bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lactobacillus acidophilus INMIA 9602 Er-2 strain 317/402 probiotic regulates growth of commensal Escherichia coli in gut microbiota of familial Mediterranean fever disease subjects
Authors: Pepoyan A.Z. , Balayan M.H. , Manvelyan A.M. , Mamikonyan V. , Isajanyan M. , Tsaturyan V.V. , Kamiya S. , Netrebov V. , Chikindas M.L. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Previously, we reported a positive effect the probiotic formulation, Lactobacillus acidophilus INMIA 9602 Er-2 strain 317/402 (Narine strain), had on the blood characteristics of patients with familial Mediterranean fever disease (FMF). The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of the Narine probiotic on growth characteristics in the predominant commensal Escherichia coli isolates from the gut microbiota in FMF-positive study participants. Bacterial growth of 192 prevalent commensal E. coli isolates found in the volunteer participants’ guts was evaluated using Verhulst's logistic function. This study showed that the duration of the preparatory growth phase for the E. coli isolates collected from FMF-positive volunteers was significantly shorter, whereas the duration of the logarithmic growth phase was significantly longer (P &lt;0·03) than that of the isolates collected from healthy participants. The Narine probiotic formulation caused a significant extension (P &lt;0·001) of the preparatory growth phase in the commensal E. coli isolated from FMF subjects a month after the Narine probiotic administration was terminated. The data suggest that the mathematical model characterizes the growth of commensal E. coli isolates from FMF-positive participants and it can be useful in a decision-making process on the practical use of probiotics during FMF.

Significance and Impact of the Study
This is the first study to demonstrate the effects of Narine, containing the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus, on the growth of gut commensal Escherichia coli from study participants with familial Mediterranean fever disease (FMF). Verhulst's logistic function was demonstrated to act as a possible tool for the evaluation and quantification of effects produced by the probiotic formulation in FMF participants.
Can MHC‐assortative partner choice promote offspring diversity? A new combination of MHC‐dependent behaviours among sexes in a highly successful invasive mammal
Authors: Santos Pablo S. C. , Michler Frank‐Uwe , Sommer Simone 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSexual selection involving genetically disassortative mate choice is one of several evolutionary processes that can maintain or enhance population genetic variability. Examples of reproductive systems in which choosers (generally females) select mates depending on their major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes have been reported for several vertebrate species. Notably, the role of MHC‐dependent choice not in mating contexts, but in other kinds of social interactions such as in the establishment of complex social systems, has not yet drawn significant scientific interest and is virtually absent from the literature. We have investigated male and female MHC‐dependent choice in an invasive population of North American raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Germany. Both male and female raccoons rely on olfaction for individual recognition. Males have an unusually complex social system in which older individuals choose unrelated younger ones to form stable male coalitions that defend territories and a monopoly over females. We have confirmed that females perform MHC‐disassortative mate choice and that this behaviour fosters genetic diversity of offspring. We have also observed that males build coalitions by choosing male partners depending on their MHC, but in an assortative manner. This is the first observation of antagonistic MHC‐dependent behaviours among sexes. We show that this is the only combination of MHC‐dependent partner choice that leads to outbreeding. In the case of introduced raccoons, such behaviours can act together to promote the invasive potential of the species by increasing its adaptive genetic divergence.
