32 results on '"Ken-Dror S"'
Search Results
2. Recent trends in the epidemiology of non-typhoidal Salmonella in Israel, 1999—2009
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BASSAL, R., REISFELD, A., ANDORN, N., YISHAI, R., NISSAN, I., AGMON, V., PELED, N., BLOCK, C., KELLER, N., KENES, Y., TARAN, D., SCHEMBERG, B., KEN-DROR, S., ROUACH, T., CITRON, B., BERMAN, E., GREEN, M. S., SHOHAT, T., and COHEN, D. more...
- Published
- 2012
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Catalog
3. Biosynthetic Threonine Deaminase Gene of Tomato: Isolation, Structure, and Upregulation in Floral Organs
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Samach, A., Hareven, D., Gutfinger, T., Ken-Dror, S., and Lifschitz, E.
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- 1991
4. Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Staphylococcus saprophyticus Bacteriuria in Israel
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Colodner, R., Ken-Dror, S., Kavenshtock, B., Chazan, B., and Raz, R.
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- 2006
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5. Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of patients with staphylococcus saprophyticus bacteriuria in Israel
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R. Colodner, Ken-Dror, S., Kavenshtock, B., Chazan, B., and Raz, R.
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Israel -- Health aspects ,Staphylococcal infections -- Risk factors ,Staphylococcal infections -- Development and progression ,Staphylococcal infections -- Care and treatment ,Health - Published
- 2006
6. Recent trends in the epidemiology of non-typhoidalSalmonellain Israel, 1999–2009
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BASSAL, R., primary, REISFELD, A., additional, ANDORN, N., additional, YISHAI, R., additional, NISSAN, I., additional, AGMON, V., additional, PELED, N., additional, BLOCK, C., additional, KELLER, N., additional, KENES, Y., additional, TARAN, D., additional, SCHEMBERG, B., additional, KEN-DROR, S., additional, ROUACH, T., additional, CITRON, B., additional, BERMAN, E., additional, GREEN, M. S., additional, SHOHAT, T., additional, and COHEN, D., additional more...
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- 2011
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7. Atrial natriuretic peptide and endothelin concentrations in human milk during postpartum lactation
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Ken-Dror, S, primary, Weintraub, Z, additional, Yechiely, H, additional, and Kahana, L, additional
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- 2008
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8. Role of betaine in the control of respiration and osmoregulation of a halotolerant bacterium.
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Ken-Dror, S., Preger, R., and Avi-Dor, Y.
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- 1986
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9. Atrial natriuretic peptide and endothelin concentrations in human milk during postpartum lactation.
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Ken-Dror, S, Weintraub, Z, Yechiely, H, and Kahana, L
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- 1997
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10. Non- Tuberculous mycobacterial infection and pulmonary disease In Northern Israel: a focus on M. simiae.
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Even-Dar R, Raz I, Brodsky M, Stein N, Adir Y, Saliba W, Ken-Dror S, Debbiny RN, Cohen R, and Shteinberg M
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Background: The prevalence of non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria pulmonary disease (NTM-pd) is rising globally. Previously, we described a high prevalence of M. simiae isolation in Israel., Research Questions: What is the prevalence of NTM-pd and M. simiae-pd in Northern Israel? Which factors are associated with mortality among people with NTM?, Study Design and Methods: We retrospectively recorded all samples from Clalit Health Services- Haifa district reference mycobacteria laboratory for growth of NTM, between January 2010 and March 2021. We manually reviewed a random sample of corresponding patients' electronic medical files and extracted demographic, clinical, and radiological data, as well as data on the course of the disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess factors associated with features of NTM-pd and mortality., Results: 2968 clinical isolates from 1501 people yielded NTM species. The relative abundance of M. simiae, MAC and other species increased over the study period. Among the 550 patients' files reviewed, clinical presentation, fulfilment of established criteria for NTM-pulmonary disease, and mortality rates were not significantly different between patients with M. simiae, MAC and M. kansassi/szulgai species, with 27.7, 35.3, and 27.8% of people fulfilling criteria for NTM-pd. Factors associated with mortality included age, male sex, and immunosuppression. Compared to MAC isolation, M. simiae was associated with elevated mortality: HR 1.84 (95% CI 1.05-3.23). The extrapolated national annual incidence rate of NTM- pd was 1.7-2.0:100,000 population., Interpretation: Infection with M.simiae is prevalent in Israel, and although considered minimally pathogenic, demonstrated similar clinical and radiologic features to MAC-pd., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.) more...
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- 2024
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11. The epidemiology of intestinal protozoa in the Israeli population based on molecular stool test: a nationwide study.
