bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colonization of Campylobacter spp. in Broiler Chickens and Laying Hens Reared in Tropical Climates with Low-Biosecurity Housing
Authors: Kalupahana R. S. , Kottawatta K. S. A. , Kanankege K. S. T. , van Bergen M. A. P. , Abeynayake P. , Wagenaar J. A. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

The onset and prevalence of
Campylobacter
colonization in broilers and layers at commercial farms with low biosecurity in tropical climates were tested. Despite the presence of positive animals at the same farms, the broiler flocks tested negative until, on average, 21 days. Prelaying flocks showed a higher prevalence than laying flocks.
Development and Evaluation of EPA Method 1615 for Detection of Enterovirus and Norovirus in Water
Authors: Cashdollar Jennifer L. , Brinkman Nichole E. , Griffin Shannon M. , McMinn Brian R. , Rhodes Eric R. , Varughese Eunice A. , Grimm Ann C. , Parshionikar Sandhya U. , Wymer Larry , Fout G. Shay 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT
The U.S. EPA developed a sample concentration and preparation assay in conjunction with the total culturable virus assay for concentrating and measuring culturable viruses in source and drinking waters as part of the Information Collection Rule (ICR) promulgated in 1996. In an effort to improve upon this method, the U.S. EPA recently developed Method 1615: Measurement of Enterovirus and Norovirus Occurrence in Water by Culture and RT-qPCR. Method 1615 uses a culturable virus assay with reduced equipment and labor costs compared to the costs associated with the ICR virus method and introduces a new molecular assay for the detection of enteroviruses and noroviruses by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. In this study, we describe the optimization of several new components of the molecular assay and examine virus recovery from ground, reagent-grade, and surface water samples seeded with poliovirus type 3 and murine norovirus. For the culturable virus and molecular assays, mean poliovirus recovery using the complete method was 58% and 20% in groundwater samples, 122% and 39% using low-titer spikes in reagent-grade water, 42% and 48% using high-titer spikes in reagent-grade water, and 11% and 10% in surface water with high turbidity, respectively. Murine norovirus recovery by the molecular assay was 30% in groundwater samples, less than 8% in both low- and high-titer spikes in reagent-grade water, and 6% in surface water with high turbidity. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Method 1615 for use with groundwater samples and highlights the need for further research into its effectiveness with surface water.
Improved Recovery of Bacillus Spores from Nonporous Surfaces with Cotton Swabs over Foam, Nylon, or Polyester, and the Role of Hydrophilicity of Cotton in Governing the Recovery Efficiency
Authors: Thomas Pious , Mujawar Mohammed M. , Upreti Reshmi , Sekhar Aparna C. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Evaluating different swabbing materials for spore recovery efficiency (RE) from steel surfaces, we recorded the maximum RE (71%) of 10
7
Bacillus subtilis
spores with Tulips cotton buds, followed by Johnson's cotton buds and standard Hi-Media cotton, polyester, nylon, and foam (23%) swabs. Among cotton swabs, instant water-absorbing capacity or the hydrophilicity index appeared to be the major indicator of RE, as determined by testing three more brands. Tulips swabs worked efficiently across diverse nonporous surfaces and on different
Bacillus
spp., registering 65 to 77% RE.
Gray Mold Populations in German Strawberry Fields Are Resistant to Multiple Fungicides and Dominated by a Novel Clade Closely Related to Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Leroch Michaela , Plesken Cecilia , Weber Roland W. S. , Kauff Frank , Scalliet Gabriel , Hahn Matthias 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTThe gray mold fungusBotrytis cinereais a major threat to fruit and vegetable production. Strawberry fields usually receive several fungicide treatments againstBotrytisper season. Gray mold isolates from several German strawberry-growing regions were analyzed to determine their sensitivity against botryticides. Fungicide resistance was commonly observed, with many isolates possessing resistance to multiple (up to six) fungicides. A stronger variant of the previously described multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype MDR1, called MDR1h, was found to be widely distributed, conferring increased partial resistance to two important botryticides, cyprodinil and fludioxonil. A 3-bp deletion mutation in a transcription factor-encoding gene,mrr1, was found to be correlated with MDR1h. All MDR1h isolates and the majority of isolates with resistance to multiple fungicides were found to be genetically distinct. Multiple-gene sequencing confirmed that they belong to a novel clade, calledBotrytisgroup S, which is closely related toB. cinereaand the host-specific speciesB. fabae. Isolates ofBotrytisgroup S genotypes were found to be widespread in all German strawberry-growing regions but almost absent from vineyards. Our data indicate a clear subdivision of gray mold populations, which are differentially distributed according to their host preference and adaptation to chemical treatments.
