A review

Funding Information: This work was funded by the R&D Project CAREBIO2-Comparative assessment of antimicrobial resistance in environmental biofilms through proteomics-towards innovative theranostic biomarkers, with reference NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-030101, financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Northern Regional Operational Program (NORTE 2020) and the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). Publisher Copyright: © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunist pathogen that is responsible for numerous types of infections. S. aureus is known for its ability to easily acquire antibiotic resistance determinants. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of infections both in humans and animals and is usually associated with a multidrug-resistant profile. MRSA dissemination is increasing due to its capability of establishing new reservoirs and has been found in humans, animals and the environment. Despite the fact that the information on the incidence of MRSA in the environment and, in particular, in wild animals, is scarce, some studies have reported the presence of these strains among wildlife with no direct contact with antibiotics. This shows a possible transmission between species and, consequently, a public health concern. The aim of this review is to better understand the distribution, prevalence and molecular lineages of MRSA in European free-living animals.publishersversionpublishe

the next frontier in medicine

PM003/2016publishersversionpublishe

DTT protein equalization and Tryptophan protein quantification as a powerful tool in analytical proteomics

PM003/ 2016). This work received support from Funda\u00E7\u00E3o para a Ci\u00EAncia e a Tecnologia and Minist\u00E9rio da Ci\u00EAncia, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (FCT/MCTES) through the projects LA/P/0008/2020 DOI 10.54499/LA/P/0008/2020, UIDP/50006/2020 DOI 10.54499/UIDP/50006/2020 and UIDB/50006/2020 DOI 10.54499/UIDB/50006/2020. H.M.S. acknowledges the Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry-LAQV (LA/P/0008/2020) DOI 10.54499/LA/P/0008/2020 funded by FCT/ MCTES for his research contract. L.B.C. is supported by the FCT/ MCTES PhD grant 2019 (SFRH/BD/144222/2019). Publisher Copyright: © 2024, Proteomass Scientific Society. All rights reserved.Assessing total protein levels in biological samples is a common procedure in biochemistry and molecular biology. In this study, we compare tryptophan fluorescence (WF) with Bradford and BCA assays to determine total protein in serum samples. Our results indicate that tryptophan fluorescence spectrometry is an efficient, sensitive, and straightforward technique for quantifying proteins in serum. We observed minimal variation between the three methods: BCA de one with the lowers LOD and LOQ. The tryptophan method offers the possibility of reusing the intact sample that does not need colourimetric reagents for quantification. Consequently, free tryptophan serves as a reliable universal standard. This assay can be performed using a conventional fluorescence spectrometer with cuvettes or in a 96-well plate format with a plate reader. The method was successfully used as proof of concept, using serum from patients diagnosed with myeloma and serum from healthy donors.publishersversionpublishe

2,2'-(2,2'-oxybis(ethane-2,1-diyl)bis(oxy))bis(N-(2,2'-bithiophen-5-ylmethylene)aniline)

We would like to thank Xunta de Galiza (Spain) for project 09CSA043383PR and the University of Vigo, Vicou for projects INOU UVIGO/VICOU/K914-122P64702/2009 and UVIGO/VICOU/K912-122P64702/2009. Thanks to the FCT-MCTES/FEDER (Portugal) through national projects POCI/QUI/55519/2004 and PDTC/QUI/66250/2006. B. P thanks FCT/Portugal for the PhD Grant SFRH/BD/27786/2006. C.L. and J.L. thank Xunta de Galicia for the Isidro Parga Pondal Research Program.A new flexible fluorescent compound L derived from 1,5-bis(2-aminophenoxy)-3-oxapentane (A) has been synthesized by classical Schiff-base reaction between (A) and 2,2 ́-bithiophene carbaldehyde (B). The same synthesis was reproduced by a green methodology using an ultrasonication reaction in a classical sonication bath. The structure of the new compound was confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, 1H-NMR, MALDI-TOF-MS and EI-MS-spectra, UV-vis and fluorescence emission spectroscopy.publishersversionpublishe

Identification of genomic loci associated with genotypic and phenotypic variation among Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates from pneumonia