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Peretz A, Azrad M, Ken-Dror S, Strauss M, Sagas D, Parizada M, Loewnthal S, Amichay D, Ben Horin N, Shenhar Y, Sagi O, Bazarsky E, Amit S, and Schwartz E
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- Humans, Israel epidemiology, Child, Child, Preschool, Adult, Adolescent, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Infant, Young Adult, Aged, Prevalence, Blastocystis isolation & purification, Blastocystis genetics, Blastocystis classification, Protozoan Infections epidemiology, Protozoan Infections diagnosis, Protozoan Infections parasitology, Dientamoeba isolation & purification, Dientamoeba genetics, Entamoeba histolytica isolation & purification, Entamoeba histolytica genetics, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction methods, Infant, Newborn, Aged, 80 and over, Microscopy methods, Cyclospora isolation & purification, Cyclospora genetics, Feces parasitology, Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic epidemiology, Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic diagnosis, Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic parasitology, Giardia lamblia isolation & purification, Giardia lamblia genetics, Cryptosporidium isolation & purification, Cryptosporidium genetics
- Abstract
Stool examination using microscopy was the traditional method for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites. Recently, the use of molecular tests to identify stool protozoa has become the main tool used in most clinical laboratories in Israel. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Israel and to compare this prevalence in laboratories that use molecular tests vs a laboratory that uses microscopy. Samples collected from January to October 2021 at seven laboratories were analyzed by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) or by microscopy. The multiplex panel included the following pathogens: Giardia lamblia , Entamoeba histolytica , Cryptosporidium spp. , Cyclospora , Dientamoeba fragilis , and Blastocystis spp . Overall, 138,415 stool samples were tested by RT-PCR and 6,444 by microscopy. At least one protozoa species was identified in 28.4% of the PCR-tested samples compared to 4.6% of the microscopy-tested samples. D. fragilis was the most common PCR-identified species (29%). D. fragilis , G. lamblia , and Cryptosporidium spp . were mainly found in pediatric population, while Blastocystis spp . was most prevalent among adults ( P < 0.001). In a sub-cohort of 21,480 samples, co-infection was found in 4,113 (19.15%) samples, with Blastocystis spp . and D. fragilis being the most common (14.9%) pair. Molecular stool testing proved more sensitive compared to microscopy. D. fragilis was the most commonly detected pathogen. The above profile was identified during the COVID pandemic when traveling was highly restricted and most likely represents the locally circulating protozoa., Importance: This study sheds light on the prevalence of stool parasites in Israel. Additionally, this study indicates that the shift from microscope analysis to molecular tests improved protozoa diagnosis., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. more...
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- 2024
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12. Twenty-five years of sentinel laboratory-based surveillance of shigellosis in a high-income country endemic for the disease, Israel, 1998 to 2022.
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Cohen D, Treygerman O, Ken-Dror S, Sagi O, Strauss M, Parizade M, Goren S, Ezernitchi AV, Rokney A, Keinan-Boker L, and Bassal R
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- Humans, Israel epidemiology, Child, Child, Preschool, Incidence, Adolescent, Infant, Male, Female, Adult, Middle Aged, Young Adult, COVID-19 epidemiology, SARS-CoV-2, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Aged, Diarrhea epidemiology, Diarrhea microbiology, Infant, Newborn, Drug Resistance, Bacterial, Dysentery, Bacillary epidemiology, Dysentery, Bacillary microbiology, Dysentery, Bacillary diagnosis, Sentinel Surveillance, Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology, Anti-Bacterial Agents therapeutic use, Shigella sonnei isolation & purification, Shigella sonnei drug effects
- Abstract
Background Shigella is a leading cause of moderate-to-severe diarrhoea worldwide and diarrhoeal deaths in children in low- and-middle-income countries.AimWe investigated trends and characteristics of shigellosis and antimicrobial resistance of Shigella sonnei in Israel.MethodsWe analysed data generated by the Sentinel Laboratory-Based Surveillance Network for Enteric Pathogens that systematically collects data on detection of Shigella at sentinel laboratories, along with the characterisation of the isolates at the Shigella National Reference Laboratory. Trends in the shigellosis incidence were assessed using Joinpoint regression and interrupted time-series analyses.ResultsThe average incidence of culture-confirmed shigellosis in Israel declined from 114 per 100,000 population (95% confidence interval (CI): 112-115) 1998-2004 to 80 per 100,000 population (95% CI: 79-82) 2005-2011. This rate remained stable 2012-2019, being 18-32 times higher than that reported from the United States or European high-income countries. After decreasing to its lowest values during the COVID-19 pandemic years (19/100,000 in 2020 and 5/100,000 in 2021), the incidence of culture-confirmed shigellosis increased to 39 per 100,000 population in 2022. Shigella sonnei is the most common serogroup, responsible for a cyclic occurrence of propagated epidemics, and the proportion of Shigella flexneri has decreased. Simultaneous resistance of S. sonnei to ceftriaxone, ampicillin and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim increased from 8.5% (34/402) in 2020 to 92.0% (801/876) in 2022.ConclusionsThese findings reinforce the need for continuous laboratory-based surveillance and inform the primary and secondary prevention strategies for shigellosis in Israel and other endemic high-income countries or communities. more...
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- 2024
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13. Characterization of community-acquired Clostridioides difficile strains in Israel, 2020-2022.
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Schwartz O, Rohana H, Azrad M, Shor A, Rainy N, Maor Y, Nesher L, Sagi O, Ken-Dror S, Kechker P, and Peretz A
- Abstract
Background: The prevalence of community-acquired Clostridioides difficile infection (CA-CDI) has been rising, due to changes in antibiotics prescribing practices, emergence of hypervirulent strains and improved diagnostics. This study explored CA-CDI epidemiology by examining strain diversity and virulence factors of CA-CDI isolates collected across several geographical regions in Israel., Methods: Stool samples of 126 CA-CDI patients were subjected to PCR and an immunoassay to identify toxin genes and proteins, respectively. Toxin loci PaLoc and PaCdt were detected by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Biofilm production was assessed by crystal violet-based assay. Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined using the Etest technique or agar dilution. WGS and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) were used to classify strains and investigate genetic diversity., Results: Sequence types (ST) 2 (17, 13.5%), ST42 (13, 10.3%), ST104 (10, 8%) and ST11 (9, 7.1%) were the most common. All (117, 92.8%) but ST11 belonged to Clade 1. No associations were found between ST and gender, geographic area or antibiotic susceptibility. Although all strains harbored toxins genes, 34 (27%) produced toxin A only, and 54 (42.9%) strains produced toxin B only; 38 (30.2%) produced both toxins. Most isolates were biofilm-producers (118, 93.6%), primarily weak producers (83/118, 70.3%). ST was significantly associated with both biofilm and toxin production., Conclusion: C. difficile isolates in Israel community exhibit high ST diversity, with no dominant strain. Other factors may influence the clinical outcomes of CDI such as toxin production, antibiotic resistance and biofilm production. Further studies are needed to better understand the dynamics and influence of these factors on CA-CDI., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Schwartz, Rohana, Azrad, Shor, Rainy, Maor, Nesher, Sagi, Ken-Dror, Kechker and Peretz.) more...
