bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of cathode grid geometry upon mode structure of a transparent cathode discharge
Authors: Hardiment T. , Bowden M. D.
Published: April 2020

We measured current–voltage and optical emission for self-sustained discharges obtained using two forms of cylindrical wire grid cathodes, having either an enclosed or an open end. Enclosure of the open end extended the low-pressure range for a “cathode-confined” or CC mode, from around 12.5 Pa to below 3.5 Pa, conditions at which a “beam” mode discharge otherwise occurs. The modification also caused a dark space to envelop the glow within the cathode, bridged by a bright emission resembling plume for the CC mode, and an electron beam for the beam mode. We explain these results by treating the CC mode as a hollow cathode discharge, for which only γ-electrons that suffer inelastic loss before escaping the cathode grid are significant. For the two cathodes, respective degrees of electron confinement possible for the different sheath configurations predict the low-pressure ranges, and the calculated values of cathode fall for self-sustenance by the hollow cathode effect agree approximately with the experimental voltages across a range of pressures. Plume- and beam-like forms of emission indicate inherently different electron energies, consistent with bulk transport across potential distributions characteristic to the mode. Where these features bridge the enclosed cathode boundary, this shows existence of an otherwise closed potential surface within the cathode, confirmed by the geometry of the plume-CC mode configuration, where the relationship between the main glow and plume interface surfaces indicates the arrangement to self-organize in a state of non-ambipolar current flow. Similarities in the mode structure reported elsewhere for related discharges indicates the findings to be relevant for these also.
The longer timescale excited state dynamics of isolated benzene
Authors: Johnson Philip M.
Published: April 2020

The excited state photodynamics of isolated benzene have been studied in the nanosecond range by two-step photoionization through various vibrations of the lowest singlet state, with imaging photoelectron spectroscopy detection. Photoelectron spectra are measured as a function of pump–probe delay time, and their time evolution is successfully compared to a biexponential decay function without regard to a particular kinetic model. The only reasonable kinetic model with only two exponentials is the one that involves an intersystem crossing from S1 to T1, although that model has previously been called into question by high-resolution studies that failed to find any singlet–triplet perturbations in Zeeman studies of the S1 spectrum. That contradiction remains unresolved.
Watch this space
Authors: S Nichols David
Published: April 2020

This issue of Microbiology Australia will focus on the major steps of drug discovery and development. The continued discovery of therapeutic agents is an issue of concern for every society and, to a large extent, now transcends the parochialism of ?national benefit?.
Media for enumerating probiotic bacteria
Authors: Haynes Ian
Published: April 2020

Organisms classed as probiotic bacteria and currently used in predominantly dairy or soy-based manufactured products include species of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. This article details the media and methods used for the enumeration of the species that are currently used in commercially produced drinks and fermented foods.
The function of the National Chemical Biological and Radiological Working Group
Authors: Patterson Don
Published: April 2020

The Tokyo sarin incident of March 1995 was a wake up call to emergency managers around the globe. What had been considered a remote possibility was now a chilling reality. The deliberate use of highly toxic chemical materials on an unsuspecting population was a new issue that now confronted emergency planners.
Yeasts: an underestimated role in cheese production
Authors: H Fleet Graham
Published: April 2020

The microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology of milk fermentation have been researched to enormous depth. But this fermentation represents only a fragment of the science of cheese production. While most cheeses start with milk fermentation as the basic operation, their unique and distinguishing characters only develop with further processing of the curd. Generally, this involves heating, cutting, pressing, salting (brining) and, finally, maturation. During maturation, the curd is stored under conditions of controlled temperature and humidity for periods lasting a few weeks to many months, depending on the cheese. It is during maturation that yeasts assert their influence and impact, especially for the higher value, mould-ripened soft cheeses such as camembert, brie and blue-veined varieties.
In Focus
Authors: in food safety management Trends
Published: April 2020

Martin B Cole
Vertical Transmission, November 2004
Authors: Rood Julian
Published: April 2020

Where to start; so much has happened over such a short period of time. Perhaps I should commence by sincerely thanking the members of the society for the great honour that been bestowed upon me by my election as President for the next 2 years. It is a great privilege and a major responsibility to be asked to serve my own scientific society in this manner. I can only promise to work to the best of my ability to serve the both ASM membership and the microbiology profession.
Diagnosis of mycobacteria in the routine diagnostic laboratory
Authors: Gilpin Chris
Published: April 2020

