Biomedical subjects

M D Collins

Publications and source records attributed to M D Collins.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Lactobacillus cypricasei sp. nov., isolated from Halloumi cheese.

Four strains of a hitherto unknown bacterium isolated from Halloumi cheese were compared by using phenotypic and phylogenetic studies. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the strains were identical to each other and represent a new subline within the genus Lactobacillus. The unknown bacterium was readily distinguished from other described Gram-positive catalase-negative taxa by means of biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. On the basis of phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as Lactobacillus cypricasei sp. nov. The type strain of L. cypricasei is CCUG 42961T (= CIP 106393T).

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗

PubMed2001

Arcanobacterium pluranimalium sp. nov., isolated from porpoise and deer.

Two strains of a previously undescribed Arcanobacterium-like bacterium were isolated from a dead harbour porpoise and a dead sallow deer. Biochemical testing and PAGE analysis of whole-cell proteins indicated that the strains were phenotypically closely related to each other and distinct from previously described Actinomyces and Arcanobacterium species. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies showed the bacterium to be a hitherto unknown subline within the genus Arcanobacterium. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as Arcanobacterium pluranimalium sp. nov. The type strain of Arcanobacterium pluranimalium is CCUG 42575T (= CIP 106442T).

Actinomycetaceae↗

PubMed2001

Filobacillus milensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a new halophilic spore-forming bacterium with Orn-D-Glu-type peptidoglycan.

A spore-forming, halophilic bacterium was isolated from surface sediment located on the beach of Palaeochori Bay near to a shallow water hydrothermal vent area, Milos, Greece. The bacterium, designated SH 714T, consisted of motile, strictly aerobic rods which contained an Orn-D-Glu type murein and a G+C content of 35 mol%. Thin sections showed a cell wall typical for Gram-positive bacteria; the peptidoglycan layer, however, was very thin. The Gram-reaction of the organism was negative. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the isolate represents a new line of descent within the spore-forming rods branching at the periphery of the rRNA group 1 Bacillus (Bacillus sensu stricto). The nearest phylogenetic neighbours of the unknown bacterium were Bacillus haloalkaliphilus, Marinococcus albus and Halobacillus species. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as Filobacillus milensis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is SH 714T (= DSM 13259T = ATCC 700960T).

Bacillus↗

PubMed2001

Aerococcus sanguicola sp. nov., isolated from a human clinical source.

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on an unknown, Gram-positive, catalase-negative coccus isolated from human blood. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the organism represents a new subline within the genus Aerococcus. The unknown bacterium was readily distinguished from the three currently recognized Aerococcus species, Aerococcus christensenii, Aerococcus urinae and Aerococcus viridans, by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. On the basis of phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that this unknown bacterium from blood be classified as Aerococcus sanguicola sp. nov. The type strain of Aerococcus sanguicola is CCUG 43001T (= CIP 106533T).

Blood↗

PubMed2001

Actinomyces catuli sp. nov., from dogs.

An Actinomyces-like bacterium was recovered from two dogs. Based on cellular morphology and biochemical criteria, the unknown bacterium resembled the genus Actinomyces but it did not appear to correspond to any of the currently recognized species of this genus. PAGE analysis of whole-cell proteins confirmed that the strain was phenotypically distinct from all other Actinomyces species and comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the bacterium represents an unknown sub-line within the genus. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, it is proposed that the bacterium from dogs be classified as a new species of the genus Actinomyces, Actinomyces catuli. The type strain of Actinomyces catuli is CCUG 41709T (= CIP 106507T).

Actinomyces↗

PubMed2001

Aerococcus urinaehominis sp. nov., isolated from human urine.

Phenotypic and phylogenetic studies were performed on an unknown Gram-positive catalase-negative coccus isolated from human urine. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the organism represents a new subline within the genus Aerococcus. The unknown bacterium was readily distinguished from the three currently recognized Aerococcus species, Aerococcus christensenii, Aerococcus urinae and Aerococcus viridans, by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium from urine be classified as Aerococcus urinaehominis sp. nov. The type strain of Aerococcus urinaehominis is CCUG 42038bT (= CIP 106675T).

