Mobile genetic elements facilitate the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes in multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from duck farms

Multidrug-resistant(MDR)Enterobacteriaceae critically threaten duck farming and public health.The phenotypes,genotypes,and associated mobile genetic elements(MGEs)of MDR Enterobacteriaceae isolated from 6 duck farms in Zhejiang Province,China,were investigated.A total of 215 isolates were identified as Escherichia coli(64.65%),Klebsiella pneumoniae(12.09%),Proteus mirabilis(10.23%),Salmonella(8.84%),and Enterobacter cloacae(4.19%).Meanwhile,all isolates were resistant to at least two antibiotics.Most isolates carried tet(A)(85.12%),blaTEM(78.60%)and sul1(67.44%)resistance genes.Gene co-occurrence analysis showed that the resistance genes were associated with IS26 and integrons.A conjugative IncFII plasmid pSDM004 containing all the above MGEs was detected in Proteus mirabilis isolate SDM004.This isolate was resistant to 18 antibiotics and carried the blaNDM-5 gene.MGEs,especially plasmids,are the primary antibiotic resistance gene transmission route in duck farms.These findings provide a theoretical basis for the rational use of antibiotics in farms which are substantial for evaluating public health and food safety.

Analysis of The Correlation Between inhA Gene Mutation and Resistance to Protionamide in Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of katG and inhA gene mutations in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (preXDR-TB), and their correlation with resistance to protionamide (Pto). Methods: A total of 229 patients with MDR-TB and pre-XDR-TB diagnosed in the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2020 to February 2024 were selected to analyze the characteristics of katG and inhA mutations in MTB clinical isolates and their correlation with Pto resistance. Results: The mutation rate of katG (with or without inhA mutation) was 85.2%. The mutation rates in MDR-TB and pre-XDR-TB were 87.4% (125/143) and 81.4% (70/86), respectively. The mutation rate of inhA (including katG mutation) was 14.8% (34/229), which was 12.6% (18/143) and 18.6% (16/86) in MDR-TB and pre-XDR-MTB, respectively. There was no difference in mutation (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The total resistance rate to Pto in 229 strains was 8.7% (20/229), which was 8.4% (12/143) and 9.3% (8/86) in MDR-TB and pre-XDR-TB, respectively. Among the inhA mutant strains, 13 were resistant to the Pto phenotype, and the resistance rate was 65% (13/20). In MDR-TB and pre-XDR-TB strains resistant to Pto, inhA gene mutations occurred in 66.7% (6/9) and 63.6% (7/11), respectively. The resistance rates of MDR-MTB and pre-XDR-TB strains without inhA gene mutation to Pto were 2.4% (3/125) and 5.7% (4/70), respectively.

The influence of resistance exercise training prescription variables on skeletal muscle mass,strength,and physical function in healthy adults:An umbrella review

Purpose:The aim of this umbrella review was to determine the impact of resistance training(RT)and individual RT prescription variables on muscle mass,strength,and physical function in healthy adults.Methods:Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines,we systematically searched and screened eligible systematic reviews reporting the effects of differing RT prescription variables on muscle mass(or its proxies),strength,and/or physical function in healthy adults aged>18 years.Results:We identified 44 systematic reviews that met our inclusion criteria.The methodological quality of these reviews was assessed using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews;standardized effectiveness statements were generated.We found that RT was consistently a potent stimulus for increasing skeletal muscle mass(4/4 reviews provide some or sufficient evidence),strength(4/6 reviews provided some or sufficient evidence),and physical function(1/1 review provided some evidence).RT load(6/8 reviews provided some or sufficient evidence),weekly frequency(2/4 reviews provided some or sufficient evidence),volume(3/7 reviews provided some or sufficient evidence),and exercise order(1/1 review provided some evidence)impacted RT-induced increases in muscular strength.We discovered that 2/3 reviews provided some or sufficient evidence that RT volume and contraction velocity influenced skeletal muscle mass,while 4/7 reviews provided insufficient evidence in favor of RT load impacting skeletal muscle mass.There was insufficient evidence to conclude that time of day,periodization,inter-set rest,set configuration,set end point,contraction velocity/time under tension,or exercise order(only pertaining to hypertrophy)influenced skeletal muscle adaptations.A paucity of data limited insights into the impact of RT prescription variables on physical function.Conclusion:Overall,RT increased muscle mass,strength,and physical function compared to no exercise.RT intensity(load)and weekly frequency impacted RT-induced increases in muscular strength but not muscle hypertrophy.RT volume(number of sets)influenced muscular strength and hypertrophy.