Specific Detection and Localization of Microsporidian Parasites in Invertebrate Hosts by Using
In Situ
Hybridization
Authors: Dubuffet Aurore , Smith Judith E. , Solter Leellen , Perotti M. Alejandra , Braig Henk R. , Dunn Alison M. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

We designed fluorescence
in situ
hybridization probes for two distinct microsporidian clades and demonstrated their application in detecting, respectively,
Nosema
/
Vairimorpha
and
Dictyoceola
species. We used them to study the vertical transmission of two microsporidia infecting the amphipod
Gammarus duebeni
.
Polycyclovorans algicola gen. nov., sp. nov., an Aromatic-Hydrocarbon-Degrading Marine Bacterium Found Associated with Laboratory Cultures of Marine Phytoplankton
Authors: Gutierrez Tony , Green David H. , Nichols Peter D. , Whitman William B. , Semple Kirk T. , Aitken Michael D. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

A strictly aerobic, halotolerant, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain TG408, was isolated from a laboratory culture of the marine diatom
Skeletonema costatum
(CCAP1077/1C) by enrichment with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as the sole carbon source. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed this organism within the order
Xanthomonadales
of the class
Gammaproteobacteria
. Its closest relatives included representatives of the
Hydrocarboniphaga-Nevskia-Sinobacter
clade (<92% sequence similarity) in the family
Sinobacteraceae
. The strain exhibited a narrow nutritional spectrum, preferring to utilize aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon compounds and small organic acids. Notably, it displayed versatility in degrading two- and three-ring PAHs. Moreover, catechol 2,3-dioxygenase activity was detected in lysates, indicating that this strain utilizes the
meta
-cleavage pathway for aromatic compound degradation. Cells produced surface blebs and contained a single polar flagellum. The predominant isoprenoid quinone of strain TG408 was Q-8, and the dominant fatty acids were C
16:0
, C
16:1
ω7
c
, and C
18:1
ω7
c
. The G+C content of the isolate's DNA was 64.3 mol% ± 0.34 mol%. On the basis of distinct phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain TG408 represents a novel genus and species in the class
Gammaproteobacteria
for which the name
Polycyclovorans algicola
gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. Quantitative PCR primers targeting the 16S rRNA gene of this strain were developed and used to show that this organism is found associated with other species of marine phytoplankton. Phytoplankton may be a natural biotope in the ocean where new species of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria await discovery and which contribute significantly to natural remediation processes.
VeA Regulates Conidiation, Gliotoxin Production, and Protease Activity in the Opportunistic Human Pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Dhingra Sourabh , Andes David , Calvo Ana M. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTInvasive aspergillosis byAspergillus fumigatusis a leading cause of infection-related mortality in immunocompromised patients. In this study, we show thatveA, a major conserved regulatory gene that is unique to fungi, is necessary for normal morphogenesis in this medically relevant fungus. Although deletion ofveAresults in a strain with reduced conidiation, overexpression of this gene further reduced conidial production, indicating thatveAhas a major role as a regulator of development inA. fumigatusand that normal conidiation is only sustained in the presence of wild-type VeA levels. Furthermore, our studies revealed thatveAis a positive regulator in the production of gliotoxin, a secondary metabolite known to be a virulent factor inA. fumigatus. Deletion ofveAresulted in a reduction of gliotoxin production with respect to that of the wild-type control. This reduction in toxin coincided with a decrease ingliZandgliPexpression, which is necessary for gliotoxin biosynthesis. Interestingly,veAalso influences protease activity in this organism. Specifically, deletion ofveAresulted in a reduction of protease activity; this is the first report of aveAhomolog with a role in controlling fungal hydrolytic activity. AlthoughveAaffects several cellular processes inA. fumigatus, pathogenicity studies in a neutropenic mouse infection model indicated thatveAis dispensable for virulence.
