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- Long Island Sound (8)
- Lyme disease (7)
- Borrelia burgdorferi (5)
- Sediment (4)
- Biofilm (3)
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- Biofilms (3)
- Fisheries (3)
- Fishing communities (3)
- Resilience (3)
- Spirochetes (3)
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- Alginate (2)
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- Atomic force microscopy (2)
- Colonization (2)
- Controlled disturbance (2)
- Crassostrea virginica (2)
- EPS (2)
- Estuarine infauna (2)
- Hurricane Sandy (2)
- Inteins (2)
- Job satisfaction (2)
- Management (2)
- Morgellons disease (2)
- Mucopolysaccharides (2)
- Persisters (2)
- Recolonization (2)
- Seasonal variation (2)
- Seasonality (2)
- AFM (1)
Articles 1 - 30 of 49
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
Persistent Borrelia Infection In Patients With Ongoing Symptoms Of Lyme Disease, Marianne J. Middelveen, Eva Sapi, Jennie Burke, Katherine Filush, Agustin Franco, Melissa Fesler, Raphael B. Stricker
Persistent Borrelia Infection In Patients With Ongoing Symptoms Of Lyme Disease, Marianne J. Middelveen, Eva Sapi, Jennie Burke, Katherine Filush, Agustin Franco, Melissa Fesler, Raphael B. Stricker
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Introduction: Lyme disease is a tickborne illness that generates controversy among medical providers and researchers. One of the key topics of debate is the existence of persistent infection with the Lyme spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, in patients who have been treated with recommended doses of antibiotics yet remain symptomatic. Persistent spirochetal infection despite antibiotic therapy has recently been demonstrated in non-human primates. We present evidence of persistent Borrelia infection despite antibiotic therapy in patients with ongoing Lyme disease symptoms. Methods: In this pilot study, culture of body fluids and tissues was performed in a randomly selected group of 12 patients with …
Antimicrobial Activity Of Bee Venom And Melittin Against Borrelia Burgdorferi, Kayla Socarras, Priyanka A. Theophilus, Jason Torres, Khusali Gupta, Eva Sapi
Antimicrobial Activity Of Bee Venom And Melittin Against Borrelia Burgdorferi, Kayla Socarras, Priyanka A. Theophilus, Jason Torres, Khusali Gupta, Eva Sapi
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Lyme disease is a tick-borne, multi-systemic disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Though antibiotics are used as a primary treatment, relapse often occurs after the discontinuation of antimicrobial agents. The reason for relapse remains unknown, however previous studies suggest the possible presence of antibiotic resistant Borrelia round bodies, persisters and attached biofilm forms. Thus, there is an urgent need to find antimicrobial agents suitable to eliminate all known forms of B. burgdorferi. In this study, natural antimicrobial agents such as Apis mellifera venom and a known component, melittin, were tested using SYBR Green I/PI, direct cell counting, biofilm …
Fishing As Therapy: Impacts On Job Satisfaction And Implications For Fishery Management, Tarsila Seara, Richard Pollnac, John J. Poggie, Carlos Garcia-Quejano, Iris Monnereau, Victor Ruiz
Fishing As Therapy: Impacts On Job Satisfaction And Implications For Fishery Management, Tarsila Seara, Richard Pollnac, John J. Poggie, Carlos Garcia-Quejano, Iris Monnereau, Victor Ruiz
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
"This study presents unique comparisons, across space and time, regarding aspects of fishers’ perception of their job satisfaction and well-being between two geographic areas where fishing constitutes integral part of the local economy and culture: the Northeast Region US and the Caribbean. Examining differences in aspects of job satisfaction and well-being in such highly different environments (both human and natural) will provide information for developing models to understand how different stressors (e.g. changes in the natural, socio-cultural, economic and managerial environments) affect those whose livelihoods depend directly on fishery resources. Models elucidating relationships between environmental and anthropogenic changes and the …
Influence Of Tick And Mammalian Physiological Temperatures On Borrelia Burgdorferi Biofilms, Shafiq Shaikh, Venkata Arun Timmaraju, Jason Torres, Kayla Socarras, Priyanka A. Theophilus, Eva Sapi
