Search

Objective: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii is a major issue within healthcare facilities in Bangladesh due to its frequent association with hospital-acquired infections. In this study we report on a carbapenem-resistant draft genome sequence of an A. baumannii BD20 sample isolated from an infected wound in Bangladesh. Methods: A. baumannii BD20 was isolated from an infected burn wound. Whole-genome sequencing was carried out and annotated using PGAP and Prokka. Sequence type, antimicrobial resistance genes, virulence factor genes, and metal resistance genes were investigated. Core genome multilocus sequence typing–based phylogenomic analysis between A. baumannii BD20 and 213 A. baumannii strains retrieved from the NCBI GenBank database was performed using the BacWGSTdb 2.0 server. Results: A. baumannii BD20 (MLST 491) was resistant to all the antibiotics tested, except for colistin and polymyxin B. Along with many other antibiotic resistance genes, the isolate harbored three classes of beta lactamase–producing genes: blaGES-11 (class A), blaOXA-69 (class D), blaADC-10 (class C), and blaADC-11 (class C). Additionally, the strain carried several virulence genes and metal resistance determinants, which may contribute to its increased virulence. Core genome MLST–based phylogenomic analysis revealed that A. baumannii BD20 was closely related to another ST491 strain isolated from Singapore. Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the growing challenge of MDR A. baumannii, emphasizing the need for vigilant surveillance and infection-control measures in healthcare settings in order to address these emerging threats effectively.

Background A compilation of kinase genes of Pectobacterium brasilense is presented. The genes were mined from a complete genome sequence of strain BD163 isolated from potato in Tshwane, South Africa. This work is an effort to collate knowledge on P. brasiliense which has become a worldwide pathogen of potatoes and other vegetables such as tomato. Histidine kinases of P. brasiliense can be targets of bacterial control agents to limit the growth, spread and pathogenicity of P. brasiliense. Methods The whole genome sequence of strain BD163 of P. brasiliense deposited on www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov was downloaded, and individual kinase genes were searched and listed with their properties, namely, locus tag, protein accession number and annotation. Conclusions This is the only compilation of histidine kinase genes for P. brasiliense.

Utilizing CO2 as a carbon source to produce high-value compounds, such as light olefins, is one of the most promising approaches to mitigate CO2 emissions. Efficient catalysts are critical for optimizing selectivity and yield of light olefins, which is necessary to make the CO2-to-light olefin process economically viable. Therefore, this review focused on various Fe-based catalysts and multifunctional catalysts containing zeolite used for producing short-chain olefins via CO2 hydrogenation. There are currently two main strategies to hydrogenate CO2 into light olefins in a single step: the CO2−FTS route and the MeOH-mediated route. The primary objective of the CO2-FT approach is to selectively produce the necessary C2–C4 olefins, with a focus on the coordination of active metals, promoters, and supports to adjust the surface H/C ratio, which is crucial for the formation of C2–C4 olefins. However, obtaining a high productivity of C2–C4 olefins from CO2 hydrogenation requires a significant improvement in activity with inhibiting secondary reactions. Currently, tandem catalysts containing SAPO-34 are currently favoured for the higher production of short-chain olefins from the hydrogenation of CO2, owing to their high oxygen vacancies, zeolite topology, and zeolite acidity. Specifically, In2O3-based formulations are sufficiently promising to get past the drawbacks of traditional iron catalysts. Tandem catalysts with metal oxide In2O3/ZrO2 and SAPO-34 components demonstrated promising results in reducing CO product poisoning. This article describes the latest progress, challenges, and prospects for research concerning CO2 hydrogenation into short-chain olefins using iron-based catalysts and alternative catalysts with multifunctional properties.

