A stable home for an equine pathogen: valid publication of the binomial Prescottella equi gen. nov., comb. nov., and reclassification of four rhodococcal species into the genus Prescottella.

Opinion 106 of the Judicial Commission has clarified the nomenclature of the taxon variously named Rhodococcus equi, 'Prescottella equi' and Rhodococcus hoagii. As a consequence, we present here the genus name Prescottella and that of its nomenclatural type species, Prescottella equi comb. nov., for valid publication and propose the reclassification of four rhodococcal species as novel combinations in the genus, namely Prescottella agglutinans Guo et al. 2015 comb. nov., Prescottella defluvii Kämpfer et al. 2014 comb. nov., Prescottella soli Li et al. 2015 comb. nov. and Prescottella subtropica Lee et al. 2019 comb. nov. In addition, we note that a clinical isolate, strain 86-07 (=W8901), likely represents an additional species within the genus Prescottella. Nearly a century after the original description of the type strain of the type species as Corynebacterium equi, we provide a stable home for Prescottella equi and its relatives.

1.2 million kids and counting-Mobile science laboratories drive student interest in STEM.

In today's increasingly technological society, a workforce proficient in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills is essential. Research has shown that active engagement by K-12 students in hands-on science activities that use authentic science tools promotes student learning and retention. Mobile laboratory programs provide this type of learning in schools and communities across the United States and internationally. Many programs are members of the Mobile Lab Coalition (MLC), a nonprofit organization of mobile and other laboratory-based education programs built on scientist and educator collaborations. A recent survey of the member programs revealed that they provide an impressive variety of programming and have collectively served over 1.2 million students across the US.

Correction: 1.2 million kids and counting-Mobile science laboratories drive student interest in STEM.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2001692.].

Phosphonopeptides Revisited, in an Era of Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance.

Given the increase in resistance to antibacterial agents, there is an urgent need for the development of new agents with novel modes of action. As an interim solution, it is also prudent to reinvestigate old or abandoned antibacterial compounds to assess their efficacy in the context of widespread resistance to conventional agents. In the 1970s, much work was performed on the development of peptide mimetics, exemplified by the phosphonopeptide, alafosfalin. We investigated the activity of alafosfalin, di-alanyl fosfalin and ß-chloro-L-alanyl-ß-chloro-L-alanine against 297 bacterial isolates, including carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) (n = 128), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (n = 37) and glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (GRE) (n = 43). The interaction of alafosfalin with meropenem was also examined against 20 isolates of CPE. The MIC50 and MIC90 of alafosfalin for CPE were 1 mg/L and 4 mg/L, respectively and alafosfalin acted synergistically when combined with meropenem against 16 of 20 isolates of CPE. Di-alanyl fosfalin showed potent activity against glycopeptide-resistant isolates of Enterococcus faecalis (MIC90; 0.5 mg/L) and Enterococcus faecium (MIC90; 2 mg/L). Alafosfalin was only moderately active against MRSA (MIC90; 8 mg/L), whereas ß-chloro-L-alanyl-ß-chloro-L-alanine was slightly more active (MIC90; 4 mg/L). This study shows that phosphonopeptides, including alafosfalin, may have a therapeutic role to play in an era of increasing antibacterial resistance.

Evaluation of Various Culture Media for Detection of Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

Isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from the sputum of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is challenging due to overgrowth by rapidly growing species that colonize the lungs of patients with CF. Extended incubation on Burkholderia cepacia selective agar (BCSA) has been recommended as an expedient culture method for the isolation of rapidly growing NTM in this setting. The aim of this study was to assess five selective media designed for the isolation of Burkholderia cepacia complex, along with two media designed for the isolation of mycobacteria (rapidly growing mycobacteria [RGM] medium and Middlebrook 7H11 agar), for their abilities to isolate NTM. All seven media were challenged with 147 isolates of rapidly growing mycobacteria and 185 isolates belonging to other species. RGM medium was then compared with the most selective brand of BCSA for the isolation of NTM from 224 sputum samples from patients with CF. Different agars designed for the isolation of B. cepacia complex varied considerably in their inhibition of other bacteria and fungi. RGM medium supported the growth of all isolates of mycobacteria and was more selective than any other medium. NTM were recovered from 17 of 224 sputum samples using RGM medium, compared with only 7 samples using the most selective brand of BCSA (P = 0.023). RGM medium offers a superior option, compared to other selective agars, for the isolation of rapidly growing mycobacteria from the sputum of patients with CF. Furthermore, the convenience of using RGM medium enables routine screening for rapidly growing NTM in all submitted sputum samples from patients with CF.

