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Topic Review
Acinetobacter Baumannii Infections
Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest challenges for the clinical sector and industry, environment and societal development. One of the most important pathogens responsible for severe nosocomial infections is Acinetobacter baumannii, a Gram-negative bacterium from the Moraxellaceae family, due to its various resistance mechanisms. The enormous adaptive capacity of A. baumannii and the acquisition and transfer of antibiotic resistance determinants contribute to the ineffectiveness of most current therapeutic strategies, including last-line or combined antibiotic therapy. In this review, we will present the current progress in developing innovative strategies for combating multidrug-resistant A. baumannii (MDRAB) infections.
  • 1.7K
  • 26 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Autogenous Vaccines
Autogenous vaccines, also called autologous vaccines, autovaccines, “self” or custom vaccines, are vaccines that are prepared by isolation and destruction of microorganisms in infected individuals and used to provide immunity to the same individual. Autogenous vaccines were introduced in the early twentieth century with growing evidence of its efficacy against certain infections. These vaccines rely on the activation of the individual's immune system to produce immunity against the infectious pathogen. They are usually produced when an individual or small group is presented with a disease and can be applied to various bacterial and viral infections. Autogenous vaccines are quite similar to conventional vaccines in terms of their use, however, they are dissimilar and arguably preferred over conventional vaccines in certain areas. Currently, several autogenous vaccines are available for veterinary use in several countries. Human use of this type of vaccine is limited and has not been widely approved due to lack of scientific evidence and research.
  • 1.7K
  • 01 Dec 2022
Topic Review
The Microbiome in Obesity
Obesity has become a global epidemic and a public health crisis in the Western World, experiencing a threefold increase in prevalence since 1975. High-caloric diets and sedentary lifestyles have been identified as significant contributors to this widespread issue, although the role of genetic, social, and environmental factors in obesity’s pathogenesis remain incompletely understood. In recent years, much attention has been drawn to the contribution of the gut microbiota in the development of obesity, driven by a body of evidence supporting its central role in regulation of host physiology. Indeed, research has shown that in contrast to their healthier counterparts the microbiomes of obese individuals are structurally and functionally distinct, strongly suggesting gut dysbiosis as a key factor underpinning an obese phenotype. The following entry  explores the myriad of mechanisms by which the microbiome may contribute to the etiology of obesity, including modulation of host energy balance, immune function and macronutrient metabolism. 
  • 1.7K
  • 04 May 2021
Topic Review
Locust Bacterial Symbionts
Locusts have been devastating vegetation and agriculture since ancient times. The formation of huge swarms that migrate long distances is a hallmark of the locust phenomenon. An important aspect of locusts’ natural history is that of their interaction with the bacteria they harbor in and on their body. These locust-associated bacteria have been shown to affect certain physiological traits (such as immunity and swarm cohesion), as well as possibly also being affected by differentfactors in the locust biology. This review summarizes our current understanding of the locust-bacterial interaction. We focus on identifying the relevant bacterial strains and their locations within the insects; the role of the bacteria and their importance to their host’s life; the mechanism of transmitting important bacteria across locust generations; and more. Finally, we offer some new perspectives and research directions that could broaden our understanding of the locust-associated bacteria and their tentative instrumental role in locust outbreaks.
  • 1.7K
  • 19 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Microbiota for HPV Infection
The microbiome is able to modulate immune responses, alter the physiology of the human organism, and increase the risk of viral infections and development of diseases such as cancer. Herein, we address changes in the cervical microbiota as potential biomarkers to identify the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) development and invasive cervical cancer in the context of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
  • 1.7K
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Flagellum/Stigma in Euglena gracilis
Cell division of unicellular microalgae is a fascinating process of proliferation, at which whole organelles are regenerated and distributed to two new lives. We performed dynamic live cell imaging of Euglena gracilis using optical microscopy to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the eyespot and flagellum during cell division and distribution of the organelles into the two daughter cells. Single cells of the wild type (WT) and colorless SM-ZK cells were confined in a microfluidic device, and the appearance of the eyespot (stigma) and emergent flagellum was tracked in sequential video-recorded images obtained by automatic cell tracking and focusing. We examined 12 SM-ZK and 10 WT cells and deduced that the eyespot diminished in size and disappeared at an early stage of cell division and remained undetected for 26–97 min (62 min on average, 22 min in deviation). Subsequently, two small eyespots appeared and were distributed into the two daughter cells. Additionally, the emergent flagellum gradually shortened to zero-length, and two flagella emerged from the anterior ends of the daughter cells. Our observation revealed that the eyespot and flagellum of E. gracilis are degraded once in the cell division, and the carotenoids in the eyespot are also decomposed. Subsequently, the two eyespots/flagella are regenerated for distribution into daughter cells. As a logical conclusion, the two daughter cells generated from a single cell division possess the equivalent organelles and each E. gracilis cell has eternal or non-finite life span. The two newly regenerated eyespot and flagellum grow at different rates and mature at different timings in the two daughter cells, resulting in diverse cell characteristics in E. gracilis.
