Search Results (160)

Background: Mothers’ health significantly affects their well-being and that of their families. The early years of motherhood can be tough and impact mental health. This study examined the associations between mothers’ self-compassion, social support, and self-care behaviors and their physical and mental well-being. Methods: In August 2023, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 514 Israeli mothers with children under three. Mothers’ physical and mental health was assessed using SF12. Self-compassion was measured by the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). Social support was evaluated through the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and self-care was assessed via the Pittsburgh Enjoyable Activities Test (PEAT). Results: Respondents’ average age was 31.5 years. Their self-reported physical health was relatively high, with a mean of 78.36 (SD = 21) on a 0–100 scale (n = 442). Mental health scores were lower, with a mean of 65.88 (SD = 20.28, n = 401). Perceived physical health was higher among Jewish mothers, younger mothers, and those with higher income levels. Additionally, greater social support and self-compassion correlated with better perceived physical health (Adj R² = 0.11, p < 0.001). For mental health, higher scores were observed among Jewish mothers, younger mothers, and full-time employed mothers. Furthermore, higher social support, self-compassion, and self-care practices were associated with improved perceptions of mental health (Adj R² = 0.39, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Promoting the well-being of mothers is crucial for their health, their children’s well-being, and the family unit. Health professionals working with mothers of young children should emphasize and help promote social support, self-compassion, and self-care activities. Full article

Milk fat plays an important role in the flavor and texture of cheese. However, it contains high amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol, which have recently been reported to be unsuitable for maintaining good health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of milk fat’s replacement with sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) oil in fresh cheese processing on the coagulation properties, nutritional value, and sensory properties, aiming to obtain a hybrid fresh cheese rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Milk fat (3.8% in standardized milk) was partly replaced with Vietnamese sacha inchi oil at 20, 40, 60, and 80%. The coagulation time, curd formation, and cheese yield showed no significant differences among the treatments (p > 0.05), suggesting that sacha inchi oil did not adversely affect curd formation. The cholesterol levels decreased substantially, from 8.27 ± 0.53 mg/g in control samples to 2.63 ± 0.63 mg/g at 80% fat replacement. An increase in essential fatty acids in the fresh cheese was also found with an increase in the use of sacha inchi oil to replace milk fat, with the oleic acid concentration (OA, C18:1, cis ω-9) rising from 7.88 ± 0.36% to 23.44 ± 0.13% and the linoleic acid concentration (LA, C18:2, cis ω-6) from 6.44 ± 0.68% to 41.75 ± 2.50% at the highest substitution level. From a nutritional perspective, the replacement of milk fat with sacha inchi oil did not affect the macronutritional values (fat, protein), but it reduced the cholesterol levels and enhanced the overall nutritional value of the fresh cheese with increasing essential fatty acids. The milk fat alternative of sacha inchi oil for cheese processing contributed to a richer and creamier sensory experience of the final products, but no significant differences in the overall liking were found regarding the acceptance of customers. Thus, replacement with sacha inchi oil in PUFA cheese processing is a promising method to improve the nutritional value and sensory quality of fresh cheese. Full article

The global dissemination of plasmid-mediated mcr genes, which confer resistance to the last-resort antibiotic colistin, represents a critical public health challenge driven by the interplay of clinical, agricultural, and environmental factors. This review examines the genetic and ecological dynamics of mcr-bearing plasmids, focusing on their role in disseminating colistin resistance across diverse bacterial hosts and ecosystems. Key plasmid families demonstrate distinct evolutionary strategies, including IncI2, IncHI2, and IncX4. IncI2 plasmids favor stability in livestock and clinical settings. IncHI2 plasmids, on the other hand, leverage transposons to co-select for multidrug resistance, while IncX4 plasmids achieve global dissemination through streamlined, conjugation-efficient architectures. The pervasive spread of mcr genes is exacerbated by their integration into chromosomes via mobile genetic elements and co-selection with resistance to other antibiotic classes, amplifying multidrug-resistant phenotypes. Environmental reservoirs, food chains, and anthropogenic practices further facilitate cross-niche transmission, underscoring the interconnectedness of resistance under the One Health framework. Addressing this crisis requires coordinated strategies, including reducing colistin misuse in agriculture, enhancing surveillance of high-risk plasmid types, and fostering international collaboration to preserve antimicrobial efficacy and mitigate the threat of untreatable infections. Full article

