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Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2021Global environmental contamination with a complex mixture of xenobiotics has become a major environmental issue worldwide. Many xenobiotic compounds severely impact the...
Global environmental contamination with a complex mixture of xenobiotics has become a major environmental issue worldwide. Many xenobiotic compounds severely impact the environment due to their high toxicity, prolonged persistence, and limited biodegradability. Microbial-assisted degradation of xenobiotic compounds is considered to be the most effective and beneficial approach. Microorganisms have remarkable catabolic potential, with genes, enzymes, and degradation pathways implicated in the process of biodegradation. A number of microbes, including , and , have been isolated and characterized, and have shown exceptional biodegradation potential for a variety of xenobiotic contaminants from soil/water environments. Microorganisms potentially utilize xenobiotic contaminants as carbon or nitrogen sources to sustain their growth and metabolic activities. Diverse microbial populations survive in harsh contaminated environments, exhibiting a significant biodegradation potential to degrade and transform pollutants. However, the study of such microbial populations requires a more advanced and multifaceted approach. Currently, multiple advanced approaches, including metagenomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, are successfully employed for the characterization of pollutant-degrading microorganisms, their metabolic machinery, novel proteins, and catabolic genes involved in the degradation process. These technologies are highly sophisticated, and efficient for obtaining information about the genetic diversity and community structures of microorganisms. Advanced molecular technologies used for the characterization of complex microbial communities give an in-depth understanding of their structural and functional aspects, and help to resolve issues related to the biodegradation potential of microorganisms. This review article discusses the biodegradation potential of microorganisms and provides insights into recent advances and omics approaches employed for the specific characterization of xenobiotic-degrading microorganisms from contaminated environments.
PubMed: 33644024
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.632059 -
Medicine Feb 2022Several epidemiological studies have shown that silica exposure triggers the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, the clinical characteristics of...
INTRODUCTION
Several epidemiological studies have shown that silica exposure triggers the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, the clinical characteristics of silica-associated SLE have not been well studied.
PATIENT CONCERNS
A 67-year-old man with silicosis visited a primary hospital because of a fever and cough. His respiratory condition worsened, regardless of antibiotic medication, and he was referred to our hospital.
DIAGNOSIS
The patient showed leukopenia, lymphopenia, serum creatinine elevation with proteinuria and hematuria, decreased serum C3 level, and was positive for anti-double stranded DNA antibody, anti-nuclear antibody, and direct Coombs test. He was diagnosed with SLE. Renal biopsy was performed, and the patient was diagnosed with lupus nephritis (class IV-G(A/C) + V defined by the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society classification). Computed tomography revealed acute interstitial pneumonitis, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed elevation of the lymphocyte fraction, and he was diagnosed with lupus pneumonitis.
INTERVENTIONS
Prednisolone (50 mg/day) with intravenous cyclophosphamide (500 mg/body) were initiated.
OUTCOMES
The patient showed a favorable response to these therapies. He was discharged from our hospital and received outpatient care with prednisolone slowly tapered off. He had cytomegalovirus and herpes zoster virus infections during treatment, which healed with antiviral therapy.
REVIEW
We searched for the literature on sSLE, and selected 11 case reports and 2 population-based studies. The prevalence of SLE manifestations in sSLE patients were comparative to that of general SLE, particularly that of elderly-onset SLE. Our renal biopsy report and previous reports indicate that lupus nephritis of sSLE patients show as various histological patterns as those of general SLE patients. Among the twenty sSLE patients reported in the case articles, three patients developed lupus pneumonitis and two of them died of it. Moreover, two patients died of bacterial pneumonia, one developed aspergillus abscesses, one got pulmonary tuberculosis, and one developed lung cancer.
CONCLUSION
Close attention is needed, particularly for respiratory system events and infectious diseases, when treating patients with silica-associated SLE using immunosuppressive therapies.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Kidney; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Lupus Nephritis; Male; Pneumonia, Bacterial; Silicon Dioxide
PubMed: 35363197
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000028872 -
Planta Medica Aug 2020Fungi are well known for their ability to synthesize secondary metabolites, which have proven to be a rich resource for exploring lead compounds with medicinal and/or...
