42 research outputs found
Mesenteric Resistance Arteries in Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice Undergo Outward Remodeling
Resistance vessel remodeling is controlled by myriad of hemodynamic and neurohormonal factors. This study characterized structural and molecular remodeling in mesenteric resistance arteries (MRAs) in diabetic (db/db) and control (Db/db) mice.Structural properties were assessed in isolated MRAs from 12 and 16 wk-old db/db and Db/db mice by pressure myography. Matrix regulatory proteins were measured by Western blot analysis. Mean arterial pressure and superior mesenteric blood flow were measured in 12 wk-old mice by telemetry and a Doppler flow nanoprobe, respectively.Blood pressure was similar between groups. Lumen diameter and medial cross-sectional area were significantly increased in 16 wk-old db/db MRA compared to control, indicating outward hypertrophic remodeling. Moreover, wall stress and cross-sectional compliance were significantly larger in diabetic arteries. These remodeling indices were associated with increased expression of matrix regulatory proteins matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, MMP-12, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, TIMP-2, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in db/db arteries. Finally, superior mesenteric artery blood flow was increased by 46% in 12 wk-old db/db mice, a finding that preceded mesenteric resistance artery remodeling.These data suggest that flow-induced hemodynamic changes may supersede the local neurohormonal and metabolic milieu to culminate in hypertrophic outward remodeling of type 2 DM mesenteric resistance arteries
Changes in N-Transforming Archaea and Bacteria in Soil during the Establishment of Bioenergy Crops
Widespread adaptation of biomass production for bioenergy may influence important biogeochemical functions in the landscape, which are mainly carried out by soil microbes. Here we explore the impact of four potential bioenergy feedstock crops (maize, switchgrass, Miscanthus X giganteus, and mixed tallgrass prairie) on nitrogen cycling microorganisms in the soil by monitoring the changes in the quantity (real-time PCR) and diversity (barcoded pyrosequencing) of key functional genes (nifH, bacterial/archaeal amoA and nosZ) and 16S rRNA genes over two years after bioenergy crop establishment. The quantities of these N-cycling genes were relatively stable in all four crops, except maize (the only fertilized crop), in which the population size of AOB doubled in less than 3 months. The nitrification rate was significantly correlated with the quantity of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) not bacteria (AOB), indicating that archaea were the major ammonia oxidizers. Deep sequencing revealed high diversity of nifH, archaeal amoA, bacterial amoA, nosZ and 16S rRNA genes, with 229, 309, 330, 331 and 8989 OTUs observed, respectively. Rarefaction analysis revealed the diversity of archaeal amoA in maize markedly decreased in the second year. Ordination analysis of T-RFLP and pyrosequencing results showed that the N-transforming microbial community structures in the soil under these crops gradually differentiated. Thus far, our two-year study has shown that specific N-transforming microbial communities develop in the soil in response to planting different bioenergy crops, and each functional group responded in a different way. Our results also suggest that cultivation of maize with N-fertilization increases the abundance of AOB and denitrifiers, reduces the diversity of AOA, and results in significant changes in the structure of denitrification community
Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)1.
In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field
Free-Living Turtles Are a Reservoir for Salmonella but Not for Campylobacter
Different studies have reported the prevalence of Salmonella in turtles and its role in reptile-associated salmonellosis
in humans, but there is a lack of scientific literature related with the epidemiology of Campylobacter in turtles. The
aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella in free-living native (Emys
orbicularis, n=83) and exotic (Trachemys scripta elegans, n=117) turtles from 11 natural ponds in Eastern Spain. In
addition, different types of samples (cloacal swabs, intestinal content and water from Turtle containers) were
compared. Regardless of the turtle species, natural ponds where individuals were captured and the type of sample
taken, Campylobacter was not detected. Salmonella was isolated in similar proportions in native (8.0±3.1%) and
exotic (15.0±3.3%) turtles (p=0.189). The prevalence of Salmonella positive turtles was associated with the natural
ponds where animals were captured. Captured turtles from 8 of the 11 natural ponds were positive, ranged between
3.0±3.1% and 60.0±11.0%. Serotyping revealed 8 different serovars among four Salmonella enterica subspecies: S.
enterica subsp. enterica (n = 21), S. enterica subsp. salamae (n = 2), S. enterica subsp. diarizonae (n = 3), and S.
enterica subsp. houtenae (n = 1). Two serovars were predominant: S. Thompson (n=16) and S. typhimurium (n=3).
