bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual and Combined Use of Sawdust and Weed Mat Mulch in a New Planting of Northern Highbush Blueberry. II. Nutrient Uptake and Allocation
Authors: Strik Bernadine C. , Davis Amanda J. , Bryla David R.
Published: August 2020

A 2-year trial was established in Oct. 2016 in western Oregon to evaluate the effects of various in-row mulch treatments on establishment of northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. ‘Duke’). The treatments included douglas fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] sawdust, black weed mat (woven polypropylene groundcover), green weed mat, and sawdust covered with black or green weed mat. For the most part, plant nutrient concentration and content were unaffected by the color of the weed mat. In both years, mulching with weed mat over sawdust reduced soil NO3-N compared with weed mat alone. The only other soil nutrient affected by mulch was K, which was highest with sawdust mulch and intermediate with black weed mat alone in year 2. There were inconsistent effects of mulch on leaf nutrient concentration during the study. In 2018, leaf N concentration was lowest with black weed mat over sawdust. There were few mulch effects on nutrient concentrations in senescent leaves in both years and in harvested fruit in year 2. Mulch had greater effect on nutrient concentration in dormant plant parts after the second growing season than after the first, with the addition of sawdust under weed mat leading to significant differences for many nutrients in various plant parts compared with weed mat alone. Total uptake of N ranged from 12 kg·ha−1 (black weed mat) to 17 kg·ha−1 (black weed mat over sawdust) in year 1 and averaged 33 kg·ha−1 in year 2, with no effect of mulch. Fertilizer use efficiency for N was 8% to 12% in year 1 and 42% in year 2. Uptake of other nutrients was unaffected by mulch and, depending on the year, ranged from 1.3 to 4.3 kg·ha−1 P, 4.0 to 8.0 kg·ha−1 K, 2.1 to 4.9 kg·ha−1 Ca, and 1.0 to 1.5 kg·ha−1 Mg. Each of these other nutrients was derived from the soil or decomposing roots.
THE MIND CRAFT PROJECT – HEALTHY MINDS, HEALTHY PILOTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW ON MINDFULNESS MEDITATION PROGRAMS FOR COMMERCIAL AIRLINES PILOTS
Authors: Vandyke Anita
Published: August 2020

Following the 2015 Germanwings crash, aviation agencies around the world have drawn up new policies relating to management and monitoring of the mental health of pilots. The Mind Craft Project is a literature review that provides an overview of current practices in mindfulness meditation programs in the aviation industry and propose new mind-body programs for pilots for implementation. Mental health is an important issue for the aviation industry as it directly impacts on the wellbeing of pilots. Moreover, a pilot’s mental health can directly affect the safety of passengers and needs to be treated as a public safety issue.

This literature review has demonstrated that the implementation of a mindfulness training program could be a feasible and acceptable method for implementation in a commercial aviation environment to help ease stress, increase concentration and assist in mental health risk management. A few potential limitations to mindfulness interventions were uncovered such as the effectiveness of mindfulness for suicidal tendencies, and cultural behaviors in regards to mental health issues in the aviation industry. However, further research needed as there has been little research conducted on mind-body programs for commercial airline pilots. Recommendations were provided for a follow-up long term study.
Research on the Application of Convolutional Neural Networks in the Image Recognition
Authors: Zhiyu Gao , Bailin Liu , Hongxian Gu , Jing Mu
Published: August 2020

Over the past few years, benefits from the strong feature extraction advantages of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN)themselves and the efforts and applicationby researchers making, research work on CNN in the field of image recognition has yielded many results and achieved the best performance in classification and regression tasks. This paper focuses on the improvement and application history ofCNNand summarizes the direction of improvement and optimization of CNN in recent years from the perspective of the structure of CNN themselves and their applications in various fields. Finally, this review is summarized with a further outlook on the development direction of CNN.
Dynamical analysis and controllers performance evaluation for single degree-of-freedom system
Authors: Gorial Ivan Isho
Published: August 2020

