The proteome response to two protective symbionts.

The natural microbiota isolates MYb11 and MYb115 protect the host against pathogens through distinct mechanisms. While produces an antimicrobial compound and directly inhibits pathogen growth, MYb115 protects the host without affecting pathogen growth. It is unknown how these two protective microbes affect host biological processes.

APEX: an Annotation Propagation Workflow through Multiple Experimental Networks to Improve the Annotation of New Metabolite Classes in .

Spectral similarity networks, also known as molecular networks, are crucial in non-targeted metabolomics to aid identification of unknowns aiming to establish a potential structural relation between different metabolite features. However, too extensive differences in compound structures can lead to separate clusters, complicating annotation. To address this challenge, we developed an automated Annotation Propagation through multiple EXperimental Networks (APEX) workflow, which integrates spectral similarity networks with mass difference networks and homologous series.

Exploring Effects of Protective Natural Microbiota on Host Physiology.

The natural microbiota was described only recently. Thus, our understanding of its effects on nematode physiology is still in its infancy. We previously showed that the natural microbiota isolates MYb11 and MYb115 protect the worm against pathogens such as (Bt).

Natural C. elegans Microbiota Protects against Infection via Production of a Cyclic Lipopeptide of the Viscosin Group.

Caenorhabditis elegans is associated in nature with a species-rich, distinct microbiota, which was characterized only recently [1]. Thus, our understanding of the relevance of the microbiota for nematode fitness is still at its infancy. One major benefit that the intestinal microbiota can provide to its host is protection against pathogen infection [2].

Increased blaOXA-23-like prevalence in Acinetobacter baumannii at a tertiary care center in Lebanon (2007-2013).

Introduction: Acinetobacter baumannii has become one of the most feared organisms in hospital-acquired infections during the past decades. Their multi-drug resistant profiles have rendered many broad-spectrum antibiotics ineffective. The purpose of this retrospective study is to describe and compare molecular characteristics of A.

Sites of colonization in hospitalized patients with infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase organisms: a prospective cohort study.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine whether patients infected with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms are colonized at multiple body sites.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study at a tertiary care center in Beirut, Lebanon. Hospitalized patients with infections caused by ESBL-producing organisms were included.

Genotypic and virulence characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes recovered from food items in Lebanon.

Introduction: Listeria monocytogenes is the agent of listeriosis, a life threatening foodborne disease for immunocompromised patients and pregnant women. This bacterium is not routinely screened for in Lebanon and there is lack of data about the prevalent strains and their potential pathogenicity. To that purpose, this study was undertaken to characterize L.

The inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation by micafungin and the enhancement of antimicrobial agent effectiveness in BALB/c mice.

Micafungin inhibits biofilm formation by impeding 1,3-β-D-glucan synthesis in Candida albicans. Since Pseudomonas aeruginosa also has 1,3-β-D-glucan in its cell wall, this study assessed the effects of antibacterial agents in vitro and in vivo on micafungin-treated biofilm-forming P. aeruginosa isolates.

Assessment of combination therapy in BALB/c mice injected with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains.

Monotherapeutic options for carbapenem resistant infections are limited. Studies suggest that combination therapy may be associated with better outcomes than monotherapies. However, this is still controversial.

Prevalence of Clostridium difficile toxinotypes in infected patients at a tertiary care center in Lebanon.

Introduction: Due to the increase in the incidence of Clostridium difficile associated diseases at a tertiary care center in Lebanon, this study was undertaken to determine the prevalent C. difficile toxinotypes.

Methodology: The immunocard method was used to test for toxins A and B in 88 collected stool samples, followed with API 20A to confirm for C.

Effect of rifampicin and gentamicin on Shiga toxin 2 expression level and the SOS response in Escherichia coli O104:H4.

Background: A novel pathotype, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O104:H4, was the cause of a severe outbreak that affected European countries, mainly Germany, in 2011. The effect of different regimens of rifampicin and gentamicin were evaluated to determine possible treatment modes for the novel strain, and to evaluate the SOS response and its effect on toxin release.

Materials And Methods: Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed on the novel E.