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Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023In Japan, nationwide epidemiological surveys on carbapenem-resistant (CREs), including comprehensive information, are scarce, with most data available only through...
In Japan, nationwide epidemiological surveys on carbapenem-resistant (CREs), including comprehensive information, are scarce, with most data available only through public reports. This study analyzed data on the family collected from nationwide testing centers between January 2016 and December 2022, focusing on isolates that met the criteria for CRE in Japan based on drug susceptibility. We investigated 5,323,875 isolates of 12 different species; among 4696 (0.09%) CRE strains, the proportion of major CRE isolates was as follows: , 31.3%; , 28.0%; , 18.5%; and , 6.7%. Moreover, over a 7-year period, , , , and demonstrated relatively high CRE percentages of 0.6% (156/26,185), 0.47% (869/184,221), 0.28% (313/110,371), and 0.17% (1314/780,958), respectively. The number of CRE strains isolated from different samples was as follows: urine, 2390; respiratory specimens, 1254; stool, 425; blood, 252; others, 375. In the broader context, including colonization, the predominant isolates of CREs collected at nationwide testing centers are and . Furthermore, recently, attention has been directed toward less common CRE species, such as and , and thus, it might be necessary to continue monitoring these less common species.
PubMed: 37887763
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101246 -
Scientific Reports Dec 2023To describe the annual incidence and the leading causes of sudden non-cardiac and cardiac death (SCD) in children and young adult Portuguese population. We...
To describe the annual incidence and the leading causes of sudden non-cardiac and cardiac death (SCD) in children and young adult Portuguese population. We retrospectively reviewed autopsy of sudden unexpected deaths reports from the Portuguese National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences' database, between 2012 and 2016, for the central region of Portugal, Azores and Madeira (ages 1-40: 26% of the total population). During a 5-year period, 159 SD were identified, corresponding to an annual incidence of 2,4 (95%confidence interval, 1,5-3,6) per 100.000 people-years. Victims had a mean age of 32 ± 7 years-old, and 72,3% were male. There were 70,4% cardiac, 16,4% respiratory and 7,5% neurologic causes of SD. The most frequent cardiac anatomopathological diagnosis was atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) (33,0%). There were 15,2% victims with left ventricular hypertrophy, with a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy only possible in 2,7%. The prevalence of cardiac pathological findings of uncertain significance was 30,4%. In conclusion, the annual incidence of SD was low. Atherosclerotic CAD was diagnosed in 33,0% victims, suggesting the need to intensify primary prevention measures in the young. The high prevalence of pathological findings of uncertain significance emphasizes the importance of molecular autopsy and screening of first-degree relatives.
Topics: Child; Young Adult; Humans; Male; Adult; Female; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Cross-Sectional Studies; Retrospective Studies; Autopsy; Coronary Artery Disease; Cause of Death
PubMed: 38123611
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47502-0 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023The current challenges in the food packaging field are, on one side, replacing plastic from non-renewable sources with biopolymers and, on the other hand, generating a... (Review)
Review
The current challenges in the food packaging field are, on one side, replacing plastic from non-renewable sources with biopolymers and, on the other hand, generating a packaging material with attractive properties for the consumer. Currently, the consumer is ecologically concerned; the food packaging industry must think ahead to satisfy their needs. In this context, the utilization of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) in this industry presents itself as an excellent candidate for fulfilling these requirements. PECs possess enticing characteristics such as encapsulation, protection, and transportation, among others. On the other hand, diverse types of biopolymers have been used in the formation of PECs, such as alginate, cellulose, gelatin, collagen, and so on. Hence, this paper reviews the use of PECs in food packaging where chitosan forms polyelectrolyte complexes.
Topics: Polyelectrolytes; Chitosan; Food Packaging; Biopolymers; Cellulose
PubMed: 37511293
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411535 -
Microbiology Spectrum Feb 2024This study investigated resistance genes corresponding to the fosfomycin resistance phenotype in clinical isolate W986, as well as characterizing the enzymatic activity...
