Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Toth, Szabolcs Muzsai, Krzysztof Regulski, Timea Szendi-Szatmari, Zsolt Czimmerer, Eva Rajnavolgyi, Marie-Pierre Chapot-Chartier, Attila Bacsi
Summary: The human gut symbiont Lacticaseibacillus (L.) casei has a wide range of immunomodulatory effects on the human host. This study demonstrates that human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) can engulf L. casei BL23, and the intact bacterial cell wall and morphology play a key role in this process. The absence of the bacterial cell-wall-degrading enzyme Lc-p75 leads to defective internalization and impaired cytokine secretion by moDCs, resulting in reduced T-cell activation capacity. Formation of short bacterial chains helps to exert the potent immunomodulatory properties of L. casei BL23.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maurice B. Hallett
Summary: Phagocytosis is a highly polarised cellular activity where the stimulus and response are focused at one specific part of the cell. The mechanisms for restricting signalling and achieving effective phagocytosis are still not fully understood.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Xianfeng Hui, Zhongmin Xu, Lei Cao, Liang Liu, Xian Lin, Yong Yang, Xiaomei Sun, Qiang Zhang, Meilin Jin
Summary: The protein HP0487 of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 was found to play a significant role in adhesion and anti-phagocytosis to neutrophils, influencing the pathogenicity and virulence of SS2.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Qiankun Bai, Ruhui Fan, Ningyuan Zhong, Jianan Liu, Xinming Pan, Huochun Yao, Jiale Ma
Summary: This study explores the role of Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) during Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) infection and verifies its potential as a new and effective biological agent. The results showed that PTX3 facilitates phagocytosis, inflammatory cell recruitment, and cytokine IL-6 release, contributing to bacterial clearance during SS2 infection. The presence of capsular polysaccharide of SS2 (CPS2) is required for PTX3 to trigger the inflammatory response, suggesting PTX3 as a potential biological agent for prevention and treatment of SS2-related streptococcosis.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sudhanshu Shekhar, Heidi A. Amdal, Fernanda Cristina Petersen
Summary: Mucosal immunization with S. mitis serotype 5 protects mice against S. pneumoniae serotype 5 infection and induces Th17 and predominant serotype-specific IgG/IgA antibody responses against pneumococcal infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Yinchu Zhu, Wenyang Dong, Jiale Ma, Yue Zhang, Xiaojun Zhong, Zihao Pan, Guangjin Liu, Zongfu Wu, Huochun Yao
Summary: The study revealed the relatedness between different subpopulations of S. suis serotypes (SS2, SS3, SS7) and capsule switching in CC28 and CC29. Clade 2 SS2 strains showed high genetic similarity with SS3 and SS7, sharing common competence and defensive elements.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Terry Brissac, Eriel Martinez, Katherine L. Kruckow, Ashleigh N. Riegler, Feroze Ganaie, Hansol Im, Sayan Bakshi, Nicole M. Arroyo-Diaz, Brady L. Spencer, Jamil S. Saad, Moon H. Nahm, Carlos J. Orihuela
Summary: The polysaccharide capsule of Streptococcus pneumoniae plays a crucial role as an intracellular antioxidant within vascular endothelial cells, with different serotypes showing varying resistance to H2O2-mediated killing. This impacts the efficiency of bacterial translocation and the potential for invasive disease. Capsule-mediated protection against intracellular killing is observed in multiple bacterial species, and the differences in antioxidant capabilities between serotypes explain the varying virulence of Spn strains.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Servane Payen, Jesus Aranda Rrodriguez, Mariela Segura, Marcelo Gottschalk
