Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jair Carrazco-Palafox, Blanca Estela Rivera-Chavira, Jaime Raul Adame-Gallegos, Luz Maria Rodriguez-Valdez, Erasmo Orrantia-Borunda, Guadalupe Virginia Nevarez-Moorillon
Summary: The study evaluated the efficacy of rhamnolipids from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Rn19a in inhibiting biofilm formation by clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis. Results showed that rhamnolipids effectively reduced biofilm formation in static and dynamic conditions, with different levels of effectiveness against different bacterial isolates. The application of rhamnolipids may be useful in preventing initial bacterial adhesion to surfaces.
Article
Microbiology
Xuerui Bao, Ellen Goeteyn, Aurelie Crabbe, Tom Coenye
Summary: D,L-malate enhances ciprofloxacin activity against P. aeruginosa, improving antibiotic therapy in infection environments. The choice of model system influences the outcome of the experiment, emphasizing the importance of using models that closely mimic the in vivo environment. This study confirms the potential of D,L-malate to enhance ciprofloxacin activity against P. aeruginosa-associated infections.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
George A. Naclerio, Herman O. Sintim
Summary: HP-29, a newly developed halogenated phenazine, exhibits potent antimicrobial activity with a remarkable minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.08 mu M against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In addition to eradicating preformed biofilm through iron starvation, HP-29 is also non-toxic to mammalian cell lines and efficacious in wound infection models.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Calvin K. Lee, William C. Schmidt, Shanice S. Webster, Jonathan W. Chen, George A. O'Toole, Gerard C. L. Wong
Summary: This study reveals that changes in c-di-GMP levels in bacterial biofilms are not the sole factor determining surface commitment, as oscillations in c-di-GMP levels can propagate across generations. Additionally, the study demonstrates that modulation of c-di-GMP signals and cooperative surface commitment can be influenced by varying the interaction strength between PilO and SadC.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Devin Sindeldecker, Shaurya Prakash, Paul Stoodley
Summary: This study analyzed the zone of killing (ZOK) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms using both in vitro and in silico methods. The findings revealed that achieving a specific antibiotic concentration versus time constraint (AUC) could completely eradicate bacteria in the biofilms. This suggests that appropriate antibiotic concentrations and treatment duration may be effective against antibiotic-resistant and -tolerant biofilm infections.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Avishek Dutta, Fernando Valle, Thomas Goldman, Jeffrey Keating, Ellen Burke, Nicole Williamson, Reinhard Dirmeier, Jeff S. Bowman
Summary: This study successfully identified sessile community members of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRBs) in oil reservoirs through long-term experiments and high-throughput sequencing methods, aiding in the mitigation of H2S. The research demonstrated that certain SRB populations shifted from biofilms to the planktonic community after nitrate treatment, playing a critical role in biofilm mitigation.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Xuerui Bao, Mona Bove, Tom Coenye
Summary: The high tolerance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in respiratory tract infections in cystic fibrosis contributes to the failure of antibiotic therapy. This study identified carbon sources that could enhance the inhibiting and/or eradicating activity of tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime against P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms. The mechanisms underlying the enhanced biofilm eradicating activity were strain-dependent.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ana Maria Salazar-Bryam, Vinicius Luis Silva, Marina Rodrigues de Abreu, Renata Silva Matos, Mateus Aparecido Goncalves da Rocha, Raphael Culim Neves, Maria Izabel Camargo-Mathias, Claudio Jose Von Zuben, Roberta Barros Lovaglio, Jonas Contiero
Summary: Mosquito-borne diseases pose a significant public health issue, with vector control being crucial for reducing their spread. However, insecticide resistance is a growing concern, prompting research into alternative solutions like using rhamnolipids and clove oil emulsion. Experiments have shown that these solutions have high toxicity against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, with significant mortality at higher concentrations.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Gina A. Suh, Thomas P. Lodise, Pranita D. Tamma, Jane M. Knisely, Jose Alexander, Saima Aslam, Karen D. Barton, Erica Bizzell, Katherine M. C. Totten, Joseph L. Campbell, Benjamin K. Chan, Scott A. Cunningham, Katherine E. Goodman, Kerryl E. Greenwood-Quaintance, Anthony D. Harris, Shayla Hesse, Anthony Maresso, Veronique Nussenblatt, David Pride, Michael J. Rybak, Zoe Sund, David van Duin, Daria Van Tyne, Robin Patel
Summary: Due to increasing antimicrobial resistance and medical device-related infections, phage therapy has gained renewed interest as an alternative or adjunct to conventional antimicrobials. However, there are significant knowledge gaps in clinical application and laboratory testing of phage therapy, leading to heterogeneity in approach and lack of consensus.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Thomas James O'Brien, Wendy Figueroa, Martin Welch
Summary: The presence of diverse polymicrobial communities in the airways of individuals with cystic fibrosis can hinder the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment. A study showed that growth in a polymicrobial environment protects the target microorganism from the effects of specific antimicrobial agents. This decreased efficacy is found to have both physiological and genetic components.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Feng Zhao, Yuting Wu, Qingzhi Wang, Mengyao Zheng, Qingfeng Cui
Summary: Glycerol is the decisive factor for anaerobic production of rhamnolipids by P. aeruginosa. Strain specificity results in different anaerobic yield of rhamnolipids. Crude glycerol is a low-cost substrate for anaerobic biosynthesis of rhamnolipids by P. aeruginosa.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Fernanda Jimenez Otero, Dianne K. Newman, Leonard M. Tender
Summary: Biofilms provide a protective environment but also present challenges to the cells living within them. Pseudomonas aeruginosa overcomes oxygen limitation by secreting redox active phenazines, which act as electron shuttles. Blocking the re-oxidation of one of these electron shuttles, pyocyanin, decreases cell survival within biofilms and enhances the effect of gentamicin in killing cells. The study highlights the importance of redox cycling of electron shuttles in P. aeruginosa biofilms.