This study investigated resistance genes corresponding to the fosfomycin resistance phenotype in clinical isolate W986, as well as characterizing the enzymatic activity of FosA11 and the genetic environment. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the agar microdilution method based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The whole genomic sequence of W986 was obtained using Illumina sequencing and the PacBio platform. The gene was amplified by PCR and cloned into the pUCP20 vector. The recombinant strain pCold1--BL21 was expressed to extract the target protein, and absorbance photometry was applied for enzymatic parameter determination. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests showed that W986 conferred fosfomycin resistance and was inhibited by phosphonoformate, thereby indicating the presence of a FosA protein. A novel resistance gene designated as was identified by whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, and it shared 54.41%-64.23% amino acid identity with known FosA proteins. Cloning into obtained a significant increase (32-fold) in the MIC with fosfomycin. Determination of the enzyme kinetics showed that FosA11 had a high catalytic effect on fosfomycin, with = 18 ± 4 and = 56.1 ± 3.2. We also found that was located on the chromosome, but the difference in the GC content between the chromosome and was dubious, and thus further investigation is required. In this study, we identified and characterized a novel fosfomycin inactivation enzyme called FosA11. The origin and prevalence of the gene in other bacteria require further investigation.IMPORTANCEFosfomycin is an effective antimicrobial agent against Enterobacterales strains. However, the resistance rate of fosfomycin is increasing year by year. Therefore, it is necessary to study the deep molecular mechanism of bacterial resistance to fosfomycin. We identified a novel chromosomal fosfomycin glutathione S-transferase, FosA11 from , which shares a very low identity (54.41%-64.23%) with the previously known FosA and exhibits highly efficient catalytic ability against fosfomycin. Analysis of the genetic context and origin of displays that the gene and its surrounding environments are widely conserved in and no mobile elements are discovered, implying that FosA11 may be broadly important in the natural resistance to fosfomycin of species.
Topics: Fosfomycin; Providencia; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Escherichia coli; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Chromosomes
PubMed: 38149860
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02542-23 -
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy Nov 2023AmpC β-lactamases are associated with development of ceftriaxone resistance despite initial susceptibility, but the risk of AmpC derepression is not equal among...
AmpC β-lactamases are associated with development of ceftriaxone resistance despite initial susceptibility, but the risk of AmpC derepression is not equal among Enterobacterales. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an AmpC stewardship intervention on the definitive treatment of low- and no-risk Enterobacterales. This was an IRB-approved, single pre-test, post-test quasi-experiment at a 5-hospital system. An AmpC stewardship intervention was implemented in July 2022 and included prescriber education, the removal of microbiology comments indicating potential for ceftriaxone resistance on therapy, and the modification of a blood PCR comment for to recommend ceftriaxone. Adults ≥18 years pre-intervention (July 2021 to December 2021) and post-intervention (July 2022 to December 2022) who received ≥72 hours of inpatient definitive therapy and had non-urine cultures growing low- and no-risk organisms (, spp., , , or ) were included. The primary endpoint was definitive treatment with ceftriaxone. A total of 224 patients were included; 115 (51%) in pre-intervention and 109 (49%) in post-intervention. Definitive ceftriaxone therapy was prescribed more frequently after intervention [6 (5%) vs 72 (66%), < 0.001]. After adjustment for critical illness, patients in the post-group were more likely to receive definitive ceftriaxone (adjOR, 34.7; 95% CI, 13.9-86.6). The proportion of patients requiring retreatment was 18 (15%) and 11 (10%) for pre- and post-intervention patients ( = 0.22), and ceftriaxone resistance within 30 days occurred in 5 (4%) and 2 (2%) patients in the pre- and post-group ( = 0.45). An antimicrobial stewardship intervention was associated with increased ceftriaxone prescribing and similar patient outcomes for low- and no-risk AmpC Enterobacterales.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ceftriaxone; Enterobacteriaceae; Enterobacteriaceae Infections; beta-Lactamases; Bacterial Proteins; Gammaproteobacteria; Serratia marcescens; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 37882541
DOI: 10.1128/aac.00826-23 -
Parasites & Vectors Jan 2024Houseflies, Musca domestica L., are an ubiquitous pest that can transmit numerous diseases and threaten human health. Increasing insecticide resistance shown by...
BACKGROUND
Houseflies, Musca domestica L., are an ubiquitous pest that can transmit numerous diseases and threaten human health. Increasing insecticide resistance shown by houseflies necessitates the develop new control alternatives. The housefly gut is densely colonized with microorganisms that interact with each other dynamically and benefit the host's health. However, the impact of multiple symbiotic bacteria on the composition of housefly gut microbiota and the host's activities remains unclear.
METHODS
We isolated and cultured 12 bacterial species from the intestines of housefly larvae. We also isolated seven bacteriophages to precisely target the regulation of certain bacterial species. Using 16S rRNA high-throughput gene sequencing, we analyzed the bacterial diversity after orally administering bacteria/phage cocktails to houseflies.