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- 2023
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14. Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of antimicrobial resistance in Nocardia species.
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Hershko Y, Levytskyi K, Rannon E, Assous MV, Ken-Dror S, Amit S, Ben-Zvi H, Sagi O, Schwartz O, Sorek N, Szwarcwort M, Barkan D, Burstein D, and Adler A
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- Humans, Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology, Anti-Bacterial Agents therapeutic use, Amikacin, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Drug Resistance, Bacterial genetics, Nocardia Infections drug therapy, Nocardia Infections microbiology, Nocardia genetics, Anti-Infective Agents pharmacology
- Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance is common in Nocardia species but data regarding the molecular mechanisms beyond their resistance traits are limited. Our study aimed to determine the species distribution, the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and investigate the associations between the resistance traits and their genotypic determinants., Methods: The study included 138 clinical strains of Nocardia from nine Israeli microbiology laboratories. MIC values of 12 antimicrobial agents were determined using broth microdilution. WGS was performed on 129 isolates of the eight predominant species. Bioinformatic analysis included phylogeny and determination of antimicrobial resistance genes and mutations., Results: Among the isolates, Nocardia cyriacigeorgica was the most common species (36%), followed by Nocardia farcinica (16%), Nocardia wallacei (13%), Nocardia abscessus (9%) and Nocardia brasiliensis (8%). Linezolid was active against all isolates, followed by trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (93%) and amikacin (91%). Resistance to other antibiotics was species-specific, often associated with the presence of resistance genes or mutations: (1) aph(2″) in N. farcinica and N. wallacei (resistance to tobramycin); (ii) blaAST-1 in N. cyriacigeorgica and Nocardia neocaledoniensis (resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanate); (iii) blaFAR-1 in N. farcinica (resistance to ceftriaxone); (iv) Ser83Ala substitution in the gyrA gene in four species (resistance to ciprofloxacin); and (v) the 16S rRNA m1A1408 methyltransferase in N. wallacei isolates (correlating with amikacin resistance)., Conclusions: Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of Nocardia species diversity, antibiotic resistance patterns, and the molecular basis of antimicrobial resistance. Resistance appears to follow species-related patterns, suggesting a lesser role for de novo evolution or transmission of antimicrobial resistance., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.) more...
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- 2023
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15. Trends in the Epidemiology of Non-Typhoidal Salmonellosis in Israel between 2010 and 2021.
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Bassal R, Davidovich-Cohen M, Yakunin E, Rokney A, Ken-Dror S, Strauss M, Wolf T, Sagi O, Amit S, Moran-Gilad J, Treygerman O, Karyo R, Keinan-Boker L, and Cohen D
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- Humans, Israel epidemiology, Salmonella, Serogroup, Disease Outbreaks, Salmonella Infections epidemiology
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Non-typhoidal salmonellosis (NTS) is one of the most common foodborne diseases worldwide. In this study, we aimed to analyze trends in the epidemiology of NTS in the last decade in Israel. Laboratory-confirmed cases of NTS at eight sentinel laboratories were reported to the Israel Sentinel Laboratory-Based Surveillance Network, integrated with the serotype identification performed at the Salmonella National Reference Laboratory of the Ministry of Health. The decrease in NTS incidence since 1999 continued between 2010 and 2014 (16.1 per 100,000 in 2014) and was interrupted by a rise between 2015 and 2017 (39.1 per 100,000 in 2017) associated with outbreaks of Salmonella Enteritidis. The incidence of NTS dropped again thereafter (21.4 per 100,000 in 2021). The 0-4 age group was the most affected by NTS (55.5% of the cases) throughout the surveillance period. The age-adjusted incidence rates were consistently high in the summer months (June-September) and low in the winter months (December-February). The overall decrease in the incidence of NTS in Israel since 1999 was temporarily interrupted in the last decade by country-wide outbreaks involving emerging or re-emerging Salmonella serotypes. Control measures should be enhanced for all risk points of food chain transmission of Salmonella spp. to further reduce the NTS morbidity in Israel. more...
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- 2023
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16. Evidence for increased breakthrough rates of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in BNT162b2-mRNA-vaccinated individuals.
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Kustin T, Harel N, Finkel U, Perchik S, Harari S, Tahor M, Caspi I, Levy R, Leshchinsky M, Ken Dror S, Bergerzon G, Gadban H, Gadban F, Eliassian E, Shimron O, Saleh L, Ben-Zvi H, Keren Taraday E, Amichay D, Ben-Dor A, Sagas D, Strauss M, Shemer Avni Y, Huppert A, Kepten E, Balicer RD, Netzer D, Ben-Shachar S, and Stern A more...
