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Microorganisms Jun 2024A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic, motile, and spore-forming bacterium, designated SCL10, was isolated from exposure to Co-60 radiation. In this study, whole-genome...
A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic, motile, and spore-forming bacterium, designated SCL10, was isolated from exposure to Co-60 radiation. In this study, whole-genome sequencing was performed to identify the strain as and functional characterization, with a focus on stress resistance. The genome of the SCL10 strain was sequenced and assembled, revealing a size of 4,979,182 bp and 5167 coding genes. The genes involved in biological functions were annotated by using the GO, COG, KEGG, NR, and Swiss-Prot databases. The results showed that genes related to alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (, ), DNA-binding proteins from starved cells (), spore and biofilm formation (, 0, ), cold shock-like protein (, ), ATP-dependent chaperone (), and photolyase, small, acid-soluble spore protein (SASP) and DNA repair protein (, ) could explain the stress resistance. These findings suggest that antioxidant activity, sporulation, biofilm formation, and DNA protection may be considered as the main resistance mechanisms under exposure to radiation in the SCL10 strain.
PubMed: 38930550
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061168 -
Microorganisms May 2024Cetaceans, which are crucial in marine ecosystems, act as sentinels for ecosystem and human-environmental health. However, emerging fungal infections, particularly by... (Review)
Review
Cetaceans, which are crucial in marine ecosystems, act as sentinels for ecosystem and human-environmental health. However, emerging fungal infections, particularly by spp., pose a growing concern in these marine mammals. This review consolidates current knowledge on the prevalence, clinical manifestations, species distribution, and antifungal resistance of infections in cetaceans. We detail the diverse pathogenic impacts of , including respiratory, dermal, and systemic afflictions, underscoring diagnostic and treatment challenges amid rising antifungal resistance. Our analysis extends beyond health concerns in captive cetaceans, where confinement stress heightens vulnerability, to encompass substantial ecological risks in wild populations. The review emphasizes the One Health perspective, linking cetacean health with broader environmental and human public health issues. We particularly focus on the potential zoonotic transmission of emerging fungal pathogens such as and the role of environmental changes in fostering antifungal resistance. The study underscores the need for concerted, interdisciplinary efforts in veterinary, medical, and environmental sciences to enhance understanding and management of infections in cetaceans. We advocate for comprehensive monitoring and collaborative research initiatives to mitigate the rising challenge of these infections. Addressing spp. in cetaceans is not just a conservation priority but a critical step in safeguarding overall marine health and, by extension, human health in the context of evolving infectious diseases.
PubMed: 38930510
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061128 -
Microorganisms May 2024Soil desertification is an important challenge in global soil management, and effectively and stably restoring soil function is an urgent problem. Using synthetic...
Soil desertification is an important challenge in global soil management, and effectively and stably restoring soil function is an urgent problem. Using synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) is a burgeoning microbial strategy aimed at enhancing soil nutrients through functional synergies among diverse microorganisms; nevertheless, their effectiveness in restoring desertified soils remains unknown. In this study, we conducted a two-year field experiment using a SynCom constructed by in situ probiotic bacteria and set up control, chemical fertilizer, and combined SynCom-chemical fertilizer (combined fertilizer) treatments to investigate the linkage between microbial communities and soil multifunctionality in the soil surface layer (0-10 cm). Both the bacterial and fungal communities differed the most under the combined fertilizer treatment compared to the control. The bacterial communities differed more under treatments of the SynCom than the chemical fertilizer, while the fungal communities differed more under the chemical fertilizer treatment than the SynCom treatment. Regarding soil function, the SynCom strengthened the correlation between enzyme activities and both bacterial communities and functional properties. pH and available potassium were the main influencing factors under the chemical fertilizer and combined fertilizer treatments. The beta-diversity of the bacterial communities was significantly correlated with soil multifunctionality. Random forest analyses showed that the SynCom significantly enhanced the bacterial communities, driving soil multifunctionality, and that some potential microbial taxa drove multiple nutrient cycles simultaneously. In summary, the SynCom effectively increased the abundance of most carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus functional genes as well as soil enzyme activities. The bacterial community composition contributed significantly to soil multifunctionality. Hence, the development of novel microbial agents holds significant potential for improving soil functionality and managing desertification.
