Emerging connections between gut microbiome bioenergetics and chronic metabolic diseases.

The conventional viewpoint of single-celled microbial metabolism fails to adequately depict energy flow at the systems level in host-adapted microbial communities. Emerging paradigms instead support that distinct microbiomes develop interconnected and interdependent electron transport chains that rely on cooperative production and sharing of bioenergetic machinery (i.e., directly involved in generating ATP) in the extracellular space. These communal resources represent an important subset of the microbial metabolome, designated here as the "pantryome" (i.e., pantry or external storage compartment), that critically supports microbiome function and can exert multifunctional effects on host physiology. We review these interactions as they relate to human health by detailing the genomic-based sharing potential of gut-derived bacterial and archaeal reference strains. Aromatic amino acids, metabolic cofactors (B vitamins), menaquinones (vitamin K2), hemes, and short-chain fatty acids (with specific emphasis on acetate as a central regulator of symbiosis) are discussed in depth regarding their role in microbiome-related metabolic diseases.

Preservation of oil slick samples on adsorbent Teflon fabric: Potential for deployment aboard autonomous surface vessels.

In this communication, we report results of an experiment in which crude oil adsorbed on Teflon fabric is exposed to conditions expected in natural ocean-surface collection vehicle containers over a period of 3 months. Samples were recovered at designated time points and analyzed to determine degree of preservation of molecular signatures. Ratios of saturate hydrocarbons were preferentially preserved compared to those of aromatic compounds. Unsubstituted aromatic compounds such as naphthalene and dibenzothiophene were removed at higher rates relative to methyl-substituted homologues owing to differences in biodegradability and solubility. Ratios of important marker compounds persist over several months with sufficient fidelity for accurate determination of source-rock facies and thermal maturity. Collection and storage of oil samples on small pieces of adsorbent Teflon mesh broadens the opportunity space for collection of organic geochemistry data. Deployment of automated samplers equipped with such Teflon meshes aboard autonomous surface vehicles and human-operated vessels promises cheaper, better coverage of geochemical data in seep, slick, and spill surveys conducted for research, exploration, monitoring, and emergency response efforts.

Potential Role of Extracellular ATP Released by Bacteria in Bladder Infection and Contractility.

Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) and overactive bladder (OAB) can both potentially be influenced by commensal and urinary tract infection-associated bacteria. The sensing of bladder filling involves interplay between various components of the nervous system, eventually resulting in contraction of the detrusor muscle during micturition. This study models host responses to various urogenital bacteria, first by using urothelial bladder cell lines and then with myofibroblast contraction assays. To measure responses, we examined Ca2+ influx, gene expression, and alpha smooth muscle actin deposition assays. Organisms such as Escherichia coli and Gardnerella vaginalis were found to strongly induce Ca2+ influx and contraction, whereas Lactobacillus crispatus and L. gasseri did not induce this response. Additionally, supernatants from lactobacilli impeded Ca2+ influx and contraction induced by uropathogens. Upon further investigation of factors associated with purinergic signaling pathways, the Ca2+ influx and contraction of cells correlated with the amount of extracellular ATP produced by E. coli Certain lactobacilli appear to mitigate this response by utilizing extracellular ATP or producing inhibitory compounds that may act as a receptor agonist or Ca2+ channel blocker. These findings suggest that members of the urinary microbiota may be influencing UUI or OAB.IMPORTANCE The ability of uropathogenic bacteria to release excitatory compounds, such as ATP, may act as a virulence factor to stimulate signaling pathways that could have profound effects on the urothelium, perhaps extending to the vagina. This may be countered by the ability of certain commensal urinary microbiota constituents, such as lactobacilli. Further understanding of these interactions is important for the treatment and prevention of UUI and OAB. The clinical implications may require a more targeted approach to enhance the commensal bacteria and reduce ATP release by pathogens.

Benefits of Using an Appropriately Formulated Wipe to Clean Diapered Skin of Preterm Infants.

The skin of premature infants is underdeveloped rendering it more prone to break down and irritation. Therefore, special care is needed to protect premature skin and ensure it is not adversely affected. Many health care professionals advise using just water and cloth to clean diapered skin after a bowel movement despite evidence that shows improved infant skin health with the use of modern appropriately formulated baby wipes. This article describes the unique physiology of premature infant skin, reviews clinical evidence comparing use of baby wipes to water and cloth, and describes attributes of appropriately formulated baby wipes.

Comparative study of vulva and abdominal skin microbiota of healthy females with high and average BMI.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is known to modulate human health in a number of ways including altering the microbiome of the gut. Very few studies have examined the how obesity may affect the microbiomes of sites distant to the gut. We hypothesized that vulva and abdominal skin may be especially susceptible to body mass index (BMI)-induced alterations in biophysical properties and the microbiome due increased maceration and skin folds at those sites. The aim of this study was to determine if high BMI (≥30) was associated with alterations in the biophysical properties and microbiomes of vulva and abdominal skin. RESULTS: The vulvar microbial communities of healthy reproductive-aged females were examined using 16S rRNA sequencing techniques. Our results show that vulvar pH of women with high body mass index (BMI) was statistically higher than that of women with average BMI. Phylogenetic analysis of the vulvar microbiota indicated that women with average BMI have a predominately Lactobacillus-dominated flora, whereas women with high BMI and higher pH were predominately colonized by Finegoldia and Corynebacterium. This BMI-associated shift in microbiota was not observed in samples collected from the exposed skin around the belly, indicating the effect is not global. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that physiological changes associated with changes in BMI may modulate the vulva microbiome.

