A simplified version of rapid susceptibility testing of bacteria and yeasts using optical nanomotion detection
We present a novel optical nanomotion-based rapid antibiotic and antifungal susceptibility test. The technique consisted of studying the effects of antibiotics or antifungals on the nanometric scale displacements of bacteria or yeasts to assess their sensitivity or resistance to drugs. The technique relies on a traditional optical microscope, a video camera, and custom-made image analysis software. It provides reliable results in a time frame of 2–4 h and can be applied to motile, non-motile, fast, and slowly growing microorganisms. Due to its extreme simplicity and low cost, the technique can be easily implemented in ...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 7, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research
Comparative metabarcoding and biodiversity of gut-associated fungal assemblages of Dendroctonus species (Curculionidae: Scolytinae)
This study outlines a mycobiome associated with Dendroctonus nutrition and provides a starting point for future in vitro and omics approaches addressing potential ecological functions and interactions among fungal assemblages and beetle hosts. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 7, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research
Nanopore sequencing for identification and characterization of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. from tilapia and shrimp sold at wet markets in Dhaka, Bangladesh
This study revealed high fecal contamination levels in tilapia and shrimp sold at two main wet markets in Dhaka. Together with the occurrence of Salmonella spp., including S. Kentucky ST198, a well-known human pathogen, these results stress the need to improve hygienic practices and sanitation standards at markets to improve food safety and protect consumer health. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 7, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research
Characteristics of intestinal microbiota in preterm infants and the effects of probiotic supplementation on the microbiota
ConclusionThe characteristics of intestinal microbiota in preterm infants differ from those in full-term infants. Probiotic supplementation can reduce the relative abundance of potential pathogenic bacteria and increase the abundance of beneficial microbiota in premature infants. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 7, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research
Nanoparticles alleviate non-alcoholic steatohepatitis via ER stress sensor-mediated intestinal barrier damage and gut dysbiosis
DiscussionRegulation of the key transcription factor XBP1s can partially restore the intestinal microbiota structure, maintain the integrity of intestinal mucosal barrier, and prevent the progression of NASH, providing new evidence for treating NASH. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 7, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research
Evaluation of cell disruption methods for protein and coenzyme Q10 quantification in purple non-sulfur bacteria
A recent focus has been on the recovery of single-cell protein and other nutritionally valuable bioproducts, such as Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) from purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) biomass following wastewater treatment. However, due to PNSB’s peculiar cell envelope (e.g., increased membrane cross-section for energy transduction) and relatively smaller cell size compared to well-studied microbial protein sources like yeast and microalgae, the effectiveness of common cell disruption methods for protein quantification from PNSB may differ. Thus, this study examines the efficiency of selected chemical (NaOH and EDTA), mechanica...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 7, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research
From acidophilic to ornithogenic: microbial community dynamics in moss banks altered by gentoo penguins
DiscussionThe expansion of gentoo penguins induced by climate change led to the replacement of acidophilic microbiomes associated with moss banks, shaping a new microbial community influenced by penguin guano’s chemical and microbial composition. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 7, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research
MicroRNAs participate in the regulation of apoptosis and oxidative stress-related gene expression in rabbits infected with Lagovirus europaeus GI.1 and GI.2 genotypes
In this study, we evaluated the expression of miR-21 (PTEN, PDCD4), miR-16b (Bcl-2, CXCL10), miR-34a (p53, SIRT1), and miRs—related to oxidative stress—miR-122 (Bach1) and miR-132 (Nfr-2). We also examined the biomarkers of both processes (Bax, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, Caspase-3, PARP) and HO-I as biomarkers of oxidative stress. Our report is the first to present the regulatory effects of miRs on apoptosis and oxidative stress genes in rabbit infection with Lagovirus europaeus—two genotypes (GI.1 and GI.2) in four tissues (liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen). The regulatory effect of miRs indicates that, on the one hand, miRs...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 7, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research
