Production of Pumilarin and a Novel Circular Bacteriocin, Altitudin A, by Bacillus altitudinis ECC22, a Soil-Derived Bacteriocin Producer

The rise of antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global health threat, necessitating urgent efforts to identify novel antimicrobial agents. In this study, we undertook a thorough screening of soil-derived bacterial isolates to identify candidates showing antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. A highly active antagonistic isolate was initially identified as Bacillus altitudinis ECC22, being further subjected to whole genome sequencing. A bioinformatic analysis of the B. altitudinis ECC22 genome revealed the presence of two gene clusters responsible for synthesizing two circular bacteriocins: pumilarin and a novel circular bacteriocin named altitudin A, alongside a closticin 574-like bacteriocin (CLB) structural gene. The synthesis and antimicrobial activity of the bacteriocins, pumilarin and altitudin A, were evaluated and validated using an in vitro cell-free protein synthesis (IV-CFPS) protocol coupled to a split-intein-mediated ligation procedure, as well as through their in vivo production by recombinant E. coli cells. However, the IV-CFPS of CLB showed no antimicrobial activity against the bacterial indicators tested. The purification of the bacteriocins produced by B. altitudinis ECC22, and their evaluation by MALDI-TOF MS analysis and LC-MS/MS-derived targeted proteomics identification combined with massive peptide analysis, confirmed the production and circular conformation of pumilarin and altitudin A. Both bacteriocins exhibited a spectrum of activity primarily directed against other Bacillus spp. strains. Structural three-dimensional predictions revealed that pumilarin and altitudin A may adopt a circular conformation with five- and four-α-helices, respectively.

Genomic and Functional Evaluation of Two Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Two Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains, Isolated from a Rearing Tank of Rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis), as Probiotics for Aquaculture

Aquaculture plays a crucial role in meeting the increasing global demand for food and protein sources. However, its expansion is followed by increasing challenges, such as infectious disease outbreaks and antibiotic misuse. The present study focuses on the genetic and functional analyses of two Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (BF3 and RT4) and two Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (BF12 and WT12) strains isolated from a rotifer cultivation tank used for turbot larviculture. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics analyses confirmed their probiotic potential, the absence of transferable antibiotic resistance genes, and the absence of virulence and pathogenicity factors. Bacteriocin mining identified a gene cluster encoding six plantaricins, suggesting their role in the antimicrobial activity exerted by these strains. In vitro cell-free protein synthesis (IV-CFPS) analyses was used to evaluate the expression of the plantaricin genes. The in vitro-synthesized class IIb (two-peptide bacteriocins) plantaricin E/F (PlnE/F) exerted antimicrobial activity against three indicator microorganisms, including the well-known ichthyopathogen Lactococcus garvieae. Furthermore, MALDI-TOF MS on colonies detected the presence of a major peptide that matches the dimeric form of plantaricins E (PlnE) and F (PlnF). This study emphasizes the importance of genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis for evaluating aquaculture probiotic candidates. Moreover, it provides valuable insights into their genetic features and antimicrobial mechanisms, paving the way for their application as probiotics in larviculture, which is a major bottleneck in aquaculture.

Evaluation of Safety and Probiotic Traits from a Comprehensive Genome-Based In Silico Analysis of Ligilactobacillus salivarius P1CEA3, Isolated from Pigs and Producer of Nisin S

Ligilactobacillus salivarius is an important member of the porcine gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Some L. salivarius strains are considered to have a beneficial effect on the host by exerting different probiotic properties, including the production of antimicrobial peptides which help maintain a healthy gut microbiota. L. salivarius P1CEA3, a porcine isolated strain, was first selected and identified by its antimicrobial activity against a broad range of pathogenic bacteria due to the production of the novel bacteriocin nisin S. The assembled L. salivarius P1CEA3 genome includes a circular chromosome, a megaplasmid (pMP1CEA3) encoding the nisin S gene cluster, and two small plasmids. A comprehensive genome-based in silico analysis of the L. salivarius P1CEA3 genome reveals the presence of genes related to probiotic features such as bacteriocin synthesis, regulation and production, adhesion and aggregation, the production of lactic acid, amino acids metabolism, vitamin biosynthesis, and tolerance to temperature, acid, bile salts and osmotic and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the strain is absent of risk-related genes for acquired antibiotic resistance traits, virulence factors, toxic metabolites and detrimental metabolic or enzymatic activities. Resistance to common antibiotics and gelatinase and hemolytic activities have been discarded by in vitro experiments. This study identifies several probiotic and safety traits of L. salivarius P1CEA3 and suggests its potential as a promising probiotic in swine production.

