Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fatema Calcuttawala, Rahul Shaw, Arpita Sarbajna, Moumita Dutta, Saptarshi Sinha, Sujoy K. Das Gupta
Summary: The study found that infection by mycobacteriophages causes mycobacteria to undergo apoptotic cell death. Researchers observed the details of the infection process and the morphological and molecular changes associated with cell death using immunofluorescence and electron microscopy techniques.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fatema Calcuttawala, Rahul Shaw, Arpita Sarbajna, Moumita Dutta, Saptarshi Sinha, Sujoy K. Das Gupta
Summary: This study investigated the mechanism of mycobacteriophage infection in Mycobacterium smegmatis cells, revealing that high VapC may play a role in inducing apoptotic cell death in mycobacteria. The research demonstrated morphological and molecular changes indicative of apoptotic cell death caused by D29 infection.
Article
Microbiology
Amit Kumar Singh, Rutuja Gangakhedkar, Hemant Singh Thakur, Sunil Kumar Raman, Shripad A. Patil, Vikas Jain
Summary: To combat drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, alternative therapeutics are essential. Mycobacteriophages are efficient therapeutics due to their ability to infect and kill mycobacteria, including M. tuberculosis. In this study, we exploited the mycolyl-arabinogalactan esterase property of LysB encoded from mycobacteriophage D29. This research is novel as it targets multi-drug-resistant pathogenic strains of M. tuberculosis with LysB and examines the combination of anti-TB drugs and LysB. By externally administering LysB, its remarkable lytic activity overcomes the difficulty of entering the complex cell envelope of mycobacteria. Targeting intracellular M. tuberculosis with LysB and its non-toxicity to macrophages advance the development of LysB as a drug, and interaction studies with rifampicin and isoniazid help form a new treatment regimen against tuberculosis.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ruibai Wang, Xiuqin Zhao, Kanglin Wan
Summary: This study found that cycloserine continuously degrades in culture medium, affecting the minimum inhibitory concentration of Mycobacterium strains. By adjusting the degradation ratio and test time, more accurate results can be obtained to guide clinicians in antituberculosis treatment.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Svetlana G. Frolova, Ksenia M. Klimina, Ravinder Kumar, Aleksey A. Vatlin, Deepak B. Salunke, Pravin Kendrekar, Valery N. Danilenko, Dmitry A. Maslov
Summary: Tryptanthrin, a natural alkaloid, shows great therapeutic potential and resistance provided by the MmpS5-MmpL5 efflux system. Spontaneous tryptanthrin-resistant mutants of M. smegmatis exhibit mutations in genes such as MSMEG_1963 and MSMEG_5597, shedding light on the mechanisms of resistance to tryptanthrins.
Article
Microbiology
Jason D. Limberis, Alina Nalyvayko, Joel D. Ernst, John Z. Metcalfe
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance poses a global health threat, with drug resistant tuberculosis being a major cause of related fatalities. The current phenotypic growth-based testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug susceptibility has long turnaround time and requires high containment biological laboratories, resulting in months of ineffective treatment. This study presents streamlined methods for generating circular DNA from a specific gene, rv0678, and demonstrates its effectiveness in improving drug resistance determination and strain identification through long-read sequencing.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Htin Lin Aung, Wint Wint Nyunt, Yang Fong, Patrick J. Biggs, Richard C. Winkworth, Peter J. Lockhart, Tsin Wen Yeo, Philip C. Hill, Gregory M. Cook, Si Thu Aung
Summary: The study revealed a high proportion of rifampin-resistant isolates among TB patients in Yangon, Myanmar, with most of these resistant strains not genomically related, indicating repeated emergence of resistance in the population. The current GeneXpert MTB/RIF system needs modification, while introducing new oral drugs could be beneficial for TB treatment in Myanmar.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Kubra Yildirim, Cemilenur Atas, Ece Simsek, Ahmet Yilmaz Coban