Influence Of Tick And Mammalian Physiological Temperatures On Borrelia Burgdorferi Biofilms, Shafiq Shaikh, Venkata Arun Timmaraju, Jason Torres, Kayla Socarras, Priyanka A. Theophilus, Eva Sapi
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
The spirochaete bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is the aetiologic agent of Lyme disease. Borrelia is transmitted to mammals through tick bite and is adapted to survive at tick and mammalian physiological temperatures. We have previously shown that B. burgdorferi can exist in different morphological forms, including the antibiotic-resistant biofilm form, in vitro and in vivo. B. burgdorferi forms aggregates in ticks as well as in humans, indicating potential of biofilm formation at both 23 and 37 °C. However, the role of various environmental factors that influence Borrelia biofilm formation remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect …
Effect Of Rpon, Rpos And Luxs Pathways On The Biofilm Formation And Antibiotic Sensitivity Of Borrelia Burgdorferi, Eva Sapi, Priyanka A. Theophilus, Truc V. Pham, Divya Burugu, David Luecke
Effect Of Rpon, Rpos And Luxs Pathways On The Biofilm Formation And Antibiotic Sensitivity Of Borrelia Burgdorferi, Eva Sapi, Priyanka A. Theophilus, Truc V. Pham, Divya Burugu, David Luecke
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, is capable of forming biofilm in vivo and in vitro, a structure well known for its resistance to antimicrobial agents. For the formation of biofilm, signaling processes are required to communicate with the surrounding environment such as it was shown for the RpoN—RpoS alternative sigma factor and for the LuxS quorum-sensing pathways. Therefore, in this study, the wild-type B. burgdorferi and different mutant strains lacking RpoN, RpoS, and LuxS genes were studied for their growth characteristic and development of biofilm structures and markers as well as for their antibiotic sensitivity. …
Canine Filamentous Dermatitis Associated With Borrelia Infection, Marianne J. Middelveen, Gheorghe M. Rotaru, Jody L. Mcmurray, Katherine R. Filush, Eva Sapi, Jennie Burke, Agustin Franco, Lorenzo Malquori, Melissa C. Mcelroy, Raphael B. Stricker
Canine Filamentous Dermatitis Associated With Borrelia Infection, Marianne J. Middelveen, Gheorghe M. Rotaru, Jody L. Mcmurray, Katherine R. Filush, Eva Sapi, Jennie Burke, Agustin Franco, Lorenzo Malquori, Melissa C. Mcelroy, Raphael B. Stricker
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Background: Although canine clinical manifestations of Lyme disease vary widely, cutaneous manifestations are not well documented in dogs. In contrast, a variety of cutaneous manifestations are reported in human Lyme disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. A recently recognized dermopathy associated with tickborne illness known as Morgellons disease is characterized by brightly-colored filamentous inclusions and projections detected in ulcerative lesions and under unbroken skin. Recent studies have demonstrated that the dermal filaments are collagen and keratin biofibers produced by epithelial cells in response to spirochetal infection. We now describe a similar filamentous dermatitis in canine Lyme disease. Methods and …
Changes In Job Satisfaction Through Time In Two Major New England Fishing Ports, Tarsila Seara, Richard Pollnac, John J. Poggie
Changes In Job Satisfaction Through Time In Two Major New England Fishing Ports, Tarsila Seara, Richard Pollnac, John J. Poggie
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Fishing communities in the U.S. have been the subject of great transformation due to changes in availability of resources and the implementation of different rules and regulations to manage the fisheries and conserve fish stocks. Job satisfaction has been widely regarded as an important component of well-being especially among fishermen because the occupation of fishing includes attributes of ‘adventure,’ ‘challenge,’ and ‘being outdoors’ infrequently found in other employment. It has been previously demonstrated that management driven changes to fishing communities can directly and indirectly affect aspects of fishermen’s job satisfaction and, consequently, their wellbeing. This paper presents a unique through …
