Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chadaporn Chaiden, Janthima Jaresitthikunchai, Anusak Kerdsin, Nattakan Meekhanon, Sittiruk Roytrakul, Suphachai Nuanualsuwan
Summary: In this study, MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of extracted peptides was developed to improve the classification of S. suis serotypes. The method successfully differentiated highly pathogenic SS2 and SS14 from other serotypes, indicating its potential as an alternative approach for serotyping clinically pathogenic S. suis isolates.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ouyang Dan, Chuanzhe Wang, Chao Zhong, Juan Lin, Gang Xu, Guane Wang, Zian Lin
Summary: In this study, novel LDI-MS substrates were designed to enhance the sensitivity of mass signals and achieve high accuracy diagnosis of different saccharides and central precocious puberty (CPP).
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Lanaia Itala Louzeiro Maciel, Ricardo Alves Bernardo, Rafael Oliveira Martins, Almir Custodio Batista Jr, Joao Victor Ataide Oliveira, Andrea Rodrigues Chaves, Boniek Gontijo Vaz
Summary: The imaging of biological tissues using mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) techniques allows for the visualization of the distribution of various metabolites, drugs, lipids, and glycans in complex samples. MSI methods like DESI-MSI and MALDI-MSI provide high sensitivity and the ability to evaluate/visualize multiple analytes in a single sample, overcoming limitations of classical microscopy techniques. This review discusses the application of DESI-MSI and MALDI-MSI in evaluating exogenous and endogenous molecules in biological samples, providing technical insights and recent research findings.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Anil K. Persad, Hanan A. Fahmy, Nicholas Anderson, Jing Cui, Zeynal Topalcengiz, Saharuetai Jeamsripong, Patrick M. Spanninger, Robert L. Buchanan, Kalmia E. Kniel, Michele T. Jay-Russell, Michelle D. Danyluk, Gireesh Rajashekara, Jeffrey T. LeJeune
Summary: This study demonstrates that MALDI-TOF is a viable alternative for the rapid identification and differentiation of Salmonella serovars.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Susana Sanz, Carmen Olarte, Raquel Hidalgo-Sanz, Laura Ruiz-Ripa, Rosa Fernandez-Fernandez, Sara Garcia-Vela, Sandra Martinez-Alvarez, Carmen Torres
Summary: The study revealed high density and diversity of bacteria in both inside and outside air and litter samples at a broiler farm, with lower bacterial emission in the outside air and decreasing bacterial presence with distance from the farm. The role of air in bacterial dissemination from the inside of the farm to the immediate environment was emphasized, indicating the importance of considering air as a vehicle for potentially pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes dissemination in farming environments.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
R. Gathercole, E. Tranfield, D. Xia, G. Perez-Cordon, G. Robinson, D. Timofte, F. Zendri, R. M. Chalmers
Summary: The study developed a method to purify Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts from clinical stool samples and evaluated them using mass spectrometry. The method produced distinct spectra specific to different Cryptosporidium species, demonstrating the utility of the purification method.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Xin-Fei Chen, Xin Hou, Meng Xiao, Li Zhang, Jing-Wei Cheng, Meng-Lan Zhou, Jing-Jing Huang, Jing-Jia Zhang, Ying-Chun Xu, Po-Ren Hsueh
Summary: MALDI-TOF MS has been used in clinical microbiology since 2010, offering advantages such as convenience, speed, accuracy, and low cost. It has shown promising results in rapid detection of highly virulent and drug-resistant pathogens, making it a valuable tool in clinical microbial identification.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xian-Na Wang, Bin Li
