scholarly journals Factor analysis on the Tasmanian topsoil microscopic community

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayem Kakar ◽  
Yelena Kolezeva
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Microbial Diversity ◽  
Carboxylic Acids ◽  
Carbon Sources ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Storm Damage ◽  
Microbial Groups ◽  
High Influence ◽  
Group 1

AbstractTo help with stand restoration, the influence of width size on the Tasmanian topsoil microscopic community was studied in anAthrotaxis cupressoidesstand suffering from hail storm damage. The functional diversity of topsoil microbial groups was estimated from degradation of 31 substrates on Bencho EcoPlates. Using Factor Analysis (FA) we found width size had a significant influence on average column colorimetric disseminator analysis (AVGCLR) and on the Rao indices of topsoil microbial diversity. Compared with large widths, small widths had higher AVGCLR. The ten widths were divided into three groups by cluster analysis and FA: group 1 reflected large widths, while groups 2 and 3 reflected small widths. Thirty-one sole carbon sources were divided into three groups by FA. Using an eigenvector greater than 0.5 as a standard for checking carbon (C) sources, nineteen kinds of C sources included in principal components 1 and 2 had a relatively high influence on the topsoil microbial community, including carbohydrates, amino acids and carboxylic acids. This indicates that the use by topsoil microorganisms of carboxylic acids, sugars and amino acids was greater than other C sources. These findings suggest that width size played a key role in the topsoil microbial diversity after a natural disturbance.

scholarly journals N-Acetylglucosamine Metabolism Promotes Survival of Candida albicans in the Phagosome

mSphere ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa M. Vesely ◽  
Robert B. Williams ◽  
James B. Konopka ◽  
Michael C. Lorenz
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Carboxylic Acids ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Carbon Sources ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Innate Immune Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Macrophage Phagocytosis ◽  
Ph Neutralization

ABSTRACT Candida albicans is the most important medically relevant fungal pathogen, with disseminated candidiasis being the fourth most common hospital-associated bloodstream infection. Macrophages and neutrophils are innate immune cells that play a key role in host defense by phagocytosing and destroying C. albicans cells. To survive this attack by macrophages, C. albicans generates energy by utilizing alternative carbon sources that are available in the phagosome. Interestingly, metabolism of amino acids and carboxylic acids by C. albicans raises the pH of the phagosome and thereby blocks the acidification of the phagosome, which is needed to initiate antimicrobial attack. In this work, we demonstrate that metabolism of a third type of carbon source, the amino sugar GlcNAc, also induces pH neutralization and survival of C. albicans upon phagocytosis. This mechanism is genetically and physiologically distinct from the previously described mechanisms of pH neutralization, indicating that the robust metabolic plasticity of C. albicans ensures survival upon macrophage phagocytosis. Phagocytosis by innate immune cells is one of the most effective barriers against the multiplication and dissemination of microbes within the mammalian host. Candida albicans, a pathogenic yeast, has robust mechanisms that allow survival upon macrophage phagocytosis. C. albicans survives in part because it can utilize the alternative carbon sources available in the phagosome, including carboxylic acids and amino acids. Furthermore, metabolism of these compounds raises the pH of the extracellular environment, which combats the acidification and maturation of the phagolysosome. In this study, we demonstrate that metabolism by C. albicans of an additional carbon source, N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), facilitates neutralization of the phagosome by a novel mechanism. Catabolism of GlcNAc raised the ambient pH through release of ammonia, which is distinct from growth on carboxylic acids but similar to growth on amino acids. However, the effect of GlcNAc metabolism on pH was genetically distinct from the neutralization induced by catabolism of amino acids, as mutation of STP2 or ATO5 did not impair the effects of GlcNAc. In contrast, mutants lacking the dedicated GlcNAc transporter gene NGT1 or the enzymes responsible for catabolism of GlcNAc were defective in altering the pH of the phagosome. This correlated with reduced survival following phagocytosis and decreased ability to damage macrophages. Thus, GlcNAc metabolism represents the third genetically independent mechanism that C. albicans utilizes to combat the rapid acidification of the phagolysosome, allowing for cells to escape and propagate infection. IMPORTANCE Candida albicans is the most important medically relevant fungal pathogen, with disseminated candidiasis being the fourth most common hospital-associated bloodstream infection. Macrophages and neutrophils are innate immune cells that play a key role in host defense by phagocytosing and destroying C. albicans cells. To survive this attack by macrophages, C. albicans generates energy by utilizing alternative carbon sources that are available in the phagosome. Interestingly, metabolism of amino acids and carboxylic acids by C. albicans raises the pH of the phagosome and thereby blocks the acidification of the phagosome, which is needed to initiate antimicrobial attack. In this work, we demonstrate that metabolism of a third type of carbon source, the amino sugar GlcNAc, also induces pH neutralization and survival of C. albicans upon phagocytosis. This mechanism is genetically and physiologically distinct from the previously described mechanisms of pH neutralization, indicating that the robust metabolic plasticity of C. albicans ensures survival upon macrophage phagocytosis.

