Article
Microbiology
Xuemei Yang, Xiaoxuan Liu, Yating Xu, Chen Yang, Edward Wai-Chi Chan, Hoi-ping Shum, Sheng Chen
Summary: The main mechanism of virulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae is through the acquisition of KpVPs, with KpVP-1 and KpVP-2 being the dominant types. This study identified a conjugative KpVP-2-type virulence plasmid that can mediate hypervirulence and has been disseminated in clinical settings in various regions.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Luis Alberto Vega, Misu A. Sanson, Maria Belen Cubria, Shrijana Regmi, Brittany J. Shah, Samuel A. Shelburne, Anthony R. Flores
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance-encoding mobile genetic elements (MGEs) could contribute to the disease potential of bacterial pathogens. This study provides evidence that a 65-kb AMR-encoding MGE (ICESpyM92) enhances the virulence of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) in invasive disease by influencing global gene expression in a background-dependent manner.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jo-Ann McClure, Sahreena Lakhundi, Amani Niazy, George Dong, Osahon Obasuyi, Paul Gordon, Sidong Chen, John M. Conly, Kunyan Zhang
Summary: Detailed genetic analysis was conducted on the Staphylococcus aureus (SA) sequence type ST59, revealing the concurrent but separate evolution of North American and East Asian lineages, with extensive diversification observed in the East Asian lineage and the presence of mobile element structure (MES) as a major difference between the two continental lineages.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Li, Jie Deng, Shijing Zhang, Weishan Chen, Jie Zhao, Yingxiang Liu
Summary: This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent developments in miniature piezoelectric robots (MPRs), including their operating environment, the structure of piezoelectric actuating elements, working principles, attempts at new manufacturing methods and piezoelectric materials, and application progress. The challenges and future trends of MPRs are also evaluated and discussed.
Article
Microbiology
Jia Wang, Lizhong Hua, Yuan Gan, Ting Yuan, Long Li, Yanfei Yu, Qingyun Xie, Ademola O. Olanarin, Thamsanqa E. Chiliza, Guoqing Shao, Zhixin Feng, Bala Pillay, Qiyan Xiong
Summary: Mycoplasma hyorhinis is a prevalent pathogen in pig farms globally. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of strain virulence and inoculation route on the consequences of M. hyorhinis infection. Pigs inoculated with the CO strain through IV+IP route showed severe diseases such as joint swelling and lameness. In contrast, pigs inoculated with the NCO strain and through IN route exhibited milder symptoms.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Ocean
Miguel Angel Calle Gonzales, Pentti Kujala
Summary: This study presents a revised structural similarity technique for experimental modeling of marine structures, showing reasonable-to-good correspondence between large-scale and miniature models in terms of force and absorbed energy responses. However, discrepancies were encountered in cases of severe reduction scales due to progressive buckling or crack initiation/propagation.
APPLIED OCEAN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Ming Xue, Qi Gao, Rui Yan, Lingping Liu, Ling Wang, Binyu Wen, Chongqing Wen
Summary: This study characterized the virulence factor repertoire of V. parahaemolyticus strain LC, which showed significant virulence to shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. The results revealed the presence of specific genes associated with shrimp and human pathogenic strains, as well as unique mobile genetic elements-borne virulence factors. V. parahaemolyticus demonstrates host-specific virulence, contributing to the origin and spread of pathogenic factors.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Chengdong Yuan, Arwed Schuetz, Dennis Hohlfeld, Tamara Bechtold