Genomic analyses confirm close relatedness between Rhodococcus defluvii and Rhodococcus equi (Rhodococcus hoagii).

Rhodococcus defluvii strain Ca11(T) was isolated from a bioreactor involved in extensive phosphorus removal. We have sequenced the whole genome of this strain, and our comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses confirm its close relatedness with Rhodococcus equi (Rhodococcus hoagii) strains, which share >80 % of the gene content. The R. equi virulence plasmid is absent though most of the chromosomal R. equi virulence-associated genes are present in R. defluvii Ca11(T). These data suggest that although R. defluvii is an environmental organism, it has the potential to colonize animal hosts.

The evaluation of a food allergy and epinephrine autoinjector training program for personnel who care for children in schools and community settings.

With the dramatic increase in the incidence of food allergies, nurses and other school personnel are likely to encounter a child with food allergies. The objectives of this study were to assess the effectiveness of in-person training on enhancing knowledge about food allergies and improving self-confidence in preventing, recognizing, and treating food allergy reactions and to collect information about prior training and participation in response to food allergy incidents. A total of 4,818 individuals at 247 schools and community sites participated in the training program, which was delivered by a licensed registered nurse. Written evaluations, online surveys, and phone interviews were used to measure the impact including content retention, confidence, and behavior changes. The results of this study show that in-person training can increase participant's knowledge about food allergies and improve self-confidence in preventing, recognizing, and treating allergic reactions and that these gains were sustained over time.

Nocardia kroppenstedtii sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from a lung transplant patient with a pulmonary infection.

A novel actinomycete, strain N1286(T), isolated from a lung transplant patient with a pulmonary infection, was provisionally assigned to the genus Nocardia. The strain had chemotaxonomic and morphological properties typical of members of the genus Nocardia and formed a distinct phyletic line in the Nocardia 16S rRNA gene tree. Isolate N1286(T) was most closely related to Nocardia farcinica DSM 43665(T) (99.8% gene sequence similarity) but could be distinguished from the latter by the low level of DNA-DNA relatedness. These strains were also distinguishable on the basis of a broad range of phenotypic properties. It is concluded that strain N1286(T) represents a novel species of the genus Nocardia for which the name Nocardia kroppenstedtii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is N1286(T) ( = DSM 45810(T) = NCTC 13617(T)).

Prescottia equi gen. nov., comb. nov.: a new home for an old pathogen.

The taxonomic status of Rhodococcus equi, originally isolated from foal specimens, has been the subject of discussion for a number of years. The chequered history of the taxon has prompted this polyphasic analysis of R. equi strains, close members of the genus Rhodococcus and representatives of other genera classified in the order Corynebacteriales, to establish the taxonomic position of this taxon. Thirty one R. equi strains, including the type strain, were examined for genotypic and numerical taxonomic properties. The resultant data are consistent with their classification in the order Corynebacteriales but the R. equi strains formed a distinct phyletic clade away from representatives of other members of the genus Rhodococcus in the 16S rRNA gene tree. Representatives of this clade shared their highest pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with the type strain of Rhodococcus kunmingensis (95.2-98.1 %). However, the R. equi taxon was readily distinguished from R. kunmingensis and from the other members of the order Corynebacteriales using a combination of genotypic, chemotypic and phenotypic properties. On the basis of these data the R. equi strains are considered to represent a new genus. The name proposed for this taxon is Prescottia gen. nov., with Prescottia equi comb. nov. as the type species containing the type strain, C 7(T) (= ATCC 25729(T) = ATCC 6939(T) = CCUG 892(T) = CIP 54.72(T) = DSM 20307(T) = HAMBI 2061(T) = NBRC 14956(T) = JCM 1311(T) = JCM 3209(T) = LMG 18452(T) = NBRC 101255(T) = NCTC 1621(T) = NRRL B-16538(T) = VKM Ac-953(T)).

