scholarly journals Host Specificity and Source of Enterocytozoon bieneusi Genotypes in a Drinking Source Watershed

2013 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 218-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaqiong Guo ◽  
Kerri A. Alderisio ◽  
Wenli Yang ◽  
Vitaliano Cama ◽  
Yaoyu Feng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Host Specificity ◽  
Enterocytozoon Bieneusi ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
Type Iv ◽  
Public Health Significance ◽  
Health Significance ◽  
Group 3

ABSTRACTTo assess the host specificity ofEnterocytozoon bieneusiand to track the sources ofE. bieneusicontamination, we genotypedE. bieneusiin wildlife and stormwater from the watershed of New York City's source water, using ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-based PCR and sequence analyses. A total of 255 specimens from 23 species of wild mammals and 67 samples from stormwater were analyzed. Seventy-four (29.0%) of the wildlife specimens and 39 (58.2%) of the stormwater samples from streams were PCR positive. Altogether, 20E. bieneusigenotypes were found, including 8 known genotypes and 12 new ones. Sixteen and five of the genotypes were seen in animals and stormwater from the watershed, respectively, with WL4 being the most common genotype in both animals (35 samples) and stormwater (23 samples). The 20E. bieneusigenotypes belonged to five genogroups (groups 1, 3, 4, and 7 and an outlier), with only 23/113 (20.4%)E. bieneusi-positive samples belonging to zoonotic genogroup 1 and 3/20 genotypes ever being detected in humans. The two genogroups previously considered host specific, groups 3 and 4, were both detected in multiple groups of mammals. Thus, with the exception of the type IV, Peru11, and D genotypes, which were detected in only 7, 5, and 2 animals, respectively, mostE. bieneusistrains in most wildlife samples and all stormwater samples in the watershed had no known public health significance, as these types have not previously been detected in humans. The role of different species of wild mammals in the contribution ofE. bieneusicontamination in stormwater was supported by determinations of host-adaptedCryptosporidiumspecies/genotypes in the same water samples. Data from this study indicate that the host specificity ofE. bieneusigroup 3 is broader than originally thought, and wildlife is the main source ofE. bieneusiin stormwater in the watershed.

scholarly journals Molecular Characterization of Microsporidia Indicates that Wild Mammals Harbor Host-Adapted Enterocytozoon spp. as well as Human-Pathogenic Enterocytozoon bieneusi

2003 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 4495-4501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irshad M. Sulaiman ◽  
Ronald Fayer ◽  
Altaf A. Lal ◽  
James M. Trout ◽  
Frank W. Schaefer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enterocytozoon Bieneusi ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Internal Transcribed Spacer Region ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
Potential Source ◽  
Public Health Significance ◽  
Multiple Alignments ◽  
Health Significance ◽  
Multiple Species

ABSTRACT Over 13 months, 465 beavers, foxes, muskrats, otters, and raccoons were trapped in four counties in eastern Maryland and examined by molecular methods for microsporidia. A two-step nested PCR protocol was developed to amplify a 392-bp fragment of the internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA gene of Enterocytozoon spp., with the use of primers complementary to the conserved regions of published nucleotide sequences. Fifty-nine PCR-positive samples were sequenced. Multiple alignments of these sequences identified 17 genotypes of Enterocytozoon spp. (WL1 to WL17); of these, 15 have not been reported before. Most of the genotypes were found in multiple species of wildlife and belonged to a major group consisting of all the previously described Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes from human and domestic animals. Some of the isolates from muskrats and raccoons formed two distinct groups. Results of this study indicate that fur-bearing mammals, especially those closely associated with surface water, can be a potential source of human-pathogenic E. bieneusi. However, there are also host-adapted Enterocytozoon genotypes in wildlife, which may represent species different from E. bieneusi and have no apparent public health significance. This is the first report of E. bieneusi in wildlife.