Summary: Gold nanoparticles/thiol-beta-cyclodextrin-functionalized TiO2 nanowires were prepared to enhance the performance of SALDI MS and MSI, showing superior detection sensitivity and repeatability.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hua Zhang, Lin Zhao, Jingjing Jiang, Jie Zheng, Li Yang, Yanyan Li, Jian Zhou, Tianshu Liu, Jianmin Xu, Wenhui Lou, Weige Yang, Lijie Tan, Weiren Liu, Yiyi Yu, Meiling Ji, Yaolin Xu, Yan Lu, Xiaomu Li, Zhen Liu, Rong Tian, Cheng Hu, Shumang Zhang, Qinsheng Hu, Yangdong Deng, Hao Ying, Sheng Zhong, Xingdong Zhang, Yunbing Wang, Hua Wang, Jingwei Bai, Xiaoying Li, Xiangfeng Duan
Summary: As cancer is increasingly seen as a metabolic disorder, serum metabolite profiling is proposed as a viable method for detecting cancer. In this study, a machine learning model using mass spectrometry-based liquid biopsy data is reported for pan-cancer screening and classification. The Multiplexed Nanomaterial-Assisted LDI for Cancer Identification (MNALCI) achieves high sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing cancers from healthy controls and accurately identifying the tissue of origin of tumors. This high throughput assay shows promising potential for non-invasive cancer diagnosis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jichan Shi, Gexin Gao, Jing Pan, Lian-Peng Wu, Hongye Ning, Zhengxin Wu, Xinchun Ye, Xiangao Jiang
Summary: This study evaluated the clinical value of MALDI-TOF MS in detecting NTM by comparing the results with liquid culture and gene chip. The findings showed that MALDI-TOF MS had a high consistency with both methods and could be a rapid and effective method for identifying NTM strains and drug resistance.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ye Rin Jin, Myung Jin Oh, Heung Joo Yuk, Hyun Joo An, Dong Seon Kim
Summary: This study established a new mass spectrometry-based analysis procedure for red ginseng polysaccharides (RGPs), successfully qualitatively analyzing neutral and acidic RGPs, and identifying novel components. The new procedure shows great potential as a specific tool for searching and determining various polysaccharides in herbal medicines.
JOURNAL OF GINSENG RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Jurena Christiane Ebersbach, Marcello Otake Sato, Matheus Pereira de Araujo, Megumi Sato, Soeren L. Becker, Issa Sy
Summary: Schistosomiasis is a major tropical disease affecting millions of people worldwide. The current diagnostic methods have limitations, and this study developed and validated a species-specific database for adult Schistosoma identification. The study also evaluated the effects of different storage solutions on spectra profiles. The results showed that MALDI-TOF MS can reliably distinguish between S. mansoni and S. japonicum.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marius Ahm Stauning, Christian Salgard Jensen, Trine Staalsoe, Jorgen A. L. Kurtzhals
Summary: This proof-of-concept study explores the potential of MALDI-TOF as a diagnostic tool for detecting and quantifying Plasmodium falciparum in human blood. The results show that MALDI-TOF can detect and quantify P. falciparum at clinically relevant infection intensities, providing proof-of-concept for MALDI-TOF-based diagnosis of human malaria.
Article
Immunology
John A. Fissel, Carrie K. Holdren-Serrell, Warda Memon, Sean X. Zhang
Summary: One of the challenges in fungal infection treatment is the long time required for species identification. MALDI-TOF MS has shown potential in rapidly identifying bacteria and yeasts, and this study explores its use for identifying filamentous molds. Most isolates in the study could be identified by MALDI-TOF MS within three days.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Iyyakkannu Sivanesan, Judy Gopal, Nazim Hasan, Manikandan Muthu
Summary: MALDI-TOF MS has decades of experience in detecting and identifying microbial pathogens, making it a valuable analytical tool in clinical microbiology. This review focuses on summarizing the effectiveness of MALDI-TOF MS in rapidly identifying food crop microbial pathogens. The methods and sample preparation techniques used are highlighted, along with challenges, gaps, and recommendations for further improvement. In a time where human health and welfare are top priorities, this review addresses a relevant research topic.
