The microbiology of periprosthetic joint infections as revealed by sonicate cultures in Korea: Routine use of fungal and mycobacterial cultures is necessary?

BACKGROUND: Although sonication is a valuable diagnostic tool for periprosthetic joint infections (PJI), it is not commonly utilized. We analyzed sonicate and intraoperative tissue culture results obtained from three hospitals to define the microbial etiology of PJIs in Korea. Furthermore, we investigated necessity of conducting regular fungal and mycobacterial cultures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data for patients with suspected orthopedic-related infections between 2017 and 2022, who had undergone prostheses removal surgery. We included 193 patients with suspected PJIs, and bacterial (n = 193), fungal (n = 193), and mycobacterial (n = 186) cultures were conducted on both sonicate and intraoperative tissue samples. The diagnosis of PJI was based on the European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS) criteria. RESULTS: Out of 193 patients, 121 (62.7%) had positive sonicate cultures, while 112 (58.0%) had positive periprosthetic tissue cultures. According to EBJIS criteria, a total of 181 patients were diagnosed with PJI, and 141 patients received microbiological confirmation through sonicate fluid culture or tissue culture. Of the 181 patients, 28 were classified with acute PJI (within 3 months of implantation) and 153 with chronic PJI. Among 141 patients, staphylococci were the most common organisms, accounting for 51.8% of cases, followed by Gram-negative organisms (15.6%), fungus (8.5%), and mycobacteria (3.5%). Nearly 91.7% of fungal isolates were Candida species, which also grew in bacterial cultures. In total, 11 cases cultured positive only in tissue culture, whereas 20 cases cultured positive only in sonicate culture. The antibiotic treatment plans were adjusted according to culture results. CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing sonicate culture has greatly assisted in identifying pathogens responsible for chronic indolent PJIs, allowing suitable antimicrobial treatment. Based on few cases involving non-Candida and mycobacterial infections, it appears that routine fungal and mycobacterial cultures may not be necessary.

Description of Pseudomarimonas salicorniae sp. nov., Isolated from Salicornia herbacea L. in the Tidal Flat of the Yellow Sea.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped, designated strain CAU 1642 T, was isolated from a Salicornia herbacea collected from a tidal flat in the Yellow Sea. Strain CAU 1642 T grew optimally at pH 8.0 and 30 °C. The highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity was 97.25%, with Pseudomarinomonas arenosa CAU 1598 T, and phylogenetic analysis indicated that strain CAU 1642 T belongs to the genus Pseudomarinomonas. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, and summed feature 9 (iso-C17:1ω9c and/or 10-methyl C16:0). Ubiquinone-8 was the major respiratory quinone. The draft genome of strain CAU 1642 T was 4.5 Mb, with 68.7 mol% of G + C content. The phylogenetic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic analysis data reveal strain CAU 1642 T to be of a novel genus in the family Lysobacteraceae, with the proposed name Pseudomarinomonas salicorniae sp. nov. with type strain CAU 1642 T (= KCTC 92084 T = MCCC 1K07085T).

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome in South Korea, 2016-2021: Clinical Features of Severe Progression and Complications.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infection with a high case fatality rate. The serious clinical features need to be further defined. We performed a retrospective analysis among SFTS patients in South Korea during 2016-2021 to update the current status. The basic epidemiology of all reported cases was analyzed, and the detailed clinical data of the subjects were further collected from study hospitals selected in terms of their geographic location and capability of SFTS care. Cases of SFTS were reported across the country and were greatly increased since the initial endemic phase, even under the passive surveillance system. The case fatality rate remained at approximately 16.8%. Coinfections at admission were present in 7.8% of the patients. Major complications included bleeding (15.2%), hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (6.7%), bacteremia or candidemia (4.0%), and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (1.7%). It took a median 4 days from the onset of illness to hospital admission. Rapid clinical deterioration was observed with a median 1 day for intensive care unit admission, 3 days for mechanical ventilation, 4 days for renal replacement therapy, and 5 days for death, all after the hospitalization. Multivariate analysis showed that the fatality was associated with older age, bacteremia, or candidemia during hospitalization, and the presence of several variables at admission such as fever, altered mentality, aspartate aminotransferase >200 IU/L, serum creatinine level >1.2 mg/dL, and prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. Treatment options to improve clinical outcomes are limited, despite best supportive care. Specific treatment is urgently needed to change the fatal course.

