scholarly journals Secretion of Anti-Plasmodium Effector Proteins from a Natural Pantoea agglomerans Isolate by Using PelB and HlyA Secretion Signals

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (13) ◽  
pp. 4669-4675 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn C. Bisi ◽  
David J. Lampe
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
Pectate Lyase ◽  
Erwinia Carotovora ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Pantoea Agglomerans ◽  
Effector Proteins ◽  
World Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
The Individual

ABSTRACTThe insect-vectored disease malaria is a major world health problem. New control strategies are needed to supplement the current use of insecticides and medications. A genetic approach can be used to inhibit development of malaria parasites (Plasmodiumspp.) in the mosquito host. We hypothesized thatPantoea agglomerans, a bacterial symbiont ofAnophelesmosquitoes, could be engineered to express and secrete anti-Plasmodiumeffector proteins, a strategy termed paratransgenesis. To this end, plasmids that include thepelBorhlyAsecretion signals from the genes of related species (pectate lyase fromErwinia carotovoraand hemolysin A fromEscherichia coli, respectively) were created and tested for their efficacy in secreting known anti-Plasmodiumeffector proteins (SM1, anti-Pbs21, and PLA2) inP. agglomeransandE. coli.P. agglomeranssuccessfully secreted HlyA fusions of anti-Pbs21 and PLA2, and these strains are under evaluation for anti-Plasmodiumactivity in infected mosquitoes. Varied expression and/or secretion of the effector proteins was observed, suggesting that the individual characteristics of a particular effector may require empirical testing of several secretion signals. Importantly, those strains that secreted efficiently grew as well as wild-type strains under laboratory conditions and, thus, may be expected to be competitive with the native microbiota in the environment of the mosquito midgut.

Conspicuous consumption of luxury experiences: an experimental investigation of status perceptions on social media

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolin Siepmann ◽  
Lisa Carola Holthoff ◽  
Pascal Kowalczuk
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Conspicuous Consumption ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Luxury Goods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status ◽  
Self Actualization ◽  
The Individual ◽  
High Level

Purpose As luxury goods are losing their importance for demonstrating status, wealth or power to others, individuals are searching for alternative status symbols. Recently, individuals have increasingly used conspicuous consumption and displays of experiences on social media to obtain affirmation. This study aims to analyze the effects of luxury and nonluxury experiences, as well as traditional luxury goods on status- and nonstatus-related dimensions. Design/methodology/approach After presenting the theoretical foundation, the authors conduct a study with 599 participants to compare status perceptions elicited by the conspicuous consumption of luxury goods, luxury experiences and nonluxury experiences. The authors investigate whether experiences that are visibly consumed on Instagram are replacing traditional luxury goods as the most important status symbols. Furthermore, the authors examine the effects of the content shown on nonstatus-related dimensions and analyze whether status perceptions differ between female and male social media communicators. Finally, the authors analyze how personal characteristics (self-esteem, self-actualization and materialism) influence the status perceptions of others on social media. Findings The results show that luxury goods are still the most important means of displaying status. However, especially for women, luxury experiences are also associated with a high level of social status. Thus, the results imply important gender differences in the perceptions of status- and nonstatus-related dimensions. Furthermore, the findings indicate that, in particular, the individual characteristics of self-actualization and materialism affect status perceptions depending on the posted content. Originality/value While the research has already considered some alternative forms of conspicuous consumption, little attention has been given to experiences as status symbols. However, with their growing importance as substitutes for luxury goods and the rise of social media, the desire to conspicuously consume experiences is increasing. The authors address this gap in the literature by focusing on the conspicuous display of luxury and nonluxury experiences on social media.

scholarly journals Cooperative Immune Suppression by Escherichia coli and Shigella Effector Proteins

2018 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maarten F. de Jong ◽  
Neal M. Alto
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Immune Defense ◽  
Effector Proteins ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Type Iii Secretion Systems

ABSTRACT The enteric attaching and effacing (A/E) pathogens enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and the invasive pathogens enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) and Shigella encode type III secretion systems (T3SS) used to inject effector proteins into human host cells during infection. Among these are a group of effectors required for NF-κB-mediated host immune evasion. Recent studies have identified several effector proteins from A/E pathogens and EIEC/ Shigella that are involved in suppression of NF-κB and have uncovered their cellular and molecular functions. A novel mechanism among these effectors from both groups of pathogens is to coordinate effector function during infection. This cooperativity among effector proteins explains how bacterial pathogens are able to effectively suppress innate immune defense mechanisms in response to diverse classes of immune receptor signaling complexes (RSCs) stimulated during infection.