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- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, BNT162 Vaccine, COVID-19 epidemiology, Child, Child, Preschool, Female, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Male, Middle Aged, COVID-19 virology, COVID-19 Vaccines administration & dosage, RNA, Messenger genetics, SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity
- Abstract
The BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine is highly effective against SARS-CoV-2. However, apprehension exists that variants of concern (VOCs) may evade vaccine protection, due to evidence of reduced neutralization of the VOCs B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 by vaccine sera in laboratory assays. We performed a matched cohort study to examine the distribution of VOCs in infections of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccinees from Clalit Health Services (Israel) using viral genomic sequencing, and hypothesized that if vaccine effectiveness against a VOC is reduced, its proportion among breakthrough cases would be higher than in unvaccinated controls. Analyzing 813 viral genome sequences from nasopharyngeal swabs, we showed that vaccinees who tested positive at least 7 days after the second dose were disproportionally infected with B.1.351, compared with controls. Those who tested positive between 2 weeks after the first dose and 6 days after the second dose were disproportionally infected by B.1.1.7. These findings suggest reduced vaccine effectiveness against both VOCs within particular time windows. Our results emphasize the importance of rigorously tracking viral variants, and of increasing vaccination to prevent the spread of VOCs., (© 2021. The Author(s).) more...
- Published
- 2021
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17. Tsukamurella pulmonis conjunctivitis in patients with an underlying nasolacrimal duct obstruction - report of two cases.
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Kechker P, Senderovich Y, Ken-Dror S, Laviad-Shitrit S, and Halpern M
- Abstract
Tsukamurella pulmonis ( Actinobacteria ), a Gram-positive, obligate aerobic and weakly or variably acid-fast bacterium, is an opportunistic pathogen. Here we report two cases of conjunctivitis caused by T. pulmonis . Both patients had a previous history of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Isolation of T. pulmonis was performed on chocolate, tryptic soy blood and Columbia nalidixic agars. After 24 h of incubation, odourless, white-greyish, membrane-like colonies were observed. The VITEK-2 bacterial identifier system failed to identify the species, while Vitek-MS matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight technology, successfully identified the isolate from case 2 but not from case 1. Final identification was verified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. An antibiogram was performed and according to the results cefazoline in addition to vancomycin eye drops for 5 days, were suggested as a treatment in case 1. In case 2 the infection was ended without treatment. This is the first report of Tsukamurella as a pathogen that causes conjunctivitis in patients with NLDO., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest., (© 2021 The Authors.) more...
- Published
- 2020
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18. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with Escherichia coli in airway samples.
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Schneer S, Khoury J, Adir Y, Stein N, Shaked Mishan P, Ken-Dror S, Weber G, Meler R, Khateeb A, and Shteinberg M
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- Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Anti-Bacterial Agents classification, Bronchiectasis epidemiology, Bronchiectasis microbiology, Case-Control Studies, Community-Acquired Infections epidemiology, Community-Acquired Infections microbiology, Cross Infection epidemiology, Cross Infection mortality, Cystic Fibrosis epidemiology, Cystic Fibrosis microbiology, Drug Resistance, Bacterial, Escherichia coli growth & development, Escherichia coli Infections epidemiology, Escherichia coli Infections microbiology, Female, Hospitalization, Humans, Male, Microbial Sensitivity Tests methods, Middle Aged, Respiratory Tract Infections mortality, Anti-Bacterial Agents therapeutic use, Escherichia coli isolation & purification, Respiratory Tract Infections drug therapy, Sputum microbiology
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Purposes: Escherichia coli is one of the most common pathogens in nosocomial and community-acquired infections, but is an uncommon respiratory pathogen. However, this pathogen may at times be seen in respiratory secretions. The study aims to determine the clinical and prognostic value of E. coli in respiratory secretions., Methods: Cultures of respiratory secretions from hospitalized and outpatients between 2009 and 2016 were screened for isolation of E. coli. We defined three groups of patients: "Sensitive (S)"-growth of E. coli sensitive to all antimicrobials tested; Intermediate (I)-resistant to 1-2 antimicrobial classes; and "Resistant (R)"-resistant to at least three antibiotic classes. We compared factors associated with resistant strains and outcomes between the groups., Results: Eighty patients with E. coli isolates from respiratory secretions were identified while screening 177 712 (4.5: 10 000 samples). Of the E. Coli-positive cultures, 11 were from ambulatory patients, 31 patients were hospitalized and 37 were hospitalized and intubated. Ten people had bronchiectasis and 29 had COPD. Patients with resistant E. coli had significantly more hospitalization days prior to positive culture (S = 1.2 ± 1.89 days, I = 1.23 ± 1.5 days and R = 3.7 ± 5.4 days, respectively; P = 0.002). Mortality was higher in patients with a resistant strain (R) versus (I) or (S) (76.7%, 31.8% and 26.7%, respectively; P < 0.0001) and remained significantly elevated after correction for prior hospital days., Conclusions: Pulmonary infection due to E. coli is uncommon. Isolation of resistant E. coli is associated with length of previous hospitalization, elevated mortality and may be viewed as a nosocomial pathogen., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.) more...
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- 2020
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19. Molecular typing of Cryptosporidium in Israel.