Mediation Effect of Social Distancing on Neonatal Vitamin D Status and Related Clinical Outcomes during the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the impact of social distancing (SD) on vitamin D status and associated morbidity in neonates during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: Serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) and clinical characteristics of newborn infants before (2019) and during SD (2021) were compared. RESULTS: A total of 526 neonates (263 in 2019 and 263 in 2021) were included. The rate of vitamin D deficiency in neonates (47.1% vs. 35.4 %, p = 0.008) decreased and the rate of maternal vitamin D intake increased (6.8% vs. 37.6%, p < 0.001), respectively, during SD compared to those in 2019. The rates of hypocalcemia (12.5% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.001) and respiratory illness (57.0% vs. 43.0%, p = 0.002) decreased during SD. Neonatal vitamin D deficiency during SD was associated with maternal vitamin D supplementation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.463, p = 0.003) but was not associated with SD (OR = 0.772, p = 0.189). The mediation effect of SD on neonatal morbidity by neonatal vitamin D status was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: SD might affect the increased maternal vitamin D intake and decreased neonatal vitamin D deficiency. However, neonatal morbidity was not affected by SD, even with neonatal vitamin D status changes.

Adlercreutzia faecimuris sp. nov., producing propionate and acetate isolated from mouse feces.

A novel strictly anaerobic bacterium, strain JBNU-10 T, was isolated from BALB/c mouse feces. Cells of the strain JBNU-10 T were Gram-stain positive, non-motile and rod-shaped. Optimum growth occurred at 37℃, with 1% (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain JBNU-10 T belonged to the genus Adlercreutzia and were closely related to Adlercreutzia muris WCA-131-CoC-2 T (95.90%). The genome sequencing of strain JBNU-10 T revealed a genome size of 2,790,983 bp, a DNA G + C content of 69.4 mol%. It contains a total of 2,266 CDSs, 5 rRNA genes and 49 tRNA genes. According to the data obtained strain JBNU-10 T shared ANI value below 77.6- 67.7%, dDDH value below 23.8% with the closely type species. Strain JBNU-10 T possessed iso-C16:0 DMA, C18:1 CIS 9 FAME, and C18:0 DMA as the major fatty acids and had DMMK-6. The major end products of fermentation is propionate and acetate. Based on phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain JBNU-10 T represent a novel species of the genus Adlercreutzia. The type strain is JBNU-10 T (= KCTC 25028 T = CCUG 75610 T).

Effectiveness of online responsive teaching in young children with developmental disabilities: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Responsive teaching (RT) interventions, which enhance developmental outcomes by improving children's engagement behaviors, are traditionally delivered in person. However, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic complicated this approach. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and acceptance of online RT in children with developmental disabilities and their parents. METHODS: This pilot study was conducted in Jinju, South Korea, and enrolled parent-child dyads referred to Gyeongsang National University Hospital for developmental concerns between April and September 2022. The children underwent a comprehensive developmental evaluation. The parents received a 5-session RT intervention via ZOOM on a mostly weekly basis. The first 2 sessions involved child development and RT lectures, while the others involved coaching on 3 of the 66 RT strategies. Problem behaviors, parent-child interactions, and parenting stress were assessed pre- versus postintervention using the Korean versions of the Child Behavior Checklist, Maternal/Child Behavior Rating Scale, and Parent Stress Index 4th Edition Short Form, respectively. Acceptability was evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 30 recruited parent-child pairs, 23 (76%) completed the intervention and assessments. The children (mean age, 2.66±0.86 years) included 12 with language delays, 7 with autism spectrum disorder, and 4 with global delays. Predominantly mothers (96%) participated. Online RT significantly improved pivotal behaviors- including joint attention (P=0.04), cooperation (P=0.01), and affect (P=0.01)-and reduced overall problem behaviors (P=0.04). Parents reported less parenting stress (P=0.01), improved interactive behaviors with increased responsiveness (P<0.01), and decreased directiveness (P<0.01). High satisfaction with online RT interventions was also previously reported. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that online RT can improve children's emotional and behavioral outcomes and maternal interaction styles and reduce parenting stress, offering accessible interventions amid challenges such as limited access and pandemics.

