Implementing laboratory automation for next-generation sequencing: benefits and challenges for library preparation.

In the wake of COVID-19, the importance of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for diagnostic testing and surveillance-based screening has never been more evident. Considering this, continued investment is critical to ensure more public health laboratories can adopt these advanced molecular technologies. However, many facilities may face potential barriers such as limited staff available to routinely prepare, test, and analyze samples, lack of expertise or experience in sequencing, difficulties in assay standardization, and an inability to handle throughput within expected turnaround times.

Aztreonam-Avibactam Susceptibility Testing Program for Metallo-Beta-Lactamase-Producing in the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network, March 2019 to December 2020.

Aztreonam-avibactam is a drug combination pending phase 3 clinical trials and is suggested for treatment of severe infections caused by metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing by combining ceftazidime-avibactam and aztreonam. Beginning in 2019, four Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network regional laboratories offered aztreonam-avibactam susceptibility testing by broth microdilution. For 64 clinical isolates tested, the MIC and MIC values of aztreonam-avibactam were 0.

ePath: an online database towards comprehensive essential gene annotation for prokaryotes.

Experimental techniques for identification of essential genes (EGs) in prokaryotes are usually expensive, time-consuming and sometimes unrealistic. Emerging in silico methods provide alternative methods for EG prediction, but often possess limitations including heavy computational requirements and lack of biological explanation. Here we propose a new computational algorithm for EG prediction in prokaryotes with an online database (ePath) for quick access to the EG prediction results of over 4,000 prokaryotes ( https://www.

Diaminopimelic acid (DAP) analogs bearing isoxazoline moiety as selective inhibitors against meso-diaminopimelate dehydrogenase (m-Ddh) from Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Two diastereomeric analogs (1 and 2) of diaminopimelic acid (DAP) bearing an isoxazoline moiety were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activities against meso-diaminopimelate dehydrogenase (m-Ddh) from the periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis. Compound 2 showed promising inhibitory activity against m-Ddh with an IC value of 14.9µM at pH 7.

TetR Family Regulator brpT Modulates Biofilm Formation in Streptococcus sanguinis.

Biofilms are a key component in bacterial communities providing protection and contributing to infectious diseases. However, mechanisms involved in S. sanguinis biofilm formation have not been clearly elucidated.

Identification of Small-Molecule Inhibitors against Meso-2, 6-Diaminopimelate Dehydrogenase from Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Species-specific antimicrobial therapy has the potential to combat the increasing threat of antibiotic resistance and alteration of the human microbiome. We therefore set out to demonstrate the beginning of a pathogen-selective drug discovery method using the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis as a model. Through our knowledge of metabolic networks and essential genes we identified a "druggable" essential target, meso-diaminopimelate dehydrogenase, which is found in a limited number of species.

Optimisation of secondary electrospray ionisation (SESI) for the trace determination of gas-phase volatile organic compounds.

An electrospray ionisation triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (Varian 1200 L) was modified to accept nitrogen samples containing low concentrations of volatile organic compounds. Six candidate probe compounds, methyl decanoate, octan-3-one, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 1,4-diaminobutane, dimethyl methylphosphonate, and 2,3-butanediol, at concentrations below 50 ppb(v) were generated with permeation tubes in a test atmosphere generator. The concept of using a set of molecular probes to evaluate gas-phase electrospray ionisation of volatile analytes was assessed and the feasibility of adopting a unified ionisation approach for gas and liquid contamination of exobiotic environments established.

Free flow isotachophoresis in an injection moulded miniaturised separation chamber with integrated electrodes.

An injection moulded free flow isotachophoresis (FFITP) microdevice with integrated carbon fibre loaded electrodes with a separation chamber of 36.4mm wide, 28.7 mm long and 100 microm deep is presented.