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This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 38.

Bacteremia due to OXA‐48‐carbapenemase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae: a major clinical challenge
ConclusionsBlood stream infections caused by O48PE have a poor prognosis. Delay in diagnosis and in initiation of optimal antimicrobial therapy is frequent. Suspicion and rapid identification could contribute to improve outcomes.© 2012 The Authors Clinical Microbiology and Infection © 2012 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: C. Navarro‐San Francisco, M. Mora‐Rillo, MP Romero‐Gómez, F. Moreno‐Ramos, A. Rico‐Nieto, G. Ruiz‐Carrascoso, R. Gómez‐Gil, JR Arribas‐López, J. Mingorance, JR Paño‐Pardo Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Synthesis and biological evaluation of some Schiff bases of 4-amino-5-(4-methylsulfonyl)benzyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-[1,2,4]-triazole-3-thione
Abstract The basic nucleus 4-amino-5-[4-(methylsulfonyl)benzyl]-2,4-dihydro-3H-[1,2,4]-triazole-3-thione was prepared by cyclisation of potassium dithiocarbazinate with hydrazine hydrate using ethanol as solvent under reflux condition. The compound which has been synthesized successfully was subjected to addition reaction with different aldehydes to synthesize Schiff bases. The compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic methods (IR, NMR, and Mass). In order to ascertain the pharmaceutical application, the selective pharmacological screening of the derivatives was carried out according to the standard procedur...
Source: Medicinal Chemistry Research - November 2, 2012 Category: Chemistry Tags: Medicinal Chemistry Research Source Type: research

Characteristics and outcome of 16 periprosthetic shoulder joint infections
Conclusions As recommended for hip and knee PJI, we suggest treating shoulder PJI with a low-grade infection by microorganisms such as P. acnes with an exchange of the prosthesis. Cohort studies are needed to verify our results. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical and Epidemiological StudyPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s15010-012-0360-4Authors Y. Achermann, Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, SwitzerlandF. Sahin, Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Service, Cantonal Hospital Zug, Baar, SwitzerlandHK Schw...
Source: Infection - November 2, 2012 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Infection Source Type: research

Bilateral foveal cysts secondary to Streptococcus constellatus endocarditis
Abstract Infective endocarditis can be acute or subacute, depending on the virulence of the causative organism. It can also cause loss of vision by a variety of mechanisms, ranging from embolic retinal artery occlusion to endogenous endophthalmitis. We illustrate the first report of foveal cyst formation secondary to infective endocarditis. A 53-year-old man presented to his general practitioner with a variety of constitutional symptoms, but initial laboratory and imaging investigations revealed only mild normocytic anaemia, and he was discharged from further medical care. Four weeks later he developed bilat...
Source: International Ophthalmology - November 2, 2012 Category: Opthalmology Tags: International Ophthalmology Source Type: research

In vitro CO2-induced ROS production impairs cell cycle in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells
Conclusions In vitro-simulated pneumoperitoneum environment with CO2 induces oxidative stress and cell DNA damage, leading to p53 up-regulation involved in cell-cycle arrest of neuroblastoma cells. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00383-012-3206-3Authors Angela Simona Montalto, Unit of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Pediatric, Gynecological, Microbiological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, Policlinico G. Martino, Viale Gazzi, 98124 Messina, ItalyMonica Currò, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of ...
Source: Pediatric Surgery International - November 2, 2012 Category: Surgery Tags: Pediatric Surgery International Source Type: research

Wash U receives $5.3 million grant to study urinary tract infections
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine were awarded a $5.3 million grant from divisions of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study the ways age and gender influence susceptibility to one of the most common bacterial infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), the university reported. Scott Hultgren, the Helen L. Stoever professor of molecular microbiology and director of the Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, will be the lead team trying to identify the…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines - November 2, 2012 Category: Pharmaceuticals Authors: Samantha Liss Source Type: research

Biodegradation of the herbicide propanil, and its 3,4-dichloroaniline by-product in a continuously operated biofilm reactor
Abstract The persistence of propanil in soil and aquatic environments along with the possible accumulation of toxic degradation products, such as chloroanilines, is of environmental concern. In this work, a continuous small-scale bioprocess to degrade the herbicide propanil, its main catabolic by-product, 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA), and the herbicide adjuvants is carried out. A microbial consortium, constituted by nine bacterial genera, was selected. The isolated strains, identified by amplification and sequencing of their 16S rDNA, were: Acidovorax sp., Luteibacter (rhizovicinus), Xanthomonas sp., Flavob...
Source: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Tags: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology Source Type: research