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Grossman T, Ken-Dror S, Pavlotzky E, Vainer J, Glazer Y, Sagi O, Peretz A, Agmon V, Marva E, and Valinsky L
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- Adult, Child, Cryptosporidiosis diagnosis, Disease Outbreaks, Feces parasitology, Female, Geography, Medical, Humans, Incidence, Israel epidemiology, Male, Prevalence, Seasons, Cryptosporidiosis epidemiology, Cryptosporidiosis parasitology, Cryptosporidium classification, Cryptosporidium genetics, Genotype, Molecular Typing
- Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite associated with gastrointestinal illness. In immune-compromised individuals, the infection may become life-threatening. Cryptosporidiosis is a mandatory-reported disease but little was known about its prevalence and associated morbidity in Israel. Currently, laboratory diagnosis is based on microscopy or copro-antigen tests and the disease is underreported. Molecular assays, which are more sensitive and specific, are now increasingly used for identification and screening. Here, the molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis is explored for the first time. Samples from 33 patients infected during an outbreak of 146 laboratory confirmed cases that occurred in Haifa and Western Galilee in 2015 were genotyped, as well as samples from 36 patients sporadically infected during 2014-2018 in different regions. The results suggest that Cryptosporidium subtypes found in Israel are more similar to those reported in the neighboring countries Jordan and Egypt than in European countries. C. hominis was the predominant species in the center and the north of Israel, implicating human-to-human transmission. C. hominis IeA11G3T3 was the most prevalent subtype contributing to morbidity., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. more...
- Published
- 2019
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20. Prevalence, risk factors and prognosis of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection among people with bronchiectasis: a population survey.
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Shteinberg M, Stein N, Adir Y, Ken-Dror S, Shitrit D, Bendayan D, Fuks L, and Saliba W
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- Age Factors, Aged, Antibiotics, Antitubercular therapeutic use, Databases, Factual statistics & numerical data, Demography, Female, Humans, Israel epidemiology, Male, Middle Aged, Population Surveillance, Prevalence, Prognosis, Risk Factors, Socioeconomic Factors, Bronchiectasis diagnosis, Bronchiectasis epidemiology, Bronchiectasis microbiology, Bronchiectasis therapy, Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous diagnosis, Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous epidemiology, Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous therapy, Nontuberculous Mycobacteria isolation & purification, Patient Care Management methods, Patient Care Management statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: M. Shteinberg reports having received research grants from Novartis and Trudell Pharma, travel grants from Actelion, BI, GSK and Rafa, and speaker's fees from BI, GSK, AstraZeneca, Teva and Novartis, and is a member of the EMBARC collaboration. Conflict of interest: Y. Adir reports having received travel grants from Actelion, BI, GSK and Rafa, and speaker's fees from BI, GSK, AstraZeneca, Teva and Novartis. more...
- Published
- 2018
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21. Otitis Media Caused by V. cholerae O100: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
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Kechker P, Senderovich Y, Ken-Dror S, Laviad-Shitrit S, Arakawa E, and Halpern M
- Abstract
Infections due to Vibrio cholerae are rarely documented in Israel. Here we report a case of recurrent otitis media in a young male, caused by V. cholerae non-O1/O139. This extra-intestinal infection was caused by V. cholerae O100 and has been associated with freshwater exposure and travel. Symptoms of chronic periodic earaches along with purulent exudate began about one week after the patient suffered a water skiing accident on a river in Australia. The condition lasted for three years, until his ear exudate was examined in a clinical laboratory, diagnosed and treated. Five bacterial isolates were identified as V. cholerae O100. The isolates were screened for genetic characteristics and were found positive for the presence of hapA , hlyA , and ompU virulence genes. All isolates were negative for the presence of ctxA . Based on antibiogram susceptibility testing, ciprofloxacin ear drops were used until the patient's symptoms disappeared. This case demonstrates that exposure to freshwater can cause otitis media by V. cholerae non-O1/O139 in young and otherwise healthy humans. more...
- Published
- 2017
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22. Trends in the Epidemiology of Campylobacteriosis in Israel (1999-2012).
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Bassal R, Lerner L, Valinsky L, Agmon V, Peled N, Block C, Keller N, Keness Y, Taran D, Shainberg B, Ken-Dror S, Treygerman O, Rouach T, Lowenthal S, Shohat T, and Cohen D
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- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Arabs, Campylobacter isolation & purification, Campylobacter Infections microbiology, Child, Child, Preschool, Epidemiological Monitoring, Feces microbiology, Female, Gastrointestinal Diseases microbiology, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Israel epidemiology, Israel ethnology, Jews, Laboratories, Male, Middle Aged, Risk Factors, Sex Factors, Young Adult, Campylobacter Infections epidemiology, Foodborne Diseases microbiology
- Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the recent trends in the epidemiology of campylobacteriosis in Israel. A Sentinel Laboratory-Based Surveillance Network for Bacterial Enteric Diseases was established in Israel by the Israel Center for Disease Control (ICDC). This network generated data on subjects from whom Campylobacter spp. was isolated in community and hospital laboratories. Further characterization of the isolates was done at the Campylobacter National Reference Laboratory. Data from these two sources were integrated and analyzed at the ICDC. Between 1999 and 2012, 40,978 Campylobacter stool isolates were reported to the ICDC by the sentinel laboratories. The incidence rate of campylobacteriosis increased from 65.7 per 100,000 in 1999 to 101.7 per 100,000 in 2012. This increase resulted from a significant rise in the incidence of campylobacteriosis in the Jewish population which, since 2009, surpassed the consistent higher incidence of the disease in Israeli Arabs. The peak morbidity in Israel consistently occurred in late spring, with a risk excess in males compared with females, in younger age groups and earlier in the life span among Arabs than among Jews and others. These results suggest that further analytical studies should be carried out to identify risk factors responsible for the increased incidence of campylobacteriosis and better direct prevention and control of the disease in Israel. more...