Proposal to replace the illegitimate genus name Prescottia Jones et al. 2013 with the genus name Prescottella gen. nov. and to replace the illegitimate combination Prescottia equi Jones et al. 2013 with Prescottella equi comb. nov.

Recently we proposed that Rhodococcus equi (Magnusson 1923) Goodfellow and Alderson 1977 be transferred to a novel genus, Prescottia, as Prescottia equi comb. nov. However, in accordance with Principle 2 and Rule 51b(4) of the Bacteriological Code (1990 Revision), the bacterial genus name Prescottia Jones et al. 2013 is deemed illegitimate as this name has been used previously for a plant genus within the family Orchidaceae. Consequently, a new genus name, Prescottella gen. nov. is proposed for the bacterial taxon and a new combination Prescottella equi comb. nov. is proposed for the type species.

Rhodococcus jostii: a home for Rhodococcus strain RHA1.

The taxonomic position of Rhodococcus strain RHA1, an effective degrader of polychlorinated biphenyls with a large linear chromosome, was established using a polyphasic approach. The morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of the strain were typical of members of the genus Rhodococcus. The strain shared a high level of 16S rRNA sequence similarity (99.9 %) with the type strain of Rhodococcus jostii, a member of the Rhodococcus erythropolis subclade. The two strains shared a DNA:DNA relatedness value well above the cut-off point recommended for the circumscription of genomic species and had a broad range of phenotypic properties in common. The combination of genomic and phenotypic data show strain RHA1 to be a bona fide member of the species Rhodococcus jostii.

Salinispora pacifica sp. nov., an actinomycete from marine sediments.

A polyphasic analysis was carried out to clarify the taxonomic status of four marine actinomycete strains that share a phylogenetic relationship and phenotypic characteristics with the genus Salinispora. These strains formed a distinct lineage within the Salinispora 16S rRNA and gyrB trees and were found to possess a range of phenotypic properties and DNA:DNA hybridization values that distinguished them from the type strains of the two validly named species in this genus, Salinispora tropica (CNB-440(T), ATCC BAA-916(T)) and Salinispora arenicola (CNH-643(T), ATCC BAA-917(T)). The combined genotypic and phenotypic data support this conclusion. It is proposed that the strains be designated as Salinispora pacifica sp. nov., the type strain of which is CNR-114(T) (DSMZ YYYYT = KACC 17160(T)).

Verrucosispora fiedleri sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from a fjord sediment which synthesizes proximicins.

A novel filamentous actinobacterial organism, designated strain MG-37(T), was isolated from a Norwegian fjord sediment and examined using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The organism was determined to have chemotaxonomic and morphological properties consistent with its classification in the genus Verrucosispora and formed a distinct phyletic line in the Verrucosispora 16S rRNA gene tree. It was most closely related to Verrucosispora maris DSM 45365(T) (99.5 % 16S rRNA gene similarity) and Verrucosispora gifhornensis DSM 44337(T) (99.4 % 16S rRNA gene similarity) but was distinguished from these strains based on low levels of DNA:DNA relatedness (~56 and ~50 %, respectively). It was readily delineated from all of the type strains of Verrucosispora species based on a combination of phenotypic properties. Isolate MG-37(T) (=NCIMB 14794(T) = NRRL-B-24892(T)) should therefore be classified as the type strain of a novel species of Verrucosispora for which the name Verrucosispora fiedleri is proposed.