Reversal of tamoxifen resistance by artemisinin in ER+breast cancer:bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide,with Hormone Receptor(HR)+being the predominant subtype.Tamoxifen(TAM)serves as the primary treatment for HR+breast cancer.However,drug resistance often leads to recurrence,underscoring the need to develop new therapies to enhance patient quality of life and reduce recurrence rates.Artemisinin(ART)has demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting the growth of drug-resistant cells,positioning art as a viable option for counteracting endocrine resistance.This study explored the interaction between artemisinin and tamoxifen through a combined approach of bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation.Five characterized genes(ar,cdkn1a,erbb2,esr1,hsp90aa1)and seven drug-disease crossover genes(cyp2e1,rorc,mapk10,glp1r,egfr,pgr,mgll)were identified using WGCNA crossover analysis.Subsequent functional enrichment analyses were conducted.Our findings confirm a significant correlation between key cluster gene expression and immune cell infiltration in tamoxifen-resistant and-sensitized patients.scRNA-seq analysis revealed high expression of key cluster genes in epithelial cells,suggesting artemisinin’s specific impact on tumor cells in estrogen receptor(ER)-positive BC tissues.Molecular target docking and in vitro experiments with artemisinin on LCC9 cells demonstrated a reversal effect in reducing migratory and drug resistance of drug-resistant cells by modulating relevant drug resistance genes.These results indicate that artemisinin could potentially reverse tamoxifen resistance in ER-positive breast cancer.

Biomass-enhanced Janus sponge-like hydrogel with salt resistance and highstrength for efficient solar desalination

Interfacial solar-driven evaporation technology shows great potential in the field of industrial seawater desalination, and the development ofefficient and low-cost evaporation materials is key to achieving large-scale applications. Hydrogels are considered to be promising candidates;however, conventional hydrogel-based interfacial solar evaporators have difficulty in simultaneously meeting multiple requirements, including ahigh evaporation rate, salt resistance, and good mechanical properties. In this study, a Janus sponge-like hydrogel solar evaporator (CPAS) withexcellent comprehensive performance was successfully constructed. The introduction of biomass agar (AG) into the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)hydrogel backbone reduced the enthalpy of water evaporation, optimized the pore structure, and improved the mechanical properties. Meanwhile, by introducing hydrophobic fumed nano-silica aerogel (SA) and a synergistic foaming-crosslinking process, the hydrogel spontaneouslyformed a Janus structure with a hydrophobic surface and hydrophilic bottom properties. Based on the reduction of the evaporation enthalpy andthe modulation of the pore structure, the CPAS evaporation rate reached 3.56 kg m^(-2) h^(-1) under one sun illumination. Most importantly, owingto the hydrophobic top surface and 3D-interconnected porous channels, the evaporator could work stably in high concentrations of salt-water(25 wt% NaCl), showing strong salt resistance. Efficient water evaporation, excellent salt resistance, scalable preparation processes, and low-costraw materials make CPAS extremely promising for practical applications.

Drug resistance mechanisms in cancers:Execution of prosurvival strategies

One of the quintessential challenges in cancer treatment is drug resistance.Several mechanisms of drug resistance have been described to date,and new modes of drug resistance continue to be discovered.The phenomenon of cancer drug resistance is now widespread,with approximately 90% of cancer-related deaths associated with drug resistance.Despite significant advances in the drug discovery process,the emergence of innate and acquired mechanisms of drug resistance has impeded the progress in cancer therapy.Therefore,understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance and the various pathways involved is integral to treatment modalities.In the present review,I discuss the different mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer cells,including DNA damage repair,epithelial to mesenchymal transition,inhibition of cell death,alteration of drug targets,inactivation of drugs,deregulation of cellular energetics,immune evasion,tumor-promoting inflammation,genome instability,and other contributing epigenetic factors.Furthermore,I highlight available treatment options and conclude with future directions.

Selenium–nitrogen-co-doped carbon dots increase rice seedling growth and salt resistance

Soil salinity seriously affects the utilization of farmland and threatens the crop production.Here,a selenium-nitrogen-co-doped carbon dots was developed,which increased rice seedling growth and alleviated its inhibition by salt stress by foliar spraying.The treatment activated Ca^(2+)and jasmonic acid signaling pathways and increased iron homeostasis,antioxidant defense,and cell wall development of rice seedlings.It could be used to increase crop resistance to environmental stress.