Antibiotic Resistance Genes, Virulence Factors, and Biofilm Formation in Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus spp. Isolates from European Hakes (Merluccius merluccius, L.) Caught in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has contributed to the dissemination of multiresistant bacteria, which represents a public health concern. The aim of this work was to characterize 27 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolated from eight wild Northeast Atlantic hakes (Merluccius merluccius, L.) and taxonomically identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 16), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (n = 4), Staphylococcus hominis (n = 3), Staphylococcus pasteuri (n = 2), Staphylococcus edaphicus (n = 1), and Staphylococcus capitis (n = 1). Biofilm formation was evaluated with a microtiter assay, antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method, and antibiotic resistance and virulence determinants were detected by PCR. Our results showed that all staphylococci produced biofilms and that 92.6% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, mainly penicillin (88.8%), fusidic acid (40.7%), and erythromycin (37%). The penicillin resistance gene (blaZ) was detected in 66.6% (18) of the isolates, of which 10 also carried resistance genes to macrolides and lincosamides (mphC, msr(A/B), lnuA, or vgaA), 4 to fusidic acid (fusB), and 3 to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (dfrA). At least one virulence gene (scn, hla, SCCmecIII, and/or SCCmecV) was detected in 48% of the isolates. This study suggests that wild European hake destined for human consumption could act as a vector of CoNS carrying antibiotic resistance genes and/or virulence factors.

Emission characteristics of bulk aerosols excited by externally focused femtosecond filaments

The bulk aerosol emissions excited by externally focused femtosecond laser filaments are characterized using time-resolved plasma imaging and spectroscopy. Images of N₂ and N2+ plasma fluorescence are used to characterize the filament dimensions. Emission profiles from bulk Sr aerosols are studied, showing that several localized emission regions in the filament begin to develop for lower repetition rates and higher pulse energies. Plasma temperature and electron density profiles are determined using particle emissions along the length of short- and long-focused filaments, and results are compared for on-axis and side-collected spectra. The use of on-axis collection enables the sampling of light emitted over the entire length of the filament; however, the necessary back-propagation of light makes on-axis collection susceptible to self-absorption as the optical path is extended through the filament plasma column formed in bulk aerosols.

Nisin S, a Novel Nisin Variant Produced by Ligilactobacillus salivarius P1CEA3

Recently, the food industry and the animal farming field have been working on different strategies to reduce the use of antibiotics in animal production. The use of probiotic producers of antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins) is considered to be a potential solution to control bacterial infections and to reduce the use of antibiotics in animal production. In this study, Ligilactobacillus salivarius P1CEA3, isolated from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of pigs, was selected for its antagonistic activity against Gram-positive pathogens of relevance in swine production. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of L. salivarius P1ACE3 revealed the existence of two gene clusters involved in bacteriocin production, one with genes encoding the class II bacteriocins salivaricin B (SalB) and Abp118, and a second cluster encoding a putative nisin variant. Colony MALDI-TOF MS determinations and a targeted proteomics combined with massive peptide analysis (LC-MS/MS) of the antimicrobial peptides encoded by L. salivarius P1CEA3 confirmed the production of a 3347 Da novel nisin variant, termed nisin S, but not the production of the bacteriocins SalB and Abp118, in the supernatants of the producer strain. This is the first report of a nisin variant encoded and produced by L. salivarius, a bacterial species specially recognized for its safety and probiotic potential.