Assimilation of oil-derived elements by oysters due to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

During and after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (DWHOS), oysters (Crassostrea virginica) were exposed to oil and susceptible to incidental consumption of surface and subsurface oil materials. We determined the contribution of oil materials from the DWHOS to diet of oysters by comparing carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stable isotope ratios in oyster shell to ratios in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and in fresh and weathered oil. Average δ(13)C and δ(15)N values in oyster shell (-21 ± 1‰ and 9-11‰, respectively) were consistent with consumption of naturally available SPM as opposed to values in oil (-27 ± 0.2‰, 1.6 ± 0.4‰). Stable isotope ratios in oyster adductor muscle were similar to shell for δ(15)N but not δ(13)C, suggesting either a recent shift in diet composition or differential assimilation of C between tissue types. We found no evidence of assimilation of oil-derived C and N and, therefore, no evidence of an oyster-based conduit to higher trophic levels. Trace elements in shell were inconclusive to corroborate oil exposure. These findings are not an indication that oysters were not exposed to oil; rather they imply oysters either did not consume oil-derived materials or consumed too little to be detectable compared to natural diet.

Verrucosispora maris sp. nov., a novel deep-sea actinomycete isolated from a marine sediment which produces abyssomicins.

Verrucosispora isolate AB-18-032(T), the abyssomicin- and proximicin-producing actinomycete, has chemotaxonomic and morphological properties consistent with its classification in the genus Verrucosispora. The organism formed a distinct phyletic line in the Verrucosispora 16S rRNA gene tree sharing similarities of 99.7%, 98.7% and 98.9% with Verrucosispora gifhornensis DSM 44337(T), Verrucosispora lutea YIM 013(T) and Verrucosispora sediminis MS 426(T), respectively. It was readily distinguished from the two latter species using a range of phenotypic features and from V. gifhornensis DSM 44337(T), its nearest phylogenetic neighbor, by a DNA G+C content of 65.5 mol% obtained by thermal denaturation and fluorometry and DNA:DNA relatedness values of 64.0% and 65.0% using renaturation and fluorometric methods, respectively. It is apparent from the combined genotypic and phenotypic data that strain AB-18-032(T) should be classified in the genus Verrucosispora as a new species. The name Verrucosispora maris sp. nov. is proposed for this taxon with isolate AB-18-032(T) (= DSM 45365(T) = NRRL B-24793(T)) as the type strain.

HPV vaccine decision making in pediatric primary care: a semi-structured interview study.

BACKGROUND: Despite national recommendations, as of 2009 human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates were low with < 30% of adolescent girls fully vaccinated. Research on barriers to vaccination has focused separately on parents, adolescents, or clinicians and not on the decision making process among all participants at the point of care. By incorporating three distinct perspectives, we sought to generate hypotheses to inform interventions to increase vaccine receipt. METHODS: Between March and June, 2010, we conducted qualitative interviews with 20 adolescent-mother-clinician triads (60 individual interviews) directly after a preventive visit with the initial HPV vaccine due. Interviews followed a guide based on published HPV literature, involved 9 practices, and continued until saturation of the primary themes was achieved. Purposive sampling balanced adolescent ages and practice type (urban resident teaching versus non-teaching). Using a modified grounded theory approach, we analyzed data with NVivo8 software both within and across triads to generate primary themes. RESULTS: The study population was comprised of 20 mothers (12 Black, 9 < high school diploma), 20 adolescents (ten 11-12 years old), and 20 clinicians (16 female). Nine adolescents received the HPV vaccine at the visit, eight of whom were African American. Among the 11 not vaccinated, all either concurrently received or were already up-to-date on Tdap and MCV4. We did not observe systematic patterns of vaccine acceptance or refusal based on adolescent age or years of clinician experience. We identified 3 themes: (1) Parents delayed, rather than refused vaccination, and when they expressed reluctance, clinicians were hesitant to engage them in discussion. (2) Clinicians used one of two strategies to present the HPV vaccine, either presenting it as a routine vaccine with no additional information or presenting it as optional and highlighting risks and benefits. (3) Teens considered themselves passive participants in decision making, even when parents and clinicians reported including them in the process. CONCLUSIONS: Programs to improve HPV vaccine delivery in primary care should focus on promoting effective parent-clinician communication. Research is needed to evaluate strategies to help clinicians engage reluctant parents and passive teens in discussion and measure the impact of distinct clinician decision making approaches on HPV vaccine delivery.

