Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mutasim E. Ibrahim
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors for multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection among hospitalized patients in southern Saudi Arabia. The study found that 66.8% of patients were infected with multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae strains. Factors such as gender, age, intensive care unit admission, invasive medical devices, and chronic illness were significantly associated with the infection.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Babak Pakbin, Samaneh Allahyari, Zahra Amani, Wolfram Manuel Bruck, Razzagh Mahmoudi, Amir Peymani
Summary: The study investigated the incidence, antibiotic resistance pattern, and phylogroups of E. coli isolates obtained from different samples in Qazvin Province, Iran. The results showed that the E. coli isolates were highly resistant to several antibiotics, with most belonging to phylogroup A. Efforts to control multi-drug resistant foodborne pathogens are needed to ensure food safety.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Dariana Olivia Bratfelan, Alexandra Tabaran, Liora Colobatiu, Romolica Mihaiu, Marian Mihaiu
Summary: This study analyzed the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains isolated from chicken meat in Romania. The findings revealed high resistance rates to multiple antibiotics, including colistin. This study provides important data for understanding the antimicrobial resistance of E. coli strains from food sources in the country.
Letter
Immunology
Cong Shen, Lan-Lan Zhong, Zhijuan Zhong, Yohei Doi, Jianzhong Shen, Yang Wang, Furong Ma, Mohamed Abd El-Gawad El-Sayed Ahmed, Guili Zhang, Yong Xia, Cha Chen, Guo-Bao Tian
Summary: China banned the use of colistin in livestock fodders in response to the spread of the colistin resistance gene mcr-1. A time-series analysis of inpatient colonization data from 2011-2019 accurately revealed fluctuations in mcr-1 among inpatients in response to the ban.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Bach Tuan Kiet, Nguyen Thi Nhung, Nguyen Thi Phuong Yen, Doan Hoang Phu, Nguyen Thi Thuy Dung, Lam Kim Yen, Ho Thi Viet Thu, Juan J. Carrique-Mas
Summary: This study investigated the impact of freeze storage on phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria. The results showed a gradual reduction in bacterial counts and prevalence of AMR in freeze-stored samples. Therefore, freeze-stored samples are unreliable for studying phenotypic AMR.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gabhan Chalmers, Rebecca E. V. Anderson, Roger Murray, Edward Topp, Patrick Boerlin
Summary: The study reveals that P. mirabilis can harbor and transmit ESC resistance genes and plasmids, making it a potential reservoir of antimicrobial resistance.
Article
Microbiology
Huimin Liu, Lu Meng, Lei Dong, Yangdong Zhang, Jiaqi Wang, Nan Zheng
Summary: This study investigated E. coli strains isolated from raw milk of dairy cattle in Northern China, as well as their antibacterial susceptibility and essential virulence genes. The results showed that most E. coli strains were multidrug resistant and possessed multiple virulence genes, posing a potential hazard to public health, and antibiotic resistance was prevalent in dairy herds in Northern China.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Steven Dunn, Laura Carrilero, Michael Brockhurst, Alan McNally
Summary: The study found that different E. coli strains vary in their ability to acquire and maintain MDR plasmids, with highly strain-specific transcriptional responses observed following plasmid acquisition. However, the subtle transcriptional responses consistent across all strains suggest that fitness costs arising from transcriptional disruption are unlikely to act as a barrier to dissemination of this MDR plasmid in E. coli.