Immunomodulatory effects of bacteriocinogenic and non-bacteriocinogenic Lactococcus cremoris of aquatic origin on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum)

Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are a group of bacteria frequently proposed as probiotics in aquaculture, as their administration has shown to confer positive effects on the growth, survival rate to pathogens and immunological status of the fish. In this respect, the production of antimicrobial peptides (referred to as bacteriocins) by LAB is a common trait thoroughly documented, being regarded as a key probiotic antimicrobial strategy. Although some studies have pointed to the direct immunomodulatory effects of these bacteriocins in mammals, this has been largely unexplored in fish. To this aim, in the current study, we have investigated the immunomodulatory effects of bacteriocins, by comparing the effects of a wild type nisin Z-expressing Lactococcus cremoris strain of aquatic origin to those exerted by a non-bacteriocinogenic isogenic mutant and a recombinant nisin Z, garvicin A and Q-producer multi-bacteriocinogenic strain. The transcriptional response elicited by the different strains in the rainbow trout intestinal epithelial cell line (RTgutGC) and in splenic leukocytes showed significant differences. Yet the adherence capacity to RTgutGC was similar for all strains. In splenocyte cultures, we also determined the effects of the different strains on the proliferation and survival of IgM⁺ B cells. Finally, while the different LAB elicited respiratory burst activity similarly, the bacteriocinogenic strains showed an increased ability to induce the production of nitric oxide (NO). The results obtained reveal a superior capacity of the bacteriocinogenic strains to modulate different immune functions, pointing to a direct immunomodulatory role of the bacteriocins, mainly nisin Z.

In vitro and in vivo production and split-intein mediated ligation (SIML) of circular bacteriocins

Circular bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria that after synthesis undergo a head-to-tail circularization. Compared to their linear counterparts, circular bacteriocins are, in general, very stable to temperature and pH changes and more resistant to proteolytic enzymes, being considered as one of the most promising groups of antimicrobial peptides for their potential biotechnological applications. Up to now, only a reduced number of circular bacteriocins have been identified and fully characterized, although many operons potentially coding for new circular bacteriocins have been recently found in the genomes of different bacterial species. The production of these peptides is very complex and depends on the expression of different genes involved in their synthesis, circularization, and secretion. This complexity has greatly limited the identification and characterization of these bacteriocins, as well as their production in heterologous microbial hosts. In this work, we have evaluated a synthetic biology approach for the in vitro and in vivo production combined with a split-intein mediated ligation (SIML) of the circular bacteriocin garvicin ML (GarML). The expression of one single gene is enough to produce a protein that after intein splicing, circularizes in an active peptide with the exact molecular mass and amino acid sequence as native GarML. In vitro production coupled with SIML has been validated with other, well described and not yet characterized, circular bacteriocins. The results obtained suggest that this synthetic biology tool holds great potential for production, engineering, improving and testing the antimicrobial activity of circular bacteriocins.

Draft Genome Sequence of Lactococcus lactis Subsp. cremoris WA2-67: A Promising Nisin-Producing Probiotic Strain Isolated from the Rearing Environment of a Spanish Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum) Farm

Probiotics are a viable alternative to traditional chemotherapy agents to control infectious diseases in aquaculture. In this regard, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris WA2-67 has previously demonstrated several probiotic features, such as a strong antimicrobial activity against ichthyopathogens, survival in freshwater, resistance to fish bile and low pH, and hydrophobicity. The aim of this manuscript is an in silico analysis of the whole-genome sequence (WGS) of this strain to gain deeper insights into its probiotic properties and their genetic basis. Genomic DNA was purified, and libraries prepared for Illumina sequencing. After trimming and assembly, resulting contigs were subjected to bioinformatic analyses. The draft genome of L. cremoris WA2-67 consists of 30 contigs (2,573,139 bp), and a total number of 2493 coding DNA sequences (CDSs). Via in silico analysis, the bacteriocinogenic genetic clusters encoding the lantibiotic nisin Z (NisZ) and two new bacteriocins were identified, in addition to several probiotic traits, such as the production of vitamins, amino acids, adhesion/aggregation, and stress resistance factors, as well as the absence of transferable antibiotic resistance determinants and genes encoding detrimental enzymatic activities and virulence factors. These results unveil diverse beneficial properties that support the use of L. cremoris WA2-67 as a probiotic for aquaculture.