Genomic evidence of gene flow during reinforcement in Texas Phlox
Authors: Roda Federico , Mendes Fábio K. , Hahn Matthew W. , Hopkins Robin 
Published: January 2017

AbstractGene flow can impede the evolution of reproductive isolating barriers between species. Reinforcement is the process by which prezygotic reproductive isolation evolves in sympatry due to selection to decrease costly hybridization. It is known that reinforcement can be prevented by too much gene flow, but we still do not know how often have prezygotic barriers evolved in the presence of gene flow or how much gene flow can occur during reinforcement. Flower colour divergence in the native Texas wildflower, Phlox drummondii, is one of the best‐studied cases of reinforcement. Here we use genomic analyses to infer gene flow between P. drummondii and a closely related sympatric species, Phlox cuspidata. We de novo assemble transcriptomes of four Phlox species to determine the phylogenetic relationships between these species and find extensive discordance among gene tree topologies across genes. We find evidence of introgression between sympatric P. drummondii and P. cuspidata using the D‐statistic, and use phylogenetic analyses to infer the predominant direction of introgression. We investigate geographic variation in gene flow by comparing the relative divergence of genes displaying discordant gene trees between an allopatric and sympatric sample. These analyses support the hypothesis that sympatric P. drummondii has experienced gene flow with P. cuspidata. We find that gene flow between these species is asymmetrical, which could explain why reinforcement caused divergence in only one of the sympatric species. Given the previous research in this system, we suggest strong selection can explain how reinforcement successfully evolved in this system despite gene flow in sympatry.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence‐regulator PhoP interacts with alternative sigma factor SigE during acid‐stress response
Authors: Bansal Roohi , Anil Kumar Vijjamarri , Sevalkar Ritesh Rajesh , Singh Prabhat Ranjan , Sarkar Dibyendu 
Published: January 2017

SummaryThe ability to sense acid stress and mount an appropriate adaptive response by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which adapts a long‐term residence in the macrophage phagosome, remains one of the critical features that defines mycobacterial physiology and its intracellular location. To understand the mechanistic basis of adaptation of the intracellular pathogen, we studied global regulation of M. tuberculosis gene expression in response to acid stress. Although recent studies indicate a role for the virulence‐associated phoP locus in pH‐driven adaptation, in this study, we discovered a strikingly novel regulatory mechanism, which controls acid‐stress homeostasis. Using mycobacterial protein fragment complementation and in vitro interaction analyses, we demonstrate that PhoP interacts with acid‐inducible extracytoplasmic SigE (one of the 13 M. tuberculosis sigma factors) to regulate a complex transcriptional program. Based on these results, we propose a model to suggest that PhoP–SigE interaction represents a major requirement for the global acid stress response, absence of which leads to strongly reduced survival of the bacilli under acidic pH conditions. These results account for the significant growth attenuation of the phoP mutant in both cellular and animal models, and unravel the underlying global mechanism of how PhoP induces an adaptive program in response to acid stress.
Mechanism of valproic acid‐induced Fanconi syndrome involves mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in rat kidney
Authors: Heidari Reza , Jafari Faezeh , Khodaei Forouzan , Shirazi Yeganeh Babak , Niknahad Hossein 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimDrug‐induced kidney proximal tubular injury and renal failure (Fanconi syndrome; FS) is a clinical complication. Valproic acid (VPA) is among the FS‐inducing drugs. The current investigation was designed to evaluate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in VPA‐induced renal injury.MethodsAnimals received VPA (250 and 500 mg/kg, i.p., 15 consecutive days). Serum biomarkers of kidney injury and markers of oxidative stress were assessed. Moreover, kidney mitochondria were isolated and mitochondrial indices, including succinate dehydrogenase activity (SDA), mitochondrial depolarization, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), mitochondrial glutathione, and ATP were determined.ResultsValproic acid‐treated animals developed biochemical evidence of FS as judged by elevated serum gamma‐glutamyl transferase (γ‐GT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) along with hypokalaemia, hypophosphataemia, and a decrease in serum uric acid. VPA caused an increase in kidney ROS and LPO. Renal GSH reservoirs were depleted and tissue antioxidant capacity decreased in VPA‐treated animals. Renal tubular interstitial nephritis, tissue necrosis, and atrophy were also evident in VPA‐treated rats. Mitochondrial parameters including SDA, MMP, GSH, ATP and MPP were decreased and mitochondrial ROS and LPO were increased with VPA treatment. It was found that carnitine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) mitigated VPA adverse effects towards the kidney.ConclusionsThese data suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress contributed to the VPA‐induced FS. On the other hand, carnitine could be considered a potentially safe and effective therapeutic option in attenuating VPA‐induced renal injury.
