Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hanane Zerrouki, Sid-Ahmed Rebiahi, Linda Hadjadj, Jean-Marc Rolain, Seydina M. Diene
Summary: This study developed a real-time PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of vanA and vanB genes, showing 100% specificity and positivity on tested vancomycin-resistant isolates. The detection limit of vanA and vanB genes by this assay was 47 CFU/mL and 32 CFU/mL, respectively.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Phanvasri Saengsuwan, Kamonnut Singkhamanan, Siribhorn Madla, Natnicha Ingviya, Chonticha Romyasamit
Summary: This study revealed a high prevalence of VRE infection in Thailand, particularly in the urogenital tract. Medical and surgical wards had a significant number of multi-drug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant VRE strains. The most prevalent antibiotic resistance was observed against ampicillin.
Article
Biology
Siju Kankalil George, M. R. Suseela, Saleh El Safi, Elmoeiz Ali Elnagi, Yaser A. Al-Naam, Ahmed Adlan Mohammed Adam, Ashly Mary Jacob, Thekra Al-Maqati, K. S. Harish Kumar
Summary: This study investigated the incidence of vancomycin resistance in enterococci clinical isolates at a military hospital in Saudi Arabia and found a low prevalence (6.1%) of VRE. The study also showed that the vanB gene predominates in these strains, and that linezolid and tigecycline are effective against these multidrug-resistant pathogens.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tomasz Bogiel, Dagmara Depka, Mateusz Rzepka, Joanna Kwiecinska-Pirog, Eugenia Gospodarek-Komkowska
Summary: The study investigated the frequency and genotype distribution of 10 virulence factor genes in 107 non-duplicated carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. Variations were observed in the prevalence and distribution of virulence genes, especially in terms of their carbapenemase synthesis ability and the strain origin.
Article
Microbiology
Yasuaki Yanagawa, Shinji Izumiyama, Yumiko Saito-Nakano, Kumiko Nakada-Tsukui, Seiki Kobayashi, Naoko Yoshida, Yoshimi Kikuchi, Hiroyuki Gatanaga, Shinichi Oka, Tomoyoshi Nozaki, Koji Watanabe
Summary: The severity of Entamoeba histolytica infection is determined by host immunology, pathogen virulence, and the intestinal environment. Conventional research for assessing pathogen virulence has been mainly performed using laboratory strains, and it is unclear whether this knowledge can be applied to the true pathogenesis. Transcriptomic analysis of clinical and laboratory strains revealed significant differences in gene expression, indicating that the changes caused by liver challenge may not be consistent between clinical and laboratory strains. Environmental stress can also enhance the virulence of the laboratory strain through a shift in gene expression profile.
Review
Fisheries
Ebthag Almabruk Mohamed Mussa, Abdulsamad Alsalahi, Musheer A. Aljaberi, Azmiza Syawani Jasni, Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa, Abdullah Yahya Mohammed Al-Mahdi, Rukman Awang Hamat
Summary: The study investigated tetracycline-resistant enterococci in aquatic and overland animal fecal samples, finding widespread distribution of various resistance genes among different enterococcal species, possibly transmitted through transposons. These resistant enterococci pose a significant threat to public health, requiring a holistic, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach for effective monitoring and management.
REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mina Nasiri, Shahram Hanifian
Summary: The study assessed the prevalence of enterococci in pasteurized milk samples from retail stores in Northwest Iran, finding that most isolates were identified as E. faecalis or E. faecium, carrying various virulence genes and showing high resistance to most antibiotics tested. Additionally, the isolates were able to produce biofilm, suggesting that pasteurized milk could potentially transmit multidrug-resistant virulent enterococci strains to humans.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Amir Mirzaie, Reza Ranjbar
Summary: This study investigated antibiotic resistance, virulence-associated genes analysis, and molecular typing of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. The findings revealed a high prevalence of resistance, presence of various virulence factors, and high level of efflux pump and biofilm gene expression in different clones of K. pneumoniae strains, posing a significant health issue in clinical settings.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomasz Bogiel, Alicja Domian, Zuzanna Dobrzynska, Agnieszka Mikucka, Eugenia Gospodarek-Komkowska
Summary: This study evaluated the frequency and co-occurrence of toxin genes in 147 Streptococcus pyogenes strains and found significant differences in the presence of toxin genes and genotypes among strains isolated from different clinical materials. There is considerable variation in the frequency of individual toxin genes and genotypes in S. pyogenes strains. The relationship between the origin of S. pyogenes isolates and the presence of toxin genes indicates their pathogenic potential in the development of infections.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mine Cardak, Sine Ozmen Togay, Mustafa Ay, Onur Karaalioglu, Ozlem Erol, Ufuk Bagci
Summary: This study evaluated antibiotic resistance and virulence genes of enterococci isolated from raw and processed seafood in the Marmara Region, Turkey. The findings indicate that these isolates in aquatic products may pose a risk in terms of food safety and public health. Multiple strains showed resistance to erythromycin, tetracycline, streptomycin, and gentamicin, carrying genes such as tetM, ermB, aac(6')-aph(2'')-la, agg2, and gelE.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE
(2022)
Article
Virology
Preeti Chhabra, Hannah Browne, Thalia Huynh, Marta Diez-Valcarce, Leslie Barclay, Margaret N. Kosek, Tahmeed Ahmed, Maria Renee Lopez, Chao-Yang Pan, Jan Vinje
Summary: This study validated a one-step conventional RT-PCR assay for dual typing of GI and GII noroviruses, successfully genotyping most known genotypes infecting humans. The use of broadly reactive genotyping assays greatly enhances the exchange of standardized genotype data globally to monitor trends in genotype diversity, which is essential for vaccine development and impact measurement.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zahra Sadat Moshref, Tahmineh Jalali, Razieh Rezaei Adriani, Elahe Soltati, Seyed Latif Mousavi Gargari
Summary: The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to severe acute respiratory syndrome with high mortality worldwide. Early and accurate detection of the virus is crucial in controlling its spread. In this study, high-binding-affinity aptamers were identified using the GO-Cell-SELEX strategy, and two aptamers (52 and 91) were selected for further testing. Aptamer 91 was able to detect various strains of the virus in over 97% of clinical samples, while aptamer 52 showed potential for use in a future diagnostic kit. These findings suggest the potential for developing a new rapid aptamer-based coronavirus diagnostic kit.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Amr Selim Abu Lila, Tareq Nafea Alharby, Jowaher Alanazi, Muteb Alanazi, Marwa H. Abdallah, Syed Mohd Danish Rizvi, Afrasim Moin, El-Sayed Khafagy, Shams Tabrez, Abdullah Ali Al Balushi, Wael A. H. Hegazy
Summary: This study investigates the prevalence and genetic basis of antibiotic resistance to macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramins (MLS) in Enterococci and the correlation between MLS resistance and biocide resistance. The results show high resistance rates to MLS antibiotics, with constitutive resistance being the most prevalent phenotype. The erythromycin ribosome methylase (erm) genes, particularly ermB, were the most detected MLS resistance-encoding genes. The study also reveals a significant correlation between MLS resistance and reduced susceptibility to biocides, with efflux genes playing a crucial role in developing cross-resistance to both MLS antibiotics and biocides.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michihito Deguchi, Shobha Potlakayala, Zachary Spuhler, Hannah George, Vijay Sheri, Ruba Agili, Aayushi Patel, Sairam Rudrabhatla
Summary: Research interest in exploring the pharmaceutical applications of industrial hemp has been significant since its legalization three years ago. This plant, which is mostly dioecious, is known for producing phytocannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. Despite many scientific reports on gene expression analysis of hemp using OMICs approaches, the lack of reliable reference genes for normalizing qRT-PCR data has made it challenging to validate the OMICs data.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Zhijing Xue, Hong Yang, Dongxing Su, Xiangfeng Song, Xin Deng, Changhong Yu, Chunhua Sun, Lihua He, Yuanhai You, Yanan Gong, Dongjie Fan, Lu Sun, Xiurui Han, Ruyue Fan, Maojun Zhang, Xiaomei Yan, Jiaming Qian, Jianzhong Zhang