Perceived Adaptive Capacity And Natural Disasters: A Fisheries Case Study, Tarsila Seara, Patricia M. Clay, Lisa L. Colburn
Perceived Adaptive Capacity And Natural Disasters: A Fisheries Case Study, Tarsila Seara, Patricia M. Clay, Lisa L. Colburn
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Fishermen may be increasingly impacted by natural disasters, given sea level rise and the likely increased frequency and severity of storms associated with climate change. Planning for resiliency in the face of these disasters requires understanding the factors that influence fishermen’s capacity to adapt. The paper examines perceptions of adaptive capacity of New York and New Jersey commercial and for-hire fishermen one year after Hurricane Sandy. Subjective adaptive capacity to changes in the fishery in general and those caused by natural disasters was assessed. A comparison between commercial and for-hire fishermen revealed important differences and similarities with regard to attributes …
Social Bonds And Recovery: An Analysis Of Hurricane Sandy In The First Year After Landfall, Patricia M. Clay, Lisa L. Colburn, Tarsila Seara
Social Bonds And Recovery: An Analysis Of Hurricane Sandy In The First Year After Landfall, Patricia M. Clay, Lisa L. Colburn, Tarsila Seara
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Hurricane Sandy was one of the most devastating hurricanes to hit US shores. The brunt of the impact was felt in New York and New Jersey, especially among coastal towns such as fishing communities. A survey of these two states assessed social and economic impacts to 958 commercial and recreational fishermen and fishing-related business owners 12 months post-storm. Many businesses and communities were still struggling, due to heavy infrastructure damages and revenue losses with low insurance coverage, but also to disrupted fishing patterns for some species. Social bonds were credited by many as a key aid to recovery. Social bonds …
Evidence Of In Vivo Existence Of Borrelia Biofilm In Borrelial Lymphocytomas, Eva Sapi, Kunthavai Balasubramanian, Akhila Poruri, Jasmin S. Maghsoudlou, Kayla Socarras, Venkata Arun Timmaraju, Katherine Filush, Khusali Gupta, Shafiq Shaikh, Priyanka A.S. Theophilus, David F. Luecke, A. Macdonald, Bettina Zelger
Evidence Of In Vivo Existence Of Borrelia Biofilm In Borrelial Lymphocytomas, Eva Sapi, Kunthavai Balasubramanian, Akhila Poruri, Jasmin S. Maghsoudlou, Kayla Socarras, Venkata Arun Timmaraju, Katherine Filush, Khusali Gupta, Shafiq Shaikh, Priyanka A.S. Theophilus, David F. Luecke, A. Macdonald, Bettina Zelger
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Lyme borreliosis, caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, has grown into a major public health problem. We recently identified a novel morphological form of B. burgdorferi, called biofilm, a structure that is well known to be highly resistant to antibiotics. However, there is no evidence of the existence of Borrelia biofilm in vivo; therefore, the main goal of this study was to determine the presence of Borrelia biofilm in infected human skin tissues. Archived skin biopsy tissues from borrelial lymphocytomas (BL) were reexamined for the presence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato using Borrelia-specific immunohistochemical staining (IHC), fluorescent in …
Indicators Of Climate Change And Social Vulnerability In Fishing Dependent Communities Along The Eastern And Gulf Coasts Of The U.S. Marine Policy, Lisa Colburn, Michael Jepson, Changhua Weng, Tarsila Seara, Jeremy Weiss
Indicators Of Climate Change And Social Vulnerability In Fishing Dependent Communities Along The Eastern And Gulf Coasts Of The U.S. Marine Policy, Lisa Colburn, Michael Jepson, Changhua Weng, Tarsila Seara, Jeremy Weiss
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Changing climatic conditions are affecting the relationship between fishing communities and the marine resources they depend on. This shift will require an adaptive response on the part of policy makers and fishery managers. In the U.S., the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) established, in its fisheries agency (NOAA Fisheries), a set of social indicators of fishing community vulnerability and resilience to evaluate the impacts of changes in fishery management regimes. These indicators enhance the analytical capabilities within NOAA Fisheries for conducting fisheries social impact assessments and informing ecosystem-based fishery management. Building on the existing Community Social Vulnerability Indicators (CSVIs), …