PubMed: 38930499
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061117 -
Microorganisms May 2024In this study, we focused on evaluating the impact of BHJ04 on the growth of seedlings and its biocontrol efficacy against pine wilt disease (PWD). Additionally, the...
In this study, we focused on evaluating the impact of BHJ04 on the growth of seedlings and its biocontrol efficacy against pine wilt disease (PWD). Additionally, the colonization dynamics of BHJ04 on were examined. The growth promotion experiment showed that BHJ04 significantly promoted the growth of the branches and roots of . Pot control experiments indicated that strain BHJ04 significantly inhibited the spread of PWD. There were significant changes in the expression of several genes related to pine wood nematode defense in , including chitinase, nicotinamide synthetase, and triangular tetrapeptide-like superfamily protein isoform 9. Furthermore, our results revealed significant upregulation of genes associated with the water stress response (dehydration-responsive proteins), genetic material replication (DNA/RNA polymerase superfamily proteins), cell wall hydrolase, and detoxification (cytochrome P450 and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase superfamily genes) in the self-regulation of . Colonization experiments demonstrated that strain BHJ04 can colonize the roots, shoots, and leaves of , and the colonization amount on the leaves was the greatest, reaching 160,000 on the 15th day. However, colonization of the stems lasted longer, with the highest level of colonization observed after 45 d. This study provides a preliminary exploration of the growth-promoting and disease-preventing mechanisms of BHJ04 and its ability to colonize pines, thus providing a new biocontrol microbial resource for the biological control of plant diseases.
PubMed: 38930471
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061089 -
Microorganisms May 2024Halo-alkali soil threatens agriculture, reducing growth and crop yield worldwide. In this study, physicochemical and molecular techniques were employed to explore the...
Halo-alkali soil threatens agriculture, reducing growth and crop yield worldwide. In this study, physicochemical and molecular techniques were employed to explore the potential of halo-alkali-tolerant endophytic bacteria strains sp. pp01, sp. pp02, sp. pp04, and sp. pp06 to enhance the growth of hybrid under varying saline conditions. The strains exhibited tolerance to high salt concentrations, alkaline pH, and high temperatures. Under controlled conditions, all four strains showed significant growth-promoting effects on hybrid inoculated individually or in combination. However, the effects were significantly reduced in coastal saline soil. The best growth-promoting effect was achieved under greenhouse conditions, increasing shoot fresh and dry weights of hybrid by up to 457.7% and 374.7%, respectively, using irrigating trials. Metagenomic sequencing analysis revealed that the diversity and composition of rhizosphere microbiota underwent significant changes after inoculation with endophytic bacteria. Specifically, pp02 and co-inoculation significantly increased the and population. Firmicutes, Mycobacteria, and Proteobacteria phyla were enriched in PP02 samples. These may explain the best growth-promoting effects of pp02 and co-inoculation on hybrid under greenhouse conditions. Our findings reveal the performance of endophytic bacterial inoculants in enhancing beneficial microbiota, salt stress tolerance, and hybrid growth.
PubMed: 38930444
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061062 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024Rest and stress echocardiography (SE) play a fundamental role in the evaluation of aortic valve stenosis (AS). According to the current guidelines for the... (Review)
Review
Rest and stress echocardiography (SE) play a fundamental role in the evaluation of aortic valve stenosis (AS). According to the current guidelines for the echocardiographic evaluation of patients with aortic stenosis, four broad categories can be defined: high-gradient AS (mean gradient ≥ 40 mmHg, peak velocity ≥ 4 m/s, aortic valve area (AVA) ≤ 1 cm or indexed AVA ≤ 0.6 cm/m); low-flow, low-gradient AS with reduced ejection fraction (mean gradient < 40 mmHg, AVA ≤ 1 cm, left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50%, stroke volume index (Svi) ≤ 35 mL/m); low-flow, low-gradient AS with preserved ejection fraction (mean gradient < 40 mmHg, AVA ≤ 1 cm, LVEF ≥ 50%, SVi ≤ 35 mL/m); and normal-flow, low-gradient AS with preserved ejection fraction (mean gradient < 40 mmHg, AVA ≤ 1 cm, indexed AVA ≤ 0.6 cm/m, LVEF ≥ 50%, SVi > 35 mL/m). Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is indicated with the onset of symptoms development or LVEF reduction. However, there is often mismatch between resting transthoracic echocardiography findings and patient's symptoms. In these discordant cases, SE and CT calcium scoring are among the indicated methods to guide the management decision making. Additionally, due to the increasing evidence that in asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis an early AVR instead of conservative treatment is associated with better outcomes, SE can help identify those that would benefit from an early AVR by revealing markers of poor prognosis. Low-flow, low-gradient AS represents a challenge both in diagnosis and in therapeutic management. Low-dose dobutamine SE is the recommended method to distinguish true-severe from pseudo-severe stenosis and assess the existence of flow (contractile) reserve to appropriately guide the need for intervention in these patients.