Control of postharvest soft rot caused by Erwinia carotovora of vegetables by a strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and its potential modes of action
In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the isolate BGP20 is a promising candidate in biological control of postharvest bacterial soft rot of vegetables, but its main mode of action is different among various vegetables. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s11274-012-1193-0Authors Yancun Zhao, Institute of Agro-product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014 ChinaPengxia Li, Institute of Agro-product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014 ChinaKaihong Huang, Institute of Agro-product Processing, Jiangsu Aca...
Source: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Tags: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology Source Type: research

Molecular and biochemical characterization of a new alkaline active multidomain xylanase from alkaline wastewater sludge
Abstract A xylanase gene, xyn-b39, coding for a multidomain glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 10 protein was cloned from the genomic DNA of the alkaline wastewater sludge of a paper mill. Its deduced amino acid sequence of 1,481 residues included two carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM) of family CBM_4_9, one catalytic domain of GH 10, one family 9 CBM and three S-layer homology (SLH) domains. xyn-b39 was expressed heterologously in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant enzyme was purified and characterized. Xyn-b39 exhibited maximum activity at pH 7.0 and 60 °C, and remained highly active under alkaline co...
Source: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Tags: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology Source Type: research

Evaluation of probiotic properties of Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated from Chinese sauerkraut
Abstract Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated and identified from naturally-fermented Chinese sauerkraut were examined in vitro for potential probiotic properties and in vivo for cholesterol-lowering effect in mice. Among 7 isolated L. plantarum strains, strains S2-5 and S4-1 were found to possess desirable probiotic properties including ability to survive at pH 2.0 for 60 min, tolerate pancreatin and bile salts, adhere to Caco-2 cells, produce high β-galactosidase activity and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli O157 and Shigella flexneri CMCC(B). In addition, strains S2-5 and S4-1 we...
Source: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Tags: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology Source Type: research

Ethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae using lignocellulosic hydrolysate from Chrysanthemum waste degradation
Abstract Ethanol production derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation of a hydrolysate from floriculture waste degradation was studied. The hydrolysate was produced from Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) waste degradation by Pleurotus ostreatus and characterized to determine the presence of compounds that may inhibit fermentation. The products of hydrolysis confirmed by HPLC were cellobiose, glucose, xylose and mannose. The hydrolysate was fermented by S. cerevisiae, and concentrations of biomass, ethanol, and glucose were determined as a function of time. Results were compared to YGC modified ...
Source: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Tags: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology Source Type: research

The emergence and dissemination of CTX-M-producing Escherichia coli sequence type 131 causing community-onset bacteremia in Israel
Abstract Community-onset bloodstream infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC-COBSIs) were investigated over a 7-year-period (2003–2009) in our institution. ESBL-EC-COBSI inclusion criteria were cefotaxime/ceftazidime non-susceptible blood isolates recovered during 48 h upon hospital admission. Forty-one isolates were molecularly characterized. Susceptibilities were determined (Vitek-2) and genotyping was performed [multilocus sequence typing (MLST)]. CTX-M genes were determined [polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing] and bla CTX-M-encoding plasm...
Source: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Tags: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases Source Type: research

Shift of CTX‐M genotypes has determined the increased prevalence of ESBL‐producing Escherichia coli in south‐western Sweden
Abstract Escherichia coli producing extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases (ESBLs) markedly increased during 2004‐2008 in south‐western Sweden, with a greater increase in urinary isolates in hospitals (0.2‐2.5%) than in the community (0.2‐1.6%). ESBLs of genotype CTX‐M were predominate, with a significant (p<0.02) shift from the CTX‐M‐9 to CTX‐M‐1 phylogroup occurring among urinary ESBL‐E. coli isolated early (n=41) as compared to late (n=221) in the study period. The increase in ESBL‐E. coli was polyclonal and only partly due to an increase (0‐24%) in the number of O25b‐ST131 isolates carrying ...
Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Lisa Helldal, Nahid Karami, Kerstin Florén, Christina Welinder‐Olsson, Edward R. B. Moore, Christina Åhrén Tags: Research Note Source Type: research

