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24 pages, 3330 KiB  
Article
Diversity of RNA Viruses and Circular Viroid-like Elements in Heterobasidion spp. in Near-Natural Forests of Bosnia and Herzegovina
by László Benedek Dálya, Ondřej Hejna, Marcos de la Peña, Zoran Stanivuković, Tomáš Kudláček and Leticia Botella
Viruses 2025, 17(8), 1144; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17081144 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
Heterobasidion root rot fungi represent a major threat to conifer forest stands, and virocontrol (biocontrol) has been proposed as an alternative strategy of disease management in recent years. Here, we investigated the occurrence of RNA viruses and viroid-like genomes in Heterobasidion annosum sensu [...] Read more.
Heterobasidion root rot fungi represent a major threat to conifer forest stands, and virocontrol (biocontrol) has been proposed as an alternative strategy of disease management in recent years. Here, we investigated the occurrence of RNA viruses and viroid-like genomes in Heterobasidion annosum sensu lato in near-natural forests of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Dinaric Alps), a region previously unexplored in this regard. Seventeen H. annosum s.l. isolates were screened for virus presence by RNA Sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. In total, 32 distinct mycoviruses were discovered in the datasets, 26 of which were previously unknown. The detected viruses represent two dsRNA (Partitiviridae and Curvulaviridae), six linear ssRNA (Mitoviridae, Narnaviridae, Botourmiaviridae, Virgaviridae, Benyviridae, and Deltaflexiviridae) and three circular ssRNA (Dumbiviridae, Quambiviridae, and Trimbiviridae) virus families. In addition to the known circular ambiviruses with their hammerhead (HHRz) and hairpin (HPRz) ribozymes, two other smaller non-coding circular RNAs of ca. 910 bp each were identified encoding HHRz and deltavirus (DVRz) ribozymes in both polarities of their genomes. This study documents the first report of a putative viroid-like RNA agent in Heterobasidion, along with beny-like and deltaflexivirus-like viruses in Heterobasidion abietinum, and expands the known virosphere of Heterobasidion species in Southeastern European forests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Viruses of Plants, Fungi and Protozoa)
10 pages, 464 KiB  
Article
Cardiovascular Manifestations and Outcomes in Patients with Scrub Typhus Admitted to a Tertiary Care Center in the Coastal Karnataka Region in India
by Mugula Sudhakar Rao, Jyothi Samanth, Swathi Poojary, Krishnananda Nayak, Shubha Srinivas and Thrupthi Naik
Diseases 2025, 13(8), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13080270 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
Introduction: Scrub typhus is a mite-borne infectious disease caused by “Orientia tsutsugamushi”, a bacterium that was formerly classified under the genus Rickettsia. It is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected chigger mites (larval trombiculid mites). However, clinical data [...] Read more.