Mutants in the Candida glabrata Glycerol Channels Are Sensitized to Cell Wall Stress
Authors: Beese-Sims Sara E. , Pan Shih-Jung , Lee Jongmin , Hwang-Wong Elizabeth , Cormack Brendan P. , Levin David E. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Many fungal species use glycerol as a compatible solute with which to maintain osmotic homeostasis in response to changes in external osmolarity. In
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, intracellular glycerol concentrations are regulated largely by the
h
igh
o
smolarity
g
lycerol (HOG) response pathway, both through induction of glycerol biosynthesis and control of its flux through the plasma membrane Fps1 glycerol channel. The channel activity of Fps1 is also controlled by a pair of positive regulators, Rgc1 and Rgc2. In this study, we demonstrate that
Candida glabrata
, a fungal pathogen that possesses two Fps1 orthologs and two Rgc1/-2 orthologs, accumulates glycerol in response to hyperosmotic stress. We present an initial characterization of mutants with deletions in the
C. glabrata FPS1
(CAGL0C03267 [
www.candidagenome.org
]) and
FPS2
(CAGL0E03894) genes and find that a double mutant accumulates glycerol, experiences constitutive cell wall stress, and is hypersensitive to treatment by caspofungin, an antifungal agent that targets the cell wall. This mutant is cleared more efficiently in mouse infections than is wild-type
C. glabrata
by caspofungin treatment. Finally, we demonstrate that one of the
C. glabrata RGC
orthologs complements an
S. cerevisiae rgc1 rgc2
null mutant, supporting the conclusion that this regulatory assembly is conserved between these species.
Cryptococcus neoformans Phosphoinositide-Dependent Kinase 1 (PDK1) Ortholog Is Required for Stress Tolerance and Survival in Murine Phagocytes
Authors: Chabrier-Roselló Yeissa , Gerik Kimberly J. , Koselny Kristy , DiDone Louis , Lodge Jennifer K. , Krysan Damian J. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Cryptococcus neoformans
PKH2-01
and
PKH2-02
are orthologous to mammalian PDK1 kinase genes. Although orthologs of these kinases have been extensively studied in
S. cerevisiae
, little is known about their function in pathogenic fungi. In this study, we show that
PKH2-02
but not
PKH2-01
is required for
C. neoformans
to tolerate cell wall, oxidative, nitrosative, and antifungal drug stress. Deletion of
PKH2-02
leads to decreased basal levels of Pkc1 activity and, consequently, reduced activation of the cell wall integrity mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in response to cell wall, oxidative, and nitrosative stress.
PKH2-02
function also is required for tolerance of fluconazole and amphotericin B, two important drugs for the treatment of cryptococcosis. Furthermore, OSU-03012, an inhibitor of human PDK1, is synergistic and fungicidal in combination with fluconazole. Using a
Galleria mellonella
model of low-temperature cryptococcosis, we found that
PKH2-02
is also required for virulence in a temperature-independent manner. Consistent with the hypersensitivity of the
pkh2-02
Δ mutant to oxidative and nitrosative stress, this mutant shows decreased survival in murine phagocytes compared to that of wild-type (WT) cells. In addition, we show that deletion of
PKH2-02
affects the interaction between
C. neoformans
and phagocytes by decreasing its ability to suppress production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and reactive oxygen species. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that Pkh2-02-mediated signaling in
C. neoformans
is crucial for stress tolerance, host-pathogen interactions, and both temperature-dependent and -independent virulence.
New Functions for the Ancient DedA Membrane Protein Family
Authors: Doerrler William T. , Sikdar Rakesh , Kumar Sujeet , Boughner Lisa A. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

The DedA protein family is a highly conserved and ancient family of membrane proteins with representatives in most sequenced genomes, including those of bacteria, archaea, and eukarya. The functions of the DedA family proteins remain obscure. However, recent genetic approaches have revealed important roles for certain bacterial DedA family members in membrane homeostasis. Bacterial DedA family mutants display such intriguing phenotypes as cell division defects, temperature sensitivity, altered membrane lipid composition, elevated envelope-related stress responses, and loss of proton motive force. The DedA family is also essential in at least two species of bacteria:
Borrelia burgdorferi
and
Escherichia coli
. Here, we describe the phylogenetic distribution of the family and summarize recent progress toward understanding the functions of the DedA membrane protein family.