Summary: Energy harvesting is a solution to provide continuous power supply to wireless sensor nodes, and it has gained significant attention in recent decades. By collecting ambient energy such as solar, thermal, or vibration energy, an energy harvester can convert it into electrical energy. In this study, we focus on an electromagnetic energy harvester model consisting of four magnets oscillating along a coil, and reproduce it in a finite element-based software. To incorporate this model into system-level simulations, a methodology for extracting a look-up table-based equivalent circuit model is proposed, allowing the interaction between the electromagnetic energy harvester model and both electrical and mechanical compact models. Moreover, matrix interpolation-based and algebraic parameterization-based parametric model order reduction methods are suggested for accelerating the generation of the equivalent circuit model and optimizing the magnet dimensions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Linmei Liu, Yuxin Zhang, Haiyang Chen, Yanguo Teng
Summary: This study focuses on the fate of resistome components in constructed wetlands (CWs) and their receiving river. The study found that CWs can effectively remove antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and virulence factors (VFs). However, some ARGs are difficult to remove and there is a risk of antibiotic resistance and dissemination of ARGs. The study also highlights the significant impact of microbial communities on the profiles of ARGs in water environments.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yinan Den, Tangwen Yang, Shaotao Dai, Guoli Song
Summary: The study designed and evaluated a miniature triaxial fiber optic sensor for measuring contact force during ureteroscopy. The sensor demonstrated precise measurement in both axial and lateral directions, establishing its excellent performance and reliability.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Garth D. Catton, Hugo G. Espinosa, Aliya A. Dewani, Steven G. O'Keefe
Summary: Utilizing convoluted elements on a frequency selective surface allows for low frequency elements to be contained in smaller unit cells, enhancing angular stability and avoiding unwanted grating effects. This approach enables high gain across multiple frequency bands and demonstrates effectiveness as reflectors in antenna applications.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Matias Autio, Talal Bin Amin, Arnaud Perrin, Jen Yi Wong, Roger S-Y Foo, Shyam Prabhakar
Summary: A novel statistical test was developed to identify 20 high-confidence recently mobile transposable element subfamilies, which play important roles in human genetic disorders and diverse cancers. The study provides insights into TE mobility and regulatory potential, serving as a valuable resource for human disease genetics and population history studies.
Review
Immunology
Michal Bar-Oz, Michal Meir, Daniel Barkan
Summary: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a group of diverse organisms that are increasingly recognized as pathogens. Among NTMs, Mycobacterium abscessus (Mabs) causes severe and difficult to treat infections. The knowledge of the mechanisms of virulence in Mabs is limited compared to that in M. tuberculosis (Mtb). This review provides a framework and knowledge base for researchers interested in studying the secretion of virulence-associated molecules in Mabs.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Hiroki Nagata, Akemi Ono, Kaoru Tonosaki, Taiji Kawakatsu, Yutaka Sato, Kentaro Yano, Yuji Kishima, Tetsu Kinoshita
Summary: DNA methylation is necessary for maintaining genome integrity, but under certain circumstances, transposable elements (TEs) can escape from this repression and reactivate transcription. This study investigated the expression patterns of TE transcripts during rice endosperm development and found dynamic regulation of TE activity, particularly for miniature inverted-repeat TEs (MITEs).
Article
Immunology
Roshika Roshika, Ira Jain, Josette Medicielo, Jasmin Wachter, Jessica L. Danger, Paul Sumby
Summary: The study found that serotype M28 isolates of group A Streptococcus (GAS) enhance their colonization ability in the female reproductive tract through the RD2 pathogenicity island, and introducing RD2 into other serotypes also increases colonization rates in mice. However, the impact of RD2 on survival and adherence to human vaginal epithelial cells varies depending on the serotype.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Saranya Sivaraj, Julia K. Copeland, Anshu Malik, Elisa Pasini, Marc Angeli, Amirhossein Azhie, Shahid Husain, Deepali Kumar, Johane Allard, David S. Guttman, Atul Humar, Mamatha Bhat
Summary: By studying the intestinal microbiome of liver transplant recipients, an increase in specific bacterial communities and genes post-surgery was found to be associated with metabolic and infectious diseases.
CLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Francisco Henrique Nunes da Silva Alves, Ana Leticia Rocha Monteiro, Isadora Cristofoli Pereira, Jose Cleydson Ferreira da Silva, Renan N. D. Almeida, Kathryn J. McTavish, David S. Guttman, Melina Korres Raimundi, Ricardo Magela de Souza, Mario Lucio Vilela de Resende, Jorge Luis Badel
Summary: The genome sequences of three bacterial pathogens causing foliar spots on coffee plants show genetic diversity and variability, with Pch having the highest number of exclusive proteins. Pcg strain has the most stable genome, while Pch strain has the most plastic genome. Compared to other Pseudomonas species, Pcg and Pat have more conserved hrp/hrc gene sequences than Pch, which also has the smallest T3SS and largest apoplastic effector repertoires. The common T3SS effector family among the three pathogens is AvrE, indicating its crucial role in pathogenicity towards coffee plants.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Cedoljub Bundalovic-Torma, Darrell Desveaux, David Guttman
Summary: Assessing the diversity and distribution of biological features is crucial for understanding their functional impact. However, existing measures for quantifying and comparing feature distribution do not consider evolutionary history or horizontal transfer. To address this, we introduce RecPD, a recombination-aware phylogenetic diversity statistic that accurately assesses feature diversity under all evolutionary scenarios.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Elissa G. Currie, Bryan Coburn, Elisa A. Porfilio, Ping Lam, Olga L. Rojas, Jan Novak, Stuart Yang, Raad B. Chowdhury, Lesley A. Ward, Pauline W. Wang, Khashayar Khaleghi, James An, Sarah Q. Crome, Michelle A. Hladunewich, Sean J. Barbour, Daniel C. Cattran, Rulan S. Parekh, Christoph Licht, Rohan John, Rupert Kaul, Kenneth Croitoru, Scott D. Gray-Owen, David S. Guttman, Jennifer L. Gommerman, Heather N. Reich
Summary: IgA nephropathy is a leading cause of kidney failure, and aberrant immune responses to mucosal microbiota, particularly Neisseria, may play a role in its pathogenesis. This study found increased carriage of Neisseria and elevated Neisseria-specific IgA levels in the tonsils of IgA nephropathy patients. Experimentally, mice with overexpression of BAFF and susceptible to Neisseria infection showed augmented levels of systemic Neisseria-specific IgA, as well as the presence of anti-Neisseria-specific IgA-secreting cells in the kidneys.
Review
Plant Sciences
Cedoljub Bundalovic-Torma, Fabien Lonjon, Darrell Desveaux, David S. Guttman
Summary: This review surveys the phylogenetic diversity of the P. syringae effectorome and highlights how avoidance of host immune detection has shaped effectorome diversity through functional redundancy, diversification, and horizontal transfer. Emerging avenues for research and novel insights can be gained via large-scale interaction screens and phylogenomic approaches.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Williams Turpin, Mei Dong, Gila Sasson, Juan Antonio Raygoza Garay, Osvaldo Espin-Garcia, Sun-Ho Lee, Anna Neustaeter, Michelle Smith, Haim Leibovitzh, David S. Guttman, Ashleigh Goethel, Anne M. Griffiths, Hien Q. Huynh, Levinus A. Dieleman, Remo Panaccione, A. Hillary Steinhart, Mark S. Silverberg, Guy Aumais, Kevan Jacobson, David Mack, Sanjay K. Murthy, John K. Marshall, Charles N. Bernstein, Maria T. Abreu, Paul Moayyedi, Andrew D. Paterson, Wei Xu, Kenneth Croitoru
Summary: Mediterranean-like dietary patterns are associated with specific gut microbial compositions and lower levels of intestinal inflammation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Clare Breit-McNally, Darrell Desveaux, David S. Guttman
Summary: The study found that the immune response of Arabidopsis thaliana is qualitatively conserved in oilseed crops, but quantitatively distinct. The level of immune conservation decreases with evolutionary distance from Arabidopsis thaliana.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Haim Leibovitzh, Sun-Ho Lee, Mingyue Xue, Juan Antonio Raygoza Garay, Cristian Hernandez-Rocha, Karen L. Madsen, Jonathan B. Meddings, David S. Guttman, Osvaldo Espin-Garcia, Michelle Smith, Ashleigh Goethel, Anne M. Griffiths, Paul Moayyedi, A. Hillary Steinhart, Remo Panaccione, Hien Q. Huynh, Kevan Jacobson, Guy Aumais, David R. Mack, Maria T. Abreu, Charles N. Bernstein, John K. Marshall, Dan Turner, Wei Xu, Williams Turpin, Kenneth Croitoru
Summary: This study found that alterations in gut microbial composition and functional pathways are associated with changes in gut barrier function. These findings may identify potential microbial targets to modulate gut barrier.
