Search Results (353)

Hyperspectral image (HSI) classification is pivotal for remote sensing applications, including environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, and urban land-use analysis. However, its accuracy is often limited by scarce labeled data, class imbalance, and domain discrepancies between standard RGB and HSI imagery. Although recent deep learning approaches, such as 3D convolutional neural networks (3D-CNNs), transformers, and generative adversarial networks (GANs), show promise, they struggle with spectral fidelity, computational efficiency, and cross-domain adaptation in label-scarce scenarios. To address these challenges, we propose the Transformer–Graph Convolutional Network–Diffusion with Hybrid Domain Adaptation (TGDHTL) framework. This framework integrates domain-adaptive alignment of RGB and HSI data, efficient synthetic data generation, and multi-scale spectral–spatial modeling. Specifically, a lightweight transformer, guided by Maximum Mean Discrepancy (MMD) loss, aligns feature distributions across domains. A class-conditional diffusion model generates high-quality samples for underrepresented classes in only 15 inference steps, reducing labeled data needs by approximately 25% and computational costs by up to 80% compared to traditional 1000-step diffusion models. Additionally, a Multi-Scale Stripe Attention (MSSA) mechanism, combined with a Graph Convolutional Network (GCN), enhances pixel-level spatial coherence. Evaluated on six benchmark datasets including HJ-1A and WHU-OHS, TGDHTL consistently achieves high overall accuracy (e.g., 97.89% on University of Pavia) with just 11.9 GFLOPs, surpassing state-of-the-art methods. This framework provides a scalable, data-efficient solution for HSI classification under domain shifts and resource constraints. Full article

Non-targeted methods (NTMs) using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) show promise in bacterial resistance detection, yet temporal variations in spectral features pose significant challenges. These proteomic patterns, which characterize bacterial phenotypes and pathological functions, may vary over time due to bacterial adaptation, virulence, or resistance mechanisms, resulting in large prediction uncertainties and potentially degrading NTM performance. We present a comprehensive screening method to detect temporal changes in MALDI-TOF spectral patterns, demonstrated using methicillin-resistant and -susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA/MSSA) isolates collected over several years. Our approach combines convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with statistical methods, including significance testing, kernel density estimation, and receiver operating characteristics for dataset shift detection. We employ Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) for post hoc feature description, enabling biochemical characterization of temporal changes. This analysis reveals crucial insights into the dynamic relationship between spectral data patterns over time, addressing key challenges in developing robust NTMs for routine applications. Full article

Medical image segmentation presents substantial challenges arising from the diverse scales and morphological complexities of target anatomical structures. Although existing Transformer-based models excel at capturing global dependencies, they encounter critical bottlenecks in multi-scale feature representation, spatial relationship modeling, and cross-layer feature fusion. To address these limitations, we propose the M³-TransUNet architecture, which incorporates three key innovations: (1) MSGA (Multi-Scale Gate Attention) and MSSA (Multi-Scale Selective Attention) modules to enhance multi-scale feature representation; (2) ME-MSA (Manhattan Enhanced Multi-Head Self-Attention) to integrate spatial priors into self-attention computations, thereby overcoming spatial modeling deficiencies; and (3) MKGAG (Multi-kernel Gated Attention Gate) to optimize skip connections by precisely filtering noise and preserving boundary details. Extensive experiments on public datasets—including Synapse, CVC-ClinicDB, and ISIC—demonstrate that M³-TransUNet achieves state-of-the-art performance. Specifically, on the Synapse dataset, our model outperforms recent TransUNet variants such as J-CAPA, improving the average DSC to 82.79% (compared to 82.29%) and significantly reducing the average HD95 from 19.74 mm to 10.21 mm. Full article