Effect and mechanism of Qingre Huashi decoction on drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(HP),the most common pathogenic microorganism in stomach,can induce inflammatory reactions in the gastric mucosa,causing chronic gastritis and even gastric cancer.HP infection affects over 4.4 billion people globally,with a worldwide infection rate of up to 50%.The multidrug resistance of HP poses a serious challenge to eradication.It has been monstrated that compared to bismuth quadruple therapy,Qingre Huashi decoction(QHD)combined with triple therapy exhibits comparable eradication rates but with a lower incidence of adverse reactions;in addition,QHD directly inhibit and kill HP in vitro.METHODS In this study,12 HP strains were isolated in vitro after biopsy during gastroscopy of HP-infected patients.In vitro,the minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)values for clinical HP strains and biofilm quantification were determined through the E-test method and crystal violet staining,respectively.The most robust biofilm-forming strain of HP was selected,and QHD was evaluated for its inhibitory and bactericidal effects on the strain with strong biofilm formation.This assessment was performed using agar dilution,E-test,killing dynamics,and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).The study also explored the impact of QHD on antibiotic resistance in these HP strains with strong biofilm formation.Crystalline violet method,scanning electron microscopy,laser confocal scanning microscopy,and(p)ppGpp chromatographic identification were employed to evaluate the effect of QHD on biofilm in strong biofilm-forming HP strains.The effect of QHD on biofilm and efflux pump-related gene expression was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Non-targeted metabolomics with UHPLC-MS/MS was used to identify potential metabolic pathways and biomarkers which were different between the NC and QHD groups.RESULTS HP could form biofilms of different degrees in vitro,and the intensity of formation was associated with the drug resistance of the strain.QHD had strong bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on HP,with MICs of 32-64 mg/mL.QHD could inhibit the biofilm formation of the strong biofilm-forming HP strains,disrupt the biofilm structure,lower the accumulation of(p)ppGpp,decrease the expression of biofilm-related genes including LuxS,Spot,glup(HP1174),NapA,and CagE,and reduce the expression of efflux pump-related genes such as HP0605,HP0971,HP1327,and HP1489.Based on metabolomic analysis,QHD induced oxidative stress in HP,enhanced metabolism,and potentially inhibited relevant signaling pathways by upregulating adenosine monophosphate(AMP),thereby affecting HP growth,metabolism,and protein synthesis.CONCLUSION QHD exerts bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on HP,and reduces HP drug resistance by inhibiting HP biofilm formation,destroying its biofilm structure,inhibiting the expression of biofilm-related genes and efflux pump-related genes,enhancing HP metabolism,and activating AMP in HP.

Identification of Fusarium wilt resistance gene SiRLK1 in Sesamum indicum L.

Sesame Fusarium wilt(SFW),caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.sesami(Fos),is one of the most devastating diseases affecting sesame cultivation.Deciphering the genetic control of SFW resistance is pivotal for effective disease management in sesame.An inheritance study on a cross between the highly resistant variety Yuzhi 11 and the highly susceptible accession Sp1 using a Fos pathogenicity group 1 isolate indicated that resistance was conferred by a single dominant allele.The target locus was located in a 1.24 Mb interval on chromosome 3 using a combination of cross-population association mapping and bulked segregant analysis.Fine genetic mapping further narrowed the interval between 21,350 and 21,401 kb.The locus Sindi_0812400 was identified as the SFW resistance gene and officially designated SiRLK1.This gene encodes a specific malectin/receptor-like protein kinase with three putative tandem kinase domains and is considered a kinase fusion protein.Sequence analysis revealed that a high proportion(49.44%)of variants within the locus was located within the kinase domainⅢ,and several of which were evidently associated with the diversity in SFW response,indicating the critical role of kinase domainⅢin expression of disease resistance.These findings provide valuable information for further functional analysis of SFW resistance genes and marker-assisted resistance breeding in sesame.

