Search Results (375)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent infections in the human population. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli, the primary causative agent of UTIs, may also contribute to the development of metabolic kidney stones, particularly those composed of calcium oxalate. Kidney stone disease (KSD), known as nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis, is one of the most common disorders of the urinary system. This review explores the significant clinical association between UTIs and kidney stones, focusing on the mechanisms by which UPEC may promote stone formation, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and altered citrate metabolism. It also examines the role of immune responses, particularly macrophage activity, in the progression of KSD. Recent evidence suggests that the composition of the gut microbiota and metabolic imbalances have an additional impact on stone development. In light of these findings, current prevention and treatment strategies, including microbiota-targeted therapies, probiotics, and immune modulation, are also reviewed. Understanding the complex links between UTI, immunity, and metabolism provide new insights into the pathogenesis of KSD and allows for the development of more effective treatments for this disease. Full article

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a primary cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), with recurrent cases often linked to its ability to form biofilms. This study investigated the effects of various antibiotics on UPEC biofilm formation and the subsequent interaction of these biofilms/their supernatants with human neutrophils. We determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC), and biofilm eradication concentrations (MBEC) for ampicillin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin. Our results showed an increase in MBEC compared to MBC for all tested antibiotics, confirming the enhanced antibiotic resistance of bacteria in biofilm. We found that sub-MICs of ciprofloxacin, which moderately inhibited planktonic growth, actually stimulated an increase in biofilm biomass. This antibiotic-induced biofilm growth was accompanied by changes in bacterial morphology, including the formation of elongated, filamentous cells, an adaptive stress response. Biofilm-embedded bacteria, but not their supernatants, significantly reduced neutrophil viability, primarily by inducing neutrophil necrosis. The presence of ciprofloxacin during biofilm formation did not fundamentally alter interactions with neutrophils. These findings highlight the importance of studying effects of antibiotic pressure on biofilm formation, underscoring the challenges in antibiotic treatment of UTIs. Full article

Ceramic membrane technology plays an important role in water and wastewater treatment. Strategic sourcing of various natural mineral resources has contributed to developing low-cost ceramic membranes. The combination with calcination of inorganic and organic wastes from domestic and agricultural activities results in fully sustainable ceramic membrane materials. In this work, ceramic membranes were developed using 96% clay, 2% almond shells and 2% lime. Sintering at 900, 950, and 1000 °C enabled the production of membranes (MK-900, MK-950, and MK-1000) in a clean, simple, and cost-effective manner. The average pore diameter and porosity decreased slightly from 44 to 42 nm and from about 30% to 26% with increasing sintering temperature, while the flexural strength increased from 25 to 40 MPa. The pure water permeability was 68 and 59 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹·bar⁻¹ for MK-900 and MK-950, respectively. Effective color (as Indigo blue) removal of 78% and 92% was observed for MK-900 and MK-950, respectively. More than 90% of the initial permeability was recovered after three cycles of dye filtration using water backwashing at each stage, indicating good fouling resistance of the prepared membranes. Full article

Background: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the number one cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in humans. The ability to bind to uroepithelial cells through type 1 pili and ascend the urinary tract via flagella is important in the early stages of a UTI. However, both type 1 pili and flagella can also target the bacteria for elimination via monocytes/macrophages later in a UTI. We hypothesized that the loss of both type 1 pili and flagella on the UPEC cells would make them less likely to be phagocytized by phagocytic cells. Methods: In this study, ΔfimA, ΔfliC, and ΔfimA ΔfliC mutants were compared to the wild type UPEC strain NU149 in phagocytosis assays using human and murine monocytic cell lines. Results: A ΔfimA ΔfliC double mutant was phagocytized significantly less than the wild type strain. Conclusion: The data show that the loss of both type 1 pili and flagella expression on the UPEC cells reduces phagocytosis of the bacteria by human and murine monocytes. Although type 1 pili and flagella are important for establishing a UTI and ascension into the kidneys, the loss of these proteinaceous structures may allow the UPEC cells to evade the innate immune defenses in certain environments within the human body. Full article

