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Researchers from Nanjing Agricultural University in Jiangsu, China have discovered a new species of Gram-negative bacteria called Yanghanlia caeni. The bacterium was isolated from sludge collected at a pesticide-manufacturing factory. It is strictly aerobic, non-motile, and spherical in shape. The study provides detailed information about the characteristics and genetic makeup of this novel bacterium, which belongs to the family Alcaligenaceae. The findings contribute to our understanding of microbial diversity and have implications for various fields, including agriculture and environmental science. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been submitted for a method and system called DGR Recombineering or DGRec, which aims to generate targeted nucleic acid diversity. The invention involves using a mutagenic reverse transcriptase to produce mutagenized cDNA oligos that are then recombined within a specific gene or set of genes. This approach allows for in vivo mutagenesis and offers control over the position of the mutations. The system has potential applications in directed evolution and can produce a large number of protein sequence variants in a highly targeted manner. The patent application describes methods and systems for generating targeted nucleic acid diversity, which can be used in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and have applications in genetic research and engineering. [Extracted from the article]

ModernaTX Inc. has filed a patent application for a ribonucleic acid (RNA) vaccine that targets whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. The vaccine uses messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct the body to produce specific proteins that can fight these diseases. The vaccine contains multiple mRNA polynucleotides that encode various antigenic polypeptides for Bordetella pertussis. It has the potential to treat and prevent infections caused by different strains and genotypes of these diseases. The patent application includes claims for different compositions of the vaccine, as well as specific amino acid and nucleotide sequences for the antigenic polypeptides. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Belgrade in Serbia has found that cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have increased significantly in recent years. The study explores the biosynthesis reaction and thermodynamic properties of Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria responsible for whooping cough, and develops a mechanistic model of its multiplication. The research suggests that the mechanistic model is related to the pathogenesis of pertussis. This study provides valuable insights into the resurgence of whooping cough and its potential implications for public health. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Department of Microbiology discusses the presence of Achromobacter bacteria in the environment and its association with infections. While these infections are commonly found in immunocompromised patients, they can also occur in healthy individuals, including those who have undergone implant surgery. The report presents a case of chronic osteomyelitis caused by Achromobacter denitrificans in a 44-year-old male with a history of femoral intramedullary nail. The patient was successfully treated with implant removal, surgical debridement, and antibiotic therapy. The study highlights the importance of considering atypical pathogens in cases of chronic osteomyelitis associated with implants. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Beijing University of Technology have identified microorganisms involved in the degradation of acetaminophen (APAP) in mixed microbial communities. Using 13C-DNA stable isotope probing, they found that Achromobacter, Alicycliphilus, and Thauera were the key APAP degrading bacteria in different types of reactors. Additionally, they discovered that several other bacteria, including Leucobacter, Microbacterium, and Lactobacillus, were directly responsible for APAP biodegradation. However, some of these bacteria were also associated with the spread of resistance genes. The findings contribute to our understanding of APAP degradation and could aid in the development of biofortification processes for APAP removal in wastewater. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic have conducted a study on Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium responsible for whooping cough. The research found that B. pertussis cells can survive and adapt within macrophages, a type of immune cell. The study suggests that the avirulent phase, where the bacterium becomes less virulent, is an authentic phenotype of internalized B. pertussis cells. The findings also indicate that the bacterium undergoes a complex process of metabolic adjustment, cell wall reinforcement, and repair of damaged macromolecules in response to the intramacrophage environment. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Huazhong Agricultural University in China investigated the epidemiology, pathogenicity, and immunogenicity of Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) in cats and dogs from 2021 to 2023. The study found that Bb is a significant cause of respiratory diseases in domestic dogs and cats in China, and all the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance. The researchers identified a promising candidate for an inactivated Bb vaccine, the WH1218 strain, which provided complete protection against the Bb field strain WH1218 in dogs and cats. This research contributes to understanding the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence genes of Bb in domestic animals. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the National Research Council of Canada explores the potential of outer membrane vesicles derived from Bordetella pertussis (OMVBp) as a third-generation vaccine against pertussis. The study found that OMVBp exhibits adjuvant properties, enhancing the immune response even at low concentrations. Additionally, OMVBp was shown to skew the immune response towards a Th1 profile. These findings suggest that OMVBp could be incorporated into combined vaccine formulations. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, discusses the biodegradation of the cyanotoxin Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) by different bacterial strains. The study found that Bacillus cereus-S (B. cereus-S) showed the greatest CYN degradation, reaching 28.22% within 14 days. The other bacterial strains tested had lower degradation rates. The research suggests that B. cereus-S has potential for the application of degrading CYN. This study provides valuable insights into the challenge of removing CYN from water sources and ensuring safe drinking water. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases have developed a new culture-independent approach to genome characterization of Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria responsible for pertussis (whooping cough). The method involves sequencing libraries constructed directly from residual diagnostic nasopharyngeal specimens, which were then hybridized with RNA 'baits' targeting B. pertussis fragments. This approach increased the yield of B. pertussis sequencing reads while decreasing host reads, allowing for high-resolution strain characterization and molecular epidemiology. The researchers suggest that routine implementation of this method could strengthen surveillance and study of pertussis resurgence. [Extracted from the article]

A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the ICMR-National Institute of Virology in Pune, India, examined the effectiveness of pertussis vaccines in protecting children against Bordetella parapertussis infection. The analysis, which included 46,533 participants, found no significant protective effect of pertussis vaccination against B. parapertussis infection. The researchers concluded that the lack of effectiveness of current vaccines against B. parapertussis highlights the need for the development of vaccines with specific antigens to protect against this strain. The study emphasizes the urgency of further research in this area due to the rising incidence of cases and outbreaks. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the use of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) derived from Bordetella pertussis as a potential immunogen for improving pertussis vaccines. The study evaluates different mucosal administration strategies in a murine model, including homologous and heterologous schedules, and compares them to commercial vaccines. The results show that the use of OMVs, particularly through intranasal administration, outperformed acellular pertussis vaccines in reducing bacterial colonization in the upper respiratory tract. The study also explores the use of different adjuvants but finds that alum did not enhance the immune protective capacity. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Radboud University Medical Center explores the immune response to the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, which causes whooping cough. The study focuses on the effectiveness of the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis-inactivated poliovirus (Tdap-IPV) vaccine in promoting durable protection against pertussis. The researchers found that early antiviral and interferon gene expression in the blood correlated with persistent antibody responses to pertussis. Additionally, they discovered that the Tdap-IPV vaccine stimulated stronger antiviral responses compared to the Tdap vaccine alone. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular host response to pertussis booster vaccination and highlight the potential benefits of the Tdap-IPV vaccine in enhancing immune activity and promoting long-lasting immunity. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Eskisehir City Hospital in Turkey examined the levels of pertussis antibodies in pregnant women and umbilical cord blood. The study found that the majority of pregnant women and cord blood samples had anti-pertussis toxin (PT) levels below 40 IU/mL. This is concerning because pertussis can cause serious illness and death in infants, and vaccination of pregnant women is an effective way to prevent it. The study highlights the low rates of pertussis vaccination among pregnant women and the need for increased immunization efforts. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the research being conducted by Tod Merkel, PhD, on the interaction between humans and three bacterial pathogens: Bordetella pertussis, Bacillus anthracis, and Staphylococcus aureus. The goal of the research is to gain a better understanding of these pathogens and develop new vaccines and treatments for the diseases they cause. The article also mentions the use of animal models to study the immune response and evaluate the efficacy of vaccines. The research conducted by Merkel's laboratory helps identify potential problems with these products and provides advice to developers and manufacturers. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been submitted for a method to detect respiratory infections in dogs, specifically focusing on Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC). The method involves using a lateral flow device to bind to target analytes associated with the respiratory condition and produce a detectable signal. This can help determine if a dog has the respiratory condition or immunity to it. The application aims to address the need for early detection and intervention to reduce the progression and transmission of the disease. The patent application provides detailed information on the specific pathogens and antigens associated with CIRDC that can be targeted in the analysis. [Extracted from the article]

According to a preprint abstract, gram-negative bacteria often have a type III secretion system (T3SS) injectisome that allows them to transfer proteins from their cytoplasm into host cells. In the case of Bordetella bronchiseptica, a respiratory pathogen, the T3SS injectisome has a unique needle tip filament made of the Bsp22 protein, which is crucial for the bacteria's survival in mice. The study used B. bronchiseptica and B.pertussis to investigate the formation and characteristics of the Bsp22 filament, finding that it grows continuously on abiotic surfaces but is constrained during host cell infection. The adaptability of the Bordetella T3SS injectisome in response to different conditions was also highlighted. However, it's important to note that this preprint has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the role of cytochrome oxidase in Bordetella bacteria, specifically B. pertussis and B. bronchiseptica, which are respiratory pathogens. The study found that B. pertussis, which only survives in human respiratory tracts, has three functional cytochrome oxidase-encoding loci, while B. bronchiseptica has eight. The researchers tested the hypothesis that the three cytochrome oxidases in B. pertussis are the minimum required for respiratory infection by comparing B. bronchiseptica strains lacking one or more cytochrome oxidases. They found that all three cytochrome oxidases conserved in B. pertussis were sufficient for growth in ambient air and low oxygen, and that CyoABCD1 is the primary cytochrome oxidase required for murine infection. The study sheds light on the respiration requirements of bacteria in the respiratory tract and the evolution of virulence in bacterial pathogens. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Buenos Aires have conducted a study on Achromobacter, a type of bacteria that is resistant to multiple antibiotics and can acquire resistance to those commonly used for respiratory infections. The aim of the study was to genetically and biochemically characterize AXC-2 from Achromobacter ruhlandii and analyze all available AXC variants. The researchers found that AXC-2 exhibited higher catalytic efficiencies towards certain antibiotics and that AXC variants were clustered in two main groups, correlating with different Achromobacter species. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic context and properties of AXC-2 and describes the association of AXC variants with Achromobacter species and various lineages. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Gujarat, India, has found that a co-culture approach is more efficient than isolation in the synthesis of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) from Alcaligenes sp. and Bacillus subtilis. The researchers characterized the recovered P(3HB) and found that it exhibited thermal stability and resistance to degradation. This study suggests that utilizing a bacteria co-culture technique could be a promising method for the synthesis of valuable biopolymers from agricultural waste. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted by the La Jolla Institute for Immunology explores the T cell reactivity to Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria that causes whooping cough. The study found that T cell responses to the bacteria were highly diverse in vaccinated adults, regardless of childhood vaccination. The research suggests that asymptomatic infections may drive the pattern of T cell reactivity in adults. These findings provide insights into human T cell responses to Bordetella pertussis and could inform the development of next-generation pertussis vaccines. The study was supported by the NIH National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Shionogi & Company Co. Ltd. in Osaka, Japan, compared the effectiveness of the antibiotic cefiderocol against Achromobacter spp. and Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) isolates with other approved antibacterial drugs. The study found that cefiderocol demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against these pathogens, including carbapenem-non-susceptible isolates. In both in vitro and in vivo models, cefiderocol showed bactericidal activity against meropenem-resistant strains of Achromobacter xylosoxidans. These findings suggest that cefiderocol could be a potential treatment option for respiratory tract infections caused by Achromobacter spp. and Bcc. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application titled "Engineered Transaminase Polypeptides" has been submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office. The application describes modified transaminase enzymes that transfer amino groups between compounds, resulting in the production of chiral amine products. These chiral amine compounds are used in industries such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals. The application outlines the modifications made to the transaminase polypeptides to enhance their stability, activity, and ability to produce chiral amine products. It also includes methods for producing and purifying these modified enzymes in host cells. The patent application was filed on September 1, 2023, and became publicly available on January 4, 2024. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a case report and literature review on late aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Achromobacter xylosoxidans infection. The research highlights that prosthetic valve endocarditis is a life-threatening infection that can complicate valve replacement, with no characteristic clinical presentation. Achromobacter xylosoxidans, a causative agent of opportunistic infections, has rarely been associated with endocarditis, particularly in immunocompromised patients or frail elderly patients. The case study describes a 69-year-old man who developed severe aortic endocarditis due to A. xylosoxidans after aortic valve replacement surgery, with successful treatment using daptomycin, gentamicin, and ampicillin. The review concludes that A. xylosoxidans endocarditis has a high mortality rate. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases in Atlanta, Georgia, explores the potential for developing a more effective vaccine for whooping cough. The researchers aimed to identify vaccine antigens that could provide cross-protective immunity against multiple Bordetella pathogens. Through genomic analysis and immunoinformatics, they identified a list of peptides that may confer long-lasting T-cell immunity. This research has important implications for improving the efficacy of pertussis vaccines and protecting against other species that cause pertussis-like illness. [Extracted from the article]

A recent preprint abstract discusses a novel approach to genome characterization of Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of pertussis (whooping cough). The study focuses on the use of culture-independent methods to obtain genome sequence data from residual nasopharyngeal specimens. By targeting B. pertussis fragments within complex mixtures, the researchers were able to increase the yield of sequencing reads for B. pertussis while decreasing host reads. The data obtained from this approach were consistent with sequenced isolates and could potentially strengthen surveillance and study of pertussis resurgence. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Utrecht University in the Netherlands explored the biosynthesis of the inner core of Bordetella pertussis lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and its effect on cell division and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation. The researchers found that structural modifications in the lipid A moiety of LPS can reduce endotoxicity, but dephosphorylation of lipid A did not affect TLR4-stimulating activity. They also discovered that changes in the inner core of LPS can impact TLR4-stimulating activity and bacterial physiology. This research provides valuable insights into the development of vaccines against whooping cough caused by Bordetella pertussis. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application titled "Mutant Bordetella Strains and Methods of Use" has been published online. The inventors have developed pertactin-deficient Bordetella strains that can induce protective immune responses against Bordetella infection and treat or prevent respiratory tract inflammation, such as allergic asthma. These mutant strains, including BPZE1P, were found to colonize the respiratory tract, induce antibody responses, and protect against and treat allergic lung disease. The live pertactin-deficient Bordetella bacteria can be administered to reduce or prevent airway inflammation associated with airway resistance, eosinophil infiltration, and increased inflammatory cytokines. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Iran aimed to investigate the prevalence of microorganisms associated with pertussis-like syndrome in children under 5 years old. The study found that Bordetella pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus were the most common infections in children with pertussis-like syndrome. The researchers emphasized the importance of molecular diagnosis methods in addition to clinical symptoms for accurate diagnosis. This study provides new insights into the identification of etiological agents of pertussis-like syndrome in children. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama Birmingham explores the pathogenesis of Achromobacter xylosoxidans (Ax) respiratory infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a genetic disease that affects the respiratory mucosa, leading to chronic infections and increased morbidity and mortality. The study found that Ax is an opportunistic pathogen of significance in CF, with clinical isolates showing factors related to flagellar synthesis, antibiotic resistance, and toxin secretion systems. The research also identified genes that are differentially expressed in synthetic CF sputum media. These findings contribute to a better understanding of CF-related respiratory infections and may inform the development of new therapeutics. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, focuses on the genomic epidemiology and multilevel genome typing of Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria that causes whooping cough. The study highlights the importance of surveillance of circulating and emerging strains of the bacteria to understand the risks they pose to public health. The researchers developed a multilevel genome typing (MGT) system that provides targeted typing of relevant lineages and discrimination of closely related strains. This system offers a comprehensive and scalable approach for global surveillance of B. pertussis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the University of Rome Tor Vergata has examined the treatment of Green Nail Syndrome (GNS) caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. GNS is characterized by a persistent greenish pigmentation of the nail plate. The study describes two cases of GNS, one associated with Achromobacter xylosoxidans and the other with multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa. Both cases were successfully treated with topical ozenoxacin 1% cream for 12 weeks. The researchers suggest that ozenoxacin could be a safe and effective treatment for multidrug-resistant nail infections. Further studies are needed to explore the co-presence of P. aeruginosa and A. xylosoxidans in nail infections. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application titled "Influenza vaccine, composition, and methods of use" has been published online. The inventors propose a vaccine and composition that uses a mutated Bordetella strain to elicit an immune response against one or more strains of influenza. The vaccine aims to provide broad protection against influenza viruses and reduce the need for annual updates. The methods involve administering the mutated Bordetella strain to mammals, including humans, through various routes of administration. The invention also includes a composition for treating or preventing influenza infections and a vaccine formulated for intranasal administration. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at a tertiary-care academic hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, investigated an outbreak of Achromobacter denitrificans infections in patients. The study found that contaminated chlorhexidine-and-water solutions prepared at the hospital pharmacy were the source of the outbreak. The researchers confirmed the relatedness of the isolates using repetitive-element, sequence-based, polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR). Once the contaminated solution was removed from the hospital, no further A. denitrificans isolates were cultured from patient specimens. This research provides valuable insights into the outbreak and control of Achromobacter denitrificans in a hospital setting. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Maryland has shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the respiratory disease pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis. The researchers found that type I and type III interferon (IFN) induction and signaling are crucial for the development of lung inflammation in B. pertussis-infected mouse models. They also discovered that DNA-sensing pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), specifically TLR9 and STING, play a significant role in inducing IFN and promoting inflammatory pathology in lung responses to B. pertussis infection. These findings contribute to our understanding of the host-pathogen interaction and may lead to the identification of potential targets for therapies to reduce B. pertussis-mediated pathology. [Extracted from the article]

The transaminase polypeptides of the present disclosure have been engineered to have one or more residue differences as compared to a previously engineered transaminase polypeptide (of amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 4) and associated enhanced solvent and thermal stability relative to the transaminase of SEQ ID NO: 4 and the wild-type transaminase of SEQ ID NO: 2. "In particular, the engineered transaminase polypeptides of the present disclosure have been engineered for efficient conversion of the substrate, (R)-2 SP 1 sp -(difluoromethyl)-5-methyl-2 SP 1 sp H-3-aza-1(4,2)-pyridina-2(2,3)-pyrrolacyclononaphane-4,9-dione (referred to herein as "compound (1)") to its corresponding chiral amine product compound, (5R,9S)-9-amino-2 SP 1 sp -(difluoromethyl)-5-methyl-2 SP 1 sp H-3-aza-1(4,2)-pyridina-2(2,3)-pyrrolacyclononaphan-4-one (referred to herein as "compound (2)") as shown in Scheme 2." The engineered transaminase of claim 1, wherein said engineered transaminase is a variant engineered transaminase set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 366 or 650. [Extracted from the article]

The method of claim 7, wherein the bicarbonate decreases the growth of a bacterium in response to the antimicrobial agent; and wherein the bacterium is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae. A method for inhibiting the growth of a bacterium, comprising contacting the bacterium with an effective amount of (i) bicarbonate and (ii) an antimicrobial agent; wherein the antimicrobial agent is azithromycin, and the effective amount of the bicarbonate is a concentration of about 1 mM to about 150 mM. [Extracted from the article]