In this work, a genotype-phenotype survey of a highly diversified Pseudomonas aeruginosa collection was conducted, aiming to detail pathogen-associated scenarios that clinicians face nowadays. Genetic relation based on RAPD-PCR of 705 isolates, retrieved from 424 patients and several clinical contexts, reported an almost isolate-specific molecular-pattern. Pneumonia-associated isolates HB13 and HB15, clustered in the same RAPD-PCR group, were selected to evaluate the genomic background underlying their contrasting antibiotic resistance and virulence. The HB13 genome harbors antibiotic-inactivating enzymes-coding genes (e.g. aac(3)-Ia, arr, blaVIM-2) and single-nucleotide variations (SNVs) in antibiotic targets, likely accounting for its pan-resistance, whereas HB15 susceptibility correlated to predicted dysfunctional alleles. Isolate HB13 showed the unprecedented rhl-cluster absence and variations in other pathogen competitiveness contributors. Conversely, HB15 genome comprises exoenzyme-coding genes and SNVs linked to increased virulence. Secretome analysis identified signatures features with unknown function as potential novel pathogenic (e.g. a MATE-protein in HB13, a protease in HB15) and antibiotic resistance (a HlyD-like secretion protein in HB13) determinants. Detection of active prophages, proteases (including protease IV and alkaline metalloproteinase), a porin and a peptidase in HB15 highlights the secreted arsenal likely essential for its virulent behavior. The presented phenotype-genome association will contribute to the current knowledge on Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenomics.This work was supported by the strategic programme UID/BIA/0050/2013 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007569) funded by national funds through FCT I.P., by ERDF through the COMPETE2020 - Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI) and through a PhD grant (SFRH/BD/98558/2013) attributed to C.S.M. The facility for Biological Mass Spectrometry Isabel Moura was funded by Proteomass Scientific Society. H.M.S. is funded by the FCT 2015 Investigator Program (IF/00007/2015)

Antibiotic resistance and the one health approach. The importance of teaching OMICS at Universities

PM003/2016).In the past, much like today, the field of antibacterial drugs revolved around compounds featuring a crucial four-atom amide ring known as a β-lactam. (...)publishersversionpublishe

Biofilm formation of multidrug-resistant MRSA strains isolated from different types of human infections

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the main pathogens causing chronic infections, mainly due to its capacity to form biofilms. However, the mechanisms underlying the biofilm formation of MRSA strains from different types of human infections are not fully understood. MRSA strains isolated from distinct human infections were characterized aiming to determine their biofilm-forming capacity, the biofilm resistance to conventional antibiotics and the prevalence of biofilm-related genes, including, icaA, icaB, icaC, icaD, fnbA, fnbB, clfA, clfB, cna, eno, ebpS, fib and bbp. Eighty-three clinical MRSA strains recovered from bacteremia episodes, osteomyelitis and diabetic foot ulcers were used. The biofilm-forming capacity was evaluated by the microtiter biofilm assay and the biofilm structure was analyzed via confocal scanning laser microscopy. The antimicrobial susceptibility of 24-h-old biofilms was assessed against three antibiotics and the biomass reduction was measured. The metabolic activity of biofilms was evaluated by the XTT assay. The presence of biofilm-related genes was investigated by whole-genome sequencing and by PCR. Despite different intensities, all strains showed the capacity to form biofilms. Most strains had also a large number of biofilm-related genes. However, strains isolated from osteomyelitis showed a lower capacity to form biofilms and also a lower prevalence of biofilm-associated genes. There was a significant reduction in the biofilm biomass of some strains tested against antibiotics. Our results provide important information on the biofilm-forming capacity of clinical MRSA strains, which may be essential to understand the influence of different types of infections on biofilm production and chronic infections.This work was funded by the R&D Project CAREBIO2: Comparative assessment of antimicrobial resistance in environmental biofilms through proteomics—towards innovative thera-nostic biomarkers, with reference NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-030101 and PTDC/SAU-INF/30101/2017, financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Northern Regional Operational Program (NORTE 2020) and the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). This work was supported by the Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry—LAQV which is financed by national funds from FCT/MCTES (UIDB/50006/2020 and UIDP/50006/2020). Vanessa Silva is grateful to FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia) for financial support through the PhD grant SFRH/BD/137947/2018.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Enhancing proteomic analysis and therapeutic insights

