Article
Microbiology
Michael G. Whitfield, David M. Engelthaler, Christopher Allender, Megan Folkerts, Tim H. Heupink, Jason Limberis, Robin M. Warren, Annelies Van Rie, John Z. Metcalfe
Summary: This study investigated the diagnostic accuracy of pyrazinamide susceptibility testing and found a low prevalence of pyrazinamide heteroresistance in tuberculosis isolates.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Samuel J. Modlin, Tyler Marbach, Jim Werngren, Mikael Mansjo, Sven E. Hoffner, Faramarz Valafar
Summary: This study identified ClpC1 mutations associated with PZA resistance for the first time, with ClpC1(Val63Ala) mutation being overrepresented in Indo-Oceanic isolates with potential low-level PZA resistance. Genetic background plays an important role in the development of resistance.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Abdulkerim Badgeba, Mulugeta Shegaze Shimbre, Mathewos Alemu Gebremichael, Biruk Bogale, Menur Berhanu, Hanan Abdulkadir
Summary: This study aimed to assess the determinants of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in southern Ethiopia. The results showed that determinants of MDR-TB included TB patients facing social stigma, living in one- and two-roomed houses, having a previous history of TB treatment, having low baseline body mass index (BMI), and having pulmonary TB. These findings have important implications for TB control programs and patient management.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dian Ayu Eka Pitaloka, Arfan Arfan, Dwi Syah Fitra Ramadhan, Lidya Chaidir
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the impact of mutations found in pyrazinamide monoresistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on the effectiveness of pyrazinamide for tuberculosis treatment. Five mutations of pyrazinamidase were analyzed, and the results showed that three of these mutations affected the enzyme's activity and led to PZA resistance. However, the other two mutations had no effect. Experimental clarification is needed for further studies on drug resistance in pyrazinamidase.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Renier van der Westhuyzen, Amanda Mabhula, Paul M. Njaria, Rudolf Mueller, Denis Ngumbu Muhunga, Dale Taylor, Nina Lawrence, Mathew Njoroge, Christel Brunschwig, Atica Moosa, Vinayak Singh, Srinivasa P. S. Rao, Ujjini H. Manjunatha, Paul W. Smith, Digby F. Warner, Leslie J. Street, Kelly Chibale
Summary: Screening of a library of small polar molecules against Mycobacterium tuberculosis led to the identification of potent benzoheterocyclic oxime carbamate hit series. Medicinal chemistry progression and structure-activity relationship studies were carried out to identify a compound for concept validation studies and define a lead optimization strategy. In vivo evaluation revealed carbamates may act as prodrugs, suggesting a novel and unknown mode of action for these antitubercular hits.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Mohammad Bagheri, Ali Pormohammad, Fatemeh Fardsanei, Ali Yadegari, Maniya Arshadi, Behnaz Deihim, Bahareh Hajikhani, Ray J. Turner, Farima Khalili, Seyyed Mohammad Javad Mousavi, Masoud Dadashi, Mehdi Goudarzi, Hossein Dabiri, Hossein Goudarzi, Mehdi Mirsaeidi, Mohammad Javad Nasiri
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of sequencing PZA susceptibility tests, showing a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 94.7%. The results suggest that PZA sequencing may be used in conjunction with conventional tests, especially in situations where culture tests are not feasible.
MICROBIAL DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Samuel J. Modlin, Afif Elghraoui, Deepika Gunasekaran, Alyssa M. Zlotnicki, Nicholas A. Dillon, Nermeeta Dhillon, Norman Kuo, Cassidy Robinhold, Carmela K. Chan, Anthony D. Baughn, Faramarz Valafar
Summary: Accurate and timely functional genome annotation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulent type strain H37Rv is achieved by systematic literature curation and structure-function inference, leading to valuable insights that can be applied in clinical and basic research. The updated annotations provide functional information for poorly characterized genes and proteins, improving the understanding of drug resistance, host immunity, and metabolism in tuberculosis research. This integrated approach highlights the translational value of combining structural modeling and systematic literature curation for studying various functions and pathways in microorganisms.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anastasia Ushtanit, Elena Kulagina, Yulia Mikhailova, Marina Makarova, Svetlana Safonova, Danila Zimenkov
Summary: Ethionamide susceptibility testing methods are imperfectly correlated in drug-resistant tuberculosis, and a significant proportion of resistant TB cases are susceptible to ethionamide treatment.
