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This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 18.

A galactose‐specific sugar:phosphotransferase permease is prevalent in the non‐core genome of Streptococcus mutans
Summary Three genes predicted to encode the A, B and C domains of a sugar:phosphotransferase system (PTS) permease specific for galactose (EIIGal) were identified in the genomes of 35 of 57recently‐sequenced isolates of Streptococcus mutans, the primary etiological agent of human dental caries. Mutants defective in the EIIGal complex were constructed in 6 of the isolates and showed markedly reduced growth rates on galactose‐based medium relative to the parental strains. An EIIGal‐deficient strain constructed using the invasive serotype f strain OMZ175 (OMZ/IIGal)expressed significantly lower PTS activitywhen galactos...
Source: Oral Microbiology and Immunology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Lin Zeng, Peng Xue, Michael J. Stanhope, Robert A. Burne Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Long-term survival of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki in a field trial
Canadian Journal of Microbiology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 34-38, e-First articles.
Source: Canadian Journal of Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Tags: article Source Type: research

Mycotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta caused by Haemophilus influenzae type f: a case report.
Abstract Prior to the advent of the H. influenzae type b vaccine, invasive infections due to H. influenzae type f were rarely described. However, the epidemiology of H. influenzae is changing. While the incidence of invasive infections due to H. influenzae is declining in children, such infections are becoming more common in adults, particularly in the elderly. Here, we report an unusual case of infective aortic aneurysm caused by H. influenzae type f that underscores the emerging clinical relevance and pathogenic capability of this organism. PMID: 23355310 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Journal of Medical Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Suarez CJ, Glover WA, Cowan J, Smith A, Clarridge JE Tags: J Med Microbiol Source Type: research

Evaluation of Brilliance VRE agar for detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in rectal swab specimens.
This study compared the performance of Brilliance VRE agar to bile-esculine-azide agar with 6 µg ml-1 vancomycin (BEAV agar) for detecting vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in rectal swab specimens. VRE surveillance cultures were obtained from patients at Akdeniz University Hospital between August and September 2010. Rectal swab specimens were inoculated onto BEAV agar and Brilliance VRE agar. Plates were incubated at 35 °C and were read at 24 h and 48 h. Presumptive VRE colonies on each medium were identified by colony morphology, Gram stain and biochemical tests. Species identification and antimicrobial susceptibi...
Source: Journal of Medical Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Ongut G, Kilinckaya H, Ozhak Baysan B, Ogunc D, Colak D, Inan D, Kasaroglu K, Gunseren F Tags: J Med Microbiol Source Type: research

Isolation and Characterization of Pigmentiphaga- like Isolates from Human Clinical Material.
Abstract Species in the genus Pigmentiphaga are Gram-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive rods derived exclusively to date from environmental sources. Features of strains most like P. daeguensis or P. kullae from a case of suppurative otitis media in a 6 year old female post transplant recipient and human stool, are described. PMID: 23355312 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Journal of Medical Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Bridger N, Drews S, Burdz T, Wiebe D, Pacheco AL, Ng B, Bernard K Tags: J Med Microbiol Source Type: research

Exploiting social evolution in biofilms.
Abstract Bacteria are highly social organisms that communicate via signaling molecules, move collectively over surfaces and make biofilm communities. Nonetheless, our main line of defense against pathogenic bacteria consists of antibiotics-drugs that target individual-level traits of bacterial cells and thus, regrettably, select for resistance against their own action. A possible solution lies in targeting the mechanisms by which bacteria interact with each other within biofilms. The emerging field of microbial social evolution combines molecular microbiology with evolutionary theory to dissect the molecular mechan...
Source: Current Opinion in Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Boyle KE, Heilmann S, van Ditmarsch D, Xavier JB Tags: Curr Opin Microbiol Source Type: research

The GRS/GRC from the Perspective of a Graduate Student and First Time Attendee.
Abstract The networking and collaborative opportunities afforded to the attendees of the Ocean and Human Health Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) and the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) are vast and great. The GRS/GRC, in particular, has the capability of facilitating interlaboratory and interdisciplinary collaborations. The following article highlights the benefits associated with attending the GRS/GRC as a graduate student and first time attendee. PMID: 23354178 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Microbial Ecology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Russo CD Tags: Microb Ecol Source Type: research