CircTHSD4 promotes the malignancy and docetaxel (DTX) resistance in prostate cancer by regulating miR-203/HMGA2 axis

Objective:Circular ribose nudeic acids(circRNAs)are implicated in tumor progression and drug resistance of prostate cancer(PCa).The current work explored the function of circ_0005203(aircTHSD4)in the malignancy and docetaxel(DTX)resistance of PCa.Methods:circTHSD4 expression within PCa as well as matched non-carcinoma samples was measured through real time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).In addition,a subcellular fraction assay was conducted to determine circTHSD4 subcellular localization within PCa cells.In addition,we performed a Western blot(WB)assay to detect high mobility.group A2 protein(HMGA2)levels.Besides,functional associations of two molecules were investigated through dual luciferase reporter assay.Cell Counting Kit(CCK)-8,colony formation together with Transwell assay was conducted to assess malignant phenotypes of PCa cells,whereas flow cytometry was performed to determine cell apoptosis.Furthermore,a xenograft mouse model was constructed to verify the effect of circTHSD4 on the carcinogenesis of PCa cells.Results:According to RT-qPCR results,circTHSD4 was up-regulated within PCa tissues and cells,which predicted the dismal prognostic outcome of PCa cases.circTHSD4 silencing within PCa cells markedly suppressed cell growth,migration,and colony fomation.circTHSD4 silencing remarkably elevated PCa cell apoptosis and carcinogenesis within the xenograft model.Further,circTHSD4 silencing enhanced docetaxel(DTX)sensitivity in PCa cells.Furthermore,we demonstrated that circTHSD4 modulated the malignancy of PCa cells by regulating HMGA2 expression through sponging miR 203.Conclusion:Together,our findings suggest that cirCTHSD4 overexpression could promote the malignant phenotype and DTX resistance in PCa through the regulation of the miR 203/HMGA2 axis.

Insulin resistance as the molecular link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease

Diabetes mellitus(DM)and Alzheimer's disease(AD)are two major health concerns that have seen a rising prevalence worldwide.Recent studies have indicated a possible link between DM and an increased risk of developing AD.Insulin,while primarily known for its role in regulating blood sugar,also plays a vital role in protecting brain functions.Insulin resistance(IR),especially prevalent in type 2 diabetes,is believed to play a significant role in AD's development.When insulin signalling becomes dysfunctional,it can negatively affect various brain functions,making individuals more susceptible to AD's defining features,such as the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles.Emerging research suggests that addressing insulin-related issues might help reduce or even reverse the brain changes linked to AD.This review aims to explore the relationship between DM and AD,with a focus on the role of IR.It also explores the molecular mechanisms by which IR might lead to brain changes and assesses current treatments that target IR.Understanding IR's role in the connection between DM and AD offers new possibilities for treatments and highlights the importance of continued research in this interdisciplinary field.

Greatly enhanced corrosion/wear resistances of epoxy coating for Mg alloy through a synergistic effect between functionalized graphene and insulated blocking layer

The poor corrosion and wear resistances of Mg alloys seriously limit their potential applications in various industries.The conventional epoxy coating easily forms many intrinsic defects during the solidification process,which cannot provide sufficient protection.In the current study,we design a double-layer epoxy composite coating on Mg alloy with enhanced anti-corrosion/wear properties,via the spin-assisted assembly technique.The outer layer is functionalized graphene(FG)in waterborne epoxy resin(WEP)and the inner layer is Ce-based conversion(Ce)film.The FG sheets can be homogeneously dispersed within the epoxy matrix to fill the intrinsic defects and improve the barrier capability.The Ce film connects the outer layer with the substrate,showing the transition effect.The corrosion rate of Ce/WEP/FG composite coating is 2131 times lower than that of bare Mg alloy,and the wear rate is decreased by~90%.The improved corrosion resistance is attributed to the labyrinth effect(hindering the penetration of corrosive medium)and the obstruction of galvanic coupling behavior.The synergistic effect derived from the FG sheet and blocking layer exhibits great potential in realizing the improvement of multi-functional integration,which will open up a new avenue for the development of novel composite protection coatings of Mg alloys.

Novel insights into D-Pinitol based therapies:a link between tau hyperphosphorylation and insulin resistance

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the amyloid accumulation in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.The pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease is mainly mediated by the phosphorylation and aggregation of tau protein.Among the multiple causes of tau hyperphosphorylation,brain insulin resistance has generated much attention,and inositols as insulin sensitizers,are currently considered candidates for drug development.The present narrative review revises the interactions between these three elements:Alzheimer’s disease-tau-inositols,which can eventually identify targets for new disease modifiers capable of bringing hope to the millions of people affected by this devastating disease.