scholarly journals Risk Factors for Infection or Colonization with CTX-M Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Positive Escherichia coli

2012 ◽  
Vol 56 (11) ◽  
pp. 5575-5580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer H. Han ◽  
Kei Kasahara ◽  
Paul H. Edelstein ◽  
Warren B. Bilker ◽  
Ebbing Lautenbach
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Extended Spectrum ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Urinary Culture ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACTThere has been a significant increase in the prevalence ofEnterobacteriaceaethat produce CTX-M-type extended-spectrum β-lactamases. The objective of this study was to evaluate risk factors for infection or colonization with CTX-M-positiveEscherichia coli. A case-control study was conducted within a university system from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2008. All patients with clinical cultures withE. colidemonstrating resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins were included. Case patients were designated as those with cultures positive for CTX-M-positiveE. coli, and control patients were designated as those with non-CTX-M-producingE. coli. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for CTX-M-positive isolates. A total of 83 (56.8%) of a total of 146 patients had cultures with CTX-M-positiveE. coli. On multivariable analyses, there was a significant association between infection or colonization with CTX-M-type β-lactamase-positiveE. coliand receipt of piperacillin-tazobactam in the 30 days prior to the culture date (odds ratio [OR], 7.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61 to 33.8;P= 0.01) and a urinary culture source (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.77;P= 0.008). The rates of resistance to fluoroquinolones were significantly higher in isolates from case patients than in isolates from control patients (90.4 and 50.8%, respectively;P< 0.001). We found that nonurinary sources of clinical cultures and the recent use of piperacillin-tazobactam conferred an increased risk of colonization or infection with CTX-M-positiveE. coli. Future studies will need to focus on outcomes associated with infections due to CTX-M-positiveE. coli, as well as infection control strategies to limit the spread of these increasingly common organisms.

Individual difference factors related to anthropomorphic tendency

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 973-1002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Letheren ◽  
Kerri-Ann L. Kuhn ◽  
Ian Lings ◽  
Nigel K. Ll. Pope
Keyword(s):  
Individual Difference ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Personal Connection ◽  
Experiential Thinking ◽  
Psychology Literature ◽  
The Individual

Purpose This paper aims to addresses an important gap in anthropomorphism research by examining the individual-level factors that correlate with anthropomorphic tendency. Design/methodology/approach The extant psychology, marketing and consumer psychology literature is reviewed, and eight hypotheses devised. Data from 509 online survey respondents are analysed to identify individual characteristics associated with anthropomorphic tendency. Findings The results reveal that anthropomorphic tendency varies by individual and is significantly related to personality, age, relationship status, personal connection to animals and experiential thinking. Research limitations/implications This paper extends on recent research into the individual nature of anthropomorphic tendency, once thought to be a universal trait. Given that this paper is the first of its kind, testing of further traits is merited. It is suggested that future research further examine personality, as well as other elements of individual difference, and test the role of anthropomorphic tendency in the development of processing abilities with age. Practical implications Findings show that anthropomorphic tendency may prove to be a key variable in the segmentation of markets and the design of marketing communications, and that younger, single, more creative, conscientious consumers are an appropriate target for anthropomorphic messages. The importance of personal connection to animals, as well as experiential thinking, is also highlighted. Originality/value Given the importance of anthropomorphic tendency for the processing of messages involving non-human endorsers, as well as the formation of relevant attitudes and behaviours, this paper fulfils an identified need to further understand the characteristics of those high on this tendency.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Antimicrobial Properties of Commercial Hand Sanitizers

mSphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Chojnacki ◽  
C. Dobrotka ◽  
R. Osborn ◽  
W. Johnson ◽  
M. Young ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibacterial Activity ◽  
Benzalkonium Chloride ◽  
Bacterial Pathogens ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
World Health ◽  
Antimicrobial Efficacy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Antibacterial Performance ◽  
Antimicrobial Performance