Contrasting Patterns of Community Assembly in the Stratified Water Column of Great Salt Lake, Utah.
Abstract Phylogenetic examinations of communities sampled along geochemical gradients provide a framework for inferring the relative importance of niche-based ecological interactions (competition, environmental filtering) and neutral-based evolutionary interactions in structuring biodiversity. Great Salt Lake (GSL) in Utah exhibits strong spatial gradients due to both seasonal variation in freshwater input into the watershed and restricted fluid flow within North America's largest saline terminal lake ecosystem. Here, we examine the phylogenetic structure and composition of archaeal, bacterial, and eukaryal small s...
Source: Microbial Ecology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Meuser JE, Baxter BK, Spear JR, Peters JW, Posewitz MC, Boyd ES Tags: Microb Ecol Source Type: research

Dynamics of Seawater Bacterial Communities in a Shellfish Hatchery.
In this study carried out at a commercial oyster hatchery in Tasmania, Australia, the diversity of the bacterial community and its relationship with larval production outcomes were studied over a 2-year period using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and tag-encoded pyrosequencing. The bacterial communities were very diverse, dominated by the Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Flavobacteria and Cyanobacteria. The communities were highly variable on scales of days, weeks and seasons. The difference between the intake seawater and treated clean seawater used in the hatchery was smaller than the observed...
Source: Microbial Ecology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Powell SM, Chapman CC, Bermudes M, Tamplin ML Tags: Microb Ecol Source Type: research

Zymogram profiling of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities allows Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces species differentiation and correlates to their fermentation performance.
Abstract Aerobic organisms have devised several enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses to deal with reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by cellular metabolism. To combat such stress, cells induce ROS scavenging enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase. In the present research, we have used a double staining technique of SOD and catalase enzymes in the same polyacrylamide gel to analyze the different antioxidant enzymatic activities and protein isoforms present in Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeast species. Moreover, we used a technique to differe...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Gamero-Sandemetrio E, Gómez-Pastor R, Matallana E Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Biological deterioration of alginate beads containing immobilized microalgae and bacteria during tertiary wastewater treatment.
This study demonstrates that partial biological degradation of alginate beads occurred during tertiary wastewater treatment, but the beads survive long enough to permit efficient nutrient removal. PMID: 23354446 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Cruz I, Bashan Y, Hernàndez-Carmona G, de-Bashan LE Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Role of the pentose phosphate pathway and the Entner-Doudoroff pathway in glucose metabolism of Gluconobacter oxydans 621H.
Abstract Glucose catabolism by the obligatory aerobic acetic acid bacterium Gluconobacter oxydans 621H proceeds in two phases comprising rapid periplasmic oxidation of glucose to gluconate (phase I) and oxidation of gluconate to 2-ketogluconate or 5-ketogluconate (phase II). Only a small amount of glucose and part of the gluconate is taken up into the cells. To determine the roles of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and the Entner-Doudoroff pathway (EDP) for intracellular glucose and gluconate catabolism, mutants defective in either the PPP (Δgnd, Δgnd zwf*) or the EDP (Δedd-eda) were characterized under defi...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Richhardt J, Bringer S, Bott M Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Efficient production of L-lactic acid by newly isolated thermophilic Bacillus coagulans WCP10-4 with high glucose tolerance.
Abstract A thermophilic Bacillus coagulans WCP10-4 with tolerance to high concentration of glucose was isolated from soil and used to produce optically pure L-lactic acid from glucose and starch. In batch fermentation at pH 6.0, 240 g/L of glucose was completely consumed giving 210 g/L of L-lactic acid with a yield of 95 % and a productivity of 3.5 g/L/h. In simultaneous saccharification and fermentation at 50 °C without sterilizing the medium, 200 g/L of corn starch was completely consumed producing 202.0 g/L of L-lactic acid. To the best of our knowledge, this strain shows the highest osmotic tolerance ...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Zhou X, Ye L, Wu JC Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Evaluation of protective efficacy conferred by a recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG expressing a fusion protein of Ag85A-ESAT-6.
CONCLUSION: The results suggest that rBCG-AE can not promote protective efficacy against M. tuberculosis H37Rv infection, compared to the BCG vaccine. PMID: 23357605 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Deng YH, He HY, Zhang BS Tags: J Microbiol Immunol Infect Source Type: research

Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance among commonly encountered bacteria associated with infections and colonization in intensive care units in a university-affiliated hospital in Shanghai.
CONCLUSION: Because of decreasing susceptibility rates of pathogens (especially ICU-acquired strains) and a significant correlation with the length of ICU stay, intensivists should consider a patient's time of ICU admission and previous microbiological data and should distinguish ICU-acquired strains from non-ICU-acquired strains so as to initiate optimized empirical antibiotic therapy against ICU-acquired infections. PMID: 23357606 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Tan R, Liu J, Li M, Huang J, Sun J, Qu H Tags: J Microbiol Immunol Infect Source Type: research

Haemophilus parainfluenzae urethritis among homosexual men.
We report three men who had been having unprotected sex with men (MSM) and subsequently acquired H. parainfluenzae urethritis, which was confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Two men were treated with ceftriaxone and doxycycline, and the third man was treated with clarithromycin. All three patients responded to treatment. This case series highlights the potential role of H. parainfluenzae as a sexually transmitted genitourinary pathogen. PMID: 23357607 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Hsu MS, Wu MY, Lin TH, Liao CH Tags: J Microbiol Immunol Infect Source Type: research

Rothia prosthetic knee joint infection.
We describe a 53-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis complicated by prosthetic knee joint infection due to Rothia species, which was successfully treated by surgical removal of prosthesis and prolonged antimicrobial therapy. The issue of antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures among patients with prosthetic joint replacements is discussed. PMID: 23357608 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Trivedi MN, Malhotra P Tags: J Microbiol Immunol Infect Source Type: research

Martelella endophytica sp. nov., an antifungal bacterium associated with a halophyte.
Abstract A Gram-negative, non-spore forming endophytic bacterium, designated strain YC6887T, was isolated from a root sample of a halophyte, Rosa rugosa collected from a tidal flat area of Namhae Island, located at southern end of Korea. Strain YC6887T was found to exhibit inhibitory activity against oomycete plant pathogens. The cells were non-motile and aerobic rods. The strain was able to grow at 4-40 °C (optimum at 28-30 °C) and at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum at pH 7.0-8.5). Strain YC6887T was able to grow at NaCl concentrations of 0-9 % (w/v) with optimum growth at 4-5 % (w/v) NaCl, but NaCl is not essential for gro...
Source: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Bibi F, Chung EJ, Khan A, Jeon CO, Chung YR Tags: Int J Syst Evol Microbiol Source Type: research

Thermococcus prieurii sp. nov., a novel hyperthermophilic archaeon isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent at the East Pacific Rise.
Abstract A novel hyperthermophilic, anaerobic archaeon, strain Bio-pl-0405IT2(T), was isolated from an hydrothermal chimney sample collected from the East Pacific Rise at 2700 m depth on the "Sarah Spring" area (7°25'24 S, 107°47'66 W). Cells were irregular, motile cocci (0.8 to 1.5 µm in diameter) and divided by constriction. Growth was observed at temperatures between 60°C and 95°C with an optimum at 80°C. The pH range for growth was between 4 and 8 with an optimum around 7. Strain Bio-pl-0405IT2(T) grew at salt concentrations ranging from 1% to 5% (w/v) NaCl with an optimum at 2%. The novel isolate grew by...
Source: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Gorlas A, Alain K, Bienvenu N, Isaac S, Geslin C Tags: Int J Syst Evol Microbiol Source Type: research

Paenisporosarcina indica sp. nov., a psychrophilic bacterium from Pindari Glacier of the Himalayan mountain ranges and reclassification of Sporosarcina antarctica Yu et al., 2008 as Paenisporosarcina antarctica comb. nov. and emended description of the genus Paenisporosarcina.
Abstract A Gram-positive, aerobic, spore-forming rod-shaped bacterium PN2T was isolated from a soil sample collected near the Pindari glacier. It contained anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0 and C16:1ω7c alcohol as the predominant fatty acids, MK-7 as the major menaquinone and contains A4α type (L-Lys-D-Glu) peptidoglycan. Based on these characteristics PN2T was assigned to the genus Paenisporosarcina. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence placed PN2T within the genus Paenisporosarcina and showed a sequence similarity of 98.5 to 99.0%. Paenisporosarcina macmurdoensis CMS 21wT, Paenisporosarcina quisquiliaru...
Source: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Reddy GS, Manasa BP, Singh SK, Shivaji S Tags: Int J Syst Evol Microbiol Source Type: research