Despite the increased reporting of Carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKp) in Egypt, there is a paucity of information regarding the molecular characteristics of such strains. Herein, we present the genome sequence of two CR-hvKp strains, K22 and K45, which were isolated from VAP (ventilator-associated-pneumonia) patients admitted to pediatric ICU at Assiut University Children’s Hospital, Egypt. K22 and K45 isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing. Genomic analysis was performed to characterize each strain, determining their plasmids, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, and virulence determinants. K22 possessed an extensive drug resistance phenotype (XDR), whilst K45 exhibited a multidrug resistance phenotype (MDR), with genome sequencing revealing the presence of a diverse array of AMR genes. Both strains were resistant to the carbapenem antibiotic imipenem, carrying the OXA-48 carbapenemase, with K22 additionally possessing an NDM-1 carbapenemase. Each strain was considered high-risk, with K22 and K45 respectively belonging to sequence types ST383 and ST14 and possessing virulence genes implicated in hypervirulence (e.g., iucABCD-iutA and rmpA). Importantly, both strains carried multiple plasmid replicons, including an AMR/virulence IncHI1B/FIB hybrid plasmid and MDR IncL/M plasmids. This report highlights the critical role of plasmids in the evolution of virulent K. pneumoniae strains and suggests the circulation of an IncHI1B/FIB hybrid plasmid, simultaneously disseminating AMR and hypervirulence, amongst K. pneumoniae strains within Assiut University Children’s Hospital. Full article

tet(X4)-positive IncHI1 plasmids are widely prevalent in various bacteria. To understand their transmission characteristics, we analyzed two extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Escherichia coli strains isolated from pet dog feces in Henan Province, China. Strain T28R harbored tet(X4)-positive IncHI1, IncF18:A-:B-, and mcr-1-positive IncI2 plasmids, while T16R carried tet(X4)-positive IncHI1, F16:A-:B-, and mcr-1-positive IncX4 plasmids. Four representative fusion plasmids, pT28R-F1, pT28R-F2, pT28R-F3, and pT16R-F1, in transconjugants were analyzed using WGS and PCR mapping. The results showed that IS26 from the IncF18:A-:B--plasmid attacked the conjugative transfer-associated genes trhc and rsp on the IncHI1 plasmid, generating pT28R-F1 and pT28R-F2. pT28R-F3 was generated through ISCro1- and ISCR2-mediated homologous recombination, deleting the Tra1 region of the IncHI1 plasmid. T16R-F1 emerged from ISCR2- and IS1B-mediated homologous recombination, losing transfer regions of parental plasmids. Notably, fusion plasmids lost the temperature sensitivity of the IncHI1 plasmid, with conjugation frequencies between 1.57 × 10⁻⁴ and 3.84 × 10⁻⁵ at 28 °C and 37 °C. The findings suggest that tet(X4)-positive IncHI1 plasmids could be mobilized with the assistance of conjugative helper plasmids and that fusion events enhance the adaptability of these plasmids, thus facilitating the spread of antibiotic resistance, posing a growing public health threat. Full article