Salinicola zeshunii sp. nov., a Moderately Halophilic Bacterium Isolated from Soil of a Chicken Farm.
Abstract The taxonomic status of a moderately halophilic bacterium, strain N4(T), isolated from soil of a chicken farm in China was determined. It was Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, motile, and rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that this strain belonged to the genus Salinicola, as it showed the highest sequence similarities to Salinicola salaries M27(T) (98.3 %), Salinicola socius SMB35(T) (98.1 %), and Salinicola halophilus CG4.1(T) (98.1 %). The major cellular fatty acids were C(16:0) (25.6 %), C(18:1)ω7c (35.0 %), and C(19:0) cyclo ω8c (11.9 %), which are prop...
Source: Current Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Cao L, Yan Q, Ni H, Hu G, Hong Q, Li S Tags: Curr Microbiol Source Type: research

Marinobacter nanhaiticus sp. nov., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium isolated from the sediment of the South China Sea.
Abstract A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, slightly halophilic and facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated strain D15-8W(T), was isolated from the sediment of the South China Sea. Growth was found to occur optimally at 25 °C, between pH 7.0 and 8.0 and with 1-5 % (w/v) NaCl. The strain was observed to utilize a variety of organic substrates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as sole carbon sources. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 58.7 %. The predominant respiratory quinone was found to be Q-9. The significant fatty acids were determined to be C(16:0), C(16:1) ω9c, C(18:1) ...
Source: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Gao W, Cui Z, Li Q, Xu G, Jia X, Zheng L Tags: Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek Source Type: research

Microtubule-based transport in filamentous fungi.
Abstract Defects in microtubule-based transport are implicated in many neuropathologies. The filamentous fungi Aspergillus nidulans and Ustilago maydis are valuable models for studying transport owing to their yeast-like genetic and biochemical tractability and metazoan-like dependence on microtubule-based transport for cellular trafficking. In these organisms the role of microtubules in nuclear positioning is well studied, but recent work has expanded the range of cargos to include endosomes, messenger RNA, secretory vesicles, peroxisomes, and nuclear pore complexes, reflecting the diversity of metazoan systems. F...
Source: Current Opinion in Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Egan MJ, McClintock MA, Reck-Peterson SL Tags: Curr Opin Microbiol Source Type: research

Integrative mobile elements exploiting Xer recombination.
Abstract Integrative mobile genetic elements directly participate in the rapid response of bacteria to environmental challenges. They generally encode their own dedicated recombination machineries. CTXϕ, a ﬁlamentous bacteriophage that harbors the genes encoding cholera toxin in Vibrio cholerae provided the first notable exception to this rule: it hijacks XerC and XerD, two chromosome-encoded tyrosine recombinases for lysogenic conversion. XerC and XerD are highly conserved in bacteria because of their role in the topological maintenance of circular chromosomes and, with the advent of high throughput sequencing,...
Source: Trends in Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Das B, Martínez E, Midonet C, Barre FX Tags: Trends Microbiol Source Type: research

Engineering Signal Peptide for Enhanced Protein Secretion in Lactococcus lactis.
Abstract Lactococcus lactis is an attractive vehicle for biotechnological production of proteins and clinical delivery of therapeutics. In many such applications using this host, it is desirable to maximize secretion of recombinant proteins into the extracellular space, which is typically achieved by using the native signal peptide from a major secreted lactococcal protein, Usp45. In order to further increase protein secretion from L. lactis, inherent limitations of the Usp45 signal peptide (Usp45sp) must be elucidated. Here, we performed extensive mutagenesis on Usp45sp to probe the effects of both mRNA sequence (...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Ng DT, Sarkar CA Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Occurrence of Virulence Genes Associated with Diarrheagenic Pathotypes in Escherichia coli Isolates from Surface Water.
Abstract Escherichia coli isolates (n = 300) collected from six sites in sub-tropical Brisbane, Australia prior to, and after storm events were tested for the presence of 11 virulence genes (VGs) specific to diarrheagenic pathotypes. The presence of eaeA, stx(1), stx(2) andehxA genes specific for enterohaemorrhagic E. coli pathotype (EHEC) was detected in 56%, 6%, 10%, and 13% of isolates, respectively. The VGs astA (69%) and aggR (29%), carried by enteroaggregative (EAEC) pathotypes were frequently detected in E. coli isolates. Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) gene bfp was detected in 24% of isolates. In addition, ...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Sidhu JP, Ahmed W, Hodgers L, Toze S Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Comparing metabolic functionality, community structure and dynamics of herbicide-degrading communities cultivated with different substrate concentrations.
This study shows that subpopulations of herbicide-degrading bacteria that are adapted to different pesticide concentrations can coexist in the same environment and that using low herbicide concentration enables enrichment of apparently oligotrophic subpopulations. PMID: 23124226 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Gözdereliler E, Boon N, Aamand J, De Roy K, Granitsiotis MS, Albrechtsen HJ, Sørensen SR Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