PARAGEN 1.0: A Standardized Synthetic Gene Library for Fast Cell-Free Bacteriocin Synthesis

The continuous emergence of microbial resistance to our antibiotic arsenal is widely becoming recognized as an imminent threat to global human health. Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides currently under consideration as real alternatives or complements to common antibiotics. These peptides have been much studied, novel bacteriocins are regularly reported and several genomic databases on these peptides are currently updated. Despite this, to our knowledge, a physical collection of bacteriocins that would allow testing and comparing them for different applications does not exist. Rapid advances in synthetic biology in combination with cell-free protein synthesis technologies offer great potential for fast protein production. Based on the amino acid sequences of the mature peptide available in different databases, we have built a bacteriocin gene library, called PARAGEN 1.0, containing all the genetic elements required for in vitro cell-free peptide synthesis. Using PARAGEN 1.0 and a commercial kit for cell-free protein synthesis we have produced 164 different bacteriocins. Of the bacteriocins synthesized, 54% have shown antimicrobial activity against at least one of the indicator strains tested, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria representing commonly used lab strains, industrially relevant microorganisms, and known pathogens. This bacteriocin collection represents a streamlined pipeline for selection, production, and screening of bacteriocins as well as a reservoir of ready-to-use antimicrobials against virtually any class of relevant bacteria.

Cloning strategies for heterologous expression of the bacteriocin enterocin A by Lactobacillus sakei Lb790, Lb. plantarum NC8 and Lb. casei CECT475

Background

Bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) attract considerable interest as natural and nontoxic food preservatives and as therapeutics whereas the bacteriocin-producing LAB are considered potential probiotics for food, human and veterinary applications, and in the animal production field. Within LAB the lactobacilli are increasingly used as starter cultures for food preservation and as probiotics. The lactobacilli are also natural inhabitants of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and attractive vectors for delivery of therapeutic peptides and proteins, and for production of bioactive peptides. Research efforts for production of bacteriocins in heterologous hosts should be performed if the use of bacteriocins and the LAB bacteriocin-producers is ever to meet the high expectations deposited in these antimicrobial peptides. The recombinant production and functional expression of bacteriocins by lactobacilli would have an additive effect on their probiotic functionality.

Results

The heterologous production of the bacteriocin enterocin A (EntA) was evaluated in different Lactobacillus spp. after fusion of the versatile Sec-dependent signal peptide (SP_usp45) to mature EntA plus the EntA immunity gene (entA + entiA) (fragment UAI), and their cloning into plasmid vectors that permitted their inducible (pSIP409 and pSIP411) or constitutive (pMG36c) production. The amount, antimicrobial activity (AA) and specific antimicrobial activity (SAA) of the EntA produced by Lactobacillus sakei Lb790, Lb. plantarum NC8 and Lb. casei CECT475 transformed with the recombinant plasmids pSIP409UAI, pSIP411UAI and pMGUAI varied depending of the expression vector and the host strain. The Lb. casei CECT475 recombinant strains produced the largest amounts of EntA, with the highest AA and SAA. Supernatants from Lb. casei CECT (pSIP411UAI) showed a 4.9-fold higher production of EntA with a 22.8-fold higher AA and 4.7-fold higher SAA than those from Enterococcus faecium T136, the natural producer of EntA. Moreover, supernatants from Lb. casei CECT475 (pSIP411UAI) showed a 15.7- to 59.2-fold higher AA against Listeria spp. than those from E. faecium T136.

Conclusion

Lb. casei CECT457 (pSIP411UAI) may be considered a promising recombinant host and cell factory for the production and functional expression of the antilisterial bacteriocin EntA.