Article
Microbiology
Amal H. Yahya, Sophie R. Harston, William L. Colton, Matthew T. Cabeen
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen that infects hospitalized patients and individuals with cystic fibrosis. This species is known for forming biofilms, which provide extra protection to the cells and make infections difficult to treat. The deletion of the gene PA14_16550 reduces biofilm formation, and further investigations have identified other genes that regulate biofilm matrix production.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chelsey M. VanDrisse, Rosalie Lipsh-Sokolik, Olga Khersonsky, Sarel J. Fleishman, Dianne K. Newman
Summary: This study demonstrates that by engineering the structure of PodA protein and combining it with tobramycin, the killing effect on P. aeruginosa can be enhanced, especially on biofilms that are resistant to conventional antibiotic treatment.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Charles Darko, Benhao Xin, Jiaxin Liu, Benliu Wang, Zihan Hu, Li Chen, Jie Zhang
Summary: This study characterized the microscopic degradation resulting from microbial adsorption on rubber compound surfaces. Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria showed more adherence and feeding on oil-rich surfaces, leading to smooth surfaces with reduced roughness values. Additionally, an increase in stiffness was observed in rubber compounds with higher oil content after bacterial degradation. This work supports rubber engineers in selecting appropriate rubber compounds for water contact applications.
MACROMOLECULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Raman Mundi, Harman Chaudhry, Seper Ekhtiari, Prabjit Ajrawat, Daniel M. Tushinski, Thomas J. Wood, Mohit Bhandari
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of hydrofiber dressings on reducing complications in total joint arthroplasty surgeries. The results showed that hydrofiber dressings had no observable effect on prosthetic joint infection and wound irritation, but they did reduce the rate of blisters and the number of dressing changes. However, the evidence for the reduction in blisters and dressing changes is limited due to biased trial methodologies and wide confidence intervals.
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Thomas K. Wood
Summary: Reflecting on the first 15 years of Microbial Biotechnology, a shift is observed in research focus from whole-cell populations to single cells, indicating a growing interest in understanding bacterial growth in various environments. This trend instills optimism for gaining insights into the diverse aspects of bacterial growth in communities.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Thomas Charles Wood, Sundas Maqsood, Alex Saunders, William Sancha, Mayank A. Nanavaty, Michael Wearne, Saul Rajak
Summary: The objective of this study was to develop and implement a simulation-based training model for the management of posterior capsule rupture (PCR) from a non-technical skills (NTS) perspective. The results showed significant improvement in participants' NTS and non-significant improvement in their technical skills (TS).
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
N. Leclercq, L. Marshall, T. Weekers, A. Anselmo, D. Benda, D. Bevk, P. Bogusch, D. Cejas, B. Drepper, M. Galloni, M. Gerard, G. Ghisbain, L. Hutchinson, B. Martinet, D. Michez, J-M Molenberg, P. Nikolic, S. Roberts, G. Smagghe, J. Straka, P. Vandamme, T. J. Wood, N. J. Vereecken
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Timothy Weekers, Leon Marshall, Nicolas Leclercq, Thomas J. Wood, Diego Cejas, Bianca Drepper, Michael Garratt, Louise Hutchinson, Stuart Roberts, Jordi Bosch, Laura Roquer-Beni, Patrick Lhomme, Denis Michez, Jean-Marc Molenberg, Guy Smagghe, Peter Vandamme, Nicolas J. Vereecken
Summary: This study investigates the impact of variables such as climate, landscape composition, management practices, and wild bee pollination on commercial apple production. The results show that apple yields are mainly influenced by management practices, not the contribution of managed honey bees. Wild bee diversity is negatively correlated with honey bee dominance but promotes apple quality. Thus, harnessing wild bee diversity can be a nature-based solution and a substitute for an exclusive reliance on honey bees in apple production.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Ophthalmology
Thomas Charles Wood, Sundas Maqsood, William Sancha, Alex Saunders, David Lockington, Mayank A. Nanavaty, Saul Rajak
Article
Entomology
Thomas J. Wood, Sebastien Patiny, Silas Bossert
Summary: Establishing a higher classification of bees based on morphology alone can fail to capture evolutionary relationships. In the subfamily Panurginae, two Old World species previously placed in separate genera were found to be most closely related to each other. To address this, a new genus was established and the classification of the tribe was reassessed. The study highlights the challenges of establishing a phylogenetically sound classification and the existence of unrecognized genera, even in well-studied regions.
