Publications by authors named "Samantha Tucker"

An increase in the consumer demand and the availability of gluten-free products has led to several brewers investigating brewing with grains other than barley. The primary grain of choice has been sorghum. These new gluten-free beers have a unique flavor and aroma, which previous research has shown is the result of differences in concentration for key chemical compounds, including ethyl butyrate, butyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, ethyl caproate, hexyl acetate, 1-octanol, nonanal, ethyl octanoate, and ethyl decanoate.

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Gram-negative pathogens pose a significant threat due to their propensity for causing various infections, often coupled with formidable resistance to conventional antibiotic treatments. The development of antivirulence (AV) compounds emerges as a promising alternative strategy by disrupting virulence mechanisms rather than targeting bacterial viability. Aurodox has exhibited promising AV properties in previous studies by blocking the expression and function of the LEE-encoded type 3 secretion system (T3SS) in enterohaemorrhagic , an injectosome that translocates effector proteins directly into host target cells.

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Loss of the flagellum marks the pathoadaptation of to the cystic fibrosis (CF) airway environment during lung disease. Losing the flagellum is advantageous to the bacterium as the flagellum can be recognized by immune cells. The primary purpose of the flagellum is, however, to provide motility to the bacterium.

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Article Synopsis
  • Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) causes severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, which can lead to serious complications like haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), especially in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
  • Traditional antibiotics can worsen outcomes by increasing toxin production, so treatment mainly focuses on supportive care instead.
  • Ongoing research into antivirulence strategies aims to develop small molecule inhibitors that block the Shiga toxin pathway, with new compounds being evaluated, although they haven't yet succeeded in advancing through clinical trials.
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Understanding how disparities are experienced by subpopulations within rural areas may inform efforts to mitigate persistent inequities in access to health care. Among 2,545 randomly sampled adults who completed a mailed survey in ten rural counties in Georgia as part of a health equity initiative, 50.8% of respondents were aged 35-64, 65.

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Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are produced by anaerobic bacteria. The most common SCFAs are acetate, propionate and butyrate. SCFAs have been implicated in several inflammatory diseases including cystic fibrosis (CF) where they are present in the airways at millimolar concentrations.

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As persistent inequities in health gained increased attention nationally due to COVID-19 and racial justice protests in 2020, it has become increasingly important to evaluate both the process and outcomes associated with coalition-based efforts to address health inequities. supports coalitions in 11 rural counties to (1) achieve greater health equity, (2) improve health and health care, (3) build healthier rural communities and improve social conditions that impact the health of rural populations, and (4) build community, organizational, and individual leadership capacity for health equity. Rural communities suffer significant health disparities relative to urban areas, and also experience internal inequities by race and poverty level.

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Seasonal influenza epidemics represent a significant global health threat. The exacerbated immune response triggered by respiratory influenza virus infection causes severe pulmonary damage and contributes to substantial morbidity and mortality. Regulator of G-protein signaling 10 (RGS10) belongs to the RGS protein family that act as GTPase activating proteins for heterotrimeric G proteins to terminate signaling pathways downstream of G protein-coupled receptors.

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Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that causes chronic and severe lung inflammation and infection associated with high rates of mortality. In CF, disrupted ion exchange in the epithelium results in excessive mucus production and reduced mucociliary clearance, leading to immune system exacerbation and chronic infections with pathogens such as and . Constant immune stimulation leads to altered immune responses including T cell impairment and neutrophil dysfunction.

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Regulator of G-protein signaling 10 (RGS10) is a member of the superfamily of RGS proteins that canonically act as GTPase activating proteins (GAPs). RGS proteins accelerate GTP hydrolysis on the G-protein α subunits and result in termination of signaling pathways downstream of G protein-coupled receptors. Beyond its GAP function, RGS10 has emerged as an anti-inflammatory protein by inhibiting LPS-mediated NF-κB activation and expression of inflammatory cytokines, in particular TNF-α.

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Cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease is characterized by chronic microbial infections and infiltration of inflammatory polymorphonuclear (PMN) granulocytes. is a major lung pathogen in CF that persists despite the presence of PMNs and has been associated with CF lung function decline. While PMNs represent the main mechanism of the immune system to kill , it remains largely unknown why PMNs fail to eliminate in CF.

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Sigma factor C (SigC) contributes to virulence in various animal models, but the stress response coordinated by this transcription factor was undefined. The results presented here indicate that SigC prevents copper starvation. Whole genome expression studies demonstrate short-term (4-h) induction of , controlled from a tetracycline-inducible promoter, upregulates and genes in the nonribosomal peptide synthase () operon.

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Article Synopsis
  • Neutrophils and their extracellular traps (NETs) play a significant role in inflammation and tissue damage in cystic fibrosis (CF) airways, but their exact function is debated due to a lack of suitable animal models.* -
  • This study utilized βENaC-Tg mice, which exhibit CF-like airway disease without bacterial infections, to analyze the presence and characteristics of NETs and associated inflammation in the lungs at 6 and 8 weeks of age.* -
  • Results showed significant neutrophil infiltration and elevated levels of CF-related cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, confirming the presence of NETs; thus, βENaC-Tg mice are proposed as an effective model for studying chronic
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Rationale: Prostate cancer and its treatment have significant sexual side effects that necessitate timely patient information and open communication with healthcare professionals. However, very little is known about men's experiences of talking to clinicians about the psychosexual difficulties associated with the disease.

Objective: This study aims to advance understanding of men's perceptions of the communication and information challenges associated with the psychosexual aspects of prostate cancer and its treatment.

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Rationale: Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer in men, affecting one in eight. An ageing population coupled with increased testing indicates that the incidence of early-stage prostate cancer is rising rapidly. Treatments are effective, but all can result in chronic sexual side effects and impact on the psychological, emotional and relational components of sexual functioning.

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Objective: To investigate the barriers and facilitators of an effective implementation of an outcome monitoring and feedback system in a UK National Health Service psychological therapy service.

Method: An outcome monitoring system was introduced in two services. Enhanced feedback was given to therapists after session 4.

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