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have become increasingly important over the last 20 years. These mycobacteria are classified as ?rapid growers? (growth in 7 days or less) or slow growers (growth of isolated colonies in more than 7 days). The rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) are the group of mycobacteria which are being recognised in cultures performed in routine diagnostic microbiology laboratories. The increase in notification rate of RGM is partially due to a heightened alertness for mycobacteria by clinicians and laboratory scientists and technicians. However, diagnostic delays remain relatively common, with mycobacteria being considered only following failed treatment with empiric therapy.
Correlation between cytomegalovirus disease and antiviral resistance
Authors: M Scott Gillian , M Iwasenko Jenna , M Waliuzzaman Zubair , H Miles David , D Rawlinson William
Published: April 2020

Disease resulting from human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections leads to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), transplant recipients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, and neonates.
Paediatric viral infections and the blood supply
Authors: E Craig Maria
Published: April 2020

Viral infections in children frequently exert their main effects at mucosal surfaces, such as the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and do not have significant systemic effects. For example, rhinovirus is found in children with the common cold and asthma; rotavirus is a significant agent in childhood gastroenteritis, and enteroviruses cause a wide spectrum of illness in children and are often asymptomatic. Indeed, experiencing some of these viral infections is considered a normal part of childhood.
Quality assurance: a benefit or burden?
Authors: Escott Ros
Published: April 2020

Quality assurance (QA) is a means for verifying the accuracy of testing procedures, the results that they produce, and the interpretation of those results. In Australia, QA is mandatory for laboratories for accreditation and can therefore be viewed as a burden, providing yet another task in a busy environment. Alternatively, laboratory management and staff can use QA as a beneficial and valuable tool to foster a culture of excellence. The achievements of a well-performing laboratory should be acknowledged, and a supportive and educational system developed for a laboratory that is performing poorly in QA programs.
Biological weapons convention: implementation and responsibilities in the lab
Authors: Brown Kylie
Published: April 2020

The rising global risk of terrorism and the increasing sophistication of terrorists have raised the potential for misuse of biotechnology. Addressing threats posed by the misuse of biotechnology requires a concerted response at international, national, facility and personal levels. It is incumbent on those in the life sciences to be actively engaged in supporting the government?s efforts in responding to this threat.
The impact of ticks and tick-borne diseases on native animal species in Australia
Authors: Vilcins Inger-Marie , M Old Julie , M Deane Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

Ectoparasites are a leading cause of arthropod-borne disease in animals, and humans. Defined as arthropods which spend an entire portion of their life cycle on the host, ectoparasites include the ticks and mites (Acarina), and the lice and fleas of the insect family. Their role in human disease transmission has been well documented, as has their importance in agricultural and domestic animals. Little however has been done to comprehensively examine the role these organisms may play in disease transmission and their impact upon native Australian fauna. It is important to consider the effects of such disease agents on the survival of both captive and wild native animal populations, particularly as exposure to a novel pathogen may remove endangered animals that are a vital pool of genetic diversity.
Targeting of a key pathogen in a polymicrobial infection
Authors: Hunter Neil , Yap Benjamin , A Collyer Charles , J Crossley Maxwell
Published: April 2020

The major oral diseases of caries and periodontitis are polymicrobial infections initiated by complex microbial biofilms that develop adjacent to the affected tissues. Bacterial plaque adherent to the tooth surface extends below the gingival margin and is increasingly dominated by facultative and obligate anaerobes. The dense plaque adherent to the tooth surface is in apparent equilibrium with a less structured fluid matrix that is in turn in some form of equilibrium with the biofilm adjacent to the surface of the epithelium that lines the gingival sulcus. The organisms that predominate in the epithelial biofilm are of particular interest with respect to the inflammatory disease of chronic periodontitis.
Transition and beyond in the laboratory
Authors: Withnall Kay
Published: April 2020

Following the deployment of the emergency Australian medical teams, in early March Interplast Australia and International SOS were contracted to provide and manage an Australian-Indonesian medical team to assist the general hospital in Banda Aceh reestablish services and provide on-the-job training. The size of the team varied between 20 and 26 members over the months of the contract. The majority were Indonesian who, with their experience of working in Indonesia, knowledge of the health system, language skills and cultural sensitivity, were essential to the success of the program.
Public health response to disasters
Authors: Handby Robert
Published: April 2020

The laboratory can often provide the essential link between environmental factors, disease and appropriate medical intervention. Laboratory processes have the capacity to identify causative organisms in samples which have been obtained from both humans (e.g. faeces) and the environment (e.g. water). Following any disaster, the potential for occurrence of disease is increased at a time when medical facilities may be damaged and the demands for medical services increased. The identification of the causes of disease are essential in any circumstances; often simple public health measures are the most effective means of controlling a potentially disastrous situation such as a disease outbreak.
AMRIN: working together for Australian microbial resources
Authors: Sly Lindsay
Published: April 2020

