bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carotenoid Cocktail Produced by An Antarctic Soil Flavobacterium with Biotechnological Potential
Authors: Pradel Paulina , Calisto Nancy , Navarro Laura , Barriga Andrés , Vera Nicolás , Aranda Carlos , Simpfendorfer Robert , Valdés Natalia , Corsini Gino , Tello Mario , González Alex R.
Published: November 2021

Carotenoids are highly important in pigmentation, and its content in farmed crustaceans and fish correlates to their market value. These pigments also have a nutritional role in aquaculture where they are routinely added as a marine animal food supplement to ensure fish development and health. However, there is little information about carotenoids obtained from Antarctic bacteria and its use for pigmentation improvement and flesh quality in aquaculture. This study identified carotenoids produced by Antarctic soil bacteria. The pigmented strain (CN7) was isolated on modified Luria–Bertani (LB) media and incubated at 4 °C. This Gram-negative bacillus was identified by 16S rRNA analysis as Flavobacterium segetis. Pigment extract characterization was performed through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and identification with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). HPLC analyses revealed that this bacterium produces several pigments in the carotenoid absorption range (six peaks). LC–MS confirms the presence of one main peak corresponding to lutein or zeaxanthin (an isomer of lutein) and several other carotenoid pigments and intermediaries in a lower quantity. Therefore, we propose CN7 strain as an alternative model to produce beneficial carotenoid pigments with potential nutritional applications in aquaculture.
Molecular Rationale of Insect-Microbes Symbiosis—From Insect Behaviour to Mechanism
Authors: Singh Sujata , Singh Archana , Baweja Varsha , Roy Amit , Chakraborty Amrita , Singh Indrakant Kumar
Published: November 2021

Insects nurture a panoply of microbial populations that are often obligatory and exist mutually with their hosts. Symbionts not only impact their host fitness but also shape the trajectory of their phenotype. This co-constructed niche successfully evolved long in the past to mark advanced ecological specialization. The resident microbes regulate insect nutrition by controlling their host plant specialization and immunity. It enhances the host fitness and performance by detoxifying toxins secreted by the predators and abstains them. The profound effect of a microbial population on insect physiology and behaviour is exploited to understand the host–microbial system in diverse taxa. Emergent research of insect-associated microbes has revealed their potential to modulate insect brain functions and, ultimately, control their behaviours, including social interactions. The revelation of the gut microbiota–brain axis has now unravelled insects as a cost-effective potential model to study neurodegenerative disorders and behavioural dysfunctions in humans. This article reviewed our knowledge about the insect–microbial system, an exquisite network of interactions operating between insects and microbes, its mechanistic insight that holds intricate multi-organismal systems in harmony, and its future perspectives. The demystification of molecular networks governing insect–microbial symbiosis will reveal the perplexing behaviours of insects that could be utilized in managing insect pests.
Anti-Virulence Properties of Plant Species: Correlation between In Vitro Activity and Efficacy in a Murine Model of Bacterial Infection
Authors: Díaz-Núñez José Luis , Pérez-López Macrina , Espinosa Norma , Campos-Hernández Nayelli , García-Contreras Rodolfo , Díaz-Guerrero Miguel , Cortes-López Humberto , Vázquez-Sánchez Monserrat , Quezada Héctor , Martínez-Vázquez Mariano , Soto-Hernández Ramón Marcos , Burgos-Hernández Mireya , González-Pedrajo Bertha , Castillo-Juárez Israel
Published: November 2021

Several plant extracts exhibit anti-virulence properties due to the interruption of bacterial quorum sensing (QS). However, studies on their effects at the preclinical level are scarce. Here, we used a murine model of abscess/necrosis induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa to evaluate the anti-pathogenic efficacy of 24 plant extracts at a sub-inhibitory concentration. We analyzed their ability to inhibit QS-regulated virulence factors such as swarming, pyocyanin production, and secretion of the ExoU toxin via the type III secretion system (T3SS). Five of the seven extracts with the best anti-pathogenic activity reduced ExoU secretion, and the extracts of Diphysa americana and Hibiscus sabdariffa were identified as the most active. Therefore, the abscess/necrosis model allows identification of plant extracts that have the capacity to reduce pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, we evaluated the activity of the plant extracts on Chromobacterium violaceum. T3SS (ΔescU) and QS (ΔcviI) mutant strains were assessed in both the abscess/necrosis and sepsis models. Only the ΔescU strain had lower pathogenicity in the animal models, although no activity of plant extracts was observed. These results demonstrate differences between the anti-virulence activity recorded in vitro and pathogenicity in vivo and between the roles of QS and T3S systems as virulence determinants.
Microbiomes of Blood-Feeding Arthropods: Genes Coding for Essential Nutrients and Relation to Vector Fitness and Pathogenic Infections. A Review
Authors: Sonenshine Daniel E. , Stewart Philip E.
Published: November 2021