Article
Microbiology
Juan M. Lopez, Mirko Zimic, Katherine Vallejos, Diego Sevilla, Mariella Quispe-Carbajal, Elisa Roncal, Joseline Rodriguez, Jhojailith Rodriguez, Ricardo Antiparra, Hector Arteaga, Robert H. Gilman, Helena Maruenda, Patricia Sheen
Summary: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a major global killer, with a quarter of the population infected and 1.3 million deaths annually. The development of drug-resistant strains presents a challenge for TB treatment, particularly with regards to pyrazinamide (PZA) resistance. This study presents a nuclear magnetic resonance method to accurately measure the production of pyrazinoic acid (POA) in TB patients, which shows excellent sensitivity and specificity and may become the new gold standard for determining PZA susceptibility.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Malcolm S. Cole, Michael D. Howe, Joseph A. Buonomo, Sachin Sharma, Elise A. Lamont, Scott Brody, Neeraj K. Mishra, Yusuke Minato, Joshua M. Thiede, Anthony D. Baughn, Courtney C. Aldrich
Summary: The research team has developed novel drugs that exploit beta-lactamase activity to selectively release active TB drugs. These drugs exhibit selective activity against M. tuberculosis and related mycobacteria, with retained or even enhanced activity in multiple resistant strains and models.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Wanliang Shi
Summary: This study aimed to develop a minimal medium to determine the activity of PZA at a neutral pH and identify PZA-resistant M. tuberculosis with reliability and accuracy in clinical settings. The results showed that PZA inhibited the growth of M. tuberculosis at a neutral pH of 6.8 in the proposed PZA-S1 minimal medium, providing valuable information for PZA susceptibility testing.
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)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicole Poladian, Davit Orujyan, William Narinyan, Armani K. Oganyan, Inesa Navasardyan, Prathosh Velpuri, Abraham Chorbajian, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) causes tuberculosis infection in humans globally, especially in immunocompromised populations and areas with limited tuberculosis treatment resources. The interaction between M. tb and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappa B) plays a crucial role in the immune response, where NF-kappa B promotes pro-inflammatory cytokines and assists in maintaining granulomas and controlling bacterial load. Understanding the dynamics of M. tb and NF-kappa B interaction is essential for better comprehension of the immune response and potential therapeutic interventions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Luqi Wang, Bin Chen, Hui Zhou, Barun Mathema, Liang Chen, Xiangchen Li, Yewei Lu, Zhengwei Liu, Xiaomeng Wang, Weibing Wang
Summary: Understanding the emergence and evolution of drug resistance in tuberculosis (TB) is important for public health intervention. This study in eastern China collected genomic and epidemiological data on TB patients from 2015 to 2021. The study found the sequence and timing of introduction of anti-TB drugs were linked to the emergence and expansion of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis populations. Geospatial analysis revealed the migration of drug-resistant isolates within the region. Continuous evolution and transmission of drug-resistant strains were observed. To control the epidemic of drug-resistant TB, careful drug usage and timely identification of resistant patients are necessary.
Article
Microbiology
Kun Li, Zhongping Yang, Jing Gu, Ming Luo, Jiaoyu Deng, Yaokai Chen
Summary: This study identified and analyzed pncA gene mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from Chongqing, China, revealing 124 mutation types, including 30 new mutations. By analyzing mutations and pyrazinamidase activity, 322 isolates out of 424 drug-resistant isolates were predicted to be resistant to PZA.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jabar Babatunde Pacome Achimi Agbo Abdul, Bayode Romeo Adegbite, Micheska Epola Dibamba Ndanga, Jean Ronald Edoa, Rhett Chester Mevyann, Guy Rogue Arnault Ibinda Mfoumbi, Tshisekedi Jean de Dieu, Jocelyn Mahoumbou, Christopher Mebiame Biyogho, Sankarganesh Jeyaraj, Stefan Niemann, Bertrand Lell, Peter Gottfried Kremsner, Abraham Sunday Alabi, Ayola Akim Adegnika, Martin Peter Grobusch
Summary: The increasing incidence of MDR-TB infection in Gabon is alarming, especially among individuals aged 25-35. There is a need for improvement in case finding and contact tracing strategies for treatment-naive MDR-TB patients.