In automation and mechatronics applications, mass spring damper system (MSDS) plays a significant role in ensuring model serviceability and safety. The system’s dynamic of this mechanical system is quite challenging to control. In this paper, the system is a single degree of freedom (SDOF) spring mass system. The issue of performance evaluation of three controllers, linear proportional integral derivate (LPID), nonlinear PID (NPID), and fuzzy logic controller (FLC), is presented. FLC demands that experience be built on information based on a rule. It has two inputs, one of which is the displacement and the other is the velocity, and force is calculated for forced damped vibration control for a single degree of freedom system. The method used for defuzzification is the center of gravity (COG). However, effective control of a system depends largely on the accuracy of the mathematical model that predicts its dynamics behavior. The mathematical model for the MSDS is based on a set of nonlinear second-order ordinary differential equations to simulate the dynamic accurately. The proposed control schemes are implemented with the aid of MATLAB and SIMULINK to investigate the system performance. The sequence of the three controllers in terms of performance is as follows: the first of them is FLC and then in some dominant cases this is NPID by comparison with the LPID and one without any controller cases. Also, FLC displays more effectiveness and efficiency than the system without this controller after a comparative of system analysis performance evaluation.
Molecular and morphological characterization of the amaryllis lesion nematode, Pratylenchus hippeastri (Inserra et al., 2007), from California
Authors: Handoo Zafar A. , Skantar Andrea M. , Kantor Mihail R. , Hafez Saad L. , Hult Maria N.
Published: August 2020

Root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) are among the most important nematode pests on grapevine along with root-knot, dagger, and ring nematodes. In 2019, two samples of both soil and roots were collected from a vineyard in Delano, Kern County, California and submitted to the United States Department of Agriculture, ARS, Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, for identification purposes. Females and juveniles of Pratylenchus sp. were recovered from the root and soil samples using the sugar centrifugal flotation and Baermann funnel extraction methods. Both morphological observations and molecular analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 28S large subunit ribosomal DNA, and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) sequences indicated that the specimens recovered from the soil and roots were Pratylenchus hippeastri. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of P. hippeastri from California including the first record of this species on grapevine and the second state record in North America. Damages caused by nematodes cannot be over-emphasized, although economic importance of P. hippeastri has never been established. Hence, there is an urgent need to investigate the economic impact of this nematode in vineyards in California State in order to develop sustainable management strategies.
Description of Deladenus gilanica n. sp. (Hexatylina: Neotylenchidae) isolated from wood of black pine in Northern Iran
Authors: Jalalinasab Parisa , Esmaeili Mehrab , Ye Weimin , Heydari Ramin
Published: August 2020

A new species of the genus Deladenus, D. gilanica n. sp. collected from Siahkal forests of Northern Iran, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by its 314 to 422-µm-long body, eight incisures in the lateral field, 7.5 to 8.0-μm-long stylet, position of the excretory pore, at the level of the hemizonid, both posterior to the nerve ring 61 to 76 µm from the anterior end, and conical tail with pointed tip. Based on morphology and morphometrics, the new species can be compared with eight known species of the genus: D. aridus, D. durus, D. obesus, D. oryzae, D. processus, D. wilsoni, D. proximus, and D. posteroporus. Evolutionary relationships of the new species with other Deladenus species were assessed with sequences of the D2 to D3 expansion regions of 28S rRNA and partial 18S rRNA gene. The phylogenetic analysis showed that D. gilanica n. sp. is genetically distinct from other included species. Deladenus gilanica n. sp. is a member of the D. siricidicola species complex and close to D. canii, D. nitobei, and D. siricidicola. Typologically, these species share the relative position of the excretory pore to the hemizonid.
A draft genome of Steinernema diaprepesi
Authors: Baniya Anil , Huguet-Tapia Jose C. , DiGennaro Peter
Published: August 2020