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- 2016
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23. Evaluation of the NanoCHIP® Gastrointestinal Panel (GIP) Test for Simultaneous Detection of Parasitic and Bacterial Enteric Pathogens in Fecal Specimens.
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Ken Dror S, Pavlotzky E, and Barak M
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- Animals, Humans, Prospective Studies, Reproducibility of Results, Retrospective Studies, Bacteria genetics, Feces microbiology, Feces parasitology, Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis methods, Parasites genetics
- Abstract
Infectious gastroenteritis is a global health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial to allow appropriate and timely treatment. Current laboratory stool testing has a long turnaround time (TAT) and demands highly qualified personnel and multiple techniques. The need for high throughput and the number of possible enteric pathogens compels the implementation of a molecular approach which uses multiplex technology, without compromising performance requirements. In this work we evaluated the feasibility of the NanoCHIP® Gastrointestinal Panel (GIP) (Savyon Diagnostics, Ashdod, IL), a molecular microarray-based screening test, to be used in the routine workflow of our laboratory, a big outpatient microbiology laboratory. The NanoCHIP® GIP test provides simultaneous detection of nine major enteric bacteria and parasites: Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Giardia sp., Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Dientamoeba fragilis, and Blastocystis spp. The required high-throughput was obtained by the NanoCHIP® detection system together with the MagNA Pure 96 DNA purification system (Roche Diagnostics Ltd., Switzerland). This combined system has demonstrated a higher sensitivity and detection yield compared to the conventional methods in both, retrospective and prospective samples. The identification of multiple parasites and bacteria in a single test also enabled increased efficiency of detecting mixed infections, as well as reduced hands-on time and work load. In conclusion, the combination of these two automated systems is a proper response to the laboratory needs in terms of improving laboratory workflow, turn-around-time, minimizing human errors and can be efficiently integrated in the routine work of the laboratory. more...
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
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24. Rapid diagnosis of acanthamoeba keratitis using non-nutrient agar with a lawn of E. coli.
- Author
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Borin S, Feldman I, Ken-Dror S, and Briscoe D
- Abstract
Background: A patient presented with a corneal foreign body in his only eye. He was treated with prophylactic antibiotics and sent home, but deteriorated., Findings: He returned to the hospital 5 days later, and on slit-lamp examination, there was ciliary injection, corneal oedema and a 1 mm × 1 mm corneal abscess with mild anterior uveitis. Corneal scrapings were taken for culture on a non-nutrient agar with a lawn of Escherichia coli, on chocolate agar and on blood agar. He was treated with fortified gentamicin and cefazolin drops. He improved and was discharged 4 days after admission. On day 5, the culture results showed acanthamoeba. He was brought back to the hospital and treated with hourly chlorhexidine drops, ofloxacin six times daily and neomycin/dexamethasone drops once daily. On day 7, he was discharged to continue treatment at home, at which time his visual acuity in that eye was 6/9, and slit-lamp examination showed punctate keratitis and a stromal opacity with mild peripheral infiltration., Conclusions: Culture on non-nutrient agar with a lawn of E. coli is a rapid, reliable and less invasive alternative to corneal biopsy for the diagnosis of acanthamoeba infection. We suggest using this method where acanthamoeba is suspected. Owing to the risk of corneal abscess, orthokeratology should be avoided in an amblyopic patient or an only eye. Acanthamoeba infection may be masked by other eye diseases. more...
- Published
- 2013
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25. A molecular study on the prevalence and virulence potential of Aeromonas spp. recovered from patients suffering from diarrhea in Israel.
- Author
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Senderovich Y, Ken-Dror S, Vainblat I, Blau D, Izhaki I, and Halpern M
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aeromonas classification, Aeromonas isolation & purification, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Anti-Infective Agents therapeutic use, Bacterial Proteins genetics, Child, Child, Preschool, Diarrhea drug therapy, Feces microbiology, Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections drug therapy, Humans, Infant, Israel epidemiology, Middle Aged, Molecular Sequence Data, Phylogeny, Prevalence, Virulence Factors, Young Adult, Aeromonas pathogenicity, Diarrhea epidemiology, Diarrhea microbiology, Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections epidemiology, Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections microbiology, Virulence genetics
- Abstract
Background: Species of the genus Aeromonas are native inhabitants of aquatic environments and have recently been considered emerging human pathogens. Although the gastrointestinal tract is by far the most common anatomic site from which aeromonads are recovered, their role as etiologic agents of bacterial diarrhea is still disputed. Aeromonas-associated diarrhea is a phenomenon occurring worldwide; however, the exact prevalence of Aeromonas infections on a global scale is unknown., Methodology/principal Findings: The prevalence and virulence potential of Aeromonas in patients suffering from diarrhea in Israel was studied using molecular methods. 1,033 diarrheal stools were sampled between April and September 2010 and Aeromonas species were identified in 17 (∼2%) patients by sequencing the rpoD gene. Aeromonas species identity and abundance was: A. caviae (65%), A. veronii (29%) and Aeromonas taiwanensis (6%). This is the first clinical record of A. taiwanensis as a diarrheal causative since its recent discovery from a wound infection in a patient in Taiwan. Most of the patients (77%) from which Aeromonas species were isolated were negative for any other pathogens. The patients ranged from 1 to 92 years in age. Aeromonas isolates were found to possess different virulence-associated genes: ahpB (88%), pla/lip/lipH3/apl-1 (71%), act/hlyA/aerA (35%), alt (18%), ast (6%), fla (65%), lafA (41%), TTSS ascV (12%), TTSS ascF-ascG (12%), TTSS-dependent ADP-ribosylating toxins aexU (41%) and aexT (6%) in various combinations. Most of the identified strains were resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics but susceptible to third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics., Conclusions: Aeromonas may be a causative agent of diarrhea in patients in Israel and therefore should be included in routine bacteriological screenings. more...