Anatomy of successful tourism shopping districts

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 831-846
Author(s):  
Bob Mckercher
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Local Stakeholders ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Operational Issues ◽  
Retail Shopping ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the factors that make tourist shopping districts successful. Design/methodology/approach In total, 12 sets of face-to-face interviews were conducted in 7 cities on 4 continents in September and October, 2019. In total, 21 individuals participated in the interviews. Interviews were conducted in Bangkok Thailand, Singapore, Melbourne and Brisbane Australia, Ottawa Canada, New York USA (three sets of interviews) and London England (four sets of interviews). Findings The literature focusses on operational issues, while respondents highlighted higher order issues relating primarily to organisational structure, governance and funding. Research limitations/implications The study focusses primarily on English speaking jurisdictions, with the exception of Bangkok. As such, the results may not be generalisable to non-English speaking economies. Practical implications Insights into factors influencing the success of tourism retail shopping districts are highlighted, especially the role of governance and creativity. Social implications The paper indicates that local stakeholders also play a key role in the success of such districts. Originality/value This is the first comprehensive, global study of the factors that make tourism shopping districts successful.

Experimental model of posttraumatic syringomyelia: the role of adhesive arachnoiditis in syrinx formation

1994 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ki Hong Cho ◽  
Yoshinobu Iwasaki ◽  
Hiroyuki Imamura ◽  
Kazutoshi Hida ◽  
Hiroshi Abe
Keyword(s):  
Normal Saline ◽  
Subarachnoid Space ◽  
Saline Solution ◽  
Traumatic Injury ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Kaolin Injection ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2

✓ An experimental model was devised to elucidate the role of spinal blockade in posttraumatic syringomyelia. Thirty-eight Japanese White rabbits, each weighing about 3 kg, were used in this study. The animals were divided into four groups: in Group 1, eight animals received traumatic injury only; in Group 2, 12 animals received traumatic injury following injection of 100 mg kaolin suspended in 1 cc normal saline solution into the subarachnoid space at the site of trauma; in Group 3, nine animals received traumatic injury following injection of 200 mg kaolin in 1 cc normal saline solution into the subarachnoid space at the site of trauma; and in Group 4, nine animals without traumatic injury received an injection of 200 mg kaolin in 1 cc normal saline solution into the subarachnoid space. The subjective criteria for syrinx formation were the presence of a definite round cyst having a smooth margin and an upper or lower extension of more than 2 cm from the injured site. Syrinx formation was seen in 12.5% (one of eight rabbits) in Group 1, 41.7% (five of 12 animals) in Group 2, 55.5% (five of nine rabbits) in Group 3 and 0% (none of nine animals) in Group 4 (p < 0.05). There was a tendency for the combined trauma/kaolin injection groups to be more prone to develop a syrinx. In the kaolin injection only group (Group 4), no animal showed a definite cyst or an extending cavity during the experimental period. The results suggest that kaolin enhances the extension of multiple small cavities that have already formed at the time of initial injury. The difference between the frequency of syrinx formation and the time of survival was statistically significant well beyond the 0.05% level. The overall difference, relating to the frequency of syrinx development, group, and duration of survival, was also statistically significant. In summary, subarachnoid block secondary to adhesive arachnoiditis is important in initiating the extension of the syringomyelia cavity.

scholarly journals Cell Surface Attachment Structures Contribute to Biofilm Formation and Xylem Colonization by Erwinia amylovora

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (19) ◽  
pp. 7031-7039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica M. Koczan ◽  
Bryan R. Lenneman ◽  
Molly J. McGrath ◽  
George W. Sundin
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Erwinia Amylovora ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Type I ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Type Iv ◽  
Attachment Structures

ABSTRACTBiofilm formation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis ofErwinia amylovoraand the systemic invasion of plant hosts. The functional role of the exopolysaccharides amylovoran and levan in pathogenesis and biofilm formation has been evaluated. However, the role of biofilm formation, independent of exopolysaccharide production, in pathogenesis and movement within plants has not been studied previously. Evaluation of the role of attachment inE. amylovorabiofilm formation and virulence was examined through the analysis of deletion mutants lacking genes encoding structures postulated to function in attachment to surfaces or in cellular aggregation. The genes and gene clusters studied were selected based onin silicoanalyses. Microscopic analyses and quantitative assays demonstrated that attachment structures such as fimbriae and pili are involved in the attachment ofE. amylovorato surfaces and are necessary for the production of mature biofilms. A time course assay indicated that type I fimbriae function earlier in attachment, while type IV pilus structures appear to function later in attachment. Our results indicate that multiple attachment structures are needed for mature biofilm formation and full virulence and that biofilm formation facilitates entry and is necessary for the buildup of large populations ofE. amylovoracells in xylem tissue.

