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Gab is an online social network often associated with the alt-right political movement and users barred from other networks. It presents an interesting opportunity for research because near-complete data is available from day one of the network's creation. In this paper, we investigate the evolution of the user interaction graph, that is the graph where a link represents a user interacting with another user at a given time. We view this graph both at different times and at different timescales. The latter is achieved by using sliding windows on the graph which gives a novel perspective on social network data. The Gab network is relatively slowly growing over the period of months but subject to large bursts of arrivals over hours and days. We identify plausible events that are of interest to the Gab community associated with the most obvious such bursts. The network is characterised by interactions between `strangers' rather than by reinforcing links between `friends'. Gab usage follows the diurnal cycle of the predominantly US and Europe based users. At off-peak hours the Gab interaction network fragments into sub-networks with absolutely no interaction between them. A small group of users are highly influential across larger timescales, but a substantial number of users gain influence for short periods of time. Temporal analysis at different timescales gives new insights above and beyond what could be found on static graphs., 10 pages, 9 figures

The Chilean sweet cherry (Prunus avium (L.) L.) industry became the leading exporter worldwide. The bacterial canker is the most significant disease causing major economic losses. Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss) is the only related pathovar recognized in Chile and it is mainly controlled with Cu-based antimicrobial compounds (CBAC). Soil contamination and the decreasing efficacy of CBACs by the emergence of Cu-resistant bacterial strains threaten the long- term sustainability of sweet cherry production. This study aimed at characterizing the bacterial community associated with canker infection injuries by assessing Cu resistance in sweet cherry orchards in the O’Higgins Region of Chile. Eighty bacteria isolates were obtained from tissue that presented bacterial canker symptoms from cherry trees. We assessed the production of fluorescent pigments in Fe-deficient media, presence of the housekeeping genes rpoD and cts, and presence of syringomycin-producing genes syrb and syrD. Their pathogenic ability was evaluated on immature sweet cherry fruits and Cu resistance was determined as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using CuSO4. Only five isolates were Cu-susceptible (MIC < 0.8 mM), while 75 isolates exhibited different levels of Cu resistance (MIC > 0.8 mM). At least one gene of the copABCD operon/or and its regulatory genes were detected in 17 isolates, suggesting that most isolates likely have different mechanisms of Cu tolerance. Six isolates were identified as Pss, presenting different degrees of Cu resistance, but all presented at least one feature of the copABCD operon. A bacterial community that presents high Cu-resistance, probably under control of diverse genetic mechanisms, decreases the efficacy of CBAC.

Hitchhikers (phoretic organisms) need vehicles to disperse out of unsuitable habitats. Therefore, finding vehicles with the right functional attributes is essential for phoretic organisms. To locate these vehicles, phoretic organisms employ cues within modalities, ranging from visual to chemical senses. However, how hitchhikers discriminate between individual vehicles has rarely been investigated. Using a phoretic nematode community associated with an obligate fig-fig wasp pollination mutualism, we had earlier established that hitchhiking nematodes make decisions based on vehicle species identity and number of conspecific hitchhikers already present on the vehicle. Here we investigate if hitchhikers can differentiate between physiological states of vehicles. We asked whether phoretic nematodes choose between live or dead vehicles present in a chemically crowded environment and we investigated the basis for any discrimination. We conducted two-choice and single-choice behavioral assays using single nematodes and found that plant- and animal-parasitic nematodes preferred live over dead vehicles and used volatiles as a sensory cue to make this decision. However, in single-choice assays, animal-parasitic nematodes were also attracted towards naturally dead or freeze-killed wasps. The volatile profile of the wasps was dominated by terpenes and spiroketals. We examined the volatile blend emitted by the different wasp physiological states and determined a set of volatiles that the phoretic nematodes might use to discriminate between these states which is likely coupled with respired CO2. We determined that CO2 levels emitted by single wasps are sufficient to attract nematodes, demonstrating the high sensitivity of nematodes to this metabolic product.