PubMed: 38930024
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123495 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is one of the leading cardiovascular causes of morbidity, mortality, and use of medical resources. After the introduction by... (Review)
Review
Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is one of the leading cardiovascular causes of morbidity, mortality, and use of medical resources. After the introduction by international guidelines of the same level of recommendation to non-invasive imaging techniques in CCS evaluation, a large debate arose about the dilemma of choosing anatomical (with coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)) or functional imaging (with stress echocardiography (SE), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), or nuclear imaging techniques) as a first diagnostic evaluation. The determinant role of the atherosclerotic burden in defining cardiovascular risk and prognosis more than myocardial inducible ischemia has progressively increased the use of a first anatomical evaluation with CCTA in a wide range of pre-test probability in CCS patients. Functional testing holds importance, both because the role of revascularization in symptomatic patients with proven ischemia is well defined and because functional imaging, particularly with stress cardiac magnetic resonance (s-CMR), gives further prognostic information regarding LV function, detection of myocardial viability, and tissue characterization. Emerging techniques such as stress computed tomography perfusion (s-CTP) and fractional flow reserve derived from CT (FFRCT), combining anatomical and functional evaluation, appear capable of addressing the need for a single non-invasive examination, especially in patients with high risk or previous revascularization. Furthermore, CCTA in peri-procedural planning is promising to acquire greater importance in the non-invasive planning and guiding of complex coronary revascularization procedures, both by defining the correct strategy of interventional procedure and by improving patient selection. This review explores the different roles of non-invasive imaging techniques in managing CCS patients, also providing insights into preoperative planning for percutaneous or surgical myocardial revascularization.
PubMed: 38929984
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123450 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024Esophageal self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are an important endoscopic tool. These stents have now been adapted successfully to manage post-bariatric surgery...
Esophageal Self-Expandable Metal Stents Can Fracture in the Distal Third When Used for Post-Bariatric Surgery Complications: A Single Center Experience and Review of the Literature with Video.
Esophageal self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are an important endoscopic tool. These stents have now been adapted successfully to manage post-bariatric surgery complications such as anastomotic leaks and strictures. In centers of expertise, this has become the primary standard-of-care treatment given its minimally invasive nature, and that it results in early oral feeding, decreased hospitalization, and overall favorable outcomes. Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) fractures are a rare complication of unknown etiology. We aimed to investigate possible causes of SEMS fractures and highlight a unique endoscopic approach utilized to manage a fractured and impaled SEMS. This is a retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent esophageal SEMS placement between 2015-2021 at a tertiary referral center to identify fractured SEMS. Patient demographics, stent characteristics, and possible etiologies of fractured SEMS were identified. A comprehensive literature review was also conducted to evaluate all prior cases of fractured SEMS and to hypothesize fracture theories. : There were seven fractured esophageal SEMS, of which six were used to manage post-bariatric surgery complications. Five SEMS were deployed with their distal ends in the gastric antrum and proximal ends in the distal esophagus. All stents fractured within 9 weeks of deployment. Most stents (5/7) were at least 10 cm in length with fractures commonly occurring in the distal third of the stents (6/7). The wires of a fractured SEMS were embedded within the esophagogastric junction in one case, prompting the use of an overtube that was synchronously advanced while steadily extracting the stent. We suggest the following four etiologies of SEMS fractures: anatomical, physiological, mechanical, and chemical. Stent curvature at the stomach incisura can lead to strain- and stress-related fatigue due to mechanical bending with exacerbation from respiratory movements. Physiologic factors (gastric body contractions) can result in repetitive squeezing of the stent, adding to metal fatigue. Intrinsic properties (long length and low axial force) may be contributing factors. Lastly, the stomach acidic environment may cause nitinol-induced chemical weakness. Despite the aforementioned theories, SEMS fracture etiology remains unclear. Until more data become available, it may be advisable to remove these stents within 6 weeks.