Antibiotic resistance to Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a major public health threat, particularly in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. The emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains complicates treatment options, requiring a deeper understanding of their genetic makeup and potential therapeutic targets. This research delineated an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae strain obtained from an ICU patient and telomeric temperate phage derived from hospital effluent. The bacteria showed strong resistance to multiple antibiotics, including penicillin (≥16 μg/mL), ceftriaxone (≥32 μg/mL), and meropenem (≥8 μg/mL), which was caused by SHV-11 beta-lactamase, NDM-1 carbapenemase, and porin mutations (OmpK37, MdtQ). The strain was categorized as K46 and O2a types and carried virulence genes involved in iron acquisition, adhesion, and immune evasion, as well as plasmids (IncHI1B_1_pNDM-MAR, IncFIB) and eleven prophage regions, reflecting its genetic adaptability and resistance dissemination. The 172,025 bp linear genome and 46.3% GC content of the N-15-like phage showed strong genomic similarities to phages of the Sugarlandvirus genus, especially those that infect K. pneumoniae. There were structural proteins (11.8%), DNA replication and repair enzymes (9.3%), and a toxin–antitoxin system (0.4%) encoded by the phage genome. A protelomerase and ParA/B partitioning proteins indicate that the phage is replicating and maintaining itself in a manner similar to the N15 phage, which is renowned for maintaining a linear plasmid prophage throughout lysogeny. Understanding the dynamics of antibiotic resistance and pathogen development requires knowledge of phages like this one, which are known for their temperate nature and their function in altering bacterial virulence and resistance profiles. The regulatory and structural proteins of the phage also provide a model for research into the biology of temperate phages and their effects on microbial communities. The importance of temperate phages in bacterial genomes and their function in the larger framework of microbial ecology and evolution is emphasized in this research. Full article

Sacha inchi (SI) oil press-cake (SIPC), a by-product of the sacha inchi oil extraction process, represents a novel protein source with potential bioactive applications in food. In this study, a sacha inchi protein concentrate (SPC) derived from SIPC was subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) using the INFOGEST 2.0 protocol. The resulting digests were fractionated by ultrafiltration (<3, 3–10, and >10 kDa), and the bioactive properties of the peptide fractions were evaluated. In vitro α-amylase inhibition was assessed, along with immunomodulatory markers (NO, IL-6, and TNF-α), in an ex vivo RAW 264.7 cell model. Both gastric and intestinal digests exhibited significant α-amylase inhibition (20–45%), with the <3 kDa intestinal fraction showing the highest inhibition (45% at 20 mg/mL). Both gastric and intestinal <3 kDa fractions reduced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages subjected to a lipopolysaccharide challenge. HPLC-MS/MS analysis facilitated de novo sequencing of the peptide fractions, identifying 416 peptides resistant to SGID through the find-pep-seq script, which were further assessed in silico for toxicity, allergenicity, and bioavailability, revealing no significant risks and potential drug-likeness development. Molecular docking simulations of three peptides (RHWLPR, RATVSLPR, and QLSNLEQSLSDAEQR) with α-amylase and four peptides (PSPSLVWR, RHWLPR, YNLPMLR, and SDTLFFAR) with the TLR4/MD-2 complex suggesting potential roles in α-amylase inhibition and anti-inflammatory activity, respectively. The findings suggest that SI protein concentrates could be used in functional foods to prevent starch breakdown through α-amylase-inhibiting peptides released during digestion, reduce blood glucose, and mitigate inflammation and oxidative tissue damage. Full article

