested against Candida parapsilosis as the reference compound, while Nystatin was tested as the reference compound against the other fungi. Compounds 1a, 1b, 2a, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a, and 9b can be selected as model compounds to develop new antifungal agents against the human pathogen Microsporum canis. Compounds 8a and 8b, which had a similar antifungal activity compared with the reference compound Nystatin against the plant pathogen Aspergillus flavus, can serve as model compounds to develop new antifungal agents to solve agricultural problems.

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