RESULTS
Our results showed that larval growth was promoted, the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Klebsiella and Enterobacter, was increased and the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Providencia, Morganella and Pseudomonas, was decreased in housefly larvae fed with the beneficial bacteria cocktail. However, oral administration of both beneficial and harmful bacterial phage cocktails inhibited larval growth, probably due to the drastic alteration of gut flora. Untargeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that disturbances in gut microbiota changed the larval metabolite profiles. Feeding experiments revealed that disrupting the intestinal flora suppressed the beneficial bacteria and increased the harmful bacteria, causing changes in the metabolites and inhibiting larval growth.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on our results, bacteria/phage cocktails are effective tools for regulating the intestinal flora of insects and have a high potential as a biological control agent for incorporation into an integrated pest management program.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Houseflies; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Bacteria; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Larva
PubMed: 38233948
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06082-8 -
Microbial Ecology Dec 2023Sugar beet is the most important crop for sugar production in temperate zones. The plant microbiome is considered an important factor in crop productivity and health....
Sugar beet is the most important crop for sugar production in temperate zones. The plant microbiome is considered an important factor in crop productivity and health. Here, we investigated the bacterial diversity of seeds, roots, and rhizosphere of five sugar beet hybrids named Eduarda (ED), Koala (KO), Tibor (T), Tajfun (TF), and Cercospora-resistant (C). A culture-independent next-generation sequencing approach was used for the further investigation of seed-borne endophytes. Hybrid-associated bacteria were evaluated for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics, antagonistic activity towards Cercospora beticola and several Fusarium strains in dual culture assays, and drought and salinity tolerance. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the Proteobacteria phylum was most dominant in the seeds of all hybrids, followed by Cyanobacteria and Actinobacteriota. The predominant genus in all hybrids was Pantoea, followed by Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Chalicogloea, Corynebacterium, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Glutamicibacter, Kosakonia, and Marinilactibacillus. Unique genera in the hybrids were Pleurocapsa and Arthrobacter (T), Klebsiella (TF), Apibacter (ED), and Alloscardovia (KO). The genera that were most represented in one hybrid were Weissella and Staphylococcus (TF); Streptococcus (T); Gardnerella, Prevotella, and Rothia (KO); and Gilliamella, Lactobacillus, and Snodgrassella (ED). Thirty-two bacteria out of 156 isolates from the rhizosphere, roots, and seeds were selected with respect to various plant growth-promoting activities in vitro, i.e., nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, indole-3-acetic acid production, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase activity, hydrogen cyanide production, exoenzymatic activity (amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, xylanase, mannanases, gelatinase, and pectinase), mitigation of environmental stresses, and antifungal activity. Mixta theicola KO3-44, Providencia vermicola ED3-10, Curtobacterium pusillum ED2-6, and Bacillus subtilis KO3-18 had the highest potential to promote plant growth due to their multiple abilities (nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, production of siderophores, and IAA). The best antagonistic activity towards phytopathogenic fungi was found for Bacillus velezensis C3-19, Paenibacillus polymyxa C3-36 and Bacillus halotolerans C3-16/2.1. Only four isolates B. velezensis T2-23, B. subtilis T3-4, B. velezensis ED2-2, and Bacillus halotolerans C3-16/2.1 all showed enzymatic activity, with the exception of xylanase production. B. halotolerans C3-16/2.1 exhibited the greatest tolerance to salinity, while two B. subtilis strains (C3-62 and TF2-1) grew successfully at the maximum concentration of PEG. The current study demonstrates that sugar beet-associated bacteria have a wide range of beneficial traits and are therefore highly promising for the formulation of biological control and PGP agents.
Topics: Beta vulgaris; Plant Development; Bacillus subtilis; Endophytes; Plant Roots; Phosphates
PubMed: 38148389
DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02329-0 -
Journal of Translational Medicine Feb 2024Tumor mutational burden (TMB) has been demonstrated to predict the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in various cancers. However, the role of TMB in head... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Tumor mutational burden (TMB) has been demonstrated to predict the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in various cancers. However, the role of TMB in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has not yet been specifically addressed. Since HNSCC patients exhibit a rather limited response to ICIs, there is an unmet need to develop predictive biomarkers to improve patient selection criteria and the clinical benefit of ICI treatment.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. HNSCC cohort studies were selected when TMB prior to ICI treatment was evaluated, TMB cutoff value was available, and the prognostic value of TMB was evaluated by time-to-event survival analysis. A total of 11 out of 1960 articles were analyzed, including 1200 HNSCC patients.