Background: Blood-feeding arthropods support a diverse array of symbiotic microbes, some of which facilitate host growth and development whereas others are detrimental to vector-borne pathogens. We found a common core constituency among the microbiota of 16 different arthropod blood-sucking disease vectors, including Bacillaceae, Rickettsiaceae, Anaplasmataceae, Sphingomonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Moraxellaceae and Staphylococcaceae. By comparing 21 genomes of common bacterial symbionts in blood-feeding vectors versus non-blooding insects, we found that certain enteric bacteria benefit their hosts by upregulating numerous genes coding for essential nutrients. Bacteria of blood-sucking vectors expressed significantly more genes (p < 0.001) coding for these essential nutrients than those of non-blooding insects. Moreover, compared to endosymbionts, the genomes of enteric bacteria also contained significantly more genes (p < 0.001) that code for the synthesis of essential amino acids and proteins that detoxify reactive oxygen species. In contrast, microbes in non-blood-feeding insects expressed few gene families coding for these nutrient categories. We also discuss specific midgut bacteria essential for the normal development of pathogens (e.g., Leishmania) versus others that were detrimental (e.g., bacterial toxins in mosquitoes lethal to Plasmodium spp.).
Structural Diversity, Fitness Cost, and Stability of a BlaNDM-1-Bearing Cointegrate Plasmid in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli
Authors: Liu Ziyi , Wang Zhiqiang , Lu Xiaoyu , Peng Kai , Chen Sheng , He Susu , Li Ruichao
Published: November 2021

Cointegrate/hybrid plasmids combine the genetic elements of two or more plasmids and generally carry abundant antimicrobial resistance determinants. Hence, the spread of cointegrate plasmids will accelerate the transmission of AMR genes. To evaluate the transmission risk caused by cointegrate plasmids, we investigated the structural diversity, fitness cost, and stability of a cointegrate plasmid in Klebsiella pneumoniae YZ6 and Escherichia coli EC600. The cointegrate plasmid pSL131_IncA/C_IncX3 was from a clinical Salmonella Lomita strain. After transferring the plasmid into E. coli EC600 by conjugation, we observed plasmids with different structures, including a full-length original plasmid and two truncated versions. By contrast, DNA fragment deletion and blaCTX-M-14 gene insertion in the plasmid were detected in a transconjugant derived from K. pneumoniae YZ6. These results suggest that the structure of the plasmid was unstable during conjugation. Furthermore, both the full-length plasmid in EC600 and the structurally reorganized plasmid in YZ6 imposed a fitness cost on the bacterial host and enhanced biofilm formation ability. Serial passaging in antibiotic-free medium resulted in a rapid decline of the plasmid in YZ6. However, the stability of the structurally reorganized plasmid in YZ6 was improved via serial passaging in antibiotic-containing medium. SNP calling revealed that mutations of the outer membrane porin may play an essential role in this process. These findings indicate that structural versatility could contribute to the dissemination of cointegrate plasmids. Although the plasmid incurred a fitness cost in other Enterobacteriaceae species, positive selection could alleviate the adverse effects.
Klebsiella pneumoniae Complex Harboring mcr-1, mcr-7, and mcr-8 Isolates from Slaughtered Pigs in Thailand
Authors: Phetburom Nattamol , Boueroy Parichart , Chopjitt Peechanika , Hatrongjit Rujirat , Akeda Yukihiro , Hamada Shigeyuki , Nuanualsuwan Suphachai , Kerdsin Anusak
Published: November 2021

Dissemination of the mobile colistin resistance gene mcr in Enterobacterales among humans, animals, and the environment is a public health issue. We characterized mcr genes in the Klebsiella pneumoniae complex (KpnC) isolated from slaughtered pigs in Thailand. The 280 KpnCs consisted of K. pneumoniae (85%), Klebsiella quasipneumoniae (8.21%), and Klebsiella variicola (6.79%). mcr genes were detected in 6.79% (19/280) of KpnC isolates, consisting of mcr-8 (n = 9; 3.21%), mcr-7 (n = 7; 2.50%), mcr-7 + mcr-8 (n = 2; 0.71%), and mcr-1 + mcr-7 (n = 1; 0.36%). K. pneumoniae predominantly carried the mcr-7 and mcr-8 genes, while K. variicola and K. quasipneumoniae harbored mcr-7 and mcr-8, respectively. Six of the nineteen mcr-harboring KpnC isolates exhibited colistin resistance, and five had mcr-1 or mcr-8 transferable to an Escherichia coli recipient. Antimicrobial susceptibility analysis revealed that all mcr-carrying KpnC isolates were susceptible to carbapenems, cefotaxime, cefepime, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, piperacillin/tazobactam, amikacin, and fosfomycin, and had high resistance to azithromycin. Multilocus sequence analysis demonstrated that the mcr-harboring KpnC isolates were genetically diverse. A ‘One-Health’ approach is useful to combat antimicrobial-resistant bacteria through coordinating the human, animal, and environmental sectors. Hence, continuous monitoring and surveillance of mcr-carrying KpnCs throughout the pork supply chain is crucial for ensuring public health.
Improvement of Hydrogen Production during Anaerobic Fermentation of Food Waste Leachate by Enriched Bacterial Culture Using Biochar as an Additive
Authors: Pham Van Hong Thi , Kim Jaisoo , Chang Soonwoong , Chung Woojin
Published: November 2021

It has become urgent to develop cost-effective and clean technologies for the rapid and efficient treatment of food waste leachate, caused by the rapid accumulation of food waste volume. Moreover, to face the energy crisis, and to avoid dependence on non-renewable energy sources, the investigation of new sustainable and renewable energy sources from organic waste to energy conversion is an attractive option. Green energy biohydrogen production from food waste leachate, using a microbial pathway, is one of the most efficient technologies, due to its eco-friendly nature and high energy yield. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the ability of an enriched bacterial mixture, isolated from forest soil, to enhance hydrogen production from food waste leachate using biochar. A lab-scale analysis was conducted at 35 °C and at different pH values (4, no adjustment, 6, 6.5, 7, and 7.5) over a period of 15 days. The sample with the enriched bacterial mixture supplemented with an optimum of 10 g/L of biochar showed the highest performance, with a maximum hydrogen yield of 1620 mL/day on day three. The total solid and volatile solid removal rates were 78.5% and 75% after 15 days, respectively. Acetic and butyrate acids were the dominant volatile fatty acids produced during the process, as favorable metabolic pathways for accelerating hydrogen production.
Potential of Bacterial Strains Isolated from Coastal Water for Wastewater Treatment and as Aqua-Feed Additives
Authors: Kim Kyochan , Jung Joo-Young , Kwon Jong-Hee
Published: November 2021