AMRIN, the Australian Microbial Resources Information Network, is an initiative of the Australian Microbial Resources Research Network (AMRRN) and was developed to aid microbiologists access information on microbial cultures and related expertise and research facilities in Australia.
Global taxonomy initiative: Building capacity in taxonomy to underpin the conservation of biological diversity
Authors: Shimura Junko , Hiraki Kaduo
Published: April 2020

The Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI) is across cutting issue of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to address the lack of taxonomic information and expertise available in many parts of the world, and thereby to improve decision making in conservation, sustainable use and equitable sharing of the benefits derived from genetic resources.
Biosecurity responsibilities of biological resource centres
Authors: M Atlas Ronald
Published: April 2020

Biological resource centres (BRCs), which house the world?s microbial culture collections, have emerging biosecurity responsibilities to prevent terrorists from acquiring dangerous pathogens that could be used to do harm. This presents a major challenge to the primary functions of BRCs, which are to supply biological materials for research, public health protection and economic development.
Homogeneous assays: a paradigm shift in immunodiagnostics
Authors: Kachab Edward
Published: April 2020

Immunoassay methods are either heterogeneous or homogeneous and rely on the interaction between an antibody and antigen. Historically, diagnostic immunoassays assays have relied on heterogeneous assay formats for analyte detection.
Point of care testing: lateral flow technology and beyond
Authors: Hazell Stuart , Swingler Hugh
Published: April 2020

For the last 50 years the pathology industry has been centralised and built around a strong skills base in laboratory medicine. Over recent decades, that skills base has been diluted as advances in technology have seen automation takeover many laboratory-based functions. These changes have, perversely, been driven by advances in medical science. With advances in medicine has come the demand for more intervention (testing) and the concomitant economic pressure to reduce the real cost of pathology testing as access is expanded.
Protein microarrays in clinical microbiology
Authors: A Abdo M , J Hudson P
Published: April 2020

Clinical microbiology laboratories have, in the past, broadly adopted new molecular biology techniques and automation. In the near future, the adoption of protein microarray technology has the potential to revolutionise the field in a manner similar to that of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). With the advantages of far greater sensitivity, parallel experimentation, reduced sample consumption and cost-per-test, the development of protein microarrays has come about through the realisation that mRNA levels do not necessarily correlate with protein expression.
Complexity in ?2-component? signal transduction systems
Authors: B Whitchurch Cynthia
Published: April 2020

The ?2-component? regulatory systems of bacteria are the predominant signal transduction mechanisms that bacteria utilise to modulate behaviours and metabolism in response to environmental changes. These systems classically involve two proteins ? a membrane bound sensor histidine kinase and a soluble response regulator.
Vertical Transmission, November 2006
Authors: Christiansen Keryn
Published: April 2020

I have just returned from holidays, during which I reflected on how wonderful it was to be a microbiologist. I visited the geothermal areas in the Yellowstone National Park in the USA and saw the most fantastic bacterial mats ? deep reds, bright greens and yellows with intricate patterns and swirls surrounding the boiling water, mud and geysers.
Strengthening Australia?s WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza
Authors: Catton Mike
Published: April 2020

During the coming year, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza (the Centre) will relocate to new facilities at the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory?s (VIDRL) North Melbourne site. There it will expand both in size and in the scope of its activities. This is an exciting opportunity to bring together and build on the complementary strengths of two leading laboratories. A strong revitalised Centre will be key to the management of seasonal and potential pandemic influenza, as well as other emerging respiratory viruses. The Asia-Pacific region seems, disproportionately frequently, to have been the location of such emergences, of which the current global highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N1 outbreak has threatened to be the greatest.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae NAAT ? a problem down under
Authors: M. Whiley David , W. Tapsall John , D. Nissen Michael , P. Sloots Theo
Published: April 2020

Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are used worldwide for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, either in conjunction with or in place of traditional bacterial culture techniques. There are numerous advantages of gonococcal NAATs, including increased sensitivity, that a viable organism is not needed for detection, and they can be used effectively on non-invasive specimens such as urine and self-collected specimens. For these reasons, NAATs have been particularly useful for patients in remote regions of Australia where sexual health services may not be available and where religious or cultural restrictions otherwise restrict opportunities for specimen collection. Australian studies have been at the forefront of investigating the use of self-collected NAAT specimens and particularly successful at introducing the use of tampon self-collected specimens in remote populations of Indigenous Australians.
Vertical Transmission, May 2007
Authors: Christiansen Keryn
Published: April 2020