A double knockout of two putative multicopper oxidase genes in Pseudomonas putida GB-1 eliminates manganese (II, III) oxidation.
Abstract Bacterial manganese(II) oxidation impacts the redox cycling of Mn, elements and other compounds in the environment, thus the mechanisms of and enzymes responsible for Mn(II) oxidation are important to understand. In several Mn(II)-oxidizing organisms, the identified Mn(II) oxidase belongs to either the multi-copper oxidase (MCO) or the heme peroxidase family of proteins. However, the identity of the oxidase in Pseudomonas putida GB-1 has long remained unknown. To identify the P. putida GB-1 oxidase enzyme, we searched its genome and found several homologues to known or suspected Mn(II) oxidase-encoding gen...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Geszvain K, McCarthy JK, Tebo BM Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

A metalloproteinase Bmp1 from Bacillus thuringiensis functions as a nematicidal virulence factor.
Abstract Some Bacillus thuringiensis strains have high toxicity to nematodes. Nematicidal activity has been found in several families of crystal proteins, such as Cry5, Cry6, and Cry55. The B. thuringiensis strain YBT-1518, has three cry genes that have high nematicidal activity. The whole genome sequence of this strain contains multiple potential virulence factors. To evaluate the pathogenic potential of virulence factors, we focused on a metalloproteinase called Bmp1. It encompasses a consecutive N-terminal signal peptide, a FTP superfamily domain, a M4 neutral protease GluZincin superfamily, two Big 3 superfamil...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Luo X, Chen L, Huang Q, Zheng J, Zhou W, Peng D, Ruan L, Sun M Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Chitin-induced gene expression involved in secondary metabolic pathways in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) grown in soil.
Abstract Microarray analyses revealed that expression of genes for secondary metabolism was induced by chitin together with primary metabolic genes in autoclaved soil cultures of Streptomyces coelicolor A3 (2). The data also indicated that DasR was involved in the regulation of gene expression for chitin catabolism, secondary metabolism and stress responses. PMID: 23124229 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Nazari B, Kobayashi M, Saito A, Hassaninasab A, Miyashita K, Fujii T Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Quantification of yeast and bacterial gene transcripts in retail cheeses by reverse transcription quantitative PCR.
Abstract Cheese microbiota contributes to a large extent to the development of the typical color, flavor and texture of the final product. Its composition is not well-defined in most cases and varies from one cheese to another. The aim of the present study was to establish procedures for gene transcript quantification in cheeses by reverse transcription quantitative PCR. Total RNA was extracted from five smear-ripened cheeses purchased on the retail market, using a method that does not involve prior separation of microbial cells. 16S rRNA and malate:quinone oxidoreductase gene transcripts of Corynebacterium casei, ...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Monnet C, Straub C, Castellote J, Onesime D, Bonnarme P, Irlinger F Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Construction of a Broad-Host Range Tn7-based Vector for Single Copy PBAD Controlled Gene Expression in Gram-Negative Bacteria.
We described a mini-Tn7-based broad-host range expression cassette for arabinose-inducible gene expression from the P(BAD) promoter. This delivery vector, pTJ1, can integrate a single copy of a gene into the chromosome of Gram-negative bacteria for diverse genetic applications, of which several are discussed, using Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the model host. PMID: 23124231 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Damron FH, McKenney ES, Schweizer HP, Goldberg JB Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Comparison of two lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (GH61) from Podospora anserina reveals differences upon cello-oligosaccharides oxidation.
In this study, two of these enzymes (PaGH61A and PaGH61B), which both harbored a family 1 carbohydrate binding module were successfully produced in Pichia pastoris. Synergistic cooperation between PaGH61A or PaGH61B with the cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) of Pycnoporus cinnabarinus on cellulose resulted in the formation of oxidized and non-oxidized cello-oligosaccharides. A striking difference between PaGH61A and PaGH61B was observed through the identification of products, among which doubly- and triply-oxidized cellodextrins, which were released only by the combination of PaGH61B with CDH. The mass spectrometry fragmentat...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Bey M, Zhou S, Poidevin L, Henrissat B, Coutinho PM, Berrin JG, Sigoillot JC Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Poly-γ-D-glutamic acid capsule interferes with lytic infection of Bacillus anthracis by anthrax-specific bacteriophages.
Abstract The poly-γ-D-glutamic acid capsule of B. anthracis is a barrier to infection by anthrax-specific bacteriophages. Capsule expression was found to completely inhibit lytic infection by γ phage, an observation supported by the demonstration that this phage does not elaborate a hydrolase that would facilitate penetration through the protective capsule outer layer. PMID: 23124233 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Negus D, Burton J, Sweed A, Gryko R, Taylor PW Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Diet-induced alterations of host cholesterol metabolism are likely to affect gut microbiota composition in hamsters.