Introduction: Scrub typhus is a mite-borne infectious disease caused by “Orientia tsutsugamushi”, a bacterium that was formerly classified under the genus Rickettsia. It is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected chigger mites (larval trombiculid mites). However, clinical data on the cardiac manifestations of scrub typhus and their outcomes remain limited. Methods: This research was retrospectively conducted at a tertiary care hospital in South India. The study included all patients admitted from January 2016 to September 2021 who fulfilled the clinical criteria for a diagnosis of scrub typhus. Data were collected for 426 patients. Patients with previously diagnosed heart disease and mixed infections (leptospirosis, dengue fever, blood culture positivity, and COVID-19 positivity) were excluded. Comprehensive assessments of clinical presentation, electrocardiography (ECG), 2D echocardiography, and outcomes, including all-cause mortality and probable myocarditis, were performed. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of all-cause mortality and probable myocarditis. Results: Out of 426 patients, 200 (46.9%) were male and 226 (53.1%) were female. The mean age at presentation was 49.29 ± 14.43 years. A total of 108 (25.4%) patients had diabetes and 82 (19.25%) had hypertension. Sinus tachycardia (29.3%) was the most frequent ECG finding. Echocardiographic evidence of probable myocarditis was observed in 20 (4.7%) patients, while 6 (1.4%) patients had isolated RV dysfunction, 4 (0.9%) had biventricular dysfunction, 7 (1.6%) had significant pulmonary hypertension, and 40 (9.4%) had trivial pericardial effusion. A total of 78 (18.3%) patients had acute respiratory distress syndrome. All-cause mortality was observed in 12 (2.8%) patients. A total of 56 (13.1%) patients developed multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) during their hospitalization. A total of 78 (18.3%) patients were documented to have acute kidney injury (AKI), and 22 (5.2%) patients underwent hemodialysis. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis revealed that probable myocarditis and MODS were independent predictors of mortality among patients with scrub typhus, and age, female gender, and LV systolic dysfunction were identified as predictors of overall complications, including mortality, probable myocarditis, congestive heart failure, MODS, AKI, and the need for hemodialysis. Conclusions: Probable myocarditis was the most frequent cardiac manifestation noted in patients with scrub typhus, and in addition to MODS, probable myocarditis was an independent predictor of mortality in this cohort. Thus, it is crucial to maintain clinical vigilance regarding the cardiac status of such patients. Full article
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15 pages, 906 KiB  
Article
Broad Host Range Peptide Nucleic Acids Prevent Gram-Negative Biofilms Implicated in Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections
by Hannah Q. Karp, Elizabeth S. Nowak, Gillian A. Kropp, Nihan A. Col, Michael D. Schulz, Nammalwar Sriranganathan and Jayasimha Rao
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1948; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081948 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
Biofilms develop in sequential steps resulting in the formation of three-dimensional communities of microorganisms that are encased in self-produced extracellular polymeric substances. Biofilms play a key role in device-associated infections, such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), because they protect microorganisms from standard [...] Read more.
Biofilms develop in sequential steps resulting in the formation of three-dimensional communities of microorganisms that are encased in self-produced extracellular polymeric substances. Biofilms play a key role in device-associated infections, such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), because they protect microorganisms from standard antimicrobial therapies. Current strategies to prevent biofilm formation in catheter-related infections, including prophylactic antibiotics and antibiotic-coated catheters, have been unsuccessful. This finding highlights a need for novel approaches to address this clinical problem. In this study, biofilm-forming phenotypes of common Gram-negative bacteria associated with CAUTIs were treated with antisense peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), and biofilm biomass and bacterial viability were quantified after 24 h of treatment. A cocktail of PNAs targeting the global regulator genes rsmA, amrZ, and rpoS in Pseudomonas aeruginosa significantly reduced viability and thus appropriately eliminated biofilm biomass. Antisense-PNAs against these same gene targets and the motility regulator gene motA inhibited biofilm formation among isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, and Escherichia coli but did not reduce bacterial viability. These results suggest that antisense-PNAs are a promising new technology in preventing biofilm formation in urinary catheters, especially as a potential complement to conventional antimicrobials. Full article
18 pages, 956 KiB  
Article
An Explainable Radiomics-Based Classification Model for Sarcoma Diagnosis
by Simona Correra, Arnar Evgení Gunnarsson, Marco Recenti, Francesco Mercaldo, Vittoria Nardone, Antonella Santone, Halldór Jónsson and Paolo Gargiulo
Diagnostics 2025, 15(16), 2098; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15162098 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
Objective: This study introduces an explainable, radiomics-based machine learning framework for the automated classification of sarcoma tumors using MRI. The approach aims to empower clinicians, reducing dependence on subjective image interpretation. Methods: A total of 186 MRI scans from 86 patients [...] Read more.
