Comparison of Beta-lactamase Genes in Environmental Rahnella Isolates

Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem in the field of healthcare. Antibiotics are becoming less effective as species of bacteria adapt and share resistance mechanisms. If transmission of mechanisms can be better understood at the molecular level, inhibitors could be developed to lessen the likelihood of antibiotic resistance. In this study, Rahnella spp were isolated from environmental sources on MacConkey plates containing 100 µg ml-1 ampicillin, and confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Whole genomic DNA was extracted from isolates and initial amplifications were performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers specific for 16S amplification. New primers were designed based on the sequence of a β-lactamase gene identified in a Rahnella genome. These primers provided strong amplification. The products of these amplifications were sequenced, with the predicted protein products showing high sequence similarities to a previously identified Rahnella β-lactamase gene. Individual sequences were compared and found to cluster into two distinct groups, with each being distinct from the known Rahnella β-lactamase. Additional sequence data was used to determine the full sequences of this class A beta-lactamase gene predicted to be responsible for beta-lactam resistance. Primers were produced to amplify the full gene and a High Fidelity PCR Kit by Qiagen was used to amplify the gene and furthermore, sequence the full gene. Ongoing research is being conducted to understand more about the mechanism by which the class A beta-lactamase gene confers resistance and additionally how this resistance is transferred between bacteria

Media Portrayal of GM Science and Citrus Greening in State and National Newspapers

Huanglongbing (HLB), commonly known as citrus greening, is a bacterial disease severely affecting the profitability and continuation of the citrus industry in Florida and is threatening the citrus industry in other states as well. Currently, the disease only can be managed, not cured. Gene-based therapies, such as GM science, have been identified as a viable long-term solution. However, consumer acceptance of genetically modified food is low and their understanding and acceptance of new technologies is largely dependent on what they receive through mass media. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to understand news coverage of both citrus greening and gene modification science. This content analysis studied news articles of either citrus greening or gene modification science in national and state-specific newspapers and identified that while citrus greening is not highly covered by newspapers, it is accurately described via appropriate terminology. Genetic modification science is more commonly a topic of news coverage and is somewhat neutral and balanced in coverage. This research shows that source use in media coverage of gene modification science is balanced, but sources are most commonly chosen from organizations with a directed opinion or position on the topic

Using Audience Segmentation to Determine Millennial Perceptions toward GM Foods

Millennial consumers are an essential population segment who are currently the third highest spenders in grocery aisles. Millennials are often lumped into one homogenous group; however, they are instead a diverse group comprised of unique characteristics. As producers are increasingly adopting genetically modified (GM) crops, it is essential to understand how consumers perceive the technology. Using the Situational Theory of Publics, an online survey was used to capture character traits of millennials and their perceptions toward GM foods. Using non-probability quota sampling (N=386), millennials were asked to answer demographic questions as well as questions related to their level of support for GM food; their level of involvement in the issue; and their level of knowledge about GM food. Results show that the majority of respondents (77.2%) were not supportive of GM food, and the largest non-supportive category of respondents (25.6%) had high issue involvement but low knowledge about GM food. Of the respondents supportive of GM food, 91% had low issue involvement. By providing insight into millennial characteristics in regards to demographics and where they align in the situational theory of publics, this research can help further risk communication research and improve the understanding of how communication practitioners can strategically communicate with the diverse perceptions and levels of involvement millennials have with GM food

What Do Adults With HIV Want? End-of-Life Care Goals, Values and Beliefs by Gender, Race, Sexual Orientation.

© The Author(s) 2021. Objective: We examined factors influencing end-of-life care preferences among persons living with HIV (PLWH). Methods: 223 PLWH were enrolled from 5 hospital-based clinics in Washington, DC. They completed an end-of-life care survey at baseline of the FACE™-HIV Advance Care Planning clinical trial. Findings: The average age of patients was 51 years. 56% were male, 66% heterosexual, and 86% African American. Two distinct groups of patients were identified with respect to end-of-life care preferences: (1) a Relational class (75%) who prioritized family and friends, comfort from church services, and comfort from persons at the end-of-life; and (2) a Transactional/Self-Determination class (25%) who prioritized honest answers from their doctors, and advance care plans over relationships. African Americans had 3x the odds of being in the Relational class versus the Transactional/Self-determination class, Odds ratio = 3.30 (95% CI, 1.09, 10.03), p = 0.035. Males were significantly less likely to be in the relational latent class, Odds ratio = 0.38 (CI, 0.15, 0.98), p = 0.045. Compared to non-African-Americans, African-American PLWH rated the following as important: only taking pain medicines when pain is severe, p = 0.0113; saving larger doses for worse pain, p = 0.0067; and dying in the hospital, p = 0.0285. PLWH who were sexual minorities were more afraid of dying alone, p = 0.0397, and less likely to only take pain medicines when pain is severe, p = 0.0091. Conclusion: Integrating culturally-sensitive palliative care services as a component of the HIV care continuum may improve health equity and person-centered care

Radiographic Evaluation of Bones and Joints in Mucopolysaccharidosis I and VII Dogs after Neonatal Gene Therapy

Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) and MPS VII are due to deficient activity of the glycosaminoglycan-degrading lysosomal enzymes alpha-L-iduronidase and beta-glucuronidase, respectively, and result in abnormal bones and joints. Here, the severity of skeletal disease in MPS I and MPS VII dogs and the effects of neonatal gene therapy were evaluated. For untreated MPS VII dogs, the lengths of the second cervical vertebrae (C2) and the femur were only 56% and 84% of normal, respectively, and bone dysplasia and articular erosions, and joint subluxation were severe. Previously, we reported that neonatal intravenous injection of a retroviral vector (RV) with the appropriate gene resulted in expression in liver and blood cells, and high serum enzyme activity. In this study, we demonstrate that C2 and femurs of RV-treated MPS VII dogs were longer at 82% and 101% of normal, respectively, and there were partial improvements of qualitative abnormalities. For untreated MPS I dogs, the lengths of C2 and femurs (91% and 96% of normal, respectively) were not significantly different from normal dogs. Qualitative changes in MPS I bones and joints were generally modest and were partially improved with RV treatment, although cervical spine disease was severe and was difficult to correct with gene therapy in both models. The greater severity of skeletal disease in MPS VII than in MPS I dogs may reflect accumulation of chondroitin sulfate in cartilage in MPS VII, or could relate to the specific mutations. Neonatal RV-mediated gene therapy ameliorates, but does not prevent, skeletal disease in MPS I and MPS VII dogs