The Nipah virus (NiV) belongs to the Henipavirus genus is a serious public health concern causing numerous outbreaks with higher fatality rate. Unfortunately, there is no effective medication available for NiV. To investigate possible inhibitors of NiV infection, we used in silico techniques to discover treatment candidates in this work. As there are not any approved treatments for NiV infection, the NiV-enveloped attachment glycoprotein was set as target for our study, which is responsible for binding to and entering host cells. Our in silico drug design approach included molecular docking, post-docking molecular mechanism generalised born surface area (MM-GBSA), absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion/toxicity (ADME/T), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We retrieved 418 phytochemicals associated with the neem plant ( Azadirachta indica ) from the IMPPAT database, and molecular docking was used to ascertain the compounds’ binding strength. The top 3 phytochemicals with binding affinities of −7.118, –7.074, and −6.894 kcal/mol for CIDs 5280343, 9064, and 5280863, respectively, were selected for additional study based on molecular docking. The post-docking MM-GBSA of those 3 compounds was −47.56, –47.3, and −43.15 kcal/mol, respectively. As evidence of their efficacy and safety, all the chosen drugs had favorable toxicological and pharmacokinetic (Pk) qualities. We also performed MD simulations to confirm the stability of the ligand-protein complex structures and determine whether the selected compounds are stable at the protein binding site. All 3 phytochemicals, Quercetin (CID: 5280343), Cianidanol (CID: 9064), and Kaempferol (CID: 5280863), appeared to have outstanding binding stability to the target protein than control ribavirin, according to the molecular docking, MM-GBSA, and MD simulation outcomes. Overall, this work offers a viable approach to developing novel medications for treating NiV infection.

Background: A compilation of kinase genes of Pectobacterium brasilense is presented. The genes were mined from a complete genome sequence of strain BD163 isolated from potato in Tshwane, South Africa. This work is an effort to collate knowledge on P. brasiliense which has become a worldwide pathogen of potatoes and other vegetables such as tomato. Histidine kinases of P. brasiliense can be targets of bacterial control agents to limit the growth, spread and pathogenicity of P. brasiliense. Methods: The whole genome sequence of strain BD163 of P. brasiliense deposited on www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov was downloaded and individual kinase genes were searched and listed with their properties, namely, locus tag, protein accession number and annotation. Conclusions: This is the only compilation of histidine kinase genes for P. brasiliense.

The use of muscadine grape extracts (MGSE). in cancer treatment has gained attention due to its distinctive composition of polyphenols and antioxidants. This review analyses the reported anti-cancer properties of MGSE. The study commences by reviewing the phytochemical composition of MGSE, highlighting the presence of resveratrol and ellagic acid. Furthermore, the review underscores the mechanism of action of these active compounds in MGSE in combating cancer cells. The anti-cancer potential of MGSE compared to other plant extracts is also discussed. In addition, it highlights MGSE's superiority and distinct phytochemical composition in preventing cancer growth by comparing its anti-cancer compounds with those of other anti-cancer medicinal plants. Lastly, the combinatory approaches of MGSE with traditional cancer therapies, its safety, and its possible side effects were highlighted. This work provides an understanding of the anti-cancer properties of MGSE, positioning it as a valuable and unique challenge within the field of cancer therapy.

BackgroundThe Kids Intracranial Injury Decision Support tool for Traumatic Brain Injury (KIIDS-TBI) tool is a validated risk prediction model for managing children with mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) and intracranial injuries. Electronic clinical decision support (CDS) may facilitate the clinical implementation of this evidence-based guidance.ObjectiveOur objective was to evaluate the acceptability and usability of an electronic CDS tool for managing children with mTBI and intracranial injuries.MethodsEmergency medicine and neurosurgery physicians (10 each) from 10 hospitals in the United States were recruited to participate in usability testing of a novel CDS prototype in a simulated electronic health record environment. Testing included a think-aloud protocol, an acceptability and usability survey, and a semi-structured interview. The prototype was updated twice during testing to reflect user feedback. Usability problems recorded in the videos were categorized using content analysis. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsAmong the 20 participants, most worked at teaching hospitals (80%), freestanding children's hospitals (95%), and level-1 trauma centers (75%). During the two prototype updates, problems with clarity of terminology and navigating through the CDS interface were identified and corrected. Corresponding to these changes, the number of usability problems decreased from 35 in phase 1 to 8 in phase 3 and the number of mistakes made decreased from 18 (phase 1) to 2 (phase 3). Through the survey, participants found the tool easy to use (90%), useful for determining a patient's level of care (95%), and likely to improve resource use (90%) and patient safety (79%). Interview themes related to the CDS's ability to support evidence-based decision-making and improve clinical workflow proposed implementation strategies and potential pitfalls.ConclusionAfter iterative evaluation and refinement, the KIIDS-TBI CDS tool was found to be highly usable and useful for aiding the management of children with mTBI and intracranial injuries.

