Neutrophil function. The neutrophil response to infection in vivo is initiated by adherence of the neutrophils to vascular endothelia, progresses to the directed migration of the neutrophils into the extravascular tissue space, and culminates in neutrophil-mediated phagocytosis and intracellular killing of the invading microorganisms. An assay for the in vitro study of phagocytic capacity is pr...

A rapid, reproducible, mini-volume assay capable of detecting staphylococcal plasmid DNA in the range of 0.8 to 32 megadaltons has been developed. The assay employs lysostaphin-mediated lysis of cells followed by a short, low-speed centrifugation and does not require treatment with ribonuclease or protease or deproteinization with phenol. A period of only 24 h may be required to detect the pres...

The therapeutic efficacy of two novel short antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory peptides (RR and RRIKA) was evaluated in a mouse model of staphylococcal skin infection. RR (2%) and RRIKA (2%) significantly reduced the bacterial counts and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6, in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA 300-0114 sk...

Hybrid waterborne polyurethane/polydopamine (WPU/PDA) matrix, showing the adhesive properties of PDA in its entirety, was utilized for immobilization lysostaphin (Lys), an important anti-staphylococcal agent, to obtain highly effective antibacterial and antibiofilm surface coatings. WPU/PDA matrix prepared by encapsulation WPU particles with aqueous dispersion applied as coatings on substrates,...