Targeting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 overcomes EGFR C797S mutation-driven osimertinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer.

Osimertinib, a selective third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), effectively targets the EGFR T790M mutant in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the newly identified EGFR C797S mutation confers resistance to osimertinib. In this study, we explored the role of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) in osimertinib resistance. Patients exhibiting osimertinib resistance initially displayed elevated PDK1 expression. Osimertinib-resistant cell lines with the EGFR C797S mutation were established using A549, NCI-H292, PC-9, and NCI-H1975 NSCLC cells for both in vitro and in vivo investigations. These EGFR C797S mutant cells exhibited heightened phosphorylation of EGFR, leading to the activation of downstream oncogenic pathways. The EGFR C797S mutation appeared to increase PDK1-driven glycolysis through the EGFR/AKT/HIF-1α axis. Combining osimertinib with the PDK1 inhibitor leelamine helped successfully overcome osimertinib resistance in allograft models. CRISPR-mediated PDK1 knockout effectively inhibited tumor formation in xenograft models. Our study established a clear link between the EGFR C797S mutation and elevated PDK1 expression, opening new avenues for the discovery of targeted therapies and improving our understanding of the roles of EGFR mutations in cancer progression.

Description of Roseibium sediminicola sp. nov. Isolated from Sediment of a Tidal Flat on the Yellow Sea Coast.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, motile, flagellated bacterial strain, designated as CAU 1639T, was isolated from the tidal flat sediment on the Yellow Sea in the Republic of Korea. Growth of the isolate was observed at 20-37 °C, at pH 5.0-10.5 and with 0-7% (w/v) NaCl. The genomic DNA G + C content was 60.8%. Phylogenetic analysis, grounded on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, revealed that strain CAU 1639T was closely related to species within the genus Roseibium. It shared the highest similarity with Roseibium album CECT 5095T, followed by Roseibium aggregatum IAM 12614T and Roseibium salinum Cs25T, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity ranging from 98.0-98.4%. It was observed that the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values ranged between 72.5-79.5 and 20.0-22.9%, respectively. The polyphasic taxonomic analysis reveals that strain CAU 1639T represents a novel species in the genus Roseibium with the proposed name Roseibium sediminicola sp. nov. The type strain is CAU 1639T (= KCTC 82430T = MCCC 1K06081T).

Coproduction with peer support groups: A new approach to culturally responsive social services.

The disparity of access to suitable social services for people from culturally diverse backgrounds is receiving increased attention. Coproduction between service users and providers has the potential as an approach to improve the cultural responsiveness of social services. What remains unknown is how social service organizations can facilitate and support coproduction with people from culturally diverse backgrounds. This article examines how three disability support organizations in Australia worked with peer support groups run by people with disability and their families from Chinese background to improve the organizations' service provision. We collected qualitative data through observations of activities in the groups and semistructured interviews with group members and organization staff. We found that organizing peer support groups facilitated knowledge exchange between people from culturally diverse backgrounds and organizations to inform practice development. Five contributors to the knowledge exchange were as follows: (1) assigning staff responsibility for exchange and trust with the group; (2) encouraging the group to challenge practice and cultural norms; (3) identifying and supporting the capacity of peer facilitators; (4) fostering trust within the group; and (5) collaborating with other organizations. Cultural responsiveness means incorporating people's cultural preferences in support provision and addressing the negative influences of cultural norms on people.

Phocaeicola acetigenes sp. nov., producing acetic acid and iso-butyric acid, isolated faeces from a healthy human.

An obligately anaerobic, non-motile, Gram-stain-negative, and rod-shaped strain KGMB11183T was isolated from the feces of healthy Koreans. The growth of strain KGMB11183T occurred at 30-45 °C (optimum 37 °C), at pH 6-9 (optimum pH 7), and in the presence of 0-0.5% NaCl (optimum 0%). Strain KGMB11183T showed 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 95.4% and 94.2% to the closest recognized species, Phocaeicola plebeius M12T, and Phocaeicola faecicola AGMB03916T. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain KGMB11183T is a member of the genus Phocaeiocla. The major end products of fermentation are acetic acid and isobutyric acid. The major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) of this isolate were C18:1 cis 9, anteiso-C15:0, and summed feature 11 (iso-C17:0 3-OH and/or C18:2 DMA). The assembled draft genome sequences of strain KGMB11183T consisted of 3,215,271 bp with a DNA G + C content of 41.4%. According to genomic analysis, strain KGMB11183T has a number of genes that produce acetic acid. The genome of strain KGMB11183T encoded the starch utilization system (Sus) operon, SusCDEF suggesting that strain uses many complex polysaccharides that cannot be digested by humans. Based on the physiological, chemotaxonomic, phenotypic, and phylogenetic data, strain KGMB11183T is regarded a novel species of the genus Phocaeicola. The type strain is KGMB11183T (= KCTC 25284T = JCM 35696T).

