Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of Heterocapsa sp. and the associated attached and free‐living bacteria under the influence of dispersed and undispersed crude oil

While many studies have examined the impact of oil on phytoplankton or bacteria, very few considered the effects on the biological complex formed by phytoplankton and their associated phytoplankton‐attached (PA) and free‐living (FL) bacteria. However, associated bacteria can affect the physiology of phytoplankton and influence their stress responses. In this study, we monitored the growth of Heterocapsa sp. , an armoured dinoflagellate, exposed to crude oil, Corexit dispersant, or both. Growth of Heterocapsa sp. is unaffected by crude oil up to 25 ppm, a concentration similar to the lower range measured on Florida beaches after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The PA bacteria community was resistant to exposure, whereas the FL community shifted towards oil degraders; both responses could contribute to Heterocapsa sp. oil resistance. The growth rate of Heterocapsa sp. decreased significantly only when exposed to dispersed oil at 25 ppm, indicating a synergistic effect of dispersant on oil toxicity in this organism. For the first time, we demonstrated the decoupling of the responses of the PA and FL bacteria communities after exposure to an environmental stress, in this case oil and dispersant. Our findings suggest new directions to explore in the understanding of interactions between unicellular eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
Cultivable microbiome of fresh white button mushrooms

Microbial dynamics on commercially grown white button mushrooms is of importance in terms of food safety assurance and quality control. The purpose of this study was to establish the microbial profile of fresh white button mushrooms. The total microbial load was determined through standard viable counts. Presence and isolation of Gram‐negative bacteria including coagulase‐positive Staphylococci were performed using a selective enrichment approach. Dominant and presumptive organisms were confirmed using molecular methods. Total mushroom microbial counts ranged from 5·2 to 12·4 log CFU per g, with the genus Pseudomonas being most frequently isolated (45·37% of all isolations). In total, 91 different microbial species were isolated and identified using Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrophotometry, PCR and sequencing. Considering current food safety guidelines in South Africa for ready‐to‐eat fresh produce, coliform counts exceeded the guidance specifications for fresh fruit and vegetables. Based on our research and similar studies, it is proposed that specifications for microbial loads on fresh, healthy mushrooms reflect a more natural microbiome at the point‐of‐harvest and point‐of‐sale.
Ultrasound processing of liquid system(s) and its antimicrobial mechanism of action

Ultrasound creates cavitation phenomena, resulting in the formation of several free radicals, namely OH˙ and H˙, due to the breakdown of the H2O molecule. These radicals affect the cellular integrity of the bacteria, causing the inactivation of several processes, and thus it is important to unravel the mechanism of action of this technology. This research looks into the application and mechanism of action of ultrasound technology as a means of disinfection by acoustic cavitation. Sterile water and synthetic waste water were inoculated with different mutants of Escherichia coli K12 strains containing deletions in genes affecting specific functional properties of E. coli. These were: dnak soxR, soxS, oxyR, rpoS, gadA/gadB, gadC and yneL. Escherichia coli K‐12 ΔoxyR appeared to be more resistant to the treatment together with gadW, gadX, gabT and gabD, whereas the mutant K‐12 ΔdnaK was more sensitive with c. 2·5 log (CFU per ml) reduction in comparison to their isogenic wild‐type E. coli K‐12. This indicates that the dnaK gene participates in general stress response and more specifically to hyperosmotic stress. The other E. coli deleted genes tested (soxS, rpoS, gadB, gadC, yneL) did not appear to be involved in protection of microbial cells against ultrasound.
Paenibacillus chungangensis sp. nov., isolated from a tidal-flat sediment.