Article
Microbiology
Renan N. D. Almeida, Michael Greenberg, Cedoljub Bundalovic-Torma, Alexandre Martel, Pauline W. Wang, Maggie A. Middleton, Syama Chatterton, Darrell Desveaux, David S. Guttman
Summary: The study investigates the virulence and host specificity of Pseudomonas syringae strains on common bean and demonstrates the power of machine learning in predicting host specific adaptation. The results show that PG3 strains have higher host specificity than PG2 strains, and a machine learning model based on whole genome data can accurately predict virulence. The study strengthens the hypothesis of different lifestyles between PG2 and other P. syringae strains.
Article
Microbiology
Angela Zou, Kerry Nadeau, Xuejian Xiong, Pauline W. Wang, Julia K. Copeland, Jee Yeon Lee, James St Pierre, Maxine Ty, Billy Taj, John H. Brumell, David S. Guttman, Shayan Sharif, Doug Korver, John Parkinson
Summary: This study systematically investigated the composition and function of the chicken gut microbiome in response to AGPs. Results revealed nuanced impacts of AGPs, dependent on age of bird, diet, and intestinal site sampled.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Connor R. Fitzpatrick, Julia Copeland, Pauline W. Wang, David S. Guttman, Peter M. Kotanen, Marc T. J. Johnson
Summary: The root microbiome consists of distinct epiphytic and endophytic habitats, with differences in abiotic and biotic factors driving diversity and composition differences between these habitats. Our study found significant differences in bacterial community between the rhizosphere and endosphere, with higher connectivity observed among core bacterial members in the endosphere. Taxonomic assortativity was higher in the endosphere, with positive co-occurrence more likely among bacteria within the same phylum and negative co-occurrence more likely between bacterial taxa from different phyla. Drought had limited effects on network properties but increased the proportion of shared co-occurrences between rhizosphere and endosphere networks.
MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amanda J. Morris, Yvonne C. W. Yau, Subin Park, Shafinaz Eisha, Nancy McDonald, Matthew R. Parsek, P. Lynne Howell, Lucas R. Hoffman, Dao Nguyen, Antonio DiGiandomenico, Ashley M. Rooney, Bryan Coburn, Lucia Grana-Miraglia, Pauline Wang, David S. Guttman, Daniel J. Wozniak, Valerie J. Waters
Summary: This study visualized P. aeruginosa in the sputum of children with cystic fibrosis to validate previous findings. The results showed that after inhaled tobramycin eradication treatment, patients with persistent infection had higher P. aeruginosa biovolume, more expressed Psl, and formed more numerous and larger aggregates in their sputum compared to those who successfully cleared the infection.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Tatiana Ruiz-Bedoya, Pauline W. Wang, Darrell Desveaux, David S. Guttman
Summary: This study investigates whether non-virulent strains can contribute to the emergence of collective virulence through the secretion of effectors as public goods. The researchers found that, although individually unfit, a metaclone consisting of 36 coisogenic strains of Pseudomonas syringae could collectively exhibit the same level of virulence as the wild-type strain on Arabidopsis thaliana, suggesting the role of effectors in driving cooperation-based virulence. Furthermore, independently evolved effector suits and transferred effector alleles were found to drive this cooperative behavior.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
H. Leibovitzh, S. H. Lee, M. Xue, J. A. Raygoza Garay, C. Hernandez-Rocha, K. L. Madsen, J. B. Meddings, D. S. Guttman, O. Espin-Garcia, M. I. Smith, A. Goethel, P. Moayyedi, A. H. Steinhart, R. Panancionne, H. Huynh, K. Jacobson, G. Aumais, D. R. Mack, M. Abreu, C. N. Bernstein, J. K. Marshall, D. Turner, W. Xu, W. Turpin, K. Croitoru
JOURNAL OF CROHNS & COLITIS
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Mingyue Xue, Haim Leibovitzh, Sun-Ho Lee, Anna Neustaeter, Wei Xu, Osvaldo Espin-Garcia, Karen Madsen, David S. Guttman, Anne M. Griffiths, Hien Q. Huynh, Dan Turner, Remo Panaccione, A. Hillary Steinhart, Guy L. Aumais, Alain Bitton, Kevan Jacobson, David R. Mack, Williams Turpin, Kenneth Croitoru