  • 1.7K
  • 05 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Combating Biofilms Using Antimicrobial Agents and Therapeutic Approaches
Biofilms are intricate bacterial assemblages that attach to diverse surfaces using an extracellular polymeric substance that protects them from the host immune system and conventional antibiotics. Biofilms cause chronic infections that result in millions of deaths around the world every year. Since the antibiotic tolerance mechanism in biofilm is different than that of the planktonic cells due to its multicellular structure, the currently available antibiotics are inadequate to treat biofilm-associated infections which have led to an immense need to find newer treatment options. Over the years, various novel antibiofilm compounds able to fight biofilms have been discovered. 
  • 1.7K
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Mycobacteriophages for Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment
The current emergence of multi-, extensively-, extremely-, and total-drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis poses a major health, social, and economic threat, and stresses the need to develop new therapeutic strategies. Mycobacteriophages are genetically diverse viruses that specifically infect mycobacterial hosts, including members of the M. tuberculosis complex. Here, we will review general features of mycobacteriophages and their mechanisms of M.tb killing, as well as their advantages and limitations as therapeutic and prophylactic agents against drug-resistant M.tb. 
  • 1.7K
  • 31 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Helicobacter Pylori-Induced Gastric Infections
Helicobacter pylori is the first formally recognized bacterial carcinogen and the most important single digestive pathogen responsible for the induction of gastroduodenal diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, and, finally, gastric neoplasia. The recently reported high rates of antimicrobial drug resistance hamper the current therapies of H. pylori, with therapeutic failure reaching up to 40% of patients.
  • 1.7K
  • 27 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Overview of Colicins and Microcins
The family Enterobacteriaceae is a large, heterogeneous group of Gram-negative bacteria, which includes strains that naturally inhabit the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of animals and humans. Being considered normal commensal members of the GIT microbiota, these microbes can also live and multiply in food environments. Additionally, Enterobacteriaceae are acknowledged as indicators of food production hygiene, preservation, and storage, often being used as indicators of food quality and safety. Additionally, Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, pathogenic Escherichia coli, including Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Shigella spp., among others, are important foodborne pathogens. Moreover, some members of this group, namely Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Erwinia, Klebsiella, Kluyvera, Pantoea, and Serratia, have been described both as harboring plant growth-promoting characteristics and attaining pathogenicity potential.
  • 1.7K
  • 17 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Spondyloarthritis
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of autoimmune inflammatory diseases that leads to inflammation of the spine or peripheral joints, namely axial SpA and peripheral SpA respectively. SpA is a painful and debilitating disease that affects mostly individuals aged 45 years old or younger. Trillions of microorganism reside in the human gut and interact with the immune system, and these reactions may trigger different autoimmune diseases including SpA. Dysbiosis, an imbalance of gut microbiota, may affect the mucosal barrier integrity, resulting in gut inflammation. In animal study, none of the germfree mice developed features of SpA. However, after introduction of gut commensal, over 80% of them developed features of SpA. Different gut microbiome compositions also affect the degree of gut inflammation in HLA-B27 transgenic rats. Moreover, nearly 50% of the SpA patients had subclinical gut inflammation. Chronic gut inflammation also correlated with increased bone marrow edema on MRI in SpA patients. These findings suggest there is a link between gut microorganisms and the occurrence of SpA.
  • 1.7K
  • 18 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716
Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 has become one of the most promising probiotics and it has been described to possess potential beneficial effects on inflammatory processes and immunological alterations.
