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Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024() is an opportunistic pathogen frequently isolated from cutaneous chronic wounds. How , in the presence of oxidative stress (OS), colonizes chronic wounds and forms a...
() is an opportunistic pathogen frequently isolated from cutaneous chronic wounds. How , in the presence of oxidative stress (OS), colonizes chronic wounds and forms a biofilm is still unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the changes in gene expression seen when PA is challenged with the high levels of OS present in chronic wounds. We used a biofilm-forming strain isolated from the chronic wounds of our murine model (RPA) and performed a qPCR to obtain gene expression patterns as RPA developed a biofilm in vitro in the presence of high levels of OS, and then compared the findings in vivo, in our mouse model of chronic wounds. We found that the planktonic bacteria under OS conditions overexpressed quorum sensing genes that are important for the bacteria to communicate with each other, antioxidant stress genes important to reduce OS in the microenvironment for survival, biofilm formation genes and virulence genes. Additionally, we performed RNAseq in vivo and identified the activation of novel genes/pathways of the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) involved in RPA pathogenicity. In conclusion, RPA appears to survive the high OS microenvironment in chronic wounds and colonizes these wounds by turning on virulence, biofilm-forming and survival genes. These findings reveal pathways that may be promising targets for new therapies aimed at disrupting -containing biofilms immediately after debridement to facilitate the treatment of chronic human wounds.
PubMed: 38929094
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060655 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The tomato industry is a relevant socio-economic activity in the European Union, while it generates a large variety of residues. Tomatoes unfit for consumption, tomato... (Review)
Review
The tomato industry is a relevant socio-economic activity in the European Union, while it generates a large variety of residues. Tomatoes unfit for consumption, tomato peels, seeds, industrial pomace, and plants are examples of residues of this industry. Commonly, some of the residues can be left in the field, composted, used for animal feeding, or valorized through anaerobic digestion. However, more economic value can be attributed to these residues if a biorefinery approach is applied. Indeed, many value-added compounds can be obtained by the integration of different processes while closing the carbon and nutrient loops. The extraction of bioactive compounds followed by anaerobic digestion and composting seems to be a viable proposal for a biorefinery approach. Thus, this study aims to review the biorefinery strategies for valorizing tomato residues, highlighting the main processes proposed. The recovery of lycopene, β-carotene, and phenolic compounds has been widely studied at the lab scale, while energy recovery has already been applied at the industrial scale. Although techno-economic analysis is scarce for tomato residue valorization processes, positive net present values (NPV) and low payback times (PBT) have been reported in the literature. Thus, more work comparing multiple extraction technologies and biorefinery strategies coupled with economic and environmental assessment should be performed to select the most promising management route for tomato residues.
PubMed: 38928815
DOI: 10.3390/foods13121873 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Arsenic compounds have been used as therapeutic alternatives for several diseases including cancer. In the following work, we obtained arsenic nanoparticles (AsNPs)...
Arsenic compounds have been used as therapeutic alternatives for several diseases including cancer. In the following work, we obtained arsenic nanoparticles (AsNPs) produced by an anaerobic bacterium from the , in northern Chile, and evaluated their effects on the human oral squamous carcinoma cell line OECM-1. Resazurin reduction assays were carried out on these cells using 1-100 µM of AsNPs, finding a concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability that was not observed for the non-tumoral gastric mucosa-derived cell line GES-1. To establish if these effects were associated with apoptosis induction, markers like Bcl2, Bax, and cleaved caspase 3 were analyzed via Western blot, executor caspases 3/7 via luminometry, and DNA fragmentation was analyzed by TUNEL assay, using 100 µM cisplatin as a positive control. OECM-1 cells treated with AsNPs showed an induction of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways, which can be explained by a significant decrease in P-Akt/Akt and P-ERK/ERK relative protein ratios, and an increase in both PTEN and p53 mRNA levels and Bit-1 relative protein levels. These results suggest a prospective mechanism of action for AsNPs that involves a potential interaction with extracellular matrix (ECM) components that reduces cell attachment and subsequently triggers , an anchorage-dependent type of apoptosis.
Topics: Humans; Anoikis; Apoptosis; Cell Line, Tumor; Nanoparticles; Arsenic; Cell Survival; Mouth Neoplasms; Caspase 3; Signal Transduction; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
PubMed: 38928430
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126723 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Complex gut microbiota increases chickens' resistance to enteric pathogens. However, the principles of this phenomenon are not understood in detail. One of the...