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jonathan P. Smith, Chawangwa Modongo, John E. Oeltmann, Mbatshi Dima, Ogopotse Matsiri, Othusitse Fane, Tudeutso Molefi, Sanghyuk S. Shin, Ivan Barilar, Stefan Niemann, Nicola M. Zetola, Patrick K. Moonan
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Clara Sciorati, Rebecca De Lorenzo, Nicola I. Lore, Cristina Tresoldi, Daniela M. Cirillo, Fabio Ciceri, Angelo Corti, Angelo A. Manfredi, Patrizia Rovere-Querini
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Francesca Nicola, Daniela M. Cirillo, Nicola I. Lore
Summary: This article reviews the current murine models for M. abscessus lung infection and their application in studying new therapeutic approaches. The murine models can be used to validate new targets and drugs and study the combinatorial regimens and dosage and administration of existing antibiotics. Additionally, the murine models can be used to develop new therapeutic approaches to modulate the host immune response and limit immunopathological damage.
Article
Oncology
Laura Cristina Gironi, Elia Esposto, Francesca Zottarelli, Roberto Giorgione, Pamela Farinelli, Elisa Zavattaro, Edoardo Cammarata, Nunzia Di Cristo, Paola Ogliara, Lara Camillo, Mara Giordano, Simona Mellone, Barbara Pasini, Alessandro Ambrosi, Paola Savoia
Summary: We investigated the correlation between the occurrence of cutaneous melanoma and noncutaneous tumors in CDKN2A mutation carriers and wild-type melanoma patients. The study found that mutation carriers had a significantly higher number of cutaneous melanoma cases compared to the wild-type patients. Additionally, both groups had a similar rate of diagnosis for malignant NCTs. The onset of cutaneous melanoma generally preceded the occurrence of NCTs, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive surveillance for melanoma patients.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Pietro Panni, Lucia Riccio, Roberta Cao, Alessandro Pedicelli, Enrico Marchese, Anselmo Caricato, Alberto Feletti, Mattia Testa, Paolo Zanatta, Nicola Gitti, Simone Piva, Dikran Mardighian, Vittorio Semeraro, Giordano Nardin, Emilio Lozupone, Giafranco Paiano, Edoardo Picetti, Vito Montanaro, Massimo Petranca, Carlo Bortolotti, Antonino Scibilia, Luigi Cirillo, Andrea Luigi Lanterna, Alessandro Ambrosi, Pietro Mortini, Luigi Beretta, Andrea Falini
Summary: This study aimed to investigate predictors and clinical impact of rebleeding in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The study found that ultra-early vasospasm (UEV) and presence of dissecting aneurysm were the strongest predictors of aneurysmal rebleeding, while a history of hypertension reduced the chances of rebleeding. Additionally, rebleeding emerged as an independent predictor of intrahospital mortality.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Roland Diel, Karen Meywald-Walter, Christian Schwarzbach, Klaas Voss, Viola Dreyer, Stefan Niemann
Summary: A prospective molecular-epidemiologic study in Hamburg, Germany, evaluated the transmission risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (Mtbc) by children <15 years in a low-incidence setting. The study found that children with pulmonary TB disease, especially those aged below 10 years, rarely transmit Mtbc to their close contacts in a low-incidence setting.
RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maciej Trzaskowski, Anna Mazurkiewicz-Pisarek, Jakub Waldemar Trzcinski, Marcin Drozd, Rafal Podgorski, Anna Zabost, Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopec
Summary: Methods based on nucleic acid detection are commonly used in COVID-19 diagnostics, but they have a long time-to-result. Serological methods, although less precise, shorten the analysis time and are considered promising for screening tests. This study investigated the feasibility of an SPR-based detection system that can quickly detect antibodies in human plasma. A portable device was proposed and tested on plasma samples, showing a detection limit of 40 ng/mL.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Malgorzata Bruczynska, Anna Didkowska, Sylwia Brzezinska, Magdalena Nowak, Katarzyna Filip-Hutsch, Miroslaw Kalicki, Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopec, Krzysztof Anusz
Summary: This study confirms the presence of MAP infections in Polish zoos and specifically identifies its presence in bongo antelope. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring and protecting animal health in zoo settings.