Streptomyces wuyuanensis sp. nov., a novel actinomycete from soil.
Abstract A novel actinomycete, strain FX61T, was isolated from a saline sample collected from Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region in China and studied using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H6) (59.6 %), MK-9(H8) (27.0 %) and MK-9(H4) (8.6 %). The major fatty acids were iso-C16:0 (31.03 %), anteiso-C15:0 (10.55 %) and iso-C15:0 (8.79 %). The phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylinositol mannoside (PIM) and unidentified phospholipid (PL). The G+C content of the genomic DNA...
Source: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Zhang X, Zhang J, Zheng J, Xin D, Xin Y, Pang H Tags: Int J Syst Evol Microbiol Source Type: research

Fictibacillus phosphorivorans gen. nov. sp. nov. and proposal to reclassify Bacillus arsenicus, Bacillus barbaricus, Bacillus macauensis, Bacillus nanhaiensis, Bacillus rigui, Bacillus solisalsi and B. gelatini into the genus Fictibacillus.
Abstract A Gram-positive staining, aerobic endospore forming bacterium (Ca7T) was isolated from a bioreactor showing extensive phosphorus removal. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, strain Ca7T was grouped into the genus Bacillus most closely related to Bacillus nanhaiensis JSM 082006T (100%), Bacillus barbaricus V2-BIII-A2T (99.2%), and Bacillus arsenicus Con a/3T (97.7%). Moderate 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities were found to the type strains of the species B. gelatini and B. rigui (96.4%), B. macauensis (95.1%), and B. solisalsi (96.1%). All these species were grouped into a monophyletic...
Source: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Glaeser SP, Dott W, Busse HJ, Kämpfer P Tags: Int J Syst Evol Microbiol Source Type: research

Morphology and phylogenies of two hypotrichous brackish ciliates, Neourostylopsis orientalis n. sp., and Protogastrostyla sterkii (Wallengren, 1900) n. comb., with establishment of a new genus Neourostylopsis (Protista, Ciliophora, Hypotrichia) from China.
Abstract This paper investigates the morphology, infraciliature, and small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequences of two hypotrichous ciliates, Neourostylopsis orientalis n. sp., and Protogastrostyla sterkii (Wallengren, 1900) n. comb., collected from coastal waters in southern China. Neourostylopsis orientalis n. sp. is mainly diagnosed by the arrangement of brownish cortical granules, the number of adoral membranelles, frontal and transverse cirri, and the characteristics of its midventral cirral pairs. The SSU rRNA phylogenies strongly support the establishment of the new genus Neourostylopsis, which is mainly charac...
Source: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Chen X, Shao C, Liu X, Huang J, Al-Rasheid KA Tags: Int J Syst Evol Microbiol Source Type: research

Moniliella byzovii, a novel species of chlamydospore-forming black yeasts isolated from flowers.
Abstract Yeasts of the genus Moniliella were isolated from 651 flower samples collected in Vietnam using an enrichment medium containing 50% glucose. Moniliella species were found in 5% of the samples and 54 strains were isolated. The strains were identified based on D1/D2 LSU rRNA gene sequences as M. megachiliensis (15 strains), M. dehoogii (14 strains), and M. mellis (2 strains). The remaining 23 strains could not be reliably placed under any of the known species. Among them, 12 strains isolated from flowers of Ipomoea pes-caprae and Calotropis gigantea were peculiar for the intensive formation of chlamydospores...
Source: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Thanh VN, Hien DD, Thom TT Tags: Int J Syst Evol Microbiol Source Type: research

Aggregation of selected plant growth promoting Methylobacterium strains: role of cell surface components and hydrophobicity.
This study reports the aggregation ability in plant growth-promoting Methylobacterium strains and the possible involvement of cellular components and hydrophobicity in this phenomenon. PMID: 23354325 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Archives of Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Joe MM, Saravanan VS, Sa T Tags: Arch Microbiol Source Type: research

