Relative Isolation Research Articles

Novel oil-associated bacteria in Arctic seawater exposed to different nutrient biostimulation regimes.

The Arctic Ocean is an oligotrophic ecosystem facing escalating threats of oil spills as ship traffic increases owing to climate change-induced sea ice retreat. Biostimulation is an oil spill mitigation strategy that involves introducing bioavailable nutrients to enhance crude oil biodegradation by endemic oil-degrading microbes. For bioremediation to offer a viable response for future oil spill mitigation in extreme Arctic conditions, a better understanding of the effects of nutrient addition on Arctic marine microorganisms is needed. Controlled experiments tracking microbial populations revealed a significant decline in community diversity along with changes in microbial community composition. Notably, differential abundance analysis highlighted the significant enrichment of the unexpected genera Lacinutrix, Halarcobacter and Candidatus Pseudothioglobus. These groups are not normally associated with hydrocarbon biodegradation, despite closer inspection of genomes from closely related isolates confirming the potential for hydrocarbon metabolism. Co-occurrence analysis further revealed significant associations between these genera and well-known hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, suggesting potential synergistic interactions during oil biodegradation. While these findings broaden our understanding of how biostimulation promotes enrichment of endemic hydrocarbon-degrading genera, further research is needed to fully assess the suitability of nutrient addition as a stand-alone oil spill mitigation strategy in this sensitive and remote polar marine ecosystem.

Evaluation of Biocides Susceptibility and Expression of Qace-Δ1 And Suge1 Genes of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in Exposure to Biocides and Meropenem

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a species of medical significance that plays a role in nosocomial infections, particularly those resulting from burns and wounds. Bacterial antibiotic resistance may have developed as a result of the abuse of biocides in hospitals. This study aimed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates in relation to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), chlorohexidine (CHX), and resazurin dye using a microtiter plate assay. Additionally, it evaluated the expression of the efflux pump genes (qacE-Δ1 and sugE1) at sub-inhibitory concentrations of the biocides using RT-qPCR (delta delta Ct method) to improve their efflux pump system. The MICs of 24 P. aeruginosa isolates (14 isolates were resist to carbapenems and 10 isolates sensitive to carbapenems) against Chloroxylenol (Dettol) revealed that the range of MICs were (0. 125-2%). The results of MICs of Chlorohexidine (CHX) revealed that the range of inhibitory activity was (0.8-102.4 µg/ml), also the findings of MICs of EDTA demonstrated that the range of inhibitory activity was (125-2000 µg/ml). The genes involved in efflux pump (qacE -Δ1 and sugE1) were found to be significantly up-regulated in the local isolates, according to our findings.. The four isolates' sugE1 gene expression folds ranged from 1.81 to 5.39; this result was more than the fold of the control (the fold change is 1), with the meropenem isolate having the highest fold value (5.39) and sub-MIC value (8 µg/ml). Furthermore, the four isolates' qacE-Δ1 gene expression folds ranged from 2.11 to 5.01, which was higher than the fold of the control, where the highest fold value was recorded for the EDTA (5.01) with the sub-MIC value (125-500 µg/ml). Also, a high value of upregulation of the gene qacE –Δ1, during the treatment with dettol with sub-MIC (0.25-0.5%), and the fold change was 4.19. In conclusion, the present findings indicated to the significant relationship between the treatments with meropenem and the high values of gene expression of the gene sugE1 in comparison with the control and other agents, Furthermore, compared to the antibiotic and control, there was a strong correlation found between the high fold changes of the gene qacE -Δ1 with the presence of dettol and EDTA.

Whole genome sequencing and characterization of Corynebacterium isolated from the healthy and dry eye ocular surface