Concerns about ensuring a sustainable environment are growing, attracting major attention from policy professionals worldwide. Therefore, this study investigates the nonlinear impacts of fiscal consolidation on CO₂ emissions in 17 OECD countries from 1978 to 2020. To probe the short- and long-term connections across various quantiles of CO₂ emissions, we adopted panel QARDL frameworks. The Granger non-causality test was used to investigate the variables’ association with CO₂ emission. The study’s main findings confirm the overall beneficial effect of fiscal consolidation on carbon emissions. It reduces CO₂ emissions at almost all quantiles in the short run. By contrast, in the long run, the effect is positive at lower quantiles and turns negative at upper quantiles. Furthermore, a causality analysis identified a bidirectional causal relationship between fiscal consolidation and CO₂ emissions, confirming the existence of mutual influence. While Keynesian theory links fiscal consolidation to economic recession, our findings support the non-Keynesian view, showing that such policy can foster economic growth and thereby contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions in the short run. Thus, OECD countries are orienting public spending and carbon taxation toward environmentally friendly practices while ensuring environmental protection and deficit reduction. Nonetheless, the identified mixed effect in the long run highlights the need for sustained consolidation policies by enhancing expenditure efficiency and adopting targeted taxation measures to achieve lasting emission reductions and support the transition to cleaner energy, even when emissions are relatively low. Full article