Effectiveness Of Stevia Rebaudiana Whole Leaf Extract Against The Various Morphological Forms Of Borrelia Burgdorferi In Vitro, Priyanka Annabel Sugantham Theophilus, Maria J. Victoria, Kayla Socarras, Katherine R. Filush, Khusali Gupta, David F. Luecke, Eva Sapi
Effectiveness Of Stevia Rebaudiana Whole Leaf Extract Against The Various Morphological Forms Of Borrelia Burgdorferi In Vitro, Priyanka Annabel Sugantham Theophilus, Maria J. Victoria, Kayla Socarras, Katherine R. Filush, Khusali Gupta, David F. Luecke, Eva Sapi
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Lyme disease is a tick-borne multisystemic disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Administering antibiotics is the primary treat-ment for this disease; however, relapse often occurs when antibiotic treatment is discontinued. The reason for relapse remains un-known, but recent studies suggested the possibilities of the presence of antibiotic resistant Borreliapersister cells and biofilms.In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of whole leaf Stevia extract against B. burgdorferispirochetes, persisters, and bio-film forms in vitro. The susceptibility of the different forms was evaluated by various quantitative techniques in addition to differ-ent microscopy methods. The effectiveness of Stevia was compared to doxycycline, cefoperazone, daptomycin, and …
Taxonomy Of Usa East Coast Fishing Communities In Terms Of Social Vulnerability And Resilience, Richard Pollnac, Tarsila Seara, Lisa Colburn, Michael Jepson
Taxonomy Of Usa East Coast Fishing Communities In Terms Of Social Vulnerability And Resilience, Richard Pollnac, Tarsila Seara, Lisa Colburn, Michael Jepson
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Increased concern with the impacts that changing coastal environments can have on coastal fishing communities led to a recent effort by NOAA Fisheries social scientists to develop a set of indicators of social vulnerability and resilience for the U.S. Southeast and Northeast coastal communities. A goal of the NOAA Fisheries social vulnerability and resilience indicator program is to support time and cost effective use of readily available data in furtherance of both social impact assessments of proposed changes to fishery management regulations and climate change adaptation planning. The use of the indicators to predict the response to change in coastal …
Biofilm Formation By Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato, Venkata Arun Timmaraju, Priyanka A.S. Theophilus, Kunthavai Balasubramanian, Shafiq Shakih, David F. Luecke, Eva Sapi
Biofilm Formation By Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato, Venkata Arun Timmaraju, Priyanka A.S. Theophilus, Kunthavai Balasubramanian, Shafiq Shakih, David F. Luecke, Eva Sapi
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Bacterial biofilms are microbial communities held together by an extracellular polymeric substance matrix predominantly composed of polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids. We had previously shown that Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, the causative organism of Lyme disease in the United States is capable of forming biofilms in vitro. Here, we investigated biofilm formation by B. afzelii and B. garinii, which cause Lyme disease in Europe. Using various histochemistry and microscopy techniques, we show that B. afzelii and B. garinii form biofilms, which resemble biofilms formed by B. burgdorferisensu stricto. High-resolution atomic force microscopy revealed similarities in the …
Drift Algae In New Haven Harbor And Impacts On Benthic Communities, Roman Zajac, Andrea Mccarthy
Drift Algae In New Haven Harbor And Impacts On Benthic Communities, Roman Zajac, Andrea Mccarthy
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
In 2009 the University of New Haven initiated studies to develop a contemporary database and assessment of the benthic ecology of New Haven Harbor. Previous studies were last conducted in the 1970s and 1980s (e.g. McCusker, and Bosworth 1979, 1981, Rhoads and Germano 1982). Benthic populations and communities are excellent indicators of environmental conditions and are regularly used for environmental assessment in estuarine and coastal waters (e.g. Pearson and Rosenberg 1978, Rhoads et al. 1978, Zajac and Whitlatch 2001, Mangi 2003). Given the inherent ability of the benthos to integrate sediment and water quality, many environmental indicators and indices to …