Summary: This study investigated the effect of bacterial inoculum prepared in various McFarland turbidities on the drug susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains and found that increasing the inoculum size did not affect the susceptibility results. In fact, dense inoculum resulted in faster results. Therefore, minimizing manipulations during the inoculum preparation phase can reduce aerosol formation risk and simplify the test application.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Michael B. Hall, Marie Sylvianne Rabodoarivelo, Anastasia Koch, Anzaan Dippenaar, Sophie George, Melanie Grobbelaar, Robin Warren, Timothy M. Walker, Helen Cox, Sebastien Gagneux, Derrick Crook, Tim Peto, Niaina Rakotosamimanana, Simon Grandjean Lapierre, Zamin Iqbal
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether Nanopore sequencing data can provide equivalent information to Illumina for transmission clustering and genotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The results showed that Nanopore can achieve comparable performance with Illumina in clustering transmission and genotypic DST of M.tb. Therefore, public health laboratories can choose to use either or both technologies based on cost, batching, and turnaround time.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Gabriel Rojas-Ponce, Dominic Sauvageau, Roger Zemp, Herman W. Barkema, Stephane Evoy
Summary: In this study, the effectiveness of uncoated tosyl-activated magnetic beads in capturing Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) from feces, milk, and urine samples was evaluated. The results showed that the use of magnetic beads was more efficient in concentrating bacteria and recovering higher quantities of bacteria from the samples. This study provides a promising tool for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and Johne's disease.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGICAL METHODS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Xiao Wu, Yuanyuan Shang, Weicong Ren, Wei Wang, Yufeng Wang, Zhongtan Xue, Shanshan Li, Yu Pang
Summary: The study determined the breakpoint of cycloserine susceptibility in MGIT and described the molecular characteristics of CS-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. Drug susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing revealed that mutations in alr and ald genes were associated with CS resistance. The proportion of CS resistance was higher in extensively drug-resistant TB compared to multidrug-resistant TB.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Pradeep Kumar Anand, Arbind Kumar, Amrit Saini, Jagdeep Kaur
Summary: In this study, the effect of a mutation in the EthA protein on its function was examined through structural and functional analysis. The results showed that the mutation led to a less stable protein structure and reduced binding affinity towards the anti-tuberculosis drug ETH. In vitro experiments validated the computational findings. The mutant strain exhibited higher growth and survival in the presence of the ETH drug, indicating decreased sensitivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to ETH.
COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yustinus Maladan, Hana Krismawati, Tri Wahyuni, Ratna Tanjung, Kamla Awaludin, Kholis Abdurachim Audah, Arli Aditya Parikesit
Summary: The study utilized whole-genome sequencing of TB clinical samples from Papua, Indonesia to detect mutations associated with TB-drug resistance, revealing multiple mutations in genes linked to resistance against various TB drugs. The results contribute to the surveillance of TB-drug resistance, identifying MDR samples but no XDR samples, with resistance mainly observed against the second-line drug Amikacin.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hui Xia, Yuanyuan Song, Yang Zheng, Shengfen Wang, Bing Zhao, Wencong He, Dongxin Liu, Xichao Ou, Yang Zhou, Yanlin Zhao
Summary: This study compared the ability of molecular assay and phenotypic drug susceptibility tests to detect borderline rifampicin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The results showed that the molecular-based Xpert MTB/RIF had a significantly higher detection rate than phenotypic methods. Extending the incubation time or lowering the cutoff value of the MIC method can improve the detection of borderline rifampicin resistance.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Simone Mok, Emma Roycroft, Peter R. Flanagan, Lorraine Montgomery, Emanuele Borroni, Thomas R. Rogers, Margaret M. Fitzgibbon
Summary: Combining genotypic and phenotypic drug susceptibility testing methods is necessary for accurate detection of PZA resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mengmeng Guo, Na Luo, Yueling Bai, Zhenggang Xue, Qingmin Hu, Jiaqiang Xu