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to characterize Corynebacterium isolated from the ocular surface of dry eye disease patients and healthy controls. We aimed to investigate the pathogenic potential of these isolates in relation to ocular surface health. To this end, we performed whole genome sequencing in combination with biochemical, enzymatic, and antibiotic susceptibility tests. In addition, we employed deferred growth inhibition assays to examine how Corynebacterium isolates may impact the growth of potentially competing microorganisms including the ocular pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as other Corynebacterium present on the eye.ResultsThe 23 isolates were found to belong to 8 different species of Corynebacterium with genomes ranging from 2.12 mega base pairs in a novel Corynebacterium sp. to 2.65 mega base pairs in C. bovis. Whole genome sequencing revealed the presence of a range of antimicrobial targets present in all isolates. Pangenome analysis showed the presence of 516 core genes and that the pangenome is open. Phenotypic characterization showed variously urease, lipase, mucinase, protease and DNase activity in some isolates. Attention was particularly drawn to a potentially new or novel Corynebacterium species which had the smallest genome, and which produced a range of hydrolytic enzymes. Strikingly the isolate inhibited in vitro the growth of a range of possible pathogenic bacteria as well as other Corynebacterium isolates. The majority of Corynebacterium species included in this study did not seem to possess canonical pathogenic activity.ConclusionsThis study is the first reported genomic and biochemical characterization of ocular Corynebacterium. A number of potential virulence factors were identified which may have direct relevance for ocular health and contribute to the finding of our previous report on the ocular microbiome, where it was shown that DNA libraries were often dominated by members of this genus. Particularly interesting in this regard was the observation that some Corynebacterium, particularly new or novel Corynebacterium sp. can inhibit the growth of other ocular Corynebacterium as well as known pathogens of the eye.

Expression of Pili Genes (ebpA and ebpC) Associated with Multi Drug Resistant Enterococcus faecalis Isolates

The antibiotic susceptibility was determined for 118 clinical E. faecalis isolates , the isolates showed various levels of susceptibilities to different antibiotics and 70.5% of these isolates were multidrug resistant. The relative expression of ebpA gene in six multidrug resistance E. faecalis isolates was determined in comparison with antibiotic-sensitive isolates selected as a control sample. The isolate 21 from root canal (multi drug resistance) showed increasing in expression in comparison with antibiotic sensitive isolates of E. faecalis. The relative expression of ebpC gene in multidrug resistance E. faecalis isolates was determined in comparison with antibiotic sensitive isolates which were selected as control samples. The isolate 21 from root canal and the isolates 19 from urine (multi drug resistance) showed high expression in comparison with antibiotic sensitive isolates of E. faecalis. The expression of ebpA and ebpC genes in multi drug resistance isolates in relation to their sources showed that urine group gave a high rate of expression of ebpC followed by root canal in comparison with ebpA expression. In contrast, the vagina group gave a higher expression of ebpA than ebpC. The findings of the present investigation revealed a significant correlation (P=0.05) between the multi-drug resistance and gene expression of ebpA gene, while there is no significant (P=0.05) correlation with ebpC.

Genomics of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis isolated from the ocular surface of dry eye disease sufferers

Ocular surface inflammatory disorders, such as dry eye, are becoming increasingly prevalent. Developing new treatment strategies targeting harmful bacteria could provide significant therapeutic benefits. The purpose of this study was to characterize the common ocular pathogen Staphylococcus aureus and the rarer endophthalmitis-associated species Enterococcus faecalis isolated from the ocular surface of dry eye disease patients in Norway. Together the 7 isolates (5 S. aureus and 2 E. faecalis) comprise the complete set of members of each species isolated in our previous study of the ocular microbiome of 61 dry eye sufferers. We aimed to investigate the pathogenic potential of these isolates in relation to ocular surface health. To this end, we used whole genome sequencing, multiplex PCR directed at virulence genes and antibiotic susceptibility tests encompassing clinically relevant agents. The E. faecalis isolates showed resistance to only gentamicin. S. aureus isolates displayed susceptibility to most of the tested antibiotics, except for two isolates which showed resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and three isolates which were resistant to ampicillin. Susceptibilities included sensitivity to several first-line antibiotics for treatment of ocular infections by these species. Thus, treatment options would be available if required. However, spontaneous resistance development to gentamicin and rifampicin occurred in some S. aureus which could be a cause for concern. Whole genome sequencing of the isolates showed genome sizes ranging from 2.74 to 2.83 Mbp for S. aureus and 2.86 Mbp for E. faecalis, which is typical for these species. Multilocus sequence typing and phylogenetic comparisons with previously published genomes, did not suggest the presence of eye-specific clusters for either species. Genomic analysis indicated a high probability of pathogenicity among all isolates included in the study. Resistome analysis revealed the presence of the beta-lactamase blaZ gene in all S. aureus isolates and the dfrG gene in two of them; while E. faecalis isolates carried the lsa(A) gene which confers intrinsic resistance to lincosamides and streptogramin A in this species. Screening for virulence factors revealed the presence of various pathogenicity associated genes in both S. aureus and E. faecalis isolates. These included genes coding for toxin production and factors associated with evading the host immune system. Some of the identified genes (tst, hylA &hylB) are suggested to be linked to the pathophysiology of dry eye disease. Lastly, the presence of specific S. aureus virulence genes was confirmed through multiplex PCR analysis.

