On the role of goal relevance in emotional attention: Disgust evokes early attention to cleanliness

Prior evidence has shown that aversive emotional states are characterised by an attentional bias towards aversive events. The present study investigated whether aversive emotions also bias attention towards stimuli that represent means by which the emotion can be alleviated. We induced disgust by having participants touch fake disgusting objects. Participants in the control condition touched nondisgusting objects. The results of a subsequent dot-probe task revealed that attention was oriented to disgusting pictures irrespective of condition. However, participants in the disgust condition also oriented towards pictures representing cleanliness. These findings suggest that the deployment of attention in aversive emotional states is not purely stimulus driven but is also guided by the goal to alleviate this emotional state

Nurse-midwives’ ability to diagnose acute third- and fourth-degree obstetric lacerations in western Kenya

Background: Obstetric fistula devastates the lives of women and is found most commonly among the poor in resource-limited settings. Unrepaired third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations have been shown to be the source of approximately one-third of the fistula burden in fistula camps in Kenya. In this study, we assessed potential barriers to accurate identification by Kenyan nurse-midwives of these complex perineal lacerations in postpartum women. Methods: Nurse-midwife trainers from each of the seven sub-counties of Siaya County, Kenya were assessed in their ability to accurately identify obstetric lacerations and anatomical structures of the perineum, using a pictorial assessment tool. Referral pathways, follow-up mechanisms, and barriers to assessing obstetric lacerations were evaluated. Results: Twenty-two nurse-midwife trainers were assessed. Four of the 22 (18.2%) reported ever receiving formal training on evaluating third- and fourth-degree obstetric lacerations, and 20 of 22 (91%) reported health-system challenges to adequately completing their examination of the perineum at delivery. Twenty-one percent of third- and fourth-degree obstetric lacerations in the pictorial assessment were incorrectly identified as first- or second-degree lacerations. Conclusion: County nurse-midwife trainers in Siaya, Kenya, experience inadequate training, equipment, staffing, time, and knowledge as barriers to adequate diagnosis and repair of third- and fourth-degree perineal tears

Characterization and antimicrobial activity of bacteriocin 217 produced by natural isolate Lactobacillus paracasei subsp paracasei BGBUK2-16

The strain Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei BGBUK2-16, which was isolated from traditionally homemade white-pickled cheese, produces bacteriocin 217 (Bac217; similar to7 kDa). The onset of Bac217 biosynthesis was observed in the logarithmic phase of growth, and the production plateau was reached after 9 or 12 h of incubation at 37 and 30degreesC, respectively, when culture entered the early stationary phase. Biochemical characterization showed that Bac217 retained antimicrobial activity within the range of pH 3 to 12 or after treatment at 100degreesC for 15 min. Bac217 antimicrobial activity also remained unchanged after storage at 4degreesC for 6 months or -20degreesC for up to 12 months. However, Bac217 activity was completely lost after treatment with different proteolytic enzymes. BGBUK2-16 contains only one plasmid about 80 kb in size. Plasmid curing indicated that genes coding for Bac217 synthesis and immunity seem to be located on this plasmid. Bac217 exhibited antimicrobial activity against some pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Interestingly, Bac217 showed activity against Salmonella sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853. The inhibitory effect of BGBUK2-16 on the growth of S. aureus in mixed culture was observed. S. aureus treatment with Bac217 led to a considerable decrease (CFU/ml) within a short period of time. The mode of Bac217 action on S. aureus was identified as bactericidal. It should be noted that the strain BGBUK2-16 was shown to be resistant to bacteriocin nisin, which is otherwise widely used as a food additive for fermented dairy products

Biological control of Pseudomonas syringae pv. aptata on sugar beet with Bacillus pumilus SS-10.7 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (SS-12.6 and SS-38.4) strains

Aim Assessment of biological control of Pseudomonas syringae pv. aptata using crude lipopeptide extracts (CLEs) of two Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains (SS-12.6 and SS-38.4) and one Bacillus pumilus strain (SS-10.7). Methods and Results The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CLEs and their combinations against the pathogen and potential interaction between the extracts were determined in vitro. The most effective antibacterial activity was achieved with the CLE from B. amyloliquefaciens SS-12.6, with an MIC value of 0 center dot 63 mg ml(-1). Interactions between CLE combinations were mostly indifferent. The biocontrol potential of CLEs, mixtures of CLEs, and cell culture of B. amyloliquefaciens SS-12.6 was tested on sugar beet plants inoculated with P. syringae pv. aptata P53. The best result in inhibiting the appearance of tissue necrosis (up to 92%) was achieved with B. amyloliquefaciens SS-12.6 cell culture. Conclusion This work demonstrated significant biocontrol potential of the CLE and cell culture of B. amyloliquefaciens SS-12.6 which successfully suppress leaf spot disease severity on sugar beet plants. Significance and Impact of the Study The findings of biocontrol of sugar beet emerging pathogen will contribute to growers in terms of alternative disease control management. This study represents first assessment of biological control of P. syringae pv. aptata

A Zn-Dependent Metallopeptidase Is Responsible for Sensitivity to LsbB, a Class II Leaderless Bacteriocin of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis BGMN1-5.

Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis BGMN1-5 produces a leaderless class II bacteriocin called LsbB. To identify the receptor for LsbB, a cosmid library of the LsbB-sensitive strain BGMN1-596 was constructed. About 150 cosmid clones were individually isolated and transferred to LsbB-resistant mutants of BGMN1-596. Cosmid pAZILcos/MN2, carrying a 40-kb insert, was found to restore LsbB sensitivity in LsbB-resistant mutants. Further subcloning revealed that a 1.9-kb fragment, containing only one open reading frame, was sufficient to restore sensitivity. The fragment contains the gene yvjB coding for a Zn-dependent membrane-bound metallopeptidase, suggesting that this gene may serve as the receptor for LsbB. Further support for this notion derives from several independent experiments: (i) whole-genome sequencing confirmed that all LsbB-resistant mutants contain mutations in yvjB; (ii) disruption of yvjB by direct gene knockout rendered sensitive strains BGMN1-596 and IL1403 resistant to LsbB; and (iii) most compellingly, heterologous expression of yvjB in naturally resistant strains of other species, such as Lactobacillus paracasei and Enterococcus faecalis, also rendered them sensitive to the bacteriocin. To our knowledge, this is the first time a membrane-bound peptidase gene has been shown to be involved in bacteriocin sensitivity in target cells. We also demonstrated a novel successful approach for identifying bacteriocin receptors

Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus salivarius differently modulate early immunological response of Wistar rats co-administered with Listeria monocytogenes

In the light of the increasing resistance of bacterial pathogens to antibiotics, one of the main global strategies in applied science is development of alternative treatments, which would be safe both for the host and from the environmental perspective. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to test whether two lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains, Lactococcus lactis BGBU1-4 and Lactobacillus salivarius BGHO1, could be applied as safe supplements for Listeria infection. Two major research objectives were set: to compare the effects of BGBU1-4 and BGHO1 on early immune response in gut tissue of Wistar rats co-administered with Listeria monocytogenes ATCC19111 and next, to test how this applies to their usage as therapeutics in acute ATCC19111 infection. Intestinal villi (IV), Peyer's patches (PP) and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) were used for the analysis. The results showed that BGHO1 increased the mRNA expression of innate immune markers CD14, interleukin (IL)-1 beta and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in PP and IV, and, in parallel, caused a decrease of listeriolysin O (LLO) mRNA expression in same tissues. In MLN of BGHO1 treated rats, LLO expression was increased, along with an increase of the expression of OX-62 mRNA and CD69, pointing to the activation of adaptive immunity. On the other hand, in BGBU1-4 treated rats, there was no reduction of LLO mRNA expression and no induction of innate immunity markers in intestinal tissue. Additionally, CD14 and IL-1 beta, as well as LLO, but not OX-62 mRNA and CD69 expression, were elevated in MLN of BGBU1-4 treated rats. However, when applied therapeutically, both, BGBU1-4 and BGHO1, lowered Listeria count in spleens of infected rats. Our results not only reveal the potential of LAB to ameliorate Listeria infections, but suggest different immunological effects of two different LAB strains, both of which could be effective in Listeria elimination

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Azerbaijani traditional dairy products

Studied lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from two types of final ready-to-eat artisanal dairy products (cheeses – Agdas, Sheki and yogurts - Karabakh, Ganja and Baku) manufactured inAzerbaijan. The Agdas cheese belongs to the group of semi hard cheeses whilst the Sheki cheese belongs to hard cheeses. Both of cheeses were produced from cow’s milk without the addition of thestarter cultures. The Karabakh and Baku yogurts were produced from bovine’s milk and the Ganja yogurt from buffalo’s milk. Overall 378 isolates were collected from these dairy products and 296 ofthem were Gram-positive and catalase-negative. It was determined using biochemical tests and molecular methods that four species of LAB were mostly present in these cheeses: Lactobacillusplantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus paraplantarum and Enterococcus faecium while in yogurts, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus and Enterococcus faecium dominated. Five enterococci were producers of antimicrobial compounds

Health-related quality of life among patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis treated with weekly and monthly bisphosphonates

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to assess the effect of monthly ibandronate on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis previously treated with weekly bisphosphonates. ----- METHODS: HR-QoL was assessed by Euroqol (EQ-5D) and Osteoporosis Targeted Quality of Life (OPTQoL) questionnaires. ----- RESULTS: The EQ-5D questionnaire showed significant improvement associated with ibandronate treatment, occurring in mobility (p < 0.01), usual activity (p < 0.01), pain/discomfort (p < 0.05), and anxiety/depression (p < 0.05). In addition, ibandronate treatment considerably improved patients' perceived health on a visual analog scale (p < 0.001). For the OPTQoL questionnaire, patients reported less physical difficulty (p < 0.001), fewer adaptations in their lives (p < 0.001), and less fear (p < 0.001) with ibandronate than with weekly bisphosphonates. ----- CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that patients who were transferred from weekly bisphosphonates to a monthly ibandronate experienced improved HR-QoL