Upregulated lncRNA PRNT promotes progression and oxaliplatin resistance of colorectal cancer cells by regulating HIPK2 transcription

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common cancer and a significant cause of cancer-related mortality globally.Resistance to chemotherapy,especially during CRC treatment,leads to reduced effectiveness of drugs and poor patient outcomes.Long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs)have been implicated in various pathophysiological processes of tumor cells,including chemotherapy resistance,yet the roles of many lncRNAs in CRC remain unclear.AIM To identify and analyze the lncRNAs involved in oxaliplatin resistance in CRC and to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms influencing this resistance.METHODS Gene Expression Omnibus datasets GSE42387 and GSE30011 were reanalyzed to identify lncRNAs and mRNAs associated with oxaliplatin resistance.Various bioinformatics tools were employed to elucidate molecular mechanisms.The expression levels of lncRNAs and mRNAs were assessed via quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Functional assays,including MTT,wound healing,and Transwell,were conducted to investigate the functional implications of lncRNA alterations.Interactions between lncRNAs and trans-cription factors were examined using RIP and luciferase reporter assays,while Western blotting was used to confirm downstream pathways.Additionally,a xenograft mouse model was utilized to study the in vivo effects of lncRNAs on chemotherapy resistance.RESULTS LncRNA prion protein testis specific(PRNT)was found to be upregulated in oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cell lines and negatively correlated with homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2(HIPK2)expression.PRNT was demonstrated to sponge transcription factor zinc finger protein 184(ZNF184),which in turn could regulate HIPK2 expression.Altered expression of PRNT influenced CRC cell sensitivity to oxaliplatin,with overexpression leading to decreased sensitivity and decreased expression reducing resistance.Both RIP and luciferase reporter assays indicated that ZNF184 and HIPK2 are targets of PRNT.The PRNT/ZNF184/HIPK2 axis was implicated in promoting CRC progression and oxaliplatin resistance both in vitro and in vivo.CONCLUSION The study concludes that PRNT is upregulated in oxaliplatin-resistant CRC cells and modulates the expression of HIPK2 by sponging ZNF184.This regulatory mechanism enhances CRC progression and resistance to oxaliplatin,positioning PRNT as a promising therapeutic target for CRC patients undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

Role of targeting ferroptosis as a component of combination therapy in combating drug resistance in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a form of cancer that is often resistant to chemotherapy,targeted therapy,radiotherapy,and immunotherapy due to its genomic instability and inflammatory tumor microenvironment.Ferroptosis,a type of non-apoptotic cell death,is characterized by the accumulation of iron and the oxidation of lipids.Studies have revealed that the levels of reactive oxygen species and glutathione in CRC cells are significantly lower than those in healthy colon cells.Erastin has emerged as a promising candidate for CRC treatment by diminishing stemness and chemoresistance.Moreover,the gut,responsible for regulating iron absorption and release,could influence CRC susceptibility through iron metabolism modulation.Investigation into ferroptosis offers new insights into CRC pathogenesis and clinical management,potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches for therapy-resistant cancers.

Dissemination of Resistance Integrons and Genes Coding for Blse and Cabapenemases in the Urban Drainage Network in Cote d’Ivoire

Antibiotic resistance has become a major threat to human health worldwide. Environment, particularly the water environment, has long been overlooked as a player in the antibiotic resistance cycle, although its role remains unclear. These can provide an ideal setting for the acquisition and dissemination of antibiotic resistance, as they are frequently affected by anthropogenic activities. The objective of this study was to establish a diffusion map of resistance integrons used as genetic markers of resistance associated with antibiotic resistance conferring genes (ARGs). Total DNA extracts from non-cultivable bacterial communities were used for the analyses. These communities were obtained from wastewater samples from 14 sites upstream and downstream of drainage channels or effluents in the cities of Abidjan, Bouaké, and Yamoussoukro. The results obtained correspond to the number of positives among the treated samples (n = 39). Among the genetic markers of dissemination, class 1 integrons were the most evident in 94.8% of samples in Abidjan (93.3%), Bouaké (100%) and Yamoussoukro (91.6%). Class 2 integrons and class 3 integrons were found respectively in 41% and 51% of all samples. Genes coding for β-lactamases and blaTEM was identified in almost all samples at a rate of 97.4%. A co-presence of the three genes blaTEM, blaSHV and blaCTX-M is also remarkable in the sites of the city of Yamoussoukro. Among the genes coding for carbapenemases, only blaKPC 17.94%, blaNDM 30.76% and blaOXA48 38.46% were detected in the samples.

Natural Products and Antiviral Resistance

Viral diseases are minacious with the potential for causing pandemics and treatment is complicated because of their inherent ability to mutate and become resistant to drugs. Antiviral drug resistance is a persistent problem that needs continuous attention by scientists, medical professionals, and government agencies. To solve the problem, an in-depth understanding of the intricate interplay between causes of antiviral drug resistance and potential new drugs specifically natural products is imperative in the interest and safety of public health. This review delves into natural product as reservoir for antiviral agents with the peculiar potentials for addressing the complexities associated with multi-drug resistant and emerging viral strains. An evaluation of the mechanisms underlying antiviral drug activity, antiviral drug resistance is addressed, with emphasis on production of broad-spectrum antiviral agents from natural sources. There is a need for continued natural product-based research, identification of new species and novel compounds.