Objective: This study introduces an explainable, radiomics-based machine learning framework for the automated classification of sarcoma tumors using MRI. The approach aims to empower clinicians, reducing dependence on subjective image interpretation. Methods: A total of 186 MRI scans from 86 patients diagnosed with bone and soft tissue sarcoma were manually segmented to isolate tumor regions and corresponding healthy tissue. From these segmentations, 851 handcrafted radiomic features were extracted, including wavelet-transformed descriptors. A Random Forest classifier was trained to distinguish between tumor and healthy tissue, with hyperparameter tuning performed through nested cross-validation. To ensure transparency and interpretability, model behavior was explored through Feature Importance analysis and Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME). Results: The model achieved an F1-score of 0.742, with an accuracy of 0.724 on the test set. LIME analysis revealed that texture and wavelet-based features were the most influential in driving the model’s predictions. Conclusions: By enabling accurate and interpretable classification of sarcomas in MRI, the proposed method provides a non-invasive approach to tumor classification, supporting an earlier, more personalized and precision-driven diagnosis. This study highlights the potential of explainable AI to assist in more secure clinical decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Musculoskeletal Imaging)
19 pages, 2022 KiB  
Article
Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Treatment of Nocardia sp. Black Biofilm: Complete Biodeterioration Reversal in Limestone Heritage Conservation
by Shimaa Ibrahim, Rageh K. Hussein, Hesham Abdulla, Ghada Omar, Sharif Abu Alrub, Paola Grenni and Dina M. Atwa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 8064; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26168064 (registering DOI) - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
Stone cleaning for cultural heritage monuments is a critical conservation intervention that must effectively eliminate harmful surface contaminants while preserving the material’s physical, chemical, and historical integrity. This study investigated the removal of tenacious black biofilms formed by Nocardia species previously isolated from [...] Read more.
Stone cleaning for cultural heritage monuments is a critical conservation intervention that must effectively eliminate harmful surface contaminants while preserving the material’s physical, chemical, and historical integrity. This study investigated the removal of tenacious black biofilms formed by Nocardia species previously isolated from deteriorated limestone from the Bastet tomb in Tell Basta, Zagazig City, Egypt, using a Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. Experimental limestone specimens were systematically inoculated with Nocardia sp. under controlled laboratory conditions to simulate biodeterioration processes. Comprehensive testing revealed that a laser fluence of 0.03 J/cm2 with a 5 ns pulse duration, applied under wet conditions with 500 pulses, achieved the complete elimination of the biological black film without damaging the underlying stone substrate. The cleaning efficacy was evaluated through an integrated analytical framework combining stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS). These analyses demonstrated a remarkable transformation from a compromised mineralogical composition dominated by gypsum (62%) and anhydrite (13%) to a restored state of 98% calcite, confirming the laser treatment’s effectiveness in reversing biodeterioration processes. SEM micrographs revealed the complete elimination of mycelial networks that had penetrated to depths between 984 μm and 1.66 mm, while LIPS analysis confirmed the restoration of elemental signatures to near-control levels. The successful application of LIPS for real-time monitoring during cleaning provides a valuable tool for preventing overcleaning, addressing a significant concern in laser conservation interventions. This research establishes evidence-based protocols for the non-invasive removal of Nocardia-induced black biofilms from limestone artifacts, offering conservation professionals a precise, effective, and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional chemical treatments for preserving irreplaceable cultural heritage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics)
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27 pages, 9426 KiB  
Article
Unpacking Park Cool Island Effects Using Remote-Sensed, Measured and Modelled Microclimatic Data
by Bill Grace, Julian Bolleter, Maassoumeh Barghchi and James Lund
Land 2025, 14(8), 1686; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081686 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
There is increasing interest in the role of parks as potential cool refuges in the age of climate change. Such potential refuges result from the Park Cool Island (PCI) effect, reflecting the temperature differential between the park and surrounding urban areas. However, this [...] Read more.