A large part of the production of Laminaria hyperborea kelp forests is not directly consumed by grazers, but is exported during storm events or natural annual blade erosion. Drifting kelp fragments are transported and can accumulate temporarily over subtidal benthic habitats. The decay process is particularly slow (>6 mo for complete decay during spring-summer) and L. hyperborea fragments are able to maintain their primary production function for several months. If they accumulate in low subtidal habitats, fragments can have a long residence time, thus modifying habitat structure. Based on a 6 mo cage experiment, we investigated macrofaunal colonization and community succession within accumulations of L. hyperborea fragments on a low subtidal (-10 m) sandy bottom ecosystem. Stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) measurements were carried out to describe the structure and development of the trophic food web and the role of detritus as a food source. Kelp tissues were rapidly and abundantly colonized by macrofauna, and a classical ecological succession occurred, with changes in species dominance and increase in diversity during decay. The food web was based on 2 main sources: particulate organic matter from the water column and decaying kelp tissues. Kelp contributed significantly to the diet of numerous species that are commonly consumed by local predators (fish, shrimp). Following community succession, diets diversified and the food web became more complex during the decay process. Our results indicate that drift kelp accumulations structure their associated communities and food web during the whole decay process.

Staphylococcus genus is a Gram-positive coccus normally associated with skin and mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals. It is part of the commensal human microflora, or found in animals, or contaminating surfaces in the community and hospital settings. Staphylococcus aureus is the most pathogenic species belonging to this genus, as it possesses a collection of virulence factors that are expressed solely to evade the immune system. The increase in the misuse of antimicrobial agents predisposed S. aureus to develop antibiotic resistance, including the resistance to methicillin which led to the emergence of Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA). MRSA is considered one of the most dangerous nosocomial pathogens causing many hard to treat infections in hospitals and was named as Hospital Associated MRSA (HA-MRSA). Over the past 20–25 years, MRSA was isolated from community settings and thus Community Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) has emerged. Inside hospitals, MRSA has been isolated from fomites in contact with patients, as well as staff’s protective and personal items. This review highlights the worldwide prevalence of MRSA on fomites within the contexts of hospital and community settings.

Community associated strains of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated and treated with extracts of Catharanthus roseus and Camellia sinensis (black tea) to examine their antibacterial potential, eith...

O estudo descreve a composicao e estrutura da comunidade de larvas e juvenis de peixes associada a bancos de macrofitas aquaticas e avalia a importância dessas vegetacoes para o desenvolvimento dos estagios iniciais de vida da ictiofauna em uma ilha aluvial no Baixo Amazonas, Para, Brasil. As amostragens foram realizadas durante os momentos de cheia/vazante de 2017 (ciclo I) e enchente de 2018 (ciclo II) em bancos de macrofitas por meio de um peneirao (malha 500 µm). Em laboratorio os individuos foram identificados e classificados quanto ao seu estagio de desenvolvimento e verificada a abundância, a composicao das especies e similaridade entre os ciclos de amostragens. Uma analise de variância e teste t foram utilizados para constatar diferencas das densidades entre os estagios de desenvolvimento e ciclos hidrologicos, respectivamente. Foram capturados 2.193 individuos, dos quais 87,91 % ainda em fase larval e 12,08 % juvenil, classificados em 84 taxons e distribuidos em nove ordens, 24 familias, 50 generos e 72 especies. Durante o ciclo I, houve maior predominância de individuos juvenis de especies de pequeno porte, que possuem importante funcao na transferencia de energia no ecossistema aquatico, enquanto no ciclo II os maiores valores de abundância foram registrados para as especies de interesse economico e de medio porte capturadas em estagios iniciais de desenvolvimento. Nao foi observada diferenca significativa na densidade de individuos entre os ciclos de amostragem, porem atraves da analise de similaridade foi registrada uma variacao na composicao de especies entre os ciclos. A maior riqueza de especies, dominância e densidade de individuos foram registradas durante a enchente. A cheia/vazante apresentou maiores valores de equitabilidade e diversidade de especies. Assim, a comunidade de larvas e juvenis de peixes em vegetacao aquatica em varzea do Baixo Amazonas demonstra ser influenciada pelo ciclo hidrologico, garantindo a manutencao e renovacao da ictiofauna. AQUATIC MACROPHYTE STANDS AS EARLY STAGES OF FISH DEVELOPMENT SITES IN THE FLOODPLAIN OF THE LOWER AMAZON: The study describes the composition and structure of the larval and juvenile fishes’ community associated with aquatic macrophyte stands and it evaluates the importance of this vegetation for the development of early life stages of the ichthyofauna in an alluvial island in the Lower Amazon River, state of Para, Brazil. The sampling was conducted during the phases of full flood/receding water of 2017 (cycle I) and rising water of 2018 (cycle II) in aquatic macrophyte stands using a fishing sieve (500 µm mesh). In the laboratory, specimens were identified and classified for their development stage and verified the species composition, abundance and similarity between the sampling cycles. Variance analysis and t-test were used to identify possible differences in the density between the development stages and the hydrological cycles, respectively. There were captured 2,193 individuals, from which 87.91 % were at the larval stage and 12.08 % at the juvenile, classified in 84 taxa and identified in nine orders, 24 families, 50 genera and 72 species. During the cycle I, there was a higher predominance of juvenile individuals of small species, which have an important role in energy transferring in the aquatic ecosystem, while in the cycle II the highest values of abundance were recorded from the medium-sized species with economic importance, captured in the early development stages. No significant difference was observed in the density of individuals among the sampling cycles however, the similarity analysis registered a variation on the composition of species between the cycles. The higher species richness, dominance and density of individuals were recorded during the rising water, while the full flood/receding water presented higher values of evenness and species diversity. Thus, larval and juvenile fishes’ community in aquatic vegetation in varzea in the Lower Amazon region is shown to be influenced by the hydrological cycle, ensuring the maintenance and renewal of the ichthyofauna.