Modified lactic acid bacteria detect and inhibit multiresistant enterococci

We designed Lactococcus lactis to detect Enterococcus faecalis. Upon detection, L. lactis produce and secrete antienterococcal peptides. The peptides inhibit enterococcal growth and reduce viability of enterococci in the vicinity of L. lactis. The enterococcal sex pheromone cCF10 serves as the signal for detection. Expression vectors derived from pCF10, a cCF10-responsive E. faecalis sex-pheromone conjugative plasmid, were engineered in L. lactis for the detection system. Recombinant host strains were engineered to express genes for three bacteriocins, enterocin A, hiracin JM79 and enterocin P, each with potent antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis. Sensitive detection and specific inhibition occur both in agar and liquid media. The engineered L. lactis also inhibited growth of multidrug-resistant E. faecium strains, when induced by cCF10. The presented vectors and strains can be components of a toolbox for the development of alternative antibiotic technologies targeting enterococci at the site of infection.

Use of synthetic genes for cloning, production and functional expression of the bacteriocins enterocin A and bacteriocin E 50-52 by Pichia pastoris and Kluyveromyces lactis

The use of synthetic genes may constitute a successful approach for the heterologous production and functional expression of bacterial antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocins) by recombinant yeasts. In this work, synthetic genes with adapted codon usage designed from the mature amino acid sequence of the bacteriocin enterocin A (EntA), produced by Enterococcus faecium T136, and the mature bacteriocin E 50-52 (BacE50-52), produced by E. faecium NRRL B-32746, were synthesized. The synthetic entA and bacE50-52 were cloned into the protein expression vectors pPICZαA and pKLAC2 for transformation of derived vectors into Pichia pastoris X-33 and Kluyveromyces lactis GG799, respectively. The recombinant vectors were linearized and transformed into competent cells selecting for P. pastoris X-33EAS (entA), P. pastoris X-33BE50-52S (bacE50-52), K. lactis GG799EAS (entA), and K. lactis GG799BE50-52S (bacE50-52). P. pastoris X-33EAS and K. lactis GG799EAS, but not P. pastoris X-33BE50-52S and K. lactis GG799BE50-52S, showed antimicrobial activity in their supernatants. However, purification of the supernatants of the producer yeasts permitted recovery of the bacteriocins EntA and BacE50-52. Both purified bacteriocins were active against Gram-positive bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes but not against Gram-negative bacteria, including Campylobacter jejuni.

Genetic and biochemical evidence that recombinant Enterococcus spp. strains expressing gelatinase (GelE) produce bovine milk-derived hydrolysates with high angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitory activity (ACE-IA)

In this work, genes encoding gelatinase (gelE) and serine proteinase (sprE), two extracellular proteases produced by Enterococcus faecalis DBH18, were cloned in the protein expression vector pMG36c, containing the constitutive P32 promoter, generating the recombinant plasmids pCG, pCSP, and pCGSP encoding gelE, sprE, and gelE-sprE, respectively. Transformation of noncaseinolytic E. faecalis P36, E. faecalis JH2-2, E. faecium AR24, and E. hirae AR14 strains with these plasmids permitted detection of caseinolytic activity only in the strains transformed with pCG or pCGSP. Complementation of a deletion (knockout) mutant of E. faecalis V583 for production of gelatinase (GelE) with pCG unequivocally supported that gelE is responsible for the caseinolytic activity of the transformed strain grown in bovine skim milk (BSM). RP-HPLC-MS/MS analysis of hydrolysates of transformed Enterococcus spp. strains grown in BSM permitted the identification of 38 major peptide fragments including peptides with previously reported angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitory activity (ACE-IA), antihypertensive activity, and antioxidant activity.

