Capsular profiling of the Cronobacter genus and the association of specific Cronobacter sakazakii and C. malonaticus capsule types with neonatal meningitis and necrotizing enterocolitis

Background: Cronobacter sakazakii and C. malonaticus can cause serious diseases especially in infants where they are associated with rare but fatal neonatal infections such as meningitis and necrotising enterocolitis. Methods: This study used 104 whole genome sequenced strains, covering all seven species in the genus, to analyse capsule associated clusters of genes involved in the biosynthesis of the O-antigen, colanic acid, bacterial cellulose, enterobacterial common antigen (ECA), and a previously uncharacterised K-antigen. Results: Phylogeny of the gnd and galF genes flanking the O-antigen region enabled the defining of 38 subgroups which are potential serotypes. Two variants of the colanic acid synthesis gene cluster (CA1 and CA2) were found which differed with the absence of galE in CA2. Cellulose (bcs genes) were present in all species, but were absent in C. sakazakii sequence type (ST) 13 and clonal complex (CC) 100 strains. The ECA locus was found in all strains. The K-antigen capsular polysaccharide Region 1 (kpsEDCS) and Region 3 (kpsMT) genes were found in all Cronobacter strains. The highly variable Region 2 genes were assigned to 2 homology groups (K1 and K2). C. sakazakii and C. malonaticus isolates with capsular type [K2:CA2:Cell+] were associated with neonatal meningitis and necrotizing enterocolitis. Other capsular types were less associated with clinical infections. Conclusion: This study proposes a new capsular typing scheme which identifies a possible important virulence trait associated with severe neonatal infections. The various capsular polysaccharide structures warrant further investigation as they could be relevant to macrophage survival, desiccation resistance, environmental survival, and biofilm formation in the hospital environment, including neonatal enteral feeding tubes

2024 O\u27Callahan Society Newsletter

This annual newsletter of the O\u27Callahan Society includes articles about the 2023 Annual Dinner. Admiral James G. Stavridis, United States Navy (Retired) was guest speaker. President of the College of the Holy Cross, Vincent D. Rougeau, made introductory remarks. VADM Peter Daly, US Navy (Ret) was 2024 Annual Meeting Speaker

2015 O\u27Callahan Society Newsletter

This annual newsletter of the O\u27Callahan Society includes articles about the retirement of Commander Jamie Godwin, a recap of the 2014 O\u27Callahan Society dinner and remarks by speaker Admiral Michelle Howard, updates on the HC NROTC Unit and the announcement of a mentoring initiative

2010 O’Callahan Society Newsletter

The annual newsletter of the O\u27Callahan Society includes articles about Holy Cross\u27 commitment to a new GI Bill/Yellow Ribbon Program, updates for the HC NROTC Unit, summary of remarks by Vice Admiral Peter H. Daly USN, Deputy Commander Fleet Forces Command and announcement of change from O\u27Callahan Committee to O\u27Callahan Society

Carbamylated low-density lipoprotein induces endothelial dysfunction

Aims Cardiovascular events remain the leading cause of death in Western world. Atherosclerosis is the most common underlying complication driven by low-density lipoproteins (LDL) disturbing vascular integrity. Carbamylation of lysine residues, occurring primarily in the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), may affect functional properties of lipoproteins; however, its effect on endothelial function is unknown. Methods and results Low-density lipoprotein from healthy donors was isolated and carbamylated. Vascular reactivity after treatment with native LDL (nLDL) or carbamylated LDL (cLDL) was examined in organ chambers for isometric tension recording using aortic rings of wild-type or lectin-like-oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) transgenic mice. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production were determined using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The effect of LDL-carbamyl-lysine levels on cardiovascular outcomes was determined in patients with CKD during a median follow-up of 4.7 years. Carbamylated LDL impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine or calcium-ionophore A23187, but not endothelium-independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside. In contrast, nLDL had no effect. Carbamylated LDL enhanced aortic ROS production by activating NADPH-oxidase. Carbamylated LDL stimulated endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) uncoupling at least partially by promoting S-glutathionylation of eNOS. Carbamylated LDL-induced endothelial dysfunction was enhanced in LOX-1 transgenic mice. In patients with CKD, LDL-carbamyl-lysine levels were significant predictors for cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Conclusions Carbamylation of LDL induces endothelial dysfunction via LOX-1 activation and increased ROS production leading to eNOS uncoupling. This indicates a novel mechanism in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease which may be pathogenic and prognostic in patients with CKD and high plasma levels of cLD

2013 O\u27Callahan Society Newsletter

This annual newsletter of the O\u27Callahan Society includes a tribute in memory of Rev. John E. Brooks, S.J., updates on the HCROTC Unit, recap of the 12th annual O\u27Callahan Society dinner, notification of changes in leadership and notice of the establishment of the O’Callahan Society Initiatives Fund

2009 O’Callahan Committee Inaugural Newsletter

First annual newsletter of the O\u27Callahan Society, formerly known as the Committee for the Joseph T. O’Callahan NROTC Scholarship Fund

Military Service Data Collection Form

Form used used to gather military service information from members of the Holy Cross, WPI, Worcester State, Clark, Assumption, and Central New England college/university communities. The data is being collected by the O\u27Callahan Society at the College of the Holy Cross to be shared with the alumni offices of the respective colleges

2011 O\u27Callahan Society Newsletter

This annual newsletter of the O\u27Callahan Society includes articles about the reinstatement of NROTC at three Ivy League universities, updates for the HC NROTC Unit, and plans to recognize the 70th anniversary of the NROTC Unit at Holy Cross