PubMed: 38929948
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123419 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024: Gender-affirming mastectomy (GAM) improves the psychosocial functioning and quality of life of transgender and non-binary (TGNB) individuals. However, the...
: Gender-affirming mastectomy (GAM) improves the psychosocial functioning and quality of life of transgender and non-binary (TGNB) individuals. However, the perioperative period is often marked by emotional stress, concerns about surgical outcomes, and physical discomfort. While inpatient procedures provide multiple opportunities to engage with and educate patients, outpatient surgeries, such as GAM, pose a unique challenge as patients are followed for <24 h postoperatively. Given the heightened emotional and psychological distress related to gender dysphoria TGNB individuals often experience, addressing these gaps can significantly improve outcomes. This study aims to characterize patient and surgical characteristics associated with patient-initiated communication (PIC) frequency in this population. : A single-center retrospective review of TGNB patients undergoing GAM from February 2018 to November 2022 was conducted. Demographics, surgical characteristics, and frequency of and reasons for perioperative PIC (30 days before and after surgery) were recorded. The primary outcome was the incidence of perioperative PIC. The secondary outcomes included (1) the rationale for PIC and (2) patient and surgical characteristics associated with PIC. : A total of 352 patients were included. Of these, 285 (74.6%) initiated communication in the perioperative period, totaling 659 PICs. The median age was 25.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 9.0) years. The median body mass index (BMI) was 28.5 (IQR: 8.5) kg/m. The mean number of PICs was 0.7 ± 1.3 preoperatively and 1.3 ± 1.7 postoperatively ( < 0.001). The most frequent preoperative PIC subjects were administrative issues (AI; n = 66, 30.7%), preoperative requirements (n = 43, 20.0%), and cost and insurance (n = 33, 15.0%). The most frequent postoperative PIC subjects were wound care (n = 77, 17.3%), AI (n = 70, 15.0%), activity restrictions (n = 60, 13.5%), drainage (n = 56, 12.6%), and swelling (n = 37, 8.3%). Collectively, older patients (β = 0.234, = 0.001), those with a history of major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder (2.4 ± 3.0 vs. 1.7 ± 1.9; = 0.019), and those without postoperative drains (n = 16/17, 94.1% vs. n = 236/334, 70.7%; = 0.025) engaged in higher levels of PIC. There were no significant associations between other patient characteristics, perioperative details, or complications and PIC frequency. : Perioperative PIC is prevalent among the majority of GAM patients at our institution, with age, psychiatric diagnosis, and postoperative drain use identified as significant predictors. To mitigate PIC frequency, it is crucial to ensure adequate support staffing and provide comprehensive postoperative instructions, particularly concerning activity restrictions and drainage management. These interventions may reduce PICs in high-volume centers. Further research should investigate targeted interventions to further support TGNB patients during the perioperative period.
PubMed: 38929897
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123368 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024: There is limited evidence on the association between psychological distress, academic stress, and burnout among Saudi nursing students. Clarifying such an association...
: There is limited evidence on the association between psychological distress, academic stress, and burnout among Saudi nursing students. Clarifying such an association is crucial to understanding the factors associated with psychological distress and developing interventions to prevent it. To explore the prevalence and association of psychological distress with academic stress and burnout among Saudi nursing students. : A cross-sectional design was used, and 237 students participated from a nursing college in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Students' demographics; the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale; the Academic Stress Inventory; and the Maslach Burnout Inventory were used for data collection. : Most of the participants reported no-to-mild depression, anxiety, and stress. Stress related to studying in groups, time management, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment were the significant predictors of psychological distress, explaining 52.1% of the variance. : This study suggest implementing tailored mental health screenings and support services for nursing students, embedding mental health professionals in the program, and using telehealth or mobile apps for remote monitoring to ensure comprehensive care for nursing students. Future research should consider these predictors while designing strategies to decrease psychological distress among students.
PubMed: 38929886
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123357