Presence and analysis of plasmids in human and animal associated Arcobacter species

In this study, we report the screening of four Arcobacter species for the presence of small and large plasmids. Plasmids were present in 9.9% of the 273 examined strains. One Arcobacter cryaerophilus and four Arcobacter butzleri plasmids were selected for further sequencing. The size of three small plasmids isolated from A. butzleri and the one from A. cryaerophilus strains ranged between 4.8 and 5.1 kb, and the size of the large plasmid, isolated from A. butzleri, was 27.4 kbp. The G+C content of all plasmids ranged between 25.4% and 26.2%. A total of 95% of the large plasmid sequence represents coding information, which contrasts to the 20 to 30% for the small plasmids. Some of the open reading frames showed a high homology to putative conserved domains found in other related organisms, such as replication, mobilization and genes involved in type IV secretion system. The large plasmid carried 35 coding sequences, including seven genes in a contiguous region of 11.6 kbp that encodes an orthologous type IV secretion system found in the Wolinella succinogenes genome, Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni plasmids, which makes this plasmid interesting for further exploration

Low prevalence of human enteropathogenic Yersinia spp. in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Flanders

Brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) have been identified as potential carriers of Yersinia enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis, the etiological agents of yersiniosis, the third most reported bacterial zoonosis in Europe. Enteropathogenic Yersinia spp. are most often isolated from rats during yersiniosis cases in animals and humans, and from rats inhabiting farms and slaughterhouses. Information is however lacking regarding the extent to which rats act as carriers of these Yersinia spp.. In 2013, 1088 brown rats across Flanders, Belgium, were tested for the presence of Yersinia species by isolation method. Identification was performed using MALDI-TOF MS, PCR on chromosomal-and plasmid-borne virulence genes, biotyping and serotyping. Yersinia spp. were isolated from 38.4% of the rats. Of these, 53.4% were designated Y. enterocolitica, 0.7% Y. pseudotuberculosis and 49.0% other Yersinia species. Two Y. enterocolitica possessing the virF-, ail- and ystA-gene were isolated. Additionally, the ystB-gene was identified in 94.1% of the other Y. enterocolitica isolates, suggestive for biotype 1A. Three of these latter isolates simultaneously possessed the ail-virulence gene. Significantly more Y. enterocolitica were isolated during winter and spring compared to summer. Based on our findings we can conclude that brown rats are frequent carriers for various Yersinia spp., including Y. pseudotuberculosis and (human pathogenic) Y. enterocolitica which are more often isolated during winter and spring

Intensive short-term dynamic sex therapy: a proposal

This article proposes a model of rapid intervention in clinical sexology. The approach uses a method developed by Davanloo, which consists of first identifying and clarifying the defense mechanisms at work and then placing them under pressure. This pressure provokes a heightened anxiety, an intensification of the defense mechanisms, and the development of an intrapsychic crisis disclosing painful emotions linked to past traumas and intrapsychic conflicts. Such stimulation of the unconscious can bring about somatic and sexual symptoms that reveal links between physical and psychic elements. The approach provides rapid access to painful emotions underlying sexual symptoms and allows the therapist to identify appropriate areas and levels of therapeutic intervention. This method helps to translate psychic and sexual realities in a simple, rapid, and efficient manner. It provides opportunities for awareness and comprehension to the therapist and the patient

The occurrence of plasmids in <i>Arcobacter</i> strains from different matrices.

<p>The occurrence of plasmids in <i>Arcobacter</i> strains from different matrices.</p

Annotation of the four small plasmids using RAST server.

<p>Annotation of the four small plasmids using RAST server.</p

Annotation of the large plasmid AC1119, isolated from <i>A. butzleri</i> using the RAST server.

<p>Annotation of the large plasmid AC1119, isolated from <i>A. butzleri</i> using the RAST server.</p

Type IV secretion system homology in the related organism.

<p>Type IV secretion system homology in the related organism.</p

Physical map of the large <i>A. butzleri</i> plasmid (Ac1119).

<p>The hypothetical proteins and predicted ORFs are presented by colored boxes.</p

Distribution of capture locations of brown rats across Flanders over different seasons.

<p>Distribution of capture locations of brown rats across Flanders over different seasons.</p