There is increasing interest in the role of parks as potential cool refuges in the age of climate change. Such potential refuges result from the Park Cool Island (PCI) effect, reflecting the temperature differential between the park and surrounding urban areas. However, this study of different park typologies in Perth, Australia, illustrates that while surface temperatures are 10–15 °C lower in parks during summer afternoons (much less than at other times), air temperatures are generally no different from the adjacent streetscape for the smaller parks. Only the largest park in the study had 1–2 °C lower morning and mid-afternoon air temperature differentials. The study illustrates that while the PCI is a real phenomenon, the magnitude in terms of air temperature is small, and it is of less relevance to the conditions felt by humans in average summer daytime conditions than the direct effects of solar radiation. Many studies have assessed the PCI effect, an indicator that has shown a wide range across different studies and measurement techniques. However, this novel paper utilises satellite remote-sensed land surface temperatures, on-ground measurements of surface temperatures, air temperatures, and humidity, as well as modelling using the microclimatic simulation software ENVI-met version 5.0. A reliance on land surface temperature, which in isolation has a marginal correlation with human experience of thermal comfort, has led some researchers to overstate the PCI effect and its influence on adjoining urban areas. The research reported in this paper illustrates that it is the shade provided by the canopy in parks, rather than parks themselves, that provides meaningful thermal comfort benefits. Accordingly, adaptation to increasing temperatures requires the creation of a continuous canopy, ideally over parks, streetscapes, and private lots in an interconnected network. Full article
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18 pages, 818 KiB  
Article
Macrolide-Resistant Bordetella pertussis in Hong Kong: Evidence for Post-COVID-19 Emergence of ptxP3-Lineage MT28 Clone from a Hospital-Based Surveillance Study
by Tsz-Yung Hui, Hayes Kam-Hei Luk, Garnet Kwan-Yue Choi, Sandy Ka-Yee Chau, Lok-Man Tsang, Cindy Wing-Sze Tse, Ka-Kin Fung, Jimmy Yiu-Wing Lam, Ho-Leung Ng, Tommy Hing-Cheung Tang, Edmond Siu-Keung Ma, Herman Tse, Sally Cheuk-Ying Wong, Vivien Wai-Man Chuang and David Christopher Lung
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1947; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081947 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
A post-COVID surge of Bordetella pertussis was observed globally. China has reported a high level of macrolide-resistant Bordetella pertussis (MRBP) in recent years; however, the epidemiology of MRBP in Hong Kong remains unknown. We retrieved archived B. pertussis isolates from respiratory samples collected [...] Read more.
A post-COVID surge of Bordetella pertussis was observed globally. China has reported a high level of macrolide-resistant Bordetella pertussis (MRBP) in recent years; however, the epidemiology of MRBP in Hong Kong remains unknown. We retrieved archived B. pertussis isolates from respiratory samples collected at five regional public hospitals in Hong Kong between 2015 and 2024 and tested their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for macrolides and other non-macrolide antibiotics using the Etest method. All isolates were also subjected to whole genome sequencing for genotypic resistance, Multi-locus Antigen Sequence Typing (MLST) and Multi-locus Variable Number of Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA) typing. Twenty-nine isolates of B. pertussis were included in the study. All isolates demonstrating phenotypic macrolide resistance harbored the A2047G mutation while showing low MIC to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, levofloxacin, piperacillin-tazobactam and meropenem. In 2023 and 2024, 100% were MRBP and all belonged to the MT28 clone with the ptxP3 antigenic type. The MRBP isolates in Hong Kong were phylogenetically related to those from mainland China during the same period. There was no obvious correlation between macrolide resistance and clinical presentation, laboratory findings, management and outcome. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that MRBP isolates in Hong Kong and mainland China are closely related. Full article
12 pages, 7716 KiB  
Article
Hardware Accelerator Design by Using RT-Level Power Optimization Techniques on FPGA for Future AI Mobile Applications
by Achyuth Gundrapally, Yatrik Ashish Shah, Sai Manohar Vemuri and Kyuwon (Ken) Choi
Electronics 2025, 14(16), 3317; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14163317 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
In resource-constrained edge environments—such as mobile devices, IoT systems, and electric vehicles—energy-efficient Convolution Neural Network (CNN) accelerators on mobile Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are gaining significant attention for real-time object detection tasks. This paper presents a low-power implementation of the Tiny YOLOv4 [...] Read more.