Complex gut microbiota increases chickens' resistance to enteric pathogens. However, the principles of this phenomenon are not understood in detail. One of the possibilities for how to decipher the role of gut microbiota in chickens' resistance to enteric pathogens is to systematically characterise the gene expression of individual gut microbiota members colonising the chicken caecum. To reach this aim, newly hatched chicks were inoculated with bacterial species whose whole genomic sequence was known. Total protein purified from the chicken caecum was analysed by mass spectrometry, and the obtained spectra were searched against strain-specific protein databases generated from known genomic sequences. , sp. and did not utilise carbohydrates when colonising the chicken caecum. On the other hand, , , , , , , , and fermented carbohydrates. was the only motile bacterium, and expressed the type VI secretion system. Classification of in vivo expression is key for understanding the role of individual species in complex microbial populations colonising the intestinal tract. Knowledge of the expression of motility, the type VI secretion system, and preference for carbohydrate or amino acid fermentation is important for the selection of bacteria for defined competitive exclusion products.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Amino Acids; Type VI Secretion Systems; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Cecum; Bacteria
PubMed: 38928209
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126505 -
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The rapid detection of the spore form of has remained a challenge for clinicians. To address this, we have developed a novel, precise, microwave-enhanced approach for...
The rapid detection of the spore form of has remained a challenge for clinicians. To address this, we have developed a novel, precise, microwave-enhanced approach for near-spontaneous release of DNA from spores via a bespoke microwave lysis platform. spores were microwave-irradiated for 5 s in a pulsed microwave electric field at 2.45 GHz to lyse the spore and bacteria in each sample, which was then added to a screen-printed electrode and electrochemical DNA biosensor assay system to identify presence of the pathogen's two toxin genes. The microwave lysis method released both single-stranded and double-stranded genome DNA from the bacterium at quantifiable concentrations between 0.02 μg/mL to 250 μg/mL allowing for subsequent downstream detection in the biosensor. The electrochemical bench-top system comprises of oligonucleotide probes specific to conserved regions within and toxin genes of and was able to detect 800 spores of within 300 µL of unprocessed human stool samples in under 10 min. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using a solid-state power generated, pulsed microwave electric field to lyse and release DNA from human stool infected with spores. This rapid microwave lysis method enhanced the rapidity of subsequent electrochemical detection in the development of a rapid point-of-care biosensor platform for .
PubMed: 38927868
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11060632 -
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Farm leftovers, particularly crop residues, are a key source of renewable energy in Canada. The nation's robust agricultural industry provides ample biomass, derived...
Farm leftovers, particularly crop residues, are a key source of renewable energy in Canada. The nation's robust agricultural industry provides ample biomass, derived from forestry and agriculture resources, for energy generation. Crop residues, such as straws and husks, play a crucial role in this biomass reservoir, contributing to biofuel production and greenhouse gas mitigation efforts. Focusing on supply chains, waste management, and emission reduction, this study evaluates the sustainability of wheat straw, an agricultural biomass by-product. The environmental issues of various approaches to managing agricultural biomass were explored. Following an evaluation of biomass features, conversion methods, and economic and environmental advantages, the results show anaerobic digestion to be the most sustainable approach. Four metrics were examined in relation to social elements, and numerous aspects were considered as inputs in the evaluation of transportation costs. The use of electric trucks versus fuel-based trucks resulted in an 18% reduction in total operating costs and a 58% reduction in consumption costs. This study examined CO emissions over four different transportation distances. The data indicate that a significant reduction of 36% in kg CO equivalent emissions occurred when the distance was lowered from 100 km to 25 km. These findings offer insights for creating practical plans that should increase the sustainability of agricultural biomass leftovers.
PubMed: 38927790
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11060554 -
Genes Jun 2024Anthocyanidin reductase () is a key enzyme regulating anthocyanin synthesis and accumulation in plants. Here, lychee genes were globally identified, their sequence and...
Anthocyanidin reductase () is a key enzyme regulating anthocyanin synthesis and accumulation in plants. Here, lychee genes were globally identified, their sequence and phylogenetic characteristics were analyzed, and their spatiotemporal expression patterns were characterized. A total of 51 family members were identified in the lychee genome. The length of the encoded amino acid residues ranged from 87 aa to 289 aa, the molecular weight ranged from 9.49 KD to 32.40 KD, and the isoelectric point (pI) ranged from 4.83 to 9.33. Most of the members were acidic proteins. Most members of the family were located in the cytoplasm. The 51 family members were unevenly distributed in 11 chromosomes, and their exons and motif conserved structures were significantly different from each other. Promoters in over 90% of members contained anaerobically induced response elements, and 88% contained photoresponsive elements. Most family members had low expression in nine lychee tissues and organs (root, young leaf, bud, female flower, male flower, pericarp, pulp, seed, and calli), and some members showed tissue-specific expression patterns. The expression of one gene, , decreased with the increase of anthocyanin accumulation in 'Feizixiao' and 'Ziniangxi' pericarp, which was negatively correlated with pericarp coloring. The identified gene was heterologously expressed in tobacco K326, and the function of the gene was verified. This study provides a basis for the further study of function, particularly the role in lychee pericarp coloration.