Summary: Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is a significant pathogen in swine, causing economic losses to the industry. The role of the Lmb protein in its pathogenesis was examined and found to have no effect on laminin-binding activity or bacterial adhesion and invasion. However, it was shown to activate cytokines in vitro and play a critical role in zinc acquisition from the host environment.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Qibing Gu, Peijuan He, Dan Wang, Jiale Ma, Xiaojun Zhong, Yinchu Zhu, Yue Zhang, Qiankun Bai, Zihao Pan, Huochun Yao
Summary: The Xress-MNTss TA system was discovered in Streptococcus suis, playing a crucial role in antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity. The Xress deletion mutant showed lower pathogenicity in mice but had a stronger capacity for biofilm formation compared to the wild-type strain. These findings suggest that the Xress-MNTss TA system is important in S. suis.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Mari Tohya, Shinichi Dozaki, Kasumi Ishida-Kuroki, Takayasu Watanabe, Tsutomu Sekizaki
Summary: The capsule of Streptococcus suis is an important virulence factor, but both cap-positive and cap-negative isolates are found in porcine endocarditis. Cap-positive and cap-negative isolates from the same pig are phylogenetically closest, with some cap-negative isolates showing different mutations in cps genes.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Chijun Zhao, Xinglin Jia, Yanying Pan, Simeng Liao, Shuo Zhang, Chunxiao Ji, Guangwei Kuang, Xin Wu, Quan Liu, Yulong Tang, Lihua Fang
Summary: This study demonstrates the important role of TrxA in the pathogenesis of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2). It contributes to the growth, stress adaptation, and survival of the pathogen in host cells. This research is of great significance for understanding the pathogenic mechanism of SS2.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Liu Hanze, Ye Chaofeng, Fu Hao, Yue Min, Li Xiaoliang, Fang Weihuan
Summary: The eukaryotic-like serine/threonine protein kinase (eSTK) and phosphatase (eSTP) in Streptococcus suis serotype 2 play important roles in bacterial cell division and translocation of virulence factors, thereby affecting interactions with host cells.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Zijing Wang, Xiao Liu, Zhaoxin Shi, Rihong Zhao, Yalu Ji, Fang Tang, Yuan Guan, Xin Feng, Changjiang Sun, Liancheng Lei, Wenyu Han, Xiang-Dang Du, Jingmin Gu
Summary: A novel lysin, Ply1228, derived from the prophage of Streptococcus suis type 12, was found to have specific lytic activity against various S. suis strains and demonstrated therapeutic potential in a mouse model of S. suis bacteremia.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Supeng Yin, Mengmeng Yuan, Sirui Zhang, Hongdan Chen, Jing Zhou, Tongyu He, Gang Li, Yanlan Yu, Fan Zhang, Ming Li, Yan Zhao
Summary: This study reveals that SspA-1 from the highly virulent Streptococcus suis 2 strain induces excessive inflammatory response through TLR2 endosomal and type I IFN signaling, uncovering a novel role of type I IFN in S. suis infection.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Antje-Maria Lapschies, Etienne Aubry, Thomas P. Kohler, Oliver Goldmann, Sven Hammerschmidt, Andreas Nerlich, Inga Eichhorn, Kira van Vorst, Marcus Fulde
Summary: This study reports on two distinct types of SCM protein. SCM-1 protein has been found to interact with its ligands and confer antiphagocytic capability. In contrast, the function of SCM-2 remained unclear. Through experiments, we discovered that SCM-2 is able to bind fibrinogen, suggesting its potential contribution to the pathogenesis of S. canis in the host.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Madelon Dijkstra, Sanne Nieuwenhuizen, Robbert S. Puijk, Bart Geboers, Florentine E. F. Timmer, Evelien A. C. Schouten, Hester J. Scheffer, Jan J. J. de Vries, Johannes C. F. Ket, Kathelijn S. Versteeg, Martijn R. Meijerink, M. Petrousjka van den Tol
Summary: The potential additive value of neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to repeat local treatment for recurrent colorectal liver metastases remains unclear, with conflicting results from limited studies. Recommendations for routine use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy are not supported by the inconclusive findings of this meta-analysis, highlighting the need for further investigation in future randomized controlled trials.
