Targeted amplicon sequencing of wastewater samples for detecting SARS-CoV-2 variants with high sensitivity and resolution.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a promising approach for monitoring the spread of SARS-CoV-2 within communities. Although qPCR-based WBE is powerful in that it allows quick and highly sensitive detection of this virus, it can provide limited information about which variants are responsible for the overall increase or decrease of this virus in sewage, and this hinders accurate risk assessments. To resolve this problem, we developed a next generation sequencing (NGS)-based method to determine the identity and composition of individual SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater samples.

Assessment of sustained efficacy and resistance emergence under human-simulated exposure of cefiderocol against using chemostat and murine infection models.

Objectives: This study evaluated the sustained kill and potential for resistance development of exposed to human-simulated exposure of cefiderocol over 72 h in and infection models.

Methods: Seven isolates with cefiderocol MICs of 0.12-2 mg/L were tested.

Characterisation of cefiderocol-non-susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from Taiwan.

Objectives: Cefiderocol (CFDC), a siderophore cephalosporin, is active against Gram-negative bacteria including carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB). In this study, 100 CRAB isolates from patients with bacteraemia in Taiwan were characterised, among which 21 CFDC-non-susceptible isolates were identified with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ≥8 mg/L.

Methods: The effect of avibactam on CFDC activity was evaluated using broth microdilution methods according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.

Discrepancy in sustained efficacy and resistance emergence under human-simulated exposure of cefiderocol against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia between in vitro chemostat and in vivo murine infection models.

Objectives: The present study evaluated the sustained kill and the potential for resistance development of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia exposed to a human-simulated exposure of cefiderocol over 72 h in in vitro and in vivo infection models.

Methods: A total of seven S. maltophilia isolates with cefiderocol MICs of 0.

Validation and standardization of DNA extraction and library construction methods for metagenomics-based human fecal microbiome measurements.

Background: Validation and standardization of methodologies for microbial community measurements by high-throughput sequencing are needed to support human microbiome research and its industrialization. This study set out to establish standards-based solutions to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of metagenomics-based microbiome profiling of human fecal samples.

Results: In the first phase, we performed a head-to-head comparison of a wide range of protocols for DNA extraction and sequencing library construction using defined mock communities, to identify performant protocols and pinpoint sources of inaccuracy in quantification.

Reduced susceptibility mechanism to cefiderocol, a siderophore cephalosporin, among clinical isolates from a global surveillance programme (SIDERO-WT-2014).

Objective: To investigate possible mechanistic factors to explain cefiderocol (CFDC) non-susceptibility, we characterized 38 clinical isolates with a CFDC minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of >4μg/mL from a multi-national surveillance study.

Methods: The MIC measurement in the presence of β-lactamase inhibitors and whole genome sequencing were performed.

Results: The MIC decrease of CFDC by β-lactamase inhibitors was observed against all of the test isolates.

Contributions of Mutation and Subsequent Upregulation to Voriconazole Resistance in Aspergillus flavus.

is the second most significant pathogenic cause of invasive aspergillosis; however, its emergence risks and mechanisms of voriconazole (VRC) resistance have not yet been elucidated in detail. Here, we demonstrate that repeated exposure of to subinhibitory concentrations of VRC causes the emergence of a VRC-resistant mutant with a novel resistance mechanism. The VRC-resistant mutant shows a MIC of 16 μg/ml for VRC and of 0.

Development of novel polysulfone membranes with embedded zirconium sulfate-surfactant micelle mesostructure for phosphate recovery from water through membrane filtration.

We prepared novel membranes that could adsorb phosphate from water through membrane filtration for use in a phosphate recovery system. Zirconium sulfate surfactant micelle mesostructure (ZS), which was the phosphate adsorbent, was embedded in a polysulfone matrix and flat sheet ultrafiltration membranes were made by nonsolvent induced phase separation. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the ZS particles existed on both the top surface and in the internal surface of the membrane.

The guanine nucleotide exchange factor Arhgef5 plays crucial roles in Src-induced podosome formation.

Podosomes and invadopodia are actin-rich membrane protrusions that play a crucial role in cell adhesion and migration, and extracellular matrix remodeling in normal and cancer cells. The formation of podosomes and invadopodia is promoted by upregulation of some oncogenic molecules and is closely related to the invasive potential of cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the podosome and invadopodium formation still remain unclear.

Muscle relaxant and neurotoxic activities of intrathecal baclofen in rats.

Intrathecal baclofen therapy by the continuous intrathecal infusion of baclofen has been shown to be an effective treatment for spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis and other disorders. To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal baclofen therapy, we investigated the muscle relaxant and neurotoxic activities of intrathecal baclofen in rats, compared with intravenous baclofen. Intrathecal and intravenous administration of baclofen dose-dependently inhibited the anemic decerebrate rigidity with ED(50) values of 0.