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, endospore-forming bacterium, strain CAU 9038(T), was isolated from a tidal-flat sediment of DaeYiJac Island, Republic of Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic approach. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol, the major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7 and the dominant cellular fatty acid was anteiso-C(15 : 0). The DNA G+C content was 51.6 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the strain belonged to the genus Paenibacillus, with <96.1 % sequence similarity to type strains of Paenibacillus species with validly published names. The most closely related type strains to CAU 9038(T) were Paenibacillus thailandensis S3-4A(T) (96.1 % similarity) and Paenibacillus agaridevorans DSM 1355(T) (95.3 %). The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data clearly indicated that strain CAU 9038(T) represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus chungangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 9038(T) (=KCTC 13717(T) =CCUG 59129(T)).
Evolution and the Genetics of Populations: Genetic and Biometric Foundations . Volume 1 of a treatise in three volumes. By Wright Sewall. University of Chicago Press. Price 135s.

ARDREY, R. (1967) The Territorial Imperative. Collins, London. ASHLEY-MONTAGU, M.F. (ed.) (1968) Man and Aggression. Oxford University Press, New York. HINDE, R.A. (1966) Animal Behaviour. McGraw-Hill, New York. LEWIS, J. & TOWERS, B. (1969) Naked Ape or Homo Sapiens? Garnstone Press, London. LORENZ, K. (1966) On Aggression. Methuen, London. MARLER, P. & HAMILTON, W.J. (1966) Mechanisms of Animal Behaviour. Wiley, New York. RUSSELL, C. & RUSSELL, W.M.S. (1968) Violence, Monkeys and Man. Macmillan, London. STORR, A. (1968) Human Aggression. Penguin, London. THORPE, W.H. (1963) Learning and Instinct in Animals. Methuen, London. TINBERGEN, N. (1951) The Study of Instinct. Oxford University Press
Biofilm formation on different pH conditions by Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from bovine mastitic milk

Streptococcus agalactiae is among the most relevant aetiologic agent of bovine clinical and subclinical mastitis, a major problem for the dairy industry. In Brazil, clonal diversity, capsular typing and multidrug resistance profiles of S. agalactiae related to human and bovine infections need further investigation. Presently, S. agalactiae isolates of bovine subclinical mastitis, from Brazilian Northeastern region, were submitted to capsular and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)‐typing, antimicrobial susceptibility and assays of biofilm formation at different time incubation and pH levels. Sixteen bovine isolates were characterized by polymerase chain reaction assay as S. agalactiae capsular type II (CTII) and classified by PFGE in A1/A2 (n = 06), B1/B2 (n = 06), C (n = 03) and D (n = 01) patterns. Bovine S. agalactiae CTII strains were classified as 25% multidrug‐resistant (MDR) with susceptibility to penicillin, linezolid and vancomycin. Biofilm formation on abiotic surface was strain‐ and time‐dependent with significantly higher rates at pH 6·5. In conclusion, S. agalactiae capsular type II isolates recovered from bovine subclinical mastitis produced different pH‐dependent biofilm levels. Our findings suggest that biofilm production is modulated by environmental factors and provides S. agalactiae advantageous in colonizing mammary gland during mastitis development, including MDR strains.
Liver transplantation for overlap syndromes of autoimmune liver diseases

The term overlap syndrome describes variant forms of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) that present in combination with either characteristics of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), or primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This study analysed the outcomes and evidence of recurrent liver disease after liver transplantation in patients with overlap syndromes compared with patients transplanted for single autoimmune liver disease.
Calcification on cultured human dental pulp cells exposed to high glucose level

glucose level on PVMC is not clear. By conducting a detailed examination of the pulpal vascular mural-cell response to high glucose concentration, the present study was able to obtain more information about dental pulp cells, odontoblast progenitors and odontogenesis. Abstract : The progenitor cells of odontoblasts have been considered to be undifferentiated dental pulp cells positive for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). α-SMA is also expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells, which are well-known to differentiate into osteoblast-like cells. The osteogenesis is up-regulated under hyperglycemic conditions. Proliferation and differentiation of dental pulp cells are also considered to be up-regulated under high-glucose conditions. The present study was designed to clarify the relation among human dental pulp cells (HDPCs), odontoblast progenitors and odontogenesis. Differentiation of HDPCs into odontoblasts was confirmed by examining ALP activity and calcified nodules as well as gene expressions of osteocalcin and dentin sialoprotein. The endothelial cell marker eNOS and mural cell markers, NG2, calponin and α-SMA, were immunostained. Both proliferation and differentiation of HDPCs were up-regulated in high-glucose media. NG2 and calponin proved to be more suitable markers for odontoblast progenitors than α-SMA. Odontogenesis may be related to endothelial cells.
Erythropoietin and Desmopressin Obviated Transfusion in a Thromboasthenic Jehovah's Witness Undergoing Scoliosis Surgery