Antimicrobial peptides targeting Gram-negative pathogens, produced and delivered by lactic acid bacteria

We present results of tests with recombinant Lactococcus lactis that produce and secrete heterologous antimicrobial peptides with activity against Gram-negative pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella . In an initial screening, the activities of numerous candidate antimicrobial peptides, made by solid state synthesis, were assessed against several indicator pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella strains. Peptides A3APO and Alyteserin were selected as top performers based on high antimicrobial activity against the pathogens tested and on significantly lower antimicrobial activity against L. lactis . Expression cassettes containing the signal peptide of the protein Usp45 fused to the codon-optimized sequence of mature A3APO and Alyteserin were cloned under the control of a nisin-inducible promoter PnisA and transformed into L. lactis IL1403. The resulting recombinant strains were induced to express and secrete both peptides. A3APO- and Alyteserin-containing supernatants from these recombinant L. lactis inhibited the growth of pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella by up to 20-fold, while maintaining the host's viability. This system may serve as a model for the production and delivery of antimicrobial peptides by lactic acid bacteria to target Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria populations.

Cloning, production, and functional expression of the bacteriocin sakacin A (SakA) and two SakA-derived chimeras in lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and the yeasts Pichia pastoris and Kluyveromyces lactis

Mature sakacin A (SakA, encoded by sapA) and its cognate immunity protein (SakI, encoded by sapiA), and two SakA-derived chimeras mimicking the N-terminal end of mature enterocin P (EntP/SakA) and mature enterocin A (EntA/SakA) together with SakI, were fused to different signal peptides (SP) and cloned into the protein expression vectors pNZ8048 and pMG36c for evaluation of their production and functional expression by different lactic acid bacteria. The amount, antimicrobial activity, and specific antimicrobial activity of SakA and its chimeras produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris NZ9000 depended on the SP and the expression vector. Only L. lactis NZ9000 (pNUPS), producing EntP/SakA, showed higher bacteriocin production and antimicrobial activity than the natural SakA-producer Lactobacillus sakei Lb706. The lower antimicrobial activity of the SakA-producer L. lactis NZ9000 (pNUS) and that of the EntA/SakA-producer L. lactis NZ9000 (pNUAS) could be ascribed to secretion of truncated bacteriocins. On the other hand, of the Lb. sakei Lb706 cultures transformed with the pMG36c-derived vectors only Lb. sakei Lb706 (pGUS) overproducing SakA showed a higher antimicrobial activity than Lb. sakei Lb706. Finally, cloning of SakA and EntP/SakA into pPICZαA and pKLAC2 permitted the production of SakA and EntP/SakA by recombinant Pichia pastoris X-33 and Kluyveromyces lactis GG799 derivatives although their antimicrobial activity was lower than expected from their production.

Target recognition, resistance, immunity and genome mining of class II bacteriocins from Gram-positive bacteria

Due to their very potent antimicrobial activity against diverse food-spoiling bacteria and pathogens and their favourable biochemical properties, peptide bacteriocins from Gram-positive bacteria have long been considered promising for applications in food preservation or medical treatment. To take advantage of bacteriocins in different applications, it is crucial to have detailed knowledge on the molecular mechanisms by which these peptides recognize and kill target cells, how producer cells protect themselves from their own bacteriocin (self-immunity) and how target cells may develop resistance. In this review we discuss some important recent progress in these areas for the non-lantibiotic (class II) bacteriocins. We also discuss some examples of how the current wealth of genome sequences provides an invaluable source in the search for novel class II bacteriocins.

Protein expression vector and secretion signal peptide optimization to drive the production, secretion, and functional expression of the bacteriocin enterocin A in lactic acid bacteria

Replacement of the leader sequence (LS) of the bacteriocin enterocin A (LS(entA)) by the signal peptides (SP) of the protein Usp45 (SP(usp45)), and the bacteriocins enterocin P (SP(entP)), and hiracin JM79 (SP(hirJM79)) permits the production, secretion, and functional expression of EntA by different lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Chimeric genes encoding the SP(usp45), the SP(entP), and the SP(hirJM79) fused to mature EntA plus the EntA immunity genes (entA+entiA) were cloned into the expression vectors pNZ8048 and pMSP3545, under control of the inducible P(nisA) promoter, and in pMG36c, under control of the constitutive P(32) promoter. The amount, antimicrobial activity, and specific antimicrobial activity of the EntA produced by the recombinant Lactococcus lactis, Enterococcus faecium, E. faecalis, Lactobacillus sakei and Pediococcus acidilactici hosts varied depending on the signal peptide, the expression vector, and the host strain. However, the antimicrobial activity and the specific antimicrobial activity of the EntA produced by most of the LAB transformants was lower than expected from their production. The supernatants of the recombinant L. lactis NZ9000 (pNZUAI) and L. lactis NZ9000 (pNZHAI), overproducers of EntA, showed a 1.2- to 5.1-fold higher antimicrobial activity than that of the natural producer E. faecium T136 against different Listeria spp.

