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Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Gram-negative bacteria have been one of the most studied classes in the field of microbiology, especially in the context of globally alarming antimicrobial resistance...
UNLABELLED
Gram-negative bacteria have been one of the most studied classes in the field of microbiology, especially in the context of globally alarming antimicrobial resistance levels to these pathogens over the course of the past decades. With high numbers of these microorganisms being described as multidrug-resistant (MDR), or even extended-drug-resistant (XDR) bacteria, specialists in the field have been struggling to keep up with higher prevalence of difficult-to-treat infections caused by such superbugs. The FDA approval of novel antimicrobials, such as cefiderocol (FDC), ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T), ceftazidime/avibactam (CZA), imipenem/relebactam (IMR), sulbactam/durlobactam (SUL-DUR) and phase 3 clinical trials' results of aztreonam/avibactam (ATM-AVI) has proven that, while all these substances provide encouraging efficacy rates, antibiotic resistance keeps up with the pace of drug development. Microorganisms have developed more extensive mechanisms of resistance in order to target the threat posed by these novel antimicrobials, thus equiring researchers to be on a constant lookout for other potential drug candidates and molecule development. However, these strategies require a proper understanding of bacterial resistance mechanisms to gain a comprehensive outlook on the issue. The present review aims to highlight these six antibiotic agents, which have brought hope to clinicians during the past decade, discussing general properties of these substances, as well as mechanisms and patterns of resistance, while also providing a short overview on further directions in the field.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#searchadvanced, Identifier CRD42024505832.
PubMed: 38800756
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1385475 -
NPJ Primary Care Respiratory Medicine May 2024Studies exploring the association between obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSA) and gastrointestinal diseases (GID) are important for enhancing clinical outcomes. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Studies exploring the association between obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSA) and gastrointestinal diseases (GID) are important for enhancing clinical outcomes. This study aimed to systematically assess the association between these two diseases. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Willey Library, Cochrane Library and Scopus. This search focused on English literature published up to January 2024. Literature screening, quality assessment (using the NOS scale) and data extraction were performed by two independent researchers. Statistical analyses were performed using the meta-package of the R.4.2.2 software. An initial screening of 2178 papers was conducted and 11 studies were included. Meta-analysis results showed a significant association between OSA and GID (p < 0.01). Subgroup analyses further indicated a stronger association between OSA and GID in Asian populations compared to Europe and the United States. In addition, both benign and malignant GID were significantly associated with OSA, with a pronounced association for malignant GID than for benign GID. The results of publication bias analysis revealed no significant bias (Begg's test p = 0.45, Egger's test p = 0.60). This study uncovers a notable association between OSA and GID, especially in Asian populations, suggesting that clinicians should consider the potential connection between these two diseases during diagnosis and treatment. However, due to the heterogeneity and limitations of the study, these conclusions need to be further validated through more comprehensive research.