Fungi are well known for their ability to synthesize secondary metabolites, which have proven to be a rich resource for exploring lead compounds with medicinal and/or agricultural importance. The genera , and are the most widely studied fungal groups, from which a plethora of bioactive metabolites have been characterized. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the genus , which has been reported to possess great potential for its application as a biocontrol agent. Meanwhile, a wide structural array of metabolites with attractive bioactivities has been reported from this genus. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of species, with emphasis on the chemical diversity and relevant biological activities of these metabolic products. Herein, a total of 148 compounds and 80 references are cited in this review, which is expected to be beneficial for the development of medicines and agrochemicals in the near future.
Topics: Aspergillus; Fungi; Paecilomyces; Penicillium; Talaromyces
PubMed: 32645741
DOI: 10.1055/a-1196-1906 -
Polish Journal of Radiology 2021To assess differentiating features between bacterial, , and skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) with regard to clinical presentation and imaging appearances.
PURPOSE
To assess differentiating features between bacterial, , and skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) with regard to clinical presentation and imaging appearances.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A literature search was performed in April 2020 for studies on SBO with a minimum sample size of 10 patients. Studies that reported presenting symptoms, cross-sectional imaging findings, complications, and mortality were included in the analysis. The quality of included articles was tested using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool. A data extraction form was used to retrieve relevant parameters from each of the articles.
RESULTS
Thirteen articles were included in the final analysis. Diabetes mellitus was the most common predisposing factor (12.5-91.0%). Presenting complaints in all bacterial SBO studies were otogenic, while fungal SBO patients had nasal/ocular complaints. Rates of mortality and surgical intervention in the fungal group were 50-100% and 50%, respectively, as compared to the bacterial group - 7-87% and 10%, respectively. On imaging, the site of initial infection in bacterial SBO was the external auditory canal, while in fungal SBO it was the paranasal sinus. The incidence of orbital extension was < 5% in bacterial and 44-70% in fungal SBO, among which had rates of 65-70%. Bone erosion was less extensive in bacterial SBO, and the patterns differed. The highest incidence of vascular involvement and non-enhancing lesions (23-36%) was seen in showed highest sino-cranial extension (52-55%) and homogenous bright enhancement.
CONCLUSIONS
Systematic analysis of the clinico-radiological parameters in each of the studies revealed differences in presentation, clinical course, extension, bone erosion, and enhancement.
PubMed: 34136049
DOI: 10.5114/pjr.2021.106470 -
The Journal of Hospital Infection Jul 2021COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is defined as invasive pulmonary aspergillosis occurring in COVID-19 patients. The purpose of this review was to...
COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is defined as invasive pulmonary aspergillosis occurring in COVID-19 patients. The purpose of this review was to discuss the incidence, characteristics, diagnostic criteria, biomarkers, and outcomes of hospitalized patients diagnosed with CAPA. A literature search was performed through Pubmed and Web of Science databases for articles published up to 20 March 2021. In 1421 COVID-19 patients, the overall CAPA incidence was 13.5% (range 2.5-35.0%). The majority required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The time to CAPA diagnosis from illness onset varied between 8.0 and 16.0 days. However, the time to CAPA diagnosis from intensive care unit (ICU) admission and IMV initiation ranged between 4.0-15.0 days and 3.0-8.0 days. The most common diagnostic criteria were the modified AspICU-Dutch/Belgian Mycosis Study Group and IAPA-Verweij et al. A total of 77.6% of patients had positive lower respiratory tract cultures, other fungal biomarkers of bronchoalveolar lavage and serum galactomannan were positive in 45.3% and 18.2% of patients. The CAPA mortality rate was high at 48.4%, despite the widespread use of antifungals. Lengthy hospital and ICU stays ranging between 16.0-37.5 days and 10.5-37.0 days were observed. CAPA patients had prolonged IMV duration of 13.0-20.0 days. The true incidence of CAPA likely remains unknown as the diagnosis is limited by the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria that rely solely on microbiological data with direct or indirect detection of Aspergillus in respiratory specimens, particularly in clinical conditions with a low pretest probability. A well-designed, multi-centre study to determine the optimal diagnostic approach for CAPA is required.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; COVID-19; Humans; Incidence; Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis; Observational Studies as Topic; Respiration, Artificial
PubMed: 33891985
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.04.012 -
Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Jan 2023Infections with fungi, such as Aspergillus species, have been found as common complications of viral pneumonia. This study aims to determine the risk factors of fungal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Infections with fungi, such as Aspergillus species, have been found as common complications of viral pneumonia. This study aims to determine the risk factors of fungal superinfections in viral pneumonia patients using meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to determine the risk factors of fungal infection s in viral pneumonia patients using meta-analysis.