scholarly journals The Bacterial Second Messenger Cyclic di-GMP Regulates Brucella Pathogenesis and Leads to Altered Host Immune Response

2016 ◽  
Vol 84 (12) ◽  
pp. 3458-3470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Khan ◽  
Jerome S. Harms ◽  
Fernanda M. Marim ◽  
Leah Armon ◽  
Cherisse L. Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Second Messenger ◽  
Host Immune Response ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Type Iv

Brucella species are facultative intracellular bacteria that cause brucellosis, a chronic debilitating disease significantly impacting global health and prosperity. Much remains to be learned about how Brucella spp. succeed in sabotaging immune host cells and how Brucella spp. respond to environmental challenges. Multiple types of bacteria employ the prokaryotic second messenger cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) to coordinate responses to shifting environments. To determine the role of c-di-GMP in Brucella physiology and in shaping host- Brucella interactions, we utilized c-di-GMP regulatory enzyme deletion mutants. Our results show that a Δ bpdA phosphodiesterase mutant producing excess c-di-GMP displays marked attenuation in vitro and in vivo during later infections. Although c-di-GMP is known to stimulate the innate sensor STING, surprisingly, the Δ bpdA mutant induced a weaker host immune response than did wild-type Brucella or the low-c-di-GMP guanylate cyclase Δ cgsB mutant. Proteomics analysis revealed that c-di-GMP regulates several processes critical for virulence, including cell wall and biofilm formation, nutrient acquisition, and the type IV secretion system. Finally, Δ bpdA mutants exhibited altered morphology and were hypersensitive to nutrient-limiting conditions. In summary, our results indicate a vital role for c-di-GMP in allowing Brucella to successfully navigate stressful and shifting environments to establish intracellular infection.

scholarly journals The Meningococcal Minor Pilin PilX Is Responsible for Type IV Pilus Conformational Changes Associated with Signaling to Endothelial Cells

2012 ◽  
Vol 80 (9) ◽  
pp. 3297-3306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry Brissac ◽  
Guillain Mikaty ◽  
Guillaume Duménil ◽  
Mathieu Coureuil ◽  
Xavier Nassif
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Cell Signaling ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Adrenergic Receptor ◽  
Type Iv Pili ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Type Iv ◽  
Β2 Adrenergic Receptor

ABSTRACTNeisseria meningitidiscrosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) following the activation of the β2-adrenergic receptor by the type IV pili (TFP). Two components of the type IV pili recruit the β2-adrenergic receptor, the major pilin PilE and the minor pilin PilV. Here, we report that a strain deleted of PilX, one of the three minor pilins, is defective in endothelial cell signaling. The signaling role of PilX was abolished when pili were not retractable. Purified PilX was unable to recruit the β2-adrenergic receptor, thus suggesting that PilX was playing an indirect role in endothelial cell signaling. Considering the recent finding that type IV pili can transition into a new conformation (N. Biais, D. L. Higashi, J. Brujic, M. So, and M. P. Sheetz, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 107:11358–11363, 2010), we hypothesized that PilX was responsible for a structural modification of the fiber and allowed hidden epitopes to be exposed. To confirm this hypothesis, we showed that a monoclonal antibody which recognizes a linear epitope of PilE bound fibers only when bacteria adhered to endothelial cells. On the other hand, this effect was not observed in PilX-deleted pili. A deletion of a region of PilX exposed on the surface of the fiber had phenotypical consequences identical to those of a PilX deletion. These data support a model in which surface-exposed motifs of PilX use forces generated by pilus retraction to promote conformational changes required for TFP-mediated signaling.

scholarly journals Complete Nucleotide Sequence of ablaKPC-Harboring IncI2 Plasmid and Its Dissemination in New Jersey and New York Hospitals

2013 ◽  
Vol 57 (10) ◽  
pp. 5019-5025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Chen ◽  
Kalyan D. Chavda ◽  
Nahed Al Laham ◽  
Roberto G. Melano ◽  
Michael R. Jacobs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
New Jersey ◽  
Nucleotide Sequence ◽  
Complete Nucleotide Sequence ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Type Iv ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Integration Sites