CspR, a Cold Shock RNA-Binding Protein Involved in the Long-Term Survival and the Virulence of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Michaux Charlotte , Martini Cecilia , Shioya Koki , Ahmed Lecheheb Sandra , Budin-Verneuil Aurélie , Cosette Pascal , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Hartke Axel , Verneuil Nicolas , Giard Jean-Christophe 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

By coprecipitation, we identified RNA-binding proteins in the Gram-positive opportunistic pathogen
Enterococcus faecalis
known to be deficient of the RNA chaperone Hfq. In particular, we characterized one belonging to the cold shock protein (Csp) family (Ef2925) renamed CspR for cold shock protein RNA binding. Compared to the wild-type strain, the Δ
cspR
mutant was less virulent in an insect infection model (
Galleria mellonella
) and exhibited a decreased persistence in mouse kidneys and a low survival rate in peritoneal macrophages. As expected, we found that the Δ
cspR
mutant strain was more impaired in its growth than the parental strain under cold conditions and in its long-term survival under nutrient starvation. All these phenotypes were restored after complementation of the Δ
cspR
mutant. In addition, Western blot analysis showed that CspR was overexpressed under cold shock conditions and in the stationary phase. Since CspR may act as an RNA chaperone, putative targets were identified using a global proteomic approach completed with transcriptomic assays. This study revealed that 19 proteins were differentially expressed in the Δ
cspR
strain (9 upregulated, 10 downregulated) and that CspR mainly acted at the posttranscriptional level. These data highlight for the first time the role of the RNA-binding protein CspR as a regulator in
E. faecalis
and its requirement in stress response and virulence in this important human pathogen.
Systematic review of SGLT2 receptor inhibitors in dual or triple therapy in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Clar Christine , Gill James Alexander , Court Rachel , Waugh Norman 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundDespite the number of medications for type 2 diabetes, many people with the condition do not achieve good glycaemic control. Some existing glucose-lowering agents have adverse effects such as weight gain or hypoglycaemia. Type 2 diabetes tends to be a progressive disease, and most patients require treatment with combinations of glucose-lowering agents. The sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) receptor inhibitors are a new class of glucose-lowering agents.ObjectiveTo assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of the SGLT2 receptor inhibitors in dual or triple therapy in type 2 diabetes.Data sourcesMEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library (all sections); Science Citation Index; trial registries; conference abstracts; drug regulatory authorities; bibliographies of retrieved papers.Inclusion criteriaRandomised controlled trials of SGLT2 receptor inhibitors compared with placebo or active comparator in type 2 diabetes in dual or combination therapy.MethodsSystematic review. Quality assessment used the Cochrane risk of bias score.ResultsSeven trials, published in full, assessed dapagliflozin and one assessed canagliflozin. Trial quality appeared good. Dapagliflozin 10 mg reduced HbA1c by −0.54% (weighted mean differences (WMD), 95% CI −0.67 to −0.40) compared to placebo, but there was no difference compared to glipizide. Canagliflozin reduced HbA1c slightly more than sitagliptin (up to −0.21% vs sitagliptin). Both dapagliflozin and canagliflozin led to weight loss (dapagliflozin WMD −1.81 kg (95% CI −2.04 to −1.57), canagliflozin up to −2.3 kg compared to placebo).LimitationsLong-term trial extensions suggested that effects were maintained over time. Data on canagliflozin are currently available from only one paper. Costs of the drugs are not known so cost-effectiveness cannot be assessed. More data on safety are needed, with the Food and Drug Administration having concerns about breast and bladder cancers.ConclusionsDapagliflozin appears effective in reducing HbA1c and weight in type 2 diabetes, although more safety data are needed.