A 13-year-old female Jehovah's Witness with thromboasthenia was scheduled for scoliosis surgery. To reduce the risk of heterologous transfusion, she was given erythropoietin for 2 weeks preoperatively. Bleeding time and platelet dysfunction normalized during erythropoietin treatment, but the hemoglobin concentration increased only marginally. Desmopressin and tranexamic acid were given as cover for surgery. Blood loss was less than that in the average scoliosis patient, 1,490 ml as compared to 2,740 ml, and no heterologous transfusion was given. Erythropoietin may thus be given preoperatively, not only to increase the hemoglobin concentration, but also to improve the platelet function in thromboasthenic pa tients.
How to optimize HCV therapy in genotype 1 patients with cirrhosis

Of all hepatitis C virus patients, those with cirrhosis are most in need of treatment owing to increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG‐IFN/RBV) has clearly shown the benefits of successful treatment by improving fibrosis, causing the regression of cirrhosis and reducing and preventing cirrhosis‐related complications. However, the sustained virological response (SVR) is lower in patients with cirrhosis. First generation protease inhibitors (boceprevir and telaprevir) in combination with PEG‐IFN/RBV are a major advancement in the treatment of both naïve and treatment‐experienced genotype 1 patients. In naïve patients, the SVR rate with the triple regimen with boceprevir increased by 14% in patients with severe fibrosis or cirrhosis compared to PEG‐IFN/RBV compared by 30% in patients with mild or moderate fibrosis. The SVR rate of the triple regimen with telaprevir increased by 10–30% compared to PEG‐IFN/RBV in patients with severe fibrosis or cirrhosis and by nearly 30% in patients with mild or moderate fibrosis. The greatest benefits seem to be found in patients with cirrhosis who have relapsed, and is limited in prior non‐responder patients. Thus, the choice of triple therapy in the latter should be considered in relation to the increase in side effects. There are no data on the efficacy of the triple regimen in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Results in real‐life settings show that patients with cirrhosis need to be carefully followed‐up during treatment due to the increase in side effects that are greater than in clinical studies. Next generation DAAs and PEG‐IFN/RBV appear to be more effective and have fewer side effects in patients with cirrhosis. Ultimately, an interferon‐free regimen of DAAs combinations will probably provide a SVR in patients with cirrhosis and will probably be proposed in patients with more advanced or decompensated cirrhosis.
Chryseomicrobium imtechense gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Planococcaceae.

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, yellow, non-motile, non-spore-forming, strictly aerobic bacterial strain, designated MW 10(T), was isolated from seawater of the Bay of Bengal, India, and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain MW 10(T) showed highest similarity to the type strains of Psychrobacillus psychrodurans (96.15 %) and Psychrobacillus psychrotolerans (96.01 %) and showed less than 96 % similarity to members of the genera Paenisporosarcina, Planococcus, Sporosarcina and Planomicrobium. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain MW 10(T) formed a clade separate from members of closely related genera. The morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of strain MW 10(T) differed from those of members of closely related genera. The major fatty acid in strain MW 10(T) was iso-C(15 : 0) and the menaquinones were MK-7 (48.4 %), MK-8 (32.3 %), MK-7(H(2)) (13.7 %) and MK-6 (5.6 %). The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, an unknown phospholipid, an unknown lipid and an unknown glycolipid. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type was l-Lys-d-Asp. The genomic DNA G+C content (53.4 mol%) of strain MW 10(T) was significantly different from those of members of closely related genera. On the basis of its morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics as well as our phylogenetic analysis, we conclude that strain MW 10(T) is a member of a novel genus and species, for which the name Chryseomicrobium imtechense gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of Chryseomicrobium imtechense is MW 10(T) ( = MTCC 10098(T) = JCM 16573(T)).
IL‐6 cooperates with peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α‐ligands to induce liver fatty acid binding protein (LFABP) up‐regulation