As you read this column, I along with two members of the society, Liz Harry and Belinda Ferrari, will have taken part in Science Meets Parliament. This annual event, organised by the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS), provides the opportunity for scientists to understand political processes and for members of parliament to gain insight into how science contributes to Australia?s environmental, social and economic development. It is important that microbiological issues are raised and the that the society is represented. Two issues will be presented ? biological production of fuel and antimicrobial resistance. This should be a stimulating two days on which I will report in the next edition of Microbiology Australia.
Yeasts: Products and Discovery (YPD) in Australia
Authors: Chambers Paul
Published: April 2020

'Consider life without chocolate or good quality coffee' (see Graham Fleet and Hugh Dircks paper, ?Yeast, Cocoa Beans and Chocolate?, in this Yeast Special Edition of Microbiology Australia). And one can add to their list: wine (see papers from Sakkie Pretorius? and Vladimir Jiranek?s groups), beer (Vince Higgin?s paper) and leavened breads. All require the action of yeasts for their production, and yeasts are of enormous value as hosts for the expression and production of many proteins, including pharmaceuticals (see Ian Macreadie?s paper). Clearly, many aspects of the quality of our lives would be greatly diminished without yeasts.
Optimisation of industrial strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae using recombinant and non-recombinant methods
Authors: Maria Astorga A , M Gardner Jennie , McBryde Colin , Schmid Frank , E Walker Michelle , Jiranek Vladimir
Published: April 2020

The production of fermented beverages such as beer and wine is typically achieved using strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which have been selected for their reliable fermentative properties and desirable sensory contribution to the end product. Even so, these strains are not without shortcomings and new strains are constantly being sought. In aiming to provide such strains, working with industrial isolates has its own set of challenges. Wine strains of S. cerevisiae are typically of higher ploidy or aneuploid, frequently lack convenient selectable markers and are homothallic. Laboratory strains, along with their comprehensive set of genetic tools, might be a more convenient research vehicle, but the fact remains that such strains fare poorly under the highly stressful conditions of industrial fermentations: sugar contents of over 200 g/L; low nutrient availability and pH; and high final ethanol concentrations. More importantly, the wines produced by laboratory strains of yeast frequently display poor sensory properties. Put simply, laboratory yeast lack the desirable phenotypic characteristics needed to make wine of quality to enable industrially relevant studies.
Organelle turnover by autophagy
Authors: N Turcic Kristina , Mijaljica Dalibor , Rosado Carlos , Prescott Mark , J Devenish Rodney
Published: April 2020

All eukaryotic cells turn over (degrade) parts of their internal structure, including organelles, by autophagy (?self eating?), a process that utilises a specialised compartment of cells; the vacuole in yeast and the lysosome in mammals. Defects in autophagy are increasingly being linked to pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative and muscle diseases and some forms of cancer. In addition, several studies report a role for autophagy as a mechanism for the removal of invading bacteria (e.g. Streptococcus pyogenes, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Shigella flexneri, Listeria monocytogenes) and viruses (e.g. Epstein-Barr virus and herpes simplex virus) from mammalian cells. Organelle turnover is an essential process required for normal cellular homeostasis, growth and development. Recent studies show that organelle turnover can be a selective process involving new genes not yet fully characterised. Amongst these is OTP1, a gene specifically required for mitochondrial turnover in yeast.
Beyond boxes and arrows: Putting the ?bio? into biogeochemistry
Authors: Coleman Nick
Published: April 2020

The Gaia hypothesis proposes that the earth can be viewed as a single living entity. While this idea remains controversial, there is no doubt that the biotic and abiotic components of the earth are intimately linked in complex webs of chemical reactions collectively described as biogeochemistry. Microbes are the catalysts of most such reactions, but despite their importance, there is a tendency to oversimplify microbial contributions using boxes (compounds) and arrows (reactions). In this brief review, I will highlight recent research that looks beyond the boxes and arrows to the microbes themselves, and describe some examples where the activities of biogeochemical microbes and enzymes have been harnessed for environmental benefits.
Molecular science of antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Merlino John , Iredell Jon
Published: April 2020

The study of bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents is a complex science that requires an understanding of the genetic, molecular and physiological mechanisms of resistance, and the effect of antibiotic selection pressures on bacterial populations in different environments.
Current developments in bioethanol production
Authors: Rogers Peter L
Published: April 2020

The recent high price of oil (in excess of $US95 per barrel), security advantages of increased domestic production, environmental benefits of reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the potential for regional development, have all contributed recently to a greatly increased interest in bioethanol. In the longer term, second generation processes based on lignocellulosic materials from agricultural/forestry residues and/or specific high yield biomass energy crops offer greater potential for increased production as they avoid the food vs fuel conflict.
Global prospects for the biofuels industry
Authors: Atlas Roland
Published: April 2020