The annual incidence rate of community-associated Clostridioides difficile infections in Quebec, Canada, has increased by 33.3%, from 0.51 (2008) to 0.68 (2015) cases/100,000 population, while incidence of healthcare-associated cases remained relatively stable. Possible causes include increased disease severity, increased antimicrobial drug use, emergence of virulent strains, and heightened physician awareness.

The epidemiology of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has evolved over the past approximately 20 years, with certain populations appearing to have disproportionate risk. Of concern is the potential worsening of S. aureus infections in light of the continued opioid crisis. This review will discuss how CA-MRSA has significantly impacted HIV-infected individuals and address additional factors and populations that are associated with increased risk for MRSA. It will review therapeutic options and infection control strategies as well as highlight how whole genome sequencing can be used to extend traditional epidemiologic analysis and ultimately, inform infection prevention efforts. Continued work identifying those at the highest risk for MRSA, what the best infection prevention settings are in community settings and how to effectively implement and target these strategies is needed. Ultimately, infection control efforts will likely need to extend beyond healthcare settings to effectively and sustainably reduce MRSA infections.

Previous studies have shown that livestock (LA)-MRSA ST398 evolved from a human-adapted methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) clone. However, detailed information regarding ST9 is still unclear. Here, we characterized a community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) ST9-SCCmec XII isolate that has not been previously reported to cause serious disease in China. We obtained whole-genome sequences of one ST9-t899-XII isolate—ZY462471—from a patient with bloodstream infection without livestock contact. The antibiotic susceptibilities of ZY462471 were determined and the clinical information was extracted from medical notes and compared with twenty-seven previously sequenced genomes. Phylogenetic reconstruction was performed to investigate the probable host evolutionary origins of ZY462471, and the difference in resistome and virulence factors were investigated. Virulence assay was performed to evaluate the high virulence potential of ZY462471 and compare the virulence between the closest ST9 MSSA neighbours. Clinical data suggested that ZY462471 is a CA-MRSA. Phylogenetic analysis showed a much closer relationship of ZY462471 with human-associated MSSA ST9 isolates than other LA-MRSA ST9 isolates, suggesting that ZY462471 probably evolved from ST9 MSSA predecessors by acquiring an SCCmec cassette. Importantly, virulence assays indicated that ZY462471 was highly virulent and compared with the MSSA ST9 predecessors, ZY462471 did not show attenuated virulence. Finally, we found that ZY462471 harboured an immune evasion cluster (IEC)-carrying βC-Φ, which is typically found in human clinical S. aureus rather than LA-MRSA isolates, suggesting that ZY4762471 obtained the IEC-carrying βC-Φs from human clinical S. aureus strains. Considering its high virulence potential, this strain should be monitored to prevent more widespread dissemination.

There has been an increase of community studies that incorporate the use of functional diversity indices. The incorporation of these indices in the analysis of marine communities is recent, however, could contribute with relevant information about the health of those communities. The lagoon of La Paz is a body of water located in La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico. Despite its regional importance, there are not recent studies about its fish communities. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the temporal and spatial structure of the functional diversity of fish communities associated to soft bottoms, from August 2016 to July 2017, as well as important environmental variables. Functional diversity indices showed significant differences between months. Spatial analysis did not show significant differences perhaps due to low variability of the type of substrate. Temperature showed temporal differences as well. Therefore, temperature may be a limiting environmental variable for many fish species inhabiting coastal lagoons.

Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCE) are located between 30 and 150 m deep and shelter unique communities. However, they have been poorly studied due to the high cost of the available sampling technologies. Zooplankton are key organisms for the maintenance of the coral colonies as their primary food source because the zooxanthellae in these habitats have a low photosynthetic rate due to the low light incidence. The purpose of this work was to characterize the zooplankton community associated with MCEs. We took 15 samples (three samples per station) by filtering 24 L of seawater (45 |im mesh size) in five stations at Bajo Fríjol with a device designed to collect zooplankton right just above the reef substrate. We determined the taxonomic composition, density, and relative abundance, and we categorized the species according to their trophic level. Crustaceans (especially nauplii and copepods), tintinnids, and foraminifers were the most abundant while tintinnids and radiolarians had the higher species richness. Herbivores dominated in both composition and abundance as usually happens in other pelagic communities. We present here the first reports of planktonic radiolarians and tintinnids from oceanic zones and MCEs in the Colombian Caribbean and the first global list of zooplankton species associated with MCEs. Resumen Los ecosistemas de coral mesofóticos se ubican entre los 30 y los 150 m de profundidad y albergan comunidades únicas. Sin embargo, han sido poco estudiados debido a los altos costos de las tecnologías disponibles para el muestreo. El zooplancton constituye un grupo de organismos clave para el mantenimiento de estos ecosistemas, al ser la fuente de alimento primaria de los corales, ya que las zooxantelas en estos hábitats tienen una baja tasa fotosintética debido a la baja incidencia de la luz. El propósito de este trabajo fue caracterizar la comunidad zooplanctónica asociada a MCEs en Bajo Fríjol. Se tomaron 15 muestras (tres por estación) filtrando 24 L de agua de mar (poro de malla: 45 |im) en cinco estaciones en Bajo Fríjol con un dispositivo diseñado para recolectar zooplancton justo sobre el andamio arrecifal. Se obtuvo la composición taxonómica, la densidad y la abundancia relativa, y se categorizaron las especies según su nivel trófico. Los crustáceos (especialmente nauplios y copépodos), los tintínidos y los foraminíferos fueron los más abundantes, en tanto que tintínidos y radiolarios presentaron la mayor riqueza de especies. Los herbívoros dominaron en composición y abundancia, como es usual en otras comunidades pelágicas. En este artículo se presentan los primeros reportes de radiolarios planctónicos y tintínidos de zonas oceánicas y MCE del Caribe colombiano, así como el primer listado de especies zooplanctónicas asociadas a ecosistemas de coral mesofóticos.

The ectosymbiotic community associated with bark and ambrosia beetles is diverse and speciose and adapted for life within tree tissues. This community—composed of fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and mites—interacts with beetle hosts in a variety of ways. Interactions are often not simple or clearly understood, and are rather context-dependent, shifting with changing environments. Ectosymbionts also interact with the tree and with natural enemies and competitors of beetle hosts within trees. In this chapter, we describe the effects of changing climate, especially elevated temperatures, on the composition and interactions of the ectosymbiotic community associated with bark and ambrosia beetles. We address (1) how changes in climate can differentially affect growth and reproduction of ectosymbiotic species, (2) how climate can drive changes in tree condition, increasing or decreasing secondary defenses, phloem nutrients, and moisture and affecting ectosymbionts associated with beetles, and (3) how climate change affects interactions among ectosymbionts, beetles, and trees.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in children is more often acquired in the community than in the hospital. Community-associated Clostridioides difficile infection (CA-CDI) cases seem to be rising, although this is confounded by the unclear role of C. difficile in children 1 and 3 years of age and overreliance on nucleic acid amplification tests for diagnosis. Exposure to antibiotics, acid suppression medications, health care settings, and close contacts with CDI are associated with CA-CDI in children. These infections are more common in children with chronic medical conditions, especially those involving the gastrointestinal tract and immune suppression. Most CA-CDI in children are mild and managed in the outpatient setting, but a small subset requires hospitalization and can be quite severe. Approximately 10% of children with CA-CDI experience a recurrence. Infection control guidance focuses on the hospital setting and future studies on the best methods for preventing community spread of C. difficile are needed.