Genome-based discovery provides a powerful approach for identifying bioactive natural products. In this study, Streptomyces sp. PSU-S4-23 was isolated from soil collected in southern Thailand. Genome analysis revealed a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) biosynthetic gene cluster highly similar to the reference actinomycin D cluster, including canonical NRPS genes and a cytochrome P450 associated with oxidative tailoring. Genomic comparison indicated that this strain is distinct from its closest relative S. caeni CGMCC 4.7426^T with ANIb and dDDH values below the species delineation thresholds. In agar diffusion assays, the crude extract exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA), Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, as well as inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. LC–MS/MS profiling of the crude ethyl-acetate extract was performed. GNPS feature-based molecular networking revealed ions corresponding to actinomycin X₂ (m/z 1269.6), D (m/z 1255.6), and I (m/z 1271.6), confirming production of multiple actinomycin analogs. These findings highlight Streptomyces sp. PSU-S4-23 as a promising actinomycin-producing strain with potential relevance to antibiotic discovery. Full article

An ethnobotanical survey in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam identified four Elsholtzia species, E. blanda, E. ciliata, E. communis, and E. penduliflora, growing naturally above 1500 m and traditionally used by local ethnic communities to treat skin-related ailments. This study investigates their essential oil possible chemotypes, antimicrobial properties, and potential mechanisms of action through molecular docking. Essential oils obtained by steam distillation were analyzed using GC–MS. E. blanda (yield 1.17%) was characterized by high levels of 1,8-cineole (29.0%) and camphor (17.0%). E. ciliata (1.02%) represented a possible limonene-dominant chemotype (71.0%). E. communis (1.91%) contained an exceptionally high proportion of rosefuran oxide (86.2%), whereas E. penduliflora (0.91%) exhibited a pronounced 1,8-cineole chemotype (92.1%). All essential oils showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA), Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, with MIC values ranging from 0.4% to 3.2%. Except for E. ciliata against C. albicans, MBC/MIC and MFC/MIC ratios ≤ 4 indicated predominantly bactericidal or fungicidal effects. Molecular docking further identified nine of twenty-eight detected constituents as strong binders to microbial target proteins. These findings expand current knowledge on possible chemotypic diversity within the genus, particularly the discovery of a high-altitude limonene chemotype in E. ciliata and the identification of E. penduliflora as a rich natural source of 1,8-cineole. The convergence of chemical, biological, and in silico evidence supports the ethnomedicinal relevance of Elsholtzia species and highlights their potential as candidates for developing natural antimicrobial agents. Full article

Background: Standardized Er:YAG laser settings for microbial reduction remain undefined, and existing studies rarely compare multiple species under identical conditions. This work aimed to characterize susceptibility across selected microorganisms using a controlled agar-based surface growth model. Methods: Six reference strains (E. coli, S. aureus MSSA, S. aureus MRSA, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans) were cultured on agar and exposed to Er:YAG irradiation. Two experimental phases were conducted: (1) inhibition zone mapping using energies between 30 and 400 mJ at 1 Hz, with tapered and flat laser tips; and (2) quantification of viable surface coverage after irradiating mature 96 h cultures with 80, 130, 180, and 230 mJ at 10 Hz in contact mode. ImageJ analysis was used to measure inhibition diameters and remaining coverage. Data were evaluated using two-way ANOVA. Results: All microorganisms showed measurable inhibition at every tested energy level, with diameter increasing proportionally to energy. E. coli and E. faecalis produced the largest inhibition zones in the mapping phase, while P. aeruginosa and C. albicans required higher energies to reach comparable levels. Mature surface cultures showed progressive reductions in viable coverage; the strongest effects occurred at 230 mJ. The tapered tip generated broader inhibition zones at lower energies compared with the flat tip. Conclusions: Er:YAG laser irradiation produces consistent, energy-dependent antimicrobial effects on single-species agar-based surface growth, with clear differences in species susceptibility and tip performance. The identified parameter ranges provide a quantitative foundation for future in vitro studies aiming to refine Er:YAG-based microbial reduction strategies. Full article