ABSTRACT Hand sanitizers have been developed as a convenient means to decontaminate an individual’s hands of bacterial pathogens in situations in which soap and water are not available. Yet to our knowledge, no study has compared the antibacterial efficacy of a large collection of hand sanitizers. Using zone of growth inhibition and kill curve assays, we assessed the performance of 46 commercially available hand sanitizers that were obtained from national chain big-box stores, gasoline stations, pharmacies, and boutiques for antibacterial activity toward prototypical Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacterial pathogens. Results revealed substantial variability in the efficacy of many sanitizers evaluated. Formulations following World Health Organization-recommended ingredients (80% ethanol or 75% isopropyl alcohol) or those including benzalkonium chloride as the active principal ingredient displayed excellent antibacterial activity, whereas others exhibited modest or poor activity in the assays performed. Results also revealed that E. coli was generally more susceptible to most sanitizers in comparison to S. aureus and that there was significant strain-to-strain variability in hand sanitizer antimicrobial efficacy regardless of the organism evaluated. Further, tests of a subset of hand sanitizers toward severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) revealed no direct correlation between antibacterial and antiviral performance, with all ethyl alcohol formulations performing equally well and displaying improved activity in comparison to benzalkonium chloride-containing sanitizer. Taken together, these results indicate that there is likely to be substantial variability in the antimicrobial performance of commercially available hand sanitizers, particularly toward bacterial pathogens, and a need to evaluate the efficacy of sanitizers under development. IMPORTANCE In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, hand hygiene has taken on a prominent role in efforts to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission and infection, which has led to a radical increase in the number and types of hand sanitizers manufactured to meet public demand. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated or compared the antimicrobial performance of hand sanitizers that are being produced under COVID-19 emergency authorization. Tests of 46 commercially available hand sanitizers purchased from national chain brick-and-mortar stores revealed considerable variability in their antibacterial performance toward two bacterial pathogens of immediate health care concern, S. aureus and E. coli. Expanded testing of a subset of hand sanitizers revealed no direct correlation between antibacterial performance of individual sanitizers and their activity toward SARS-CoV-2. These results indicate that as the pandemic subsides, there will be a need to validate the antimicrobial efficacy of sanitizers being produced.

Olfactory cues and purchase behavior: consumer characteristics as moderators

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (7) ◽  
pp. 1378-1399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaisa Sandell
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Sales Promotion ◽  
Olfactory Cues ◽  
Purchase Behavior ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sensory Marketing ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Loyalty Card

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationship between consumer characteristics and the effectiveness of olfactory cues on purchase behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe theories of the effects of consumer decision-making, olfaction and sensory marketing on purchase behavior are applied using loyalty card data collected through an experiment. These data are analyzed using quantitative methods.FindingsThe presence of an olfactory cue has a positive impact on purchase behavior, as measured by product-category sales. Results indicate that in sales promotion, olfactory cues are most efficient in men who have hedonistic or quality-oriented decision-making styles.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is the first to study the effectiveness of olfactory cues on purchase behavior when the interactions between the individual characteristics of consumers are considered. The study broadens extant frameworks of sensory marketing by placing the consumer in the central position as the processor of sensory cues. The work pioneers the integration of consumer’s decision-making style (CDMS) as one of the moderating factors in the process.Practical implicationsThe results encourage retailers and practitioners to consider CDMS – and not only gender or age – when using olfactory cues in sales promotions. Hopefully, this paper will inspire retailers to think of the more psychological aspects of consumer behavior and decision-making when planning their loyalty card systems.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to study the effectiveness of olfactory cues on purchase behavior when the interactions between the individual characteristics of consumers are considered. Addressing the decision-making style in addition to demographics is a novel approach, contrasting with earlier studies that merely focused on olfactory acuity.

Are top executives important for earning management and firm risk? Empirical evidence from selected Chinese firms

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khurram Iftikhar Bhatti ◽  
Muhammad Iftikhar Ul Husnain ◽  
Abubakr Saeed ◽  
Iram Naz ◽  
Syed Danial Hashmi
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Earning Management ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Firm Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual

PurposeThis study examines the role of the observable and unobservable characteristics of top management on earning management and firm risk in China.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used manager-firm matched panel for 104 non-financial firms listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange between 2010 and 2018. The authors also trace the persistence of managerial financial styles and their active role across two different firms between which managers switched during the sample period.FindingsThe results show that managers' financial styles indeed influence earning management and firm risk and that this influence differs across different managers. These findings are robust when tested for the persistence and active role of managers. Furthermore, individual characteristics such as age, gender, qualification and experience influence managers' financial styles.Practical implicationsGiven their findings, the authors propose that financial analysts and potential investors should not only depend on quantitative data but also consider the individual characteristics of managers when evaluating firms.Social implicationsThe findings of this study carry serious implications for managers, policymakers and potential investors. The findings assist the external auditors in measuring the risk of material misstatement, the various regulatory bodies to assess the quality of financial reporting and the users of financial statements to evaluate the earnings and make further investment decisions considering not only the quantitative data but also the individual characteristics of top managers.Originality/valueThe current study examines the observable and unobservable characteristics of top management on firm risk and earnings management in Chinese context.