Characterization of burden on growth due to the nutritional state of media and pre-induced gene expression.
Abstract Studies have shown that the production of unnecessary proteins burdens the cellular growth mainly due to allocation of cellular resources to unnecessary protein synthesis, thereby limiting the resources available for growth. In the current study, we focus on the effect of pre-induction and nutritional status of the medium on the burden imposed on growth due to the synthesis of unnecessary protein. Escherichia coli cells with different history were grown in a glycerol media with and without IPTG to characterize the burden imposed due to the synthesis of β-galactosidase. Effect of pre-induced lac operon on ...
Source: Archives of Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Malakar P, Venkatesh KV Tags: Arch Microbiol Source Type: research

Virulence determinants and biofilm production among Trueperella pyogenes recovered from abscesses of captive forest musk deer.
In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that T. pyogenes was probably the primary pathogen of abscesses in the forest musk deer. Moreover, as an animal origin pathogen, the increasing resistance of T. pyogenes isolates could also associate with a decreased virulence. PMID: 23354327 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Archives of Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Zhao K, Tian Y, Yue B, Wang H, Zhang X Tags: Arch Microbiol Source Type: research

Effects of Neospora caninum infection on brain microvascular endothelial cells bioenergetics
The study shows that the protozoan Neospora caninum is capable of invading, replicating and exiting human brain microvascular endothelial cells without disrupting their normal proliferation or mitochondrial integrity despite an increase in the infected cell respiration. Image: Immunofluorescence staining of N. caninum tachyzoites (green) and DAPI stained endothelial cell nuclei (blue).
Source: Parasites and Vectors - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Hany ElsheikhaCharlotte McKinlayNashwa ElsaiedPaul Smith Source Type: research

Identification and characterization of microRNAs in the pancreatic fluke Eurytrema pancreaticum
This study investigated the global miRNA expression profile of adult Eurytrema pancreaticum using next-generation sequencing technology combined with real-time quantitative PCR, and identified 14 novel miRNAs, providing novel resources for a better understanding of the parasite. Image: Adults of Eurytrema pancreaticum.
Source: Parasites and Vectors - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Min-Jun XuChun-Ren WangSi-Yang HuangJing-Hua FuDong-Hui ZhouQiao-Cheng ChangXu ZhengXing-Quan Zhu Source Type: research

A flea and tick collar containing 10% imidacloprid and 4.5% flumethrin prevents flea transmission of Bartonella henselae in cats
Ctenocephalides felis is a vector for Bartonella henselae and the organism can live in flea frass for at least 9 days. Wearing a collar containing imidacloprid and moxidectin blocked B. henselae infection amongst cats for 8 months. Image: Adult Ctenocephalides felis and frass.
Source: Parasites and Vectors - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Michael LappinWendell DavisJennifer HawleyMelissa BrewerArianne MorrisDorothee Stanneck Source Type: research

The influence of microbial physiology on biocatalyst activity and efficiency in the terminal hydroxylation of n-octane using Escherichia coli expressing the alkane hydroxylase, CYP153A6
Conclusion: This study emphasises that the overall process efficiency is primarily dependent on the interaction between the whole cell biocatalyst and bioprocess conditions.
Source: Microbial Cell Factories - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Oluwafemi OlaofeCaryn FennerRama GudiminchiMartha SmitSusan Harrison Source Type: research

Autophagy as an Innate Defense against Mycobacteria
Summary Over the past several years, much has been revealed about the roles of autophagy and the mechanisms by which the autophagic pathway activates the host innate effector response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. In response to invading mycobacteria, the host innate immune system not only recognizes pathogen motifs through innate receptors, it also produces appropriate effector proteins, including cytokines. These innate signals activate or regulate autophagic pathways during infection. It is now clear that vitamin D and functional vitamin D receptor signaling are critical in the activation of autoph...
Source: FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Eun‐Kyeong Jo Tags: MiniReview Source Type: research

Transformation of a plasmid‐free, genital tract isolate of Chlamydia trachomatis with a plasmid vector carrying a deletion in CDS6 revealed that this gene regulates inclusion phenotype
In this study we constructed a plasmid vector with CDS6 deleted (pCDS6KO) from the original E. coli/C. trachomatis shuttle vector pGFP::SW2. pCDS6KO was transformed into a clinical isolate of C. trachomatis from Sweden which is plasmid free (C.trachomatis SWFP‐). Penicillin resistant transformants expressing the green fluorescent protein were selected. These transformants did not stain with Iodine indicating that this property is regulated by CDS6 or its gene product. In addition, mature inclusions of C. trachomatis SWFP‐ transformed by pCDS6KO displayed an identical morphological phenotype to the untransformed plasmid...
Source: FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Yibing Wang, Lesley T. Cutcliffe, Rachel J. Skilton, Kenneth Persson, Carina Bjartling, Ian N. Clarke Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research