Bacteria have various and sustained effects on humans in various fields: molecular biology, biomedical science, environmental/food industry, etc. This study was conducted to evaluate the wastewater treatment capacity and feed-additive fish-growth effect of four strains of bacteria: Pseudoalteromonas mariniglutinosa, Psychrobacter celer, Bacillus albus, and Bacillus safensis. In a wastewater degradation experiment, (i) nitrate-N and nitrite-N were removed within 1 h in all of the 4 bacterial strains; (ii) the removal rates of TAN and TN were higher in all of the strains relative to the B. subtilis. In a feed-additive experiment (5% Kg−1), (i) the growth of fish was higher in all of the 4 bacterial strains with the B. subtilis relative to the commercial feed; (ii) there was no significant growth difference for B. albus and B. safensis relative to the B. subtilis, but growth was higher in P. mariniglutinosa and P. celer. The results indicated that the 4 bacterial strains can be effectively utilized for biological wastewater treatment processes and as aqua-feed.
Comparative Phenotypic, Proteomic, and Phosphoproteomic Analysis Reveals Different Roles of Serine/Threonine Phosphatase and Kinase in the Growth, Cell Division, and Pathogenicity of Streptococcus suis
Authors: Hu Qiao , Yao Lun , Liao Xia , Zhang Liang-Sheng , Li Hao-Tian , Li Ting-Ting , Jiang Qing-Gen , Tan Mei-Fang , Li Lu , Draheim Roger R. , Huang Qi , Zhou Rui
Published: November 2021

Eukaryote-like serine/threonine kinases (STKs) and cognate phosphatases (STPs) comprise an important regulatory system in many bacterial pathogens. The complexity of this regulatory system has not been fully understood due to the presence of multiple STKs/STPs in many bacteria and their multiple substrates involved in many different physiological and pathogenetic processes. Streptococci are the best materials for the study due to a single copy of the gene encoding STK and its cognate STP. Although several studies have been done to investigate the roles of STK and STP in zoonotic Streptococcus suis, respectively, few studies were performed on the coordinated regulatory roles of this system. In this study, we carried out a systemic study on STK/STP in S. suis by using a comparative phenotypic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic analysis. Mouse infection assays revealed that STK played a much more important role in S. suis pathogenesis than STP. The ∆stk and ∆stp∆stk strains, but not ∆stp, showed severe growth retardation. Moreover, both ∆stp and ∆stk strains displayed defects in cell division, but they were abnormal in different ways. The comparative proteomics and phosphoproteomics revealed that deletion of stk or stp had a significant influence on protein expression. Interestingly, more virulence factors were found to be downregulated in ∆stk than ∆stp. In ∆stk strain, a substantial number of the proteins with a reduced phosphorylation level were involved in cell division, energy metabolism, and protein translation. However, only a few proteins showed increased phosphorylation in ∆stp, which also included some proteins related to cell division. Collectively, our results show that both STP and STK are critical regulatory proteins for S. suis and that STK seems to play more important roles in growth, cell division, and pathogenesis.
Characterization of NDM-1-Producing Carbapenemase in Proteus mirabilis among Broilers in China
Authors: Zhu Xiaolin , Zhang Yaru , Shen Zhangqi , Xia Lining , Wang Jinquan , Zhao Li , Wang Ke , Wang Wenhui , Hao Zhihui , Liu Zhihai
Published: November 2021

Carbapenem-resistant pathogens mediated by metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) have spread worldwide, where NDM-1 is a typical and key MBL. Here, we firstly discussed the distribution characterization of NDM-1, which produces multidrug-resistant Proteus mirabilis among broilers in China. From January to April 2019, 40 (18.1%, 40/221) blaNDM-1-carrying P. mirabilis strains were recovered from commercial broilers in slaughterhouse B in China. All the isolates were resistant to imipenem, meropenem and other β-lactams. These isolates belong to five clusters identified via pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Further studies on twenty representative strains revealed that seven blaNDM-1 genes were located on plasmids with sizes of 104.5–138.9 kb. Notably, only three strains (PB72, PB96 and PB109) were successfully transferred to Escherichia coli J53, while the other four isolates were located in nontransferable plasmids. The rest were harbored in chromosomes. Ulteriorly, based on whole genome sequencing (WGS), these twenty isolates showed four typical phylogenetic clades according to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of a core genome and presented four main genomic backbone profiles, in which type II/III strains shared a similar genetic context. All of the above is evidence of blaNDM-1 transmission and evolution in P. mirabilis, suggesting that the prevalence may be more diverse in broiler farms. Accordingly, as intestinal and environmental symbiotic pathogens, blaNDM-1-positive P. mirabilis will pose greater threats to the environment and public health.
Developing a Live Probiotic Vaccine Based on the Enterococcus faecium L3 Strain Expressing Influenza Neuraminidase
Authors: Desheva Yulia , Leontieva Galina , Kramskaya Tatiana , Gupalova Tatiana , Losev Igor , Kuleshevich Eugenia , Bormotova Elena , Kopteva Olga , Kudar Polina , Suvorov Alexander
Published: November 2021

