Article
Infectious Diseases
Kaixun Cao, Yepeng Wang, Xuewei Bai, Jishan Wang, Liting Zhang, Yongjing Tang, Rebecca Caroline Thuku, Wei Hou, Guoxiang Mo, Fei Chen, Lin Jin
Summary: This study compares the differences in gut bacterial diversity and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) subtypes between captive and wild Asian elephants. The results show that the dominant species of gut bacteria differ between captive and wild elephants, leading to significant differences in ARGs. The study also reveals potentially pathogenic species in captive elephants and suggests that different food sources may affect bacterial communities and ARGs.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Robert E. Weber, Carola Fleige, Franziska Layer, Bernd Neumann, Michael Kresken, Guido Werner
Summary: Dalbavancin exhibits potent in vitro activity against vancomycin-susceptible and vanB-type E. faecium, with suggested dalbavancin MIC of 0.25 mg/L as a tentative ECOFF for E. faecium based on observed wildtype distribution.
Article
Microbiology
Karen Marie Thyssen Astvad, Sevtap Arikan-Akdagli, Maiken Cavling Arendrup
Summary: This study proposes a practical classification method for MICs of amphotericin B, anidulafungin, fluconazole, and voriconazole against rare yeasts, as clinical breakpoints are lacking. The classification is based on MIC data from over 4000 isolates and takes into account in vivo efficacy data and clinical experience in treatment recommendations.
Article
Microbiology
Linna Xu, Fen Wan, Hao Fu, Biao Tang, Zhi Ruan, Yonghong Xiao, Qixia Luo
Summary: In our study, we identified mcr-10-carrying isolates, including multidrug-resistant ST11 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates coharboring mcr-10 and mcr-8 genes, which are resistant to polymyxins and show reduced susceptibility to tigecycline. Through screening 941,449 bacterial genomes in the GenBank database, we found a sporadic distribution of mcr-10-harboring isolates worldwide in various sources, especially in humans, highlighting the need for close monitoring and concern in clinical settings.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Timothy Kudinha, Fanrong Kong
Summary: The prevalence of ST131, especially among ciprofloxacin resistant isolates, increased from fecal to clinical samples in women, men, and children. ST131 isolates showed higher virulence potential compared to non-ST131 isolates, particularly in urinary samples. There was a strong association between ST131 prevalence and fluoroquinolone resistance, with FQ resistant ST131 isolates harboring more virulence genes.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lei Dong, Lu Meng, Huimin Liu, Haoming Wu, Martine Schroyen, Nan Zheng, Jiaqi Wang
Summary: The effects of ceftiofur and cefquinome on the fecal microbiota and antibiotic resistance genes of dairy cows with mastitis were investigated in this study. The results showed that cephalosporin treatment significantly decreased microbial diversity and richness, and increased the relative abundance of certain bacterial taxa and two beta-lactam resistance genes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Carolina Ewbank, Danny Fuentes-Castillo, Carlos Sacristan, Brenda Cardoso, Fernanda Esposito, Bruna Fuga, Eduardo Cavalcante de Macedo, Nilton Lincopan, Jose Luiz Catao-Dias
Summary: This study identified the presence of ESBL-EC in wild seabirds at Rocas Atoll, Brazil, with magnificent frigatebirds being the major carriers. The birds may act as a vector for the dissemination of ESBL-EC, posing a potential threat to both bird population and zoonotic transmission.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Clara Marin, Barbara Martin-Maldonado, Marta Cerda-Cuellar, Sandra Sevilla-Navarro, Laura Lorenzo-Rebenaque, Laura Montoro-Dasi, Alicia Manzanares, Teresa Ayats, Aida Mencia-Gutierrez, Jaume Jorda, Fernando Gonzalez, Carlos Rojo-Solis, Carlos Barros, Daniel Garcia-Parraga, Santiago Vega
Summary: This study assessed the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains in chelonians admitted to zoological institutions in Spain. The results showed that 19% of the sampled chelonians were positive for Salmonella, with 69% of the isolates being resistant and 34% being multidrug-resistant. Genetic analysis revealed a low genetic diversity among these strains.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Delia Gambino, Domenico Vicari, Maria Vitale, Giorgia Schiro, Francesco Mira, Maria La Giglia, Alessandra Riccardi, Antonino Gentile, Susanna Giardina, Anna Carrozzo, Valentina Cumbo, Antonio Lastra, Valeria Gargano
