Article
Microbiology
Giulia Pilla, Tao Wu, Christen Grassel, Jonathan Moon, Jennifer Foulke-Abel, Christoph M. Tang, Eileen M. Barry
Summary: Shigella is a major cause of bacillary dysentery worldwide, especially with high death rates among children under five. The development of vaccines has been hindered by the lack of an effective small-animal model. This study used human enteroids as a model system to evaluate a potential vaccine strain, showing promising results in the guinea pig model.
Article
Immunology
Vincenzo Torraca, Dominik Brokatzky, Sydney L. Miles, Charlotte E. Chong, P. Malaka De Silva, Stephen Baker, Claire Jenkins, Kathryn E. Holt, Kate S. Baker, Serge Mostowy
Summary: Shigella, including specific serotypes, can establish persistent infection in the zebrafish model. The O-antigen plays a crucial role in this process, and the serotype-associated effects observed in humans are also observed in zebrafish.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vyacheslav M. Abramov, Igor Kosarev, Tatiana Priputnevich, Andrey Machulin, Tatiana N. Abashina, Irina O. Chikileva, Almira D. Donetskova, Kazuhide Takada, Vyacheslav G. Melnikov, Raisa N. Vasilenko, Valentin S. Khlebnikov, Vladimir A. Samoilenko, Ilya N. Nikonov, Gennady T. Sukhikh, Vladimir N. Uversky, Andrey Karlyshev
Summary: The soluble Slp2 demonstrates anti-adhesion properties against pathogenic proteobacteria that cause necrotizing enterocolitis, promotes cell growth and differentiation, and enhances intestinal barrier function.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
A. Stefanovic, N. Matic, G. Ritchie, C. F. Lowe, V. Leung, M. Hull, M. Alam, M. Dawar, S. Champagne, M. G. Romney
Summary: Increased invasive bloodstream infections caused by multidrug resistant Shigella sonnei were observed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, between 2021 and 2023. Whole-genome sequencing revealed clonal transmission of genotype 3.6.1.1.2 (CipR.MSM5) among homeless individuals. Improvements in identifying Shigella species, expanding treatment options for multidrug resistant infections, and developing public health partnerships are necessary.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
P. Malaka De Silva, Rebecca J. Bennett, Lauriane Kuhn, Patryk Ngondo, Lorine Debande, Elisabeth Njamkepo, Brian Ho, Francois-Xavier Weill, Benoit S. Marteyn, Claire Jenkins, Kate S. Baker
Summary: Colicins are responsible for E. coli killing by S. sonnei, not a T6SS. This phenotype contributes to shaping the observed epidemiology of S. sonnei and may contribute to its increasing prevalence globally. BPER is an epidemiologically relevant approach to phenotypic testing that enables the rapid identification of genetic drivers of phenotypic changes, and assessment of their relevance to epidemiology in natural settings.