The rapidly rising cost of oil and growing concern about global warming have dramatically increased the prospects for significant commercial biofuel production. Optimistically, biofuels could replace petroleum as the major transportation fuel within the next 2 decades. However, technical advances must be made to make bioethanol and biodiesel economically viable and sustainable replacements for petroleum. As a consequence, large investments are being made in research and development of bioethanol and biodiesel as alternative fuels by governments and the major oil companies.
Microalgal applications in bioindustry
Authors: Blackburn Susan
Published: April 2020

Microalgae are microscopic plants inhabiting the world?s oceans and other aquatic environments. They are critical for the health of the planet, being responsible for at least half of the global primary productivity. Like other photosynthetic (autotrophs) organisms, microalgae capture solar radiation and convert it to chemical energy as biomass, forming the basis of aquatic food webs, fixing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen as part of the process. Other microalgae (heterotrophs) can utilise organic compounds for growth. As single-celled packages of bioactive molecules that can be cultured to produce high levels of biomass, microalgae are a renewable resource with a wide range of applications in bioindustry. Their use is established in the human nutraceutical industry with ?super foods? such as Spirulina from the cyanobacterium (blue green alga) Arthrospira platensis (Figure 1). Intense interest surrounds the development of microalgae as a source of biofuels, and in the mitigation of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHG). Other bioactive compounds, as well as genes from microalgae, offer new opportunities for bioindustry.
Actinobacterial resources from termite guts for regional bioindustries
Authors: Kurtböke DI , French JRJ
Published: April 2020

The State government of Queensland launched a well-funded 10 year strategy for bioindustry development in 1999 with the aim of making Queensland the Asia-Pacific hub of biotechnology. This strategic approach into diversifying the region?s economic base through the development of knowledge industries has rapidly transformed traditional methods to cutting edge technologies utilised for bioindustry. Microbially mediated technologies have thus gained importance for the production of biofuels and bioproducts, bioenvironmental management of natural resources, bioremediation, waste and wastewater management.
Evolution of multiple drug resistance in staphylococci
Authors: Jensen Slade O , Kwong Stephen M , Lyon Bruce R , Firth Neville
Published: April 2020

Since the dawn of the era of antibiotic therapy, beginning with the introduction of the first penicillins (�-lactams) in the 1940s, strains of Staphylococcus aureus exhibiting resistance to antibiotics have become more and more prevalent in both clinical and community settings. Foremost among these strains are the so-called methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), which have gained worldwide notoriety as hospital ?superbugs?. The name MRSA belies the true nature of these organisms, as they are not only resistant to penicillin and the �-lactamase-resistant penicillins, such as methicillin, oxacillin and flucloxacillin, but are usually also resistant to a significant array of other antibiotics (Table 1), representing most of the available drug classes.
Detecting hVISA
Authors: Ward Peter B
Published: April 2020

Rates of reduced vancomycin susceptibility (RVS) among isolates of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), especially methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), have increased. Although vancomycin remains the therapeutic mainstay for MRSA, clinical response to vancomycin has been compromised by RVS among our hospital clones. Laboratories need simple procedures to detect these organisms. Whilst routine disc or MIC susceptibility testing is not reliable, some useful screening procedures are available.
When a baby dies: stillbirth from the community perspective and what parents want to know
Authors: Kirkwood Emma , Richardson Ros
Published: April 2020

The death of a child at any time is a devastating experience for parents, with lifelong physical, psychological and spiritual sequelae. The death of a baby before birth presents its own particular challenges. This article is written by mothers whose babies have died. Our daughters, Olivia and Annie Rose, were stillborn at 36 weeks after uneventful pregnancies 15 years apart. In this article we describe the reality of stillbirth expressed by parents in sadness over their lost hopes and dreams and in the loss of a social identity that would validate the individuality and significance of those little lives. Over the last 10 years, we applaud the improvement in and the more humanised approach to the care of stillborn babies and their parents; however, concern now exists around the levels of awareness about stillbirth in the community, before, during and after any pregnancy.
Diagnosis and treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in the newborn
Authors: Jones Cheryl A
Published: April 2020

Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) disease is a rare but sometimes highly lethal infection. The reported incidence in Australia is approximately four cases per 100,000 live births. HSV type 2 (HSV-2) is the predominant serotype that causes infection in the newborn in the United States, whereas in Australia 1 neonatal infection is usually caused by HSV type 1 (HSV-1), most likely due to greater prevalence of oral and genital HSV-1 disease in this country 3. Diagnosis of neonatal infection requires a high index of clinical suspicion as signs are non-specific, and is usually confirmed by isolation of HSV from skin vesicle or detection of HSV DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid, blood or surface swab. Treatment requires intravenous aciclovir for 14-21 days depending on the form of disease.
Water sustainability: future directions
Authors: Toze Simon
Published: April 2020

