Induction of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation via proteolytic processing of the accumulation-associated protein by staphylococcal and host proteases.

Because of its biofilm forming potential Staphylococcus epidermidis has evolved as a leading cause of device-related infections. The polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) is significantly involved in biofilm accumulation. However, infections because of PIA-negative strains are not uncommon, suggesting the existence of PIA-independent biofilm accumulation mechanisms.

Establishment of an arbitrary PCR for rapid identification of Tn917 insertion sites in Staphylococcus epidermidis: characterization of biofilm-negative and nonmucoid mutants.

Transposon mutagenesis with the Enterococcus faecalis transposon Tn917 is a genetic approach frequently used to identify genes related with specific phenotypes in gram-positive bacteria. We established an arbitrary PCR for the rapid and easy identification of Tn917 insertion sites in Staphylococcus epidermidis with six independent, well-characterized biofilm-negative Tn917 transposon mutants, which were clustered in the icaADBC gene locus or harbor Tn917 in the regulatory gene rsbU. For all six of these mutants, short chromosomal DNA fragments flanking both transposon ends could be amplified.

Glucose-related dissociation between icaADBC transcription and biofilm expression by Staphylococcus epidermidis: evidence for an additional factor required for polysaccharide intercellular adhesin synthesis.

Biofilm formation in Staphylococcus epidermidis depends, in the majority of the strains, on the activity of the icaADBC locus. The expression of the operon that encodes the synthetic enzymes of the intercellular polysaccharide adhesin (PIA) depends on a variety of exogenic environmental conditions and is, at least in part, regulated by the alternative sigma factor sigma(B). We investigated the transcriptional regulation of the ica operon and the respective phenotypes expressed under growth conditions differing in the content of glucose in the growth medium.

In vitro activity of polyoxin D and nikkomycin Z against Encephalitozoon cuniculi.

Microsporidia of the genus Encephalitozoon are emerging protozoal agents that mainly infect immunocompromised patients with AIDS. At present, disseminated infections with members of the genus Encephalitozoon can only be successfully treated with albendazole. As chitin is a basic component of the microsporidian spore.

Influence of Tn917 insertion on transcription of the icaADBC operon in six biofilm-negative transposon mutants of Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Insertion of Tn917 into the icaADBC operon determines a biofilm-negative phenotype in biofilm-producing Staphylococcus epidermidis due to the inactivation of the genes responsible for the synthesis of the polysaccharide intercellular adhesin. We previously characterized six isogenic biofilm-negative transposon mutants of S. epidermidis 1457 with Tn917 insertions in either icaA or icaC.

Biofilm formation by Staphylococcus epidermidis depends on functional RsbU, an activator of the sigB operon: differential activation mechanisms due to ethanol and salt stress.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common pathogen in medical device-associated infections. Its major pathogenetic factor is the ability to form adherent biofilms. The polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA), which is synthesized by the products of the icaADBC gene cluster, is essential for biofilm accumulation.

Acute and long-term humoral immunity following active immunization of rabbits with inactivated spores of various Encephalitozoon species.

Microsporidia of the genus Encephalitozoon are increasingly being reported as a cause of severe, often disseminated infections, mainly in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Immunological identification of each of the three recognized species (E. cuniculi, E.

Characterization of the importance of polysaccharide intercellular adhesin/hemagglutinin of Staphylococcus epidermidis in the pathogenesis of biomaterial-based infection in a mouse foreign body infection model.

The production of biofilm is thought to be crucial in the pathogenesis of prosthetic-device infections caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis. An experimental animal model was used to assess the importance of biofilm production, which is mediated by polysaccharide intercellular adhesin/hemagglutinin (PIA/HA), in the pathogenesis of a biomaterial-based infection. Mice were inoculated along the length of a subcutaneously implanted intravenous catheter with either wild-type S.

From crisis to success. Turning around a family practice residency program.

On Match Day in 1991, Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, learned that no residents had matched for the family practice residency program. In the 1992 match, the medical center filled all its residency positions, and repeated the success in the 1993 and 1994 matches. Broadlawns affected this impressively rapid turnaround through a strong commitment to bring its program to a level competitive with leading family practice residency programs, substantive changes to the structure and curriculum of the program, and significant expenditures of time, resources and personal energy.

Sexuality and reproduction in spinal cord injured women.

Sexuality, reproduction, and childbearing are essential issues for the spinal cord injured women. The medical complications, including urinary tract infections, anemia, pressure sores, sepsis, and autonomic hyperreflexia are significant in each of these areas with both physical as well as emotional ramifications. Patient and family education is of primary importance in both anticipating as well as dealing with the potentially serious consequences.

A technique to study the passive supports of the uterus.

The present report concerns the position of the portio vaginalis of the uterine cervix when known amounts of downward force are applied to it under anesthesia. It is intended to provide a quantitative assessment of the passive supports of the uterus relatively independent of the active striated muscles in the pelvis. The measurements were made by connecting to the cervix a uterine insufflation cannula with a ruler attached to it and measuring the distance from the hymen to the ectocervix while varying amounts of downward traction were applied to a tenaculum with a spring scale.