Linezolid (LZD) is an oxazolidinone antibiotic effective in the treatment of infection with Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The decline in susceptibility to linezolid is a concern for antimicrobial chemotherapy. In this study, the prevalence of the LZD minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 mg/L (LZD-MIC2), which represents a slightly high value within a range of susceptibility for S. aureus (≤4 mg/L), was investigated retrospectively for staphylococcal species from different sources. We collected the records of LZD MIC of Staphylococcus/Mammaliicoccus that had been obtained in our previous studies on isolates from patients, healthy individuals, and foodstuff. Prevalence of isolates showing LZD-MIC2 was analyzed depending on the type of staphylococcal species and S. aureus clones. In clinical isolates, methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and S. argenteus showed significantly higher LZD-MIC2 rates (20.0% and 21.5%, respectively) than MRSA (7.3%). Among clinical and colonizing isolates of MSSA, LZD-MIC2 was more commonly found in CC1 (ST188, ST2990, etc.), CC8, CC15, ST30, ST97, and ST121 than other lineages. In S. argenteus isolates, which were mostly methicillin-susceptible, there was no significant difference in the LZD-MIC2 prevalence among the three genotypes. The LZD-MIC2 was detected in 18.3% of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), with S. saprophyticus, S. pasteuri, and M. sciuri showing higher prevalence (30–57%) than other species. The present study revealed that the prevalence of the LZD-MIC2 is different depending on staphylococcal species/types, as they are more common in specific MSSA lineages and some CoNS species. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important bacterial pathogens affecting both humans and animals. This review discusses the most significant factors that contribute to the pathogenicity of these bacteria and the mechanisms that regulate their expression. We also focus on the factors that play a role in the pathogenesis of skin diseases. S. aureus possesses a wide array of virulence factors that allow it to bypass passive and active mechanisms of the host’s immune system and effectively infect and spread within the infected organism. These include factors that facilitate colonization of the skin (i.e., arginine catabolic mobile element-ACME), mucous membranes and other surfaces, proteins protecting the bacteria from the host’s immune system, superantigens and superantigen-like proteins, surface proteins that promote adhesion and biofilm formation, toxins, enzymes, and iron uptake systems. Additionally, a complex network of regulatory systems (accessory gene regulator -Agr, (staphylococcal accessory regulator -Sar, S. aureus exoprotein expression -Sae, and others) controls the expression of virulence genes at the transcriptional and translational levels. The activity of these regulatory systems is pivotal in determining whether S. aureus initiates an invasive infection, characterized by toxin and enzyme production (e.g., hemolysin alpha -Hla, phenol soluble modulins -PSM, toxic shock syndrome -TSST-1, enterotoxins, Panton-Valentine leukotoxin- PVL). This is indicative of community-acquired S. aureus (CA-Sa, CA-MRSA, CA-MSSA), or a chronic infection, characterized by surface protein expression and biofilm formation, which is indicative of hospital-acquired or healthcare-acquired S. aureus (HA-Sa, HA-MRSA, HA-MSSA). Full article

This study aimed to explore the phytochemical variability, nutrient composition, and bioactive profile of the edible mushroom species Craterellus cornucopioides with specimens originating from Romanian flora. Its nutritional profile, including its proximate composition and energy value, was determined using standardized analytical methods. The mean contents of total polyphenols and caffeic acid derivatives, quantified by spectrophotometric assay, were established. HPLC–DAD–ESI⁺ analysis enabled the identification and quantification of individual phenolic constituents. Its antioxidant potential was systematically assessed using the following in vitro complementary assays: FRAP, ABTS, CUPRAC, DPPH, and ORAC. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated in vitro against MSSA, MRSA, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans using well diffusion, broth microdilution, and anti-biofilm assays. The high amounts of polyphenols, including gentisic acid and protocatechuic acid, underlined a biologically relevant phytochemical composition. In fact, all tested extracts and, in particular, CE3 extract consistently displayed strong antioxidant properties, as indicated by five complementary in vitro tests (FRAP, ABTS, CUPRAC, DPPH, and ORAC). In addition, CE1-4 extracts expressed in vitro antimicrobial potential towards all tested organisms except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our results underscore C. cornucopioides’ nutritional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial potential, thus supporting its classification as an edible but under-explored mushroom species with promising applications in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