Letter
Immunology
Hosoon Choi, Dhammika H. Navarathna, Brennon L. Harston, Munok Hwang, Brandon Corona, Ma Rowena San Juan, Chetan Jinadatha
Summary: We present a case of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella sonnei infection in an immunocompromised patient in Texas, USA. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was unable to identify the XDR Shigella, but whole-genome sequencing accurately characterized the strain. First-line antimicrobials are ineffective against emerging XDR Shigella, and potential alternatives include fosfomycin, carbapenems, and tigecycline.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mingfang Wang, Jia Zeng, Huihui Tan, Quan Guo, Xia Li, Xiwen Ling, Jinyue Zhang, Shihao Song, Yinyue Deng
Summary: In this study, Stattic was found to be effective against S. sonnei, inhibiting its enzyme activity and reducing biofilm formation and extracellular polysaccharide production. It also showed synergistic effects with antibiotics and anti-virulence activity against other bacteria.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Silvia-Simona Grosu-Tudor, Iulia-Roxana Angelescu, Alexandru Brinzan, Medana Zamfir
Summary: S-layer proteins produced by lactobacilli isolated from Romanian artisan fermented products were characterized. The presence of S-layer proteins was confirmed by electron microscopy, and their removal caused a loss of bacterial resistance and self-aggregation ability. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified the molecular masses and isoelectric points of the proteins. PCR amplification revealed the similarity between the genome of Lact. helveticus 34.9 and slpA gene.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Cecile Boutonnet, Sebastien Lyonnais, Beatrice Alpha-Bazin, Jean Armengaud, Alice Chateau, Catherine Duport
Summary: The dynamics of SL2 and EA1 expression are key determinants of the surface properties of B. cereus AH187, and the S-layer may contribute to the survival of B. cereus in starvation conditions.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ruiying Su, Peng Guo, Ziruo Zhang, Jingzi Wang, Xinyi Guo, Du Guo, Yutang Wang, Xin Lu, Chao Shi
Summary: Shigella sonnei (S. sonnei) infection is the main cause of shigellosis outbreaks, mostly due to the consumption of contaminated food. This study investigated the antibacterial effect of linalool on S. sonnei and its impact on the sensory quality of lettuce. The results showed that linalool effectively inhibited S. sonnei, reduced bacterial content on lettuce, and had no negative effect on lettuce color.
Article
Immunology
Serena Tondi, Bruna Clemente, Carmen Esposito, Chiara Sammicheli, Simona Tavarini, Laura B. Martin, Omar Rossi, Francesca Micoli, Erika Bartolini, Michela Brazzoli, Cristina Ulivieri, Christoph J. Blohmke, Francesca Schiavetti
Summary: GMMA are outer membrane exosomes extracted from Gram-negative bacteria genetically modified to enhance vaccine development potential. Stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with GMMA showed that modification of lipid A structure can reduce inflammatory response.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Rongrong He, Haiming Chen, Hao Wu, Jicai Liu, Weijun Chen, Ming Zhang, Wenxue Chen, Qiuping Zhong
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of linalool against Shigella sonnei based on proteomic and physiological indicators. The results showed that linalool can perturb the expression levels of intracellular proteins and inhibit the growth of Shigella sonnei through amino acid limitation and insufficient energy supply. Moreover, linalool can effectively control the quality change of fresh beef without affecting its sensory acceptability.
Review
Microbiology
Ahtesham Ahmad Shad, Wajahat Ahmed Shad
Summary: S. sonnei is an emerging pathogen globally, with increasing prevalence and significant role in occupying ecological niches of other gut pathogens. Recent studies suggest that improved sanitation has reduced cross-immunization with other strains, while enhancing its competitive advantage through specific secretion systems.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
K. Ross Turbyfill, Kristen A. A. Clarkson, Edwin V. V. Oaks, Daniel V. V. Zurawski, Anthony R. R. Vortherms, Robert W. W. Kaminski
Summary: This article describes novel modifications to a previously described vaccine approach for Shigella, resulting in improved methods for manufacturing and regulatory approvals, expansion of coverage to all major Shigella serotypes, and increased potency of the artificial Invaplex.
Letter
Immunology
Souheil Zayet, Timothee Klopfenstein, Alix Pierron, Pierre-Yves Royer, Lynda Toko, Pauline Garnier, Vincent Gendrin
Summary: This study describes three cases of multidrug-resistant S. sonnei in MSM and emphasizes the increased risk of S. sonnei infection among MSM due to different sexual behaviors. The emergence of this pathogen among MSM in Franche-Comte, France, and its association with certain sexual behaviors are highlighted.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
X. Kang, H. Liang, Y. Luo, Z. Li, F. He, X. Han, L. Zhang
Summary: The heat-inactivated MN-ZLW-002 can suppress adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation by regulating the immune response, possibly via the release of cytokines, especially TNF-alpha; it can also improve metabolism-related indicators in the early stage of HFD intervention and regulate the related pro-inflammatory immune response.
LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shiwei Chen, Haiyue Niu, Yifan Wu, Jialei Sun, Xue Han, Lanwei Zhang
Summary: Lactic acid inhibits the proliferation of Lactobacillus bulgaricus sp1.1 and arrests cell cycle progression at the intracellular biomass accumulation and cell division stages. pH 4.1 is the critical condition at which cell area and length are significantly reduced, and DNA replication initiation is prompted.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Youyou Lu, Zhe Zhang, Lingjun Tong, Xiaohong Zhou, Xi Liang, Huaxi Yi, Pimin Gong, Tongjie Liu, Lanwei Zhang, Liuqing Yang, Hanping Shi
Summary: Overall, this study revealed that Bifidobacterium animalis F1-7, Lactobacillus paraccasei F34-3, and Lactobacillus plantarum FWDG promoted 5-HT secretion in ECs of constipation mice through different pathways and were well colonized in the large intestine.
NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY AND MOTILITY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhe Zhang, Xi Liang, Lingjun Tong, Youyou Lv, Huaxi Yi, Pimin Gong, Xiaoying Tian, Qingyu Cui, Tongjie Liu, Lanwei Zhang
Summary: The study extracted main compounds of Inonotus obliquus using a high-pressure water extraction method, and found that its extract significantly alleviated blood glucose and insulin resistance in diabetic mice while improving lipid metabolism disorders. The underlying mechanisms involve the regulation of the PI3K/Akt and AMPK/ACC signaling pathways.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Shaden A. M. Khalifa, Eslam S. Shedid, Essa M. Saied, Amir Reza Jassbi, Fatemeh H. Jamebozorgi, Mostafa E. Rateb, Ming Du, Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim, Guo-Yin Kai, Montaser A. M. Al-Hammady, Jianbo Xiao, Zhiming Guo, Hesham R. El-Seedi
Summary: Cyanobacteria produce bioactive compounds that have shown promising pharmacological activities in clinical trials, making them potential candidates for COVID-19 treatment. Large-scale synthesis of these compounds is essential to overcome issues with chemical isolation and further investigate their biological activities.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Aida Abd El-Wahed, Nermeen Yosri, Hanem H. Sakr, Ming Du, Ahmed F. M. Algethami, Chao Zhao, Ahmed H. Abdelazeem, Haroon Elrasheid Tahir, Saad H. D. Masry, Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim, Syed Ghulam Musharraf, Islam El-Garawani, Guoyin Kai, Yahya Al Naggar, Shaden A. M. Khalifa, Hesham R. El-Seedi
Summary: Wasps can be solitary or social, with social wasps using venom to protect their colonies and solitary wasps using it to capture prey. The bioactive constituents in wasp venom have anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects, but challenges remain in synthesizing these compounds.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yuehua Jiao, Han Yang, Nditange Shigwedha, Shuang Zhang, Fei Liu, Lanwei Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different culture conditions on Enterococcus faecalis LD33 and found that respiration-permissive conditions led to increased biomass, higher production of metabolites, and enhanced antimicrobial activities against certain bacteria. The strain also showed better adhesion capability and bile salt tolerance under respiration metabolism. However, its acid tolerance was weaker compared to fermentation conditions. The anti-cancer effect of the strain was not significantly different between the two growth modes, but the supernatant exhibited a higher inhibition effect on cancer cells.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xi Liang, Zhe Zhang, Youyou Lv, Haiyan Lu, Tongjie Liu, Huaxi Yi, Maozhen Zhao, Lanwei Zhang, Pimin Gong
Summary: The study demonstrated that the combination of KO and Bif. animalis F1-7 significantly improved atherosclerosis by reducing plaque area and improving serum lipid and inflammatory factor levels. The synergistic effect of the two interventions could reduce lipid accumulation and improve inflammatory response through the regulation of the FXR/CYP7A1 and TLR4/MyD88 pathways.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tongjie Liu, Yixin Shi, Yang Li, Huaxi Yi, Pimin Gong, Kai Lin, Zhe Zhang, Lanwei Zhang