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating tissue-specific gene expression and plant development. This study explores the identification and functional characterization of miRNAs in Plukenetia volubilis (sacha inchi), an economically and nutritionally significant crop native to the Amazon basin, across three organs: root, stem, and leaf. Methods: Small RNA libraries were sequenced on the Illumina Novaseq 6000 platform, yielding high-quality reads that facilitated the discovery of known and novel miRNAs using miRDeep-P. Results: A total of 277 miRNAs were identified, comprising 71 conserved and 206 novel miRNAs, across root, stem, and leaf tissues. In addition, differential expression analysis using DESeq2 identified distinct miRNAs exhibiting tissue-specific regulation. Notably, novel miRNAs like novel_1, novel_88, and novel_189 showed significant roles in processes such as auxin signaling, lignin biosynthesis, and stress response. Functional enrichment analysis of miRNA target genes revealed pathways related to hormonal regulation, structural reinforcement, and environmental adaptation, highlighting tissue-specific functions. The Principal Component Analysis and PERMANOVA confirmed clear segregation of miRNA expression profiles among tissues, underlining organ-specific regulation. Differential expression patterns emphasized unique regulatory roles in each organ: roots prioritized stress response and nutrient uptake, leaves focused on photosynthesis and UV protection, and stems contributed to structural integrity and nutrient transport, suggesting evolutionary adaptations in P. volubilis. Conclusions: This study identified novel miRNA-mediated networks that regulate developmental and adaptive processes in P. volubilis, underscoring its molecular adaptations for resilience and productivity. By characterizing both conserved and novel miRNAs, the findings lay a foundation for genetic improvement and molecular breeding strategies aimed at enhancing agronomic traits, stress tolerance, and the production of bioactive compounds. Full article

Plukenetia volubilis L., a woody oilseed plant rich in α-linolenic acid, represents a promising source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, the lack of an efficient genetic transformation system has significantly hindered gene function research and molecular breeding in P. volubilis. In this study, we developed a highly efficient Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated hairy root transformation system for P. volubilis via the use of Agrobacterium gel in combination with the visually detectable RUBY reporter for gene function analysis in roots. The results indicate that the optimal transformation method involves infecting P. volubilis seedlings with Agrobacterium gel containing acetosyringone and inducing hairy root formation in perlite. This approach resulted in more than 18.97% of the seedlings producing positive hairy roots overexpressing the RUBY gene. Using this genetic transformation system, we successfully overexpressed the antimicrobial peptide-encoding gene CEMA in hairy roots, which enhanced the resistance of P. volubilis to Fusarium oxysporum. Furthermore, by combining this transformation system with the CRISPR-Cas9 tool, we validated the regulatory role of PvoSHR in the development of root epidermal cells in P. volubilis. Unexpectedly, a 123-bp DNA fragment from the T-DNA region of the A. rhizogenes Ri plasmid was found to be knocked in to the P. volubilis genome, replacing a 110-bp fragment of PvoSHR at CRISPR-Cas9 induced double-strand DNA breaks. Conclusively, this system provides a powerful tool for gene function research in P. volubilis and provides novel insights into the development of transformation and gene editing systems for other woody plants. Full article

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis), or the Inca peanut, is a promising functional food and sustainable alternative to traditional oilseed crops like soybean. Its seeds are rich in omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and bioactive compounds, offering significant nutritional and health benefits. Moreover, sacha inchi cultivation thrives on degraded soils with minimal agrochemical input, supporting biodiversity and reducing environmental impacts. Despite its potential, its large-scale cultivation faces challenges such as genetic variability, low seed viability, and susceptibility to pests and diseases, resulting in inconsistent yields and plant quality. In vitro propagation presents a viable solution, enabling the production of genetically uniform, disease-free seedlings under controlled conditions. Successful in vitro cultivation depends on factors like explant selection, plant growth regulator combinations, medium composition, and environmental control. Advances in these techniques have improved propagation outcomes in other oilseed crops, such as enhanced germination, oil yield, and genetic stability, and offer similar opportunities for sacha inchi. By integrating in vitro and field techniques, this review highlights the potential of sacha inchi as a nutritionally rich, sustainable agricultural solution. These findings provide a foundation for advancing its cultivation, ensuring enhanced productivity, improved oil quality, and greater accessibility to its health benefits around the world. Full article

