First isolation and whole-genome sequencing of a Shewanella algae strain from a swine farm in Brazil

Background Infections caused by Shewanella spp. have been increasingly reported worldwide. The advances in genomic sciences have enabled better understanding about the taxonomy and epidemiology of this agent. However, the scarcity of DNA sequencing data is still an obstacle for understanding the genus and its association with infections in humans and animals. Results In this study, we report the first isolation and whole-genome sequencing of a Shewanella algae strain from a swine farm in Brazil using the boot sock method, as well as the resistance profile of this strain to antimicrobials. The isolate was first identified as Shewanella putrefaciens, but after whole-genome sequencing it showed greater similarity with Shewanella algae. The strain showed resistance to 46.7% of the antimicrobials tested, and 26 resistance genes were identified in the genome. Conclusions This report supports research made with Shewanella spp. and gives a step forward for understanding its taxonomy and epidemiology. It also highlights the risk of emerging pathogens with high resistance to antimicrobial formulas that are important to public health.

Citizens’ perspectives on genomic sciences and direct-to-consumer genetic tests: systematic reviews

Background Past decades have witnessed enormous progress in the field of genetics and genomics, and yet a low level of awareness among general public has been described. Our aim was to explore the general populations’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards genomic sciences, with a focus on direct-to-consumer genetic tests (DTC-GTs). DTC-GTs are genetic tests ordered directly by the public, without the involvement of a healthcare provider. Methods Two systematic reviews were conducted related to citizens’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. Firstly, we updated the current literature on DTC-GTs by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and Google Scholar. Studies published in English from October 2014 to January 2019, conducted in Europe were included. Secondly, we searched PubMed, Web of Science and Embase to review English and Italian studies on genomic sciences from 2003 to 2019. Results In the systematic review on DTC-GTs, we included six studies from Italy, Greece, Germany, The Netherlands and Switzerland. European citizens had an overall low level of awareness and a very small proportion of them had personal experience with DTC-GTs. More than half of the participants were interested in undergoing a DTC-GT, mainly for knowing the risk predisposition to a common disease such as cancer or cardiovascular disease. Concerns were raised about tests’ validity and utility as well as data privacy. In the systematic review on genomic sciences, 55 studies were included. The data extraction process is still in progress and our preliminary results indicate low levels of awareness on genomics. Conclusions Our findings showed that European citizens have a modest level of awareness and a high interest in DTC-GT. Understanding the citizens’ perspectives toward genomic sciences may contribute to the development of educational programs related to their needs. Key messages European citizens expressed modest levels of awareness and high levels of interest in DTC-GTs, mainly for knowing the risk predisposition to common diseases. European citizens are concerned with the data privacy and DTC-GT’s validity and utility.

Genomic Science—From 2001 to Present Day: What School Nurses Need to Know

Genetic science has made remarkable advances in the 21st century. As genetic and genomic sciences continue to expand, school nurses will become thoroughly immersed in data, information, and technology. As new diseases, treatments, and therapies are discovered, school nurses will need to implement and assess best practices for the complex and medically fragile student population. This article will discuss the top 10 recent discoveries in genomic science and how school nurses can use this information in clinical practice.

A Sociogenomic World

This chapter discusses a paradigm shift in the genomic sciences wherein scientists have gone from ignoring race to studying it. It argues that the field has adopted a sociogenomic approach to race, in which scientists understand race as a muddled mix of genetic and social factors. Scientists responsible for seminal genome projects, who have faced pressure from the US public health establishment and an array of experts on race, now prioritize race-targeted research, minority recruitment, and analysis of genomic health disparities. As a result large-scale sequencing projects, pharmaceuticals, and postgenomic research have become ever more racialized, while race has taken on an irrevocably genomic imprimatur. This paradigm shift has occurred because of changes across a number of powerful social domains of expertise within science, medicine, and policy. This chapter thus draws upon events taking place in a variety of institutional, regulatory, and normative contexts.

Primer in Genetics and Genomics, Article 5—Further Defining the Concepts of Genotype and Phenotype and Exploring Genotype–Phenotype Associations

As nurses begin to incorporate genetic and genomic sciences into clinical practice, education, and research, it is essential that they have a working knowledge of the terms foundational to the science. The first article in this primer series provided brief definitions of the basic terms (e.g., genetics and genomics) and introduced the concept of phenotype during the discussion of Mendelian inheritance. These terms, however, are inconsistently used in publications and conversations, and the linkage between genotype and phenotype requires clarification. The goal of this fifth article in the series is to elucidate these terms, provide an overview of the research methods used to determine genotype–phenotype associations, and discuss their significance to nursing through examples from the current nursing literature.