Abstract In the context of anti-cellular catalytic permutations, the development of thermally-induced nanotechnology is of great importance. In this study, iron oxides (Fe2O3) decorated silver (Ag) core–shell nanocomposite was prepared using a green thermal decomposition process without using any additional chemicals. The nanocomposite was characterized for its composition, phase interactions, morphology, and stability using spectroscopic, thermogravimetric, and microscopic techniques. The resultant nanocomposite were also investigated against different types of bacteria and cancer cell lines. Both Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella spp., E. coli, and Pseudomonas) growth was inhibited by the Ag/Fe2O3 nanocomposite. The highest 19 mm zone of inhibition (ZOI) was found for Staphylococcus aureus by the combined effect of Ag and Fe2O3. The antibiofilm efficacy of the prepared nanocomposites showed biofilm destruction of 82.56% Staphylococcus aureus and 51.06% Klebsiella spp. Furthermore, the nanocomposite resulted in 80–90% death of Hela and BHK-21 cells but displayed lower cell toxicity in the case of the Vero cell line. This pathway of nanocomposites preparation with particle surface engineering would open new doors in the fields of nanobiotechnology and nanobiomedical applications.

Abstract Aim This study aimed to assess nurses' satisfaction and perceptions of the impact of virtual learning. Design A descriptive cross‐sectional survey. Method 236 nurses attending an online conference from several parts of Nigeria participated in the study. Analysed data were summarized and presented in tables and graphs, while linear regression was used to measure the associations. Results Most of the respondents perceived the programme as highly impactful. All three domains: learner‐content interaction (p = 0.020), learner–instructor interaction (p = 0.000) and learner–learner interaction (p = 0.000), were found to be statistically significantly associated with the perceived impact of the programme, and thus statistically significant predictors of the effects of online learning (p = 0.02), (F = 5.471). Conclusively, the Interaction of learners with learning content, lecturers and other learners was seen as determinants of an effective and impactful online education. It is recommended that nursing training institutions embrace online learning either as the leading platform or as an adjunct to a face‐to‐face method.

A facile interconnected nanofibre electrode material derived from polybenzimidazol (PBI) was fabricated for a supercapacitor using a centrifugal spinning technique. The PBI solution in a mixture of dimethyl acetamide (DMA) and N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was electrospun to an interconnection of fine nanofibres. The as-prepared material was characterised by using various techniques, which include scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) among others. The specific surface area of the interconnected NCF material was noticed to be around 49 m2 g−1. Electrochemical properties of the material prepared as a single-electrode are methodically studied by adopting cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and constant-current charge–discharge techniques. A maximum specific capacitance of 78.4 F g−1 was observed for the electrode at a specific current of 0.5 A g−1 in a 2.5 M KNO3 solution. The electrode could also retain 96.7% of its initial capacitance after a 5000 charge–discharge cycles at 5 A g−1. The observed capacitance and good cycling stability of the electrode are supported by its specific surface area, pore volume, and conductivity. The results obtained for this material indicate its potential as suitable candidate electrode for supercapacitor application.

The study investigated the effects of Solve-Reflect-Pose Strategy (SRP) on pre-service mathematics teachers' algebraic knowledge for teaching in Nigeria. A pre-test-post-test quasi experimental design was employed. Intact classes were used and in all, 182 pre-service mathematics teachers' participated in the study (92 in the experimental group taught with the SRP and 90 in the control group taught using the Modified Conventional Method (MCM). One research instrument manipulated at three levels namely: Conceptual Knowledge Test (CKT), Procedural Knowledge Test (PKT) and Flexible Procedural Knowledge Test (FPKT), was used for the quantitative data and interview protocol for qualitative data. The two research questions formulated were analysed using descriptive statistics while independent sample t-test was used to analyse the two hypotheses. Results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the mean post-test achievement scores on conceptual knowledge test, procedural knowledge test and flexible procedural knowledge test between preservice teachers exposed to the SRP and those exposed to the MCM, all in favour of the SRP group. Based on the results, SRP should be adopted as an instructional strategy and efforts should be made to integrate the philosophy of SRP into the pre-service teachers' curriculum at the teacher-preparation institutions.

