scholarly journals Possible impacts of the predominant Bacillus bacteria on the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis s. l. in its infected ant cadavers

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai-Wen Tu ◽  
Ming-Chung Chiu ◽  
Wei-Jiun Lin ◽  
Yen-Ping Hsueh ◽  
Chung-Chi Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Diversity ◽  
Hydrolytic Enzymes ◽  
Host Tissue ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Animal Hosts ◽  
Favorable Conditions ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Ophiocordyceps Unilateralis

AbstractAnimal hosts infected and killed by parasitoid fungi become nutrient-rich cadavers for saprophytes. Bacteria adapted to colonization of parasitoid fungi can be selected and can predominate in the cadavers, actions that consequently impact the fitness of the parasitoid fungi. In Taiwan, the zombie fungus, Ophiocordyceps unilateralis sensu lato (Clavicipitaceae: Hypocreales), was found to parasitize eight ant species, with preference for a principal host, Polyrhachis moesta. In this study, ant cadavers grew a fungal stroma that was predominated by Bacillus cereus/thuringiensis. The bacterial diversity in the principal ant host was found to be lower than the bacterial diversity in alternative hosts, a situation that might enhance the impact of B. cereus/thuringiensis on the sympatric fungus. The B. cereus/thuringiensis isolates from fungal stroma displayed higher resistance to a specific naphthoquinone (plumbagin) than sympatric bacteria from the environment. Naphthoquinones are known to be produced by O. unilateralis s. l., and hence the resistance displayed by B. cereus/thuringiensis isolates to these compounds suggests an advantage to B. cereus/thuringiensis to grow in the ant cadaver. Bacteria proliferating in the ant cadaver inevitably compete for resources with the fungus. However, the B. cereus/thuringiensis isolates displayed in vitro capabilities of hemolysis, production of hydrolytic enzymes, and antagonistic effects to co-cultured nematodes and entomopathogenic fungi. Thus, co-infection with B. cereus/thuringiensis offers potential benefits to the zombie fungus in killing the host under favorable conditions for reproduction, digesting the host tissue, and protecting the cadaver from being taken over by other consumers. With these potential benefits, the synergistic effect of B. cereus/thuringiensis on O. unilateralis infection is noteworthy given the competitive relationship of these two organisms sharing the same resource.

scholarly journals Bacillus Thuringiensis Predominated in the Zombie Fungus Ophiocordyceps Unilateralis S. L.-Infected Ant Cadavers and Investigation of its Biological Properties

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai-Wen Tu ◽  
Ming-Chung Chiu ◽  
Wei-Jiun Lin ◽  
Yen-Ping Hsueh ◽  
Chung-Chi Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Thuringiensis ◽  
Bacterial Diversity ◽  
Hydrolytic Enzymes ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Animal Hosts ◽  
Favorable Conditions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Ophiocordyceps Unilateralis

Abstract Animal hosts infected and killed by parasitoid fungi become a nutrient-rich cadaver for saprophytes. Bacteria adapted to colonization of parasitoid fungi can be selected and can predominate in the cadaver, actions that consequently impact the fitness of the parasitoid fungi. In Taiwan, the zombie fungus, Ophiocordyceps unilateralis sensu lato (Clavicipitaceae: Hypocreales), was found to parasitize eight ant species, with preference for a principal host, Polyrhachis moesta. In this study, ant cadavers grew a fungal stroma that was predominated by Bacillus thuringiensis. The bacterial diversity in the principal ant host was found to be lower than the bacterial diversity in alternative hosts, a situation that might enhance the impact of B. thuringiensis on the sympatric fungus. The B. thuringiensis isolates from fungal stroma displayed higher resistance to a specific naphthoquinone (plumbagin) than B. thuringiensis from the environment. Naphthoquinones are known to be produced by O. unilateralis s. l., and hence the resistance displayed by B. thuringiensis isolates to these compounds suggests an advantage to B. thuringiensis to grow in the ant cadaver. Bacteria proliferating in the ant cadaver inevitably compete for resources with the fungus. However, the B. thuringiensis isolates displayed in vitro capabilities of hemolysis, production of hydrolytic enzymes, and antagonistic effects to co-cultured nematodes and entomopathogenic fungi. Thus, co-infection with B. thuringiensis offers potential benefits to the zombie fungus in killing the host under favorable conditions for reproduction, digesting the host tissue, and protecting the cadaver from being taken over by other consumers. With these potential benefits, B. thuringiensis is not entirely a competitor but could also be a synergist in O. unilateralis s. l. infections under certain conditions.

scholarly journals In vitro differential activity of phospholipases and acid proteinases of clinical isolates of Candida