Topics: Humans; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Gastrointestinal Diseases
PubMed: 38796510
DOI: 10.1038/s41533-024-00373-y -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jul 2024Central nervous system (CNS) disorders exhibit exceedingly intricate pathogenic mechanisms. Pragmatic and effective solutions remain elusive, significantly compromising... (Review)
Review
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders exhibit exceedingly intricate pathogenic mechanisms. Pragmatic and effective solutions remain elusive, significantly compromising human life and health. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) participates in the regulation of multiple pathophysiological processes, including CNS disorders. Considering the widespread involvement of ATF4 in the pathological process of CNS disorders, the targeted regulation of ATF4 by plant-derived bioactive compounds (PDBCs) may become a viable strategy for the treatment of CNS disorders. However, the regulatory relationship between PDBCs and ATF4 remains incompletely understood. Here, we aimed to comprehensively review the studies on PDBCs targeting ATF4 to ameliorate CNS disorders, thereby offering novel directions and insights for the treatment of CNS disorders. A computerized search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases to identify preclinical experiments related to PDBCs targeting ATF4 for the treatment of CNS disorders. The search timeframe was from the inception of the databases to December 2023. Two assessors conducted searches using the keywords "ATF4," "Central Nervous System," "Neurological," "Alzheimer's disease," "Parkinson's Disease," "Stroke," "Spinal Cord Injury," "Glioblastoma," "Traumatic Brain Injury," and "Spinal Cord Injury." Overall, 31 studies were included, encompassing assessments of 27 PDBCs. Combining results from in vivo and in vitro studies, we observed that these PDBCs, via ATF4 modulation, prevent the deposition of amyloid-like fibers such as Aβ, tau, and α-synuclein. They regulate ERS, reduce the release of inflammatory factors, restore mitochondrial membrane integrity to prevent oxidative stress, regulate synaptic plasticity, modulate autophagy, and engage anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Consequently, they exert neuroprotective effects in CNS disorders. Numerous PDBCs targeting ATF4 have shown potential in facilitating the restoration of CNS functionality, thereby presenting expansive prospects for the treatment of such disorders. However, future endeavors necessitate high-quality, large-scale, and comprehensive preclinical and clinical studies to further validate this therapeutic potential.
Topics: Activating Transcription Factor 4; Humans; Central Nervous System Diseases; Animals; Phytochemicals; Neuroprotective Agents
PubMed: 38795641
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116811 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Bananas are a staple food that considerably contributes to both food security and income generation, especially in countries of Africa, Asia, and Central and South... (Review)
Review
Bananas are a staple food that considerably contributes to both food security and income generation, especially in countries of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. The banana plant ( spp.) is affected by various pathogens, of main concern being the plant-parasitic nematodes associated with the rhizosphere, the most important of which are (burrowing nematode), sp. (spiral nematode), sp. (root lesion nematode), and sp. (gall nematode). Infected plants reduce their ability to absorb water and nutrients, which can lead to delayed flowering, fewer bunches, and lower fruit mass. Obtaining nematode-resistant banana cultivars through genetic improvement is an effective and sustainable option compared with chemical control with nematicides. Here, we provide the first systematic review of existing banana sources of resistance to nematodes to aid the management and control of nematodes in banana and plantain crops. Articles selected from different databases were evaluated, and searches were conducted using pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. We found 69 studies dealing with genetic improvement for nematode resistance in banana cultivation. Our findings revealed that sources of resistance are currently under investigation to combat the diseases caused by different nematode species in banana plants.
PubMed: 38794370
DOI: 10.3390/plants13101299 -
Viruses May 2024The emergence of new virulent genotypes and the continued genetic drift of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) implies that distinct genotypes of NDV are simultaneously... (Review)
Review
The emergence of new virulent genotypes and the continued genetic drift of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) implies that distinct genotypes of NDV are simultaneously evolving in different geographic locations across the globe, including throughout Africa, where NDV is an important veterinary pathogen. Expanding the genomic diversity of NDV increases the possibility of diagnostic and vaccine failures. In this review, we systematically analyzed the genetic diversity of NDV genotypes in Africa using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Information published between 1999 and 2022 were used to obtain the genetic background of different genotypes of NDV and their geographic distributions in Africa. The following genotypes were reported in Africa: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, XI, XIII, XIV, XVII, XVIII, XX, and XXI. A new putative genotype has been detected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, of 54 African countries, only 26 countries regularly report information on NDV outbreaks, suggesting that this number may be vastly underestimated. With eight different genotypes, Nigeria is the country with the greatest genotypic diversity of NDV among African countries. Genotype VII is the most prevalent group of NDV in Africa, which was reported in 15 countries. A phylogeographic analysis of NDV sequences revealed transboundary transmission of the virus in Eastern Africa, Western and Central Africa, and in Southern Africa. A regional and continental collaboration is recommended for improved NDV risk management in Africa.