Article
Microbiology
Rachel F. Rollo, Giorgia Mori, Timothy A. Hill, Doris Hillemann, Stefan Niemann, Susanne Homolka, David P. Fairlie, Antje Blumenthal
Summary: Shorter and more effective treatment regimens as well as new drugs are urgently needed to reduce the global burden of tuberculosis (TB). This study discovered a new compound called wollamide B1, which has antimycobacterial activity and can synergize with existing TB antibiotics, enhancing their effectiveness. Wollamide B1 also remains effective against drug-resistant TB strains.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Francy J. Perez-Llanos, Viola Dreyer, Ivan Barilar, Christian Utpatel, Thomas A. Kohl, Martha Isabel Murcia, Susanne Homolka, Matthias Merker, Stefan Niemann
Summary: An outbreak of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) bacteria was identified among the indigenous populations in the Colombian Amazon region. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to analyze the transmission of MTBC strains and it was found that the use of an alternative reference genome and repetitive regions improved the phylogenetic resolution. The study also revealed the presence of multiple clones in some patients, indicating within-host MTBC diversity.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Alessandra Pisciottani, Laura Croci, Fabio Lauria, Chiara Marullo, Elisa Savino, Alessandro Ambrosi, Paola Podini, Marta Marchioretto, Filippo Casoni, Ottavio Cremona, Stefano Taverna, Angelo Quattrini, Jean-Michel Cioni, Gabriella Viero, Franca Codazzi, G. Giacomo Consalez
Summary: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal neurodegenerative disease primarily affecting individuals between 50-60 years old. The presence of TDP-43 proteinopathy, characterized by cytoplasmic aggregates formed by TDP-43 protein, disrupts mRNA transport and localization. This study generated and analyzed cellular models of TDP-43 proteinopathy, showing that neurons expressing TDP-43 fusion proteins have impaired axonal protein synthesis, increased oxidative stress, and defects in presynaptic function and electrical activity. These changes are correlated with deregulation of axonal mRNA levels involved in the same processes.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Joanna Dominika Was, Magdalena Niedolistek, Dorota Sokolowska, Joanna Wisniewska, Tomasz Zielinski, Anna Mierzynska, Daniel Rabczenko, Beata Orzechowska, Dominika Franz, Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopec, Anna Lutynska
Summary: This study evaluated the diagnostic value of CDT compared with other biomarkers in patients with heart failure. The results showed no significant correlations between CDT and troponin T or NT pro-BNP.
POSTEPY HIGIENY I MEDYCYNY DOSWIADCZALNEJ
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Giovanna Laura Di Domenico, Margherita Minoli, Nicola Discepoli, Alessandro Ambrosi, Massimo de Sanctis
Summary: This study aimed to assess the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and periodontitis. The findings showed that non-surgical periodontal therapy was effective in improving glycemic control in these patients.
ACTA DIABETOLOGICA
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Francesco Giganti, Alexander P. Cole, Fiona M. Fennessy, Timothy Clinton, Pedro Lopes Da Frota Moreira, Mariana Costa Bernardes, Carl-Fredrik Westin, Deepa Krishnaswamy, Andriy Fedorov, Daniel A. Wollin, Bjoern Langbein, Nicola Frego, Muhieddine Labban, Joy S. Badaoui, Steven L. Chang, Logan G. Briggs, Junichi Tokuda, Alessandro Ambrosi, Alex Kirkham, Mark Emberton, Veeru Kasivisvanathan, Caroline M. Moore, Clare Allen, Clare M. Tempany
Summary: This study assessed the impact of a prostate MRI quality training lecture on the participants' ability to apply the PI-QUAL scoring system. The results showed that the teaching course significantly improved the participants' ability to evaluate the quality of prostate MRI examinations using the PI-QUAL score.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2023)