Exploring The Association Between Morgellons Disease And Lyme Disease: Identification Of Borrelia Burgdorferi In Morgellons Disease Patients, Marianne J. Middelveen, Cheryl Bandoski, Jennie Burke, Eva Sapi, Katherine Filush, Yean Wang, Agustin Franco, Peter J. Mayne, Raphael B. Stricker
Exploring The Association Between Morgellons Disease And Lyme Disease: Identification Of Borrelia Burgdorferi In Morgellons Disease Patients, Marianne J. Middelveen, Cheryl Bandoski, Jennie Burke, Eva Sapi, Katherine Filush, Yean Wang, Agustin Franco, Peter J. Mayne, Raphael B. Stricker
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Morgellons disease (MD) is a complex skin disorder characterized by ulcerating lesions that have protruding or embedded filaments. Many clinicians refer to this condition as delusional parasitosis or delusional infestation and consider the filaments to be introduced textile fibers. In contrast, recent studies indicate that MD is a true somatic illness associated with tickborne infection, that the filaments are keratin and collagen in composition and that they result from proliferation and activation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in the skin. Previously, spirochetes have been detected in the dermatological specimens from four MD patients, thus providing evidence of an infectious process. Methods …
Heterozygosity For A Hypomorphic Polβ Mutation Reduces The Expansion Frequency In A Mouse Model Of The Fragile X-Related Disorders, Rachel Adihe Lokanga, Ali Senejani, Joann B. Sweasy, Karen Usdin
Heterozygosity For A Hypomorphic Polβ Mutation Reduces The Expansion Frequency In A Mouse Model Of The Fragile X-Related Disorders, Rachel Adihe Lokanga, Ali Senejani, Joann B. Sweasy, Karen Usdin
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
The Fragile X-related disorders (FXDs) are members of the Repeat Expansion Diseases, a group of human genetic conditions resulting from expansion of a specific tandem repeat. The FXDs result from expansion of a CGG/CCG repeat tract in the 5’ UTR of the FMR1 gene. While expansion in a FXD mouse model is known to require some mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, our previous work and work in mouse models of another Repeat Expansion Disease show that early events in the base excision repair (BER) pathway play a role in the expansion process. One model for repeat expansion proposes that a non-canonical …
Pparγ Negatively Regulates T Cell Activation To Prevent Follicular Helper T Cells And Germinal Center Formation, Hong-Jai Park, Do-Hyun Kim, Jin-Young Choi, Won-Ju Kim, Ji Yun Kim, Ali Senejani, Soo Seok Hwang, Lark Kyun Kim, Zuzana Tobiasova, Gap Ryol Lee, Joseph Craft, Alfred L.M. Bothwell, Je-Min Choi
Pparγ Negatively Regulates T Cell Activation To Prevent Follicular Helper T Cells And Germinal Center Formation, Hong-Jai Park, Do-Hyun Kim, Jin-Young Choi, Won-Ju Kim, Ji Yun Kim, Ali Senejani, Soo Seok Hwang, Lark Kyun Kim, Zuzana Tobiasova, Gap Ryol Lee, Joseph Craft, Alfred L.M. Bothwell, Je-Min Choi
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a transcription factor that regulates lipid and glucose metabolism. Although studies of PPARγ ligands have demonstrated its regulatory functions in inflammation and adaptive immunity, its intrinsic role in T cells and autoimmunity has yet to be fully elucidated. Here we used CD4- PPARγ KO mice to investigate PPARγ -deficient T cells, which were hyper-reactive to produce higher levels of cytokines and exhibited greater proliferation than wild type T cells with increased ERK and AKT phosphorylation. Diminished expression of IκΒα, Sirt1, and Foxo1, which are inhibitors of NF-κΒ, was observed in PPARγ-deficient T cells that …
Mutation Of A Dna Repair Enzyme Causes Lupus In Mice, Ali Senejani, Yanfeng Liu, Dawit Kidane, Stephen E. Maher, Caroline J. Zeiss, Hong-Jae Park, Michael Kashgarian, Jennifer Madison Mcniff, Daniel Zelterman, Alfred L.M. Bothwell, Joann B. Sweasy
Mutation Of A Dna Repair Enzyme Causes Lupus In Mice, Ali Senejani, Yanfeng Liu, Dawit Kidane, Stephen E. Maher, Caroline J. Zeiss, Hong-Jae Park, Michael Kashgarian, Jennifer Madison Mcniff, Daniel Zelterman, Alfred L.M. Bothwell, Joann B. Sweasy