“An Era More than Bleak”

AbstractFerenc Farkas, a remarkable twentieth-century Hungarian composer, was one of the most influential professors of composition throughout the history of the Liszt Academy of Music, Budapest. A less known chapter of his life is his involvement in the ethnicist and anti-Semitic political movements of Hungary, during the late 1930s and early 1940s. In 1940, he was among three musicians who elaborated a proposal to establish, in line with the rise of corporatism, a Hungarian Music Chamber. One of the main aims of the new organization would have been a total exclusion of Jewish musicians from all branches of Hungarian musical culture. The Chamber was never actually founded. In 1941, Farkas left Budapest for the Transylvanian city Kolozsvár (Cluj), where he was appointed professor of composition at the Conservatory. One of his first students was György Ligeti, a native Transylvanian, born into a Hungarian family suffering under the anti-Semitic legislation of the Hungarian state. As Ligeti recollected, Farkas “wanted to teach me everything he had learned from his teacher Ottorino Respighi.” Based on archival sources, this study offers new insights into the personal and professional connection between Ligeti and Farkas during the 1940s, and also follows Farkas's post-war path from relative isolation and marginalization to the elite of state socialist music culture.

Environmental bacterial load during surgical and ultrasound procedures in a Swedish small animal hospital

BackgroundEnvironmental bacteria in animal healthcare facilities may constitute a risk for healthcare-associated infections (HAI). Knowledge of the bacterial microflora composition and factors influencing the environmental bacterial load can support tailored interventions to lower the risk for HAI. The aims of this study were to: (1) quantify and identify environmental bacteria in one operating room (OR) and one ultrasound room (UR) in a small animal hospital, (2) compare the bacterial load to threshold values suggested for use in human healthcare facilities, (3) characterise the genetic relationship between selected bacterial species to assess clonal dissemination, and (4) investigate factors associated with bacterial load during surgery.Settle plates were used for passive air sampling and dip slides for surface sampling. Bacteria were identified by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption—Time Of Flight. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by broth microdilution. Single nucleotide polymorphism-analysis was performed to identify genetically related isolates. Linear regression was performed to analyse associations between observed explanatory factors and bacterial load.ResultsThe bacterial load on settle plates and dip slides were low both in the OR and the UR, most of the samples were below threshold values suggested for use in human healthcare facilities. All settle plates sampled during surgery were below the threshold values suggested for use in human clean surgical procedures.Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus spp. were the dominating species. There was no indication of clonal relationship among the sequenced isolates. Bacteria carrying genes conveying resistance to disinfectants were revealed.Air change and compliance with hygiene routines were sufficient in the OR. No other factors possibly associated with the bacterial load were identified.ConclusionsThis study presents a generally low bacterial load in the studied OR and UR, indicating a low risk of transmission of infectious agents from the clinical environment. The results show that it is possible to achieve bacterial loads below threshold values suggested for use in human healthcare facilities in ORs in small animal hospitals and thus posing a reduced risk of HAI. Bacteria carrying genes conveying resistance to disinfectants indicates that resistant bacteria can persist in the clinical environment, with increased risk for HAI.

Between Refusal and Refuge. Queer Feminist Bookstore Savannah Bay

Feminist bookstores have played an important role in the creation of feminist spaces since the end of the 20th century. In the Netherlands, Savannah Bay is one of the last remaining in a previous network of feminist bookstores. This article explores how the bookstore manages to uphold its function as a feminist space while operating in relative isolation. The data used for this analysis consists of a series of interviews with volunteers working at Savannah Bay. This data is analysed via Bonnie Honig’s <i>Feminist Theory of Refusal</i> (2021), which<i> </i>connects three forms of feminist resistance within one arc of feminist refusal. Crucial to this arc is the circular movement where the women first leave the city, then organise a new way of living, and then return to the city to implement their ideas. By reading the experiences of Savannah Bay volunteers via Honig’s theory of refusal, this article analyses how the bookstore manages to uphold a feminist space while being embedded in a predominantly patriarchal public sphere. It demonstrates the complex ways in which Savannah Bay continuously negotiates its relationship to the customers and volunteers it caters for on the one hand, and a patriarchal public sphere which it seeks to reform on the other hand. Additionally, this reading extends and nuances Honig’s theoretical approach by relating it to empirical data, which raises questions about the conditions for fulfilling Honig’s feminist arc of refusal, and about the relations between the various moments on the arc.