1-Kestose Blocks UVB-Induced Skin Inflammation and Promotes Type I Procollagen Synthesis via Regulating MAPK/AP-1, NF-κB and TGF-ß/Smad Pathway.

Solar UVB irradiation cause skin photoaging by inducing the high expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) to inhibit the expression of Type1 procollagen synthesis. 1-Kestose, a natural trisaccharide, has been indicated to show a cytoprotective role in UVB radiation-induced-HaCaT cells. However, few studies have confirmed the anti-aging effects. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-photoaging and pathological mechanism of 1-kestose using Human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells. The results found that 1-kestose pretreatment remarkably reduced UVB-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in HaCaT cells. 1-Kestose suppressed UVB radiation-induced MMPs expressions by blocking MAPK/AP-1 and NF-κB p65 translocation. 1-Kestose pretreatment increased Type 1 procollagen gene expression levels by activating TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway. Taken together, our results demonstrate that 1-kestose may serve as a potent natural trisaccharide for inflammation and photoaging prevention.

Gordonibacter faecis sp. nov., producing urolithin C from ellagic acid, isolated from feces of healthy Korean subjects.

A Gram-stain-positive, anaerobic, motile, and short rod-shaped bacterium, designated KGMB12511T, was isolated from the feces of healthy Koreansubjects. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain KGMB12511T was closely related to Gordonibacter pamelaeae 7-10-1-bT (95.2%). The draft genome of KGMB12511T comprised 33 contigs and 2,744 protein-coding genes. The DNA G + C content was 59.9% based on whole-genome sequences. The major cellular fatty acids (>10%) of strain KGMB12511T were C18:1 cis9, C18:1 cis9 DMA (dimethylacetal), and C16:0 DMA. The predominant polar lipids included a diphosphatydilglycerol, four glycolipids, and an unidentified phospholipid. The major respiratory quinones were menaquinone 6 (MK-6) and monomethylmenaquinone 6 (MMK-6). Furthermore, HPLC analysis demonstrated the ability of strain KGMB12511T to convert ellagic acid into urolithin. Based on a comprehensive analysis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic data, strain KGMB12511T represents a novel species in the genus Gordonibacter. The type strain is KGMB12511T (= KCTC 25343T = NBRC 116190T).

Maternal nanoplastic ingestion induces an increase in offspring body weight through altered lipid species and microbiota.

The rapidly increasing prevalence of obesity and overweight, especially in children and adolescents, has become a serious societal issue. Although various genetic and environmental risk factors for pediatric obesity and overweight have been identified, the problem has not been solved. In this study, we examined whether environmental nanoplastic (NP) pollutants can act as environmental obesogens using mouse models exposed to NPs derived from polystyrene and polypropylene, which are abundant in the environment. We found abnormal weight gain in the progeny until 6 weeks of age following the oral administration of NPs to the mother during gestation and lactation. Through a series of experiments involving multi-omic analyses, we have demonstrated that NP-induced weight gain is caused by alterations in the lipid composition (lysophosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylcholine ratio) of maternal breast milk and he gut microbiota distribution of the progeny. These data indicate that environmental NPs can act as obesogens in childhood.

A novel plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium, Rhizosphaericola mali gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from healthy apple tree soil.