METHODS
We reviewed primary literature about fungal infection in viral pneumonia patients published between January 1, 2010 and September 30, 2020, in the Chinese Biomedical Literature, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang (China), Cochrane Central Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. These studies were subjected to an array of statistical analyses, including risk of bias and sensitivity analyses.
RESULTS
In this study, we found a statistically significant difference in the incidence of fungal infections in viral pneumonia patients that received corticosteroid treatment as compared to those without corticosteroid treatment (p < .00001). Additionally, regarding the severity of fungal infections, we observed significant higher incidence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in patients with high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores (p < .001), tumors (p = .005), or immunocompromised patients (p < .0001).
CONCLUSIONS
Our research shows that corticosteroid treatment was an important risk factor for the development of fungal infection in patients with viral pneumonia. High APACHE II scores, tumors, and immunocompromised condition are also important risk factors of developing IPA. The diagnosis of fungal infection in viral pneumonia patients can be facilitated by early serum galactomannan (GM) testing, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid Aspergillus antigen testing, culture, and biopsy.
Topics: Humans; Superinfection; Sensitivity and Specificity; Aspergillus; Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis; Risk Factors; Neoplasms
PubMed: 36705416
DOI: 10.1002/iid3.760 -
Open Forum Infectious Diseases Oct 2019Rhinosinusitis, malignant otitis externa, and skull base osteomyelitis represent a spectrum of cranial invasive fungal disease (IFD). These syndromes have distinct...
BACKGROUND
Rhinosinusitis, malignant otitis externa, and skull base osteomyelitis represent a spectrum of cranial invasive fungal disease (IFD). These syndromes have distinct characteristics, yet they may progress to involve similar structures, resulting in inflammation and invasion of the adjacent internal carotid artery (ICA). Invasive fungal carotiditis can have devastating consequences, including cerebral infarction, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and death.
METHODS
We retrospectively studied all patients diagnosed with cranial IFD and carotid involvement at our institution from 2003 to 2018. We also searched Medline/PubMed for reports of or cranial infections with ICA involvement. All cases with mycologic evidence of cranial IFD and radiographic or pathologic evidence of ICA involvement were included.
RESULTS
We identified 78 cases of invasive fungal carotiditis between 1958 and 2018, including 4 cases at our own institution. Forty-one were caused by and 37 by species. Presenting symptoms included vision changes (73%), cranial nerve palsy (69%), and headache (42%). Carotid events included occlusion, aneurysm formation, and vessel rupture. Cerebral infarcts occurred in 50% of cases. Mortality at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 2 years was 27%, 41%, and 71% respectively. The median time from symptom onset to death was 150 days for cases due to and 51 days for cases due to species.
CONCLUSIONS
Invasive fungal carotiditis is a rare but morbid manifestation of cranial IFD. Early suspicion of IFD and administration of antifungal treatment, vascular imaging, and endovascular interventions should be considered to reduce the high mortality of this disease.
PubMed: 31660355
DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz392 -
Transplant Infectious Disease : An... Aug 2020No consensus exists regarding optimal strategy for antifungal prophylaxis following lung transplant. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
No consensus exists regarding optimal strategy for antifungal prophylaxis following lung transplant.
OBJECTIVE
To review data regarding antifungal prophylaxis on the development of fungal infections.
STUDY SELECTION/APPRAISAL
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus for eligible articles through December 10, 2019. Observational or controlled trials published after January 1, 2001, that pertained to the prevention of fungal infections in adult lung recipients were reviewed independently by two reviewers for inclusion.