2011 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 334-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurean D'Eça Júnior ◽  
Anderson França Silva ◽  
Fernanda Costa Rosa ◽  
Sílvio Gomes Monteiro ◽  
Patrícia de Maria Silva Figueiredo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bovine Serum Albumin ◽  
Hydrolytic Enzymes ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Acid Protease ◽  
Clinical Isolates ◽  
In Vitro Activity ◽  
Normal Flora ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Favorable Conditions

INTRODUCTION: Candida yeasts are commensals; however, if the balance of normal flora is disrupted or the immune defenses are compromised, Candida species can cause disease manifestations. Several attributes contribute to the virulence and pathogenicity of Candida, including the production of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, particularly phospholipase and proteinase. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro activity of phospholipases and acid proteinases in clinical isolates of Candida spp. METHODS: Eighty-two isolates from hospitalized patients collected from various sites of origin were analyzed. Phospholipase production was performed in egg yolk medium and the production of proteinase was verified in a medium containing bovine serum albumin. The study was performed in triplicate. RESULTS: Fifty-six (68.3%) of isolates tested were phospholipase positive and 16 (44.4%) were positive for proteinase activity. C. tropicalis was the species with the highest number of positive isolates for phospholipase (91.7%). Statistically significant differences were observed in relation to production of phospholipases among species (p<0,0001) and among the strains from different sites of origin (p=0.014). Regarding the production of acid protease, the isolates of C. parapsilosis tested presented a larger number of producers (69.2%). Among the species analyzed, the percentage of protease producing isolates did not differ statistically (χ2=1.9 p=0.5901 (χ2=1.9 p=0.5901). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of C. non-albicans and all C. albicans isolates were great producers of hydrolytic enzymes and, consequently, might be able to cause infection under favorable conditions.

scholarly journals Diastolic disorder inherent to doxorubicin cardiotoxicity

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
Lilia Tacu ◽  
◽  
Valeriu Cobet ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Diastolic Pressure ◽  
Isolated Heart ◽  
Physiological Solution ◽  
Control Group ◽  
White Rats ◽  
Failure Evolution ◽  
Diastolic Stiffness ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact

Background: The doxorubicin (Dx) cardiotoxicity is manifested by a marked heart failure evolution. The impact of Dx on lusitrop functions of the heart and the inherent diastolic disorders have a theoretical and practical value for the connection cardiology-oncology. Material and methods: Dx cardiotoxicity was reproduced by its administration i/p in white rats in cumulative dose 16 mg/kg (Dx group n=9). Control group (n=9) received only physiological solution. The study was performed in vitro by using models of isolated heart perfusion in either isovolumic or exterior working regimens. The assayed indices of diastole functioning were: left ventricle (LV) end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), diastolic stiffness, isovolumic relaxation velocity (-dP/dTmax) and protodiastolic pressure of LV (LVPDP). Results: The indices of diastolic disorders induced by Dx were elevation of LVEDP, diastolic stiffness and LVPDP in a range of 97-168% comparing to control as well as diminution of -dP/dTmax in the physiological pattern of hemodynamics. LVEDP increased more in conditions of calcium overloading or endothelin-1 (ET-1) action that are involved in pathogenesis of diastolic rigidity. Dx action led to decrease of myocardium resistance to ischemiareperfusion action resulting in the LVEDP elevation by 53% comparing to control. Conclusions: 1. Diastolic disorders inherent to Dx cardiotoxicity are manifested by the increase of LVEDP and diastolic stiffness. 2. Diastolic disorders compromised the volume-pressure relationship of LV, the adaptation of the heart to effort with volume, being more pronounced during the action of calcium excess and ET-1

scholarly journals The Impact of the NOD2/CARD15 Variant (3020insC) and PSMA6 Polymorphism (-8C>G) on the Development and Outcome of Multiple Myeloma

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
S. Zmorzyński ◽  
S. Popek-Marciniec ◽  
W. Styk ◽  
M. Wojcierowska-Litwin ◽  
I. Korszeń-Pilecka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Progressive Disease ◽  
Bone Marrow Cells ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Automated Dna Sequencing ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Pcr Rflp ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact

Introduction. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by genetic variety. The 3020insC variant of the NOD2/CARD15 gene results in the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Chronic inflammation and abnormal function of the proteasome system may lead to MM development. The polymorphism (-8C>G) in the PSMA6 gene affects proteasome activity. The aim of our study was to analyze the possible relationship of NOD/CARD15 and PSMA6 genes with the risk of development and outcome of MM, as well as the sensitivity to bortezomib (proteasome inhibitor) in cell cultures derived from MM patients. Objects and Methods. Genomic DNA from 100 newly diagnosed MM patients and 100 healthy blood donors was analyzed by methods such as PCR-RFLP (for PSMA6 genotyping) and automated DNA sequencing (for NOD2/CARD15 genotyping). In a subgroup of 50 MM patients, nucleated bone marrow cells were treated with bortezomib in vitro. Results. Patients with PSMA6 CG+GG genotypes had higher chances for progressive disease (OR=5.0, 95% CI 1.07-23.16, p=0.05), shorter overall survival taking into account the type of treatment (p=0.039), and increased risk of death due to MM at the level of tendency (OR=4.74, 95% CI 1.02-21.97, p=0.06). The presence of NOD2/CARD15 3020insC decreased the risk of renal dysfunction in MM (OR=0.23, 95% CI 0.07-0.74, p=0.009). The analyzed changes in NOD2/CARD15 and PSMA6 genes did not impact the MM risk. In an in vitro study, bortezomib increased the number of apoptotic cells at 8 nM and 12 nM between wild-type and 3030insC variants of NOD2/CARD15 (p=0.018 and p=0.03, respectively). Conclusion. The presented results suggest a possible impact of PSMA6 CG+GG genotypes on the MM outcome and the association of the NOD2/CARD15 variant with bortezomib in vitro sensitivity.

scholarly journals Modeling the relevance of immune and metabolic cues in the macrophage/fibroblast interplay during fibrosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Setten ◽  
Alessandra Castagna ◽  
Josue Nava-Sedeno ◽  
Jonathan Weber ◽  
Roberta Carriero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interstitial Fibrosis ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cell Contact ◽  
Tubular Atrophy ◽  
Immune Phenotyping ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Inflammatory Infiltrates ◽  
Favorable Conditions ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Fibrosis is a progressive biological process leading to organ dysfunction in different clinical settings. As fibroblasts and macrophages are known as key cellular players for fibrosis development, we adopted an in vitro model to define the functional effects of inflammation, hypoxia, and the adaptive immune context on their functional interplay with respect to fibrosis development. Transcriptomic analysis defined the impact of each parameter, acting alone or in combination, on functional properties of both cell types, exposed individually or in a cell-cell contact. These in vitro signatures were matched with transcriptomic profiles generated on laser-captured glomeruli and cortical tubulointerstitial area isolated from human transplanted kidneys with advanced stages of glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy, two clinically relevant conditions associated with organ failure in renal allografts. In vitro signatures were also used to instruct the development of a mathematical model predicting the relevance of each parameter in fibrosis development scenario, which indicated tolerance to inflammatory infiltrates under otherwise favorable conditions and defined an operative window in which hypoxia exerts a crucial role, supported by the degree of inflammation. Observed signatures and model-based predictions strongly suggested that irreversible fibrosis development is the result of specific combinations of metabolic and inflammatory cues, which drive distinct profibrotic paths in the glomeruli and the tubulointerstitial compartments. These findings, which found confirmation in tissue-based quantitative immune-phenotyping of transplanted kidney biopsies, indicate that the combination of in vitro and in silico modeling represents a powerful systems medicine approach to dissect fibrosis pathogenesis and develop coordinated targeted approaches.

scholarly journals Tryptophan catabolism to serotonin and kynurenine in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization

2020 ◽  
pp. 1113-1124
Author(s):  
J Bódis ◽  
E Sulyok ◽  
M Koppán ◽  
Á Várnagy ◽  
V Prémusz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Ovarian Hyperstimulation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Tryptophan Catabolism ◽  
Paired Serum ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact

This cross-sectional clinical study was designed to explore the impact of tryptophan-kynurenine and tryptophan-serotonin (5 HT) pathways on reproductive performance during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Paired serum and follicular fluid (FF) samples were obtained from 64 consecutive IVF patients. The analysis was done by using LC-MS/MS. Ovarian hyperstimulation resulted in decreased serum tryptophan (p<0.004), 5-HT (p<0.049) and kynurenine (p<0.001). FF levels of tryptophan (R=0.245, p<0.051), kynurenine (R=0.556, p<0.001) and 5-HT (R=0.523, p<0.001) were positively related to their respective serum levels. Clinical pregnancy was associated with higher serum 5-HT (p<0.045) and FF 5-HT (p<0.020) and lower kynurenine to 5-HT ratio (p<0.024). Chemical pregnancy was also positively related to FF 5-HT (R=0.362, p<0.024). Moreover, there was a direct relationship of the number of mature oocytes to the FF 5-HT (R=0.363, p<0.020) but it was inversely related to FF tryptophan to 5-HT and FF kynurenine to 5-HT ratios (R=-0.389, p<0.016 and R=-0.337, p<0.036, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the number of mature oocytes was significantly influenced by FF 5-HT (β=0.473, p<0.001). In IVF patients ovarian hyperstimulation results in a reduction of the availability of tryptophan to catabolic pathways to kynurenine and 5-HT. Outcome measures improved significantly when 5-HT predominated over kynurenine.