- Published
- 2012
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26. Identification of the emerging pathogen Vibrio vulnificus biotype 3 by commercially available phenotypic methods.
- Author
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Colodner R, Raz R, Meir I, Lazarovich T, Lerner L, Kopelowitz J, Keness Y, Sakran W, Ken-Dror S, and Bisharat N
- Subjects
- Automation methods, Enzymes analysis, Humans, Phenotype, Serotyping, Vibrio vulnificus enzymology, Vibrio vulnificus genetics, Vibrio vulnificus isolation & purification, Vibrio Infections diagnosis, Vibrio vulnificus pathogenicity
- Abstract
Identification of the emerging pathogen Vibrio vulnificus biotype 3 has become a challenge for clinical laboratories in the last few years. In this study, the abilities of five commercial systems to identify this new species have been evaluated for the first time, using a unique collection of strains. Fifty-one well-documented wild strains of V. vulnificus biotype 3 were processed using API 20 NE, GNI+ Vitek 1 cards, ID-GNB Vitek 2 cards, Neg Combo 20 Microscan panels, and NMIC/ID-5 BD Phoenix panels. The numbers of strains identified as V. vulnificus by ID-GNB, NMIC/ID-5, and GNI+ were 50 (98.0%), 46 (90.2%), and 7 (13.7%), respectively. Neg Combo 20 Microscan panels and API 20 NE were unable to identify any of the strains of this emerging pathogen to the species level and mostly misidentifies them as other species of the Vibrionaceae family. Data on the phenotypic pattern of V. vulnificus biotype 3 when processed in all five systems as presented here could help clinical laboratories in identifying this new pathogen. more...
- Published
- 2004
- Full Text
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27. Altered Phytochrome Regulation of Greening in an aurea Mutant of Tomato.
- Author
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Ken-Dror S and Horwitz BA
- Abstract
A brief pulse of red light accelerates chlorophyll accumulation upon subsequent transfer of dark-grown tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) seedlings to continuous white light. Such potentiation of greening was compared in wild type and an aurea mutant W616. This mutant has been the subject of recent studies of phytochrome phototransduction; its dark-grown seedlings are deficient in phytochrome, and light-grown plants have yellow-green leaves. The rate of greening was slower in the mutant, but the extent (relative to the dark control) of potentiation by the red pulse was similar to that in the wild type. In the wild type, the fluence-response curve for potentiation of greening indicates substantial components in the VLF (very low fluence) and LF (low fluence) ranges. Far-red light could only partially reverse the effect of red. In the aurea mutant, only red light in the LF range was effective, and the effect of red was completely reversed by far-red light. When grown in total darkness, aurea seedlings are also deficient in photoconvertible PChl(ide). Upon transfer to white light, the aurea mutant was defective in both the abundance and light regulation of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding polypeptide(s) [LHC(II)]. The results are consistent with the VLF response in greening being mediated by phytochrome. Furthermore, the data support the hypothesis that light modulates LHC(II) levels through its control of the synthesis of both chlorophyll and its LHC(II) apoproteins. Some, but not all, aspects of the aurea phenotype can be accounted for by the deficiency in photoreception by phytochrome. more...
- Published
- 1990
- Full Text
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28. Uncoupler-stimulated Na+ pump and its possible role in the halotolerant bacterium, Ba.
- Author
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Ken-Dror S, Shnaiderman R, and Avi-Dor Y
- Subjects
- Adenosine Triphosphate metabolism, Carbonyl Cyanide p-Trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone pharmacology, Ethanol pharmacology, Hot Temperature, Kinetics, Oxidative Phosphorylation drug effects, Oxygen Consumption drug effects, Potassium Cyanide pharmacology, Sodium pharmacology, Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers, Bacteria metabolism, Carrier Proteins metabolism, Sodium metabolism, Uncoupling Agents pharmacology
- Abstract
In cells of Ba1 suspended in K salt as the osmoticum, the respiratory rate declined by 80% between the pH values of 6.5 and 8.5. Catalytic amounts of Na+ ions prevented this drop. The possibility that Na+ exerted its effect by an influence on proton fluxes across the membrane (Na+/H+ exchange) was explored. Addition of catalytic amounts of Na+ ions to cells respiring at pH 8.5 elicited an influx of protons and, as a result, the delta pH across the membrane became diminished. delta psi (membrane potential) was not affected by Na+. At pH 6.5, Na+ caused no proton influx. FCCP (carbonylcyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone) collapsed delta psi, but the Na+-dependent proton influx observed at pH 8.5 became enhanced, leading to an inversion of delta pH (more acid inside). When a Na salt was used as the osmoticum, delta pH of reversed polarity was generated by respiration also in the absence of FCCP. Respiring, inverted membrane vesicles responded to a Na+ pulse essentially as the intact cells. Based on the above and some additional findings it is suggested that these Na+-dependent effects are suited to prevent a raise in the intracellular pH over the level which hinders the respiratory activity. It may also play a role in the regulation of intracellular Na salt content. more...
- Published
- 1984
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Regulation of respiration by Na+ and K+ in the halotolerant bacterium, Ba1.