Article
Immunology
Patricia J. Simner, Heba H. Mostafa, Yehudit Bergman, Michael Ante, Tsigereda Tekle, Ayomikun Adebayo, Stephan Beisken, Kathryn Dzintars, Pranita D. Tamma
Summary: This study revealed the mechanisms by which New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolate developed relatively rapid resistance to cefiderocol through increased copy numbers of bla(NDM) genes. The findings highlight the importance of investigating increased bla(NDM-5) expression frequency in contributing to cefiderocol resistance.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jinling Shen, Shuai Zhi, Dehua Guo, Yuan Jiang, Xuebin Xu, Lina Zhao, Jingzhang Lv
Summary: This study reveals the presence of pathogenic STEC and EPEC strains in imported food in China, highlighting their potential to carry antibiotic resistance and virulence genes.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jie Wang, Xiaojie Zhu, Zijian Wang, Yingyu Chen, Ian D. Robertson, Aizhen Guo, Joshua W. Aleri
Summary: The prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella and ESBL-producing E. coli in healthy lactating dairy cows in Hubei Province, China was investigated in this study. Salmonella was found in 5.2% of sampled cows, with a herd prevalence of 20.0%. ESBL E. coli was detected in all farms, with an animal level prevalence of 59.1% and more than 104 CFU/g of feces. These findings provide valuable information for controlling Salmonella in Hubei Province.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Bradd J. Haley, Seon Woo Kim, Serajus Salaheen, Ernest Hovingh, Jo Ann S. Van Kessel
Summary: The gastrointestinal tracts of dairy calves and cows are reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Young calves harbor a greater abundance of resistant bacteria than older cows, but the factors driving this high abundance are unknown. This study aimed to characterize multidrug-resistant (MDR) and antimicrobial-susceptible Escherichia coli strains isolated from different stages of dairy cows and identify accessory genes associated with MDR to discover genetic targets for mitigating antimicrobial resistance on dairy farms.
Article
Immunology
Nadghia F. Leite-Sampaio, Cicera Natalia F. L. Gondim, Celestina E. Sobral de Souza, Henrique D. M. Coutinho
Summary: This study investigated the antibacterial and antimicrobial modulating activity of alpha-pinene and borneol against Escherichia coli and enteropathogenic and enterotoxigenic serotypes. The results showed that alpha-pinene and borneol exhibited low antimicrobial action against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli, but no antimicrobial activity was observed against enteropathogenic and enterotoxigenic serotypes. A synergistic action of borneol with ciprofloxacin against enterotoxigenic serotypes was noted.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Rose M. Collis, Patrick J. Biggs, Sara A. Burgess, Anne C. Midwinter, Gale Brightwell, Adrian L. Cookson
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and distribution of ESBL- and AmpC-producing E. coli on dairy farms in New Zealand. The results showed a low prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli but a higher prevalence of AmpC-producing E. coli in the farm environment. The presence of these resistant bacteria was primarily found in faeces and farm dairy effluent, with higher isolation rates in spring and summer. Plasmids carrying multiple antimicrobial resistance genes were also identified, highlighting the concern for animal and public health.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Michael Brilhante, Stefanie Gobeli Brawand, Andrea Endimiani, Helene Rohrbach, Sonja Kittl, Barbara Willi, Simone Schuller, Vincent Perreten
Summary: This study used whole-genome sequencing to analyze CPKp strains causing infections in hospitalized pets, finding them closely related to environmental strains. These findings confirmed nosocomial spread and highlighted veterinary hospitals as a potential source of CPKp, with potential spread to animals, the environment, and humans.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ana Jesus, Fernando Duraes, Nikoletta Szemeredi, Joana Freitas-Silva, Paulo Martins da Costa, Eugenia Pinto, Madalena Pinto, Gabriella Spengler, Emilia Sousa, Honorina Cidade
Summary: The growing number of infectious diseases around the world threatens the effectiveness of antibiotics and contributes to the global health problem of antibiotic resistance. Researchers have discovered a series of compounds with antimicrobial activity and potential to combat antibiotic resistance. Some of these compounds show promising activity against fungi and bacteria, without causing cytotoxicity.