Probiotic microorganisms are currently considered as a promising platform for the development of recombinant vaccines expressing foreign antigens. In this study, we generated and evaluated the live mucosal recombinant vaccine by integrating genes encoding influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) of the N2 subtype into the DNA of the probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium L3 (L3). We confirmed NA expression in the pili of L3 using immune electron microscopy. Mice were fed with a probiotic vaccine containing the NA gene (L3-NA) or pure L3. Oral administration of L3-NA caused detectable increase in virus-specific serum IgG and local IgA after the third feeding. Immunization with L3-NA increased the survival rate by 34% when the mice were infected using A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza virus after the third feeding. After S. pneumoniae post-influenza infection, the L3-NA-immunized mice were 50% more protected from lethality in comparison with L3-fed mice. Thus, a live probiotic vaccine candidate based on L3 induced the formation of systemic and local immunity and provide partial protection against complicated influenza.
Psychrophilic Bacterial Phosphate-Biofertilizers: A Novel Extremophile for Sustainable Crop Production under Cold Environment
Authors: Rizvi Asfa , Ahmed Bilal , Khan Mohammad Saghir , Umar Shahid , Lee Jintae
Published: November 2021

Abiotic stresses, including low-temperature environments, adversely affect the structure, composition, and physiological activities of soil microbiomes. Also, low temperatures disturb physiological and metabolic processes, leading to major crop losses worldwide. Extreme cold temperature habitats are, however, an interesting source of psychrophilic and psychrotolerant phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) that can ameliorate the low-temperature conditions while maintaining their physiological activities. The production of antifreeze proteins and expression of stress-induced genes at low temperatures favors the survival of such organisms during cold stress. The ability to facilitate plant growth by supplying a major plant nutrient, phosphorus, in P-deficient soil is one of the novel functional properties of cold-tolerant PSB. By contrast, plants growing under stress conditions require cold-tolerant rhizosphere bacteria to enhance their performance. To this end, the use of psychrophilic PSB formulations has been found effective in yield optimization under temperature-stressed conditions. Most of the research has been done on microbial P biofertilizers impacting plant growth under normal cultivation practices but little attention has been paid to the plant growth-promoting activities of cold-tolerant PSB on crops growing in low-temperature environments. This scientific gap formed the basis of the present manuscript and explains the rationale for the introduction of cold-tolerant PSB in competitive agronomic practices, including the mechanism of solubilization/mineralization, release of biosensor active biomolecules, molecular engineering of PSB for increasing both P solubilizing/mineralizing efficiency, and host range. The impact of extreme cold on the physiological activities of plants and how plants overcome such stresses is discussed briefly. It is time to enlarge the prospects of psychrophilic/psychrotolerant phosphate biofertilizers and take advantage of their precious, fundamental, and economical but enormous plant growth augmenting potential to ameliorate stress and facilitate crop production to satisfy the food demands of frighteningly growing human populations. The production and application of cold-tolerant P-biofertilizers will recuperate sustainable agriculture in cold adaptive agrosystems.
T-Cell Exhaustion in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infection: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Lombardi Andrea , Villa Simone , Castelli Valeria , Bandera Alessandra , Gori Andrea
Published: November 2021

Immune exhaustion is a condition associated with chronic infections and cancers, characterized by the inability of antigen-specific T cells to eliminate the cognate antigen. Exhausted T cells display a peculiar phenotypic profile and exclusive functional characteristics. Immune exhaustion has been described in patients with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, and cases of tuberculosis reactivation have been reported in those treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, drugs able to re-establish T-cells’ function. Exhausted T CD8+ cells’ profile has also been described in patients with infection due to nontuberculous mycobacteria. In this review, we initially provide an overview of the mechanisms leading to immune exhaustion in patients infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria. We then dissect the therapeutic perspectives related to immune checkpoint blockade in patients with these infections.
Intensification of Nickel Bioleaching with Neutrophilic Bacteria Guyparkeria halophila as an Approach to Limitation of Sulfuric Acid Pollution
Authors: Abashina Tatiana , Yachkula Alyona , Kaparullina Elena , Vainshtein Mikhail
Published: November 2021

Hydrometallurgical production of valuable and non-ferrous metals is traditionally accompanied with acid waste effluents/acid mine drainage leading to acidification of the mining areas. The traditional cause of this pollution is the well-known technology based on the recovery of metals with acid solutions and the application of strong acidophilic leaching bacteria for the oxidation of sulfide ores. In our experiments, we used neutrophilic autotrophic bacteria (NAB) stimulated with formic acid or coupled with acidophilic bacteria. The first approach was based on using formic acid as an energetic substrate by autotrophic bacteria. In the second case, the NAB provided initial biogenic acidification for the following growth of the inoculated acidophilic bacteria. Our experiments resulted in increased nickel recovery from the low-grade sulfide ores, which was provided by the NAB in a medium supplemented with formic acid. Bioleaching resulted in 1116 mg Ni/L (69.75%) in the medium with formate and only 35.4 mg Ni/L without formate in 43 days. As a whole, our bench scale experiments showed that the stimulated NAB can be effective at pH 7–5. Partially replacing sulfuric acid with formic acid could also give benefits via the following natural degradation of acid wastes. As a whole, this approach is more environmentally friendly than conventional bioleaching techniques.
A Strong Evidence Outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis in Central Italy Linked to the Consumption of Contaminated Raw Sheep Milk Cheese
Authors: Napoleoni Maira , Villa Laura , Barco Lisa , Busani Luca , Cibin Veronica , Lucarelli Claudia , Tiengo Alessia , Dionisi Anna , Conti Fabrizio , Da Silva Nunes Fernanda , Tantucci Luana , Staffolani Monica , Silenzi Valentina , Fraticelli Roberta , Morandi Benedetto , Blasi Giuliana , Rocchegiani Elena , Fisichella Stefano ,   on behalf of the Enter-Net and Enter-Vet Peripheral Laboratories Referents for Marche Region
Published: November 2021