Topics: Litchi; Plant Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Phylogeny; Multigene Family; Anthocyanins; Genome, Plant
PubMed: 38927692
DOI: 10.3390/genes15060757 -
Genes May 2024The increase in hypoxia events, a result of climate change in coastal and fjord ecosystems, impacts the health and survival of mussels. These organisms deploy...
The increase in hypoxia events, a result of climate change in coastal and fjord ecosystems, impacts the health and survival of mussels. These organisms deploy physiological and molecular responses as an adaptive mechanism to maintain cellular homeostasis under environmental stress. However, the specific effects of hypoxia on mussels of socioeconomic interest, such as , are unknown. Using RNA-seq, we investigated the transcriptomic profiles of the gills, digestive gland, and adductor muscle of under hypoxia (10 days at 2 mg L) and reoxygenation (10 days at 6 mg L). There were 15,056 differentially expressed transcripts identified in gills, 11,864 in the digestive gland, and 9862 in the adductor muscle. The response varied among tissues, showing chromosomal changes in Chr1, Chr9, and Chr10 during hypoxia. Hypoxia regulated signaling genes in the Toll-like, mTOR, citrate cycle, and apoptosis pathways in gills, indicating metabolic and immunological alterations. These changes suggest that hypoxia induced a metabolic shift in mussels, reducing reliance on aerobic respiration and increasing reliance on anaerobic metabolism. Furthermore, hypoxia appeared to suppress the immune response, potentially increasing disease susceptibility, with negative implications for the mussel culture industry and natural bed populations. This study provides pivotal insights into metabolic and immunological adaptations to hypoxia in , offering candidate genes for adaptive traits.
Topics: Animals; Mytilus; Transcriptome; Gills; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Hypoxia
PubMed: 38927594
DOI: 10.3390/genes15060658 -
Biomedicines Jun 2024UCP2 is an uncoupling protein homolog to UCP1. Unlike UCP1, which participates in non-shivering thermogenesis by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), UCP2 does... (Review)
Review
UCP2 is an uncoupling protein homolog to UCP1. Unlike UCP1, which participates in non-shivering thermogenesis by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), UCP2 does not perform a canonical H leak, consuming the protonmotive force (Δ) through the inner mitochondrial membrane. The UCP2 biological role is elusive. It can counteract oxidative stress, acting with a "mild uncoupling" process to reduce ROS production, and, in fact, UCP2 activities are related to inflammatory processes, triggering pathological conditions. However, the Δ dissipation by UCP2 activity reduces the mitochondrial ATP production and rewires the bioenergetic metabolism of the cells. In all likelihood, UCP2 works as a carrier of metabolites with four carbon atoms (C4), reversing the anaerobic glycolysis-dependent catabolism to OXPHOS. Indeed, UCP2 can perform catalysis in dual mode: mild uncoupling of OXPHOS and metabolite C4 exchange of mitochondria. In vivo, the UCP2 features in the biology of mitochondria promote healthy ageing, increased lifespan, and can assure cerebro- and cardiovascular protection. However, the pathological conditions responsible for insulin secretion suppression are dependent on UCP2 activity. On balance, the uncertain biochemical mechanisms dependent on UCP2 do not allow us to depict the protective role in mitochondrial bioenergetics.
PubMed: 38927514
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061307 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024is a Gram-positive, strictly anaerobic, spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium belonging to the phylum Firmicutes and the family Lachnospiraceae. Until now, is the only... (Review)
Review
is a Gram-positive, strictly anaerobic, spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium belonging to the phylum Firmicutes and the family Lachnospiraceae. Until now, is the only species of its genus. It was first isolated in 2003 during a study into the flora of lagoons and manure pits. Given the rarity of this microorganism and the sparse information in the literature about its way of transmission, the way to diagnose its infections and identify it in the microbiology laboratory, and its public health relevance, the present study aimed to identify all the published cases of , describe the epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological characteristics, and provide information about its antimicrobial resistance, treatment, and outcomes. A narrative review was performed based on a Pubmed/Medline and Scopus databases search. In total, 14 studies provided data on 17 patients with infections by . The median age of patients was 63 years and 47% were male. The most common types of infection were bone and joint infections, bacteremia, infective endocarditis, and peritonitis. The only isolated species was , and antimicrobial resistance to clindamycin was 50%, but was 0% to the combination of piperacillin with tazobactam, aminopenicillin with a beta-lactamase inhibitor, and metronidazole which were the most commonly used antimicrobials for the treatment of these infections. The overall mortality depends on the type of infection and is notable only for bacteremia, while all other infections had an optimal outcome. Future studies should better assess these infections' clinical and epidemiological characteristics and the mechanisms of the antimicrobial resistance of this microorganism from a mechanistic and genetic perspective.
PubMed: 38927236
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060570