Summary: The interaction between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis during sourdough fermentation was studied. S. cerevisiae had no visible influence on F. sanfranciscensis, but the latter facilitated the growth of the former while affecting its volatile production. RNA-sequencing results showed significant changes in gene transcripts implicated in amino acid metabolism in F. sanfranciscensis by S. cerevisiae.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hesham R. El-Seedi, Nermeen Yosri, Bishoy El-Aarag, Shaymaa H. Mahmoud, Ahmed Zayed, Ming Du, Aamer Saeed, Syed G. Musharraf, Islam M. El-Garawani, Mohamed R. Habib, Haroon Elrasheid Tahir, Momtaz M. Hegab, Xiaobo Zou, Zhiming Guo, Thomas Efferth, Shaden A. M. Khalifa
Summary: Cardiotonic steroids are hormones found in the blood of amphibians and toads, as well as in natural products like plants, herbs, and marines. They have effects against congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation, and are divided into two groups: cardenolides and bufadienolides. This review focuses on their chemistry, antiviral, and anticancer activities, particularly in combating chronic health problems caused by cancer, viruses, and inflammations. Various cardiotonic steroids from toad venom have been isolated and shown to exhibit superior activities. Identification of these compounds and their bioactivities has been achieved using molecular and biotechnological techniques.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Youyou Lu, Xi Liang, Yeting Wu, Ruiqi Wang, Tongjie Liu, Huaxi Yi, Zhuang Yu, Zhe Zhang, Pimin Gong, Lanwei Zhang
Summary: This study confirmed that B. animalis F1-7 can improve immunity by regulating immune response, achieved through promoting the expression of caspase-8/3 and Bak genes and proteins, and activating the FAS/CD95 pathway.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yifan Wu, Gongsheng Zhang, Yucong Wang, Xin Wei, Huanhuan Liu, Lili Zhang, Lanwei Zhang
Summary: Allergic diseases are prevalent in infants worldwide and are closely related to maternal and infant flora composition and metabolism. The mother's flora, including breast milk, intestinal, and vaginal flora, affects the infant's immune system development during pregnancy and lactation. Changes in maternal flora composition and function are associated with infant allergic diseases. The infant's own flora, especially the intestinal flora, plays a role in the development and regulation of allergic diseases, and is affected by allergic diseases.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Youyou Lu, Xiaohong Zhou, Yeting Wu, Qingyu Cui, Xiaoying Tian, Huaxi Yi, Pimin Gong, Lanwei Zhang
Summary: This study explored the potential mechanism of Bifidobacterium animalis F1-7 in alleviating opioid-induced constipation (OIC) through non-targeted metabonomics, electrophysiological experiments, and molecular docking. The results showed that the metabolite 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGE2, through the 5-HT pathway, participated in the alleviation of OIC by B. animalis F1-7.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yinxue Liu, Yushan Bu, Jianxun Li, Yisuo Liu, Ao Liu, Pimin Gong, Tongjie Liu, Lanwei Zhang, Shumei Wang, Huaxi Yi
Summary: The study found that plantaricin Q7 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on both Listeria monocytogenes cells and its biofilm, suggesting its potential application as a natural and effective biological preservative for food storage.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Youyou Lu, Zhuang Yu, Zhe Zhang, Xi Liang, Pimin Gong, Huaxi Yi, Liuqing Yang, Tongjie Liu, Hanping Shi, Lanwei Zhang
Summary: The combination of konjac glucomannan (KGM) and Bifidobacterium animalis F1-7 effectively promoted defaecation in mice, increased the fecal water content, shortened the defaecation time and improved the gastrointestinal transit rate. This mixture also influenced the levels of various components and proteins related to humoral transport pathways, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving intestinal motility and relieving constipation.