Acid detoxified Inaba LPS (pmLPS) is a superior cholera conjugate vaccine immunogen than hydrazine detoxified LPS and induces vibriocidal and protective antibodies
Abstract Worldwide, in endemic areas of cholera, the group most burdened with cholera is children. This is especially vexing as young children (2‐5 years old) do not respond as well, or for as long as adults do to the current killed, oral cholera vaccines (OCV). Conjugate vaccines based on the hapten‐carrier paradigm have been developed for several bacterial pathogens that cause widespread and severe diseases in young children. We and others have studied different formulations of Vibrio cholerae (Vc) O1 lipopolysaccharide (LPS, a T independent antigen) conjugates. Detoxified LPS is a central component of a LPS‐based ...
Source: FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Cyrille Grandjean, Terri K. Wade, David Ropartz, Logan Ernst, William F. Wade Tags: Research Paper Source Type: research

Continued widespread dissemination and increased poultry host fitness of Campylobacter jejuni ST‐4526 and ST‐4253 in Japan
ConclusionsThe data provide evidence for the continued widespread of ST‐4526/ST‐4253 among human clinical isolates in Japan. These STs showed adaptive fitness to chicken. Significance and Impact of the studyThis is the first evidence of the continued thriving of ST‐4526/ST‐4253 in Japan with their increased in vivo fitness. Our findings suggest that poultry mediates the microevolution of this pathogen, thereby enabling these STs to become widespread.© 2013 The Authors Journal of Applied Microbiology © 2013 The Society for Applied Microbiology
Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Hiroshi Asakura, Masumi Taguchi, Tomoya Ekawa, Shigeki Yamamoto, Shizunobu Igimi Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Reduction of aflatoxin level in aflatoxin induced rats by the activity of probiotic Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota
ConclusionLcS supplementation could improve the adverse effect of AFB1 induction on rats’ body weight, plasma biochemical parameters, and also could reduce the level of AFB1 in blood serum. Significance and Impact of StudyThis study's outcomes contribute to better understanding of the potential of probiotic to reduce the bioavailability ofAFB1. Moreover, it can open an opportunity for future investigations to study the efficacy of oral supplementation of probiotic LcS in reducing aflatoxin level in human.© 2013 The Authors Journal of Applied Microbiology © 2013 The Society for Applied Microbiology
Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Elham Nikbakht Nasrabadi, Rosita Jamaluddin, Mohd Sokhini Abdul Mutalib, Huzwah Khaza'ai, Saman Khalesi, Mohd Redzwan Sabran Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Structural and computational studies of the maleate isomerase from Pseudomonas putida S16 reveal a breathing motion wrapping the substrate inside
In this study, we determined the crystal structures of both wild type isomerase by itself and its C200A point mutant in complex with its substrate maleate, to resolutions of 2.95 Å and 2.10 Å, respectively. Our structures reveal that Asn17 and Asn169 play critical roles in recognizing the maleate by site‐directed mutants’ analysis. Surprisingly, our structure shows that the maleate is completely wrapped inside the isomerase. Examination of the structure prompted us to hypothesize that the β2‐α2 loop and the β6‐α7 loop have a breathing motion that regulates substrate/solvent entry and product departure. Our re...
Source: Molecular Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Duoduo Chen, Hongzhi Tang, Yang Lv, Zhenyi Zhang, Kunlong Shen, Kui Lin, Yilei Zhao, Geng Wu, Ping Xu Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Substrate preference of 5′‐methylthioadenosine/S‐adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase in Burkholderia thailandensis
Abstract 5′‐Methylthioadenosine/S‐adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase (MTAN) plays crucial roles in the production of autoinducers and methionine metabolism. Putative genes encoding MTAN and AdoHcyase from Burkholderia thailandensis were cloned and characterized. The Km values of MTAN for 5′‐methylthioadenosine (MTA) and S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) were 19 and 58 μM, respectively. The catalytic efficiency of MTAN for SAH was only 0.004% of the value for MTA, indicating an almost complete substrate preference of MTAN for MTA. The results of autoinducer‐2 assay of B. thailandensis and recombinants indicated t...
Source: FEMS Microbiology Letters - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Qiang Gao, Dasheng Zheng, Zhiming Yuan Tags: Research Letter Source Type: research