Pneumonia caused by community-associated Staphylococcus aureus (CA-SA) has high morbidity and mortality, but its pathogenic mechanism remains to be further investigated. Herein, we identify that staphylokinase (SAK) is significantly induced in CA-SA and inhibits biofilm formation in a plasminogen-dependent manner. Importantly, SAK can enhance CA-SA-mediated pneumonia in both wild-type and cathelicidins-related antimicrobial peptide knockout (CRAMP−/−) mice, suggesting that SAK exacerbates pneumonia in a CRAMP-independent manner. Mechanistically, SAK induces pro-inflammatory effects, especially in the priming step of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Moreover, we demonstrate that SAK can increase K+ efflux, production of reactive oxygen species production, and activation of NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor can counteract the effective of SAK induced CA-SA lung infection in mice. Taken together, we speculate that SAK exacerbates CA-SA-induced pneumonia by promoting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of highly virulent CA-SA and emphasizes the importance of controlling inflammation in acute pneumonia.

Children exposed to antibiotics develop community-associated Clostridioides difficile infections in the 12 weeks following exposure. This secondary analysis was a retrospective review of children with filled prescriptions for commonly prescribed antibiotics between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016. Compared with amoxicillin, incident rates of community-associated Clostridioides difficile infections were highest following clindamycin, cephalosporins, and amoxicillin-clavulanate.

Sequence type 1 (ST1) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) type IV[2B] has become one of the most common community-associated MRSA clones in Australia. We report the complete genome sequence of one of the earliest isolated Australian S. aureus ST1-MRSA-IV strains, WBG8287, isolated from an Indigenous Australian patient living in the remote Kimberley Region of Western Australia.

Initially reported in Western Australia in the 1980s, community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has become a major cause of S. aureus infections globally. We report the complete genome sequences of three of the earliest CA-MRSA strains isolated from remote Australian Indigenous communities in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Background & Objective: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is reported as one of the important bacterial causes of burn wound infections. This study was carried out to investigate molecular characterization of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) isolated from Iranian burn patients. Methods: A total of 31 isolates of S. aureus were collected fromthe Motahari Burns Hospital (Tehran, Iran) in 2016. All isolates were collected from outpatients and inpatients within 48 hours of admission. The mecA, pvl, tsst-1, hla-α, and psmα genes detecting, SCCmec, agr and PFGE typing were done. Results: A total of 13 (41.9%) isolates were cefoxitin-resistant and mecA-positive, which were considered as MRSA. The SCCmec typing MRSA strains revealed type II in 1 (7.7%), type III in 9 (69.2%), and other types in 3 isolates (23.7%) cases. The agrtyping of all 31 isolates showed that 14 (45.2%), 1 (3.2%), 6 (19.4%), and 10 (32.3%) strains belonged to agr groups 1, 3, 4, and unknown type, respectively. The pvl, tsst-1, hla-α, and psmα genes were positive in 3 (9.7%), 4 (12.9%), 21 (67.7%), and 31 (100%) isolates, respectively. Considering the cut-off values of ≥50%, 3 groups of related isolates (cluster A1, B1, and C1) in PFGE study were observed. Conclusion: The MRSA strains of this study were initially isolated as Community-associated S. aureus (CA-MRSA); however molecular characterization showed that a significant proportion of them had hospital-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) features. Therefore, it is likely that the HA-MRSA strains are spread among the community.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus lugdunensis (MRSL) is increasingly recognized in healthcare and community settings. To obtain a better understanding of the emergence of MRSL, this study characterized the structure and content of the SCCmec elements harboured by 36 MRSL isolates obtained from diverse sources in Hong Kong from 2008 to 2017. The isolates were investigated by whole-genome sequencing. SCCmec types and subtypes were assigned according to the guidelines from the International Working Group on the Classification of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Elements. The sequence type (ST)–SCCmec combinations in the 36 MRSL isolates were as follows: ST3–SCCmec IV (n=2), ST3–SCCmec V (n=28), ST27–SCCmec V (n=5) and ST42–SCCmec V (n=1). The two SCCmec IV elements were highly similar to the SCCmec IV element harboured by the community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strain, JCSC6668. The J3–mec complex–J2 regions in the SCCmec V elements were highly similar to the corresponding regions in the CA-MRSA strains PM1 (n=13) or WIS (n=21). Based on the J1 to J3 sequences, the SCCmec V elements can be categorized into nine different subtypes. Our findings highlight the diversified structures of SCCmec elements among MRSL strains and their close relationship with SCCmec elements harboured by CA-MRSA.