In this study, we have characterized the fecal microbiota of hamsters whose cholesterol metabolism was extensively modulated by the dietary addition of plant sterol esters (PSE). PSE intake induced dramatic shifts in the fecal microbiota, reducing several bacterial taxa within the families Coriobacteriacea and Erysipelotrichaceae. The abundance of these taxa displayed remarkably high correlations with host cholesterol metabolites. Most importantly, the associations between several bacterial taxa with fecal and biliary cholesterol excretion showed an almost perfect fit to a sigmoidal inhibitory nonlinear model describing ba...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Martínez I, Perdicaro DJ, Brown AW, Hammons S, Carden TJ, Carr TP, Eskridge KM, Walter J Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Intracellular free iron and its potential role in ultrahigh-pressure-induced inactivation of Escherichia coli.
Abstract Intracellular free iron of Escherichia coli was determined by whole-cell electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry. Ultrahigh pressure (UHP) increased both intracellular free iron and cell lethality in a pressure-dose-dependent manner. Iron chelator, 2,2'-dipyridyl, protected cells against UHP treatments. A mutation that produced iron overload condition sensitized E. coli to UHP treatment. PMID: 23124235 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Yan Y, Waite JG, Kuppusamy P, Yousef AE Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Molecular control of sucrose utilization in Escherichia coli W, an efficient sucrose-utilizing strain.
Abstract Sucrose is an industrially important carbon source for microbial fermentation. Sucrose utilization in E. coli, however, is poorly understood, and most industrial strains cannot utilise sucrose. The roles of the chromosomally encoded sucrose catabolism (csc) genes in E. coli W were examined by knockout and over-expression experiments. At low sucrose concentrations, the csc genes are repressed and cells cannot grow. Removal of either the repressor protein (cscR) or the fructokinase (cscK) genes facilitated de-repression. Furthermore, combinatorial knock-out of cscR and cscK conferred an improved growth rate ...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Sabri S, Nielsen LK, Vickers CE Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Gene flow, recombination and selection in cyanobacteria: population structure of geographically related Planktothrix freshwater strains.
Abstract Several Planktothrix strains, each producing a distinct oligopeptide profile, have been shown to coexist within Lake Steinsfjorden (Norway). Using nonribosomal peptide synthetase genes (NRPS) as markers, it has been shown that the Planktothrix community comprises distinct genetic variants displaying differences in bloom dynamics, suggesting a Planktothrix subpopulation structure. Here, we investigate the structure of Planktothrix variants inhabiting four lakes in southeast of Norway utilizing both NRPS and non-NRPS genes. Phylogenetic analyses showed similar topologies for both NRPS and non-NRPS genes and ...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Sogge H, Rohrlack T, Rounge TB, Sønstebø JH, Tooming-Klunderud A, Kristensen T, Jakobsen KS Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Enhanced gene detection assays for fumarate-adding enzymes allow uncovering anaerobic hydrocarbon degraders in terrestrial and marine systems.
Abstract The detection of anaerobic hydrocarbon degrader populations via catabolic gene markers is important for the understanding of processes at contaminated sites. Fumarate-adding enzymes (FAE, i.e. benzylsuccinate and alkylsuccinate synthases) have already been established as specific functional marker genes for anaerobic hydrocarbon degraders. Several recent studies based on pure cultures and laboratory enrichments have shown the existence of new and deeply branching FAE gene lineages, such as clostridial benzylsuccinate synthases and homologues, as well as naphthylmethylsuccinate synthases. However, establish...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: von Netzer F, Pilloni G, Kleindienst S, Krüger M, Knittel K, Gründger F, Lueders T Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Surveying the microbiome of ants: Comparing 454 pyrosequencing with traditional methods to uncover bacterial diversity.
Abstract We are only beginning to understand the depth and breadth of microbial associations across the eukaryotic tree of life. Reliably assessing bacterial diversity is a key challenge and next-generation sequencing approaches are facilitating this endeavor. Here, we used 16S rRNA amplicon pyrosequencing to survey microbial diversity in ants. We compared 454 libraries with those from Sanger sequenced clone libraries as well as cultivation of live bacteria. Pyrosequencing yielded 95,656 bacterial 16S rRNA reads from 19 samples derived from four colonies of one ant species. The most dominant bacterial orders in the...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Kautz S, Rubin BE, Russell JA, Moreau CS Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Persistence and Leaching Potential of Microorganisms and Mineral N in Animal Manure Applied to Intact Soil Columns.
Abstract Pathogens may reach agricultural soils through application of animal manure and thereby pose a risk of contaminating crops, as well as surface- and groundwater. Treatment and handling of manure for improved nutrient and odor management may also influence the amount and fate of manure-borne pathogens in the soil. A study was conducted to investigate the leaching potentials of a phage (Salmonella Typhimurium Bacteriophage 28B) and two bacteria, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp., in raw pig slurry, in a liquid fraction obtained by solid-liquid separation of this slurry, and in this liquid fraction after ...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Amin MG, Forslund A, Bui XT, Juhler RK, Petersen SO, Lægdsmand M Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