Article
Microbiology
Maria Laura Ferrando, Alex Gussak, Saskia Mentink, Marcela Fernandez Gutierrez, Peter van Baarlen, Jerry Mark Wells
Summary: This study demonstrates that virulent strains of Streptococcus suis become competent for genetic transformation when cultured in active porcine and human serum, but not in active fetal bovine serum. Late competence genes are upregulated in active porcine serum, independent of early competence regulatory switches and sigma factors.
Article
Microbiology
Germano Orru, Alessandra Scano, Sara Fais, Miriam Loddo, Mauro Giovanni Carta, Giorgio Carlo Steri, Simonetta Santus, Riccardo Cappai, Maria Laura Ferrando, Ferdinando Coghe
Summary: The article describes the first molecular test developed in the early stages of the pandemic for diagnosing COVID-19 in Sardinian patients, showing high specificity and sensitivity.
Article
Thermodynamics
Cees W. M. van der Geld, Ruben T. van Gaalen, Hester J. Scheffer, Jantien A. Vogel, Willemien van den Bos, Martijn R. Meijerink, Marc G. H. Besselink, Rudolf M. Verdaasdonk, Martin J. C. van Gemert
Summary: In this study, it is demonstrated that a metal stent is not notably heated up by IRE pulses under typical clinical conditions. By applying Maxwell's equations and simplifying the electric field generated by two needles in tissue, the heat generation and transport in IRE procedures can be accurately modeled. This explanation contributes to the observed low temperature rim of viable tissue around the stent in tissue model experiments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Martijn R. Meijerink, Alette H. Ruarus, Laurien G. P. H. Vroomen, Robbert S. Puijk, Bart Geboers, Sanne Nieuwenhuizen, Bente A. T. van den Bemd, Karin Nielsen, Jan J. J. de Vries, Krijn P. van Lienden, Birgit Lissenberg-Witte, M. Petrousjka van den Tol, Hester J. Scheffer
Summary: Irreversible electroporation is an effective and relatively safe treatment for colorectal liver metastases measuring 5.0 cm or smaller, especially when unsuitable for surgical resection or thermal ablation. The study showed a 1-year LTP-free survival rate of 68% post-IRE, with good local control and a median overall survival of 2.7 years.
Review
Oncology
Florentine E. F. Timmer, Bart Geboers, Sanne Nieuwenhuizen, Evelien A. C. Schouten, Madelon Dijkstra, Jan J. J. de Vries, M. Petrousjka van den Tol, Martijn R. Meijerink, Hester J. Scheffer
Summary: Metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) has a poor prognosis, but in selected patients, locoregional therapy may improve survival. Radical-intent local therapy for primary and metastatic sites showed superior survival compared to chemotherapy, but further research and randomized controlled trials are needed for definitive recommendations.
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
M. Vermeulen, J. W. H. Kruimer, W. R. R. Farid, M. W. Dercksen, J. Buijsen, M. R. Meijerink, W. K. G. Leclercq
CARDIOVASCULAR AND INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Florentine E. F. Timmer, Bart Geboers, Sanne Nieuwenhuizen, Madelon Dijkstra, Evelien A. C. Schouten, Robbert S. Puijk, Jan J. J. de Vries, M. Petrousjka van den Tol, Anna M. E. Bruynzeel, Mirte M. Streppel, Johanna W. Wilmink, Hans J. van Der Vliet, Martijn R. Meijerink, Hester J. Scheffer, Tanja D. de Gruijl
Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. While immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of other advanced cancers, its effectiveness in PDAC is limited due to the immunosuppressive and hard-to-reach tumor microenvironment. However, various immunotherapies have shown potential in initiating immune responses, suggesting an immune potentiating effect. Successful PDAC treatment may rely on the synergistic effects of combination immunotherapies.