Introduction: Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening manifestation of systemic sarcoidosis, often leading to arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, or heart failure. Diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and the need for advanced imaging or biopsy. Case Presentation: We describe a 49-year-old man admitted with severe decompensated heart failure (NYHA IV). He had a history of complete heart block treated with pacemaker implantation and subsequent CRT-D upgrade. On admission, echocardiography revealed biventricular dysfunction with severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Cardiac MRI demonstrated extensive non-ischemic late gadolinium enhancement. Blood cultures grew methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and intravenous antibiotics were initiated. Despite diuretics and inotropes, his condition deteriorated. Corticosteroid therapy was started due to high suspicion of sarcoidosis. Endomyocardial biopsy confirmed CS. The patient developed neuropsychiatric complications and, despite urgent listing for heart transplantation, died during hospitalization. Conclusions: This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of CS, the limitations of corticosteroid therapy in advanced disease, and the importance of early recognition with advanced imaging modalities. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus is a foodborne pathogen that affects animals and humans. The persistence of this pathogen in the environment is associated with its ability to form biofilms and/or develop resistance mechanisms to antibiotics and sanitizers. A total of 67 S. aureus strains collected from food contact surfaces (FCSs) made of stainless steel and FCS-polypropylene used in dairy industries in Jalisco, México, were selected for this study. The genetic diversity and genes indicating antibiotic resistance were determined using PCR; antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance to cadmium chloride (CdCl₂), and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of benzalkonium chloride (BC) were determined using the agar diffusion method and broth microdilution. Additionally, the effects of BC treatment on biofilm removal were evaluated. A total of 41.7% of the strains were MRSA [SCCmec Types II (20.8%), V (13.4%), and IV (7.4%)], and 58.2% were MSSA. Genes encoding antibiotic resistance—ermC (2.9%), ermA (2.9%), ermB (10.4%), aacA-aphD (10.4%), tetM (17.9%), and blaZ (88%)—were detected. A phenotypic test showed that 62.6% of the strains were cadmium-resistant S. aureus (>400 µg/mL CdCl₂), and the MICs of 97% of isolates lay between 1.56 and 25 µg/mL BC. Treatment with BC + MR (100 µg/mL + 1% milk residues) led to a smaller reduction in biofilm (2.11–2.25 log₁₀ cfu/cm²; p < 0.05) compared to BC (3.75–4.03 log₁₀ cfu/cm²; at 5–10 min). MSSA and MSRA can develop biofilms that harbor mechanism resistance-associated genes, which are a public health hazard and a food safety concern. Full article

Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) remains a major pathogen in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), with colonization and infection posing significant risks. MSSA colonization occurs in up to 42.8% of neonates, while 12–41% of healthcare personnel also carry MSSA, contributing to nosocomial transmission. MSSA accounts for approximately 12% of neonatal S. aureus bloodstream infections, with mortality rates up to 20.5%, particularly among very-low-birth-weight infants. This review analyzes the molecular attributes, epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentations, decontamination methods, and treatment alternatives for MSSA infections in newborns. MSSA strains show considerable genetic heterogeneity, being distinguished by a wide variety of sequence types (STs) and Staphylococcal Protein A types (SpA). They harbor several pathogenicity genes—including hemolysins, superantigens, adhesins, and Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL)—which are implicated in severe infections, while biofilm-associated genes enhance environmental persistence. Prematurity, low birth weight, prolonged hospitalization, and exposure to invasive devices are key risk factors. Active surveillance and decolonization programs have achieved reductions of up to 73% in MSSA infections. β-lactam antibiotics remain first-line therapy, with adjunctive aminoglycosides reserved for severe cases. Ongoing genomic surveillance and targeted preventive strategies are essential to reduce MSSA-associated morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Subclinical mastitis is a common and economically significant infection in dairy cows. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria causing subclinical mastitis in dairy cows in the Upper Cheliff Region, Northern Algeria, and to investigate the effects of subclinical mastitis on milk production and reproductive performance. Methods: A total of 263 cows from 23 farms were screened for subclinical mastitis using the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and sampled for isolation and identification of bacteria by MALDI-TOF MS. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using the Vitek 2 system and disk diffusion method. Methicillin resistance in staphylococci and mammaliicocci was confirmed by mecA/mecC detection. Results: The results revealed a prevalence of subclinical mastitis of 58.9% at the cow-level and 31.1% at the quarter-level. The most prevalent microorganisms identified were Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) (24.4%) and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) (20.5%), followed by non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) (16.9%), Escherichia coli (E. coli) (7.9%) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (7.08%). Risk factors significantly associated with the prevalence of subclinical mastitis included parity, lower milk production (<12 L/day), poor animal cleanliness and a history of previous mastitis. Reproductive performance was significantly impaired in cows with subclinical mastitis, cows with longer calving-to-first-service intervals (130 vs. 102.7 days; p < 0.0001), more services per conception (2.5 vs. 1.9; p < 0.0001) and a lower pregnancy rate at first service (24.5% vs. 48.1%; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, 43.2% of cows with subclinical mastitis required three or more inseminations to achieve pregnancy. AST showed a low resistance rate for the antimicrobial agents most commonly used in human and veterinary medicine. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) showed remarkable rates of methicillin-resistance (22.2%), as well as resistance towards fosfomycin (37.8%) and tetracycline (31.1%). A substantial proportion of E. coli isolates exhibited resistance to piperacillin (40%) and ciprofloxacin (15%). All S. aureus isolates were classified as MSSA without detection of mecA and mecC genes. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that subclinical mastitis is prevalent in the Upper Cheliff region and is associated with reduced milk production and reproductive performance. The detection of pathogenic and resistant microorganisms in milk is alarming and requires effective management strategies to control subclinical mastitis and improve dairy farm productivity. Full article