A spatiotemporal analysis of Cryptosporidium species/genotypes and relationships with other zoonotic pathogens in surface water from mixed use watersheds.
Abstract Nearly 690 raw surface water samples were collected during a 6 year period from multiple watersheds in the South Nation River basin, Ontario Canada. Cryptosporidium oocysts in water samples were enumerated, sequenced and genotyped by detailed phylogenetic analysis. The resulting species and genotypes were assigned to broad known host and human infection risk classes. Wildlife/unknown, livestock, avian, and human host classes occurred in 21, 13, 3, and <1% of sampled surface water, respectively. Cryptosporidium andersoni was the most commonly detected livestock species, while Muskrat I and II genotypes w...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Wilkes G, Ruecker NJ, Neumann NF, Gannon VP, Jokinen C, Sunohara M, Topp E, Pintar KD, Edge TA, Lapen DR Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Regulons of three Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 Iron Starvation Sigma Factors.
In this study we identified the genes controlled by three iron starvation sigma factors. Their regulons are composed of a small number of genes likely to be involved with iron uptake. PMID: 23124242 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Markel E, Butcher BG, Myers CR, Stodghill P, Cartinhour S, Swingle B Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Molecular characterization of human pathogenic microsporidia and Cyclospora cayetanensis in different water sources from Spain: a year-long longitudinal study.
Abstract Recent studies suggest the involvement of water in the epidemiology of C. cayetanensis and some microsporidia. A total of 223 samples from 4 drinking water treatment plants (DWTP), 7 wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), and 6 locations of influence (LI) on 4 river basins from Madrid (Spain) were analyzed from spring 2008 to winter 2009. Microsporidia were detected in 49% of samples (109/223); Cyclospora spp. in 9% (20/223) and both parasites in 5.4% (12/223). Human pathogenic microsporidia were detected including E. bieneusi (C, D and D-like genotype), E. intestinalis, E. cuniculi (genotype I and III) and A...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Galván A, Magnet A, Izquierdo F, Fenoy S, Rueda C, Fernández Vadillo C, Henriques-Gil N, Del Aguila C Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Succession and correlation-networks of bifidobacteria in a large unselected cohort of mothers and their children.
Abstract Bifidobacteria are a major microbial component of infant gut microbiota, which is believed to promote health benefits for the host and stimulate maturation of the immune system. Despite their perceived importance, very little is known about the natural development of and possible correlations between bifidobacteria in human populations. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed stool samples from a randomly selected healthy cohort of 87 infants and their mothers with more than 90 % of vaginal delivery and nearly 100 % breast-feeding at 4 months. Fecal material was sampled during pregnancy, at 3 and 10 day...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Avershina E, Storrø O, Oien T, Johnsen R, Wilson R, Egeland T, Rudi K Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Evaluation of commercial kits for extraction of DNA and RNA from Clostridium difficile.
This study highlights the potential for critical variation between established commercial systems and the need for assessment of any extraction methods that are used. PMID: 23128271 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Anaerobe - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Metcalf D, Weese JS Tags: Anaerobe Source Type: research