Background/Objectives: The concurrent circulation of SARS-CoV-2 with influenza A and B viruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) represents a new diagnostic challenge in the post-COVID-19 area, especially considering that these infections have overlapping clinical presentations but different approaches to treatment and management. Multiplexed molecular testing on point-of-care platforms that focus on the simultaneous detection of multiple respiratory viruses in a single tube constitutes a useful approach for diagnosis of respiratory infections in decentralized clinical settings. This study evaluated the analytical performances of the VitaSIRO solo™ SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV Assay performed on the VitaSIRO solo™ Instrument (Credo Diagnostics Biomedical Pte. Ltd., Singapore, Republic of Singapore). Methods: With a view to accreditation, the criteria of the 2022-revised EN ISO 15189:2022 norma were applied for the retrospective on-site verification of method using anonymized respiratory specimens collected during the last 2024–2025 autumn–winter season in France. Results: Usability and satisfaction were comparable to current reference point-of-care platforms, such as the Cepheid GeneXpert^® Xpress System (Cepheid Diagnostics, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Repeatability and reproducibility (2.34–4.49% and 2.78–5.71%, respectively) demonstrated a high level of precision. The platform exhibited a low invalid rate (2.9%), with most resolving on retesting. Analytical performance on 301 clinical samples showed high overall sensitivities: 94.8% for SARS-CoV-2 (Ct ≤ 33), 95.8% for influenza A and B viruses, 95.2% for RSV, and 95.4% for all viruses. Specificities were consistently high (99.2–100.0%). False negatives (2.6%) were predominantly associated with high Ct values. Agreement with the comparator reference NeuMoDx™ Flu A-B/RSV/SARS-CoV-2 Vantage Assay (Qiagen GmbH, Hilden, Germany) was almost perfect (Cohen’s κ 0.939–0.974), and a total of 91.1%, 94.8%, and 100.0% of Ct values were within the 95% limits of agreement for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B viruses, and RSV, respectively, by Bland–Altman analyses. Passing–Bablok regression analyses demonstrated good Ct values correlation between VitaSIRO solo™ and NeuMoDx™ assays, with a slight, non-significant, positive bias for the VitaSIRO solo™ assay (mean absolute bias +0.509 to +0.898). Conclusions: These findings support VitaSIRO solo™ Instrument as a user-friendly and reliable point-of-care platform for the rapid detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B viruses, and RSV responding to the EN ISO 15189:2022 criteria for accreditation to be implemented in hospital or decentralized settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the leading cause of urinary tract infections in both community and hospital settings worldwide. Antimicrobial-resistant UPEC strains pose a significant challenge for effective antibiotic therapy. In this study, 50 bacterial isolates recovered from urine samples of patients attended in different sectors of a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro over five months were analyzed to assess antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiles through broad gene screening. Methods: Biofilm production was assessed using a semi-quantitative adherence assay. PCR was employed to investigate 27 resistance genes, 6 virulence genes, sequence types (STs), and phylogroups. Susceptibility to 25 antimicrobial agents was determined by disk diffusion testing. Furthermore, the pathogenic potential was evaluated in vivo using the Tenebrio molitor larvae infection model. Results: Most UPEC isolates were moderate or strong biofilm producers (41/50; 82%). The sul1 and sul2 resistance genes were the most frequently detected (58%). Two virulence gene patterns were identified: fyuA, iutA, fimH, cnf1 and fyuA, iutA, fimH (13 isolates; 26%). ST131 and ST73 were the most common sequence types (16% each), and phylogroup B2 was the most prevalent (50%). Thirty isolates (60%) were multidrug-resistant, most of which belonged to phylogroup B2. UPEC exhibited dose-dependent lethality, causing 100% mortality at 2.6 × 10⁸ CFU/mL within 24 h. Conclusions: These findings reinforce the urgent need for surveillance strategies and effective antimicrobial stewardship in clinical practice. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly due to extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases (CPs), poses a critical threat to global health. This study aimed to characterize the molecular epidemiology, resistance profiles, and genomic features of ESBL- and CP-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonaie (ESBL/CP-Ec/Kp) isolates from a Spanish hospital (2020–2024) and explore links to environmental reservoirs like white storks foraging at a nearby landfill. A total of 121 clinical Ec/Kp isolates (55 ESBL-Ec, 1 CP-Ec, 35 ESBL-Kp, 17 CP-Kp, 13 ESBL+CP-Kp) underwent phenotypic testing, PCR, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Analyses included phylogenomics (cgMLST), detection of AMR genes, plasmid typing, and comparative genomics. Among ESBL-Ec, bla_CTX-M-15 was the most prevalent (60.0%), and one CP-Ec carrying bla_NDM-5 was identified. WGS of 44 selected ESBL/CP-Ec isolates revealed a variety of AMR genes, and 56.8% of isolates carried class one integrons (56.8%). IncF-type plasmids predominated, and 84.1% of isolates were assigned as ExPEC/UPEC. The lineage ST131 dominated (75%), with IncF-bla_CTX-M-15-carrying plasmids. Among the 18 ESBL/CP-Kp isolates sequenced, the lineage ST307 was the most frequent (44.4%), followed by ST15 and ST11, carrying a diversity of AMR determinants and plasmids (IncFIB(K), IncL, ColpVC). Virulence included ybt loci in ICEKp; hypervirulence genes were absent. Genomic analysis of 62 clinical isolates (44 Ec, 18 Kp) showed close phylogenetic links to stork-derived strains, with ST131-Ec and ST307-Kp from humans and birds differing just by ≤22 and ≤10 ADs, respectively, with a conserved plasmid content (i.e., IncL-bla_OXA-48, IncFIB(K)-bla_CTX-M-15). High-risk ESBL/CP-Ec/Kp clones persist across clinical and environmental contexts. WGS-based surveillance is key for understanding AMR spread and guiding interventions. Results support a One Health approach to combat AMR through cross-sector collaboration. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) are widely recognized for their antifungal properties, but their efficacy against specific phytopathogenic fungi associated with banana (Musa paradisiaca) rot remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of EOs from Origanum vulgare, Salvia rosmarinus, Syzygium aromaticum, Thymus vulgaris, Cinnamomum verum, and Ocimum basilicum against five fungal species isolated from infected banana peels. Fungal isolates were obtained using PDA medium supplemented with chloramphenicol and were purified by weekly subculturing. Morphological and microscopic characterization was complemented by molecular identification based on ITS sequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction using Neighbor-Joining and UPGMA methods in MEGA v11. In vitro and ex vivo antifungal assays were performed at EO concentrations ranging from 200 to 1000 ppm. Thyme oil exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect, with complete growth suppression at 1000 ppm. Cinnamon and oregano also demonstrated effective inhibition at 600 ppm, while clove, rosemary, and basil were markedly less effective. Statistical analysis confirmed significant effects of EO type and concentration on fungal growth (p < 0.001). Molecular results showed strong phylogenetic support for isolate identification, with bootstrap values above 93% in most clades. These findings support the selective use of specific EOs as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides in the postharvest management of banana diseases and provide a molecularly supported basis for their targeted application in integrated control strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Alternative therapies for urinary tract infections (UTIs) have been explored, but their efficacy remains inconsistent. With rising antibiotic resistance, this study aimed to evaluate simplified postbiotic formulations derived from heat-killed probiotics for long-term protection against primary and recurrent UTIs in a murine model. Methods: We compared a multi-strain (seven-strain) versus a single-strain postbiotic in preventing Escherichia coli-induced UTIs and recurrent polymicrobial UTIs, assessed protection persistence after treatment discontinuation, and established a novel sustained UTI model via intravesical co-inoculation of three uropathogens. Mice were allocated to three experimental groups: a placebo group (PBS), Postbiotic I group (a seven-strain heat-killed probiotic formulation), and Postbiotic II group (a single-strain heat-killed probiotic). After two weeks of treatment, mice were challenged with uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and treated for seven days. Following a 14-day washout and bacterial clearance, they were rechallenged with multidrug-resistant UPEC, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Results: Both postbiotics significantly accelerated bacterial clearance in primary UTIs (p < 0.05). In recurrent UTIs, placebo-treated mice exhibited persistent bacteriuria, while Postbiotic I maintained a significantly higher sterile urine rate (50–80%, p < 0.01) post-treatment. Histopathological analysis confirmed reduced bladder and kidney inflammation (p < 0.05) with Postbiotic I. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the superior efficacy of Postbiotic I in mitigating UTIs, with sustained protection post-treatment, supporting its potential as a long-term, non-antibiotic strategy. Additionally, our reproducible chronic UTI model, achieved through the co-inoculation of three uropathogens, provides a valuable tool for future research on chronic UTI pathogenesis and treatment. Full article