JOURNAL OF HYMENOPTERA RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Gregory C. Valentine, Krystle M. Perez, Thomas R. Wood, Dennis E. Mayock, Bryan A. Comstock, Mihai Puia-Dumitrescu, Patrick J. Heagerty, Sandra E. Juul
Summary: This study evaluated the association between maximal weight loss (MWL) and total fluid administration (TFA) in the first week after birth and outcomes in extremely preterm (EP) newborns. The results showed that MWL between 5% to 15% was associated with a decreased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, while average TFA > 150 mUkg birthweight/day was associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and patent ductus arteriosus requiring surgery.
JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Thomas E. Wood, Kathleen A. Westervelt, Jessica M. Yoon, Heather D. Eshleman, Roie Levy, Henry Burnes, Daniel J. Slade, Cammie F. Lesser, Marcia B. Goldberg
Summary: The effector protein OspB of Shigella spp. is a cysteine protease that modulates the TORC1 signaling pathway to promote infection. The study provides insights into the mechanism of action of OspB and its role in Shigella pathogenesis.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lei Zhu, Zhaoyuan Wu, Wei Fang, Yueying Wang
Summary: In this study, a high-quality genome assembly of strain YXFP-22015 of T. roseum was reported, using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) for long read sequencing and MGISEQ-2000 for short read sequencing. The genome was also well-annotated based on RNA-seq by MGISEQ-2000 and in silico prediction. Further analysis will contribute to a better understanding of T. roseum infection mechanisms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yaping Wang, Xiangyi Wang, Shuhui Niu, Wei Cheng, Xiaoyan Liu, Yong Min, Yimin Qiu, Lixin Ma, Ben Rao, Lei Zhu
Summary: In this study, the catalytic activity of TSase enzyme was enhanced by fusing a mutant CE protein tag. The fusion enzyme showed higher activity than the wild-type protein. Furthermore, the addition of exogenous nucleic acid scaffold increased the enzyme activity. This study provides a new idea for improving structurally similar enzymes.
Article
Virology
Laura Fernandez-Garcia, Thomas K. Wood
Summary: The overlap between phage-defense systems (PDs) and toxin/antitoxin systems (TAs) has become clear as new PDs are discovered, as both systems use similar means to reduce cellular metabolism. They both have members that deplete energetic compounds and nucleic acids, and inflict membrane damage. Additionally, both systems reduce host metabolism to limit phage propagation and interaction of multiple defense systems.
Article
Microbiology
Laura Fernandez-Garcia, Sooyeon Song, Joy Kirigo, Michael E. Battisti, Maiken E. Petersen, Maria Tomas, Thomas K. Wood
Summary: This study reveals that bacteria can defend against phage infection by forming persister cells instead of inducing cell suicide. Furthermore, the restriction/modification systems work together with the toxin/antitoxin system to clear phage DNA. These findings are crucial for the success of phage therapy.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Thomas K. Wood, Ilke Gurgan, Ethan T. Howley, Ingmar H. Riedel-Kruse
Summary: The anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) shows great promise in converting methane into electricity and value-added chemicals. By integrating different technologies, the performance of AOM MFCs can be significantly improved, leading to sustainable energy production.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Aerospace
J. M. Dailey, T. Koch, J. Delatore, J. Kolchmeyer, S. Husaini, M. Dinu, J. Le Grange, B. Yagudayev, A. Stenard, L. Crandall, G. Szczepanik, N. Wendt, A. Monte, T. H. Wood, B. Schulein, D. J. Geisler
Summary: This article reports on the design, development, and testing of a high-power broadband optical modem for NASA's crewed Artemis-2 mission. The modem, known as O2O, provides a bi-directional optical link back to earth while en route to the moon. It features a full-duplex design with a high-power optical transmitter and receiver optimized for serially-concatenated pulse-position modulation (SCPPM). The modem has passed rigorous environmental testing and has been declared at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6.
FREE-SPACE LASER COMMUNICATIONS XXXIV
(2022)