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗

PubMed2001

Streptococcus ovis sp. nov., isolated from sheep.

Seven strains of an unknown Gram-positive catalase-negative chain-forming coccus-shaped organism isolated from clinical specimens from sheep were characterized by phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies demonstrated that the bacterium represents a new sub-line within the genus Streptococcus. The unknown bacterium was readily distinguished from recognized streptococcal species by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as Streptococcus ovis sp. nov. The type strain of Streptococcus ovis is CCUG 39485T (= LMG 19174T).

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Actinomyces funkei sp. nov., isolated from human clinical specimens.

Three strains of a previously undescribed Actinomyces-like bacterium were isolated from human clinical specimens. Phenotypic studies indicated that the strains were members of the genus Actinomyces and were presumptively identified as Actinomyces turicensis. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies showed that although the bacterium is phylogenetically closely related to Actinomyces turicensis, it nevertheless constitutes a new sub-line within the genus Actinomyces. Based on phenotypic and molecular chemical and molecular genetic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown Actinomyces-like bacterium from human clinical specimens be classified as Actinomyces funkei sp. nov. The type strain of Actinomyces funkei is CCUG 42773T (= CIP 106713T).

Actinomycetales↗

PubMed2001

Corynebacterium capitovis sp. nov., from a sheep.

An unknown Gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from skin scrapings from the infected head of a sheep and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of straight-chain and monounsaturated fatty acids and short-chain (C32-C36) mycolic acids consistent with the genus Corynebacterium. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that the unknown rod was a member of the genus Corynebacterium, with the organism forming a distinct sub-line and displaying greater than 3% sequence divergence with established species. The unknown Corynebacterium isolate was readily distinguished from recognized species of the genus by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium from a sheep be classified in the genus Corynebacterium, as Corynebacterium capitovis sp. nov. The type strain of Corynebacterium capitovis is CCUG 39779T (= CIP 106739T).

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Lactobacillus psittaci sp. nov., isolated from a hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus).

A Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic coccibacillus to rod-shaped bacterium isolated from a parrot was characterized using phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. The unknown bacterium phenotypically resembled lactobacilli and comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the organism represents a distinct subline within the Lactobacillus delbrueckii rRNA cluster of the genus. 16S rRNA sequence divergence values of > 6% with recognized Lactobacillus species clearly demonstrated the phylogenetic separateness of the parrot bacterium. On the basis of phylogenetic evidence and the phenotypic distinctiveness of the unknown bacterium, a new species, Lactobacillus psittaci sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of Lactobacillus psittaci is CCUG 42378T (= CIP 106492T).

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Actinomyces suimastitidis sp. nov., isolated from pig mastitis.

An unusual Actinomyces-like bacterium originating from a pig with mastitis was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. The morphological and biochemical characteristics of the organism were consistent with its preliminary assignment to the genus Actinomyces but it did not appear to correspond to any recognized species. PAGE analysis of whole-cell proteins confirmed the phenotypic distinctiveness of the bacterium and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis demonstrated that it represents a hitherto unknown sub-line amongst a cluster of Actinomyces species which embraces Actinomyces canis, Actinomyces georgiae, Actinomyces hyovaginalis, Actinomyces meyeri, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Actinomyces radingae and Actinomyces turicensis. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium isolated from pig mastitis be classified as Actinomyces suimastitidis sp. nov. The type strain of Actinomyces suimastitidis is CCUG 39279T (= CIP 106779T).

Actinomyces↗

PubMed2001

Corynebacterium testudinoris sp. nov., from a tortoise, and Corynebacterium felinum sp. nov., from a Scottish wild cat.

Two unknown gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria isolated from a tortoise and a Scottish wild cat were subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of straight-chain and monounsaturated fatty acids and short-chain mycolic acids in the two isolates consistent with the genus Corynebacterium. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that the unknown isolates were members of the genus Corynebacterium, with the two organisms displaying greater than 3% sequence divergence from each other and from established species of the genus. The unknown Corynebacterium isolates were readily distinguished from each other and from all recognized species of the genus by biochemical tests. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown organisms from a tortoise and a cat be classified in the genus Corynebacterium as Corynebacterium testudinoris sp. nov. and Corynebacterium felinum sp. nov., respectively. The respective type strains of C. testudinoris and C. felinum are CCUG 41823T and CCUG 39943T.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Facklamia miroungae sp. nov., from a juvenile southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina).