The cell wall‐anchored protein‐encoding spj gene on staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec IVl (SCCmecIVl) was found to vary in size because of its 22‐ and 86‐aa repeat domains. The 22‐aa repeats are the more flexible of the two repeats, comprising three 11‐aa units, and were classified into three groups with eleven types. The 11/22‐aa repeats are longer in individuals with bullous impetigo, shorter in those with invasive disease and were absent in a fatal case, this last one having been rapidly diagnosed by PCR. IS431‐flanking pUB110 (bleO, aadD) is present on SCCmecIVl at 90%. The bacterial surface has the spj product and a unique surface layer.

Infestations of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor cause significant honey bee colony weakening, due to both host-feeding and virus transmission effects. In addition to the natural (i.e., beh...

This study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively analyse the molluscan assemblages associated with a Halodule wrightii seagrass bed in a rarely studied area within a conservation unit in north-eastern Brazil. Seasonal and spatial changes in several seagrass meadow characteristics, including sediment, were evaluated to explain temporal and spatial variations in the molluscs found there. The molluscan community differed in its structure among periods and meadows, as well as in the composition of its infaunal and epifaunal assemblages. The results of this study indicated that molluscs are affected by the particular characteristics of a seagrass meadow, especially by its location in the intertidal zone, more than by the area of the meadow. Molluscs were also affected by other characteristics of the seagrass meadow, such as above-ground biomass and shoot density. Changes in all molluscan assemblages were also mediated by differences among months and seasons in this region of the western equatorial Atlantic, but not by seasonal changes of the meadow. The studied meadow was found to be one of the densest in Brazil, which has considerable importance to its associated fauna.

Ayşegül Çopur Çiçek,1 Ayşe Ertürk,2 Nebahat Ejder,1 Erva Rakici,1 Uğur Kostakoğlu,2 Ä°lknur Esen Yıldız,2 Songül Özyurt,3 Emine Sönmez2 1Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Rize, Turkey; 2Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Rize, Turkey; 3Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Chest Diseases, Rize, TurkeyCorrespondence: Ayşegül Çopur ÇiçekRecep Tayyip Erdogan University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Rize, 53100, TurkeyEmail acopurcicek@gmail.comIntroduction: Researching carbapenem-resistant isolates enables the identification of carbapenemase-producing bacteria and prevents their spread.Methods: P. aeruginosa isolates were recovered from Medicine Faculty of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University and identified by conventional methods and the automated Vitek 2 Compact system. Antimicrobial susceptibility experiments were performed in accordance with CLSI criteria and the automated Vitek 2 Compact system. The PCR method was investigated for the presence of β-lactamase resistance genes. PFGE typing was performed to show clonal relation among samples.Results: Seventy P. aeruginosa isolates were isolated from seventy patients. Of the patients, 67.1% had contact with the health service in the last 90 days and 75.7% of the patients had received antimicrobial therapy in the previous 90 days. Twenty-four isolates were carbapenem resistant, 2 isolates were multidrug-resistant except colistin, and none of the samples had colistin resistance. The gene encoding β-lactamase or metallo-β-lactamase was found in a total of 36 isolates. The blaVEB and blaPER genes were identified in 1 and 5 isolates alone or 17 and 13 isolates in combination with other resistance genes, respectively. The blaNDM was the most detected metallo-β-lactamase encoding gene (n=18), followed by blaKPC (n=12). blaIMP and blaVIM were detected in 5 and 1 isolates, respectively. Also, the association of blaVEB-blaPER and blaVEB-blaKPC-blaNDM was found to be very high. Much more resistance genes and co-occurrence were detected in hospital-acquired samples than community-acquired samples. No difference was found between the community and hospital-associated isolates according to PFGE results. Simultaneously from 6 patients, other microorganisms were also isolated and 5 of them died.Conclusion: The average length of stay (days) was found to be significantly higher in HAI group than CAI group. The death of 5 patients with fewer or no resistance genes showed that the co-existence of other microorganisms in addition to resistance genes was important on death.Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, antibiotic resistance genes, epidemiology, PFGE