Article
Biology
Beatriz Robredo, Rosa Fernandez-Fernandez, Carmen Torres
Summary: This study connects research and education through a service-learning methodology, the Small World Initiative project. It challenges young students to discover novel bioactive-producing microorganisms from environmental soil samples, promoting scientific vocations and communicating scientific culture.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maria Font-Font, Alba Belles-Belles, Rosa Fernandez-Fernandez, Carmen Torres
ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rosa Fernandez-Fernandez, Beatriz Robredo, Enrique Navajas, Carmen Torres
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem, and soil is a promising resource for finding new antimicrobial agents. The MicroMundo project, part of the Tiny Earth citizen science project, has successfully raised awareness about antimicrobial resistance and contributed to the search for new alternatives. Through this project, 32 potentially antimicrobial-producing bacteria were isolated from 2600 isolates obtained from soil samples.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sara Garcia-Vela, Laila Ben Said, Samira Soltani, Ramzi Guerbaa, Rosa Fernandez-Fernandez, Houssem Ben Yahia, Karim Ben Slama, Carmen Torres, Ismail Fliss
Summary: This study aimed to screen and characterize potential inhibitory strains of Enterococcus against necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens in poultry. Two potential strains, E. faecium X2893 and X2906, were found to have antimicrobial activity, no acquired resistance genes, no plasmids, and the acm gene implicated in host colonization, making them promising candidates for further research as protective cultures in poultry farming.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Idris Nasir Abdullahi, Guillermo Juarez-Fernandez, Ursula Hofle, Teresa Cardona-Cabrera, David Minguez, Javier Pineda-Pampliega, Carmen Lozano, Myriam Zarazaga, Carmen Torres
Summary: Migratory storks could transmit bacteria of public health concern through their colonization, persistence, and excretion. This study aimed to determine the diversity, prevalence, and co-colonization of bacteria in storks' tracheal and nasal samples. The results showed a high prevalence of Staphylococcus and Enterococcus genera, with Staphylococcus sciuri being the most prevalent species. The importance of storks as sentinels and vectors of bacterial transmission is highlighted.
Article
Microbiology
Rosa Fernandez-Fernandez, Carmen Lozano, Rine Christopher Reuben, Laura Ruiz-Ripa, Myriam Zarazaga, Carmen Torres
Summary: Novel approaches to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are needed, and antimicrobial peptides, particularly bacteriocins, have gained attention as potential alternatives to antibiotics. Bacteriocins produced by Staphylococcus, known as staphylococcins, have shown significant antimicrobial potential and are considered promising candidates to combat AMR. Additionally, various bacteriocin-producing Staphylococcus strains, including coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), have been identified as alternative options.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sara Quero, Marina Serras-Pujol, Noemi Parraga-Nino, Carmen Torres, Marian Navarro, Anna Vilamala, Emma Puigoriol, Javier Diez de los Rios, Elisenda Arque, Judit Serra-Pladevall, Alba Romero, Daniel Molina, Roger Paredes, Maria Luisa Pedro-Botet, Esteban Reynaga
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) among workers in the pork production chain. The results showed that the prevalence of MRSA was high among workers in contact with live animals, especially in pig farms, livestock transporters, and slaughterhouses.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Idris Nasir Abdullahi, Carmen Lozano, Carmen Simon, Javier Latorre-Fernandez, Myriam Zarazaga, Carmen Torres
Summary: This study investigated the diversity and carriage rate of nasal Staphylococcus species, as well as the variability of antimicrobial resistance, virulence determinants, immune evasion cluster types, and genetic lineages of Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The study also examined the co-carriage rate of CoNS with S. aureus in the same nasal niche of healthy pigs and pig-farmers. The findings highlight the need for multiple samplings to understand the dynamics of AMR and control the transmission of S. aureus in pig-farms.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rosa Fernandez-Fernandez, Ahmed M. A. Elsherbini, Carmen Lozano, Agusti Martinez, Maria de Toro, Myriam Zarazaga, Andreas Peschel, Bernhard Krismer, Carmen Torres