Antifungal activity of volatile organic compounds from Streptomyces alboflavus TD‐1
Abstract Streptomyces sp. TD‐1 was identified as Streptomyces alboflavus based on its morphological characteristics, physiological properties, and 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis. The antifungal activity of the volatile‐producing St. alboflavus TD‐1 was investigated. Results showed that volatiles generated by St. alboflavus TD‐1 inhibited storage fungi Fusarium moniliforme Sheldon, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillum citrinum in vitro. GC/MS analysis revealed that 27 kinds of volatile organic compounds were identified from the volatiles of St. alboflavus TD‐1 mycelia, amon...
Source: FEMS Microbiology Letters - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Changlu Wang, Zhifang Wang, Xi Qiao, Zhenjing Li, Fengjuan Li, Mianhua Chen, Yurong Wang, Yufang Huang, Haiyan Cui Tags: Research Letter Source Type: research

Bacillus and Streptomyces were selected as broad‐spectrum antagonists against soil‐borne pathogens from arid areas in Egypt
Abstract Plant protection via disease‐suppressive bacteria in desert farming requires specific biological control agents (BCAs) adapted to the unique arid conditions. We performed an ecological study of below‐ground communities in desert farm soil and untreated desert soil, and based on these findings selected antagonists were hierarchically evaluated. In contrast to the highly specific 16S rRNA fingerprints of bacterial communities in soil and cultivated medicinal plants, ITS profiles of fungal communities were less discriminative and mainly characterised by potential pathogens. Therefore, we focused on in vitro bacte...
Source: FEMS Microbiology Letters - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Martina Köberl, Elshahat M. Ramadan, Mohamed Adam, Massimiliano Cardinale, Johannes Hallmann, Holger Heuer, Kornelia Smalla, Gabriele Berg Tags: Research Letter Source Type: research

Diversity and cold adaptation of culturable endophytic fungi from bryophytes in the Fildes Region, King George Island, maritime Antarctica
Abstract Endophytic fungi associated with three bryophyte species in the Fildes Region, King George Island, maritime Antarctica, i.e., the liverwort Barbilophozia hatcheri, the mosses Chorisodontium aciphyllum and Sanionia uncinata, were studied by culture‐dependent method. A total of 128 endophytic fungi were isolated from 1329 tissue segments of 14 samples. The colonization rate of endophytic fungi in three bryophytes species were 12.3%, 12.1% and 8.7%, respectively. These isolates were identified to 21 taxa, with 15 Ascomycota, 5 Basidamycota and 1 unidentified fungus, based on morphological characteristics and sequen...
Source: FEMS Microbiology Letters - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Tao Zhang, Yu‐Qin Zhang, Hong‐Yu Liu, Yu‐Zhen Wei, Hai‐Long Li, Jing Su, Li‐Yan Yu Tags: Research Letter Source Type: research

Carbohydrate Binding Activity of Cadherin-like Domains [Glycobiology and Extracellular Matrices]
In silico analyses have revealed a conserved protein domain (CHDL) widely present in bacteria that has significant structural similarity to eukaryotic cadherins. A CHDL domain was shown to be present in RapA, a protein that is involved in autoaggregation of Rhizobium cells, biofilm formation, and adhesion to plant roots as shown by us and others. Structural similarity to cadherins suggested calcium-dependent oligomerization of CHDL domains as a mechanistic basis for RapA action. Here we show by circular dichroism spectroscopy, light scattering, isothermal titration calorimetry, and other methods that RapA2 from Rhizobium l...
Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry - January 25, 2013 Category: Chemistry Authors: Abdian, P. L., Caramelo, J. J., Ausmees, N., Zorreguieta, A. Tags: Microbiology Source Type: research