Lower Extremity Weakness in an Adolescent Female - A Rare Presentation of Ewing Sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Ewing sarcoma, a rare cause of cord compression, is predominantly of osseous origin but can also originate in soft tissues. Soft-tissue manifestations account for <15% of all Ewing sarcoma tumors, and even fewer cases of Ewing sarcoma originating in the epidural space have been documented. CASE REPORT: A 19-year-old female presented to the emergency department for worsening low-back pain during the previous 6 months and numbness and weakness in her legs during the prior 2 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an epidural mass at the L4-L5 level. Intravenous steroids were started for a presumed diagnosis of lymphoma. Orthopedic surgery consultants deferred computed tomography-guided biopsy of the mass out of concern for tumor seeding. Compression symptoms worsened to include foot drop and saddle anesthesia, prompting urgent radiation therapy. After the patient showed poor response to appropriate treatment for lymphoma, other malignant and infectious causes were considered. Biopsy was performed on day 3 of the patient's hospital stay, and by day 7, preliminary cytology results revealed Ewing sarcoma. Subsequent laminectomy and tumor resection produced immediate relief of pain, along with a gradual return of strength and sensation. The mass was found to be of soft-tissue origin and was classified as an extraosseous Ewing sarcoma. The patient was referred to a pediatric oncologist to complete the appropriate chemotherapy after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates how an uncommon manifestation of a rare disease can mimic a classic presentation of cord compression. Our aim is to bring awareness to this disease and to emphasize the importance of timely biopsy of any mass.

Draft Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli K-12 (ATCC 10798).

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Escherichia coli ATCC 10798. E. coli ATCC 10798 is a K-12 strain, one of the most well-studied model microorganisms. The size of the genome was 4,685,496 bp, with a G+C content of 50.70%. This assembly consists of 62 contigs and the F plasmid.

Draft Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli K-12 (ATCC 29425).

A draft genome sequence for Escherichia coli ATCC 29425 was investigated. The size of the genome was 4,608,319 bp, with an observed G+C content of 50.68%. This assembly consisted of 80 contigs, with an average coverage of 122.2×, including one contig representative of the complete genome for the temperate phage P1.

Draft Genome Sequence of Micrococcus luteus (Schroeter) Cohn (ATCC 12698).

The actinobacterium Micrococcus luteus can be found in a wide variety of habitats. Here, we report the 2,411,958-bp draft genome sequence of the type strain M. leuteus (Schroeter) Cohn (ATCC 12698). Characteristic of this taxa, the genome sequence has a high G+C content, 73.14%.

Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecalis ATCC BAA-2128.

While a part of the native gut microflora, the Gram-positive bacterium Enterococcus faecalis can lead to serious infections elsewhere in the body. The draft genome of E. faecalis strain ATCC BAA-2128, isolated from piglet feces, was examined. This draft genome consists of 42 contigs, 12 of which exhibit homology to annotated plasmids.

Draft Genome Sequences of Two ATCC Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus Strains.

Draft genome sequences for Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus Rosenbach ATCC 14458 and ATCC 27217 strains were investigated. The genome sizes were 2,880,761 bp and 2,759,100 bp, respectively. Strain ATCC 14458 was assembled into 39 contigs, including 3 plasmids, and strain ATCC 27217 was assembled into 25 contigs, including 2 plasmids.

Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus epidermidis (Winslow and Winslow) Evans (ATCC 14990).

Here, we report the draft genome sequence for the type strain Staphylococcus epidermidis (Winslow and Winslow) Evans (ATCC 14990). The assembly consisted of 2,457,519 bp with an observed G+C content of 32.04%. Thirty-seven contigs were produced, including two putative plasmids, with a 296.8× coverage and an N50 of 180,848 bp.

Use of ATP Readings to Predict a Successful Hygiene Intervention in the Workplace to Reduce the Spread of Viruses on Fomites.

The purpose of this study was to validate the use of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for evaluating hygiene intervention effectiveness in reducing viral dissemination in an office environment. The bacterial virus MS-2 was used to evaluate two scenarios, one where the hand of an individual was contaminated and another where a fomite was contaminated. MS-2 was selected as a model because its shape and size are similar to many human pathogenic viruses. Two separate experiments were conducted, one in which the entrance door push plate was inoculated and the other in which the hand of one selected employee was inoculated. In both scenarios, 54 selected surfaces in the office were tested to assess the dissemination of the virus within the office. Associated surface contamination was also measured employing an ATP meter. More than half of the tested hands and surfaces in the office were contaminated with MS-2 within 4 h. Next, an intervention was conducted, and each scenario was repeated. Half of the participating employees were provided hand sanitizer, facial tissues, and disinfecting wipes, and were instructed in their use. A significant (p < 0.05) reduction was observed in the number of surfaces contaminated with virus. This reduction in viral spread was evident from the results of both viral culture and the surface ATP measurements, although there was no direct correlation between ATP measurements with respect to viral concentration. Although ATP does not measure viruses, these results demonstrate that ATP measurements could be useful for evaluating the effectiveness of hygiene interventions aimed at preventing viral spread in the workplace.