An unusual gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, coccus-shaped organism that originated from a juvenile elephant seal was characterized by phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the unknown coccus represents a new subline within the genus Facklamia. The unknown strain was readily distinguishable from all currently recognized species of the genus Facklamia (Facklamia hominis, Facklamia languida, Facklamia ignava, Facklamia sourekii and Facklamia tabacinasalis) by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as Facklamia miroungae sp. nov. The type strain of F. miroungae is CCUG 42728T (= CIP 106764T). F. miroungae is the first member of the genus Facklamia to be isolated from an animal other than man.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Phylogenetic analysis of the psychrophobic yeast Arxiozyma telluris and the reinstatement of Candida pintolopesii (van Uden) Meyer et Yarrow and Candida slooffii van Uden et do Carmo Sousa.

A phylogenetic analysis was conducted upon ten strains of the psychrophobic yeast species Arxiozyma telluris using nuclear rDNA (18S and 26S) and mitochondrial cytochrome-c oxidase subunit II (COX2) gene sequences. Strains examined included those described originally as Candida slooffii, Torulopsis bovina (= Candida bovina) and Torulopsis pintolopesii (= Candida pintolopesii), which are all currently accepted as synonyms of Arxiozyma telluris. Comparative 18S rDNA sequence analysis showed that these strains formed a genealogically highly related group, which was phylogenetically distinct from any other ascomycetous species studied. The results showed that A. telluris, as currently described, appears to be composed of a complex of closely related but nevertheless separate taxa. rDNA and COX2 gene sequence data revealed that CBS 1787T, the type strain of C. pintolopesii, the currently recognized asexual form (anamorph) of A. telluris, along with strains CBS 2676 and CBS 2985 formed a distinct taxon that is phylogenetically separate from A. telluris. Similarly, the sequence data also showed that C. slooffii is a distinct taxon and support the reinstatement of this species. However, with regard to the relationship between the type strains of A. telluris (CBS 2685T) and C bovina (CBS 2760T), discrepancies were observed between the rDNA and COX2 sequence datasets, and these results are discussed in more detail.

Candida↗

PubMed2001

Lactobacillus coleohominis sp. nov., isolated from human sources.

Four strains of a hitherto unrecognized gram-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium isolated from human sources were characterized using phenotypic and molecular taxonomic methods. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that the bacterium represents a new subline within the Lactobacillus casei/Pediococcus rRNA group of the genus Lactobacillus. The unknown bacterium was readily distinguished from all other described Lactobacillus species and related taxa by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. On the basis of phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium be classified as Lactobacillus coleohominis sp. nov. The type strain of Lactobacillus coleohominis is CCUG 44007T (= CIP 106820T).

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Pax3 and the splotch mutations: structure, function, and relationship to teratogenesis, including gene-chemical interactions.

The current review focuses on the malformations resulting from mutations in Pax3 and the interactions of Pax3 mutations with chemically induced teratogenesis, as well as other mutant genes or genetic strains, as a paradigm to illustrate the connections among genetics, protein function, and teratology. Splotch mice result from various mutations involving Pax3, and Waardenburg syndromes I and III in the human are due to mutations in PAX3. The human and murine phenotype/genotype correlations are thus compared and contrasted. The role of Pax3 in normal development, as well as the regulation of Pax3 expression and DNA binding, are also addressed on the premise that a mechanistic understanding of normal developmental processes is prerequisite to full comprehension of the mechanisms by which abnormal development is induced. Pax3 encodes a transcription factor involved in myogenesis, melanogenesis and neurogenesis, as well as regulating genes that may be involved in other cellular processes. The primary goal of this review is to examine the role of a single important developmental gene in the interaction of genetics and abnormal development.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

PubMed2001

Diabetic embryopathy in C57BL/6J mice. Altered fetal sex ratio and impact of the splotch allele.