In resource-constrained edge environments—such as mobile devices, IoT systems, and electric vehicles—energy-efficient Convolution Neural Network (CNN) accelerators on mobile Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are gaining significant attention for real-time object detection tasks. This paper presents a low-power implementation of the Tiny YOLOv4 object detection model on the Xilinx ZCU104 FPGA platform by using Register Transfer Level (RTL) optimization techniques. We proposed three RTL techniques in the paper: (i) Local Explicit Clock Enable (LECE), (ii) operand isolation, and (iii) Enhanced Clock Gating (ECG). A novel low-power design of Multiply-Accumulate (MAC) operations, which is one of the main components in the AI algorithm, was proposed to eliminate redundant signal switching activities. The Tiny YOLOv4 model, trained on the COCO dataset, was quantized and compiled using the Tensil tool-chain for fixed-point inference deployment. Post-implementation evaluation using Vivado 2022.2 demonstrates around 29.4% reduction in total on-chip power. Our design supports real-time detection throughput while maintaining high accuracy, making it ideal for deployment in battery-constrained environments such as drones, surveillance systems, and autonomous vehicles. These results highlight the effectiveness of RTL-level power optimization for scalable and sustainable edge AI deployment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hardware Acceleration for Machine Learning)
21 pages, 2677 KiB  
Article
A Novel Weizmannia coagulans Strain WC412 with Superior Environmental Resilience Improves Growth Performance of Mice by Regulating the Intestinal Microbiota
by Xue Xiao, Hao Huang, Wendi Yu, Jun Liu, Yuanliang Hu, Xiang Yu and Xicai Zhang
Animals 2025, 15(16), 2446; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15162446 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
The growing demand for sustainable and antibiotic-free animal production has intensified interest in probiotics as functional feed additives. In this study, novel strains of Weizmannia coagulans (WC412 and WC413) were isolated from pickle water—a previously unexplored source for probiotic screening. These isolates, along [...] Read more.
The growing demand for sustainable and antibiotic-free animal production has intensified interest in probiotics as functional feed additives. In this study, novel strains of Weizmannia coagulans (WC412 and WC413) were isolated from pickle water—a previously unexplored source for probiotic screening. These isolates, along with three reference strains (W. coagulans S8, S15, and S17), were evaluated for their tolerance to heat, acid, and bile salts. Strain WC412 exhibited superior environmental resilience, as validated by principal component analysis (PCA) for comprehensive stress-tolerance assessment, and was selected for further investigations. A murine model was employed to assess the physiological and microbiological impacts of WC412 supplementation at varying doses. Medium-dose (1 × 107 CFU·mL−1) administration significantly improved body weight gain by 13% (p < 0.05), modulated serum lipid profiles, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity and IgG/IL-2 levels (p < 0.05). Notably, WC412 uniquely enriched beneficial genera (e.g., Fructilactobacillus and Limosilactobacillus) and promoted metabolic pathways linked to short-chain fatty acid production, as revealed by 16S rDNA sequencing and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. These findings highlight WC412 as a robust probiotic candidate for enhancing animal growth performance and gut health through novel microbiota-mediated mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)
23 pages, 3748 KiB  
Article
An Integrated Quasi-Zero-Stiffness Mechanism with Arrayed Piezoelectric Cantilevers for Low-Frequency Vibration Isolation and Broadband Energy Harvesting
by Kangkang Guo, Anjie Sun and Junhai He
Sensors 2025, 25(16), 5180; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25165180 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
To address the collaborative demand for low-frequency vibration control and energy recovery, this paper proposes a dual-functional structure integrating low-frequency vibration isolation and broadband energy harvesting. The structure consists of two core components: one is a quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) vibration isolation module composed [...] Read more.