Water sustainability: future directions Whether you?re a believer or a sceptic about global warming and the influence of human activity on the climate, there is little argument about the current impact of drought and changing rainfall patterns on Australia. The Australian community is coming to grips with the fact that we need to be cleverer on how we use water. This has resulted in a significant increase in interest about water sustainability and has increased demands on governments at all levels to improve water usage and efficiency.
Pathogens in recycled water: are they measurable?
Authors: Stratton Helen , Matthews Ben
Published: April 2020

In developed countries water managers are constantly under pressure to provide the clean and safe water. Traditionally, and for at least the past 100 years, the management of biological water quality has relied on the use of microbial indicator organisms to assess the potential risk of water-borne disease. However, over the past few years, there have been a number of critical reviews of guidelines and standards for managing risk in water storage, treatment and supply. International, national and state agencies have initiated these reviews and have all generally agreed that technology for alternative methods, in place of the use of indicator organisms for risk assessment of microbial water quality, has not advanced to point where there is an obvious replacement. However, even in the last 3 years, improvements in genetic techniques, such as real-time quantitative PCR and DNA microarrays are making advances that may allow us to consider alternatives to using indicator organisms in the foreseeable future. Here we present the issues and pros and cons associated with the use of indicator organisms compared to the use of molecular biology approaches for microbial risk management in recycled water. The current state of the legislation and guidelines is also discussed.
The re-use of water in agricultural settings
Authors: Chinivasagam Nalini , Blackall Pat
Published: April 2020

Agriculture offers considerable opportunities for the safe and sustainable re-use of water, be that water sourced from humans or animals. A key point is understanding the differences in pathogen profiles between wastewater from humans as compared with that derived from animals. Agricultural re-use also offers the opportunity to appropriately match the treatment level of the used water with the planned end-use. There is no doubt that the reuse of water in agriculture will be an increasing focus as Australian agriculture adapts to the challenges of food security in a changing world.
Environmental isolation of Scedosporium species from the greater Sydney region: a link to the emergence of infections in Australia?
Authors: Harun Azian , Gilgado Felix , Chen Sharon , Meyer Wieland
Published: April 2020

Scedosporium species are emerging fungal pathogens in Australia and elsewhere. The reason for this increase in infections is unclear. Since it is assumed that the infections are caused by inhalation of fungal spores, we sampled the urban and rural environment of the greater Sydney region for the presence of the human pathogenic species. Our findings indicate that there may be species-specific associations with areas of high human activity, hinting of a possible link between the environment and the emergence of infections.
Vertical Transmission, September 2009
Authors: Stokes Hatch
Published: April 2020

Our 50th anniversary national meeting in Perth has now been and gone. I think everyone agrees it was an outstanding success. Thanks to all those who helped make it happen, most notably Rod Bowman and the rest of the Perth LOC and Janette Sofronidis and the other national office staff. All of the international speakers had a great time and several expressed a desire to return to Australia soon. Several US speakers have key roles in the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and we took the opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest, including a number of possible future joint initiatives that would be of benefit to members of both Societies
Emerging Infectious Disease
Authors: Prowse Stephen J , MacKenzie John S
Published: April 2020

The term ?emerging diseases? has become synonymous with new, previously unknown infectious agents, or with known infectious agents which are either spreading geographically or increasing in incidence. An analysis by Jones et al (2008) showed that since 1940 there has been a steady increase in new diseases, and new diseases are continuing to emerge today. Most of these new diseases are of minor importance with respect to human or animal health, but occasionally important, highly pathogenic diseases arise, such as we have seen in recent years with SARS and Nipah virus, or with new variants or strains of known diseases such as avian H5N1 influenza, the current pandemic strain of H1N1 2009 influenza virus, and extremely drug resistant tuberculosis.
Bat viruses and diseases
Authors: Wang Lin-Fa
Published: April 2020

Bats, representing approximately 20% of mammal species, are the most abundant, diverse and geographically dispersed vertebrates on earth. Bats of various species have recently been identified as the reservoir hosts of many emerging viruses responsible for severe human and livestock disease outbreaks. These include Hendra and Nipah viruses, SARS coronavirus, Ebola viruses, Melaka virus and others. Australian scientists played a vital role in the discovery and/or characterisation of many of these emerging bat viruses. While these viruses result in significant morbidity and mortality in other mammals, they appear to cause no clinical consequence in bats under natural or experimental infection. Understanding this key difference in pathogenesis and the mechanism of virus spillover from bats to other mammals will be critical for our effort to prevent and control future disease outbreaks caused by bat-borne zoonotic viruses.
The discovery of Bungowannah virus – an example of the need for conventional and new technologies
Authors: Kirkland Peter D
Published: April 2020