Salmonellosis is the second most commonly reported gastrointestinal infection in humans after campylobacteriosis, and an important cause of foodborne outbreaks in the EU/EEA. The vast majority (72.4%) of the salmonellosis foodborne outbreaks reported in EU in 2019 were caused by Salmonella Enteritidis, even if their total number due to this serovar decreased. In spring 2020, a foodborne outbreak of S. Enteritidis occurred in the Marche region (Central Italy), involving 85 people. The common exposure source was a cheese, pecorino “primo sale”, produced with raw sheep milk. The cheese batches were produced by two local dairies, with a livestock production facility, also including a sheep farm, being part of one dairy. Bacteriological analysis of samples collected allowed the detection of S. Enteritidis in animal faeces, environmental samples, raw-milk bulk tanks and milk taken from single animals. These data confirm that, despite the scarce scientific evidence, S. Enteritidis can infect sheep and be shed into the animals’ milk. Hence, this is a real risk for public health when unpasteurized milk is used in production of such cheese. The present paper describes the results of the investigations conducted to clarify this outbreak.
Exploration of Microalgal Species for Nutrient Removal from Anaerobically Digested Swine Wastewater and Potential Lipids Production
Authors: Chen Zhihui , Xiao Yunhua , Liu Tan , Yuan Mingmin , Liu Gang , Fang Jun , Yang Bo
Published: November 2021

Bio-treatment of anaerobically treated swine wastewater (ADSW) mediated by microalgae has been deemed as a promising strategy. In the present study, six microalgal strains were used to conduct batch experiments in 0~100% ADSW in order to evaluate their potentials for nutrient removal and biodiesel production. Two strains, Chlorella vulgaris FACHB-8 and Chlorella sp. FACHB-31, were selected based on their better growth performances, higher tolerance to wastewater (up to 100%), and better nutrient removal abilities. The capacity of each strain to remove TN, TP, NH4+-N, as well as lipid production and biomass composition in 100% ADSW were further examined. After 15 days of culture, 87.68~89.85%, 92.61~93.68%, and 97.02~97.86% of the nitrogen, phosphorus, and ammonia nitrogen were removed by Chlorella sp. FACHB-31 and C. vulgaris FACHB-8. Their lipid content and lipid productivities were 29.63~33.33% and 18.91~23.10 mg L−1 d−1, respectively. Proteins were both the major biomass fraction followed by lipids and then carbohydrates. Their fatty acid profiles both mainly consisted of C-16:0, C-18:1, C-18:0, and C-18:2. Taken together, our results suggest that C. vulgaris FACHB-8 and Chlorella sp. FACHB-31 are potential candidates for biodiesel production by using ADSW as a good feedstock.
In Vitro Activity of 22 Antibiotics against Achromobacter Isolates from People with Cystic Fibrosis. Are There New Therapeutic Options?
Authors: Beauruelle Clémence , Lamoureux Claudie , Mashi Arsid , Ramel Sophie , Le Bihan Jean , Ropars Thomas , Dirou Anne , Banerjee Anandadev , Tandé Didier , Le Bars Hervé , Héry-Arnaud Geneviève
Published: November 2021

Bacteria belonging to the genus Achromobacter are increasingly isolated from respiratory samples of people with cystic fibrosis (PWCF). The management of this multidrug-resistant genus is challenging and characterised by a lack of international recommendations, therapeutic guidelines and data concerning antibiotic susceptibility, especially concerning the newer antibiotics. The objective of this study was to describe the antibiotic susceptibility of Achromobacter isolates from PWCF, including susceptibility to new antibiotics. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 22 antibiotics were determined for a panel of 23 Achromobacter isolates from 19 respiratory samples of PWCF. Two microdilution MIC plates were used: EUMDROXF® plate (Sensititre) and Micronaut-S Pseudomonas MIC® plate (Merlin) and completed by a third method if necessary (E-test® or UMIC®). Among usual antimicrobial agents, the most active was imipenem (70% susceptibility). Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, piperacillin and tigecycline (65%, 56% and 52% susceptibility, respectively) were still useful for the treatment of Achromobacter infections. Among new therapeutic options, β-lactams combined with a β-lactamase-inhibitor did not bring benefits compared to β-lactam alone. On the other hand, cefiderocol appeared as a promising therapeutic alternative for managing Achromobacter infections in PWCF. This study provides the first results on the susceptibility of clinical Achromobacter isolates concerning new antibiotics. More microbiological and clinical data are required to establish the optimal treatment of Achromobacter infections.
Methylation Motifs in Promoter Sequences May Contribute to the Maintenance of a Conserved m5C Methyltransferase in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Meng Bowen , Epp Naomi , Wijaya Winsen , Mrázek Jan , Hoover Timothy R.
Published: November 2021