To support the role of insects as sustainable feed and food ingredients, evaluating their potential microbiological risk and safety is crucial. In this study, we investigated the presence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in selected live opportunistic pathogenic bacteria isolated during the rearing process from clinically healthy farm-reared crickets. Molecular analysis was performed by wholegenome sequencing of a total of 14 of these bacterial strains, 7 from house crickets (Acheta domesticus) and 7 from banded crickets (Gryllodes sigillatus), belonging to Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Enterococcaceae, and Bacillaceae families. The β-lactam AMR genes (bla_OXY2-6, bla_ACT-16, and bla_SHV variants) were the most predominant genes identified, mainly in Enterobacteriaceae strains and in association with fosfomycin (fosA) and oqxAB efflux pump complexes. In addition, blaZ and mecA genes were detected in Bacillus cereus and Mammaliicoccus sciuri strains isolated from both insect species. Genetic mobile elements including IncFIA, IncFIB, IncHI1A, IncHI1B, rep13, and Col3M-like plasmids were detected in Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter hormaechei, Staphylococcus arlettae, and B. cereus, respectively. The results indicate that, not only in the final product but also during the insect-rearing process, microbial safety control, regarding the presence of pathogenic bacteria and AMR genes, is essential for effectively decreasing the microbiological risk between cricket batches within their environment and in terms of the related feed and food chain. Full article

Salmonella enteritidis is a major cause of foodborne illness worldwide, and the emergence of ciprofloxacin-resistant strains poses a significant threat to food safety and public health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, spread, and mechanisms of ciprofloxacin resistance in S. enteritidis isolates from food and patient samples in Shanghai, China. A total of 1625 S. enteritidis isolates were screened, and 34 (2.1%) exhibited resistance to ciprofloxacin. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) results suggested that clonal spread might have persisted among these 34 isolates in the local area for several years. Multiple plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes, GyrA mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR), and overexpression of RND efflux pumps were identified as potential contributors to ciprofloxacin resistance. PMQR genes oqxAB, qnrA, qnrB, and aac(6’)-Ib-cr as well as GyrA mutations S83Y, S83R, D87Y, D87G, D87N, and S83Y-D87Y were identified. The co-transfer of the PMQR gene oqxAB with the ESBL gene bla_CTX-M-14/55 on an IncHI2 plasmid with a size of ~245 kbp was observed through conjugation, highlighting the role of horizontal gene transfer in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Sequencing of the oqxAB-bearing plasmid p12519A revealed a 248,746 bp sequence with a typical IncHI2 backbone. A 53,104 bp multidrug resistance region (MRR) was identified, containing two key antibiotic resistance determinants: IS26-oqxR-oqxAB-IS26 and IS26-ΔISEcp1-bla_CTX-M-14-IS903B. The findings of this study indicate that ciprofloxacin-resistant S. Enteritidis poses a significant threat to food safety and public health. The persistence of clonal spread and the horizontal transfer of resistance genes highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures to prevent the further spread of antibiotic resistance. Full article

KPC is a clinically significant serine carbapenemase in most countries, and its rapid spread threatens global public health. bla_KPC transmission is commonly mediated by Tn4401 transposons. The bla_KPC gene has also been found in non-Tn4401 elements (NTE_KPC). To fill the gap in the understanding of the stability and dissemination of NTE_KPC-carrying plasmids, we selected and characterized carbapenem-resistant bacteria isolated between 2009 and 2016 from a hospital for a retrospective study of their plasmids conjugation capacity, impact on fitness, and replication in different species. Different clones were selected using PFGE, and their genomes were sequenced using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore methods. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by broth microdilution. Plasmid copy numbers (PCNs) were determined using qPCR. Doubling time was used to analyze fitness change. Most isolates (67%, 33/49) carried bla_KPC, of which 85% presented bla_KPC in a NTE_KPC. The 25 isolates selected presented the bla_KPC gene in NTE_KPC-IId in IncQ1-type plasmids, showing multispecies dissemination. IncQ1 plasmids were mobilizable and PCN seemed to be directly linked to the species, presenting a high-copy number, mainly in K. pneumoniae. No relationship was observed between IncQ1 PCN and carbapenems MIC values. IncQ1 and a conjugative plasmid from K. pneumoniae BHKPC10 were transferred to E. coli J53 without fitness changes, and MIC values were maintained for carbapenems despite the low transconjugant PCN. In addition to IncQ1 with NTE_KPC, Enterobacter cloacae BHKPC28 contained the mcr-9 gene in an IncHI2/IncHI2A conjugative plasmid, which may help the mobility of IncQ1 and the dissemination of two resistance determinants to last-resort antibiotics. Understanding the interaction between plasmids and high-risk lineages can help develop new therapies to prevent the dissemination of resistance traits. Full article