Nature’s Pharmacy under Siege: Investigating Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Endophytic Bacteria of Medicinal Plants

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health threat, necessitating a thorough understanding of its prevalence in various ecological contexts. Medicinal plants, renowned for their therapeutic properties, host endophytic bacteria that produce bioactive compounds. Understanding antibiotic resistance dynamics in these bacteria is vital for human health and antibiotic efficacy preservation. In this study, we investigated antibiotic resistance profiles in endophytic bacteria from five medicinal plants: Thankuni, Neem, Aparajita, Joba, and Snake plant. We isolated and characterized 113 endophytic bacteria, with varying resistance patterns observed against multiple antibiotics. Notably, 53 strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR), with 14 exhibiting extensive drug resistance (XDR). Thankuni-associated bacteria displayed 44% MDR and 11% XDR, while Neem-associated bacteria showed higher resistance (60% MDR, 13% XDR). Aparajita-associated bacteria had lower resistance (22% MDR, 6% XDR), whereas Joba-associated bacteria exhibited substantial resistance (54% MDR, 14% XDR). Snake plant-associated bacteria showed 7% MDR and 4% XDR. Genus-specific distribution revealed Bacillus (47%), Staphylococcus (21%), and Klebsiella (11%) as major contributors to MDR. Our findings highlight diverse drug resistance patterns among plant-associated bacteria and underscore the complexity of antibiotic resistance dynamics in diverse plant environments. Identification of XDR strains emphasizes the severity of the antibiotic resistance problem, warranting further investigation into contributing factors.

Five-year analysis of isolated pathogens and antibiotic resistance of ocular infections from two large tertiary comprehensive hospitals in east China

AIM:To analyze the spectrum of isolated pathogens and antibiotic resistance for ocular infections within 5y at two tertiary hospitals in east China.METHODS:Ocular specimen data were collected from January 2019 to October 2023.The pathogen spectrum and positive culture rate for different infection location,such as keratitis,endophthalmitis,and periocular infections,along with antibiotic resistance were analyzed.RESULTS:We included 2727 specimens,including 827(30.33%)positive cultures.A total of 871 strains were isolated,530(60.85%)bacterial and 341(39.15%)fungal strains were isolated.Gram-positive cocci(GPC)were the most common ocular pathogens.The most common bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus epidermidis(25.03%),Staphylococcus aureus(7.46%),Streptococcus pneumoniae(4.59%),Corynebacterium macginleyi(3.44%),and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(3.33%).The most common fungal genera were Fusarium spp.(12.74%),Aspergillus spp.(6.54%),and Scedosporium spp.(5.74%).Staphylococcus epidermidis strains showed more than 50%resistance to fluoroquinolones.Streptococcus pneumoniae and Corynebacterium macginleyi showed more than 90%resistance to erythromycin.The percentage of bacteria showing multidrug resistance(MDR)significantly decreased(χ^(2)=17.44,P=0.002).CONCLUSION:GPC are the most common ocular pathogens.Corynebacterium macginleyi,as the fourth common bacterium,may currently be the local microbiological feature of east China.Fusarium spp.is the most common fungus.More than 50%of the GPC are resistant to fluoroquinolones,penicillins,and macrolides.However,the proportion of MDR strains has been reduced over time.

Nonlinear impacts of temperature on antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli

The increase in bacterial antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to the effectiveness of antibiotics,and there is growing evidence suggesting that global warming may speed up this process.However,the direct influence of temperature on the development of antibiotic resistance and the underlying mechanisms is not yet fully understood.Here we show that antibiotic resistance exhibits a nonlinear response to elevated temperatures under the combined stress of temperatures and antibiotics.We find that the effectiveness of gatifloxacin against Escherichia coli significantly diminishes at 42°C,while resistance increases 256-fold at 27°C.Additionally,the increased transcription levels of genes such as marA,ygfA,and ibpB with rising temperatures,along with gene mutations at different sites,explain the observed variability in resistance patterns.These findings highlight the complexity of antibiotic resistance evolution and the urgent need for comprehensive studies to understand and mitigate the effects of global warming on antibiotic resistance.