Summary: This study investigated the presence of bacteriocin gene clusters among 22 commensal Staphylococcus isolates from different origins. Five types of bacteriocin gene clusters were detected, including lanthipeptides, circular bacteriocins, lugdunin, and micrococcin P1.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Chrispin Chaguza, Anna K. Poentinen, Janetta Top, Sergio Arredondo-Alonso, Ana R. Freitas, Carla Novais, Carmen Torres, Stephen D. Bentley, Luisa Peixe, Teresa M. Coque, Rob J. L. Willems, Jukka Corander
Summary: This study used a genome-wide association analysis to investigate the genetic changes in Enterococcus faecalis isolates and their association with hospitalization status and body isolation source. The results showed that infection by hospitalization status and extraintestinal infection are heritable traits, but no clear individual genetic changes were found to be associated with hospitalization status or body isolation source. The study also identified a genomic region potentially linked to infection.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Sara Garcia-Vela, Agusti Martinez-Sancho, Laila Ben Said, Carmen Torres, Ismail Fliss
Summary: This study characterized a collection of 20 C. perfringens isolates from poultry affected by necrotic enteritis (NE) at the genomic level, focusing on resistance mechanisms and bacteriocin production. Antimicrobial resistance genes, especially tet genes associated with tetracycline resistance, were found to be prevalent. Interestingly, two isolates carried the erm(T) gene associated with erythromycin resistance, which is rarely reported in other Gram-positive bacteria. The study also revealed a high variability of sequence types and identified unique characteristics in one isolate (C. perfringens MLG7307) that made it impossible to toxinotype.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Carolina Sabenca, Eliana Costa, Sara Sousa, Lillian Barros, Ana Oliveira, Sonia Ramos, Gilberto Igrejas, Carmen Torres, Patricia Poeta
Summary: The emergence of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains producing ESBL and KPC has become a major public health concern. The ability of these strains to form biofilms is worrisome as it can facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance and prolong infections in healthcare facilities.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Idris Nasir Abdullahi, Carmen Lozano, Carmen Simon, Myriam Zarazaga, Carmen Torres
Summary: This study characterizes the antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, intra-host species diversity, and intra-species AMR diversity in coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) recovered from the nasal cavities of healthy pigs and pig farmers. The study finds a high level of multidrug resistance, diversity of species within hosts, and diversity of resistance profiles within species, indicating the potential for CoNS to be reservoirs of AMR genes. The study also detects various antimicrobial resistance genes in pigs and pig farmers.
Article
Microbiology
Beatriz Robredo, Rosa Fernandez-Fernandez, Carmen Torres, Ruben Ladrera
Summary: MicroMundo contributes to improving knowledge about antimicrobial resistance and its consequences at all educational levels. Questionnaires and satisfaction surveys were conducted to evaluate the impact of MicroMundo and the optimal age of participants. The results showed significant improvement in knowledge about antimicrobial resistance and increased interest in scientific research.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Meriam B. Said, Lamia Thabet, Sarah Cheriet, Amen A. Messadi, Paula Gomez, Laura Ruiz-Ripa, Senda Sghaier, Bilel Hassen, Abdennaceur Hassen, Carmen Torres, Mohamed S. Abbassi
Summary: The study characterized 25 MRSA clinical isolates collected in a Tunisian hospital, revealing a predominance of the ST239-CC8 lineage and high levels of drug resistance. The findings highlight the urgent need for strict hygiene control measures in the hospital.
LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gemechu G. Abdi, Yetenayet B. Tola, Chala G. Kuyu
Summary: This study evaluated the quality of honey in the supply chain in southwest Ethiopia and found significant differences in physicochemical and microbial quality among different actors. The study also developed a predictive model to detect adulteration, which showed good linearity and predictive capacity.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROTECTION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kathleen A. Glass, Jie Yin Lim, Quinn L. Singer
Summary: Commercial cheese brines can be a reservoir for salt-tolerant pathogens. This study found that the addition of hydrogen peroxide can effectively reduce the population of L. monocytogenes in cheese brines, especially at higher temperatures and salt concentrations. The presence of indigenous microorganisms may neutralize the effect of hydrogen peroxide.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROTECTION
(2024)