Physical, mental and cognitive disabilities in relation to utilization of dental care services by nursing home residents
Authors: Almomani Fidaa M , Bani‐issa Wegdan 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe main purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting dental care utilization among nursing home residents in Jordan.MethodsA total of 221 subjects with a mean age of 62.4 years (121 males and 100 females) taken from among nursing home residents across Jordan were recruited and composed a convenience sample for this study. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Tinetti Assessment Battery for gait and balance (TAB), Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand test (DASH) were administered and oral health status was assessed for all subjects and examined as expected correlates of dental care utilization among nursing home residents.ResultsThe response rate was about 88%. One‐third of residents suffered from total edentulism and most of the remaining dentate residents exhibited periodontal disease (90%). Of the dentate sample, 90% of residents had bleeding upon probing, 85% were diagnosed with tooth mobility, 88% had presence of dental calculus, and 30% were diagnosed with root caries. Of the denture wearers, 59.1 % reported having soreness with their dentures and 32% of denture wearers reported having poor quality dentures. MMSE score, suffering from tooth sensitivity and having diabetes mellitus were identified to be indicators for utilization of dental care services among the study population.ConclusionRegular oral care, assessments, and rehabilitation services are considered to be limited for nursing home residents in Jordan. Based upon these findings, future interventions should address oral health among nursing home residents in Jordan.
A NOVEL ANTI-PROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITY (EC50) OF PEGAGA (Centella asiatica) EXTRACT THROUGH IN VITRO 3-D CULTURE MICROENVIRONMENT
Authors: Aizad Syazwan , Mohd Khairiri Nadzirah , Yahaya Badrul Hisham , Zubairi Saiful Irwan 
Published: January 2017

Centella asiatica or pegaga is one of the botanical plants that consists of many phytochemicals and is known for being able to offer various effects on wound healing, as well as functioning as an antioxidant and anticancer property. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the efficacy of Centella asiatica water and alcohol-based extracts on the anti-proliferative activity of human lung cancer cells (A549) and normal fibroblast (IMR90) by mean of in vitro 3-D cell culture system. A porous 3-D scaffold was fabricated from poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) using solvent-casting particulate-leaching (SCPL) process. Antioxidant analysis (total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH and FRAP assays) was conducted prior to the 3-D cell culture study. The results showed that the extract contained 7.50 ± 1.10 mg/ml of asiaticoside and 0.74 ± 0.24 mg/ml of madecassoside. These bio-active compounds were believed to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells (A549). The availability of phenolic compounds in the extract (TPC: 10133 ± 119.30 mg/100 g) had proven that the antioxidant properties existed. Moreover, the other values obtained from the antioxidant analysis revealed its capacity as a good source of antioxidant (DPPH: 87 ± 1.0%; FRAP: 127 ± 14.98 mg/100 g). Next, the lung cancer cells (A549) were cultured using a two-dimensional (2-D) system to generate the IC50 value of 5.75 ± 1.0 µg/ml. The A549 cell viability (MTS assay) after a 3-day incubation exhibited a good sign of mortality for the both treated models ranging from 55% to 70% as compared to control one (without treatment) (p>0.05). However, when the extract was exposed to a normal fibroblast IMR90, the cell growth of the both treated models exhibited an almost 2-fold greater cell numbers than that of the untreated models (p<0.05) indicating that the extract did not possess any possible threat to a normal and healthy cell. Therefore, the use of Centella asiatica extracts in terminating cancer cells has been proven to be able to inhibit cell growth (greater than 40%) in just 3 days of incubation.
Work-Family Experience: Its Relation with Self-Identity
Authors: Aziz Azelin , Chew Abdullah Nor Azimah , Ku Ishak Awanis , Abdul Hamid Siti Norasyikin 
Published: January 2017

Many studies have examined the manner in which demands in work and family roles impact work-family experiences. Given that gender-role somewhat shapes an individual’s self-identity, this study suggests that an individual’s experience of favourable or unfavourable work-family experience depends on his or her self-identity. More specifically, this study aims to investigate whether the compatibility between one’s self-identity and the role in which one is engaged in, results in a buffering effect or a detrimental effect of role demand on the work-family balance experience.