DNA methylomes of Helicobacter pylori strains are complex due to the large number of DNA methyltransferases (MTases) they possess. H. pylori J99 M.Hpy99III is a 5-methylcytosine (m5C) MTase that converts GCGC motifs to Gm5CGC. Homologs of M.Hpy99III are found in essentially all H. pylori strains. Most of these homologs are orphan MTases that lack a cognate restriction endonuclease, and their retention in H. pylori strains suggest they have roles in gene regulation. To address this hypothesis, green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter genes were constructed with six putative promoters that had a GCGC motif in the extended −10 region, and the expression of the reporter genes was compared in wild-type H. pylori G27 and a mutant lacking the M.Hpy99III homolog (M.HpyGIII). The expression of three of the GFP reporter genes was decreased significantly in the mutant lacking M.HpyGIII. In addition, the growth rate of the H. pylori G27 mutant lacking M.HpyGIII was reduced markedly compared to that of the wild type. These findings suggest that the methylation of the GCGC motif in many H. pylori GCGC-containing promoters is required for the robust expression of genes controlled by these promoters, which may account for the universal retention of M.Hpy99III homologs in H. pylori strains.
An Intelligent Rockburst Prediction Model Based on Scorecard Methodology
Authors: Wang Honglei , Li Zhenlei , Song Dazhao , He Xueqiu , Sobolev Aleksei , Khan Majid
Published: November 2021

Rockburst is a serious hazard in underground engineering, and accurate prediction of rockburst risk is challenging. To construct an intelligent prediction model of rockburst risk with interpretability and high accuracy, three binary scorecards predicting different risk levels of rockburst were constructed using ChiMerge, evidence weight theory, and the logistic regression algorithm. An intelligent rockburst prediction model based on scorecard methodology (IRPSC) was obtained by integrating the three scorecards. The effects of hazard sample category weights on the missed alarm rate, false alarm rate, and accuracy of the IRPSC were analyzed. Results show that the accuracy, false alarm rate, and missed alarm rate of the IRPSC for rockburst prediction in riverside hydropower stations are 75%, 12.5%, and 12.5%, respectively. Setting higher hazard sample category weights can reduce the missed alarm rate of IRPSC, but it will lead to a higher false alarm rate. The IRPSC can adaptively adjust the threshold and weight value of the indicator and convert the abstract machine learning model into a tabular form, which overcomes the commonly black box problems of machine learning model, as well as is of great significance to the application of machine learning in rockburst risk prediction.
Model Scaling in Smartphone GNSS-Aided Photogrammetry for Fragmentation Size Distribution Estimation
Authors: Tungol Zedrick Paul L. , Toriya Hisatoshi , Owada Narihiro , Kitahara Itaru , Inagaki Fumiaki , Saadat Mahdi , Jang Hyong Doo , Kawamura Youhei
Published: November 2021

Fragmentation size distribution estimation is a critical process in mining operations that employ blasting. In this study, we aim to create a low-cost, efficient system for producing a scaled 3D model without the use of ground truth data, such as GCPs (Ground Control Points), for the purpose of improving fragmentation size distribution measurement using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)-aided photogrammetry. However, the inherent error of GNSS data inhibits a straight-forward application in Structure-from-Motion (SfM). To overcome this, the study proposes that, by increasing the number of photos used in the SfM process, the scale error brought about by the GNSS error will proportionally decrease. Experiments indicated that constraining camera positions to locations, relative or otherwise, improved the accuracy of the generated 3D model. In further experiments, the results showed that the scale error decreased when more images from the same dataset were used. The proposed method is practical and easy to transport as it only requires a smartphone and, optionally, a separate camera. In conclusion, with some modifications to the workflow, technique, and equipment, a muckpile can be accurately recreated in scale in the digital world with the use of positional data.
Effect of Rhamnolipids and Lipopolysaccharides on the Bioleaching of Arsenic-Bearing Waste
Authors: Pawlowska Agnieszka , Sadowski Zygmunt , Winiarska Katarzyna
Published: November 2021

The adsorption of biosurfactants and polysaccharides changes the surface properties of solid particles, which is important for controlling the release of arsenic compounds from the solid phase and preventing undesirable bioleaching. Microbial leaching and scorodite adhesion experiments, including pure and modified mineral material, were conducted in a glass column with a mineral bed (0.8–1.2 mm particle size) to test how rhamnolipids (Rh) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) affect surface properties of mineral waste from Złoty Stok (Poland) and secondary bio-extraction products (scorodite). Adsorption tests were conducted for both solid materials. The adsorption of Rh and LPS on the solids was shown to modify its surface charge, affecting bioleaching. The highest bio-extraction efficiency was achieved for arsenic waste with adsorbed rhamnolipids, while the lowest, for the LPS-modified mineral. Under acidic circumstances (pH~2.5), the strongly negative zeta potential of arsenic-bearing waste in the presence of Rh creates conditions for bacteria adhesion, leading to the intensification of metal extraction. The presence of a biopolymer on the As waste surface decreases leaching efficiency and favours the scorodite’s adhesion.
Fluid Evolution and Ore Genesis of the Juyuan Tungsten Deposit, Beishan, NW China
Authors: Yan Qiaojuan , Chen Zhengle , Zhou Zhenju , Zhao Tongyang , Han Qiong , Li Jilin , Liu Bo , Zhang Wengao
Published: November 2021