Entomopathogenic nematodes within the genus Steinernema are used as biological control agents against significant agricultural pests. Steinernema diaprepesi is native to Florida and very effective in controlling citrus root weevil, a devastating pest of citrus, ornamental plants, and vegetables. Here, we present the draft genome of Steinernema diaprepesi, which is a valuable tool for understanding the efficacy of this nematode as a biological control agent.
Compatibility of fluazaindolizine and oxamyl with Pasteuria penetrans on spore attachment to juveniles of Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita
Authors: Nasiou Eleni , Thoden Tim , Pardavella Iro V. , Tzortzakakis Emmanuel A.
Published: August 2020

Fluazaindolizine is a novel sulfonamide nematicide that is the active ingredient (a.i.) of Salibro™, a.i. Reklemel™. Its compatibility with Pasteuria penetrans, a bacterial parasite of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), was investigated in populations of M. javanica and M. incognita. Spores of a single P. penetrans isolate (Pp 3) or a blend of six isolates were incubated in the suspensions of fluazaindolizine (SalibroTM 500SC, at 5, 50, and 250 ppm a.i.) and oxamyl (Vydate™ 10 L, 10% (a.i.) at 25 and 50 ppm a.i.) for 1, 7, and 21 days; controls were incubated in water. Thereafter, the suspensions were washed through a cellulose filter (3 µm) so as to remove the nematicide, and the spores retained on the filter were suspended in water. Juveniles (J2) were exposed in these spore suspensions in Petri dishes and the number of attached spores was recorded. Neither fluazaindolizine nor oxamyl, at all the tested dosages, had any negative effect on the rate of spore attachment. The spore encumbered J2 from some experiments were used to infect tomatoes. Females without egg masses were extracted from the roots after 50 days and checked for eggs in ovaries and mature spores of P. penetrans. Despite no mature spores present in the females, there was evidence of a low percentage of infection in a few treatments. A possible explanation is that since the bacterium had been kept stored in the form of dried roots for a long period, its ability to infect nematodes was decreased.
Activity of Steinernema colombiense in plant-based oils
Authors: Castruita-Esparza Gabriela , Bueno-Pallero Francisco Ángel , Blanco-Pérez Rubén , Dionísio Lídia , Aquino-Bolaños Teodulfo , Campos-Herrera Raquel
Published: August 2020

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are excellent biological control agents. Although traditionally EPN application targeted belowground insects, their aboveground use can be supported if combined with adjuvants. We hypothesized that EPN infective juveniles (IJs) could be combined with plant-based oils as adjuvants, without decreasing their efficacy against insect larvae under various scenarios. Specifically, our objectives were to evaluate the activity of Steinernema colombiense (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) when mixed with two plant-based oils (coconut and olive oils) and maintained at different temperatures and times, or combined with entomopathogenic fungi. First, we evaluated how these oils affected IJ survival and virulence against last instar Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae when maintained at five different temperatures (4, 8, 14, 20, and 24°C) and five incubation times (1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days), using water as control treatment. Second, we evaluated virulence when combined with these two oils as well as with water (control) and combined with the entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae). Infective juvenile survival was higher in coconut than olive oil and water mixtures up to 7 days at 4°C. Conversely, olive oil supported higher larval mortality than coconut oil at 4 to 20°C and 14 days. Similarly, the number of days needed to kill insect larvae increased at extreme temperatures (4 and 24°C) after 14 days. Finally, the EPN + EPF combination showed an additive effect compared to EPN and EPF single treatments. Our findings indicate that our plant-based oil mixtures maintain viable IJs at moderate temperatures and up to 7 to 14 days, and can be used in single EPN mixtures or combined with EPF.
Effect of seed-applied fluopyram on Meloidogyne incognita infection and maturity in cotton and soybean
Authors: Hawk Tracy , Faske Travis R.
Published: August 2020