The contribution of BvgR, RisA, and RisS to global gene regulation, intracellular cyclic-di-GMP levels, motility, and biofilm formation in Bordetella bronchiseptica
In this study the contribution of the transcriptional regulators BvgR, RisA, RisS, and the phosphorylation of RisA to global gene regulation, intracellular cyclic-di-GMP levels, motility, and biofilm formation were evaluated. Next Generation Sequencing (RNASeq) was used to differentiate the global gene regulation of both virulence-activated and virulence-repressed genes by each of these factors. The BvgAS system, along with BvgR, RisA, and the phosphorylation of RisA served in cyclic-di-GMP degradation. BvgR and unphosphorylated RisA were found to temporally regulate motility. Additionally, BvgR, RisA, and RisS were found ...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 7, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research
Paracoccidioides spp.: the structural characterization of extracellular matrix, expression of glucan synthesis and associated genes and adhesins during biofilm formation
This study highlights the potential for biofilm formation for three species of Paracoccidioides and the main components of the extracellular matrix that can contribute to a better understanding of biofilm organization. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 7, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research
Identification and genomic characterization of Pseudomonas spp. displaying biocontrol activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in lettuce
Lettuce is an economically major leafy vegetable that is affected by numerous diseases. One of the most devastating diseases of lettuce is white mold caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Control methods for this fungus are limited due to the development of genetic resistance to commonly used fungicides, the large number of hosts and the long-term survival of sclerotia in soil. To elaborate a new and more sustainable approach to contain this pathogen, 1,210 Pseudomonas strains previously isolated from agricultural soils in Canada were screened for their antagonistic activity against S. sclerotiorum. Nine Pseudomonas strains ...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 7, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research
Insights into the diversity and survival strategies of soil bacterial isolates from the Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert, the driest, with the highest radiation, and one of the most ancient deserts in the world, is a hostile environment for life. We have a collection of 74 unique bacterial isolates after cultivation and confirmation by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Pigmentation, biofilm formation, antimicrobial production against Escherichia coli MG1655 and Staphylococcus aureus HG003, and antibiotic resistance were assessed on these isolates. We found that approximately a third of the colonies produced pigments, 80% of isolates formed biofilms, many isolates produce growth inhibiting activities against E. coli and/or S. aureu...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 7, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research
Association between gut microbiota and menstrual disorders: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
ConclusionAccording to our MR Analysis, there are indications of a causal relationship between menstrual disorders and gut microbiota. This finding could lead to new discoveries into the mechanisms behind menstrual disorders and clinical research involving the microbiota. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 7, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research
AGRAMP: machine learning models for predicting antimicrobial peptides against phytopathogenic bacteria
DiscussionHydrophobic amino acid residues and positively charged amino acid residues are among the key features in predicting AMPs by the Random Forest Algorithm. Aggregation propensity appears to be correlated with the effectiveness of the AMPs. The described models would contribute to the development of effective AMP-based strategies for plant disease management in agricultural and environmental settings. To facilitate broader accessibility, our model is publicly available on the AGRAMP (Agricultural Ngrams Antimicrobial Peptides) server. (Source: Frontiers in Microbiology)
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 7, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research
Genomic and functional analysis of the mucinolytic species Clostridium celatum, Clostridium tertium, and Paraclostridium bifermentans
In this study, we present a characterization on the strains Clostridium celatum WC0700, Clostridium tertium WC0709, and Paraclostridium bifermentans WC0705. These three strains were previously isolated from enrichment cultures on mucin of fecal samples from healthy subjects and can use mucin as sole carbon and nitrogen source. Genome analysis and in vitro functional analysis of these strains elucidated their physiological and biochemical features. C. celatum WC0700 harbored the highest number of glycosyl hydrolases specific for mucin degradation, while P. bifermentans WC0705 had the least. These predicted differences were ...
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology - March 6, 2024 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research