Maternal diabetes (types 1 and 2) induces a broad array of congenital malformations, including neural tube defects (NTDs), in humans. One of the difficulties associated with studying diabetic embryopathy is the rarity of individual malformations. In an attempt to develop a sensitive animal model for maternal diabetes-induced NTDs, the present study uses chemically induced diabetes in an inbred mouse model with or without the splotch (Sp) mutation, a putatively nonfunctional allele of Pax3. Pax3 deficiency has been associated with an increase in NTDs. Female C57BL/6J mice, either with or without the Sp allele, were injected intravenously with alloxan (100 mg/kg), and plasma glucose was measured 3 days later. A wide range of hyperglycemia was induced, and these diabetic mice were bred to C57BL/6J males, some carrying the Sp allele. Gestational-day-18 fetuses were examined for developmental malformations. Fetuses from matings in which either parent carried the Sp allele were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction. Maternal diabetes significantly decreased fetal weight and increased the number of resorptions and malformations, including NTDs. A significant correlation was found between the level of maternal hyperglycemia and the malformation rate. The sex ratio for live fetuses in diabetic litters was significantly skewed toward male fetuses. Matings involving the Sp allele yielded litters with significantly higher percentages of maternal diabetes-induced spina bifida aperta but not exencephaly, and this increase was shown to be associated with the presence of a single copy of the Sp allele in affected fetuses. Thus, Pax3 haploinsufficiency in this murine model of diabetic embryopathy is associated with caudal but not cranial NTDs.

Alleles↗

PubMed2000

Teratogenicity, tissue distribution, and metabolism of the retro-retinoids, 14-hydroxy-4,14-retro-retinol and anhydroretinol, in the C57BL/6J mouse.

The retro-retinoids 14-hydroxy-4,14-retro-retinol (14-HRR) and anhydroretinol (AR) are endogenous metabolites of retinol (Vitamin A). 14-HRR and retinol, but not retinoic acid, promote the proliferation of lymphocytes and fibroblasts when cultured in serum-free medium, whereas AR competitively inhibits these growth-supportive effects. Retinol and all-trans-retinoic acid are potent teratogens. This study shows the teratogenic potencies of 14-HRR and AR compared to retinol at a single gestational time. Also reported is the metabolism of these retinoids in nonpregnant mouse liver, the primary storage tissue of vitamin A, where many retinoids will be present at their highest concentration. Additionally, measurement of these metabolite concentrations was carried out in pregnant mouse plasma and embryos because they are the most relevant to teratology. Single intraperitoneal administration of 60 mg/kg of all-trans-retinol (retinol) to C57BL/6J mice at gestational day 7.5 produced a significant induction of eye and axial skeletal malformations. The equivalent dose of 14-HRR or AR induced a lower frequency of embryolethality and eye and axial skeletal malformations indicating that these retro-retinoids are less potent teratogens than retinol. The distribution of 14-HRR, AR, retinol, and their metabolites was determined in the liver at a single time point after retinoid administration. Two hours after 60 mg/kg of 14-HRR treatment, HRR esters are detected. Two hours after 600 mg/kg of AR treatment, 14-HRR is detected, suggesting that 14-HRR, a reported metabolite of retinol, can be biosynthesized from AR. In both cases, neither retinoic acid nor retro-retinoid acidic metabolites were detected. Two hours after 60 mg/kg of retinol treatment, 14-HRR, 13,14-dihydroxyretinol (DHR), AR, and retinoic acid were detected. A new endogenous retro-retinoid, to which the 4-hydro-5-hydroxy-anhydroretinol structure is proposed, was detected in all liver extracts. Retinoic acid, 14-HRR, and DHR were present in plasma and embryos of retinol-treated pregnant mice. Plasma and embryos of AR-treated pregnant mice contained 14-HRR and AR, but the retinoic acid concentration did not increase compared to controls. In summary, the retro-retinoids 14-HRR and AR are weaker teratogens than retinol. The low teratogenicity observed might be due to the facts that 14-HRR and AR do not contain the terminal carboxylic group involved in binding and activation of the retinoic acid nuclear receptors and they are not metabolized to acidic retinoids.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