Abstract Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory pathogen that causes mild cold-like symptoms and severe lower respiratory tract infections, causing hospitalizations in children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Due to genetic variability, this virus causes life-threatening pneumonia and bronchiolitis in young infants. Thus, we examined 3600 whole genome sequences submitted to GISAID by 31 December 2022 to examine the genetic variability of RSV. While RSVA and RSVB coexist throughout RSV seasons, RSVA is more prevalent, fatal, and epidemic-prone in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and China. Additionally, the virus's attachment glycoprotein and fusion protein were highly mutated, with RSVA having higher Shannon entropy than RSVB. The genetic makeup of these viruses contributes significantly to their prevalence and epidemic potential. Several strain-specific SNPs co-occurred with specific haplotypes of RSVA and RSVB, followed by different haplotypes of the viruses. RSVA and RSVB have the highest linkage probability at loci T12844A/T3483C and G13959T/C2198T, respectively. The results indicate that specific haplotypes and SNPs may significantly affect their spread. Overall, this analysis presents a promising strategy for tracking the evolving epidemic situation and genetic variants of RSV, which could aid in developing effective control, prophylactic, and treatment strategies.

Abstract Background Resistance to multiple drugs in Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPN) is an important issue in human and animal medicine. KPN phenotypic and genotypic aspects in poultry samples have not been comprehensively explored in Bangladesh. Methods This research focused on the prevalence of antibiotic resistance and the characterization of KPN in Bangladeshi poultry isolates using both phenotypic and genotypic approaches. Results A total of 32 poultry samples were randomly obtained from a commercial poultry farm in Narsingdi, Bangladesh, and 43.90% (18/41) of the isolates were confirmed to be KPN, whereas all isolates were biofilm producers. The antibiotic sensitivity test revealed the most remarkable (100%) antibiotic resistance level against Ampicillin, Doxycycline and Tetracycline while remaining susceptible to Doripenem, Meropenem, Cefoxitin and Polymyxin B. Resistance to Nalidixic acid, Nitrofurantoin, Trimethoprim, Levofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Cefuroxime and Chloramphenicol ranges from 18% to 70%. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for carbapenem‐resistant KPN ranged from 128 to 512 mg/mL for Meropenem, Imipenem, Gentamycin and Ciprofloxacin, respectively. [Correction added on 15 June 2023, after first online publication: 512 g/mL was corrected to 512 mg/mL in the preceding sentence]. Carbapenemase‐producing KPN isolates harboured a single or multiple β‐lactamase genes, blaSIM‐1, blaIMP‐4 and blaOXA‐48 as well as one ESBL gene (blaTEM) and plasmid‐mediated quinolone resistance gene (qnrB). Furthermore, Cr and Co outperformed Cu and Zn in antibacterial effectiveness. Conclusions The results of this investigation showed that the high prevalence of multidrug‐resistant pathogenic KPN in our chosen geographic location had displayed sensitivity to FOX/PB/Cr/Co, which might be regarded as an alternate treatment to reduce pressure of use on carbapenems.

In this dispensation of the fourth industrial revolution, protein engineering has become a popular approach for increasing enzymatic activity, stability, and titer in the biosynthesis of natural products. This is attributed to its numerous advantages (over direct isolation from plants or via chemical synthesis), including decreasing or eliminating reaction byproducts, high precision, moderate handling of intricate and chemically unstable chemicals, overall reusability, and cost efficiency. Recently, protein engineering tools have advanced to redesign and enhance natural product biosynthesis. These methods include direct evolution, substrate engineering, medium engineering, enzyme engineering and immobilization, structure-assisted protein engineering, and advanced computational. Recent successes in implementing these emerging protein engineering technologies were critically discussed in this article. Also, the advantages, limitations, and applications in industrial and medical biotechnology were discussed. Last, future research directions and potential were also highlighted.

Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) catalyze the oxidation of alcohols and reduction of aldehydes and ketones. Primarily ADHs mitigate aldehydes and alcohol toxicity but they may also perform other functions. we listed all ADHs in the genome of strain BD163 of P. brasiliense submitted in www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. In total, 11 ADHs or alcohol dehydrogenase catalytic domain-containing proteins from the 4897858-length genome sequence of strain BD163 of P. brasiliense (GenBank JAKNTB000000000.1) were extracted, and when comparing with other strains, it was found that other P. brasiliense strains have similar or slightly different alcohol dehydrogenase capability. Still, other species had varying numbers of ADHs.

