Influence of Interferon-γ on Salmonella Typhi Induced Macrophage Apoptosis

Introduction: Salmonella Typhi (S.Typhi), which causes typhoid fever, is a widespread pathogen in developing countries. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a critical cytokine in host defense against Salmonella infection. IFN-γ provides protection against Salmonella infection by inducing macrophage activation. This study was designed to determine the effect of recombinant IFN-γ (rIFN-γ) on S.Typhi induced macrophage apoptosis and to examine the effect of rIFN-g on caspase-1 expression during apoptosis. Materials and Methods: After isolation of macrophages, apoptotic cells were analyzed using both annexin V-FITC detection kit by fl ow cytometry and TUNEL technique. Caspase-1 expression was determined by RT-PCR. Results: The rIFN-γ concentrations of 100 IU/ml ve 1000 IU/ml decreased macrophage apoptosis caused by S.Typhi, 13.1 % and 6.3 % respectively. Conclusion: Consequently, we observed that rIFN-g decreased Salmonella-induced apoptosis and inhibited caspase-1 expression during apoptosis. It is considered that the modulatory effect of IFN-γ on macrophage apoptosis may impact a protective effect during Salmonella infection and this may help to abort invasive S.Typhi infections

Candida glabrata : a review of its features and resistance

Candida species belong to the normal microbiota of the oral cavity and gastrointestinal and vaginal tracts, and are responsible for several clinical manifestations, from mucocutaneous overgrowth to bloodstream infections. Once believed to be non-pathogenic, Candida glabrata was rapidly blamable for many human diseases. Year after year, these pathological circumstances are more recurrent and problematic to treat, especially when patients reveal any level of immunosuppression. These difficulties arise from the capacity of C. glabrata to form biofilms and also from its high resistance to traditional antifungal therapies. Thus, this review intends to present an excerpt of the biology, epidemiology, and pathology of C. glabrata, and detail an approach to its resistance mechanisms based on studies carried out up to the present.The authors are grateful to strategic project PTDC/SAU-MIC/119069/2010 for the financial support to the research center and for Celia F. Rodrigues' grant

Differences in proteolytic activity and gene profiles of fungal strains isolated from the total parenteral nutrition patients

Fungal infections constitute a serious clinical problem in the group of patients receiving total parenteral nutrition. The majority of species isolated from infections of the total parenteral nutrition patients belong to Candida genus. The most important factors of Candida spp. virulence are the phenomenon of “phenotypic switching,” adhesins, dimorphism of fungal cells and the secretion of hydrolytic enzymes such as proteinases and lipases, including aspartyl proteinases. We determined the proteolytic activity of yeast-like fungal strains cultured from the clinical materials of patients receiving total parenteral nutrition and detected genes encoding aspartyl proteinases in predominant species Candida glabrata—YPS2, YPS4, and YPS6, and Candida albicans—SAP1–3, SAP4, SAP5, and SAP6. C. albicans released proteinases on the various activity levels. All C. glabrata strains obtained from the clinical materials of examined and control groups exhibited secretion of the proteinases. All 13 isolates of C. albicans possessed genes SAP1–3. Gene SAP4 was detected in genome of 11 C. albicans strains, SAP5 in 6, and SAP6 in 11. Twenty-six among 31 of C. glabrata isolates contained YPS2 gene, 21 the YPS4 gene, and 28 the YPS6 gene. We observed that clinical isolates of C. albicans and C. glabrata differed in SAPs and YPSs gene profiles, respectively, and displayed differentiated proteolytic activity. We suppose that different sets of aspartyl proteinases genes as well as various proteinase-activity levels would have the influence on strains virulence

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Operations Management: Critical Linkages and Research Opportunities

How we manage operations – the domain of Operations Management (OM) – has important implications for the practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in organizations. Conversely, DEI goals have important implications for organizations’ OM practices. We outline the two-way links between DEI and OM to offer future research opportunities. In particular, we examine interactions between OM and DEI across four broad themes: (1) workforce, (2) supply chains, (3) health and society, and (4) technology, platforms, and innovation. We conclude with a discussion of DEI in OM as it relates to research and teaching. This article is a collaborative effort with the Senior Editors involved in the special issue of Production and Operations Management on “DEI in Operations and Supply Chain Management.