A study is made of linear isometries on Fréchet spaces for which the metric is given in terms of a sequence of seminorms. This establishes sufficient conditions on the growth of the function that defines the metric in terms of the seminorms to ensure that a linear operator preserving the metric also preserves each of these seminorms. As an application, characterizations are given of the isometries on various spaces including those of holomorphic functions on complex domains and continuous functions on open sets, extending the Banach–Stone theorem to surjective and nonsurjective cases. Full article

In the absence of fully effective therapies and preventive strategies against the development of urosepsis, a deeper understanding of the virulence mechanisms of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains is needed. UPEC strains employ a wide range of virulence factors (VFs) to persist in the urinary tract and bloodstream. UPEC strains were isolated from patients with sepsis and a control group without sepsis. PCR was used to detect 36 genes encoding various groups of virulence and fitness factors. Profiling of both intracellular and extracellular bacterial proteins was also included in our approach. Bacterial metabolites were identified and quantified using GC-MS and LC-MS techniques. The UpaG autotransporter, a trimeric E. coli AT adhesin, was significantly more prevalent in urosepsis strains (p = 0.00001). Iron uptake via aerobactin and the Iha protein also appeared to be predictive of urosepsis (p = 0.03 and p = 0.002, respectively). While some studies suggest an association between S fimbriae and the risk of urosepsis, we observed no such correlation (p = 0.0001). Proteomic and metabolomic analyses indicated that elevated levels of bacterial citrate, malate, coenzyme Q10, pectinesterase (YbhC), and glutamate transport proteins, as well as the regulators PhoP two-component system, CpxR two-component system, Nitrate/nitrite response regulator protein NarL, and the Ferrienterobactin receptor FepA, may play a role in sepsis. These genetic biomarkers, proteins, and metabolites derived from UPEC could potentially serve as indicators for assessing the risk of developing sepsis. Full article