Global urbanization and the growing geographic range of Aedes mosquitoes are the leading causes of the increase in Chikungunya infections, and the lack of a particular antiviral therapy for the disease is a cause of great concern. This article represents the research done so far to find small compounds, like natural drug candidates, that could block the activity of envelope glycoprotein and work as an antiviral to treat CHIKV infection. Here, we used a wide range of in-silico drug design techniques, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, ADME/toxicity, post-docking MM-GBSA, PCA, and DCCM, to discover potential drug candidates targeting the specific protein of interest. Out of 483 natural compounds, 180 compounds passed the ADMET analysis, and the molecular docking identified the top three lead candidates (CID: 439533, CID: 3082330, and CID: 471) with an effective binding affinity of −4.686, −4.663, and −4.594 (kcal/mol), respectively. Both the control ligand and the lead compounds interacted with the common amino acid residues (TYR301, ILE231, PHE164, ILE321, GLN113), which indicates that lead compounds and the control ligand both bind in the common active site of the protein. Negative binding free energy of CID: 439533, CID: 3082330, CID: 471 were −35.07, −34.89, and −32.5 kcal/mol, respectively. These molecules were then further assessed using MD simulation, which verified the molecules!ˋ stability and binding to the targeted protein. The stability of the protein-ligand docking complex structure was evaluated using MD simulation. The ligands assessed in this study, CID: 439533, CID: 3082330, and CID: 471, unveiled the significant stability of the proteins' binding site in the MD simulation study, which also showed a high negative binding free energy value. Three principal components (PC1, PC2, PC3) for the lead compound CID: 3082330 (2′,3,5,7-Tetrahydroxyflavanone) were (50.08%), (22.61%), and (4.41%), respectively, which we can suggest as the best drug candidate, followed by CID: 439533. Both compounds may potentially inhibit CHIKV envelope glycoprotein activity.

Ebola, one of the deadliest known infectious diseases, was the root of epidemics in Western Africa from 2013 to 2016. Like other deadly viruses in the family Filoviridae with a high fatality rate, this virus also causes hemorrhagic fever. As a result, the Ebola virus (EBOV) represents a threat to global health. Since there are currently no effective treatments for EBOV infections, this study aims to identify potential natural drug candidates that may block the EBOV VP40 to prevent Ebola infections. The compounds were analyzed using ADMET, molecular docking, post-docking MM-GBSA, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. ADMET analysis identified 187 out of 452 compounds. According to molecular docking, the best three compounds were chosen from 187 compounds for further study with binding affinity −8.469, −8.175, and −7.918 kcal/mol for CID_21721878 (Kushenol L), CID_133561472 (2-[2,4-dihydroxy-5-[2-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-5-methylphenyl]phenyl]-5,7-dihydroxy-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one), and Amb_29844215 (Cathayanon I), respectively. The lead three compounds coordinated with the protein's shared amino acid residues (ILE216, PRO286, VAL287, LEU288, LEU213, PRO146, and VAL100) during molecular docking with hydrophobic bonds. Then, molecular docking results were validated using post-docking MM-GBSA of those three compounds are Kushenol L, 2-[2,4-dihydroxy-5-[2-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-5-methylphenyl]phenyl]-5,7-dihydroxy-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one and Cathayanon I had negative binding free energies of −69.53, −52.85, and −59.74 kcal/mol, respectively. All the selected compounds exhibit favorable pharmacokinetic (Pk) and toxicological properties, supporting their safety and efficacy. These three compounds were further evaluated using MD simulation, confirming the compounds' binding stability to the desired protein. After MD simulation, PCA, and DCCM analysis were performed. From all of these can suggest the best compound which is CID_21721878 (Kushenol L), which is a phytochemical derived from Cannabis sativa, another one is CID_13356472 which comes after Kushenol L, which is also a phytochemical found in several plants: Maclura tricuspidate, Euchresta japonica, Maclura pomifera. Both compounds can potentially inhibit EBOV VP40 protein activity.