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
A replication study of a previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) suggested that a SNP linked to the POLβ gene is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This SNP is correlated with decreased expression of Pol β, a key enzyme in the base excision repair (BER) pathway. To determine whether decreased Pol β activity results in SLE, we constructed a mouse model of POLβ that encodes an enzyme with slow DNA polymerase activity. We show that mice expressing this hypomorphic POLβ allele develop an autoimmune pathology that strongly resembles SLE. Of note, the mutant mice have shorter immunoglobulin heavy-chain junctions and …
Filarial Nematode Infection In Ixodes Scapularis Ticks Collected From Southern Connecticut, Pabbati Namrata, Jamie M. Miller, Madari Shilpa, Patlolla Raghavender Reddy, Cheryl Bandoski,, Michael J. Rossi, Eva Sapi
Filarial Nematode Infection In Ixodes Scapularis Ticks Collected From Southern Connecticut, Pabbati Namrata, Jamie M. Miller, Madari Shilpa, Patlolla Raghavender Reddy, Cheryl Bandoski,, Michael J. Rossi, Eva Sapi
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
It was recently demonstrated that the lone star tick Amblyomma americanum could harbor filarial nematodes within the genus Acanthocheilonema. In this study, Ixodes scapularis (deer) ticks collected from Southern Connecticut were evaluated for their potential to harbor filarial nematodes. Non-engorged nymphal and adult stage Ixodes scapularis ticks were collected in Southern Connecticut using the standard drag method. In situ hybridization with filarial nematode specific sequences demonstrated the presence of filarial nematodes in Ixodes ticks. Filarial nematode specific DNA sequences were amplified and confirmed by direct sequencing in Ixodes nymphal and adult ticks using either general filarial nematode or Onchocercidae family …
Cellular Roles Of Dna Polymerase Beta, Sreerupa Ray, Miriam-Rose Menezes, Ali Senejani, Joann Balazs Sweasy
Cellular Roles Of Dna Polymerase Beta, Sreerupa Ray, Miriam-Rose Menezes, Ali Senejani, Joann Balazs Sweasy
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Since its discovery and purification in 1971, DNA polymerase ß (Pol ߆) is one of the most well-studied DNA polymerases. Pol ß is a key enzyme in the base excision repair (BER) pathway that functions in gap filling DNA synthesis subsequent to the excision of damaged DNA bases. A major focus of our studies is on the cellular roles of Pol ß. We have shown that germline and tumor-associated variants of Pol ß catalyze aberrant BER that leads to genomic instability and cellular transformation. Our studies suggest that Pol ß is critical for the maintenance of genomic stability and that …
Spatial And Temporal Patterns In Macrofaunal Diversity Components Relative To Sea Floor Landscape, Roman Zajac, Brittney R. Gibbons, Joseph M. Vozarik
Spatial And Temporal Patterns In Macrofaunal Diversity Components Relative To Sea Floor Landscape, Roman Zajac, Brittney R. Gibbons, Joseph M. Vozarik
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
We examined temporal changes in macrofaunal α- and β-diversity over several spatial scales (within patches, among patches, across landscapes and across regions) in Long Island Sound on the northeast USA coast. Regional ε-diversity was estimated at 144 taxa, however γ-diversity fluctuated over time as did α- and β-diversity components. Based on additive partitioning, patch- and region-scale β-diversity components generally had the highest contributions to γ-diversity; lower percentages were found at within-patch and landscape scales. Multiplicative diversity partitioning indicated highest species turnover at within- and among patch scales. For all partition results, within-patch and patch-scale β-diversity increased sharply when hypoxia impacted …
Association Of Spirochetal Infection With Morgellons Disease, Marianne J. Middelveen, Divya Burugu, Akhila Poruri, Jennie Burke, Peter J. Mayne, Eva Sapi, Douglas G. Kahn, Raphael B. Stricker
Association Of Spirochetal Infection With Morgellons Disease, Marianne J. Middelveen, Divya Burugu, Akhila Poruri, Jennie Burke, Peter J. Mayne, Eva Sapi, Douglas G. Kahn, Raphael B. Stricker