A novel disease in pigs and another new virus ? so where is the flying fox connection? This was one of the first questions that many observers asked from the sidelines. In this instance there was no known connection with flying foxes, no suggestion of human illness but, as the investigation unravelled, a probable cause was identified ? an apparently new virus that had close connections to an important pig pathogen that is exotic to Australia. This virus was, however, so genetically different from its relatives that pan reactive polymerase chain reaction-based assays would not detect it. It was so different antigenically that pan reactive monoclonal antibody panels would react with it. Nevertheless, a combination of simple agar gel immunodiffusion tests for antibodies and sophisticated nucleic acid amplification and sequencing methods proved to be the keys to the recognition of this virus.
Continued challenges for TB control in Australia
Authors: Krause Vicki L
Published: April 2020

Australia ranks as having one of the lowest rates of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. Multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB), however, presents new challenges. With a recognised history of having one of the best TB control programs in the world, we need to maintain it, assure the most at-risk groups have comprehensive and supported screening and treatment programs and share our experience and expertise in our region and globally.
Foreword
Authors: Rood Sarah , Sheedy Katherine
Published: April 2020

Reading the manuscript of this history was a real trip down memory lane for me. I enjoyed following the account of the changes that I had witnessed since joining as a foundation member, and later as an avid ?stuffer? of conference satchels, a joiner of its committees (branch and federal) and camp follower of annual conferences ever since (to my enlightenment and enjoyment).
Nancy Millis
Authors: Rood Sarah , Sheedy Katherine
Published: April 2020

Born in Melbourne in 1922, Nancy Fannie Millis studied agriculture at the University of Melbourne, graduating with a Master of Agricultural Science in 1946. She spent a year studying agricultural methods in Papua New Guinea before travelling to the University of Bristol on a Boots Research Scholarship. It was here that Millis was introduced to fermentation, gaining her PhD in 1951.
Conclusion - Towards the future: celebration of a Jubilee
Authors: Rood Sarah , Sheedy Katherine
Published: April 2020

The founders of the Australian Society for Microbiology were pioneers. They were idealists with a vision. They took decisive action in response to an identified need – a need for a scientific community that united microbiologists across Australia. They were motivated also by a desire to further the science of microbiology, so they created a learned society for microbiology. The year 2009 marks 50 years since the establishment of this Society. While it has changed markedly since 1959, it remains a vibrant, dynamic Society that continues to be dedicated to microbiology and microbiologists in Australia.
Vertical Transmission, September 2010
Authors: Turnidge John
Published: April 2020

After a very successful scientific meeting in Sydney, it is good to reflect that the world of microbes is anything but dull and boring! The quality and diversity of the speakers and the material presented is a credit to the National Scientific Advisory Committee and the Local Organising Committee. You may have noticed (in a way we hope you didn?t) but we went into the meeting without our in-house conference organiser, Janette Sofronidis. Sadly for us, Janette left the ASM in May after 10 years of outstanding service. The Society would like to thank her for the great contribution she made to our meetings over this period and wish her well in her future endeavours. Because the professional conference organiser (PCO) industry in Australia is now mature and highly competitive, the Executive has elected not to replace Janette, but rather to outsource the organisational aspects of our annual meeting to a PCO, and in the not too distant future, through a tendering process.
Recent advances in molecular and non-PCR-based platforms for the rapid diagnosis of invasive candidasis in the ICU
Authors: Lau Anna
Published: April 2020

Invasive candidasis (IC) accounts for 15?30% of all nosocomial intensive care unit (ICU) infections. Two-thirds of infections are due to candidemia, a rate 5?10 times higher compared with that in the general hospital population. Crude mortality rates and associated health costs remain high, despite advances in antifungal therapy. Candida albicans remains the most frequently isolated species (45%) although there has been a slow but definite shift towards non-C. albicans species (especially Candida glabrata) infections, which has been attributed to the increased use of fluconazole prophylaxis in some centres. Early antifungal therapy significantly reduces IC-related mortality but is often delayed because ?gold standard? diagnosis by culture and/or histology is insensitive (for example, 50% candidemia cases not detected by blood culture) and slow (at least 48?96 hours required for species detection and identification). This article highlights a number of recent advances in molecular and non-PCR-based technologies that have enabled more rapid diagnosis of IC in the ICU (a recent review provides a comprehensive summary of molecular and serological methods in diagnostic mycology).
Antimicrobial testing of healthcare and industrial products
Authors: Priscott Oaul
Published: April 2020