LFABP plays a critical role in the uptake and intracellular transport of fatty acids (FA) and other peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) ligands. PPARα activation by PPARα ligands bound to LFABP results in gene expression of FA oxidation enzymes and de novo LFABP. The cytokine IL‐6 is involved in regulating liver lipid oxidation.
Independent factors associated with altered plasma active ghrelin levels in HCV‐infected patients

Metabolic disorders are frequently seen in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients. Ghrelin, a gut hormone, regulates hepatic metabolisms, and must be activated to exert its biological effects. The aims of this study were to investigate changes in plasma active ghrelin levels and identify independent factors associated with plasma active ghrelin levels in HCV‐infected patients.
Reduction of stress response in carp,Cyprinus carpioL., held under deteriorating environmental conditions, by oral administration of bovine lactoferrin.

Bovine lactoferrin (LF) was evaluated for its ability to suppress stress reactions in carp, Cyprinus carpio L. , held under deteriorating environmental conditions. Three test diets containing different levels of LF (0.01, 0.1 and 1%) were fed at 2% of fish body weight per day, i.e. LF at 2, 20 and 200 mg kg(-1) body weight day(-1) was administered orally to carp for 14 days at 20 °C. In the fish reared at a density of 2 individuals 10 l(-1) , plasma cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline decreased in the groups fed with 0.1 and 1% LF content diets. In the fish held at a density of 10 individuals 10 l(-1) for 3 days, plasma cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine and glucose were higher than those at 2 individuals 10 l(-1) in both the control and LF-treated groups. The extent to which these parameters were elevated in the fish held at the same density was reduced with increasing LF content of the diet. Twenty-four hours after exposure to hypoxic conditions (dissolved oxygen level, 2.5 mg l(-1) ), haemoglobin, haematocrit, plasma cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine increased significantly in all groups. The responses of hypoxic fish fed with 0.1 and 1% LF diets for 14 days were smaller than those of the controls. These results suggest that LF has an ability to reduce the stress response of carp held under deteriorating environmental conditions.
Clinical outcomes of the KYOCERA Physio Hinge Total Knee System Type III after the resection of a bone and soft tissue tumor of the distal part of the femur

The KYOCERA Physio Hinge Total Knee System Type III (PHKIII) was developed to reconstruct bony defects of the distal femur. The PHKIII is originative in that the metallic parts are fully made of titanium alloy, and this prosthesis has a unique semi‐rotating hinge joint and was designed especially for people with the Asian physical body‐type. The clinical outcomes of the PHKIII after the resection of musculoskeletal tumors of the distal femur were evaluated.
Ohtaekwangia koreensis gen. nov., sp. nov. and Ohtaekwangia kribbensis sp. nov., isolated from marine sand, deep-branching members of the phylum Bacteroidetes.

Two Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterial strains, designated 3B-2(T) and 10AO(T), were isolated from a sand sample collected from the west coast of the Korean peninsula by using low-nutrient media, and their taxonomic positions were investigated in a polyphasic study. The strains did not grow on marine agar. They grew optimally at 30 °C and pH 6.5-7.5. Strains 3B-2(T) and 10AO(T) shared 97.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and mean level of DNA-DNA relatedness of 12 %. In phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strains 3B-2(T) and 10AO(T), together with several uncultured bacterial clones, formed independent lineages within the evolutionary radiation encompassed by the phylum Bacteroidetes. Strains 3B-2(T) and 10AO(T) contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C(15 : 0) and C(16 : 1)ω5c as the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C contents of strains 3B-2(T) and 10AO(T) were 42.8 and 44.6 mol%, respectively. Strains 3B-2(T) and 10AO(T) exhibited very low levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (<85.0 %) to the type strains of recognized bacterial species. These data were sufficient to support the proposal that the novel strains should be differentiated from previously known genera of the phylum Bacteroidetes. On the basis of the data presented, we suggest that strains 3B-2(T) and 10AO(T) represent two distinct novel species of a new genus, for which the names Ohtaekwangia koreensis gen. nov., sp. nov. (the type species; type strain 3B-2(T) = KCTC 23018(T) = CCUG 58939(T)) and Ohtaekwangia kribbensis sp. nov. (type strain 10AO(T) = KCTC 23019(T) = CCUG 58938(T)) are proposed.
Results of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy after early failure of adjuvant systemic chemotherapy