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Morgellons disease (MD) is an emerging multisystem illness characterized by skin lesions with unusual filaments embedded in or projecting from epithelial tissue. Filament formation results from abnormal keratin and collagen expression by epithelial-based keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Recent research comparing MD to bovine digital dermatitis, an animal infectious disease with similar skin features, provided clues that spirochetal infection could play an important role in the human disease as it does in the animal illness. Based on histological staining, immunofluorescent staining, electron microscopic imaging and polymerase chain reaction, we report the detection of Borrelia spirochetes in dermatological tissue of four randomly-selected MD …
Improved Culture Conditions For The Growth And Detection Of Borrelia From Human Serum, Eva Sapi, Namrata Pabbati, Akshita Datar, Ellen M. Davies, Amy Rattelle, Bruce A. Kuo
Improved Culture Conditions For The Growth And Detection Of Borrelia From Human Serum, Eva Sapi, Namrata Pabbati, Akshita Datar, Ellen M. Davies, Amy Rattelle, Bruce A. Kuo
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
In this report we present a method to cultivate Borrelia spirochetes from human serum samples with high efficiency. This method incorporates improved sample collection, optimization of culture media and use of matrix protein. The method was first optimized utilizing Borrelia laboratory strains, and later by demonstrating growth of Borrelia from sera from fifty seropositive Lyme disease patients followed by another cohort of 72 Lyme disease patients, all of whom satisfied the strict CDC surveillance case definition for Lyme disease. The procedure resulted in positive cultures in 47% at 6 days and 94% at week 16. Negative controls included 48 cases. …
Characterization Of Biofilm Formation By Borrelia Burgdorferi In Vitro, Eva Sapi, Scott L. Bastian, Cedric L. Mpoy, Shernea Scott, Amy Rattelle, Namrata Pabbati, Akhila Poruri, Divya Burugu, Priyanka A. Theophilus, Truc V. Pham, Akshita Datar, Navroop K. Dhaliwal, Alan Macdonald, Michael J. Rossi, Saion K. Sinha, David F. Luecke
Characterization Of Biofilm Formation By Borrelia Burgdorferi In Vitro, Eva Sapi, Scott L. Bastian, Cedric L. Mpoy, Shernea Scott, Amy Rattelle, Namrata Pabbati, Akhila Poruri, Divya Burugu, Priyanka A. Theophilus, Truc V. Pham, Akshita Datar, Navroop K. Dhaliwal, Alan Macdonald, Michael J. Rossi, Saion K. Sinha, David F. Luecke
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, has long been known to be capable of forming aggregates and colonies. It was recently demonstrated that Borrelia burgdorferi aggregate formation dramatically changes the in vitro response to hostile environments by this pathogen. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that these aggregates are indeed biofilms, structures whose resistance to unfavorable conditions are well documented. We studied Borrelia burgdorferi for several known hallmark features of biofilm, including structural rearrangements in the aggregates, variations in development on various substrate matrices and secretion of a protective extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix using several modes …
Evaluation Of In-Vitro Antibiotic Susceptibility Of Different Morphological Forms Of Borrelia Burgdorferi, Eva Sapi, Navroop Kaur, Samuel Anyanwu, David Luecke, Akshita Datar, Seema Patel, Michael J. Rossi, Raphael B. Stricker
Evaluation Of In-Vitro Antibiotic Susceptibility Of Different Morphological Forms Of Borrelia Burgdorferi, Eva Sapi, Navroop Kaur, Samuel Anyanwu, David Luecke, Akshita Datar, Seema Patel, Michael J. Rossi, Raphael B. Stricker
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Background: Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Although antibiotic therapy is usually effective early in the disease, relapse may occur when administration of antibiotics is discontinued. Studies have suggested that resistance and recurrence of Lyme disease might be due to formation of different morphological forms of B. burgdorferi, namely round bodies (cysts) and biofilm-like colonies. Better understanding of the effect of antibiotics on all morphological forms of B. burgdorferi is therefore crucial to provide effective therapy for Lyme disease. Methods: Three morphological forms of B. burgdorferi (spirochetes, round bodies, and biofilmlike colonies) were generated …