Summary: A porous heterostructure WO3-C/In2O3 was designed and prepared for a miniature H2 sensor, which showed higher response value, lower operating temperature, fast response-recovery speed, and low limit of detection.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Feng Hu, Hui Hu, Yuting Li, Xiaohui Wang, Xiaowen Shi
Summary: Arsenic contamination in water bodies is a significant health risk. This study developed a chitosan-catechol modified electrode for rapid and accurate detection of trace amounts of arsenic. The modified electrode demonstrated good detection capability and resistance to ionic interference, making it suitable for in situ detection.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yantao Zhang, Qian Liu, Tao Tian, Chunhua Xu, Pengli Yang, Lianju Ma, Yi Hou, Hui Zhou, Yongjun Gan
Summary: In this study, a lysosome-targeting buffering fluorogenic probe (Lyso-BFP) was designed and synthesized, demonstrating excellent photostability, pH specificity, and responsiveness to lysosomal acidification in living cells. The performance of Lyso-BFP in pH sensing was attributed to the inhibition of the photo-induced electron transfer process. Lyso-BFP allowed for wash-free imaging and long-term real-time monitoring of lysosome pH changes based on its off-on fluorescence behavior and buffer strategy.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wei Cai, Wenbo Sun, Jiayue Wang, Xiaokui Huo, Xudong Cao, Xiangge Tian, Xiaochi Ma, Lei Feng
Summary: In this study, a near-infrared fluorescent probe HCBG was developed for imaging of alpha-GLC. HCBG exhibited excellent selectivity and sensitivity towards alpha-GLC in complex bio-samples, and showed good cell permeability for in situ real-time imaging. Through the high-throughput screening system established by HCBG, a natural alpha-GLC inhibitor was successfully isolated and identified. This study provides a novel fluorescence visualization tool for discovering and exploring the biological functions of diabetes-related gut microbiota, and a high-throughput screening approach for alpha-GLC inhibitor.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Trey W. Pittman, Xi Zhang, Chamindie Punyadeera, Charles S. Henry
Summary: Heart failure is a growing epidemic and a significant clinical and public health problem. Researchers have developed a portable and affordable diagnostic device for heart failure that can be used at the point-of-care, providing a valid alternative to current diagnostics approaches.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Anders O. Tjell, Barbara Jud, Roland Schaller-Ammann, Torsten Mayr
Summary: An optical hydrogen peroxide sensor based on catalytic degradation and the detection of produced oxygen is presented. The sensor offers higher resolution and better sensitivity at lower H2O2 concentrations. By removing O2 from the sample solution, a more sensitive O2 sensor can be used for measurement. The sensor has been successfully applied in a flow-through cell to measure H2O2 concentration in different flow rates.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Seong Jae Kim, Ji-hun Jeong, Gaabhin Ryu, Yoon Sick Eom, Sanha Kim
Summary: Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a high-sensitivity, label-free detection method with various analytical applications. Researchers have developed a hydrophobic SERS substrate based on engineered carbon nanotube arrays (CNT-SERS) and studied the role of structural design at both micro and nanoscales. The substrate demonstrated controlled self-enrichment capability and enhanced sensitivity, with a significant increase in the SERS signal. The study also proposed a theoretical model and a concentration strategy inspired by plants for analyte deposition on microarrays.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Dan Zhao, Renjun Jiang, Xiaoqiang Liu, Subbiah Alwarappan
Summary: In this study, a novel ternary composite material was constructed by assembling cerium vanadate nanorods on reduced graphene oxide-microcrystalline cellulose nanosheets, and it was used for real-time monitoring of the concentration of superoxide anions in vivo. The ternary composite showed excellent conductivity, large surface area, and abundant active sites, leading to a wider linear range, high sensitivity, low detection limit, and fast response time for superoxide anion detection.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Tengfei Wang, Liwen Wang, Guang Wu, Dating Tian