To address the collaborative demand for low-frequency vibration control and energy recovery, this paper proposes a dual-functional structure integrating low-frequency vibration isolation and broadband energy harvesting. The structure consists of two core components: one is a quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) vibration isolation module composed of a linkage-horizontal spring (negative stiffness) and a vertical spring; the other is an energy-harvesting component with an array of parameter-differentiated piezoelectric cantilever beams. Aiming at the conflict between the structural dynamic stiffness approaching zero and broadening the effective working range, this paper establishes a dual-objective optimization function based on the Pareto principle on the basis of static analysis and uses the grid search method combined with actual working conditions to determine the optimal parameter combination. By establishing a multi-degree-of-freedom electromechanical coupling model, the harmonic balance method is used to derive analytical solutions, which are then verified by numerical simulations. The influence laws of external excitations and system parameters on vibration isolation and energy-harvesting performance are quantitatively analyzed. The results show that the optimized structure has an initial vibration isolation frequency below 2 Hz, with a vibration isolation rate exceeding 60% in the 3 to 5 Hz ultra-low frequency range and a minimum transmissibility of the order of 10−2 (vibration isolation rate > 98%). The parameter-differentiated piezoelectric array effectively broadens the energy-harvesting frequency band, which coincides with the vibration isolation range. Synergistic optimization of both performances can be achieved by adjusting system damping, parameters of piezoelectric vibrators, and load resistance. This study provides a theoretical reference for the integrated design of low-frequency vibration control and energy recovery, and its engineering implementation requires further experimental verification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wireless Sensor Networks with Energy Harvesting)
28 pages, 1169 KiB  
Article
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli in a Diabetic Dog with Recurrent UTIs: Genomic Insights and the Impact of Glucose and Antibiotics on Biofilm Formation
by Inês C. Rodrigues, Marisa Ribeiro-Almeida, Joana Campos, Leonor Silveira, Liliana Leite-Martins, Jorge Ribeiro, Paula Martins da Costa, Joana C. Prata, Ângela Pista and Paulo Martins da Costa
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1946; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081946 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) pose a significant clinical challenge in both human and veterinary medicine, due to antibiotic-resistant and biofilm-forming bacteria. We hypothesized that high glucose levels in diabetic animals enhance biofilm formation and reduce antibiotic efficacy, promoting infection persistence. This study [...] Read more.
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) pose a significant clinical challenge in both human and veterinary medicine, due to antibiotic-resistant and biofilm-forming bacteria. We hypothesized that high glucose levels in diabetic animals enhance biofilm formation and reduce antibiotic efficacy, promoting infection persistence. This study analyzed Escherichia coli from a diabetic female Labrador Retriever with recurrent UTIs over 18 months, focusing on antimicrobial resistance, biofilm-forming capacity, and genomic characterization. Most isolates (9/11) were resistant to ampicillin and fluoroquinolones. Whole genome sequencing of six selected isolates revealed that they belonged to the multidrug-resistant ST1193 lineage, a globally emerging clone associated with persistent infections. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clonal continuity across six UTI episodes, with two distinct clones identified: one during a coinfection in the second episode and another in the last episode. High-glucose conditions significantly enhanced biofilm production and dramatically reduced antibiotic susceptibility, as evidenced by a marked increase in minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations (MBICs), which were at least 256-fold higher than the corresponding minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim demonstrated the strongest antibiofilm activity, though this was attenuated in glucose-supplemented environments. This research highlights the clinical relevance of glucosuria in diabetic patients and emphasizes the need for therapeutic strategies targeting biofilm-mediated antibiotic tolerance to improve the management of recurrent UTIs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Resistance and the Use of Antibiotics in Animals)
16 pages, 1363 KiB  
Article
Soil Quality and Trace Element Risk in Urban and Rural Kitchen Gardens: A Comparative Analysis
by Diego Arán, Osvaldo Santos, Rodrigo Feteira-Santos, Yacine Benhalima and Erika S. Santos
Toxics 2025, 13(8), 697; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13080697 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
The development and use of urban spaces for food production is increasing in response to the search for healthier foods and contact with nature. These spaces can be created or built on materials of various types, which might contain potentially toxic elements (PTEs). [...] Read more.