Lachancea lanzarotensis sp. nov., an ascomycetous yeast isolated from grapes and wine fermentation in Lanzarote, Canary Islands.
Abstract During the characterization of the micobiota biodiversity associated with grapes and wineries in different bioclimatic conditions of the Canary Islands (Spain), a novel yeast species was isolated from Lanzarote, the driest wine-producing region of the archipelago. Seven strains isolated from grapes, microvinifications and wineries are described. D1/D2 domain of the LSU rDNA gene and 5.8S-ITS regions sequences analysis revealed that the isolates were phylogenetically a member of the genus Lachancea and are closely related to Lachancea meyersii and Lachancea nothofagi. On the basis of morphological, biochemi...
Source: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: González SS, Alcoba-Flórez J, Laich F Tags: Int J Syst Evol Microbiol Source Type: research

Comamonas jiangduensis sp. nov., a biosurfactant-producing bacterium isolated from agricultural soil.
Abstract A novel biosurfactant-producing strain, designated as YW1T, was isolated from agricultural soil. Its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic approach. The cells were short rods, Gram-negative, non-sporulating and motile. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YW1T was a member of the genus Comamonas, and showed highest sequence similarities to C. aquatica LMG 2370T (98.5 %), C. kerstersii LMG 3475T (97.7 %), and C. terrigena LMG 1253T (97.7 %). Furthermore, the results of DNA-DNA hybridization experiments against these three strains were clearly lower tha...
Source: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Sun LN, Zhang J, Chen Q, He J, Li QF, Li SP Tags: Int J Syst Evol Microbiol Source Type: research

Acrocarpospora phusangensis sp. nov., isolated from a temperate peat swamp forest soil in Thailand.
Abstract A novel actinomycete strain PS33-18T, which formed club-shaped and spherical structures borne on the tip of the aerial mycelia was isolated from a temperate peat swamp forest soil in Phu-Sang National Park, Phayao province, Thailand. The isolate contained glutamic acid, alanine and meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The whole-cell sugars of strain PS33-18T were glucose, madurose, mannose, rhamnose and ribose. The characteristic phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, hydroxy-phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, ph...
Source: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Niemhom N, Suriyachadkun C, Tamura T, Thawai C Tags: Int J Syst Evol Microbiol Source Type: research

Salinisphaera japonica sp. nov., a novel moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from the body surface of a deep-sea fish Malacocottus gibber, and emended description of the genus Salinisphaera.
Abstract A moderately halophilic, slightly acidophilic, aerobic bacterium, designated strain YTM-1T was isolated from the body surface of Malacocottus gibber. Cells were Gram-negative, short rods or cocci, approximately 0.9-1.1 µm long and 1.0-1.8 µm wide. The strain YTM-1T was able to grow at 1-30% NaCl (optimum 7.5-10%, w/v), at 4-30 °C (optimum 20-25 °C) and at pH 3.8-9.5 (optimum pH 5.0-5.5). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities showed that strain YTM-1T belonged to the genus Salinisphaera with low similarity values to the other type strains (< 94.8-94.4%). The polar lipids ...
Source: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Shimane Y, Tsuruwaka Y, Miyazaki M, Mori K, Minegishi H, Echigo A, Ohta Y, Maruyama T, Grant WD, Hatada Y Tags: Int J Syst Evol Microbiol Source Type: research

Sphingopyxis indica sp. nov., isolated from a high dose point hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-contaminated dumpsite.
Abstract A gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore forming, rod-shaped and light yellow pigmented bacterium DS15T was isolated from a soil sample collected from hexachlorocyclohexane dumpsite in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Strain DS15(T) showed highest 16S rRNA gene similarity to Sphingopyxis panaciterrulae DCY34(T) (98.7%) and Sphingopyxis soli BL03(T) (98.0%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain DS15(T) and the validly published species of genus Sphingopyxis ranged from 92.5% to 98.7%. The DNA G + C content was 67.5 mol%. The chemotaxonomic markers in strain DS15(T) were consistent with ...
Source: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Jindal S, Dua A, Lal R Tags: Int J Syst Evol Microbiol Source Type: research