Intermediate Frequency Ac Signal Analysis For Bionanosensor, Veshal Desai, Srisowmya Sanisetty, Benjamin Steber, Eva Sapi, Bouzid Aliane, Saion K. Sinha, Prabir Patra
Intermediate Frequency Ac Signal Analysis For Bionanosensor, Veshal Desai, Srisowmya Sanisetty, Benjamin Steber, Eva Sapi, Bouzid Aliane, Saion K. Sinha, Prabir Patra
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Nanobiosensors are devices which incorporate nanomaterials to detect miniscule quantities of biological and chemical agents. The authors have already developed a novel bionanosensor (BNS) for quick, efficient, and precise detection of bacterial pathogens using the principles of CNT-DNA interaction and DNA hybridization. The detection ability of the (BNS) was observed to be independent of the device resistance. Two new methods (low-pass filter (LPF) and curve fitting (CF)) were developed for better analysis of the BNS. These methods successfully model the BNS. Evidence is provided to elucidate the success of the model, which can explain the DNA hybridization on the sensor …
Changes In Habitat Heterogeneity Alter Marine Sessile Benthic Communities, Pablo Munguia, Richard W. Osman, John Hamilton, Robert B. Whitlatch, Roman Zajac
Changes In Habitat Heterogeneity Alter Marine Sessile Benthic Communities, Pablo Munguia, Richard W. Osman, John Hamilton, Robert B. Whitlatch, Roman Zajac
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Habitat heterogeneity is considered an important mechanism influencing diversity patterns in spatially structured habitats. However, spatial heterogeneity is not static and it can change along temporal scales. These changes, whether gradual or rapid, have the potential of forcing species extinctions or facilitating the introduction of nonnative species. Here, we present modeling results that show how changes in spatial heterogeneity over several generations can produce strong changes in benthic species composition residing in eastern Long Island Sound, USA. For many benthic species, hard substrate is a limiting resource which can vary in availability among different coastal areas. We modeled gradual changes …
Ecological Thresholds In Marine Communities: Theory, Experiments And Management. In Threshold Dynamics In Marine Coastal Systems (Theme Section), Richard W. Osman, Pablo Munguia, Roman Zajac
Ecological Thresholds In Marine Communities: Theory, Experiments And Management. In Threshold Dynamics In Marine Coastal Systems (Theme Section), Richard W. Osman, Pablo Munguia, Roman Zajac
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
There is increasing interest in the resilience of marine and estuarine populations, communities and ecosystems, and their rapid change when stresses reach some threshold or tipping point. Current research on thresholds is altering our understanding of these systems, the processes by which they change, and our approach to their management and restoration. In this Theme Section conceptual, modeling, and empirical studies explore threshold dynamics in marine coastal systems in a variety of habitats and across different scales. The contributions provide a window on present research, highlight some of the issues being debated, and point to some of the potential applications …
Conservation Of Intron And Intein Insertion Sites: Implications For Life Histories Of Parasitic Genetic Elements, Kristen Swithers, Ali Senejani, Gregory P. Fournier, Peter J. Gogarten
Conservation Of Intron And Intein Insertion Sites: Implications For Life Histories Of Parasitic Genetic Elements, Kristen Swithers, Ali Senejani, Gregory P. Fournier, Peter J. Gogarten
Biology and Environmental Science Faculty Publications
Background: Inteins and introns are genetic elements that are removed from proteins and RNA after translation or transcription, respectively. Previous studies have suggested that these genetic elements are found in conserved parts of the host protein. To our knowledge this type of analysis has not been done for group II introns residing within a gene. Here we provide quantitative statistical support from an analyses of proteins that host inteins, group I introns, group II introns and spliceosomal introns across all three domains of life. Results: To determine whether or not inteins, group I, group II, and spliceosomal introns are found …