The Mechanism of Killing by the Proline-Rich Peptide Bac7(1–35) against Clinical Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Differs from That against Other Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Runti Giulia , Benincasa Monica , Giuffrida Grazia , Devescovi Giulia , Venturi Vittorio , Gennaro Renato , Scocchi Marco 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infections represent a serious threat to worldwide health. Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PR-AMPs), a particular group of peptide antibiotics, have demonstrated
in vitro
activity against
P. aeruginosa
strains. Here we show that the mammalian PR-AMP Bac7(1–35) is active against some multidrug-resistant cystic fibrosis isolates of
P. aeruginosa
. By confocal microscopy and cytometric analyses, we investigated the mechanism of killing against
P. aeruginosa
strain PAO1 and three selected isolates, and we observed that the peptide inactivated the target cells by disrupting their cellular membranes. This effect is deeply different from that previously described for PR-AMPs in
Escherichia coli
and
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium, where these peptides act intracellularly after having been internalized by means of the transporter SbmA without membranolytic effects. The heterologous expression of SbmA in PAO1 cells enhanced the internalization of Bac7(1–35) into the cytoplasm, making the bacteria more susceptible to the peptide but at the same time more resistant to the membrane lysis, similarly to what occurs in
E. coli
. The results evidenced a new mechanism of action for PR-AMPs and indicate that Bac7 has multiple and variable modes of action that depend on the characteristics of the different target species and the possibility to be internalized by bacterial transporters. This feature broadens the spectrum of activity of the peptide and makes the development of peptide-resistant bacteria a more difficult process.
A Whole-Genome Sequencing Approach To Study Cefoxitin-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Heidelberg Isolates from Various Sources
Authors: Edirmanasinghe Romaine , Finley Rita , Parmley E. Jane , Avery Brent P. , Carson Carolee , Bekal Sadjia , Golding George , Mulvey Michael R. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

This study characterized cefoxitin-resistant and -susceptible
Salmonella enterica
serovar Heidelberg strains from humans, abattoir poultry, and retail poultry to assess the molecular relationships of isolates from these sources in Québec in 2012. Isolates were collected as part of the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS). All isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, PCR for CMY-2, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). A total of 113
S
. Heidelberg isolates from humans (
n
= 51), abattoir poultry (
n
= 18), and retail poultry (
n
= 44) were studied. All cefoxitin-resistant isolates (
n
= 65) were also resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, ceftiofur, and ceftriaxone, and all contained the CMY-2 gene. PFGE analysis showed that 111/113 (98.2%) isolates clustered together with ≥90% similarity. Core genome analysis using WGS identified 13 small clusters of isolates with 0 to 4 single nucleotide variations (SNVs), consisting of cefoxitin-resistant and -susceptible human, abattoir poultry, and retail poultry isolates. CMY-2 plasmids from cefoxitin-resistant isolates all belonged to incompatibility group I1. Analysis of IncI1 plasmid sequences revealed high identity (95 to 99%) to a previously described plasmid (pCVM29188_101) found in
Salmonella
Kentucky. When compared to pCVM29188_101, all sequenced cefoxitin-resistant isolates were found to carry 1 of 10 possible variant plasmids. Transmission of
S
. Heidelberg may be occurring between human, abattoir poultry, and retail poultry sources, and transmission of a common CMY-2 plasmid may be occurring among
S
. Heidelberg strains with variable genetic backgrounds.
