Indoximod opposes the immunosuppressive effects mediated by IDO and TDO via modulation of AhR function and activation of mTORC1.

Indoximod has shaped our understanding of the biology of IDO1 in the control of immune responses, though its mechanism of action has been poorly understood. Previous studies demonstrated that indoximod creates a tryptophan (Trp) sufficiency signal that reactivates mTOR in the context of low Trp concentrations, thus opposing the effects caused by IDO1. Here we extend the understanding of indoximod's mechanism of action by showing that it has pleiotropic effects on immune regulation.

Enterococcus in surface waters from the Des Moines River (Iowa) watershed: location, persistence and vancomycin resistance.

The object of this study was to quantify vancomycin-resistant enterococci in surface water from Central Iowa obtained from April 2007 to August 2007. Water from established sampling sites in four watersheds was plated on bile-esculin agar. Presumptively identified enterococci were categorized as "above the level of concern" if the sample contained ≥ 107 CFU per 100 ml.

Quantitative real time PCR detection of Clostridium difficile growth inhibition by probiotic organisms.

Background: Probiotic microorganisms are potential treatments for Clostridium difficile diarrheal disease (CDD) but better methods are needed to determine the relative potency of probiotic microorganisms against pathogenic organisms in mixed cultures.

Aim: Quantify C. difficile in the presence of putative probiotic organisms using molecular methods to determine relative probiotic potency.

Sodium choleate (NaCho) effects on Candida albicans: implications for its role as a gastrointestinal tract inhabitant.

Candida albicans at times resides in the intestinal tract, where it experiences exposure to bile salts suggesting a study of the effects of crude bile salts in the form of sodium choleate (NaCho) on C. albicans growth, expression of virulent phenotypes, and adaptation to physiological challenges in vitro. Growth and phenotype alteration was examined by challenging clinical isolates of C.

Antifungal mechanisms supporting boric acid therapy of Candida vaginitis.

Background: Boric acid is a commonly cited treatment for recurrent and resistant yeast vaginitis, but data about the extent and mechanism of its antifungal activity are lacking.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to use in vitro methods to understand the spectrum and mechanism of boric acid as a potential treatment for vaginal infection.

Methods: Yeast and bacterial isolates were tested by agar dilution to determine the intrinsic antimicrobial activity of boric acid.