Summary: A study conducted in Sicily, Italy, analyzed bacteria isolated from wild animals for their susceptibility to antibiotics and the presence of antibiotic resistance genes. The research found a limited spread of bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance among wild animals in the region.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ailong Huang, Yuchao Wang, Haiyan Xu, Xiuxiu Jin, Bingqing Yan, Wei Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates from fecal samples of patients in Nantong, China. The results showed that outbreaks of this infection were concentrated in the summer, with seafood consumption being the primary contributing factor. The clinical isolates exhibited pathogenicity and drug resistance, with some isolates displaying high homology.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Junyan Wang, Rui Li, Minai Zhang, Chensheng Gu, Haili Wang, Jianjian Feng, Linjie Bao, Yihe Wu, Xichun Zhang, Shuming Chen
Summary: Huangqin Decoction has significant effects on the growth, immune function, and gut microbiota structure of chicks, improving growth rate, reducing mortality, and reshaping the gut microbiome.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shambel Araya, Zenebe Gebreyohannes, Getachew Tadlo, Gebreab Teklebirhan Gessew, Abebe Edao Negesso
Summary: A five-year retrospective study in Ethiopia revealed an increasing trend of multi-drug resistance in A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa. Infection control measures, surveillance, and alternative therapeutic strategies are needed to prevent the spread of multi-drug resistance.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ainoa Nieto-Claudin, Sharon L. Deem, Casilda Rodriguez, Santiago Cano, Nicolas Moity, Freddy Cabrera, Fernando Esperron
Summary: The spread of antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to global public health, with anthropogenic activities contributing to the issue. Research on Galapagos giant tortoises indicated that those living in human-modified environments had higher levels of antimicrobial resistant genes. These findings underscore the importance of controlling antibiotic use to protect the unique wildlife and ecosystems of the Galapagos.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiaoling Yu, Qian Han, Tongtong Li, Yongping Kou, Xiao Zhang, Yansu Wang, Guoliang Li, Huakun Zhou, Jiapeng Qu, Huan Li
Summary: By studying ARGs and MGEs in gravesoil during the decomposition of wild mammal corpses, this research reveals that the diversity of these genes varies at different stages but ultimately recovers to a similar level as untreated soil. MGEs and bacterial community are the two main factors influencing ARGs in gravesoil. The decomposition of wild animal carcasses enriches different high-risk ARGs, posing a threat to public health.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jakub Hubeny, Ewa Korzeniewska, Martyna Buta-Hubeny, Wiktor Zielinski, Damian Rolbiecki, Monika Harnisz
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of carbapenem resistance genes in Acinetobacter spp. isolated from wastewater in a municipal WWTP and to determine their spread from treated wastewater to river water. The research found evidence that WWTP is a potential source of pollution, leading to the spread of alarming beta-lactam resistance genes in the natural environment, posing a serious epidemiological threat.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Goncalo Figueiredo, Carina Pedrosa Costa, Joana Lourenco, Tania Caetano, Silvia M. Rocha, Sonia Mendo
Summary: Microbial metabolomics is used to analyze and understand the metabolites produced and released by microorganisms in specific conditions. This research aims to investigate the impact of culture media changes on the metabolic profile and production of biotechnologically relevant compounds in Pedobacter lusitanus NL19 and Pedobacter himalayensis MTCC 6384. The study identified 320 metabolites belonging to different chemical families and associated 80 metabolites with various metabolic pathways. The findings provide insights into how slight changes in culture media composition can affect microbial metabolism and have potential applications in metabolomics pipeline construction and biotechnology.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sergio Santos-Silva, Danny Franciele da Silva Dias Moraes, Pedro Lopez-Lopez, Josman D. Palmeira, Rita T. Torres, Maria Sao Jose Nascimento, Alejandro Dashti, David Carmena, Antonio Rivero-Juarez, Joao R. Mesquita
Summary: The study found the presence of potentially zoonotic protozoa and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in wild boar populations in Portugal. Parasites such as Cryptosporidium scrofarum, Balantioides coli, and Blastocystis ST5, as well as HEV genotype 3, were detected. This highlights the need for enhanced surveillance and prevention measures targeting wild boar to prevent the spread of these pathogens to humans.
Article
Biology
Thales Costa, Elena Cassin, Catarina Moreirinha, Sonia Mendo, Tania Sousa Caetano
Summary: This study investigates the transcription, antimicrobial activity, and biomolecular profile of halophilic archaea genes involved in the biosynthesis of peptide secondary metabolites. The results suggest that the ycaO and medM genes are transcriptionally active, with medM2 showing the highest transcript level. The deletion of the ycaO gene does not affect the antimicrobial activity of H. mediterranei.