Fluopyram is being used to manage plant-parasitic nematodes in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and soybean (Glycine max), but the duration and depth of root protection from Meloidogyne incognita by seed-applied fluopyram is unknown. Both M. incognita susceptible cotton, Stoneville ‘ST 4848 GLT’, and soybean, Delta Grow ‘DG 4880 GLY’, cultivars were treated with fluopyram or abamectin and inoculated with second-stage juveniles in two greenhouse studies. Root penetration by M. incognita was suppressed from 7 to 21 d after planting by seed-applied fluopyram in soybean, while a similar trend in suppression was observed in cotton. Fewer nematodes per root system by fluopyram contributed to a reduction in root gall counts and nematode reproduction at 28 and 35 d after planting in both crops. Based on nematode developmental stages from 7 to 21 d after planting, fluopyram had no effect on nematode maturity. Root penetration by M. incognita was suppressed at 7 d after planting by fluopyram at a depth up to 5.0 cm in cotton and 2.5 cm in soybean. These results were similar to that of abamectin-treated seed. Seed-applied fluopyram and abamectin were most effective at suppressing nematode root entry rather than nematode maturity in cotton and soybean.
Assessing biocidal activity of agents used in chemical-thermal decontamination of hospital textiles in the light of new European Standard PN-EN 16616: 2015-10. Chemical-thermal decontamination of textiles
Authors: Tarka Patryk , Chojecka Agnieszka , Paduch Olga , Nitsch-Osuch Aneta , Kanecki Krzysztof
Published: August 2020

Appropriate decontamination of hospital textiles depends heavily on specifically defined proceedings for handling decontaminated hospital textiles (collection, segregation, packing, transportation) and appropriate disinfection in the laundry process. It is becoming increasingly common to disinfect hospital textiles in a chemical-thermal process. Disinfectants used in this process should be applied according to functional parameters defined in validated and repeatable test methods. Changes in assessing the activity of agents used in chemical-thermal disinfection of hospital textiles refer primarily to the standardization of testing methods for these agents. PN-EN 16616 Standard which regards chemical-thermal disinfection of textiles clearly regulates the rules of assessing the effectiveness of agents used in the disinfection of hospital textiles and defines a possible scope of their biocidal activity (bactericidal, tuberculocidal and fungicidal activity). It is assumed that further assessment of the activity of sporicidal agents will be developed in the future.

1. Introduction. 2. Categorisation of hospital textiles and required scope of decontamination. 3. Chemical-thermal disinfection in the laundry process. 4. Chemical-thermal disinfection of hospital textiles in the laundry process – agents. 5. European Standard PN-EN 16616: 2015-10. Chemical Disinfectants And Antiseptics – Chemical-Thermal Textile Disinfection – Test Method And Requirements (phase 2, step 2). 6. Assessing sporicidal activity of disinfectants in the process of chemical-thermal disinfection – perspectives. 7. Assessing virucidal activity of disinfectants in the process of chemical-thermal disinfection – perspectives. 8. Conclusions

1. Wprowadzenie. 2. Kategoriebieliznyszpitalnej i wymaganyzakresdekontaminacji. 3. Proceschemiczno-termicznejdezynfekcji w procesieprania. 4. Dezynfekcjachemiczno-termicznabielizny w procesieprania–preparaty. 5. Norma Europejska PN-EN 16616: 2015-10. Chemiczneśrodki dezynfekcyjne i antyseptyczne. Dezynfekcjachemiczno-termicznatekstyliów. Metodabadania i wymagania (faza 2, etap 2). 6. Metodyocenyaktywności sporobójczej preparatów dezynfekcyjnych w procesiedezynfekcjichemiczno-termicznej–perspektywy. 7. Metodyocenyaktywności wirusobójczej preparatów dezynfekcyjnych w procesiedezynfekcjichemiczno-termicznej–perspektywy. 8. Podsumowanie
Microflora and parasitofauna of alien and invasive turtle species
Authors: Goławska Olga , Demkowska-Kutrzepa Marta , Borzym Ewa , Różański Paweł , Zając Magdalena , Rzeżutka Artur , Wasyl Dariusz
Published: August 2020