The newly discovered Juyuan tungsten deposit is hosted in Triassic granite in the Beishan Orogen, NW China. The tungsten mineralization occurred as quartz veins, and the main ore minerals included wolframite and scheelite. The age, origin, and tectonic setting of the Juyuan tungsten deposit, however, remain poorly understood. According to the mineralogical assemblages and crosscutting relationships, three hydrothermal stages can be identified, i.e., the early stage of quartz veins with scheelite and wolframite, the intermediate stage of quartz veinlets with sulfides, and the late stage of carbonate-quartz veinlets with tungsten being mainly introduced in the early stage. Quartz formed in the two earlier stages contained four compositional types of fluid inclusions, i.e., pure CO2, CO2-H2O, daughter mineral-bearing, and NaCl-H2O, but the late-stage quartz only contained the NaCl-H2O inclusions. The inclusions in quartz formed in the early, intermediate, and late stages had total homogenization temperatures of 230–344 °C, 241−295 °C, and 184−234 °C, respectively, with salinities no higher than 7.2 wt.% NaCl equiv (equivalent). Trapping pressures estimated from the CO2-H2O inclusions were 33−256 MPa and 36−214 MPa in the early and intermediate stages, corresponding to mineralization depths of 3–8 km. Fluid boiling and mixing caused rapid precipitation of wolframite, scheelite, and sulfides. Through boiling and inflow of meteoric water, the ore-forming fluid system evolved from CO2-rich to CO2-poor in composition and from magmatic to meteoric, as indicated by decreasing δ18Owater values from early to late stages. The sulfur and lead isotope compositions in the intermediate-stage suggest that the Triassic granite was a significant source of ore metals. The biotite 40Ar/39Ar age from the W-bearing quartz shows that the Juyuan tungsten system was formed at 240.0 ± 1.0 Ma, coeval with the emplacement of granitic rocks at the deposit. Integrating the data obtained from the studies including regional geology, ore geology, biotite Ar-Ar geochronology, fluid inclusion, and C-H-O-S-Pb isotope geochemistry, we conclude that the Juyuan tungsten deposit was a quartz-vein type system that originated from the emplacement of the granites, which was induced by collision between the Tarim and Kazakhstan–Ili plates. A comparison of the characteristics of tungsten mineralization in East Tianshan and Beishan suggests that the Triassic tungsten metallogenic belt in East Tianshan extends to the Beishan orogenic belt and that the west of the orogenic belt also has potential for the discovery of further quartz-vein-type tungsten deposits.
Significance of Acid Washing after Biooxidation of Sulfides in Sequential Biotreatment of Double Refractory Gold Ore from the Syama Mine, Mali
Authors: Cindy  , Sakai Ryotaro , Mendoza Diego M. , Konadu Kojo T. , Sasaki Keiko
Published: November 2021

Environmentally friendly pretreatment of double refractory gold ores (DRGO) to improve gold recovery without emitting pollutant gas is challenging. Sequential biotreatment, including iron-oxidizing microorganisms to decompose sulfides, followed by the enzymatic decomposition of carbonaceous matter, was recently developed. The effect of acid washing by 1 M HCl for 24 h between two bioprocesses was evaluated using a real double refractory gold ore from the Syama mines, Mali, which includes 24 g/t of Au and 5.27 wt% of carbon with a relatively higher graphitic degree. The addition of the acid washing process significantly improved gold recovery by cyanidation to yield to 84.9 ± 0.7% from 64.4 ± 9.2% (n = 2). The positive effects of acid washing can be explained by chemical alteration of carbonaceous matter to facilitate the accessibility for lignin peroxidase (LiP) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) in cell-free spent medium (CFSM), although the agglomeration was enhanced by an acid attack to structural Fe(III) in clay minerals. Sequential treatment of DRGO basically consists of the oxidative dissolution of sulfides and the degradation of carbonaceous matter prior to the extraction of gold; however, the details should be modified depending on the elemental and mineralogical compositions and the graphitic degree of carbonaceous matter.
Crystal Structure of an Anisotropic Pyrope Garnet That Contains Two Cubic Phases
Authors: Antao Sytle M.
Published: November 2021

The crystal structure of two different samples of pyrope garnet, ideally Mg3Al2Si3O12, from South Africa was refined using the Rietveld method, space group Ia3¯d, and monochromatic synchrotron high-resolution powder X-ray diffraction (HRPXRD) data. Sample 1 from Wesselton Mine is a single cubic phase and is optically isotropic. Electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA) provided an average composition {Mg2.30Fe2+0.26Ca0.42Mn2+0.02}∑3[Al1.53Fe3+0.06Cr3+0.40Ti4+0.01Fe2+0.01]∑2Si3O12, which contains a significant amount of Cr cations. The unit-cell parameter (Å) and bond distances (Å) are a = 11.56197(1) Å, average  = 2.2985, Al-O = 1.9101(4), and Si-O = 1.6343(3) Å. Sample 2 from De Beers Diamond Mine has an average composition {Mg2.33Fe2+0.33Ca0.33Mn2+0.01}∑3[Al1.73Fe3+0.12Cr3+0.06Ti4+0.05Fe2+0.05]∑2Si3O12 and is a fine-scale intergrowth of two cubic phases. The weight percentage, unit-cell parameter (Å), and bond distances (Å) for phase 2a are 62.2(1)%, a = 11.56185(1) Å, average  = 2.3006, Al-O = 1.9080(4), Si-O = 1.6334(4) Å. The corresponding values for phase 2b are 37.8(1)%, a = 11.53896(1) Å, average  = 2.2954, Al-O = 1.9020(6), Si-O = 1.6334(6) Å. The two cubic phases in sample 2 cause the crystal to be optically anisotropic because of strain induce birefringence. The unit-cell parameter and bond distances for sample 1 are similar to those in phase 2a.
Bioindicators of the constants of homeostasis of the internal environment of crustaceans, cultured in different environmental conditions for the purpose of obtaining commodity products
Authors: Lagutkina Lina Yuryevna , Akhmedzhanova Aliya Baymuratovna , Ponomarev Sergey Vladimirovich , Martyanov Alexander Sergeevich
Published: November 2021