Article
Geography
Rita Tinoco Torres, Paloma Linck, Nuno Pinto, Guilherme Ares-Pereira, Carlos Barroqueiro, Carlos Fonseca, Joao Carvalho
Summary: Ungulate-vehicle collisions in Europe are increasing, posing a risk to human safety and causing animal deaths. This study found that the factors influencing collisions varied between species, including land use, cover, water availability, movement corridors, population density, and road topology. The interaction between urbanized and forest areas showed a high-risk for collisions. Mitigation actions should focus on reducing attractiveness and abundance of ungulate populations, and awareness campaigns and species-specific signalling may also help decrease casualties. Further data collection is crucial for assessing local predictors.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joana C. Barbosa, Eva Moesker, Raquel Faria, Roderich D. Sussmuth, Sonia Mendo, Tania Caetano
Summary: This study investigated the activity of lichenicidin A2 (LicA2) trimming proteases (LicP and LicT). The presence of a negatively charged amino acid residue at the cleavage site was found to be important for the efficacy of LicP. Mutations in the lichenicidin hexapeptide and alterations in the GG-motif resulted in higher processing rates. This research is important for understanding the activity of lantibiotic-related transporters and proteases and their potential application in industrial processes.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Daniela F. Teixeira, Guilherme Ares-Pereira, Claudia Camarinha, Catia Lima, Ana Magalhaes, Guilherme Castro, Carlos Fonseca, Luis Miguel Rosalino
Summary: Humans have been altering the Mediterranean landscapes for a long time, and many species have adjusted their behavior to become more nocturnal to avoid encounters with humans and domestic animals. However, there have been limited studies on the activity patterns of mesocarnivores, such as red fox and stone marten, in Eucalyptus plantations in Portugal. Based on camera traps, this study aimed to analyze the temporal and spatio-temporal activity patterns of these animals and how they are influenced by human disturbances.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Matthew Owen Moreira, Carlos Fonseca, Danny Rojas
Summary: Climate change will have a negative impact on high-mountain species, especially reptiles, as it may result in the loss of suitable climatic niches and even local extinctions. It is important to identify high-risk species and implement conservation measures to protect them.
ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Sofia Lino, Mariana Rossa, Joana M. Fernandes, Tania Barros, Ana Lino, Dario Hipolito, Eduardo Ferreira, Sara C. Aliacar, Duarte Cadete, Carlos Fonseca, Rita T. Torres, Luis M. Rosalino, Joao Carvalho
Summary: This study aims to compare and evaluate the diet composition of wolves and free-ranging dogs in the southern range in Portugal. The findings highlight the predatory role of dogs on livestock and the challenges it poses to wolf conservation.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Mariana Rossa, Rita Tinoco Torres, Paloma Linck, Raquel Martins, Andre Couto, Sara Aliacar, Dario Hipolito, Goncalo Brotas, Carlos Fonseca, Joao Carvalho
Summary: Trophic rewilding is a conservation measure that aims to restore trophic interactions. This study uses favorability models to determine suitable habitats for prey species and proposes management measures to reinforce and restore prey populations. The results contribute to reducing human-wolf conflicts and provide important insights for future rewilding initiatives.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mariam Kholany, Nicolas Schaeffer, Ines P. E. Macario, Telma Veloso, Tania Caetano, Joana L. Pereira, Ana C. R. V. Dias, Joao A. P. Coutinho, Soinia P. M. Ventura
Summary: Haloarchaea, a class of marine microbial resources, can be a promising source of valuable compounds such as bacterioruberin. Natural and biocompatible hydrophobic eutectic solvents (HES) based on menthol and carboxylic acids were investigated for the extraction of bacterioruberin. The menthol and levulinic acid mixture showed the best results and proteins could be recovered by adding water to the extract, forming a protein-rich interfacial precipitate. The process intensification was achieved by reusing the eutectic phase over multiple extraction cycles, resulting in a bacterioruberin-rich extract.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Claudia Covas, Goncalo Figueiredo, Margarida Gomes, Tiago Santos, Sonia Mendo, Tania S. Caetano
Summary: Secondary metabolites from environmental bacteria provide solutions for various health and environmental challenges. The study focuses on uncovering the diversity of biosynthetic gene clusters encoded in the genomes of Pedobacter spp. The potential for the production of various secondary metabolites, including RiPPs, terpenes, hybrid SMs, PKs, NRPs, and siderophores, is revealed.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ana M. Figueiredo, Pamela C. Koster, Alejandro Dashti, Rita T. Torres, Carlos Fonseca, Atle Mysterud, Begona Bailo, Joao Carvalho, Eduardo Ferreira, Dario Hipolito, Joana Fernandes, Ana Lino, Josman D. Palmeira, Pedro Sarmento, Nuno Neves, Carlos Carrapato, Rafael Calero-Bernal, David Carmena
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence, distribution, and genetic diversity of enteric protozoan parasites in both wild and domestic species in Portugal. The findings suggest a widespread presence of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp., with some subtypes posing potential threats to human and animal health.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2023)