Oxyanion Hole of Ape1a [Microbiology]
In this study, we predicted Neisseria gonorrhoeae Ape1a to be an SGNH hydrolase with an adopted α/β-hydrolase fold containing a central twisted four-stranded parallel β-sheet flanked by six α-helices with the putative catalytic triad, Asp-366, His-369, and Ser-80 appropriately aligned within a pocket. The role of eight invariant and highly conserved residues localized to the active site was investigated by site-directed replacements coupled with kinetic characterization and binding studies of the resultant engineered enzymes. Based on these data and theoretical considerations, Gly-236 and Asn-268 were identified as par...
Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry - January 25, 2013 Category: Chemistry Authors: Pfeffer, J. M., Weadge, J. T., Clarke, A. J. Tags: Enzymology Source Type: research

Evolution of Multisubstrate {beta}-Lactamase Activity [Enzymology]
The extensive use and misuse of antibiotics during the last seven decades has led to the evolution and global spread of a variety of resistance mechanisms in bacteria. Of high medical importance are β-lactamases, a group of enzymes inactivating β-lactam antibiotics. Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) are particularly problematic because of their ability to act on virtually all classes of β-lactam antibiotics. An engineered MBL (evMBL9) characterized by low level activity with several β-lactam antibiotics was constructed and employed as a parental MBL in an experiment to examine how an enzyme can evolve toward increased activ...
Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry - January 25, 2013 Category: Chemistry Authors: Sun, S., Zhang, W., Mannervik, B., Andersson, D. I. Tags: Microbiology Source Type: research

Effect of inhaled corticosteroids on the microbiology of the respiratory tract
See article, page 272
Source: Respirology - January 25, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Matthew Martin, Dominick Shaw Tags: EDITORIAL Source Type: research

Actinobaculum schaalii, a commensal of the urogenital area
Conclusion The study indicates that A. schaalii is a commensal found on skin, urine and vaginal mucosa in the human urogenital area and supports other investigations in its finding that the elderly are at greatest risk of being colonized with A. schaalii.
Source: BJU International - January 25, 2013 Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Anne B. Olsen, Pernille K. Andersen, Steffen Bank, Karen Marie Søby, Lars Lund, Jørgen Prag Tags: Sexual Medicine Source Type: research

Efficient synthesis of L-lactic acid from glycerol by metabolically engineered Escherichia coli
Conclusions: This study demonstrates the efficient conversion of glycerol to L-lactate, a microbial process that had not been reported in the literature prior to our work. The engineered biocatalysts produced L-lactate from crude glycerol in defined minimal salts medium at high chemical and optical purity.
Source: Microbial Cell Factories - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Suman MazumdarMatthew BlankschienJames ClomburgRamon Gonzalez Source Type: research

Malaria parasites tolerate a broad range of ionic environments and do not require host cation remodeling
We examined these assumptions and the parasite's ionic requirements by establishing continuous culture in novel sucrose‐based media. With sucrose as the primary osmoticant and K+ and Cl‐ as the main extracellular ions, we obtained parasite growth and propagation at rates indistinguishable from those in physiological media. These conditions abolish long‐known increases in intracellular Na+ via parasite‐induced channels, excluding a requirement for erythrocyte cation remodeling. We also dissected Na+, K+, and Cl‐ requirements and found that unexpectedly low concentrations of each ion meet the parasite's demands. Su...
Source: Molecular Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Ajay D. Pillai, Rachel Addo, Paresh Sharma, Wang Nguitragool, Prakash Srinivasan, Sanjay A. Desai Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

An alternative sigma factor governs the principal sigma factor in Streptomyces griseus
Abstract In bacteria, the RNA polymerase holoenzyme comprises a five‐subunit core enzyme and a dissociable subunit, sigma factor, which is responsible for transcriptional initiation. The filamentous bacterium Streptomyces griseus has 52 sigma factors, including one essential “principal” sigma factor (σHrdB) that is responsible for the transcription of housekeeping genes. Here we characterized an alternative sigma factor (σShbA), which is highly conserved within the genus Streptomyces. A σShbA‐deficient mutant showed a severe growth defect and transcriptome analysis indicated that many housekeeping genes were dow...
Source: Molecular Microbiology - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Hiroshi Otani, Akiyoshi Higo, Hideaki Nanamiya, Sueharu Horinouchi, Yasuo Ohnishi Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Interplay between Population Dynamics and Drug Tolerance of Staphylococcus aureus Persister Cells
J Mol Microbiol Biotechnol 2012;22:381–391 (DOI:10.1159/000346073)
Source: Journal of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 24, 2013 Category: Microbiology Source Type: research