The development and use of urban spaces for food production is increasing in response to the search for healthier foods and contact with nature. These spaces can be created or built on materials of various types, which might contain potentially toxic elements (PTEs). This study focuses on the evaluation of soil fertility and contamination levels in urban and rural kitchen gardens in Lisbon, Portugal. Soils of twenty kitchen gardens (nurban = 15; nrural = 5) were sampled, and their physicochemical characteristics and the contents of PTEs in the total and available fractions were analyzed. The results were used to calculate contamination indices and associated ecological risk. The soils of the urban and rural kitchen gardens had a neutral pH, with the presence of carbonate forms, and moderate-to-high organic matter contents, although with a clear nutritional imbalance. Regarding PTEs, both urban and rural kitchen gardens soils showed elevated levels of certain elements (e.g., Cr, Ni, Cu), exceeding the maximum allowable values established by Portuguese regulations. However, the available fraction of these elements was generally low. Contamination indices ranged from mild to considerable in isolated cases, with no general multi-element contamination or ecological risk. This suggests that associated environmental and health risks are minimal, although periodic monitoring of kitchen gardens’ soil quality is necessary to ensure and maximize the health benefits. Full article
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15 pages, 1709 KiB  
Article
N-Lactoyl Phenylalanine Disrupts Insulin Signaling, Induces Inflammation, and Impairs Mitochondrial Respiration in Cell Models
by Laila Hedaya, Khaled Naja, Shamma Almuraikhy, Najeha Anwardeen, Asma A. Elashi, Maha Al-Asmakh, Susu M. Zughaier, Meritxell Espino-Guarch, Osama Y. Aldirbashi, Gavin P. Davey and Mohamed A. Elrayess
Cells 2025, 14(16), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14161296 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
N-lactoyl amino acids (Lac-AAs) are key players that regulate appetite and body weight. The most prominent and well-studied member is N-lactoyl phenylalanine (Lac-Phe), which can be induced by food intake, exercise and metformin treatment. However, its broader metabolic impact remains insufficiently characterized. This [...] Read more.
N-lactoyl amino acids (Lac-AAs) are key players that regulate appetite and body weight. The most prominent and well-studied member is N-lactoyl phenylalanine (Lac-Phe), which can be induced by food intake, exercise and metformin treatment. However, its broader metabolic impact remains insufficiently characterized. This study investigates the effects of Lac-Phe on insulin signaling, inflammation, and mitochondrial respiration using HepG2 and differentiated C2C12 cell models, as well as isolated rat brain mitochondria and synaptosomes. Our results demonstrate that Lac-Phe significantly impairs insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of key proteins in the insulin signaling pathway, particularly in skeletal muscle cells, indicating disrupted insulin signaling. Additionally, Lac-Phe exposure increases the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells and markedly impairs mitochondrial respiration in HepG2 liver cells and rat brain-derived synaptosomes, but not in isolated mitochondria. These findings highlight potential adverse metabolic effects of Lac-Phe, especially when administered at high concentrations, and underscore the necessity of conducting a comprehensive risk assessment and dose optimization before considering Lac-Phe or related Lac-AAs as therapeutic agents. Our work provides important insights into the molecular liabilities associated with Lac-Phe and calls for further studies to balance its therapeutic promise against possible metabolic risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Insulin Resistance)
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17 pages, 1757 KiB  
Article
Isolation and Characterization of the Trimethylamine (TMA)-Degrading Microbacterium lacticum Strain PM-1
by Pai Feng, Lei Zhang, Yihao Wu, Yuxuan Hu, Wenda Chen, Yuan Liu and Jiayuan Yang
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1944; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081944 - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
Trimethylamine (TMA) is a common malodorous pollutant known for its detrimental effects on both the natural environment and human health. In this study, strain PM-1 was successfully isolated from activated sludge in a sewage treatment plant and identified as the first Microbacterium lacticum [...] Read more.