Use of Optical Imaging Technology in the Validation of a New, Rapid, Cost-Effective Drug Screen as Part of a TieredIn VivoScreening Paradigm for Development of Drugs To Treat Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Caridha Diana , Parriot Sandi , Hudson Thomas H. , Lang Thierry , Ngundam Franklyn , Leed Susan , Sena Jenell , Harris Michael , O'Neil Michael , Sciotti Richard , Read Lisa , Lecoeur Herve , Hickman Mark , Grogl Max 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTIn any drug discovery and development effort, a reduction in the time of the lead optimization cycle is critical to decrease the time to license and reduce costs. In addition, ethical guidelines call for the more ethical use of animals to minimize the number of animals used and decrease their suffering. Therefore, any effort to develop drugs to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis requires multiple tiers ofin vivotesting that start with higher-throughput efficacy assessments and progress to lower-throughput models with the most clinical relevance. Here, we describe the validation of a high-throughput, first-tier, noninvasive model of lesion suppression that uses anin vivooptical imaging technology for the initial screening of compounds. A strong correlation between luciferase activity and the parasite load at up to 18 days postinfection was found. This correlation allows the direct assessment of the effects of drug treatment on parasite burden. We demonstrate that there is a strong correlation between drug efficacy measured on day 18 postinfection and the suppression of lesion size by day 60 postinfection, which allows us to reach an accurate conclusion on drug efficacy in only 18 days. Compounds demonstrating a significant reduction in the bioluminescence signal compared to that in control animals can be tested in lower-throughput, more definitive tests of lesion cure in BALB/c mice and Golden Syrian hamsters (GSH) using Old World and New World parasites.
Antimicrobial Activity of High-Proportion Cefepime-Tazobactam (WCK 4282) against a Large Number of Gram-Negative Isolates Collected Worldwide in 2014
Authors: Sader Helio S. , Castanheira Mariana , Mendes Rodrigo E. , Flamm Robert K. , Jones Ronald N. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Cefepime-tazobactam (WCK 4282) is currently under clinical development for use at a dosage of 2 g/2 g every 8 h. A total of 7,981 isolates were collected from 146 medical centers (39 countries) in 2014 as a part of the SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program, and their susceptibilities to cefepime-tazobactam (with tazobactam at fixed concentrations of 4 and 8 μg/ml) were tested by a reference broth microdilution method. Isolates were mainly from patients with pneumonia (29.5%) and bloodstream infections (26.9%). Cefepime-tazobactam (with tazobactam at a fixed concentration of 8 μg/ml) and cefepime inhibited 96.9 and 87.9% of
Enterobacteriaceae
strains at ≤8 μg/ml. The activity of cefepime-tazobactam against
Enterobacteriaceae
strains was comparable to that of meropenem (96.7% of isolates were susceptible) and greater than that of piperacillin-tazobactam (87.7% susceptible). All
Enterobacteriaceae
species from the United States except
Klebsiella pneumoniae
had >99.0% of isolates inhibited by cefepime-tazobactam at ≤8/8 μg/ml. The prevalence of the extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-screening-positive phenotype was the highest among
Escherichia coli
isolates in China (66.3%) and among
K. pneumoniae
isolates (58.0%) in Latin America. Cefepime-tazobactam at ≤8/8 μg/ml inhibited 98.7 and 71.3% of ESBL-screening-positive phenotype
E. coli
strains and
K. pneumoniae
strains, respectively. Meropenem showed limited activity against ESBL-screening-positive phenotype
K. pneumoniae
strains (69.6% susceptible). Cefepime-tazobactam was active against
Enterobacter
spp. (MIC
50
and MIC
90
, 0.06 and 0.5 μg/ml, respectively), including ceftazidime-nonsusceptible isolates (96.1% of isolates were inhibited by cefepime-tazobactam at ≤8/8 μg/ml). The activity of cefepime-tazobactam against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(82.4 and 91.6% of isolates were inhibited by cefepime-tazobactam at ≤8/8 and ≤16/8 μg/ml, respectively) was comparable to that of meropenem and piperacillin-tazobactam (79.2% susceptible). In summary, cefepime-tazobactam was highly active against
P. aeruginosa
and
Enterobacteriaceae
strains, including ESBL-screening-positive phenotype
E. coli
strains and ceftazidime-nonsusceptible
Enterobacter
spp. These results support the further clinical development of the cefepime-tazobactam combination.