PM003/ 2016). This work received support from Funda\u00E7\u00E3o para a Ci\u00EAncia e a Tecnologia and Minist\u00E9rio da Ci\u00EAncia, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (FCT/MCTES) through the projects LA/P/0008/2020 DOI 10.54499/LA/P/0008/2020, UIDP/50006/2020 DOI 10.54499/UIDP/50006/2020 and UIDB/50006/2020 DOI 10.54499/UIDB/50006/2020. H.M.S. acknowledges the Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry-LAQV (LA/P/0008/2020) DOI 10.54499/LA/P/0008/2020 funded by FCT/MCTES for his research contract. L.B.C. is supported by the FCT/MCTES PhD grant 2019 (SFRH/BD/144222/2019), Israel Science Foundation (ISF 1440/21) to GP. Publisher Copyright: © 2024 The AuthorsIn this study, we employed the dithiothreitol-based protein equalisation technique and analytical proteomics to better understand myeloma diseases by comparing the proteomes of pellets and supernatants formed upon application of DTT on serum samples. The number of unique proteins found in pellets was 252 for healthy individuals and 223 for multiple myeloma patients. The comparison of these proteomes showed 97 dysregulated proteins. The unique proteins found for supernatants were 264 for healthy individuals and 235 for multiple myeloma patients. The comparison of these proteomes showed 87 dysregulated proteins. The analytical proteomic comparison of both groups of dysregulated proteins is translated into parallel dysregulated pathways, including chaperone-mediated autophagy and protein folding, addressing potential therapeutic interventions. Future research endeavours in personalised medicine should prioritize refining analytical proteomic methodologies using serum dithiothreitol-based protein equalisation to explore innovative therapeutic strategies. We highlight the advanced insights gained from this analytical strategy in studying multiple myeloma, emphasising its complex nature and the critical role of personalised, targeted analytical techniques in enhancing therapeutic efficacy in personalised medicine.publishersversionpublishe

Genetic characterization of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus isolates from human bloodstream infections: detection of mlsb resistance

In this study we aimed to characterize antimicrobial resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from bloodstream infections as well as the associated genetic lineages of the isolates. Sixteen MRSA isolates were recovered from bacteremia samples from inpatients between 2016 and 2019. The antimicrobial susceptibility of these isolates was tested by the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method against 14 antimicrobial agents. To determine the macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin B (MLSB) resistance phenotype of the isolates, erythromycin-resistant isolates were assessed by double-disk diffusion (D-test). The resistance and virulence genes were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All isolates were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), spa typing, staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) typing, and accessory gene regulator (agr) typing. Isolates showed resistance to cefoxitin, penicillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, fusidic acid, clindamycin, and aminoglycosides, confirmed by the presence of the blaZ, ermA, ermC, mphC, msrA/B, aac(6’)-Ie-aph(2’’)-Ia, and ant(4’)-Ia genes. Three isolates were Panton–Valentine-leukocidin-positive. Most strains (n = 12) presented an inducible MLSB phenotype. The isolates were ascribed to eight spa-types (t747, t002, t020, t1084, t008, t10682, t18526, and t1370) and four MLSTs (ST22, ST5, ST105, and ST8). Overall, most (n = 12) MRSA isolates had a multidrug-resistance profile with inducible MLSB phenotypes and belonged to epidemic MRSA clones.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Proteomic analysis of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and benign renal oncocytoma biopsies reveals shared metabolic dysregulation

PM003/2016. Publisher Copyright: © 2023, The Author(s).Background: This study investigates the proteomic landscapes of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) and renal oncocytomas (RO), two subtypes of renal cell carcinoma that together account for approximately 10% of all renal tumors. Despite their histological similarities and shared origins, chRCC is a malignant tumor necessitating aggressive intervention, while RO, a benign growth, is often subject to overtreatment due to difficulties in accurate differentiation. Methods: We conducted a label-free quantitative proteomic analysis on solid biopsies of chRCC (n = 5), RO (n = 5), and normal adjacent tissue (NAT, n = 5). The quantitative analysis was carried out by comparing protein abundances between tumor and NAT specimens. Our analysis identified a total of 1610 proteins across all samples, with 1379 (85.7%) of these proteins quantified in at least seven out of ten LC‒MS/MS runs for one renal tissue type (chRCC, RO, or NAT). Results: Our findings revealed significant similarities in the dysregulation of key metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, in both chRCC and RO. Compared to NAT, both chRCC and RO showed a marked downregulation in gluconeogenesis proteins, but a significant upregulation of proteins integral to the citrate cycle. Interestingly, we observed a distinct divergence in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, with RO showing a significant increase in the number and degree of alterations in proteins, surpassing that observed in chRCC. Conclusions: This study underscores the value of integrating high-resolution mass spectrometry protein quantification to effectively characterize and differentiate the proteomic landscapes of solid tumor biopsies diagnosed as chRCC and RO. The insights gained from this research offer valuable information for enhancing our understanding of these conditions and may aid in the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.publishersversionepub_ahead_of_prin