Trimethylamine (TMA) is a common malodorous pollutant known for its detrimental effects on both the natural environment and human health. In this study, strain PM-1 was successfully isolated from activated sludge in a sewage treatment plant and identified as the first Microbacterium lacticum capable of degrading TMA. Strain PM-1 is characterized as a mesophilic and mild halotolerant bacterium, thriving within a temperature range of 20–40 °C and a salinity range of 10–80 g/L NaCl. The optimal initial TMA concentrations for strain PM-1 were determined to be 0.1 wt% under aerobic conditions and 0.05 wt% under anaerobic conditions. The strain demonstrated efficient TMA degradation rates of 98.02 mg/L/h aerobically and 4.44 mg/L/h anaerobically. Additionally, beef extract and peptone significantly enhanced TMA degradation and bacterial growth by 293% and 688%, respectively, under aerobic conditions. Microbacterium lacticum strain PM-1 is the first isolated Microbacterium lacticum with the ability to convert TMA. Further research will focus on its TMA degradation pathway through the identification of key enzymes and application in TMA-containing wastewater and exhaust gas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic The Role of Microorganisms in Waste Treatment)
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18 pages, 6668 KiB  
Article
Clonal Dissemination of Pandrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ST392KL27 in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mexico
by Iliana Alejandra Cortés-Ortíz, Enoc Mariano Cortés-Malagón, Eduardo García-Moncada, Gustavo Acosta-Altamirano, Jesús Alejandro Pineda-Migranas, Karen Lizzet García-Prudencio, Edgar Mendieta-Condado, Adnan Araiza-Rodríguez, Alejandra Yareth Bonilla-Cortés, Mónica Sierra-Martínez and Juan Carlos Bravata-Alcántara
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 8047; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26168047 (registering DOI) - 20 Aug 2025
Abstract
The global emergence of multidrug- and pandrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a critical threat to public health, particularly in hospital settings. This study describes a nosocomial outbreak caused by K. pneumoniae in a tertiary-care hospital in Mexico and provides a comprehensive genomic analysis of [...] Read more.
The global emergence of multidrug- and pandrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a critical threat to public health, particularly in hospital settings. This study describes a nosocomial outbreak caused by K. pneumoniae in a tertiary-care hospital in Mexico and provides a comprehensive genomic analysis of six clinical isolates. All isolates exhibited pandrug resistance, including carbapenems and colistin. Whole-genome sequencing identified 37 antimicrobial resistance genes, including blaNDM-1, blaOXA-1, blaCTX-M-15, and a pmrB R256G mutation associated with colistin resistance. Two conjugative plasmids (pAA046 and pAA276) carried multiple resistance genes and mobile genetic elements. Although all isolates harbored CRISPR-Cas type I-E systems, no spacers matched resistance plasmids, suggesting functional inactivity. Capsular typing identified the KL27 locus with the wzi187 allele. Phylogenetic and cgMLST analyses confirmed clonal dissemination and close genetic relatedness to strains from Europe and the USA. Despite the absence of classical hypervirulence markers, the presence of kfu, fimH, and mrkD genes indicates adaptation to the hospital environment. These findings confirm the clonal spread of pandrug-resistant K. pneumoniae ST392-KL27 in a Mexican hospital, underscoring the role of plasmid-mediated resistance and the potential for global dissemination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Informatics)
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