Frequency and consequences of violence and aggression towards employees in the German healthcare and welfare system: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Schablon Anja , Zeh Annett , Wendeler Dana , Peters Claudia , Wohlert Claudia , Harling Melanie , Nienhaus Albert 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesIn this study, the frequency and consequences of aggressive assaults on employees in the German healthcare and welfare system were investigated.DesignA retrospective cross-sectional study.SettingEmployees in the German healthcare system and their experiences of violence and aggression were examined in this study.ParticipantsThe sample consisted of 1973 employees from 39 facilities (6 facilities for the disabled, 6 hospitals and 27 outpatient and inpatient geriatric care facilities) who have regular contact with patients or clients.Main outcome measuresThe frequency of physical and verbal violence towards employees and the consequences of aggressive assaults were analysed.Results56% of respondents had experienced physical violence and 78% verbal aggression. The highest frequency of physical violence was in inpatient geriatric care (63%) (p=0.000). Younger workers run a higher risk of being affected by physical violence than older colleagues (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.4). There is also an increased risk of experiencing physical violence in inpatient geriatric care (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.0). Around a third of workers feel seriously stressed by the violence experienced. The better the facility trained employees for dealing with aggressive and violent clients, the less risk employees ran of experiencing either verbal aggression (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.7) or physical violence (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6 to 0.9). Training by the facility has a positive effect on experienced stress (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.8).ConclusionsViolence towards nursing and healthcare personnel occurs frequently. Every third respondent feels severely stressed by violence and aggression. Occupational support provisions to prevent and provide aftercare for cases of violence and aggression reduce the risk of incidents and of perceived stress. Research is needed on occupational support provisions that reduce the risk of staff experiencing verbal and physical violence and the stress that is associated with it.
Type 2 diabetes: a cohort study of treatment, ethnic and social group influences on glycated haemoglobin
Authors: James Gareth D , Baker Peter , Badrick Ellena , Mathur Rohini , Hull Sally , Robson John 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesTo assess whether in people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c>7.5%) improvement in HbA1c varies by ethnic and social group.DesignProspective 2-year cohort of type 2 diabetes treated in general practice.Setting and participantsAll patients with type 2 diabetes in 100 of the 101 general practices in two London boroughs. The sample consisted of an ethnically diverse group with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes aged 37–71 years in 2007 and with HbA1c recording in 2008–2009.Outcome measureChange from baseline HbA1c in 2007 and achievement of HbA1c control in 2008 and 2009 were estimated for each ethnic, social and treatment group using multilevel modelling.ResultsThe sample consisted of 6104 people; 18% were white, 63% south Asian, 16% black African/Caribbean and 3% other ethnic groups. HbA1c was lower after 1 and 2 years in all ethnic groups but south Asian people received significantly less benefit from each diabetes treatment. After adjustment, south Asian people were found to have 0.14% less reduction in HbA1c compared to white people (95% CI 0.04% to 0.24%) and white people were 1.6 (95% CI 1.2 to 2.0) times more likely to achieve HbA1c controlled to 7.5% or less relative to south Asian people. HbA1c reduction and control in black African/Caribbean and white people did not differ significantly. There was no evidence that social deprivation influenced HbA1c reduction or control in this cohort.ConclusionsIn all treatment groups, south Asian people with poorly controlled diabetes are less likely to achieve controlled HbA1c, with less reduction in mean HbA1c than white or black African/Caribbean people.
High risk medicolegal autopsies: is a full postmortem examination necessary?
Authors: Fryer Eve Patricia , Traill Zoe C , Benamore Rachel E , Roberts Ian S D 
Published: October 2012

AimsAiming to reduce the numbers of high risk autopsies, we use a minimally invasive approach. HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive coronial referrals, mainly intravenous drug abusers, have full autopsy only if external examination, toxicology and/or postmortem CT scan do not provide the cause of death. In this study, we review and validate this protocol.Methods and results62 HIV/HCV-positive subjects were investigated. All had external examination, 59 toxicology and 24 CT. In 42/62, this minimally invasive approach provided a cause of death. Invasive autopsy was required in 20/62, CT/toxicology being inconclusive, giving a potential rather than definite cause of death. Autopsy findings provided the cause of death in 6/20; in the remainder, a negative autopsy allowed more weight to be given to toxicological results previously regarded as inconclusive. In order to validate selection of cases for invasive autopsy using history, external examination and toxicology, a separate group of 57 non-infectious full autopsies were analysed. These were consecutive cases in which there was a history that suggested drug abuse. A review pathologist, provided only with clinical summary, external findings and toxicology, formulated a cause of death. This formulation was compared with the original cause of death, based on full autopsy. The review pathologist correctly identified a drug-related death or requirement for full autopsy in 56/57 cases. In one case, diagnosed as cocaine toxicity by the review pathologist, autopsy additionally revealed subarachnoid haemorrhage and Berry aneurysm.ConclusionsThese findings support the use of minimally invasive techniques in high risk autopsies, which result in a two-thirds reduction in full postmortems.