Transposon mutagenesis with the Enterococcus faecalis transposon Tn917 is a genetic approach frequently used to identify genes related with specific phenotypes in gram-positive bacteria. We established an arbitrary PCR for the rapid and easy identification of Tn917 insertion sites in Staphylococcus epidermidis with six independent, well-characterized biofilm-negative Tn917 transposon mutants, w...

Novel surface proteins can be introduced onto bacterial cell surfaces by recombinant means. Here, we describe various applications of two such display systems for the food-grade bacteria Staphylococcus carnosus and Staphylococcus xylosus, respectively. The achievements in the use of such staphylococci as live bacterial vaccine delivery vehicles will be described. Co-display of proteins and pept...

OBJECTIVE We previously reported that near infrared (NIR) irradiation weakens frontalis muscle contraction resulting in brow ptosis. In addition, NIR irradiation non-thermally long-lasting thinning of the panniculus carnosus muscle in rats. We sought to determine whether NIR irradiation affects contraction of the corrugator supercilii muscle (CSM). METHODS Three to 5 rounds of NIR irradiation...

The propensity for chronic wounds in humans increases with ageing, disease conditions such as diabetes and impaired cardiovascular function, and unrelieved pressure due to immobility. Animal models have been developed that attempt to mimic these conditions for the purpose of furthering our understanding of the complexity of chronic wounds. The model described herein is a rat ischemic skin flap ...

Epicidin 280 is a novel type A lantibiotic produced by Staphylococcus epidermidis BN 280. During C18 reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography two epicidin 280 peaks were obtained; the two compounds had molecular masses of 3,133 +/- 1.5 and 3,136 +/- 1.5 Da, comparable antibiotic activities, and identical amino acid compositions. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed that epicidin 28...

Enterocin AS-48 is a circular bacteriocin produced by Enterococcus. It contains a 70 amino acid-residue chain circularized by a head-to-tail peptide bond. The conformation of enterocin AS-48 is arranged into five alpha-helices with a compact globular structure. Enterocin AS-48 has a wide inhibitory spectrum on Gram-positive bacteria. Sensitivity of Gram-negative bacteria increases in combinatio...

Nosocomial infections by Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive pathogen colonising human skin and mucosal surfaces, are an increasing health care problem. Clinical isolates almost invariably express fibronectin-binding proteins that, by indirectly linking the bacteria with host integrin alpha5beta1, can promote uptake of the microorganisms by eukaryotic cells. Integrin engagement by pathogenic...

An axillary arch is considered to be an variant muscle or tendinous slip that arises form the lower border of latissimus dorsi to join the tendon of pectoralis major, coracobrachalis, or fascia over the biceps. It is present in about 7% of the cases and may be multiple [1]. An axillary arch is thought to be a vestige of panniculus carnosus muscle [2]. Thoracoepicondylaris is a very rare muscula...

Objective: We previously reported that near-infrared irradiation nonthermally induces long-lasting vasodilation of the subdermal plexus by causing apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells. To clarify the possible application of near-infrared irradiation to prevent skin flap necrosis, we evaluated the length of axial pattern flap survival in rats by near-infrared irradiation. Methods: A bilater...

Lactobacillus sakei subsp. carnosus was predominant in the spoilage flora of sliced, vacuum-packed, smoked, oven-cooked turkey breast fillets which developed mild, sour spoilage flavors after 4 weeks storage at 4 degrees C. In contrast, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides predominated in the spoilage flora of sliced, vacuum-packed, unsmoked, boiled turkey breast fillets from the same...