Invasiveness of alien turtles results from their impact on the functioning of the local ecosystem. It is due to predation on or competing with resident species, but also transfer of new and unknown pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. Salmonella is the most often reported microorganism, both in free-living and captive turtles. Zoonotic aspect of Salmonella spp. carriage has led to the definition of RAS (Reptile Associated Salmonellosis) acquired from domestic pet reptiles. Mycobacterium spp., Leptospira spp. and aquatic bacteria are also found in turtles. Additionally, nematode transmissions from invasive turtles to the autochthonic ones have been described. Alien turtles were less affected by parasitic invasion than animals living in a native location, but the infestation of alien parasites in native turtle species was usually more severe. Reports on viral or fungal infections in turtles are scarce. The identified knowledge gaps justify the need for research which will provide basic and systematic data on microbial threats related to alien and invasive turtles present in the natural environment of Poland. It will also give more insight in the scope and the impact of the problem on epidemiology and public health.

1. Introduction. 2. Invasive turtle species. 3. Bacteria. 3.1. Salmonella spp. 3.1.1. Reptile Associated Salmonellosis (RAS). 3.2. Mycobacteria. 3.3. Other bacteria. 4. Parasitofauna of turtles. 4.1. Invasive turtles as a source of helminth invasion of European pond turtle. 4.2. Occurrence and invasiveness of alien parasites in native and alien turtles. 5. Viral infections. 6. Mycotic infection. 7. Conclusions

1. Wstęp. 2. Inwazyjne gatunki żółwi. 3. Bakterie. 3.1. Salmonella spp. 3.1.1. Reptile Associated Salmonellosis (RAS). 3.2. Prątki. 3.3. Inne bakterie. 4. Parazytofauna żółwi. 4.1. Żółwie inwazyjne źródłem zarażenia helmintami żółwia błotnego. 4.2. Występowanie i patogenność obcych pasożytów u natywnych i obcych gatunków żółwi. 5. Infekcje wirusowe. 6. Infekcje grzybicze. 7. Podsumowanie
Bacterial metallothioneins
Authors: Mierek-Adamska Agnieszka , Tylman-Mojżeszek Wioleta , Znajewska Zuzanna , Dąbrowska Grażyna B.
Published: August 2020

Heavy metals are found in all living organisms where, as indispensable microelements (e.g. zinc, iron, copper), are involved in endless metabolic processes. However, living organisms are also at a risk of exposure to highly toxic metals, including cadmium or lead, which do not play any physiological role. Among multiple mechanisms associated with the maintenance of micronutrient homeostasis and detoxification of unwanted metals, there is a family of low-molecular-weight, cysteine-rich proteins, able to chelate multiple metal ions i.e. the metallothioneins (MTs). They are widely distributed among Eucaryota, however, they have also been found in some limited Procaryota, including cyanobacteria, pseudomonads and mycobacteria. These bacterial MTs differ in terms of primary structure, the number and type of metal ions they bind, as well as with regard to their physiological functions. The expression of bacterial MTs is regulated by metals via metalosensors. MTs from cyanobacteria seem to be involved in zinc homeostasis, while in Pseudomonas they are linked to cadmium detoxification. In Mycobacterium, MTs bind copper ions and may play a pivotal role in the virulence of these bacteria. The presence of MTs in other groups of bacteria remains questionable. Problems with identification of new bacterial MTs are mainly associated with low level of homology between MT amino acid sequences of different bacterial groups. Further research is needed to evaluate the physiological functions of metallothioneins in Procaryota.