Summary: There is significant geographic diversity in the genotypes of H. pylori in different regions of China. The presence of the dupA gene may be considered a marker for the development of gastroduodenal diseases, while cagA, iceA, vacA, and oipA genes do not predict the clinical presentation of H. pylori infection in China.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Helena Trindade, Carolina Ferro Rodrigues, Rogerio Tenreiro, Ana Tenreiro, Luis Gaspar Pedro
Summary: This study evaluated the chemical stability and gene expression levels in Thymus caespititius Brot. essential oil, investigating the correlation between seasonal essential oil variation and terpene synthase gene expression patterns. Different genes showed varying effects on essential oil composition, suggesting a need for further research to identify the factors controlling the final bouquet of essential oil composition.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Pedro R. Brandao, Maria T. B. Crespo, Francisco X. Nascimento
Summary: This study conducted a detailed analysis of the genus Komagataeibacter through phylogenomic analysis, revealing the phylogenomic relationships and important genes involved in cellulose biosynthesis. The results suggest the reclassification of several type strains as a new genus, Novacetimonas, and propose Novacetimonas hansenii species as the representative of this novel genus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Patricia A. Bastiao Rocha, Joana M. Monteiro Marques, Antonio Salvador Barreto, Teresa Semedo-Lemsaddek
Summary: Enterococcus spp. were isolated from PDO-cheese of Azeita and Nisa, showing high levels of resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics. Some isolates were considered multidrug-resistant. Further surveillance for antimicrobial drug resistance is important to prevent potential risks associated with horizontal gene transfer events.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mirjana Grujovic, Tanja D. Zugic Petrovic, Katarina G. Mladenovic, Vladimir M. Tomovic, Suncica D. Kocic-Tanackov, Teresa Semedo-Lemsaddek
Summary: This research compared traditional products called duvan chvarci made from pork meat and fat from local households and industries. The study found that samples from local households had better color and sensory properties, while industrial products had slightly lower ratings. Microbiological analysis showed that all products were free from harmful bacteria. Overall, duvan chvarci is a microbiologically safe product.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Micaela Oliveira, Ines Carvalho Leonardo, Ana Filipa Silva, Joao Goulao Crespo, Monica Nunes, Maria Teresa Barreto Crespo
Summary: Wastewater reuse for agricultural irrigation poses public health risks due to emerging contaminants. Using a nanofiltration membrane as tertiary treatment can effectively eliminate these pollutants. However, further research is needed to optimize the entire process.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Sara Petrillo, F. De Giorgio, F. Bertino, F. Garello, V Bitonto, D. L. Longo, S. Mercurio, G. Ammirata, A. L. Allocco, V Fiorito, D. Chiabrando, F. Altruda, E. Terreno, P. Provero, L. Munaron, T. Genova, A. Novoa, A. R. Carlos, S. Cardoso, M. Mallo, M. P. Soares, E. Tolosano
Summary: The Feline Leukemia Virus Subgroup C Receptor 1a (FLVCR1a) is highly expressed in angiogenic endothelial cells (ECs) and has a critical role in developmental and pathological angiogenesis. Deficiency of FLVCR1a leads to abnormal vascular networks in multiple models, including defective vessel formation in zebrafish embryos, reduced retinal vasculature expansion and EC proliferation in mice, and disorganized and dysfunctional tumor blood vessels. These findings suggest FLVCR1a as a potential therapeutic target for diseases characterized by aberrant neovascularization.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ines Carvalho Leonardo, Adriana Alberti, France Denoeud, Maria Teresa Barreto Crespo, Jorge Capelo, Frederic Bustos Gaspar
Summary: This study describes the complete chloroplast genome of Centaurium erythraea subsp. majus, the first available plastome belonging to the Centaurium genus. The genome is 153,107 bp long and contains 129 genes, including tRNA, rRNA, and protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis supports the placement of this subspecies under the Gentianaceae family and provides evidence for lineage divergence within the family. This study is important for conservation, phylogenetic and evolutionary studies, and DNA barcoding applications for food, feed, and supplements safety.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Vanessa Silva, Sara Araujo, Andreia Monteiro, Jose Eira, Jose Eduardo Pereira, Luis Maltez, Gilberto Igrejas, Teresa Semedo Lemsaddek, Patricia Poeta
Summary: Animal production involves the use of antimicrobial agents to promote growth and treat diseases, but it also leads to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA poses a significant threat to public health and animal welfare. Livestock-associated MRSA (LA-MRSA) was initially restricted to a specific clonal complex (CC398), but its diversity has increased over time, accompanied by multidrug resistance. This review summarizes the main clonal lineages of MRSA associated with different animals, including swine, cattle, rabbits, and poultry, and highlights the multidrug resistance patterns.