METHODS
Of 1702 articles screened, 24 were included. Data were pooled using random effects model to evaluate for the primary outcome of fungal infection. Studies were stratified by prophylactic strategy, medication, and duration (short term < 6 months and long term ≥ 6 months).
RESULTS
We found no difference in the odds of fungal infection with universal prophylaxis (49/101) compared to no prophylaxis (36/93) (OR 0.76, CI: 0.03-17.98; I = 93%) and preemptive therapy (25/195) compared to universal prophylaxis (35/222) (OR 0.91, CI: 0.06-13.80; I = 93%). The cumulative incidence of fungal infections within 12 months was not different with nebulized amphotericin (0.08, CI: 0.04-0.13; I = 87%) compared to systemic triazoles (0.07, CI: 0.03-0.11; I = 21%) (P = .65). Likewise, duration of prophylaxis did not impact the incidence of fungal infections (short term: 0.11, CI: 0.05-0.17; I = 89%; long term: 0.06, CI: 0.03-0.08; I = 51%; P = .39).
CONCLUSIONS
We have insufficient evidence to support or exclude a benefit of antifungal prophylaxis.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Chemoprevention; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Lung; Lung Transplantation; Mycoses; Transplant Recipients; Transplantation, Homologous; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32449237
DOI: 10.1111/tid.13333 -
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences May 2024Camels are highly suited for severe desert conditions and able to provide most of the natural products like urine, which has been used as alternative medicine to treat... (Review)
Review
Camels are highly suited for severe desert conditions and able to provide most of the natural products like urine, which has been used as alternative medicine to treat diverse infections and disorders. There is, however, a shortage and paucity of scientific reviews highlighting the antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral effects of camel urine. By better understanding its antimicrobial characteristics, our overarching aim is to provide an exhaustive overview of this valuable natural product by synthesizing and summarizing data on the efficacy of this biofluid and also describing the potential substances exhibiting antimicrobial properties. We searched three databases in order to point out relevant articles (Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar) until December 2022. Research articles of interest evaluating the antimicrobial effects of camel urine were selected. Overall, camel urine furnished promising antibacterial activities against gram-positive bacteria, namely (30 mm), (22 mm), (25 mm) and (21 mm), as well as gram-negative bacteria, especially and spp., without forgetting its efficiency on as well. The excretion also showed its potency against H1N1 virus, vesicular stomatitis virus and middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Similarly, the camel urine featured strong antifungal activity against and dermatophytes with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 0.625 μg/ml against , 2.5 μg/ml against and 1.25 μg/ml against and . This comprehensive review will be valuable for researchers interested in investigating the potential of camel urine in the development of novel broad-spectrum key molecules targeting a wide range of drug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms.
PubMed: 38495380
DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2024.103966 -
Journal of Neurosurgery. Case Lessons Jun 2022Primary spinal infections (PSIs) are a group of uncommon but serious infectious diseases considered more prevalent and aggressive among patients with chronic...
BACKGROUND
Primary spinal infections (PSIs) are a group of uncommon but serious infectious diseases considered more prevalent and aggressive among patients with chronic immunocompromised states. Association of PSI and solid organ transplant has not been systematically analyzed. The authors performed a systematic review analyzing clinical presentation and mortality of patients with PSI in the setting of solid organ transplant.
OBSERVATIONS
PSIs in patients with immunosuppressive therapy, such as those with solid organ transplant, may behave differently in terms of epidemiology, clinical presentation, and outcomes compared with nonimmunosuppressed patients. Overall PSI in solid organ transplant patients is associated with a high rate of neurological compromise, postoperative complications, and mortality.
LESSONS
Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of PSI require a multidisciplinary effort. Localized pain is the most frequently reported symptom associated with PSI. As opposed to PSI in patients without transplant, inflammatory and infectious markers such as white blood cells and C-reactive protein are often not elevated. Furthermore, the causative microorganism profile varies significantly when compared to pyogenic spinal infection in patients without transplant. species was responsible for spondylodiscitis in transplant patients in more than 50% of cases, and the incidence of infection is projected to rise in the coming years.
PubMed: 35855206
DOI: 10.3171/CASE22157