Summary: In this study, a covalent organic framework material TaTp-COF with porous and uniform spheres was successfully prepared via hydrothermal reaction, and it was found to significantly enhance the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) of berberine. The unique emission properties of berberine on TaTp-COF were studied and utilized for the sensitive detection of berberine.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lin Li, Yilei Ding, Lei Xu, Shuoran Chen, Guoliang Dai, Pengju Han, Lixin Lu, Changqing Ye, Yanlin Song
Summary: In this study, a novel TTI based on a ratiometric fluorescent nanosensor is designed, which has the advantages of high accuracy and low cost. Experimental and theoretical investigations confirm its pH responsiveness and demonstrate its good sensitivity and reliability. By monitoring the total volatile basic nitrogen, this TTI can accurately predict food spoilage and can be adaptively modified for different types of food. The TTI based on this nanosensor enables visual monitoring of food quality.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fangju Chen, Xueting Wang, Wei Chen, Chenwen Shao, Yong Qian
Summary: Lung cancer is the second most common malignant tumor worldwide. Drug resistance in lung cancer leads to treatment failure and recurrence in majority of patients. This study developed a fluorescent prodrug that can be activated in cancer cells to release drugs, and its signal can be tracked by imaging. It shows a unique autophagy-driven ferroptosis effect, indicating its potential for targeting drug-resistant cancer cells.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Weichao Li, Qiming Yuan, Zhangcheng Xia, Xiaoxue Ma, Lifang He, Ling Jin, Xiangfeng Chu, Kui Zhang
Summary: This study developed a high-performance gas sensor for formaldehyde detection by modifying ZnSnO3 with ZnO QDs and SnO2 QDs. The modified sensor showed improved sensing response and lower working temperature. The presence of ZnO QDs formed rich heterojunctions, increased surface area, and provided oxygen deficiency for formaldehyde sensing reaction, thus enhancing the sensor performance. This research provides an alternative method to enhance the sensing properties of MOS by QDs modification.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Joung-Il Moon, Eun Jung Choi, Younju Joung, Jin-Woo Oh, Sang-Woo Joo, Jaebum Choo
Summary: A novel nanoplasmonic substrate was developed for biomedical applications, which showed strong hot spots for detecting biomarkers at low concentrations. The substrate, called AuNPs@M13, was made by immobilizing 60 nm gold nanoparticles onto the surface of an M13 bacteriophage scaffold. It demonstrated higher sensitivity and lower limit of detection compared to commercially available assays.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ning Li, Ya Zhang, Ying Xu, Xiaofang Liu, Jian Chen, Mei Yang, Changjun Hou, Danqun Huo
Summary: The molecular subtype of breast cancer guides treatment and drug selection. Invasive tests can promote cancer cell metastasis, so the development of high-performance, low-cost diagnostic tools for cancer prognosis is crucial. Liquid biopsy techniques enable noninvasive, real-time, dynamic, multicomponent, quantitative, and long-term observations at the cellular, genetic, and molecular levels. A Cu-Zr metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoenzyme with monatomic Cu attachment has been synthesized and proven to have high catalytic performance. The sensor constructed using this nanoenzyme shows potential for accurate classification of breast cancer serum samples.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jeongmin Kim, Hyemin Kim, Seunghyun Park, Hyeonaug Hong, Yong Jae Kim, Jiyong Lee, Jaeho Kim, Seung-Woo Cho, Wonhyoung Ryu
Summary: This study presents a method to fabricate independently functioning microneedle (MN) electrodes with narrow intervals for high precision electrochemical sensing. The optimized mixture of photocurable polymer and single-wall carbon nanotubes was used to mold single composite MNs, which were then attached to pre-patterned electrodes. Plasma etching and electropolymerization were performed to enhance the electrochemical activity, and Prussian blue and glucose oxidase were electrodeposited on the MNs for glucose detection. The MN electrodes showed good sensitivity and linearity, and the feasibility of glucose detection was demonstrated in an in vivo mouse study.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)