Decontamination Strategies Used for AFB Culture Significantly Reduce the Viability of Mycobacterium abscessus Complex in Sputum Samples from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria are important respiratory pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). For diagnosis, international guidelines recommend culture of sputum that has been decontaminated via chemical treatment. Fifty-six sputum samples from 32 patients known to be previously colonized or infected with NTM were subdivided, and the aliquots were subjected to six different decontamination strategies, followed by quantitative culture for NTM. Thirty sputum samples contained Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABSC) and 11 contained Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Decontamination strategies included treatment with N-acetyl L-cysteine with 2% sodium hydroxide (NALC-NaOH), 4% NaOH, 1% chlorhexidine, 0.5 N sulfuric acid, 5% oxalic acid, double decontamination with NALC-NaOH, followed by 5% oxalic acid, and saline (0.85%) as a control. The samples were also cultured directly with no treatment. Treatment with NALC-NaOH resulted in an average reduction in colony count of 87% for MABSC when compared with direct culture. NaOH at 4% caused a 98.3% average reduction in colony count. All treatments that included NaOH resulted in colony counts that were statistically lower than those obtained from direct culture or the saline-treated control (p < 0.05). Standard treatments using sulfuric or oxalic acids were less deleterious, but still resulted in an average reduction in colony count of at least 30%. The viability of MAC was much less affected by most decontamination treatments. In conclusion, the viability of MABSC was severely compromised by standard decontamination regimens. This supports recent evidence showing that optimal recovery of MABSC is achieved by culture on an appropriate selective agar without decontamination of sputum samples.

Williamsia faeni sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from a hay meadow.

The taxonomic status of an actinomycete isolated from soil collected from a hay meadow was determined using a polyphasic approach. The strain, designated N1350(T), had morphological and chemotaxonomic properties consistent with its classification in the genus Williamsia and formed a distinct phyletic line within the clade comprising the type strains of species of the genus Williamsia in the 16S rRNA gene tree. Strain N1350(T) shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Williamsia marianensis MT8(T) (98.1 %) and Williamsia muralis MA140-96(T) (98.3 %). However, strain N1350(T) was readily distinguished from the type strains of Williamsia species using a combination of phenotypic properties. On the basis of these data, strain N1350(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Williamsia. The name proposed for this taxon is Williamsia faeni sp. nov., with the type strain N1350(T) (=DSM 45372(T) =NCIMB 14575(T) =NRRL B-24794(T)).

Enantioselective syntheses of candenatenins B and C using a chiral anthracene auxiliary.

An asymmetric synthesis of two anticancer natural products, candenatenins B and C, is described, leading to a revision of the originally assigned stereochemistry. The synthesis follows a Diels-Alder/retro-Diels Alder strategy using a chiral anthracene auxiliary to access both targets with 90% ee. The inherent structural qualities of the auxiliary allow for both regio- and diastereoselective transformations.

CTLA-4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in a Caucasian population with schizophrenia.

Associations between a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 1 of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4) gene and schizophrenia in a Korean population have been previously described. The current study investigated whether a similar link occurs in a Caucasian population with schizophrenia. One hundred and twenty-two age- and sex-matched pairs of people with DSM-III-R diagnosis of schizophrenia and healthy controls were included in this study. Three previously described SNPs (from the promoter, exon 1 and 3' UTR) of the CTLA4 gene were analysed. In the entire sample, we detected no allelic or genotypic association for any of the three SNPs. Given documented gender differences in incidence of schizophrenia, we conducted separate analyses of male and female participants. In males, both the promoter region SNP (-318C/T) and the 3' UTR SNP demonstrated nominally significant association with schizophrenia. The 3' UTR SNP remained significant following correction for multiple testing (permuted P=0.046). In addition, all possible haplogenotypes showed significant association with disease in males with two--both containing the 3' UTR SNP--remaining significant following correction for the genotypic tests of all SNPs and haplogenotypes in males. These results suggest a role for the 3' UTR SNP and/or variants in high linkage disequilibrium with this SNP in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.