The role of procalcitonin in identifying community-associated bacterial infections among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 is not yet established. In 2,443 patients with 148 bacterial coinfections, mean procalcitonin levels were significantly higher with any bacterial infection (13.16 ± 51.19 ng/ml; P = 0.0091) and with bacteremia (34.25 ± 85.01 ng/ml; P = 0.0125) than without infection (2.00 ± 15.26 ng/ml)., The role of procalcitonin in identifying community-associated bacterial infections among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 is not yet established. In 2,443 patients of whom 148 had bacterial coinfections, mean procalcitonin levels were significantly higher with any bacterial infection (13.16 ± 51.19 ng/ml; P = 0.0091) and with bacteremia (34.25 ± 85.01 ng/ml; P = 0.0125) than without infection (2.00 ± 15.26 ng/ml). Procalcitonin (cutoff, 0.25 or 0.50 ng/ml) did not reliably identify bacterial coinfections but may be useful in excluding bacterial infection.

The quality of the cocoa seeds depends on various factors. Fermentation is among them because during this process flavor precursors are synthesized through the action of fungi and bacteria, whose diversity can change depending on the geographic location and the agricultural practices. This research aimed to characterize and compare the fungal community involved in spontaneous fermentations carried out under the same post-harvest agricultural practices in two farms located at completely different agro‑ecological zones by application of a high-throughput amplicon sequencing method. The results showed that the diversity of biological variants is different between regions. In the Magdalena Medio region, the fermentations were dominated by Hanseniaspora opuntiae, and Saccharomyces sp., while in Uraba region all the fermentation was characterized by an almost constant diversity and high abundance of H. opuntiae. In each site, unique biological variants of these two genera were detected. Additionally, differences were observed in the physicochemical parameters such as the pH and temperature of the fermentation mass, and the duration of the process. The analyses of these results allow concluding that the environmental conditions and indigenous microbiota of each cocoa-cultivation zone explained the differences found in this study.

In this paper, we discuss the community associated with Abstract State Machines (ASM), especially in the context of a Community of Practice (CoP), a social science concept, considering the development of ASM by its community of researchers and practitioners over time. We also consider the long-term historical context of the advisor tree of Egon Borger, the main promulgator of the ASM approach, which can be considered as multiple interrelated CoPs, distributed over several centuries. This includes notable mathematicians and philosophers among its number with some interesting links between the people involved. Despite most being active well before the inception of computer science, a number have been influential on the field.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections pose a significant burden on healthcare. Acute sinusitis can be one of its deadliest presentations as it can quickly lead to orbitocranial extension with complications including blindness, brain abscess and death. Previously believed to affect immunocompromised individuals only, community-associated MRSA is now known to affect healthy individuals too. The seriousness of MRSA infection increases manifold when the infection occurs in pregnant women who are immune modulated. We present a case of a 34-year-old pregnant lady who presented with a severe headache for two days. She had acute sinusitis that involved right orbit in less than 24 hours. She was promptly managed with intravenous antibiotics and drainage of abscess that revealed MRSA. Fortunately, the patient made a complete recovery. The purpose of this case report is to emphasize on keeping a high index of suspicion of MRSA for all soft tissue infections. Early recognition, proper evaluation and timely and appropriate treatment can prove lifesaving.

We evaluated the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and community-associated Clostridioides difficile infection (CA-CDI) incidence across 2474 census tracts in 10 states. Highly correlated community-level SES variables were transformed into distinct factors using factor analysis. We found low SES communities were associated with higher CA-CDI incidence.

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) threatens human health. A local CA-MRSA with ST8/SCCmecIVl (CA-MRSA/J) has emerged in Japan, being associated with progression from bullous impetigo to potentially fatal invasive infection. We found that CA-MRSA/J has unique bacterial surface structures, spikes, spikes with a cap, and long spikes, reflecting clinical origins.