Article
Oncology
Bart Geboers, Florentine E. F. Timmer, Alette H. Ruarus, Johanna E. E. Pouw, Evelien A. C. Schouten, Joyce Bakker, Robbert S. Puijk, Sanne Nieuwenhuizen, Madelon Dijkstra, M. Petrousjka van den Tol, Jan J. J. de Vries, Daniela E. Oprea-Lager, C. Menke-van der Houven van Oordt, Hans J. van der Vliet, Johanna W. Wilmink, Hester J. Scheffer, Tanja D. de Gruijl, Martijn R. Meijerink
Summary: IRE is a novel technique that induces cell death through high-voltage electrical pulses applied around the tumor, which may reduce immune suppression and promote expansion of tumor-specific T cells. Combining IRE with immunotherapeutic drugs has the potential to generate a durable antitumor response.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Madelon Dijkstra, Sanne Nieuwenhuizen, Robbert S. Puijk, Florentine E. F. Timmer, Bart Geboers, Evelien A. C. Schouten, Jip Opperman, Hester J. Scheffer, Jan J. J. de Vries, Kathelijn S. Versteeg, Birgit Lissenberg-Witte, M. Petrousjka van den Tol, Martijn R. Meijerink
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of primary tumor sidedness of CRC, RAS and BRAF mutations, and MSI status on complications, survival outcomes, and local tumor progression following surgery and thermal ablation in patients with CRLM. The findings suggest the importance of wider margins for reducing LTP rates in patients with RAS mutated CRLM, particularly for thermal ablation, and highlight the potential contribution of upfront knowledge of molecular biomarkers to improve oncological outcomes.
Article
Oncology
Madelon Dijkstra, Sanne Nieuwenhuizen, Robbert S. Puijk, Florentine E. F. Timmer, Bart Geboers, Evelien A. C. Schouten, Jip Opperman, Hester J. Scheffer, Jan J. J. de Vries, Kathelijn S. Versteeg, Birgit Lissenberg-Witte, Martijn R. Meijerink, Monique Petrousjka van den Tol
Summary: This study found that adding neoadjuvant chemotherapy before repeat local treatment for colorectal liver metastases did not improve survival rates, recurrence rates, or impact complications and hospital stay duration. The results do not support routine use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy before repeat local treatment.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eleonora Casula, Maria Paola Contu, Cristina Demontis, Ferdinando Coghe, Giorgio Carlo Steri, Alessandra Scano, Maria Laura Ferrando, Germano Orru
Summary: This study investigated tooth lesions and the microbial profile of periodontal bacteria in dental calculus in a pre-industrial rural community. The research found that historical females had a higher incidence of caries, periodontal pathogens, and bacterial load than historical males; and modern individuals showed a notable increase in Red complex bacteria associated with periodontitis and other chronic diseases compared to historical individuals.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Alex Gussak, Maria Laura Ferrando, Mels Schrama, Peter van Baarlen, Jerry Mark Wells
Summary: This study developed a CRISPR-based genome editing system for the important zoonotic pathogen Streptococcussuis, allowing for faster mutant construction and simplification of antibiotic marker removal between successive rounds of genome editing.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Lemonitsa H. Mammatas, Maqsood Yaqub, N. Harry Hendrikse, Otto S. Hoekstra, Richard J. Honeywell, Robert C. Schuit, Martijn Meijerink, Lothar A. Schwarte, Godefridus J. Peters, Henk M. W. Verheul, Adriaan A. Lammertsma, C. Willemien Menke-van der Houven van Oordt
Summary: Sorafenib has shown clinical benefit in some patients, but its potential toxicity affects all patients. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of C-11-sorafenib and O-15-H2O PET in treatment efficacy. However, while C-11-sorafenib PET did not predict intratumoral sorafenib concentrations, a decrease in tumor perfusion after therapy showed an association with clinical benefit, suggesting further investigation is needed.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Maria Laura Ferrando, Ferdinando Coghe, Alessandra Scano, Mauro Giovanni Carta, Germano Orru
Summary: Viral respiratory infections often lead to bacterial co-infections, increasing disease severity and mortality, particularly during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major lethal bacterial pathogen, but difficult to detect in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Rapid and sensitive diagnostic methods can aid targeted therapy.
BIOINTERFACE RESEARCH IN APPLIED CHEMISTRY
(2021)