Linfangiomatosis mesenterica: Presentación de un caso

OBJECTIVE

Lymphangiomas are lesions usually presenting during childhood and are located mainly in the head and neck region; less than 5% are intraabdominal. Lymphangiomatosis is the term used for multifocal or diffuse lymphangiomas.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We report the case of a mesenteric lymphangiomatosis presenting as an acute abdomen in a 19-year-old man, review the literature and discuss the clinical management of these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Prognosis and treatment of these lesions depends of its site of origin and extension, being complete surgical excision the optimal treatment.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor expression in thyroid follicular cells: a new paracrine role of C-cells?

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) synthesized in the hypothalamus has the capability of inducing the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary, which in turn stimulates the production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. Immunoreactivity for TRH and TRH-like peptides has been found in some tissues outside the nervous system, including thyroid. It has been demonstrated that thyroid C-cells express authentic TRH, affecting thyroid hormone secretion by follicular cells. Therefore, C-cells could have a paracrine role in thyroid homeostasis. If this hypothesis is true, follicular cells should express TRH receptors (TRH-Rs) for the paracrine modulation carried out by C-cells. In order to elucidate whether or not C-cell TRH production could act over follicular cells modulating thyroid function, we studied TRH-Rs expression in PC C13 follicular cells from rat thyroid, by means of immunofluorescence technique and RT-PCR analysis. We also investigated the possibility that C-cells present TRH-Rs for the autocrine control of its own TRH production. Our results showed consistent expression for both receptors, TRH-R1 and TRH-R2, in 6-23 C-cells, and only for TRH-R2 in PC C13 follicular cells. Our data provide new evidence for a novel intrathyroidal regulatory pathway of thyroid hormone secretion via paracrine/autocrine TRH signaling.

Competition between positive and negative reinforcement in the treatment of escape behavior

We compared the effects of reinforcing compliance with either positive reinforcement (edible items) or negative reinforcement (a break) on 5 participants' escape-maintained problem behavior. Both procedures were assessed with or without extinction. Results showed that compliance was higher and problem behavior was lower for all participants when compliance produced an edible item rather than a break. Treatment gains were achieved without the use of extinction. Results are discussed regarding the use of positive reinforcement to treat escape behavior.

An evaluation of methylphenidate as a potential establishing operation for some common classroom reinforcers

We conducted reinforcer assessments for 3 boys with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who alternately received either placebo or previously prescribed methylphenidate. Our purpose was to evaluate whether methylphenidate altered the relative reinforcing effectiveness of various stimuli that are often used in classroom-based behavioral treatment programs (e.g., activities, tangible items). Results showed clear differences for some stimuli between reinforcer assessments conducted when participants had received methylphenidate compared to placebo. Results suggest that methylphenidate might act as an establishing operation for some common classroom reinforcers. Implications for the development and evaluation of behavioral treatments are discussed.

Transmission of toxoplasmosis by renal transplant

Two renal allograft recipients who had received their organs from the same cadaver donor developed acute toxoplasmosis shortly after transplantation. Neither of the recipients had serologic evidence of previous exposure to Toxoplasma gondii at the time of surgery, but the donor had a positive indirect fluorescent antibody test. One of the recipients died during the fourth week, and multiorgan involvement with toxoplasmosis was demonstrated at autopsy. No evidence of the parasite could be found in the transplanted kidney. In the second recipient the disease was suspected, serologically demonstrated, and successfully treated. We concluded that toxoplasmosis was transmitted by the donor's kidneys, although this mode of transmission was not completely proven.