Topics: Newcastle disease virus; Genotype; Genetic Variation; Newcastle Disease; Africa; Animals; Phylogeny; Genome, Viral; Vaccination; Chickens; Viral Vaccines; Poultry Diseases; Phylogeography
PubMed: 38793675
DOI: 10.3390/v16050795 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Apr 2024The oral cavity is a habitat to a diverse range of organisms that make up an essential element of the human microbiota. There are up to 1000 species of micro-organisms... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The oral cavity is a habitat to a diverse range of organisms that make up an essential element of the human microbiota. There are up to 1000 species of micro-organisms capable of colonizing the mouth. Thirty percent of them are uncultivable. The genus Entamoeba includes several species, out of which at least seven of them are able to inhabit the human body (, , , , , , ). It was shown that only is able to colonize the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association and prevalence of in periodontal disease using two electronic database search engines. In order to have a broader view of the subject, a comprehensive manual search was conducted between 15th February 2023 and 1 April 2023 on these content aggregators and the initial search resulted in 277 articles using the keywords "", "periodontitis", "", "periodontal disease", "prevalence", and "incidence", in different combinations. The results showed that 755 patients were infected with out of a total number of 1729 patients diagnosed with periodontal disease, indicating a global prevalence of 43% in the set of patients analyzed. was prevalent in 58% of the patients that had gingivitis and in 44% of the patients with periodontitis. Prevalence of based on gender was 43% in female patients and 47% in male patients. The results indicate that the higher incidence of in people with periodontal disease compared to healthy people is more than just a sign of the disease; it could also be linked to the severity of the condition and the disease propensity to progress.
Topics: Humans; Entamoeba; Periodontal Diseases; Entamoebiasis; Prevalence; Female; Male
PubMed: 38792919
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050736 -
Microorganisms Apr 2024Pathogenic microorganisms released onto the soil from point or diffuse sources represent a public health concern. They can be transported by rainwater that infiltrates... (Review)
Review
Pathogenic microorganisms released onto the soil from point or diffuse sources represent a public health concern. They can be transported by rainwater that infiltrates into subsoil and reach the groundwater where they can survive for a long time and contaminate drinking water sources. As part of the SCA.Re.S. (Evaluation of Health Risk Related to the Discharge of Wastewater on the Soil) project, we reviewed a selection of field-scale studies that investigated the factors that influenced the fate of microorganisms that were transported from the ground surface to the groundwater. A total of 24 studies published between 2003 and 2022 were included in the review. These studies were selected from the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Microbial contamination of groundwater depends on complex interactions between human activities responsible for the release of contaminants onto the soil, and a range of environmental and biological factors, including the geological, hydraulic, and moisture characteristics of the media traversed by the water, and the characteristics and the viability of the microorganisms, which in turn depend on the environmental conditions and presence of predatory species. Enterococci appeared to be more resistant in the underground environment than thermotolerant coliforms and were suggested as a better indicator for detecting microbial contamination of groundwater.
PubMed: 38792743
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050913 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024The gene encodes an orphan transcription factor of the steroid-thyroid hormone-retinoid receptor superfamily. This review focuses on the clinical findings associated... (Review)
Review
The gene encodes an orphan transcription factor of the steroid-thyroid hormone-retinoid receptor superfamily. This review focuses on the clinical findings associated with the pathogenic variants so far reported, including three unreported cases. Also, its role in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease, is examined, as well as a brief exploration on recent proposals to develop novel therapies for these neurological diseases based on small molecules that could modulate transcriptional activity. The main characteristic shared by all patients is mild to severe developmental delay/intellectual disability. Moderate to severe disorder of the expressive and receptive language is present in at least 42%, while neuro-psychiatric issues were reported in 53% of patients. Movement disorders, including dystonia, chorea or ataxia, are described in 37% patients, although probably underestimated because of its frequent onset in late adolescence-young adulthood. Finally, epilepsy was surprisingly present in 42% of patients, being drug-resistant in three of them. The age at onset varied widely, from five months to twenty-six years, as did the classification of epilepsy, which ranged from focal epilepsy to infantile spasms or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Accordingly, we propose that should be considered as a first-tier target gene for the genetic diagnosis of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy.