The study of the composition and properties of the internal environment (hemolymph) of crustaceans grown in various conditions has an important ecological and physiological aspect, since a number of characteristics of the physiological status of objects can be used to assess the state of the environment, thus, they can be included in the number of bioindicators. However, the nature of the observed differences between objects grown under different conditions, the features of homeostatic regulatory mechanisms and the limits of the reference values of individual homeostasis constants are often not known. To formulate recommendations regarding the technological process of growing objects of warm-water aquaculture, taking into account the assessment of environmental conditions in dynamics through the analysis of indicators of the state of individuals — bioindicators — it is necessary to compare the state of individuals kept in different conditions. The object of the study was the Australian red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (Von Martens, 1868), cultivated under various conditions of intensive and semi-intensive cultivation. The studies have revealed that throughout the entire period of cultivation, individuals grown in ponds retained a high level of total protein, cholesterol and β-lipoproteins, in contrast to crayfish cultivated in pools. The values of these indicators as bioindicators indicate a high degree of compliance of the growing conditions with the needs of the studied object. Comparative assessment of fluctuations in the ratio of hemolymph shaped elements in the hemocyte composition between cancers grown under different conditions did not reveal significant differences. It was found that significantly higher growth rates are characteristic of crayfish grown in ponds, in contrast to the group of individuals cultivated in pools. The comparative analysis of bioindicators in different growing conditions presented by the authors of the article supplements information that is of significant interest for monitoring the growing conditions of this representative of warm water aquaculture, which will be valuable for specialists engaged in crustacean breeding.
Avaliação da rasagilina no tratamento da Doença de Parkinson: revisão sistemática
Authors: De Lara Luiz Guilherme , Szajda Taphine Kathleen , Christoff Adriana de Oliveira
Published: November 2021

Introdução. A rasagilina recentemente começou a ser utilizada no Brasil para tratar pacientes com Doença de Parkinson (DP) que apresentam complicações motoras consequentes ao uso da levodopa. Objetivo. Por ser um fármaco novo, o objetivo desta revisão sistemática foi avaliar os efeitos terapêuticos e a segurança da rasagilina utilizada isoladamente e associada a levodopa no tratamento dos sintomas motores de pacientes com DP. Método. As plataformas BVS, EBSCO, PUBMED e SCIELO foram consultadas utilizando os descritores doença de parkinson, rasagilina e levodopa, e seus correspondentes em inglês e espanhol. Após encontrar os artigos publicados entre janeiro de 2010 e agosto de 2020, e filtrar os estudos clínicos randomizados, a leitura dos títulos resultou na seleção daqueles que continham os termos rasagilina e DP. Destes, foram lidos os resumos e selecionados os estudos em que a rasagilina foi combinada levodopa ou não. Resultado. No total, 6 estudos foram selecionados e lidos integralmente. Eles avaliaram a rasagilina combinada a levodopa nos diferentes estágios da doença e concluíram que a associação melhorou os sintomas motores da doença. Um estudo também constatou que, nos primeiros estágios da doença, a monoterapia com rasagilina apresentou efeito terapêutico. A rasagilina, comparada a selegilina, demonstrou eficácia similar no controle motor. Em relação à segurança, três estudos concluíram que a rasagilina é segura devido à baixa ocorrência de efeitos adversos em relação ao grupo que recebeu placebo. Conclusão. A rasagilina é segura e eficaz na redução dos sintomas motores da DP isolada e associada a levodopa.
Verkehrsverlagerung im Güterverkehr: wichtigster Aspekt im grenzüberschreitenden Verkehr
Authors: Vollmer Peter
Published: November 2021

Die Massnahmen für eine Verlagerung des Güterverkehrs sind die grössten und wichtigsten Herausforderungen im grenzüberschreitenden Güterverkehr. Mit der Zustimmung der Bevölkerung zu einer mittels eines Volksbegehrens angeregten, radikalen Verfassungsänderung wurde eine Verlagerungspolitik angestossen, welche seinesgleichen sucht! Die direktdemokratische Mitwirkung der Bevölkerung hat die Behörden gezwungen, die Verlagerungspolitik im Güterverkehr von der Strasse auf die Schiene mit einer Vielzahl von Massnahmen voranzutreiben.
Legal Protection of Auction Winners of Agraria Disputes of Confiscated Assets through KPKNL
Authors: Moktar Brilian , Pakpahan Elfira Fitriyani , Pakpahan Kartina , Isnainul Ok , Leonard Tommy
Published: November 2021

It is important to know the rights of the auction winner in every auction procedure.  This includes legal protection for the winning bidder for assets confiscated through the State Wealth and Auction Service Office (KPKNL).  This research will reveal the legal protection section of agrarian disputes over the auction of bppn confiscated assets through KPKNL in Medan City.  Data collection used Normative Juridical review.  Research informants only focus on employees and parties who have problems related to the agrarian suspicion of the auction of confiscated assets by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency, confiscate through KPKNL in the Medan branch.  The conclusion is that legally the auction, there are inappropriate regulations by the Central KPKNL and the Medan city area.  There are also problems with policies made by agraria confiscate, where the regulations are not well integrated.  KPKNL has conducted an auction, but has not provided certainty for the auction winner.  In this case, the auction winner gets a loss because he has followed all procedures and did not receive what has been stipulated by KPKNL.