BackgroundCurrent management of children with minor head trauma (MHT) and intracranial injuries is not evidence-based and may place some children at risk of harm. Evidence-based electronic clinical decision support (CDS) for management of these children may improve patient safety and decrease resource use. To guide these efforts, we evaluated the sociotechnical environment impacting the implementation of electronic CDS, including workflow and communication, institutional culture, and hardware and software infrastructure, among other factors.MethodsBetween March and May, 2020 semi-structured qualitative focus group interviews were conducted to identify sociotechnical influences on CDS implementation. Physicians from neurosurgery, emergency medicine, critical care, and pediatric general surgery were included, along with information technology specialists. Participants were recruited from nine health centers in the United States. Focus group transcripts were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. The final themes were then cross-referenced with previously defined sociotechnical dimensions.ResultsWe included 28 physicians and four information technology specialists in seven focus groups (median five participants per group). Five physicians were trainees and 10 had administrative leadership positions. Through inductive thematic analysis, we identified five primary themes: (1) clinical impact; (2) stakeholders and users; (3) tool content; (4) clinical practice integration; and (5) post-implementation evaluation measures. Participants generally supported using CDS to determine an appropriate level-of-care for these children. However, some had mixed feelings regarding how the tool could best be used by different specialties (e.g. use by neurosurgeons versus non-neurosurgeons). Feedback from the interviews helped refine the tool content and also highlighted potential technical and workflow barriers to address prior to implementation.ConclusionsWe identified key factors impacting the implementation of electronic CDS for children with MHT and intracranial injuries. These results have informed our implementation strategy and may also serve as a template for future efforts to implement health information technology in a multidisciplinary, emergency setting.

Abstract The multifactorial nature of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm development and genomic variabilities implicates its resistance to conventional antimicrobials and virulence. Therefore, genetic determinants need to be extensively studied to block the early steps of biofilm or already formed biofilms. In this study, a total of 20 multidrug resistant (MDR) clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were evaluated for their biofilm forming abilities and related genes. Of the isolates tested, all of them showed surface attachment tendencies in nutrient limiting conditions, and classified as strong (SBF = 45%), moderate (MBF = 30%) and weak (WBF = 25%) biofilm formers. Complete genome sequencing of representative strong (DMC-27b), moderate (DMC-20c) and weak biofilm former (DMC-30b) isolates was performed. Analysis of biofilm related genes in the sequenced genomes revealed that, 80 of the 88 biofilm related genes possess 98–100% sequence identity to the reference PAO1 strain. Complete and partial sequence data of LecB proteins from tested isolates indicate that isolates containing PA14-like LecB sequences produced strong biofilms. All of the 7 pel operon protein coding genes in weak biofilm former isolate 30b showed significant nucleotide sequence variation with other tested isolates, and their corresponding proteins are 99% identical with the pel operon proteins of PA7. Bioinformatics analyses identified divergent sequence and structural features that separate PA7 like pel operon proteins from reference PAO1-like pel operon. Congo red and pellicle forming assays revealed that the sequence and structure variations may have interfered with the Pel production pathway and resulted in impaired Pel production in isolate 30b that has a PA7 like pel operon. Expression analysis also showed that both pelB and lecB genes were about 5 to 6 folds upregulated after 24 h in SBF 27b in comparison with WBF 30b. Our findings indicate significant genomic divergence in biofilm related genes of P. aeruginosa strains that affect their biofilm phenotypes.

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic has strained human and material resources around the world. Practices in surgical oncology had to change in response to these resource limitations, triaging based on acuity, expected oncologic outcomes, availability of supportive resources, and safety of health care personnel.MethodsThe MD Anderson Head and Neck Surgery Treatment Guidelines Consortium devised the following to provide guidance on triaging head and neck cancer (HNC) surgeries based on multidisciplinary consensus. HNC subsites considered included aerodigestive tract mucosa, sinonasal, salivary, endocrine, cutaneous, and ocular.RecommendationsEach subsite is presented separately with disease-specific recommendations. Options for alternative treatment modalities are provided if surgical treatment needs to be deferred.ConclusionThese guidelines are intended to help clinicians caring for patients with HNC appropriately allocate resources during a health care crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to advocate for individual consideration of cases in a multidisciplinary fashion based on individual patient circumstances and resource availability.

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic has strained human and material resources around the world. Practices in surgical oncology had to change in response to these resource limitations, triaging based on acuity, expected oncologic outcomes, availability of supportive resources, and safety of health care personnel.MethodsThe MD Anderson Head and Neck Surgery Treatment Guidelines Consortium devised the following to provide guidance on triaging head and neck cancer (HNC) surgeries based on multidisciplinary consensus. HNC subsites considered included aerodigestive tract mucosa, sinonasal, salivary, endocrine, cutaneous, and ocular.RecommendationsEach subsite is presented separately with disease-specific recommendations. Options for alternative treatment modalities are provided if surgical treatment needs to be deferred.ConclusionThese guidelines are intended to help clinicians caring for patients with HNC appropriately allocate resources during a health care crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to advocate for individual consideration of cases in a multidisciplinary fashion based on individual patient circumstances and resource availability.