Self-Compassion and Quality of Life in Adults Who Stutter

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 2097-2108
Author(s):  
Robyn L. Croft ◽  
Courtney T. Byrd
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
The Self ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Adults Who Stutter ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify levels of self-compassion in adults who do and do not stutter and to determine whether self-compassion predicts the impact of stuttering on quality of life in adults who stutter. Method Participants included 140 adults who do and do not stutter matched for age and gender. All participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale. Adults who stutter also completed the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering. Data were analyzed for self-compassion differences between and within adults who do and do not stutter and to predict self-compassion on quality of life in adults who stutter. Results Adults who do and do not stutter exhibited no significant differences in total self-compassion, regardless of participant gender. A simple linear regression of the total self-compassion score and total Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering score showed a significant, negative linear relationship of self-compassion predicting the impact of stuttering on quality of life. Conclusions Data suggest that higher levels of self-kindness, mindfulness, and social connectedness (i.e., self-compassion) are related to reduced negative reactions to stuttering, an increased participation in daily communication situations, and an improved overall quality of life. Future research should replicate current findings and identify moderators of the self-compassion–quality of life relationship.

Business: Making Cents of Coding Systems: Billing for Professional Services

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-8
Author(s):  
Dee Adams Nikjeh
Keyword(s):  
Professional Services ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Coding Systems ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Program Funding ◽  
Fee Schedule ◽  
Procedure Codes ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Administrators and supervisors face daily challenges over issues such as program funding, service fees, correct coding procedures, and the ever-changing healthcare regulations. Receiving equitable reimbursement for speech-language pathology and audiology services necessitates an understanding of federal coding and reimbursement systems. This tutorial provides information pertaining to two major healthcare coding systems and explains the relationship of these systems to clinical documentation, the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and equitable reimbursement. An explanation of coding edits and coding modifiers is provided for use in those occasional atypical situations when the standard use of procedural coding may not be appropriate. Also included in this tutorial is a brief discussion of the impact that the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (HR 6331 Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act [MIPPA], 2008) has had on the valuation of speech-language pathology procedure codes.

Emotions and health: The impact of emotions, emotions regulation, music, and acculturation on health

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 112-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Bongard ◽  
Volker Hodapp ◽  
Sonja Rohrmann
Keyword(s):  
Stress Responses ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Anger Expression ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Cardiovascular Stress ◽  
Expression Behavior ◽  
Cardio Vascular ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Our unit investigates the relationship of emotional processes (experience, expression, and coping), their physiological correlates and possible health outcomes. We study domain specific anger expression behavior and associated cardio-vascular loads and found e.g. that particularly an open anger expression at work is associated with greater blood pressure. Furthermore, we demonstrated that women may be predisposed for the development of certain mental disorders because of their higher disgust sensitivity. We also pointed out that the suppression of negative emotions leads to increased physiological stress responses which results in a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. We could show that relaxation as well as music activity like singing in a choir causes increases in the local immune parameter immunoglobuline A. Finally, we are investigating connections between migrants’ strategy of acculturation and health and found e.g. elevated cardiovascular stress responses in migrants when they where highly adapted to the German culture.

STEROID HORMONE METABOLISM IN RESPONSIVE TISSUES IN VITRO

1971 ◽  
Vol 68 (1_Suppl) ◽  
pp. S279-S294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Robel
Keyword(s):  
Steroid Hormone ◽  
Physiological Activity ◽  
Physiological State ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Target Tissue ◽  
Hormone Metabolism ◽  
Metabolizing Enzymes ◽  
Relationship Of

ABSTRACT Of the information available on steroid hormone metabolism in responsive tissues, only that relating hormone metabolism to physiological activity is reviewed, i. e. metabolite activity in isolated in vitro systems, binding of metabolites to target tissue receptors, specific steroid hormone metabolizing enzymes and relationship of hormone metabolism to target organ physiological state. Further, evidence is presented in the androgen field, demonstrating 5α-reduced metabolites, formed inside the target cells, as active compounds. This has led to a consideration of testosterone as a »prehormone«. The possibility that similar events take place in tissues responding to progesterone is discussed. Finally, the role of hormone metabolism in the regulation of hormone availability and/or renewal in target cells is discussed. In this context, reference is made to the potential role of plasma binding proteins and cytosol receptors.

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