  • 1.7K
  • 15 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Salmonella enterica
Salmonella enterica serovars are important pathogens of humans and animals that are responsible for enormous morbidity, mortality and economic loss worldwide.  Models used to study the disease pathology so far have provided valuable advancements, however, the molecular complexity of its pathogenesis remains poorly understood, particularly in humans. Therefore there remains a disconnect between what works at the bench versus at the bedside, especially in case of vaccines. The development of organoids/enteroids offers a tremendous opportunity to bridge this gap by bringing human-specific factors into the research models as well as elevate our understanding of the interactions and crosstalk between multiple cell types and the microbiota with Salmonella. Thus the use of organoids in studying Salmonella biology has the potential for improving clinical outcomes and future prophylactic and therapeutic intervention strategies.
  • 1.7K
  • 29 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Antimicrobial Activity of Curcumin
Curcumin (CUR) is a natural substance extracted from turmeric that has antimicrobial properties. Due to its ability to absorb light in the blue spectrum, CUR is also used as a photosensitizer (PS) in antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT). 
  • 1.7K
  • 23 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) is a group of bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) in diverse hosts, including captive and free-ranging wildlife species. There is significant research interest in developing immunodiagnostic tests for TB that are both rapid and reliable, to underpin disease surveillance and control.
  • 1.7K
  • 04 Aug 2021
Topic Review
PirAB from Vibrio parahaemolyticus and AHPND in Shrimp
PirAB is a potent toxin which can causes 100% mortality in shrimp, the toxin produce masive sloughing of the epithelial cells of the shrimp hepatopancreas, kown as acute hepatopancreatic necrosis diseaseas (AHPND) in diseased penaeid shirmp. This toxin is produced by specific strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which harbors a plasmid of ~70 kbp (pVA1) containing the pirAVp and pirBVp genes that encode PirAB toxin.   
  • 1.7K
  • 20 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Glutathione System in Pathogenic Fungi
The glutathione system has been recognized as one of the most important intracellular antioxidant systems; however, the contribution of this system in pathogenesis has been neglected, especially in human fungal pathogens. 
  • 1.7K
  • 01 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Probiotics for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative disorders (ND) are a group of conditions that affect the neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to their degeneration and eventually causing the loss of function in the affected areas. These disorders can be caused by a range of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. Major pathological signs of these diseases are protein misfolding, proteosomal dysfunction, aggregation, inadequate degradation, oxidative stress, free radical formation, mitochondrial dysfunctions, impaired bioenergetics, DNA damage, fragmentation of Golgi apparatus neurons, disruption of axonal transport, dysfunction of neurotrophins (NTFs), neuroinflammatory or neuroimmune processes, and neurohumoral symptoms. According to studies, defects or imbalances in gut microbiota can directly lead to neurological disorders through the gut-brain axis. Probiotics in ND are recommended to prevent cognitive dysfunction, which is a major symptom of these diseases. 
  • 1.7K
  • 28 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Streptococcal Infections in Marine Mammals
Marine mammals are sentinels for the marine ecosystem and threatened by numerous factors including infectious diseases. One of the most frequently isolated bacteria are beta-hemolytic streptococci. However, knowledge on ecology and epidemiology of streptococcal species in marine mammals is very limited.
  • 1.7K
  • 18 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Microbial Communities
Although ice-free areas cover only about 0.1% of Antarctica and are characterized by harsh environmental conditions, these regions provide quite diverse conditions for the soil-forming process, having various physical and geochemical properties, and also assuring different conditions for living organisms. This study is aimed to determine existing soil microbial communities, their relationship with soil parameters and the influence of anthropogenic activity in Larsemann Hills, Eastern Antarctica. The soil microbiome was investigated at different locations using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. The taxonomic analysis of the soil microbiomes revealed 12 predominant bacterial and archaeal phyla—Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes, Bacteroidetes, Armatimonadetes, Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, Thaumarchaeota. Some specific phyla have been also found in sub-surface horizons of soils investigated, thus providing additional evidence of the crucial role of gravel pavement in saving the favorable conditions for both soil and microbiome development. Moreover, our study also revealed that some bacterial species might be introduced into Antarctic soils by human activities. We also assessed the effect of different soil parameters on microbial community in the harsh environmental conditions of Eastern Antarctica. pH, carbon and nitrogen, as well as fine earth content, were revealed as the most accurate predictors of soil bacterial community composition.
  • 1.7K
  • 19 Aug 2020
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