The emergence of colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in food products is a growing concern due to the potential transfer of resistance to human pathogens. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in raw and ready-to-eat food samples collected from two regions of Italy (Apulia and Basilicata) and to evaluate their resistance phenotypes and genetic characteristics. A total of 1000 food samples were screened, with a prevalence of 4.4% of colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. The majority of the isolates belonged to Enterobacter spp. (60%), followed by Moellerella wisconsensis, Atlantibacter hermannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, among others. Genomic sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed high levels of resistance to β-lactams, with most isolates exhibiting multidrug resistance (MDR). Notably, seven isolates harbored mcr genes (mcr-1, mcr-9, and mcr-10). Additionally, in four of them were predicted the IncHI2 plasmids, known to facilitate the spread of colistin resistance. Furthermore, 56 antimicrobial resistance genes were identified, suggesting the genetic mechanisms underlying resistance to several antibiotic classes. Virulence gene analysis showed that E. coli and other isolates carried genes linked to pathogenicity, increasing the potential risk to public health. This study emphasizes the role of food as a potential reservoir for colistin-resistant bacteria and the importance of monitoring the spread of AMR genes in foodborne pathogens. Full article

The global incidence of Salmonella enterica serovar Schwarzengrund has risen in recent years. This serotype has been isolated from poultry, retail meat, and other food products, leading to multiple outbreaks. Alongside the increase in infections, there are growing concerns about the increasing levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among S. Schwarzengrund strains. This study aims to better understand the genetic factors possibly contributing to the rising prevalence of S. Schwarzengrund by analyzing the sequences of 2058 isolates from both human patients (N = 313) and food- and animal-associated sources, including chicken (N = 1145), turkey (N = 300), pork (N = 132), and other sources (N = 168). Data were obtained from GenBank and analyzed for AMR genes using AMRFinder. Additionally, putative virulence genes and plasmid transfer genes were assessed using the Virulence and AMR Plasmid Transfer Factor Database. AMR genes were found in 1269 (61.7%) of the isolates, with a total of 2478 AMR genes among the isolates, the most common being aph(3″)-Ib (N = 969, 47.1%), tet(A) (N = 190, 9.2%), and sul2 (N = 150, 7.3%), which are responsible for resistance to aminoglycoside, tetracycline, and sulfonamide, respectively. Additionally, 1060 (51.5%) isolates carried multiple plasmid transfer genes associated with IncFIB-FIC(FII) plasmids. Other plasmid types found in at least 1% of the strains included IncI1 (N = 101, 4.9%), IncHI2 (N = 62, 3.0%), or IncHI1 (N = 24, 1.2%). The virulence gene profiles of human isolates showed diversity but largely overlapped with those from different food sources. Notably, the aerobactin iron acquisition genes, associated with Salmonella’s virulence and colonization, were highly prevalent among chicken isolates (N = 1019, 89.0%) but less frequent in isolates from other sources (N = 65, 7.2%). IncFIB-FIC(FII) plasmids, commonly harboring the aerobactin operon, were highly prevalent among chicken-related isolates and present in about 10% of human isolates. The diverse plasmid, AMR, and virulence gene profiles in human-associated isolates suggest that multiple factors may contribute to the increased virulence in S. Schwarzengrund. Full article