Abstract Background Staphylococcus spp. are the major causal agents of mastitis in dairy animals worldwide leading to profound economic losses and public health threats. Recently, Staphylococcus aureus has emerged as a multidrug resistant and zoonotic pathogen. This study aimed to characterize S. aureus in subclinical mastitis (SCM) milk samples of riverine buffaloes in Bangladesh through antibiogram and virulence gene(s) profiling, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Method We characterized S. aureus in SCM milk samples (N = 500) of riverine buffaloes through antibiogram and virulence gene(s) profiling, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results Out of 500 milk samples tested, 188 (37.6%) were found positive for SCM. From 188 SCM samples, 291 isolates were obtained with a prevalence of S. aureus in 37.4% (109/291) isolates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolutionary divergence of S. aureus isolates in bubaline SCM milk samples. The antibiogram profiling showed that about 96.0% S. aureus isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). Notably, 29 and 16 isolates harboured methicillin‐resistant (mecA) and panton‐valentine leucocidin (pvl) genes, respectively, and 46 plasmid‐bearing isolates were MDR. Nine Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs/SEls) including sea (11.9%), sec (7.4%), sed (4.6%), seg (3.7%), and seh (3.7%) were detected with 72.48% toxinotypes comprising a single gene. Conclusion This study therefore suggests S. aureus as the single‐most aetiology (∼37.0%) of SCM in riverine buffaloes, and emergence of MDR, enterotoxin producing, and virulent S. aureus strains could impose potential threats to animal welfare and public health.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is a necrotrophic plant pathogen that causes cottony rot, watery soft rot, stem rot, white mold, and other disease symptoms in over 700 plant hosts around the world. Destruction of economically important crops, the lack of resistant cultivars, and the general challenge of controlling diseases caused by this broad-based pathogen call for continued research. However, in recent years, mass spectrometry–based proteomics analyses have been used to acquire a fundamental and in-depth molecular understanding of this fungal pathogen. In this review, we describe the characteristics of the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum pathogen and examine its virulence factors, secreted proteins, and host suppression mechanisms. Furthermore, we review recent proteomics studies and extrapolate their primary findings for the identification and functional characterization of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum proteins. Finally, we discuss key findings that shape the understanding of the virulent factors and pathogenesis of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and outline directions for future proteomic investigations of plant pathogens.

Genomes may now be sequenced in a matter of weeks, leading to an influx of “hypothetical” proteins (HP) whose activities remain a mystery in GenBank. The information included inside these genes has quickly grown in prominence. Thus, we selected to look closely at the structure and function of an HP (AFF25514.1; 246 residues) from Pasteurella multocida (PM) subsp. multocida str. HN06. Possible insights into bacterial adaptation to new environments and metabolic changes might be gained by studying the functions of this protein. The PM HN06 2293 gene encodes an alkaline cytoplasmic protein with a molecular weight of 28352.60 Da, an isoelectric point (pI) of 9.18, and an overall average hydropathicity of around −0.565. One of its functional domains, tRNA (adenine (37)-N6)-methyltransferase TrmO, is a S -adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferase (MTase), suggesting that it belongs to the Class VIII SAM-dependent MTase family. The tertiary structures represented by HHpred and I-TASSER models were found to be flawless. We predicted the model’s active site using the Computed Atlas of Surface Topography of Proteins (CASTp) and FTSite servers, and then displayed it in 3 dimensional (3D) using PyMOL and BIOVIA Discovery Studio. Based on molecular docking (MD) results, we know that HP interacts with SAM and S -adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), 2 crucial metabolites in the tRNA methylation process, with binding affinities of 7.4 and 7.5 kcal/mol, respectively. Molecular dynamic simulations (MDS) of the docked complex, which included only modest structural adjustments, corroborated the strong binding affinity of SAM and SAH to the HP. Evidence for HP’s possible role as an SAM-dependent MTase was therefore given by the findings of Multiple sequence alignment (MSA), MD, and molecular dynamic modeling. These in silico data suggest that the investigated HP might be used as a useful adjunct in the investigation of Pasteurella infections and the development of drugs to treat zoonotic pasteurellosis.