- Author
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Ken-Dror S and Avi-Dor Y
- Subjects
- Carbonyl Cyanide p-Trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone pharmacology, Cytochrome a Group, Cytochrome b Group metabolism, Cytochrome d Group, Cytochromes metabolism, Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide pharmacology, Ethanol pharmacology, Homeostasis, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, NAD metabolism, Succinates metabolism, Succinic Acid, Halobacterium metabolism, Oxygen Consumption drug effects, Potassium pharmacology, Sodium pharmacology
- Abstract
In the obligate aerobe, moderate halophile bacterium, Ba1, the ion composition of the medium was found to have a profound influence on the response of the respiratory system to changes in the external pH. In the pH range 6.5 to 8.5 the respiratory activity either increased or decreased progressively, depending whether K+ or Na+ ions were omitted from the medium. A nearly constant rate of respiration was observed in the entire pH range when both K+ and Na+ were present simultaneously. The stimulatory effect of Na+ was expressed especially in the alkaline pH range, where it induced acidification of the intracellular milieu. It was manifest in whole cells as well as in inverted membrane vesicles, and was not affected by either uncoupler or inhibitor of H+-ATPase. In contrast, the respiratory stimulation induced by K+ was most prominent in the acidic pH range and was accompanied by alkalinization of the internal pH. The effect of K+ was observed only in intact cells. Agents which interfered with energy transfer suppressed the effect of K+. With ethanol as the electron donor, Na+ was found to decrease the extent of reduction of the cellular NAD+ in the aerobic steady state, and to cause increased reduction of the cytochromes. K+ had no appreciable effect on the extent of reduction of any component in the respiratory chain. The implications of the above findings are discussed in relation to the mechanism(s) involved in the cation-mediated regulation of respiration and intracellular pH. more...
- Published
- 1985
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. Functional characterization of the uncoupler-insensitive Na+ pump of the halotolerant bacterium, Ba1.
- Author
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Ken-Dror S, Preger R, and Avi-Dor Y
- Subjects
- Biological Transport, Active, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Oxygen Consumption, Potassium metabolism, Protons, Uncoupling Agents pharmacology, Halobacterium metabolism, Sodium metabolism
- Abstract
Respiration initiates Na+ efflux from Na+-preloaded cells of the halotolerant bacterium, Ba1. This efflux can take place against the concentration and electrochemical gradients. Since it is not inhibited by carbonylcyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-hydrazone or N'N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, it seems unlikely that either delta p (electrochemical potential difference of H+ across the membrane) generated by the primary proton pump or ATP play a role in the transduction of the energy supplied by electron transport. The electrogenic extrusion of Na+ causes passive counterflow of protons and/or simultaneous flux of permeant anions. In the absence of permeant anions the charge compensation attained by influx of protons is not complete. The membrane potential which persists in this case is inside negative and insensitive to uncoupler. The influx of protons builds up a delta pH of reversed sign (more acid inside), which is insensitive to uncoupler. The simultaneous efflux of Na+ and permeant anions diminishes the intracellular salt content and, as a corollary, causes volume contraction. Thus, the respiration-linked, uncoupler-insensitive Na+ pump may play a role in the regulation of the intracellular salt content. more...
- Published
- 1986
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. An NADH:quinone oxidoreductase of the halotolerant bacterium Ba1 is specifically dependent on sodium ions.
- Author
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Ken-Dror S, Lanyi JK, Schobert B, Silver B, and Avi-Dor Y
- Subjects
- Cytochrome b Group metabolism, Electron Transport, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Hydroxyquinolines pharmacology, NAD metabolism, Oxidation-Reduction, Quinones metabolism, Succinates metabolism, Succinic Acid, Ubiquinone pharmacology, Vibrio enzymology, Bacteria enzymology, Benzoquinones, Quinone Reductases analysis, Sodium pharmacology
- Abstract
The rate of NADH oxidation by inverted membrane vesicles prepared from the halotolerant bacterium Ba1 of the Dead Sea is increased specifically by sodium ions, as observed earlier in whole cells. The site of this sodium effect is identified as the NADH: quinone oxidoreductase, similarly to the other such system known, Vibrio alginolyticus (H. Tokuda and T. Unemoto (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 7785-7790). Sodium accelerates quinone reduction severalfold, but oxidation of the quinol, with oxygen as terminal electron acceptor, is unaffected. The sodium-dependent pathway of quinone reduction exhibits higher apparent affinity to extraneous quinone (Q-2) than the sodium-insensitive pathway, and is specifically inhibited by 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide. ESR spectra of the membranes contain a feature at g = 1.98 which is tentatively identified as one originating from semiquinone. This feature is increased by NADH and decreased by addition of Na+, suggesting that, as proposed from different kinds of evidence for the V. alginolyticus system, sodium affects the semiquinone reduction step. As in the other system, the site of sodium stimulation in Ba1 probably corresponds to the site of sodium translocation, which was shown earlier (S. Ken-Dror, R. Shnaiderman, and Y. Avi-Dor (1984) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 229, 640-649) to be linked directly to a redox reaction in the respiratory chain. more...
- Published
- 1986
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Osmoregulation in the halotolerant bacterium, Ba1.
- Author
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Regev R, Ken-Dror S, and Avi-Dor Y
- Subjects
- Biological Transport, Active, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Oxygen Consumption drug effects, Protons, Bacteria metabolism, Sodium pharmacokinetics, Water-Electrolyte Balance
- Published
- 1988
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