Analysis of fine-scale phylogeny of Burkholderia pseudomallei in relation to regional geography and drug susceptibility in Thailand

Melioidosis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp) is a public health threat. Genomic-epidemiology research on this deadly disease is scarce. We investigated whole-genome sequences of Bp isolates in relation to environmental source and drug susceptibility. In total, 563 Bp isolates were collected from 11 Northeast Thai provinces during the period 2004–2021. Patients (n = 530 isolates), infected animals (n = 8), and environmental sources (n = 25) provided samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed genetic diversity among the Bp isolates, including numerous well-supported clusters of varying sizes. Through in-depth analysis of 38 monophyletic clades (MCs), we found eleven associated with province of origin (p-value < 0.001). Closely related clusters (CRCs) within MCs resembled MLST-identified “sequence types” (STs). We found 102 known and 52 novel STs. ST-70 was the most prevalent in this area (n = 78; 13.85%). Sample type (human/environmental) and sampling time intervals were not correlated with genetic distance among clonal Bp isolates. Some members of 12 CRCs had acquired resistance to co-trimoxazole and one against amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Within Northeast Thailand, there is an association between Bp genotype and geographical origin.

Comparison of gene-by-gene and genome-wide short nucleotide sequence-based approaches to define the global population structure of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Defining the population structure of a pathogen is a key part of epidemiology, as genomically related isolates are likely to share key clinical features such as antimicrobial resistance profiles and invasiveness. Multiple different methods are currently used to cluster together closely related genomes, potentially leading to inconsistency between studies. Here, we use a global dataset of 26 306 Streptococcus pneumoniae genomes to compare four clustering methods: gene-by-gene seven-locus MLST, core genome MLST (cgMLST)-based hierarchical clustering (HierCC) assignments, life identification number (LIN) barcoding and k-mer-based PopPUNK clustering (known as GPSCs in this species). We compare the clustering results with phylogenetic and pan-genome analyses to assess their relationship with genome diversity and evolution, as we would expect a good clustering method to form a single monophyletic cluster that has high within-cluster similarity of genomic content. We show that the four methods are generally able to accurately reflect the population structure based on these metrics and that the methods were broadly consistent with each other. We investigated further to study the discrepancies in clusters. The greatest concordance was seen between LIN barcoding and HierCC (adjusted mutual information score=0.950), which was expected given that both methods utilize cgMLST, but have different methods for defining an individual cluster and different core genome schema. However, the existence of differences between the two methods shows that the selection of a core genome schema can introduce inconsistencies between studies. GPSC and HierCC assignments were also highly concordant (AMI=0.946), showing that k-mer-based methods which use the whole genome and do not require the careful selection of a core genome schema are just as effective at representing the population structure. Additionally, where there were differences in clustering between these methods, this could be explained by differences in the accessory genome that were not identified in cgMLST. We conclude that for S. pneumoniae, standardized and stable nomenclature is important as the number of genomes available expands. Furthermore, the research community should transition away from seven-locus MLST, whilst cgMLST, GPSC and LIN assignments should be used more widely. However, to allow for easy comparison between studies and to make previous literature relevant, the reporting of multiple clustering names should be standardized within the research.

Comparison of Beta-Lactamase Profiles and Epidemiology of Multi-Drug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates in Southwest Turkey: 2011 vs. 2019 Study