Halopelagius fulvigenes sp. nov., a halophilic archaeon isolated from Qijiaojing lake in Xijiang, northwest of China.
Abstract Two extremely halophilic archaea, designated YIM 94188T and YIM 94189, isolated from Qijiaojing lake in Xinjiang province, were subjected to polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The cells of the two strains were coccoid, non-motile and Gram-negative. Colonies are pink white-pigmented and aerobic. Growth occurred at 10-35% NaCl, 20-55 °C, pH 6.5-8.0 (optimum growth: 20-25%, 37-42 °C, 6.5-7.0). Magnesium was necessary in the range of 0.2-1.2M for growth. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two strains belong to the genus Halopelagius showing 98.5% similarity to t...
Source: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Liu BB, Tang SK, Cui HL, Zhang YG, Li L, Zhang YM, Zhang LL, Li WJ Tags: Int J Syst Evol Microbiol Source Type: research

Characterization of methicillin-susceptible and -resistant staphylococci in the clinical setting: a multicentre study in Nigeria
Conclusions: The identification of multiresistant mecA positive S. haemolyticus and S. sciuri from clinical samples indicates that characterization of CNS is important in providing information on their diversity and importance in Nigeria. There is the need to develop new SCCmec classification methods for non-typeable methicillin-resistant staphylococci, and to curtail the spread and establishment of the S. aureus ST152 clone in Nigeria. The study presents the first report of a PVL-positive ST152-SCCmecnontypeable MRSA and SCCmec typing of methicillin-resistant CNS in Nigeria.
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - November 2, 2012 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Adebayo ShittuOmotayo OyedaraFadekemi AbegunrinKenneth OkonAdeola RajiSamuel TaiwoFolasade OgunsolaKenneth OnyedibeGay Elisha Source Type: research

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotype 18 variants in patients with clinical manifestations of HPV related infections in Bilbao, Spain
Conclusions: Multiple HPV infection, non-european HPV variants prevalence and existence of recombination are considered risk factors for HPV persistence and progression of intraepithelial abnormalities, and therefore, should be taken into consideration in order to help to design and optimize diagnostics protocols as well as improve epidemiologic studies.Our study is one of the few studies in Spain which analyses the genetic variability of HPV18 and we showed the importance of characterizing more than one genomic region in order to detect recombination and classify HPV variants properly.
Source: Virology Journal - November 2, 2012 Category: Virology Authors: Sara ArroyoMiren BasarasElixabete ArreseSilvia HernáezDaniel AndíaValentín EstebanKoldo Garcia-EtxebarriaBegoña JugoRamón Cisterna Source Type: research

Evolution and diversity of periplasmic proteins involved in copper homeostasis in gamma proteobacteria
Conclusions: These observations suggest complex evolutionary dynamics and still unexplored interactions to achieve copper homeostasis, challenging some of the molecular transport mechanism proposed for these systems.
Source: BMC Microbiology - Latest articles - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Georgina Hernández-MontesJosé ArgüelloBrenda Valderrama Source Type: research

Autophagy and bacterial clearance: A not‐so clear picture
Summary Autophagy, an intracellular degradation process highly conserved from yeast to humans, is viewed as an important defence mechanism to clear intracellular bacteria. However, recent work has shown that autophagy may have different roles during different bacterial infections that restrict bacterial replication (anti‐bacterial autophagy), act in cell autonomous signalling (non‐bacterial autophagy) or support bacterial replication (pro‐bacterial autophagy). This review will focus on newfound interactions of autophagy and pathogenic bacteria, highlighting that, in addition to delivering bacteria to the lysosome, au...
Source: Cellular Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Serge Mostowy Tags: Microreview Source Type: research

Multimerizable HIV Gag derivative binds to the liquid‐disordered phase in model membranes
Summary During HIV assembly, a protein coat on the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane drives the formation of virus particles, and appears to induce the preferential accumulation of “raft” lipids in the viral envelope, although the lipid raft concept mainly proposes microdomains of these lipids in the outer leaflet. The common hypothesis is that Gag preferentially associates with, and thereby probably induces, raft‐like domains, because the protein is multimerized and specifically linked to two saturated acyl chains. To test this hypothesis, we constructed a minimal in vitro system in which we analyzed the interact...
Source: Cellular Microbiology - November 2, 2012 Category: Microbiology Authors: Heiko Keller, Hans‐Georg Kräusslich, Petra Schwille Tags: Research Article Source Type: research