This study represents the first investigation into the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in isolated, free-ranging Eastern Grey Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) inhabiting a human-shared environment. Samples were collected from the nasal and rectal passages of state-authorised culls of M. giganteus within a military training area, where recruits had reported recurrent cases of skin and soft tissue infections. The objective was to identify clinically relevant pathogenic microorganisms present in the nasal and rectal flora of these kangaroos. Analysis revealed carriage rates of 11% for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and 2% for methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Other potentially pathogenic bacteria isolated included Pseudomonas spp., Streptococcus (Groups B and D), Acinetobacter spp., and multiple coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) species. Notably, CoNS species were present in 17% of nasal isolates, with Mammaliicoccus sciuri (formerly Staphylococcus sciuri) detected in 41% of these isolates, suggesting a potential reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors. These findings support a One Health perspective, highlighting the interconnectedness of pathogenic bacteria, M. giganteus, humans, and their shared environment. Full article

Background: Gynecological infections, including bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and recurrent urinary tract infections, represent a major clinical burden and are often complicated by biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance. Novel non-antibiotic strategies are urgently needed. We previously demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of silver-bound titanium dioxide (TiAB) against multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated from dermatological infections. Objectives: We evaluated whether TiAB, at concentrations used in marketed medical devices, exerts antibacterial and antifungal effects against clinically relevant vaginal isolates by determining Minimum Inhibitory Concentration/ Minimum Bactericidal and Fungicidal Concentration (MIC, MBC/MFC), and time–kill kinetics. Methods: A total of 73 clinical isolates were collected from vaginal swabs, including Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA, MRSA), Escherichia coli (ESBL+ and non-ESBL), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus spp., Streptococcus agalactiae, and Candida albicans. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations (MBCs/MFCs) were determined by broth microdilution, and bactericidal activity was confirmed by time-kill assays. Results: TiAB exhibited potent activity against Gram-negative bacteria, with median MIC values of 1–2% (w/v) for E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Gram-positive isolates, including S. agalactiae and Enterococcus spp., showed higher MIC values (2–4%). Candida albicans displayed fungistatic inhibition at 4%. Time-kill assays confirmed rapid bactericidal effects for Gram-negative isolates within 8 h at 2× MIC, while Gram-positive bacteria required prolonged exposure. Conclusions: These findings extend previous evidence of TiAB’s antimicrobial properties to gynecological pathogens, supporting its potential as a topical, non-antibiotic option for managing vaginal infections in an era of rising antimicrobial resistance. Further in vivo validation is warranted. Full article