Background: The most significant problem encountered with hospital infections caused by multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates is the difficulty in treatment. Defining resistance mechanisms is important for the development of treatment strategies. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the beta-lactamase genes and clonal relationship in multi-drug resistant A. baumannii isolates in Mugla, Turkey, as no data are currently available for this province. Methods: Total 96 multi-drug resistant A. baumannii isolates obtained from hospitalized patients, between 2011 - 2012 period (n = 61) and in year 2019 (n = 35) were investigated and compared for antibiotic susceptibilities, beta-lactamase enzyme encoding genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) PCR was made for dendrogram analysis to illustrate hierarchical relationship between isolates. Results: Overall, 74.0% of the isolates were obtained from patients in intensive care units. All multi-drug resistant isolates were found resistant to ciprofloxacin, piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem, and imipenem by the disk diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration values indicated that all isolates were resistant to imipenem, while colistin resistance was determined as 21.9%. The ISAba-I insertion element was present in all isolates. BlaOXA-23-like was present in 96.9%, and blaOXA-24-like was detected in three (3.1%) isolates. blaNDM positivity was shown in 5.2% of isolates. The indistinguishable or closely related isolates ratio was detected as 29.5% for the 2011 - 2012 period and 80% for 2019. Conclusions: Our findings showed that antibiotic resistance rates were high in A. baumannii, particularly isolated from intensive care unit patients in Mugla province. The prevalence of beta-lactamase and metallo-beta-lactamase genes has been increasing year by year, with the blaOXA-23-like gene region being the most prevalent. Additionally, the co-existence of these genes among strains is also on the rise. These findings from two different periods may provide useful reference data for future studies.

The Arab Spring and Russia's Middle East Policy

Russia's Middle East policy has undergone a significant change following the occurrence of the Arab Spring. The main reason for this change was the new strategic realities created by the Arab Spring in the region. Russia first considered the Arab Spring as a regional domestic issue, but this perspective changed as outside influences became involved in the events. The Western powers viewing the Arab Spring as a new regional political configuration influenced the overall framework of this change. The development that had the greatest impact on Russia's approach to the Arab Spring was the events in Libya. NATO's military intervention in Libya has led to the disruption of Russia's gains in the region. In this context, the Libyan issue has provided an opportunity for Russia to radically reconsider its Middle East policy. Unlike the reluctant and cautious attitude in Libya, Russia's regional policy on Syria has taken a more concrete form. Russia’s military operation in Syria can be considered in this context. It is impossible to consider the military operation in 2015 in isolation from the developments that emerged after the annexation of Crimea, which led to Russia's relative international isolation. The paradigm shifts and differences in approach in Russian foreign policy after 2014 should not be ignored within this context.

Transition to Whole Genome Sequencing Surveillance: The Impact on National Outbreak Detection and Response for Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli, and Shigella Clusters in Canada, 2015-2021.

Between 2017 and 2019, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was replaced by whole genome sequencing (WGS) for identifying enteric disease clusters in Canada. The number and characteristics of all clusters of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and Shigella spp. between 2015 and 2021 were analyzed. Following the transition to WGS, an increase in the number of Salmonella, STEC, and Shigella clusters was noted, whereas the number of clusters of L. monocytogenes decreased. Unlike previous subtyping methods, WGS provided increased resolution to identify discrete clusters of Salmonella Enteritidis. This led to the identification of a number of outbreaks linked to frozen raw breaded chicken products and ultimately a change in food safety policy to reduce the number of illnesses associated with these products. Other pathogens did not experience a similar increase in the number of outbreaks detected. Although WGS did provide increased confidence in the genetic relatedness of cases and isolates, challenges remained in collecting epidemiological data to link these illnesses to a common source.

Molecular epidemiology of string test-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in Huzhou, China, 2020-2023.

This study used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to explore the genetic diversity, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance determinants of string test-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) over a 4-year surveillance period in Huzhou, China. In total, 632 clinical isolates were collected via hospital surveillance from 2020 to 2023; 100 were positive in the string test and these 100 strains were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using an agar dilution method followed by WGS. The resistance rates to cefotaxime (77.0%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (67.0%), and nalidixic acid (64.0%) were high. Multilocus sequence typing revealed high genetic diversity; there were 33 sequence types (STs) and 15 capsular serotypes. The most common ST was ST23 (16.0%) and the most common capsular serotype was K1 (22.5%). Virulome analysis revealed among-strain differences in virulence factors that affected bacterial adherence, efflux pump action, iron uptake, nutritional factors, metabolic regulation, the secretion system, and toxin production. The Kleborate strain-specific virulence scores of all 100 string test-positive KPs were derived: 28 strains scored 5, 28 scored 4, 21 scored 3, 12 scored 1, and 11 scored 0. All 77 strains with scores of 3 to 5 contained the iucA gene. The phylogeny based on whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (wgSNPs) indicated high clonality; the string test-positive KP strains were grouped into six clades. Closely related isolates in each genetic cluster usually shared STs. The present study highlights the significance of the KP iucA gene in terms of hypervirulence and the diverse genotypes of string test-positive KP strains isolated in Huzhou hospitals.