Summary Background Panton–Valentine leucocidin (PVL)-positive community-associated meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is increasingly associated with infection outbreaks. Aim To investigate multiple suspected PVL-positive CA-MRSA outbreaks using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Methods Forty-six suspected outbreak-associated isolates from 36 individuals at three separate Irish hospitals (H1–H3) and from separate incidents involving separate families associated with H2 were investigated by whole-genome multi-locus sequence typing (wgMLST). Findings Two clusters (CH1 and CH2) consisting of 8/10 and 6/6 PVL-positive t008 ST8-MRSA-IVa isolates from H1 and H2, respectively, were identified. Within each cluster, neighbouring isolates were separated by ≤5 allelic differences; however, ≥73 allelic differences were identified between the clusters, indicating two independent outbreaks. Isolates from the H3 maternity unit formed two clusters (CH3–SCI and CH3–SCII) composed of four PVL-negative t4667 ST5-MRSA-V and 14 PVL-positive t002 ST5-MRSA-IVc isolates, respectively. Within clusters, neighbouring isolates were separated by ≤24 allelic differences, whereas both clusters were separated by 1822 allelic differences, indicating two distinct H3 outbreaks. Eight PVL-positive t127 ST1-MRSA-V+fus and three PVL-negative t267 ST97-MRSA-V+fus isolates from two distinct H2-associated families FC1 (N = 4) and FC2 (N = 7) formed three separate clusters (FC1 (t127), FC2 (t127) and FC2 (t267)). Neighbouring isolates within clusters were closely related and exhibited ≤7 allelic differences. Intrafamilial transmission was apparent, but the detection of ≥48 allelic differences between clusters indicated no interfamilial transmission. Conclusion The frequent importation of PVL-positive CA-MRSA into healthcare settings, transmission and association with outbreaks is a serious ongoing concern. WGS is a highly discriminatory, informative method for deciphering such outbreaks conclusively.

Infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are present worldwide and represent a major public health concern. The capability of PCR followed by high-resolution melt (HRM) curve analysis for the detection of community-associated and livestock-associated MRSA strains and the identification of staphylococcal protein A (spa) locus was evaluated in 74 MRSA samples which were isolated from the environment, humans, and pigs on a single piggery. PCR-HRM curve analysis identified four spa types among MRSA samples and differentiated MRSA strains accordingly. A nonsubjective differentiation model was developed according to genetic confidence percentage values produced by tested samples, which did not require visual interpretation of HRM curve results. The test was carried out at different settings, and result data were reanalyzed and confirmed with DNA sequencing. PCR-HRM curve analysis proved to be a robust and reliable test for spa typing and can be used as a tool in epidemiological studies.

Objective: the objective of this study was to investigate some virulence genes and SCCmec types of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates and to determine their relationship with virulence factors. Methods: A total of 100 MRSA strains, 64 from healthcare-associated and 36 from community-associated infections, were included in the study. the presence of mecA gene was investigated by PCR. SCCmec types and efb, clfB, agrA gene were detected by multiplex PCR and their relationship with virulence factors has been analyzed. Results: All of the isolates contain the mecA gene. At the same time, in 66 strains (66%) agrA gene, in 58 strains (58%) clfB gene, and in 47 strains (47%) efb gene were positive. in terms of SCCmec types, the distribution of these types among the 64 HA-SA strains was 53% similar-to-type-III, 16% type IV, 2% type I and 30% unclassified. the distribution of the types among the 36 CA-SA strains was 19% similar-to-type-III, 25% type IV, 8% type I and 47% unclassified, respectively. When SCCmec types were evaluated according to clinical sample type, similar-to-type-III isolates were found to be dominant in wound samples. Efb (78%), clfB (85%), agrA (88%) were the dominant genes in similar-to-type-III strains, whereas clfB (74%), agrA (100%) were the main genes detected in the type IV strains. Conclusions: It is of clinical and epidemiological importance to know the origin of MRSA strains because this affects the empirical treatment choice.

This study presents enhanced surveillance data from 2004 to 2018 for all community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) specimens collected in Western Australia (WA), and describes the changing epidemiology over this period. A total of 57 557 cases were reviewed. Annual incidence rates increased from 86.2 cases per 100 000 population to 245.6 per 100 000 population (IRR = 2.9, CI95 2.7–3.0). The proportion of isolates carrying Panton–Valentine leucocidin (PVL)-associated genes increased from 3.4% to 59.8% (χ2 test for trend 7021.9, P < 0.001). The emergence of PVL-positive, ‘Queensland CA-MRSA’ (ST93-IV) and ‘WA 121’ (ST5-IV) accounted for the majority of increases in CA-MRSA across the study period. It is unclear why some clones are more prolific in certain regions. In WA, CA-MRSA rates increase as indices of temperature and humidity increase after controlling for socioeconomic disadvantage. We suggest climatic conditions may contribute to transmission, along with other socio-behavioural factors. A better understanding of the ability for certain clones to form ecological niches and cause outbreaks is required.