LEVELS OF FREE PLASMA AMINO ACIDS UNDER ACUTE NORMOBARIC HYPOXIA IN VOLUNTEERS IN FASTED AND POSTPRANDIAL STATES

2020 ◽  
pp. 108-117
Author(s):  
A.A. Chernykh ◽  
N.N. Potolitsyna ◽  
E.A. Burykh ◽  
E.R. Boyko
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Normobaric Hypoxia ◽  
Adaptation To Hypoxia ◽  
Plasma Amino Acids ◽  
Fed State ◽  
Metabolic Substrates ◽  
Overnight Fasting ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Free Plasma ◽  
Group 1

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of acute normobaric hypoxia on free plasma amino acids (AA) in volunteers after overnight fasting and in the fed state. Materials and Methods. Group 1 (n=13, aged 22–32) participated in the study in the morning after overnight fasting. Group 2 (n=9, aged 22–32) took part in the study after a light fat-free breakfast. Acute normobaric hypoxia was achieved by breathing a hypoxic gas mixture (9 % O2 and 91 % N2) through a mask. According to the experimental protocol, blood sampling from the cubital vein was performed for analysis. Free plasma amino acids were analyzed using the Aracus amino acid analyzer. Results. Prior to the hypoxia onset, at the 5th and 20th minutes of hypoxia, no statistically significant differences in free AA levels were observed in the groups (p>0.05). At the 10th minute of hypoxia the levels of four AAs (serine, threonine, glutamine, and histidine) were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p<0.05). This was probably due to differences in functioning of several key “harmonizing” AA transporters (ASCT1 (SLC1A4), ASCT2 (SLC1A5) and LAT1 (SC7A5)), for which the AAs were metabolic substrates. It can be assumed, that such changes were caused by currently unclear mechanisms of fast regulation of AA transporter activity, associated with nutritional status. Conclusion. We believe that our findings may be important for providing better adaptation to hypoxia, and for more efficient correction of hypoxic negative effects. Keywords: acute normobaric hypoxia, free plasma amino acids, human. Цель исследования: изучить воздействие острой нормобарической гипоксии на метаболизм свободных аминокислот (АК) плазмы крови у добровольцев, участвовавших в исследовании натощак и после лёгкого завтрака. Материалы и методы. Первая группа добровольцев (22–32 года, n=13) участвовала в исследовании утром натощак, вторая группа (22–32 года, n=9) – через 2–3 ч после лёгкого безжирового завтрака. Гипоксия создавалась путём подачи через маску дыхательной смеси, содержащей 9 % О2 и 91 % N2. В соответствии с протоколом проводился периодический забор крови из локтевой вены для анализа. Оценка уровней свободных АК плазмы крови производилась с помощью аминокислотного анализатора Aracus. Результаты. До начала гипоксии, на 5-й и 20-й мин гипоксии уровни свободных АК в первой и второй группах значимо не различались (p>0,05). На 10-й мин гипоксии между первой и второй группами наблюдались статистически значимые различия уровней четырёх АК: глутамина, серина, треонина и гистидина (p<0,05). Это, вероятно, было обусловлено изменениями в работе «гармонизирующих» мембранных транспортёров (ASCT1 (SLC1A4), ASCT2 (SLC1A5) и LAT1 (SC7A5)), для которых эти АК являются обменными субстратами. Можно предположить, что данные изменения были опосредованы пока неясными механизмами быстрой регуляции активности этих транспортёров, зависящими от питания. Выводы. Мы полагаем, что полученные результаты могут иметь значение для обеспечения адаптации организма человека к острой гипоксии и эффективной коррекции последствий гипоксического воздействия. Ключевые слова: острая нормобарическая гипоксия, свободные аминокислоты плазмы крови, человек.

Microwave-Assisted Esterification of Diverse Carboxylic Acids and Chiral Amino Acids

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (23) ◽  
pp. 4107-4115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Yang ◽  
Xiao-jian Wang ◽  
Zhi-yu Li ◽  
Li Sun ◽  
Qi-dong You
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Carboxylic Acids ◽  
Microwave Assisted ◽  
Chiral Amino Acids

Development and Validation of the Questionnaire of Satisfaction with Perioperative Anesthetic Care for General and Regional Anesthesia in Taiwanese Patients

2011 ◽  
Vol 114 (5) ◽  
pp. 1064-1075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wui-Chiu Mui ◽  
Chia-Ming Chang ◽  
Kong-Fah Cheng ◽  
Tak-Yu Lee ◽  
Kwok-On Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Regional Anesthesia ◽  
Anesthetic Care ◽  
Anesthesia Group ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Nomological Validity ◽  
Group 1