What is the role of energy communities in tackling energy poverty? Measures, barriers and potential in the Netherlands

Energy poverty has become a growing concern. Energy communities have been highlighted to be key enablers to facilitate a just energy transition. However, energy poverty and energy communities have mostly been treated in relative isolation from each other. This study sets to unravel the specificities of energy communities' energy poverty alleviation approaches and barriers faced. The Netherlands is selected as a case due to a doubling of energy communities over the past decade and, as in the whole of Europe, growing concern about energy poverty. A survey is developed to appraise energy communities' (lack of) engagement in tackling energy poverty with n = 196. Using an ordinal logistic model, the self-reported effectiveness of approaches of energy communities in addressing energy poverty is assessed. Key results are that 52 % of energy communities address energy poverty, predominantly through providing advice, financial support and small energy efficiency measures. The largest barriers are identifying and reaching households in energy poverty, and lack of financial and human resource capacities. This study concludes that energy communities have potential to address energy poverty because of their capacity for citizen engagement and, in some cases, their financial support to vulnerable households. Future research is recommended to scrutinise the potential of energy communities to contribute to energy poverty alleviation as part of a local governance arrangement of partners. Insights from this study on implications for energy community movements and policy makers can also be valuable for other countries facing energy poverty challenges.

Peculiarities of achieving the sustainable development goals in interaction wit private international law

Regrettably, the triple global catastrophe of pollution, natural loss, and climate change coexists with the global socioeconomic problems of poverty and inequality. Temperatures are increasing at an unprecedented rate; biodiversity is disappearing swiftly, with potentially dire consequences for all of us; and pollution is becoming a global issue, killing millions of people annually and continuing to worsen. There is no normative vacuum in which the 169 targets and 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were born or placed. They are based on international law and designed to be compliant with the commitments made in a number of soft law instruments and international agreements. There is, of course, a connection between international law and the SDGs. What kind of relationship do they have? How much and how may the SDGs and international law complement one another to improve systems integration .In an effort to leverage the relationship for global sustainability, this paper investigates these issues from two angles. First, do the SDGs play a key role in bringing together different international organizations to work toward the ultimate goal of sustainable development? Most international institutions function in relative isolation and may pursue conflicting interests since they are engrossed in their respective mandates and goals. Goal-setting, as a governance technique to prioritize, motivate, and provide direction, has been proposed by some observers as a way to improve the overall performance of current institutions in fostering sustainable development. Insofar as providing consistency to an otherwise divergent and even inconsistent set of institutional arrangements, how effective are the SDGs likely to be? Second, is it conceivable that international law will aid in the integrated implementation of the SDGs? The SDGs themselves have come under fire for lacking consistency, even though they pride themselves on being “integrated and indivisible. This is a problem since the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) experience has demonstrated that achieving these governance goals on their own could have unforeseen consequences. While certain MDG targets were achieved, the MDGs’ spirit was not. Then, despite its fragmented structure, how and to what degree may international law integrate the SDGs and aims and aid in the achievement of long-term sustainable development.

Prediction of resistance, virulence, and host-by-pathogen interactions using dual-genome prediction models

Key messageIntegrating disease screening data and genomic data for host and pathogen populations into prediction models provides breeders and pathologists with a unified framework to develop disease resistance.Developing disease resistance in crops typically consists of exposing breeding populations to a virulent strain of the pathogen that is causing disease. While including a diverse set of pathogens in the experiments would be desirable for developing broad and durable disease resistance, it is logistically complex and uncommon, and limits our capacity to implement dual (host-by-pathogen)-genome prediction models. Data from an alternative disease screening system that challenges a diverse sweet corn population with a diverse set of pathogen isolates are provided to demonstrate the changes in genetic parameter estimates that result from using genomic data to provide connectivity across sparsely tested experimental treatments. An inflation in genetic variance estimates was observed when among isolate relatedness estimates were included in prediction models, which was moderated when host-by-pathogen interaction effects were incorporated into models. The complete model that included genomic similarity matrices for host, pathogen, and interaction effects indicated that the proportion of phenotypic variation in lesion size that is attributable to host, pathogen, and interaction effects was similar. Estimates of the stability of lesion size predictions for host varieties inoculated with different isolates and the stability of isolates used to inoculate different hosts were also similar. In this pathosystem, genetic parameter estimates indicate that host, pathogen, and host-by-pathogen interaction predictions may be used to identify crop varieties that are resistant to specific virulence mechanisms and to guide the deployment of these sources of resistance into pathogen populations where they will be more effective.