For the industrial microbiologist the testing landscape comprises a plethora of standardised testing methods. Often these are to be followed rigorously according to regulatory guidelines or rules. Sometimes the product or application may require some modification of a standard method to achieve a more realistic test result. Very occasionally, a method must be developed from scratch, based upon scientific principles and, where possible, utilising approaches used in either published papers or standards. Industrial testing is usually undertaken for one of two reasons, namely development work for new products or to satisfy regulatory requirements in order to market the product. This discussion will emphasise healthcare products, other than antibiotics, but similar principles will apply to other product categories also, albeit often to a lesser degree of testing.
Microbicides for HIV
Authors: Tachedjian Gilda
Published: April 2020

Microbicides are chemical entities that can be incorporated in gels, films, tablets or rings for application to the vagina or rectum to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Leading Australian microbicide efforts include the development of a dendrimer nanoparticle with broad-spectrum activity against HIV, HSV and HPV, and a natural factor produced by lactobacilli in the healthy female genital tract. Clinical trials have revealed that nonspecific agents such as nonoxynol-9 and moderately specific linear polyanions lack efficacy in preventing male to female HIV transmission. In contrast, the CAPRISA 004 study demonstrates that a gel containing an antiretroviral agent, 1% tenofovir, provides women with 39% protection against HIV infection. While this proof of concept study is arguably one of the most encouraging results seen in the HIV prevention field, efficacy and adherence could be improved by developing combination microbicides and coitally independent dosing strategies, respectively.
Steadying the ship
Authors: Turnidge John
Published: April 2020

The last nine months have been an interesting and challenging time for the Executive of the ASM. I am taking this opportunity to describe the problems and what we are proposing to do about them, and have done so far. You may know that we have had a series of resignations from the office staff: our Conference Manager in May, our Office Manager in August and our Events Manager in November. At this time the ASM is no longer an employer. We have had to consider a number of things as these resignations have accumulated. You?d be aware already that we brought in a professional conference organiser (ICMS) to manage the annual meeting in July at short notice. Given the circumstances, ICMS did a great job, and the meeting went ahead smoothly and did not suffer financially.
An update of H5N1 viruses: Are they still a threat to Australia?
Authors: Smith Gavin JD , Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran
Published: April 2020

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses are now endemic in poultry over much of Asia and in areas of Africa. The continued presence of the virus has led to repeated outbreaks in poultry, with associated economic losses, and also to increased cases of human infection. In this article we summarise the continuing evolution and activity of these H5N1 viruses.
Vertical Transmission, May 2011
Authors: Turnidge John
Published: April 2020

Since my last bulletin, we, the Executive, have made considerable progress in ?steadying the ship?. We now have arrangements with ICMS to manage our annual conference and run our national office until the end of August next year. This has resulted in a great deal of stability for our immediate future, and we expect next year?s budget (April to March) to be back in surplus. The Executive and Council also have agreed that we will go out to tender for conference and national office management in the next few months for a fixed period from September 2012.
Virus systematics: relationships and names
Authors: Gibbs Adrian
Published: April 2020

The core activity of biological systematists is to devise systems ? classifications ? representing the relationships of groups of organisms, usually their evolutionary relationships. These classifications, together with the names of the organisms ? taxonomies ? can then be used by all to communicate about the organisms, their characteristics, identification, evolution, adaptations and so on.
World Federation for Culture Collections: professionals underpinning microbial systematics
Authors: Desmeth Philippe , Kurtboke Ipek
Published: April 2020

The World Federation for Culture Collections (WFCC) is a multidisciplinary commission of the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS) and a Federation within the International Union of Microbiological Societies (IUMS). The WFCC is concerned with the collection, authentication, maintenance and distribution of cultures of microorganisms and cultured cells. Its aim is to promote and support the establishment of culture collections and related services, to provide liaison and networking between the collections and their users, to organise workshops and conferences, publications and newsletters and work to ensure the long-term perpetuation of important collections.
Developing attenuated vaccines to control mycoplasmoses
Authors: Browning GF , Kanci A , Markham PF
Published: April 2020

Temperature-sensitive strains of Mycoplasma gallisepticum, M. synoviae and M. hyopneumoniae, created using chemical mutagenesis, have proven to be effective vaccines against the three major mycoplasmoses causing disease in poultry and pigs. The use of these vaccines in poultry has significantly reduced reliance on antimicrobial therapy, with a consequent reduction in usage of macrolides. Recent advances in development of methods for genetic manipulation of mycoplasmas has enhanced our capacity to identify virulence genes, offering the prospect of the development of novel, rationally attenuated vaccines in the future.