Failure to respond to systemic chemotherapy is considered an exclusion criterion by some institutions for treatment with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). However, it is unknown if these patients benefit from HIPEC treatment. This study aimed to report on outcomes of HIPEC in patients who failed to respond to adjuvant systemic chemotherapy.
Handheld and portable test systems for immunodiagnostics, nucleic acid detection and more

Emergency Diagnostics, Homeland Security, Epidemiological Preparedness and the high cost of the Health Care Systems have increased demand for affordable and mobile point of care (POC) devices with highest sensitivity, specificity and rapid time to result. We have developed pocket sized systems for point of care and field based tests based on fluorescence read-out. The core consists of battery operated, 90 gram electro-optical units with optional wireless data transfer, which have been optimized to achieve highest accuracy and sensitivity paired with simplicity of use. The robust systems have been applied to molecular diagnostics such as DNA based testing, immunodiagnostics as well as environmental monitoring and agricultural testing. We will show examples of DNA testing, testing of drugs and toxins, cell based assays and water monitoring. We will discuss drivers and rationale for mobile testing platforms and address critical points such as sample preparation and sampling problems e.g. target delivery in small volumes. ESE's battery-operated handheld and mobile testing platforms have been shown to provide sensitive, accurate, and specific results, as well as rapid turnaround. The stand-alone devices demonstrate operational and physical robustness, and they can be manufactured to be affordable. Some underlying assays work directly from clinical samples such as urine or blood.
Hepatosplenic γδ T‐cell lymphoma presenting with immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia (Evans' syndrome)

We describe an unusual case of hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphoma in a 61‐year‐old man who presented with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. A spleen biopsy was consistent with T‐cell lymphoma. Cytogenetic studies did not reveal chromosome abnormalities. Using the polymerase chain reaction approach, clonality of the T‐cell receptor γ‐chain gene rearrangement could be demonstrated, while Southern blot analysis disclosed only a germline configuration of the T‐cell receptor β chain genes. Of interest, an immune‐mediated mechanism was demonstrated and was most likely responsible for erythrocyte and platelet destruction; this is, therefore, the first report of γ T‐cell lymphoma in association with Evans' syndrome. Initial steroid treatment was efficacious in limiting autoimmunity but constitutional symptoms did not subside. Chemotherapy (MACOP‐B) was successful in obtaining complete clinical remission. Finally, thrombocytopenia in γδ T‐cell lymphoma patients should be routinely evaluated for platelet autoantibodies. Am. J. Hematol. 69:272–276, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis C Service Delivery in Prisons: Peer Education From the “Guys in Blue”

Inmates in U.S. correctional facilities are approximately 9 times more likely to have hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection than the nonincarcerated population. Some correctional facilities provide HCV services, yet little is known about inmate and staff satisfaction with them. Using qualitative data collected in a prison-based drug treatment program in California, this paper describes inmate and staff perceptions of the benefits and barriers to delivering HCV services. Participants commented primarily on their peer education program and on perceived budgetary constraints as a barrier to ongoing HCV service delivery. Participants' recommendations for the future included increasing HCV education and staff training, and expanding the peer educators program.
A functional polymorphism in ADAR1 gene affects HBsAg seroclearance both spontaneously and interferon induced

Our previous study found that rs4845384 in ADAR1 gene to be associated with HBeAg seroconversion. However, the effect of rs4845384 on HBsAg seroclearance is unknown. To assess the relationship between rs4845384 and HBsAg seroclearance.