Activation of the l-fucose utilization cluster in Campylobacter jejuni induces proteomic changes and enhances Caco-2 cell invasion and fibronectin binding

Most Campylobacter jejuni isolates carry the fucose utilization cluster (Cj0480c-Cj0489) that supports the metabolism of l-fucose and d-arabinose. In this study we quantified l-fucose and d-arabinose metabolism and metabolite production, and the impact on Caco-2 cell interaction and binding to fibronectin, using C. jejuni NCTC11168 and the closely related human isolate C. jejuni strain 286. When cultured with l-fucose and d-arabinose, both isolates showed increased survival and production of acetate, pyruvate and succinate, and the respective signature metabolites lactate and glycolic acid, in line with an overall upregulation of l-fucose cluster proteins. In vitro Caco-2 cell studies and fibronectin-binding experiments showed a trend towards higher invasion and a significantly higher fibronectin binding efficacy of C. jejuni NCTC11168 cells grown with l-fucose and d-arabinose, while no significant differences were found with C. jejuni 286. Both fibronectin binding proteins, CadF and FlpA, were detected in the two isolates, but were not significantly differentially expressed in l-fucose or d-arabinose grown cells. Comparative proteomics analysis linked the C. jejuni NCTC11168 phenotypes uniquely to the more than 135-fold upregulated protein Cj0608, putative TolC-like component MacC, which, together with the detected Cj0606 and Cj0607 proteins, forms the tripartite secretion system MacABC with putative functions in antibiotic resistance, cell envelope stress response and virulence in Gram negative pathogenic bacteria. Further studies are required to elucidate the role of the MacABC system in C. jejuni cell surface structure modulation and virulence.

Foodborne pathogenic bacteria in wild European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)

BackgroundEuropean hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are widely distributed across Europe. They may play an important role by spreading zoonotic bacteria in the environment and to humans and animals. The aim of our work was to study the prevalence and characteristics of the most important foodborne bacterial pathogens in wild hedgehogs.ResultsFaecal samples from 148 hospitalised wild hedgehogs originating from the Helsinki region in southern Finland were studied. Foodborne pathogens were detected in 60% of the hedgehogs by PCR. Listeria (26%) and STEC (26%) were the most common foodborne pathogens. Salmonella, Yersinia, and Campylobacter were detected in 18%, 16%, and 7% of hedgehogs, respectively. Salmonella and Yersinia were highly susceptible to the tested antimicrobials. Salmonella Enteritidis and Listeria monocytogenes 2a were the most common types found in hedgehogs. All S. Enteritidis belonged to one sequence type (ST11), forming four clusters of closely related isolates. L. monocytogenes was genetically more diverse than Salmonella, belonging to 11 STs. C. jejuni ST45 and ST677, Y. pseudotuberculosis O:1 of ST9 and ST42, and Y. enterocolitica O:9 of ST139 were also found.ConclusionsOur study shows that wild European hedgehogs should be considered an important source of foodborne pathogens, and appropriate hygiene measures after any contact with hedgehogs and strict biosecurity around farms are therefore important.

Multidrug-resistant Shigella flexneri outbreak associated with a high-mortality spillover event into nonhuman primates.

Shigellosis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by species of Shigella. A large outbreak of Shigella flexneri serotype 2a occurred in Albuquerque, New Mexico (NM) between May 2021 and November 2023 that involved humans and nonhuman primates (NHP) from a local zoo. We analyzed the genomes of 202 New Mexico isolates as well as 15 closely related isolates from other states, and four from NHP. The outbreak was initially detected within men who have sex with men (MSM) but then predominantly affected people experiencing homelessness (PEH). Nearly 70% of cases were hospitalized and there was one human death. The outbreak extended into Albuquerque's BioPark Zoo, causing high morbidity and six deaths in NHPs. The NHP isolates were identical to those in the human outbreak. All isolates were multidrug-resistant, including towards fluoroquinolones, a first line treatment option which led to treatment failures in human and NHP populations. We demonstrate the transmission of this S. flexneri strain between humans and NHPs, causing fatalities in both populations. This study demonstrates the threat of antimicrobial resistant organisms to vulnerable human and primate populations and emphasizes the value of vigilant genomic surveillance within a One Health framework.