Isolation and characterization of bacteria from activated sludge capable of degrading 17α-ethinylestradiol, a contaminant of high environmental concern

Microbiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 167 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tânia Luz Palma ◽  
Anastasiia Shylova ◽  
Maria Clara Costa
Keyword(s):  
Type Species ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Environmental Concern ◽  
Degradation Products ◽  
Tca Cycle ◽  
Pantoea Agglomerans ◽  
World Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Isolation And Characterization

The compound 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) is a synthetic oestrogen which is classified as a group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization. Together with other endocrine disruptor compounds, EE2 has been included in the surface water Watch List by the European Commission, since it causes severe adverse effects in ecosystems. Thus, it became a high priority to find or improve processes such as biodegradation of EE2 to completely remove this drug from the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The present study aimed at the isolation of bacteria capable of degrading EE2 using environmental samples, namely a sludge from the Faro Northwest WWTP. Four isolates with ability to grow in the presence of 50 mg l−1 EE2 were obtained. The analysis of 16SrRNA gene sequences identified the isolated bacteria as Acinetobacter bouvetii, Acinetobacter kookii, Pantoea agglomerans and Shinella zoogloeoides . The results of biodegradation assays showed that Acinetobacter bouvetii , Acinetobacter kookii , Pantoea agglomerans and Shinella zoogloeoides were able to degrade 47±4 %, 55±3 %, 64±4% and 35±4 %, respectively of 13 mg l−1 EE2 after 168 h at 28 °C. To the best of our knowledge, these bacterial isolates were identified as EE2 degraders for the first time. In a preliminary experiment on the identification of metabolic products resulting from EE2 degradation products such as estrone (E1), γ-lactone compounds, 2-pentanedioic acid and 2-butenedioic acid an intermediate metabolite of the TCA cycle, were detected.

Double bottom line commitments of microfinance: evidence from Indian institutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prasenjit Roy ◽  
Ambika Prasad Pati
Keyword(s):  
Legal Status ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Causal Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The Individual

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to confirm the adherence of double bottom line objectives by the microfinance institutions (MFIs) of India and, further, to identify the causal factors that work out their double bottom line commitments. Design/methodology/approach The study uses an empirical data set for the period of 10 years, i.e. from 2005–2006 to 2014–2015, gathered from www.mixmarket.org. It follows an exploratory approach with overall and segmented performance analysis. Further, a panel data regression model is applied to identify the causal factors of double bottom line. Findings The study finds that MFIs are adhering to the notion of double bottom line. The segregated analysis does not give any solid indications of trade-off. The mature and small MFIs are found to be better in attaining social objective but the new and large are better in sustainability. The non-governmental organization (NGO) category is more committed to the double bottom line than the non-NGO. The causal analysis could not show any relationship between financial performance and outreach. Though age and outreach size show relationships with small loan sizes, they do not influence sustainability. The operating and financial expenses along with portfolio quality are found to be the main causal variables of sustainability. Practical implications There are indications for the policy makers to frame regulations and prepare a roadmap for the mature and the large MFIs. This would help them adhere to the double bottom line, which would further streamline the operations of the MFIs in the long run. Containing operating expenses and controlling the asset quality still remain to be the challenges which need to be addressed with proper policy guidelines. Originality/value The analysis of the study focuses on industry classifications, which make it more intriguing in nature given the fact of the varied features like age, legal status and outreach. India being the largest microfinance market in the world has limited studies. Most of the studies in double bottom line are based on a cross-country analysis, which generalizes the individual characteristics. The study fills this gap and adds to the understanding of the double bottom line commitments in the Indian context.

Effect of underdog (vs topdog) brand storytelling on brand identification: exploring multiple mediation mechanisms

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Delgado-Ballester
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Product Category ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Multiple Mediation ◽  
Brand Identification ◽  
Specific Product ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on the building of consumer–brand identification through the use of two themes (underdog and topdog) in the design of brand storytelling. It proposes that the underdog theme is superior because it is more effective in immersing readers in the story and generates higher emotional responses. The moderating effect of consumers’ implicit mindsets is also explored. Design/methodology/approach An experimental study with a single-factorial design is conducted with 301 consumers assigned at random to one of two brand storytelling conditions: underdog theme or topdog theme. Findings The results show a full mediating effect of the underdog (vs topdog) theme on brand identification through reader immersion and empathic feelings. Research limitations/implications The use of a fictitious brand and a specific product category may limit the generalizability of the results. Practical implications Placing the brand in a story with an underdog plot is more effective in catching consumers’ attention than using a topdog brand story. In particular, using an underdog theme is a good approach for targeting consumers who have a growth mindset. Originality/value This study explains the persuasiveness of brand storytelling in terms of the characteristics of the storytelling itself rather than the individual characteristics of consumers (e.g. their own underdog dispositions). The results also suggest that the implicit mindset of the individual plays a role.

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