Background To fulfill the increasing demand of service quality improvement in recent years, it is imperative to develop a proper instrument to evaluate patient satisfaction with perioperative anesthetic care for many institutes in Taiwan. Methods We used a six-factor 32-item pilot questionnaire developed in our previous study as our starting point in this study. Exploratory factor analysis of the pilot questionnaire for factor structure generation was performed in general anesthesia patients (group 1, n = 320) and resulted in the generation of the Patient Satisfaction with Perioperative Anesthetic Care questionnaire (PSPACq). Confirmatory factor analysis of the PSPACq in general anesthesia (group 2, n = 565) and regional anesthesia (group 3, n = 225) patients was performed for validation and cross-validation of the PSPACq model, respectively. The confounding variables and the patient loyalty effects on PSPACq scores were analyzed to evaluate the nomological validity of the PSPACq. Result Exploratory factor analysis of the pilot questionnaire in group 1 resulted in the development of the PSPACq (a seven-factor 30-item model). The standardized coefficients and indexes for the assessment of fit of the PSPACq model in group 2 (validation) and group 3 (cross-validation) patients revealed a well-fitting model. The results of the loyalty scores and confounding variables support the nomological validity of the PSPACq. Conclusions A valid and reliable questionnaire (PSPACq) with Taiwanese culture characteristics was developed and is suitable for testing of patient satisfaction with perioperative anesthesia care for patients receiving general or regional anesthesia for their surgery.

Prebiotic synthesis of carboxylic acids, amino acids and nucleic acid bases from formamide under photochemical conditions⋆

2017 ◽  
Vol 132 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Botta ◽  
Bruno Mattia Bizzarri ◽  
Davide Piccinino ◽  
Teresa Fornaro ◽  
John Robert Brucato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Carboxylic Acids ◽  
Prebiotic Synthesis ◽  
Nucleic Acid Bases

scholarly journals A Genome-Scale Model of Shewanella piezotolerans Simulates Mechanisms of Metabolic Diversity and Energy Conservation

mSystems ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith Dufault-Thompson ◽  
Huahua Jian ◽  
Ruixue Cheng ◽  
Jiefu Li ◽  
Fengping Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Conservation ◽  
Deep Sea ◽  
Carbon Sources ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Anaerobic Conditions ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Genome Scale ◽  
Genome Scale Model ◽  
Group 1

ABSTRACT The well-studied nature of the metabolic diversity of Shewanella bacteria makes species from this genus a promising platform for investigating the evolution of carbon metabolism and energy conservation. The Shewanella phylogeny is diverged into two major branches, referred to as group 1 and group 2. While the genotype-phenotype connections of group 2 species have been extensively studied with metabolic modeling, a genome-scale model has been missing for the group 1 species. The metabolic reconstruction of Shewanella piezotolerans strain WP3 represented the first model for Shewanella group 1 and the first model among piezotolerant and psychrotolerant deep-sea bacteria. The model brought insights into the mechanisms of energy conservation in WP3 under anaerobic conditions and highlighted its metabolic flexibility in using diverse carbon sources. Overall, the model opens up new opportunities for investigating energy conservation and metabolic adaptation, and it provides a prototype for systems-level modeling of other deep-sea microorganisms. Shewanella piezotolerans strain WP3 belongs to the group 1 branch of the Shewanella genus and is a piezotolerant and psychrotolerant species isolated from the deep sea. In this study, a genome-scale model was constructed for WP3 using a combination of genome annotation, ortholog mapping, and physiological verification. The metabolic reconstruction contained 806 genes, 653 metabolites, and 922 reactions, including central metabolic functions that represented nonhomologous replacements between the group 1 and group 2 Shewanella species. Metabolic simulations with the WP3 model demonstrated consistency with existing knowledge about the physiology of the organism. A comparison of model simulations with experimental measurements verified the predicted growth profiles under increasing concentrations of carbon sources. The WP3 model was applied to study mechanisms of anaerobic respiration through investigating energy conservation, redox balancing, and the generation of proton motive force. Despite being an obligate respiratory organism, WP3 was predicted to use substrate-level phosphorylation as the primary source of energy conservation under anaerobic conditions, a trait previously identified in other Shewanella species. Further investigation of the ATP synthase activity revealed a positive correlation between the availability of reducing equivalents in the cell and the directionality of the ATP synthase reaction flux. Comparison of the WP3 model with an existing model of a group 2 species, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, revealed that the WP3 model demonstrated greater flexibility in ATP production under the anaerobic conditions. Such flexibility could be advantageous to WP3 for its adaptation to fluctuating availability of organic carbon sources in the deep sea. IMPORTANCE The well-studied nature of the metabolic diversity of Shewanella bacteria makes species from this genus a promising platform for investigating the evolution of carbon metabolism and energy conservation. The Shewanella phylogeny is diverged into two major branches, referred to as group 1 and group 2. While the genotype-phenotype connections of group 2 species have been extensively studied with metabolic modeling, a genome-scale model has been missing for the group 1 species. The metabolic reconstruction of Shewanella piezotolerans strain WP3 represented the first model for Shewanella group 1 and the first model among piezotolerant and psychrotolerant deep-sea bacteria. The model brought insights into the mechanisms of energy conservation in WP3 under anaerobic conditions and highlighted its metabolic flexibility in using diverse carbon sources. Overall, the model opens up new opportunities for investigating energy conservation and metabolic adaptation, and it provides a prototype for systems-level modeling of other deep-sea microorganisms.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document