ABSTRACTKlebsiella pneumoniaecarbapenemase (KPC)-producingK. pneumoniaestrains have spread worldwide and become a significant public health threat.blaKPC, the plasmid-borne KPC gene, was frequently identified on numerous transferable plasmids in different incompatibility replicon groups. Here we report the complete nucleotide sequence of a novelblaKPC-3-harboring IncI2 plasmid, pBK15692, isolated from a multidrug-resistantK. pneumoniaeST258 strain isolated from a New Jersey hospital in 2005. pBK15692 is 78 kb in length and carries a backbone that is similar to those of other IncI2 plasmids (pR721, pChi7122-3, pHN1122-1, and pSH146-65), including the genes encoding type IV pili and shufflon regions. Comparative genomics analysis of IncI2 plasmids reveals that they possess a conserved plasmid backbone but are divergent with respect to the integration sites of resistance genes. In pBK15692, theblaKPC-3-harboring Tn4401was inserted into a Tn1331element and formed a nested transposon. A PCR scheme was designed to detect the prevalence of IncI2 and pBK15692-like plasmids from a collection of clinical strains from six New Jersey and New York hospitals isolated between 2007 and 2011. IncI2 plasmids were found in 46.2% isolates from 318 clinicalK. pneumoniaestrains. Notably, 59 pBK15692-like plasmids (23%) have been identified in 256 KPC-bearingK. pneumoniaestrains, and all carried KPC-3 and belong to the epidemic ST258 clone. Our study revealed that the prevalence of IncI2 plasmids has been considerably underestimated. Further studies are needed to understand the distribution of this plasmid group in other health care regions and decipher the association between IncI2 plasmids andblaKPC-3-bearing ST258 strains.

scholarly journals Loss of Meningococcal PilU Delays Microcolony Formation and Attenuates VirulenceIn Vivo

2012 ◽  
Vol 80 (7) ◽  
pp. 2538-2547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Eriksson ◽  
Olaspers Sara Eriksson ◽  
Ann-Beth Jonsson
Keyword(s):  
Dna Uptake ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Type Iv ◽  
Hexameric Atpase ◽  
Normal Human ◽  
Bacterial Aggregates ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Type Infection

ABSTRACTNeisseria meningitidisis a major cause of sepsis and bacterial meningitis worldwide. This bacterium expresses type IV pili (Tfp), which mediate important virulence traits such as the formation of bacterial aggregates, host cell adhesion, twitching motility, and DNA uptake. The meningococcal PilT protein is a hexameric ATPase that mediates pilus retraction. The PilU protein is produced from thepilT-pilUoperon and shares a high degree of homology with PilT. The function of PilT in Tfp biology has been studied extensively, whereas the role of PilU remains poorly understood. Here we show thatpilUmutants have delayed microcolony formation on host epithelial cells compared to the wild type, indicating that bacterium-bacterium interactions are affected. In normal human serum, thepilUmutant survived at a higher rate than that for wild-type bacteria. However, in a murine model of disease, mice infected with thepilTmutant demonstrated significantly reduced bacterial blood counts and survived at a higher rate than that for mice infected with the wild type. Infection of mice with thepilUmutant resulted in a trend of lower bacteremia, and still a significant increase in survival, than that of the wild type. In conclusion, these data suggest that PilU promotes timely microcolony formation and that both PilU and PilT are required for full bacterial virulence.

scholarly journals Innovation starts at the storefront

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Pantano ◽  
Constantinos Vasilios Priporas ◽  
Pantea Foroudi
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Consumer Innovativeness ◽  
Interactive Technologies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Technologies ◽  
Quantitative Evidence ◽  
Personal Innovativeness ◽  
Word Of Mouth Communication ◽  
Positive Word Of Mouth

PurposeResearch into the introduction of innovative technologies directly at the storefront window is limited. The purpose of this paper is to model the behavioural attitudes and the subsequent benefits of, introducing innovative technologies to the storefront, while also considering the role of personal innovativeness in the decision process.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a sample of 341 consumers who approached this new kind of storefront in two well-known apparel stores in the centre of New York City. A self-administered questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection.FindingsFindings empirically demonstrate that when consumers sense that there are innovative interactive technologies in the storefront windows, they are willing to enter the store, generate positive word-of-mouth communication (sharing the positive experience with friends).Originality/valueThis study is the first to investigate the combination of consumer innovativeness and storefront window on the behavioural attitude, supported with quantitative evidence.

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