In addition, there was an effect of sample type on Salmonella detection. The highest isolation of Salmonella was
obtained from intestinal content samples (12.0±3.0%), while lower percentages were found for water from the
containers and cloacal swabs (8.0±2.5% and 3.0±1.5%, respectively). Our results imply that free-living turtles are a
risk factor for Salmonella transmission, but do not seem to be a reservoir for Campylobacter. We therefore rule out
turtles as a risk factor for human campylobacteriosis. Nevertheless, further studies should be undertaken in other
countries to confirm these results.This work was supported by the Conselleria de Infraestructura, Territorio y Medio Ambiente for their assistance and financial support (Life09-Trachemys, Resolution 28/02/12 CITMA). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.MarĂn, C.; Ingresa-Capaccioni, S.; GonzĂĄlez BodĂ, S.; Marco JimĂ©nez, F.; Vega Garcia, S. (2013). Free-Living Turtles Are a Reservoir for Salmonella but Not for Campylobacter. PLoS ONE. 8(8):1-6. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0072350S1688(2012). The European Union Summary Report on Trends and Sources of Zoonoses, Zoonotic Agents and Foodâborne Outbreaks in 2010. EFSA Journal, 10(3). doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2597Kapperud, G. (2003). Factors Associated with Increased and Decreased Risk of Campylobacter Infection: A Prospective Case-Control Study in Norway. American Journal of Epidemiology, 158(3), 234-242. doi:10.1093/aje/kwg139Mermin, J., Hutwagner, L., Vugia, D., Shallow, S., Daily, P., ⊠Bender, J. (2004). Reptiles, Amphibians, and HumanSalmonellaInfection: A PopulationâBased, CaseâControl Study. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 38(s3), S253-S261. doi:10.1086/381594De Jong, B., Andersson, Y., & Ekdahl, K. (2005). Effect of Regulation and Education on Reptile-associated Salmonellosis. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 11(3), 398-403. doi:10.3201/eid1103.040694NAKADAI, A., KUROKI, T., KATO, Y., SUZUKI, R., YAMAI, S., YAGINUMA, C., ⊠HAYASHIDANI, H. (2005). Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in Pet Reptiles in Japan. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 67(1), 97-101. doi:10.1292/jvms.67.97Lafuente, S., Bellido, J. B., Moraga, F. A., Herrera, S., YagĂŒe, A., Montalvo, T., ⊠CaylĂ , J. A. (2013). Salmonella paratyphi B and Salmonella litchfield outbreaks associated with pet turtle exposure in Spain. Enfermedades Infecciosas y MicrobiologĂa ClĂnica, 31(1), 32-35. doi:10.1016/j.eimc.2012.05.013Van PELT, W., de WIT, M. A. S., WANNET, W. J. B., LIGTVOET, E. J. J., WIDDOWSON, M. A., & van DUYNHOVEN, Y. T. H. P. (2003). Laboratory surveillance of bacterial gastroenteric pathogens in The Netherlands, 1991â2001. Epidemiology and Infection, 130(3), 431-441. doi:10.1017/s0950268803008392Havelaar, A. H., Haagsma, J. A., Mangen, M.-J. J., Kemmeren, J. M., Verhoef, L. P. B., Vijgen, S. M. C., ⊠van Pelt, W. (2012). Disease burden of foodborne pathogens in the Netherlands, 2009. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 156(3), 231-238. doi:10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2012.03.029DOORDUYN, Y., VAN PELT, W., SIEZEN, C. L. E., VAN DER HORST, F., VAN DUYNHOVEN, Y. T. H. P., HOEBEE, B., & JANSSEN, R. (2007). Novel insight in the association between salmonellosis or campylobacteriosis and chronic illness, and the role of host genetics in susceptibility to these diseases. Epidemiology and Infection, 136(9), 1225-1234. doi:10.1017/s095026880700996xHAAGSMA, J. A., SIERSEMA, P. D., DE WIT, N. J., & HAVELAAR, A. H. (2010). Disease burden of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome in The Netherlands. Epidemiology and Infection, 138(11), 1650-1656. doi:10.1017/s0950268810000531Allos, B. M., & Blaser, M. J. (1995). Campylobacter jejuni and the Expanding Spectrum of Related Infections. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 20(5), 1092-1101. doi:10.1093/clinids/20.5.1092Friedman, C. R., Hoekstra, R. M., Samuel, M., Marcus, R., Bender, J., ⊠Shiferaw, B. (2004). Risk Factors for SporadicCampylobacterInfection in the United States: A CaseâControl Study in FoodNet Sites. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 38(s3), S285-S296. doi:10.1086/381598STUDAHL, A., & ANDERSSON, Y. (2000). Risk factors for indigenous campylobacter infection: a Swedish case-control study. Epidemiology and Infection, 125(2), 269-275. doi:10.1017/s0950268899004562NEIMANN, J., ENGBERG, J., MĂLBAK, K., & WEGENER, H. C. (2003). A caseâcontrol study of risk factors for sporadic campylobacter infections in Denmark. Epidemiology and Infection, 130(3), 353-366. doi:10.1017/s0950268803008355DOORDUYN, Y., VAN DEN BRANDHOF, W. E., VAN DUYNHOVEN, Y. T. H. P., BREUKINK, B. J., WAGENAAR, J. A., & VAN PELT, W. (2010). Risk factors for indigenous Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli infections in The Netherlands: a case-control study. Epidemiology and Infection, 138(10), 1391-1404. doi:10.1017/s095026881000052xSchroter, M., Roggentin, P., Hofmann, J., Speicher, A., Laufs, R., & Mack, D. (2004). Pet Snakes as a Reservoir for Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae (Serogroup IIIb): a Prospective Study. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 70(1), 613-615. doi:10.1128/aem.70.1.613-615.2004Van Meervenne, E., Botteldoorn, N., Lokietek, S., Vatlet, M., Cupa, A., Naranjo, M., ⊠Bertrand, S. (2009). Turtle-associated Salmonella septicaemia and meningitis in a 2-month-old baby. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 58(10), 1379-1381. doi:10.1099/jmm.0.012146-0Williams, L. P. (1965). Pet Turtles as a Cause of Human Salmonellosis. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 192(5), 347. doi:10.1001/jama.1965.03080180005001Feeley, J. C., & Treger, M. D. (1969). Penetration of Turtle Eggs by Salmonella braenderup. Public Health Reports (1896-1970), 84(2), 156. doi:10.2307/4593527Mermin, J., Hoar, B., & Angulo, F. J. (1997). Iguanas and Salmonella Marina Infection in Children: A Reflection of the Increasing Incidence of Reptile-associated Salmonellosis in the United States. PEDIATRICS, 99(3), 399-402. doi:10.1542/peds.99.3.399Rodgers, G. L., Long, S. S., Smergel, E., & Dampier, C. (2002). Salmonella Infection Associated With a Pet Lizard in Siblings With Sickle Cell Anemia: An Avoidable Risk. Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, 24(1), 75-76. doi:10.1097/00043426-200201000-00020Tu, Z.-C., Zeitlin, G., Gagner, J.-P., Keo, T., Hanna, B. A., & Blaser, M. J. (2004). Campylobacter fetus of Reptile Origin as a Human Pathogen. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 42(9), 4405-4407. doi:10.1128/jcm.42.9.4405-4407.2004Hidalgo-Vila, J., DĂaz-Paniagua, C., PĂ©rez-Santigosa, N., de Frutos-Escobar, C., & Herrero-Herrero, A. (2008). Salmonella in free-living exotic and native turtles and in pet exotic turtles from SW Spain. Research in Veterinary Science, 85(3), 449-452. doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2008.01.011Harris, J. R., Neil, K. P., Behravesh, C. B., Sotir, M. J., & Angulo, F. J. (2010). Recent Multistate Outbreaks of HumanSalmonellaInfections Acquired from Turtles: A Continuing Public Health Challenge. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 50(4), 554-559. doi:10.1086/649932Geue, L., & Löschner, U. (2002). Salmonella enterica in reptiles of German and Austrian origin. Veterinary Microbiology, 84(1-2), 79-91. doi:10.1016/s0378-1135(01)00437-0SĂĄnchez-JimĂ©nez, M. M., RincĂłn-Ruiz, P. A., Duque, S., Giraldo, M. A., RamĂrez-Monroy, D. M., Jaramillo, G., & Cardona-Castro, N. (2011). Salmonella enterica in semi-aquatic turtles in Colombia. The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 5(05), 361-364. doi:10.3855/jidc.1126HEALTH SURVEY OF WILD AND CAPTIVE BOG TURTLES (CLEMMYS MUHLENBERGII) IN NORTH CAROLINA AND VIRGINIA. (2002). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 33(4), 311-316. doi:10.1638/1042-7260(2002)033[0311:hsowac]2.0.co;2Richards, J. M., Brown, J. D., Kelly, T. R., Fountain, A. L., & Sleeman, J. M. (2004). ABSENCE OF DETECTABLE SALMONELLA CLOACAL SHEDDING IN FREE-LIVING REPTILES ON ADMISSION TO THE WILDLIFE CENTER OF VIRGINIA. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 35(4), 562-563. doi:10.1638/03-070Hidalgo-Vila, J., DĂaz-Paniagua, C., de Frutos-Escobar, C., JimĂ©nez-MartĂnez, C., & PĂ©rez-Santigosa, N. (2007). Salmonella in free living terrestrial and aquatic turtles. Veterinary Microbiology, 119(2-4), 311-315. doi:10.1016/j.vetmic.2006.08.012Acheson, D., & Allos, B. M. (2001). Campylobacter jejuni Infections: Update on Emerging Issues and Trends. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 32(8), 1201-1206. doi:10.1086/319760Briones, V., Tellez, S., Goyache, J., Ballesteros, C., del Pilar Lanzarot, M., Dominguez, L., & Fernandez-Garayzabal, J. F. (2004). Salmonella diversity associated with wild reptiles and amphibians in Spain. Environmental Microbiology, 6(8), 868-871. doi:10.1111/j.1462-2920.2004.00631.xMan, S. M. (2011). The clinical importance of emerging Campylobacter species. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 8(12), 669-685. doi:10.1038/nrgastro.2011.191Ugarte-Ruiz, M., GĂłmez-Barrero, S., Porrero, M. C., Ălvarez, J., GarcĂa, M., ComerĂłn, M. C., ⊠DomĂnguez, L. (2012). Evaluation of four protocols for the detection and isolation of thermophilic Campylobacter from different matrices. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 113(1), 200-208. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2672.2012.05323.xJeffrey, J. S., Tonooka, K. H., & Lozanot, J. (2001). Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. from Skin, Crop, and Intestine of Commercial Broiler Chicken Carcasses at Processing. Poultry Science, 80(9), 1390-1392. doi:10.1093/ps/80.9.1390Perko-MĂ€kelĂ€, P., Isohanni, P., Katzav, M., Lund, M., HĂ€nninen, M.-L., & Lyhs, U. (2009). A longitudinal study of Campylobacter distribution in a turkey production chain. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 51(1). doi:10.1186/1751-0147-51-18Saelinger, C. A., Lewbart, G. A., Christian, L. S., & Lemons, C. L. (2006). Prevalence ofSalmonellaspp in cloacal, fecal, and gastrointestinal mucosal samples from wild North American turtles. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 229(2), 266-268. doi:10.2460/javma.229.2.266Chambers, D. L., & Hulse, A. C. (2006). Salmonella Serovars in the Herpetofauna of Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 72(5), 3771-3773. doi:10.1128/aem.72.5.3771-3773.2006Gaertner, J. P., Hahn, D., Jackson, J., Forstner, M. R. J., & Rose, F. L. (2008). Detection of Salmonellae in Captive and Free-Ranging Turtles Using Enrichment Culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction. Journal of Herpetology, 42(2), 223-231. doi:10.1670/07-1731.1Magnino, S., Colin, P., Dei-Cas, E., Madsen, M., McLauchlin, J., Nöckler, K., ⊠Van Peteghem, C. (2009). Biological risks associated with consumption of reptile products. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 134(3), 163-175. doi:10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2009.07.001XIA, X., ZHAO, S., SMITH, A., MCEVOY, J., MENG, J., & BHAGWAT, A. (2009). Characterization of Salmonella isolates from retail foods based on serotyping, pulse field gel electrophoresis, antibiotic resistance and other phenotypic properties. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 129(1), 93-98. doi:10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2008.11.007Franco, A., Hendriksen, R. S., Lorenzetti, S., Onorati, R., Gentile, G., DellâOmo, G., ⊠Battisti, A. (2011). Characterization of Salmonella Occurring at High Prevalence in a Population of the Land Iguana Conolophus subcristatus in GalĂĄpagos Islands, Ecuador. PLoS ONE, 6(8), e23147. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0023147Scheelings, T. F., Lightfoot, D., & Holz, P. (2011). PREVALENCE OF SALMONELLA IN AUSTRALIAN REPTILES. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 47(1), 1-11. doi:10.7589/0090-3558-47.1.1Pasmans, F., Blahak, S., Martel, A., & Pantchev, N. (2008). Introducing reptiles into a captive collection: The role of the veterinarian. The Veterinary Journal, 175(1), 53-68. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.12.009Strohl, P., Tilly, B., Fremy, S., Brisabois, A., & Guerin-Faublee, V. (2004). Prevalence of Salmonella shedding in faeces by captive chelonians. Veterinary Record, 154(2), 56-58. doi:10.1136/vr.154.2.5