Article
Plant Sciences
Francisco Quintas-Nunes, Pedro. R. R. Brandao, Maria. T. T. Barreto Crespo, Bernard. R. R. Glick, Francisco. X. X. Nascimento
Summary: This study presents a functional and genomic characterization of strain NFX-FRZ, a eukaryotic microalga belonging to the Micractinium genus, isolated from the rhizosphere of a plant in Portugal. The results show that strain NFX-FRZ belongs to a novel species, promotes tomato plant growth by synthesizing plant growth-promoting compounds and contains genes involved in phytohormone biosynthesis and signaling. This research provides insights into the importance of eukaryotic microalgae as plant growth-promoting agents and contributes to the understanding of phytohormone biosynthesis, signaling, and plant-microalgae interactions.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vanessa Ribeiro, Susana G. G. Martins, Ana Sofia Lopes, Solveig Thorsteinsdottir, Rita Zilhao, Ana Rita Carlos
Summary: NFIX, a member of the NFI family, plays a crucial role in embryonic development, but its expression is limited in adults. NFIX is found to be altered in tumors, promoting both pro-tumorigenic and tumor suppressor effects depending on the cancer type. The regulation of NFIX is complex, involving multiple processes and interactions with other factors. In this review, we explore the role of NFIX in development and cancer, emphasizing its involvement in oxidative stress and cell fate regulation. We also propose mechanisms through which oxidative stress modulates NFIX function, highlighting NFIX as a key factor in tumorigenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ines Carvalho Leonardo, Adriana Alberti, France Denoeud, Maria Teresa Barreto Crespo, Jorge Capelo, Frederic Bustos Gaspar
Summary: This study presents the complete chloroplast genome of Glandora prostrata subsp. lusitanica, the first of its kind for the Glandora genus. The genome is 150,041 bp long with a GC content of 37.5% and displays a quadripartite structure. It contains 131 annotated genes and phylogenetic analysis confirms its placement under the Boraginaceae family. This research will contribute to the conservation, phylogenetic, and evolutionary studies of this traditional species relevant to aromatic, medicinal, and condiment plants from Portugal.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Constanca D. F. Bertrand, Rodrigo Martins, Francisco Quintas-Nunes, Pedro Reynolds-Brandao, Maria T. B. Crespo, Francisco X. Nascimento
Summary: This study reports the characterization and genomic analysis of Saccharopolyspora sp. NFXS83, a marine bacterium isolated from seawater from the Sado estuary in Portugal. The NFXS83 strain produced multiple functional and stable extracellular enzymes under high-salt conditions, showed the ability to synthesize auxins such as indole-3-acetic acid, and produced diffusible secondary metabolites capable of inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. These findings indicate that Saccharopolyspora sp. NFXS83 has a significant potential for a wide range of marine biotechnological applications.
Review
Microbiology
Raquel Abreu, Teresa Semedo-Lemsaddek, Eva Cunha, Luis Tavares, Manuela Oliveira
Summary: The significant increase in the world population has led to higher consumption of poultry products, which must meet demand while maintaining quality and safety. The use and misuse of conventional antimicrobials in livestock production, including poultry, has resulted in the development and dissemination of antimicrobial drug resistance, which is a serious public health concern. This review discusses the consequences of antimicrobial drug resistance in poultry production, focusing on the current status of this sector and describing novel bacterial control strategies under investigation for application in the industry.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Joana Monteiro Marques, Susana Serrano, Hiba Selmi, Pedro Giesteira Cotovio, Teresa Semedo-Lemsaddek
Summary: The spread of pathogenic and food spoilage microorganisms still poses challenges in the food chain. Biofilm-forming properties of foodborne and spoilage bacteria were assessed using different contact surfaces. Thyme and lemongrass essential oils showed promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm abilities against these bacteria.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Joana Monteiro Marques, Mariana Coelho, Andressa Rodrigues Santana, Daniel Pinto, Teresa Semedo-Lemsaddek
Summary: Enterococcus spp. are commensals of the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals and have become opportunistic pathogens responsible for hospital-associated infections. Due to their wide presence, adaptative capacity, and ability to acquire virulence and resistance genes, enterococci serve as sentinel proxies for assessing the presence/spread of pathogenic clones and hazardous determinants across the One Health continuum. This review provides an overview of enterococcal fitness and pathogenic traits, as well as the dissemination of pathogenic genomic traits found in high-risk clones worldwide.