Topics: Humans; Epilepsy; Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 2; Developmental Disabilities; Intellectual Disability
PubMed: 38791237
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105198 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024CACNA1C gene encodes the alpha 1 subunit of the CaV1.2 L-type Ca2+ channel. Pathogenic variants in this gene have been associated with cardiac rhythm disorders such as... (Review)
Review
CACNA1C gene encodes the alpha 1 subunit of the CaV1.2 L-type Ca2+ channel. Pathogenic variants in this gene have been associated with cardiac rhythm disorders such as long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome and Timothy syndrome. Recent evidence has suggested the possible association between CACNA1C mutations and neurologically-isolated (in absence of cardiac involvement) phenotypes in children, giving birth to a wider spectrum of CACNA1C-related clinical presentations. However, to date, little is known about the variety of both neurological and non-neurological signs/symptoms in the neurologically-predominant phenotypes. We conducted a systematic review of neurologically-predominant presentations without cardiac conduction defects, associated with CACNA1C mutations. We also reported a novel de novo missense pathogenic variant in the CACNA1C gene of a children patient presenting with constructional, dressing and oro-buccal apraxia associated with behavioral abnormalities, mild intellectual disability, dental anomalies, gingival hyperplasia and mild musculoskeletal defects, without cardiac conduction defects. The present study highlights the importance of considering the investigation of the CACNA1C gene in children's neurological isolated syndromes, and expands the phenotype of the CACNA1C related conditions. In addition, the present study highlights that, even in absence of cardiac conduction defects, nuanced clinical manifestations of the Timothy syndrome (e.g., dental and gingival defects) could be found. These findings suggest the high variable expressivity of the CACNA1C gene and remark that the absence of cardiac involvement should not mislead the diagnosis of a CACNA1C related disorder.
PubMed: 38790536
DOI: 10.3390/children11050541 -
Genes May 2024When stroke occurs in pediatric age, it might be mistakenly interpreted as non-accidental head injury (NAHI). In these situations, a multidisciplinary approach is... (Review)
Review
When stroke occurs in pediatric age, it might be mistakenly interpreted as non-accidental head injury (NAHI). In these situations, a multidisciplinary approach is fundamental, including a thorough personal and familial history, along with accurate physical examination and additional investigations. Especially when the clinical picture is uncertain, it is important to remember that certain genetic conditions can cause bleeding inside the brain, which may resemble NAHI. Pediatric strokes occurring around the time of birth can also be an initial sign of undiagnosed genetic disorders. Hence, it is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation, including genetic testing, when there is a suspicion of NAHI but the symptoms are unclear. In these cases, a characteristic set of symptoms is often observed. This study aims to summarize some of the genetic causes of hemorrhagic stroke in the pediatric population, thus mimicking non-accidental head injury, considering elements that can be useful in characterizing pathologies. A systematic review of genetic disorders that may cause ICH in children was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review (PRISMA) standards. We selected 10 articles regarding the main genetic diseases in stroke; we additionally selected 11 papers concerning patients with pediatric stroke and genetic diseases, or studies outlining the characteristics of stroke in these patients. The disorders we identified were Moyamoya disease (MMD), , pathogenic variant, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (E-D), neurofibromatosis type 1 (Nf1), sickle cell disease (SCD), cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM), hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and Marfan syndrome. In conclusion, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the genetic disorders that could be tested in children when there is a suspicion of NAHI but an unclear picture.
Topics: Humans; Hemorrhagic Stroke; Child, Preschool; Genetic Testing; Craniocerebral Trauma; Infant; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 38790247
DOI: 10.3390/genes15050618