The rhizosphere microbial community is closely associated with plant disease by regulating plant growth, agricultural production, nutrient availability, plant hormone and adaptation to environmental changes. Therefore, it is very important to identify the rhizosphere microbes around plant roots and understand their functions. While studying the differences between the rhizosphere microbiota of healthy and diseased apple trees to find the cause of apple tree disease, we isolated a novel strain, designated as B3-10T, from the rhizosphere soil of a healthy apple tree. The genome relatedness indices between strain B3-10T and other type species of family Chitinophagaceae were in the ranges of 62.4-67.0% for ANI, 18.6-32.1% for dDDH, and 39.0-56.6% for AAI, which were significantly below the cut­off values for the species delineation, indicating that strain B3-10T could be considered to represent a novel genus in family Chitinophagaceae. Interestingly, the complete genome of strain B3-10T contained a number of genes encoding ACC-deaminase, siderophore production, and acetoin production contributing to plant-beneficial functions. Furthermore, strain B3-10T was found to significantly promote the growth of shoots and roots of the Nicotiana benthamiana, which is widely used as a good model for plant biology, demonstrating that strain B3-10T, a rhizosphere microbe of healthy apple trees, has the potential to promote growth and reduce disease. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic, genomic, and physiological properties of this plant growth-promoting (rhizo)bacterium, strain B3-10T supported the proposal of a novel genus in the family Chitinophagaceae, for which the name Rhizosphaericola mali gen. nov., sp. nov. (= KCTC 72123T = NBRC 114178T).

Jatrophihabitans cynanchi sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere soil of Cynanchum wilfordii.

A novel actinobacterial strain, SB3-54T was isolated from rhizosphere soil of Cynanchum wilfodill, Jaecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea. Cells of strain SB3-54T were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, and flagellated which formed pale yellow colonies on Reasoner's 2A (R2A) agar. Growth occurred at 15-30 °C (optimum 25 °C), pH 5-8 (optimum pH 7), and 0-2.5% NaCl (optimum 0%). Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses showed that strain SB3-54T formed a separate lineage in the genus Jatrophihabitans with Jatrophihabitans telluris N237T. Strain SB3-54T was positive for catalase activity. Genomic analysis showed that SB3-54T has plant-beneficial function contributing (referred to as PBFC) genes such as root colonization and plant protection from oxidative stress. Furthermore, genome of SB3-54T contained gene clusters related to cytokinin biosynthesis, auxin response, tryptophan biosynthesis, siderophore biosynthesis and bacterial toxin-antitoxin systems. Strain SB3-54T contained iso-C16:0 as the major fatty acid and MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H6) as the predominant quinones. The organism had meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in the peptidoglycan. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol polymannosides, two unidentified aminoglycophospholipids and three unidentified phospholipids. Based on phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain SB3-54T represents a novel species of the genus Jatrophihabitans. The type strain is SB3-54T (= KCTC 49134T = NBRC 114108T).

Identification of Autoantigens in Pediatric Gastric Juices.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the presence of autoantigens in the gastric juices of children. Methods: Gastric juice and serum samples were obtained from 53 children <15 years of age who underwent gastric endoscopy. Among these, 8, 22, and 23 participants were in the age groups 0-5, 6-10, and 11-15 years, respectively. These samples were analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), immunoblot analysis, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of-flight mass spectrometry. Furthermore, we reviewed the histopathological findings and urease test results and compared them with the results of 2-DE and immunoblot analysis. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in urease test positivity, grades of chronic gastritis, active gastritis, or Helicobacter pylori infiltration of the antrum and body among the three age groups. Three distinct patterns of gastric juice were observed on 2-DE. Pattern I was the most common, and pattern III was not observed below the age of 5 years. Histopathological findings were significantly different among active gastritis (p=0.037) and H. pylori infiltration (p=0.060) in the gastric body. The immunoblots showed large spots at an approximate pH of 3-4 and molecular weights of 31-45 kDa. These distinct, large positive spots were identified as gastric lipase and pepsin A and C. Conclusion: Three enzymes, which are normally secreted under acidic conditions were identified as autoantigens. Further investigation of the pathophysiology and function of autoantigens in the stomach is required.

Description of Mycolicibacterium arenosum sp. nov. Isolated from Coastal Sand on the Yellow Sea Coast.

A Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, non-spore-forming bacterium was isolated from coastal sand samples from Incheon in the Republic of Korea and designated as strain CAU 1645T. The optimum conditions for growth were observed at 30 °C in growth media containing 1% (w/v) NaCl at pH 9.0. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-9 and the major fatty acids were C16:0, C17:1 w7c, and summed feature 7. Similarly, the 16S rRNA gene sequence exhibited the highest similarity with Mycolicibacterium bacteremicum DSM 45578T and Mycolicibacterium neoaurum JCM 6365T, both of which exhibited similarity rates of 97.2%. The genomic DNA G+C content was 68.2%. The whole genome of strain CAU 1645T was obtained and annotated with annotation using RAST server. The pan-genome analysis was determined using Prokka, Roary, and Phandango. In the pan-genome analysis, the strain CAU 1645T shared 40 core genes with closely related Mycolicibacterium species, including the AcpM gene, the meromycolate extension acyl carrier protein involved in forming impermeable cell walls in mycobacteria. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Mycolicibacterium, for which we propose the name Mycolicibacterium arenosum sp. nov. The type strain is CAU 1645T (= KCTC 49724T = MCCC 1K07087T).

Novel Signal Peptides and Episomal Plasmid System for Enhanced Protein Secretion in Engineered Bacteroides Species.

The genus Bacteroides, a predominant group in the human gut microbiome, presents significant potential for microbiome engineering and the development of live biotherapeutics aimed at treating gut diseases. Despite its promising capabilities, tools for effectively engineering Bacteroides species have been limited. In our study, we have made a breakthrough by identifying novel signal peptides in Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Akkermansia muciniphila. These peptides facilitate efficient protein transport across cellular membranes in Bacteroides, a critical step for therapeutic applications. Additionally, we have developed an advanced episomal plasmid system. This system demonstrates superior protein secretion capabilities compared to traditional chromosomal integration plasmids, making it a vital tool for enhancing the delivery of therapeutic proteins in Bacteroides species. Initially, the stability of this episomal plasmid posed a challenge; however, we have overcome this by incorporating an essential gene-based selection system. This novel strategy not only ensures plasmid stability but also aligns with the growing need for antibiotic-free selection methods in clinical settings. Our work, therefore, not only provides a more robust secretion system for Bacteroides but also sets a new standard for the development of live biotherapeutics.

The First Korean Case Report of Siblings with 12q24.22q24.33 Duplication / 계명의대학술지

Live-born cases of partial trisomy 12q are rare, and only a few fetuses with this unbalanced translocation have survived to term. To our knowledge, only about 40 patients have been reported as having 12q duplication, and among them are no Korean reports. Here, we report the first Korean case of siblings with a 12q24.22q24.33 duplication. An 11-year-old boy visited our clinic for short stature. He was born small for his gestational age and had distinctive facial features, a history of surgery for anorectal malformation, psychomotor delay, intellectual disabilities, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He had an older sister with similar clinical features. The chromosomal microarray of the patient and his sister showed identical results: a 16.2 Mb duplication of 12q24.22q24.33. They had an identical cutoff point, but their symptoms were not. Symptoms common to both included growth retardation, psychomotor delay, intellectual disability, ADHD, and small for their gestational age.

Pseudomonas aestuarii sp. nov., isolated from tidal flat sediment.

Two novel Pseudomonas strains, SA3-5T and SA3-6, were isolated from a tidal flat (getbol) in the Republic of Korea. Strains SA3-5T and SA3-6 were subjected to polyphasic characterization to determine their taxonomic affiliations. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and motile by using peritrichous flagella. Based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences, strains SA3-5T and SA3-6 exhibited a high degree of similarity (100 %) and were classified within the genus Pseudomonas. Furthermore, the closest related species to SA3-5T and SA3-6 were Pseudomonas taeanensis MS-3T (98.3 %). The ranges of average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between SA3-5T and closely related species were 75.9-89.1% and 21.3-38.7%, respectively, both of which being below the thresholds for delineating novel strains. Strain SA3-5T and SA3-6 contained C16 : 1 ω6с and/or C16 : 1 ω7с (summed feature 3), C16 : 0 and C18 : 1 ω6с and/or C18 : 1 ω7с (summed feature 8) as the major fatty acids. The predominant respiratory quinone was Q-9. The DNA G+C content of strain SA3-5T was 62.5 mol%. Based on their combined phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characterisitics, strains SA3-5T and SA3-6 represent a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas for which the name Pseudomonas aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SA3-5T (=KCTC 92395T=JCM 35697T).