Article
Oncology
Katia Pinello, Valeria Baldassarre, Katja Steiger, Orlando Paciello, Isabel Pires, Renee Laufer-Amorim, Anna Oevermann, Joao Niza-Ribeiro, Luca Aresu, Brian Rous, Ariana Znaor, Ian A. Cree, Franco Guscetti, Chiara Palmieri, Maria Lucia Zaidan Dagli
Summary: Researchers have developed a comparative coding system for canine neoplasms that is compatible with the human coding system, enabling the collection of consistent epidemiological canine cancer data and facilitating comparative oncology studies.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tiago Torres, Paulo Filipe, Francisco Menezes Brandao, Americo Figueiredo, Antonio Pinto Soares, Artur Sousa Basto, Clarisse Rebelo, Osvaldo Correia, Paulo Ferreira, Ana Brasileiro, Pedro Mendes-Bastos, Maria Joao Paiva-Lopes, Gabriela Marques Pinto, Milton Severo, Denisa Mendonca, Pedro Oliveira, Manuela Selores, Antonio Massa, Marta Pereira, Rui Tavares Bello
Summary: This study aimed to provide an epidemiological characterization of individuals with psoriasis in Portugal, indicating a high prevalence rate of psoriasis in the country and highlighting gaps in diagnosis and treatment. The results of this study are important for planning interventions to improve psoriasis care in Portugal.
ACTA MEDICA PORTUGUESA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iris Soares, Ines Rodrigues, Paulo Martins da Costa, Luis Gales
Summary: In recent decades, multidrug-resistant pathogens have become a significant global concern, and alternative antibacterial agents are being sought. This study focuses on the antibacterial activity of four dipeptide nanotubes, revealing diverse mechanisms through which they exert their effect against bacteria. Two dipeptides, FF and LS, are identified as pore forming structures that induce membrane permeation and affect cellular hydration and integrity, with FF also showing potential in inhibiting biofilm formation due to its amyloid-like nature and hydrophobicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Mariana C. Almeida, Paulo M. da Costa, Emilia Sousa, Diana I. S. P. Resende
Summary: With the increasing drug resistance, it is crucial to develop effective antimicrobial therapies. One promising approach is the conjugation of antibiotics with relevant molecules to enhance their activity through target-directed delivery. By hijacking microorganisms' iron transport systems, siderophore-antibiotic Trojan horses can carry antibiotics into cells. This Perspective examines the potential of these Trojan horses for infection treatment and the role of siderophores in diagnostic techniques. It also discusses other conjugated compounds, such as those involving vitamin B12, carbohydrates, amino acids, protein degradation, and beta-lactamase activated prodrugs.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rita Batista, Margarida Saraiva, Teresa Lopes, Leonor Silveira, Anabela Coelho, Rosalia Furtado, Rita Castro, Cristina Belo Correia, David Rodrigues, Pedro Henriques, Sara Loio, Vanessa Soeiro, Paulo Martins da Costa, Monica Oleastro, Angela Pista
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of three important foodborne pathogens in free-living birds and gull feces in Portugal. Pathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Campylobacter spp. were detected in the samples. These findings suggest that free-living birds in Portugal may act as carriers of foodborne pathogens linked to human disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ines C. Rodrigues, Nanci Santos-Ferreira, Daniela Silva, Carla Chiquelho da Silva, Angela S. Inacio, Maria Sao Jose Nascimento, Paulo Martins da Costa
Summary: As filter-feeding animals cultivated in water bodies, oysters have the potential to be both bioremediators and sources of foodborne illness. Monitoring the bacterial and viral load in various parts of oysters and their farming water is crucial for assessing microbiological risks. A one-year survey of oysters from a production area in Portugal found that while bacteria like Salmonella spp. were absent in oyster flesh samples, norovirus was repeatedly detected in the oysters' digestive glands. This study highlights the need for proper risk assessment and monitoring in oyster farming.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Fatima P. Machado, Ines C. Rodrigues, Aikaterini Georgopolou, Luis Gales, Jose A. Pereira, Paulo M. Costa, Sharad Mistry, Salar Hafez Ghoran, Artur M. S. Silva, Tida Dethoup, Emilia Sousa, Anake Kijjoa
Summary: An undescribed hybrid phenalenone dimer, an unreported azaphilone, an unreported phthalide dimer, and an undescribed dihydroxy-ergosta-4,6,8(14)-tetraen-3-one were isolated from a marine sponge-derived fungus. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by various spectral analysis methods. Two of the isolated compounds showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus, as well as inhibited biofilm formation.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Irene Marques, Raquel Lopes Ramos, Denisa Mendonca, Laetitia Teixeira
Summary: This study aimed to identify predictive factors of one-year mortality in hospitalized heart failure patients. The study found that factors associated with higher one-year mortality risk included age >80 years, active cancer, dementia, functional dependency, atrial fibrillation, higher creatinine, urea and red cell distribution width, as well as lower hematocrit, hemoglobin and platelet distribution width. Independent predictors of higher one-year mortality risk were age >80 years, active cancer, dementia, higher urea and red cell distribution width, and lower platelet distribution width.
REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE CARDIOLOGIA
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mariana C. Almeida, Nikoletta Szemeredi, Fernando Duraes, Solida Long, Diana I. S. P. Resende, Paulo Martins da Costa, Madalena Pinto, Gabriella Spengler, Emilia Sousa
Summary: Drug resistance is becoming a major global health threat, with overexpression of efflux pumps and formation of biofilms being common mechanisms. Therefore, it is crucial to develop antimicrobial agents that can counteract resistance. Pyrazino[2,1-b]quinazoline-3,6-diones have recently been discovered to have relevant antimicrobial properties.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ines C. Rodrigues, Marisa Ribeiro-Almeida, Jorge Ribeiro, Leonor Silveira, Joana C. Prata, Angela Pista, Paulo Martins da Costa
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of treatment with amikacin on an extended spectrum fi-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a dog with rhinorrhea. The results showed that after treatment, K. pneumoniae was no longer detected in nasal swab samples, while methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) displayed phenotypical and genotypical changes. This highlights the effects of antibiotic pressure and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Irene Marques, Denisa Mendonca, Laetitia Teixeira
Summary: This study aimed to identify independent factors that predict the risk of rehospitalization and death after discharge for acute heart failure in a real-world setting, while considering death without rehospitalization as a competing event. The study enrolled 394 patients and used Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models to evaluate overall survival. The results showed that patients with atrial fibrillation, renal dysfunction, or taking beta-blockers were more likely to be rehospitalized, while older men with dementia or high red cell distribution width were more prone to die without hospital readmission.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Maria-Leonor Lemos, Joana C. Prata, Ines C. Rodrigues, Sofia Martins-Costa, Bernardo Archer, Jorge Machado, Rui Dilao, Paulo Vaz-Pires, Paulo Martins da Costa
Summary: This study focuses on improving the shelf-life and safety of fresh salmon, which is often consumed raw. Good hygiene practices and vacuum packaging extended the shelf-life up to 20 days. The presence of Carnobacterium maltaromaticum inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, which is responsible for foodborne illness. Seasonings, such as oregano oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt, showed inhibitory effects on spoilage bacteria and L. monocytogenes. The development of a salmon medium showed a good correlation with bacterial growth in a standard commercial culture medium.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Pereira, Fernando Duraes, Nikoletta Szemeredi, Joana Freitas-da-Silva, Eugenia Pinto, Paulo Martins-da-Costa, Madalena Pinto, Marta Correia-da-Silva, Gabriella Spengler, Emilia Sousa, Honorina Cidade
Summary: Resistance to antibiotics is a global issue that results in increased morbidity and mortality rates. Flavonoid derivatives have shown potential in overcoming bacterial resistance and enhancing the activity of antibiotics. Some compounds also demonstrated inhibitory effects on biofilm formation in certain bacteria.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Katia Pinello, Isabel Pires, Ana Filipa Castro, Paulo Tiago Carvalho, Andreia Santos, Augusto de Matos, Felisbina Queiroga, Joao Niza-Ribeiro
Summary: Vet-OncoNet is a replicable database for animal cancer research, collecting data and generating evidence-based knowledge. It utilizes business intelligence tools to optimize data capture and reporting through three interfaces based on pathology, clinical practice, and owner information. Initial results highlight the most affected systems in dogs and cats, as well as the most frequent histologic types of tumors.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2022)