RESULTS
The results showed that those patients harboring high TMB exhibited a significantly superior overall response rate (OR = 2.62; 95% CI 1.74-3.94; p < 0.0001) and a survival advantage (HR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.39-0.71; p < 0.0001) after ICI treatment.
CONCLUSION
This is the first meta-analysis to demonstrate a higher response and clinical benefit from ICI therapy in HNSCC patients with high TMB.
Topics: Humans; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Prognosis; Immunotherapy; Survival Analysis; Biomarkers, Tumor; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Mutation
PubMed: 38311741
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04937-x -
Europace : European Pacing,... May 2024Arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy (AiCM) represents a subtype of acute heart failure (HF) in the context of sustained arrhythmia. Clear definitions and management...
AIMS
Arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy (AiCM) represents a subtype of acute heart failure (HF) in the context of sustained arrhythmia. Clear definitions and management recommendations for AiCM are lacking. The European Heart Rhythm Association Scientific Initiatives Committee (EHRA SIC) conducted a survey to explore the current definitions and management of patients with AiCM among European and non-European electrophysiologists.
METHODS AND RESULTS
A 25-item online questionnaire was developed and distributed among EP specialists on the EHRA SIC website and on social media between 4 September and 5 October 2023. Of the 206 respondents, 16% were female and 61% were between 30 and 49 years old. Most of the respondents were EP specialists (81%) working at university hospitals (47%). While most participants (67%) agreed that AiCM should be defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) impairment after new onset of an arrhythmia, only 35% identified a specific LVEF drop to diagnose AiCM with a wide range of values (5-20% LVEF drop). Most respondents considered all available therapies: catheter ablation (93%), electrical cardioversion (83%), antiarrhythmic drugs (76%), and adjuvant HF treatment (76%). A total of 83% of respondents indicated that adjuvant HF treatment should be started at first HF diagnosis prior to antiarrhythmic treatment, and 84% agreed it should be stopped within six months after LVEF normalization. Responses for the optimal time point for the first LVEF reassessment during follow-up varied markedly (1 day-6 months after antiarrhythmic treatment).
CONCLUSION
This EHRA Survey reveals varying practices regarding AiCM among physicians, highlighting a lack of consensus and heterogenous care of these patients.
Topics: Humans; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Female; Male; Cardiomyopathies; Middle Aged; Adult; Europe; Surveys and Questionnaires; Stroke Volume; Health Care Surveys; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Ventricular Function, Left; Catheter Ablation; Cardiologists
PubMed: 38693772
DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae112 -
Microbiome Research Reports 2024Microbiomes influence the physiology and behavior of multicellular organisms and contribute to their adaptation to changing environmental conditions. However, yeast and...
Microbiomes influence the physiology and behavior of multicellular organisms and contribute to their adaptation to changing environmental conditions. However, yeast and bacterial microbiota have usually been studied separately; therefore, the interaction between bacterial and yeast communities in the gut of () is often overlooked. In this study, we investigate the correlation between bacterial and yeast communities in the gut of . We studied the shifts in the joint microbiome of , encompassing both yeasts and bacteria, during adaptation to substrate with varying salt concentrations (0%, 2%, 4%, and 7%) using plating for both yeasts and bacteria and NGS-sequencing of variable gene regions for bacteria. The microbiome of flies and their substrates was gradually altered at moderate NaCl concentrations (2% and 4% compared with the 0% control) and completely transformed at high salt concentrations (7%). The relative abundance of , potentially beneficial to , decreased as NaCl concentration increased, whereas the relative abundance of the more halotolerant lactobacilli first increased, peaking at 4% NaCl, and then declined dramatically at 7%. At this salinity level, potentially pathogenic bacteria of the genera and were dominant. The yeast microbiome of also undergoes significant changes with an increase in salt concentration in the substrate. The total yeast abundance undergoes nonlinear changes: it is lowest at 0% salt concentration and highest at 2%-4%. At a 7% concentration, the yeast abundance in flies and their substrate is lower than at 2%-4% but significantly higher than at 0%. The abundance and diversity of bacteria that are potentially beneficial to the flies decreased, while the proportion of potential pathogens, and , increased with an increase in salt concentration in the substrate. In samples with a relatively high abundance and/or diversity of yeasts, the corresponding indicators for bacteria were often lowered, and . This may be due to the greater halotolerance of yeasts compared to bacteria and may also indicate antagonism between these groups of microorganisms.
PubMed: 38846022
DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2023.56