The development of antimicrobial γ-AApeptides.

Host-defense peptides (HDPs) are promising next generation of antibiotic agents, as they have the potential to circumvent emerging drug resistance, due to their mechanism of bacterial killing through disruption of their membranes. Nonetheless, HDPs have intrinsic drawbacks such as low-to-moderate activity, susceptibility to enzymatic degradation. In the past few years, we developed a new class of peptidomimetics named 'γ-AApeptides', which have superior resistance to proteolysis and a variety of diversification via straightforward synthesis. Our recent studies suggested that γ-AApeptides can mimic the bactericidal mechanism of HDPs and show potent and broad-spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this review, we summarize our current studies of antimicrobial γ-AApeptides and discuss their potential future development as antimicrobial peptidomimetics.

The healthy workplace project: Reduced viral exposure in an office setting.

Viral illnesses such as gastroenteritis and the common cold create a substantial burden in the workplace due to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and increased health care costs. Behaviors in the workplace contribute to the spread of human viruses via direct contact between hands, contaminated surfaces, and the mouth, eyes, and/or nose. This study assessed whether implementation of the Healthy Workplace Project (HWP) (providing hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, facial tissues, and use instructions) would reduce viral loads in an office setting of approximately 80 employees after seeding fomites and the hands of volunteer participants with an MS-2 phage tracer. The HWP significantly reduced viable phage detected on participants' hands, communal fomites, and personal fomites (p ≤ .010) in office environments and presents a cost-effective method for reducing the health and economic burden associated with viral illnesses in the workplace.

Transfer efficiency of Staphylococcus aureus between nitrile exam gloves and nonporous fomites.

This report describes fomite transmission of Staphylococcus aureus amongst various surfaces. A contact transfer protocol was completed to evaluate the movement of S aureus between a person wearing nitrile gloves and either: handshaking with another person with gloved hands, touching a plastic cellular telephone back, or touching a stainless steel rod. The data in this preliminary study imply that the highest bacterial transfer is with metal surfaces followed by plastic. Interestingly, glove-to-glove transfer occurred but transfered less bacteria than a plastic or metal surface. The observations from this study point to the need to clearly define hygiene behaviors to reduce the potential of hand- and surface-mediated transmission.

Control of the spread of viruses in a long-term care facility using hygiene protocols.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 50% of norovirus cases in the United States occur in long-term care facilities; many incidences of rotavirus, sapovirus, and adenovirus also occur. The primary objectives of this study were to demonstrate movement of pathogenic viruses through a long-term care facility and to determine the impact of a hygiene intervention on viral transmission. METHODS: The coliphage MS-2 was seeded onto a staff member's hands, and samples were collected after 4 hours from fomites and hands. After 3 consecutive days of sample collection, a 14-day hygiene intervention was implemented. Hand sanitizers, hand and face wipes, antiviral tissues, and a disinfectant spray were distributed to employees and residents. Seeding and sampling were repeated postintervention. RESULTS: Analysis of the pre- and postintervention data was performed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Significant reductions in the spread of MS-2 on hands (P = .0002) and fomites (P = .04) were observed postintervention, with a >99% average reduction of virus recovered from both hands and fomites. CONCLUSION: Although MS-2 spread readily from hands to fomites and vice versa, the intervention reduced average MS-2 concentrations recovered from hands and fomites by up to 4 logs and also reduced the incidence of MS-2 recovery.

Modeling of human viruses on hands and risk of infection in an office workplace using micro-activity data.

Although the number of illnesses resulting from indirect viral pathogen transmission could be substantial, it is difficult to estimate the relative risks because of the wide variation and uncertainty in human behavior, variable viral concentrations on fomites, and other exposure factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the micro-activity approach for assessment of microbial risk by adapting a mathematical model to estimate probability of viral infection from indirect transmission. To evaluate the model, measurements of phage loading on fomites and hands collected before and after implementation of a Healthy Workplace Project intervention were used. Parameter distributions were developed from these data, as well as for micro-activity rates, contact surface areas, phage transfer efficiencies, and inactivation rates. Following the Monte Carlo simulations (n = 1,000), the estimated phage loading on hands was not significantly different from the loading of phage on hands measured in the experimental trials. The model was then used to demonstrate that the Healthy Workplace Project intervention significantly reduced risk of infection by 77% for rotavirus and rhinovirus. This is the first published study to successfully evaluate a model focused on the indirect transmission of viruses via hand contact with measured data and provide an assessment of the micro-activity approach to microbial risk evaluation.