Background: The prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remains high despite antiretroviral treatment (ART). Changes in gut microbiota and persistent immune activation have been suggested as possible causes, while the role of probiotic supplementation remains controversial. Methods: We included subjects with mild HAND and successful ART. They were randomized to receive either 6 months of high-dose probiotic supplementation or to continue with only ART. Immune activation markers and neuropsychological testing were performed at baseline and the end of follow-up. Neuropsychological testing assessed learning, episodic memory, attention/concentration, executive functions, language, information processing speed, and motor skills. Z- and T-scores were calculated for all domains but motor skills, allowing the measurement of the global deficit score (GDS). The trajectories of neuropsychological performances and immune activation markers were compared between groups. Results: From September 2020 to July 2021, 31 PWHs were included (median age 62, 73% men, CD4 744 cc/mm³), and 28 completed the 6-month follow-up. The characteristics of the subjects and their neuropsychological performance at baseline in the two groups were similar. At the end of follow-up, probiotics did not have any impact on immune activation markers, while they were associated with better improvement in GDS (T-score 0.0 in controls vs. −0.3 in probiotics, p = 0.048) and the attention/concentration test (Z-score 0.4 in controls vs. 1.2 in probiotics, p = 0.035). Conclusions: Oral supplementation with high-dose probiotics for 6 months did not affect systemic immune activation but was associated with improved neurocognitive performance, suggesting benefits from probiotic supplementation for mild HAND. Full article

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems into global energy production is rapidly expanding. However, achieving maximum power extraction remains a significant challenge due to the nonlinear electrical characteristics of PV modules, which are highly sensitive to environmental variations such as temperature fluctuations and irradiance changes. This study presents a structured design, testing, and quasi-experimental validation methodology for robust Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control in PV systems. We propose two advanced AI-based nonlinear control strategies: an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System combined with Fast Terminal Synergetic Control (ANFIS-FTSC) for a boost converter and ANFIS with Backstepping (ANFIS-BS) for a Single-Ended Primary Inductor Converter (SEPIC), both of which have demonstrated tracking efficiencies exceeding 99.6%. To evaluate real-time performance, a Processor-in-the-Loop (PIL) validation is conducted using an ARM-based STM32F407VG microcontroller. The methodology adheres to a Model-Based Design (MBD) framework, ensuring systematic development, implementation, and verification of the MPPT algorithms in an embedded environment. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed controllers achieve high efficiency, rapid convergence, and robust maximum power point tracking under varying operating conditions. The successful PIL-based validation confirms the feasibility of these intelligent control techniques for real-world deployment in PV energy systems, paving the way for more efficient and adaptive renewable energy solutions. Full article

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is predominantly caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Previous studies have reported that the fimbriae of UPEC are involved in virulence and antimicrobial resistance. We aimed to analyze the fimbrial gene profiles of UPEC and investigate the specificity of these expressions in symptomatic UTI, urinary device use, and levofloxacin (LVFX) resistance/extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production. Methods: A total of 120 UPEC strains were isolated by urine culture between 2019 and 2023 at our institution. They were subjected to an antimicrobial susceptibility test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify 14 fimbrial genes and their association with clinical outcomes or antimicrobial resistance. Results: The prevalence of the papG2 gene was significantly higher in the symptomatic UTI group by multivariate analyses (OR 5.850, 95% CI 1.390–24.70, p = 0.016). The prevalence of the c2395 gene tended to be lower in the symptomatic UTI group with urinary devices (all p < 0.05). In LVFX-resistant UPEC strains from both the asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) and the symptomatic UTI group, the expression of the papEF, papG3, c2395, and yadN genes tended to be lower (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: The fimbrial genes of UPEC are associated with virulence and LVFX resistance, suggesting that even UPEC with fewer motility factors may be more likely to ascend the urinary tract in the presence of the urinary devices. These findings may enhance not only the understanding of the virulence of UPEC but also the management of UTI. Full article