Proteins released into the plant apoplast by the obligate parasitic protist Albugo selectively repress phyllosphere-associated bacteria.

Biotic and abiotic interactions shape natural microbial communities. The mechanisms behind microbe-microbe interactions, particularly those protein based, are not well understood. We hypothesize that released proteins with antimicrobial activity are a powerful and highly specific toolset to shape and defend plant niches.

Cell specialization in cyanobacterial biofilm development revealed by expression of a cell-surface and extracellular matrix protein.

Cyanobacterial biofilms are ubiquitous and play important roles in diverse environments, yet, understanding of the processes underlying the development of these aggregates is just emerging. Here we report cell specialization in formation of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 biofilms-a hitherto unknown characteristic of cyanobacterial social behavior. We show that only a quarter of the cell population expresses at high levels the four-gene ebfG-operon that is required for biofilm formation.

Predicting Lifestyle from Positive Selection Data and Genome Properties in Oomycetes.

As evidenced in parasitism, host and niche shifts are a source of genomic and phenotypic diversification. Exemplary is a reduction in the core metabolism as parasites adapt to a particular host, while the accessory genome often maintains a high degree of diversification. However, selective pressures acting on the genome of organisms that have undergone recent lifestyle or host changes have not been fully investigated.

Amyloid Proteins in Plant-Associated Microbial Communities.

Amyloids have proven to be a widespread phenomenon rather than an exception. Many proteins presenting the hallmarks of this characteristic beta sheet-rich folding have been described to date. Particularly common are functional amyloids that play an important role in the promotion of survival and pathogenicity in prokaryotes.

Non-capable residents: is the experience of dependence understood in nursing homes? A qualitative study.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe how dependence was experienced by Spanish nursing home residents with functional limitations.

Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was followed. An initial purposeful sampling of Spanish residents in for-profit nursing homes in the southern area of Madrid was carried out.

Is the influence of nurse care practices and nursing home organization understood? A qualitative study.

Aim: To describe residents' experience of nursing home organization and nursing care practices in a region of Spain.

Background: Nursing home organization, nursing practices and rules within the institution may all influence residents' daily living and their perception on the quality of care provided.

Design: A qualitative approach was conducted, using purposeful and theoretical sampling.

Is the mealtime experience in nursing homes understood? A qualitative study.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to explore the significance of the mealtime experience among residents of nursing homes in Spain.

Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was followed. An initial purposeful sampling of Spanish residents in for-profit nursing homes in the southern area of Madrid was carried out.