1. Introduction. 2. The history of discoveries of bacterial metallothioneins. 3. Structure and metal-binding properties of bacterial MTs. 4. Functions of bacterial metallothioneins. 5. Regulation of metallothionein gene expression. 6. Presence of metallothioneins in bacteria. 7. Summary

1. Wstęp. 2. Historia odkryć metalotionein u bakterii. 3. Budowa i sposób wiązania jonów metali ciężkich przez bakteryjne MT. 4. Funkcje metalotionein bakteryjnych. 5. Regulacja ekspresji bakteryjnych metalotionein. 6. Obecność metalotionein u bakterii. 7. Podsumowanie
Candida auris– emerging fungal pathogen
Authors: Grondalska Dominika , Kmieciak Wioletta
Published: August 2020

In recent years, the incoming information about the emergence of new superbacteria and superviruses has been causing growing anxiety. However, also fungi are with increasing frequency reported as the sources of intercontinental microbiological hazards. According to the latest reports, quickly spreading, multidrug-resistant and difficult to identify yeast Candida auris may soon become the center of attention for clinicians, laboratory diagnosticians and the groups of advisers on the hospital-acquired infections, also in Poland. Unfortunately, the methods employed in routine microbiological diagnostics in the Polish medical laboratories cannot reliably identify this dangerous species. It is, therefore, necessary to implement measures to develop this field.

1. Introduction. 2. Candida spp. infections. 3. New fungal pathogen–Candida auris. 3.1. Epidemiology and pathogenicity. 3.2. Difficulties with identification. 3.3. Virulence factors. 3.4. Drug resistance of C. auris. 4. Preventive actions. 5. Summary
Secretion of outer membrane vesicles as a mechanism promoting H. pylori infections
Authors: Krzyżek Paweł
Published: August 2020

Helicobacter pylori commonly colonizes the human gastric mucosa. Infections with this microorganism can contribute to serious health consequences, such as peptic ulceration, gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Chronic persistence of this bacteria in the host organism is probably strongly dependent on the secretion of outer membrane vesicles (OMV). These organelles are small, electron-dense, extracellular structures which are secreted in large amounts during stressful conditions, among others. H. pylori OMV mediate transfer of virulence factors such as toxins and immunomodulatory compounds. They contribute to avoiding a response from the host immune system and inducing chronic gastritis. OMV secretion also affects the formation of cell aggregates, microcolonies and biofilm matrix. Enhanced OMV production is connected to maintenance of direct contact through cell-cell and cell-surface interactions. A key component of OMV, which determines their structural function, is extracellular DNA (eDNA) anchored to the surface of these organelles. eDNA associated with OMV additionally determines the genetic recombination in the process of horizontal gene transfer. H. pylori is naturally competent for genetic transformation and is constantly capable of DNA uptake from the environment. The natural competence state promotes the assimilation of eDNA anchored to the OMV surface. This is probably dependent on ComB and ComEC components, which are involved in the transformation process. For this reason, the OMV secretion mediates intensive exchange of genetic material, promotes adaptation to changing environmental conditions and enables persistent infecting of the gastric mucosa by H. pylori.

1. Introduction. 2. Secretion of outer membrane vesicles by H. pylori. 3. Proteome of H. pylori outer membrane vesicles. 4. Transport of virulence factors through OMV. 4.1. Toxin VacA. 4.2. Oncoprotein CagA. 4.3. Other substances. 5. OMV involvement in biofilm formation. 5.1. Functions of biofilm. 5.2. OMV influence on bacterial biofilm formation. 5.3. OMV influence on biofilm formation by H. pylori. 5.4. Structural function of H. pylori extracellular DNA. 6. Extracellular DNA as an information carrier. 6.1. Influence on virulence. 6.2. Transformation. 6.3. Natural competence of H. pylori. 7. Conclusions
Deadly microbes – microbes used as a biological weapon
Authors: Abramczyk Karol , Gałązka Anna
Published: August 2020

Due to the development of civilization, people’s needs and expectations increase. The global development of civilization, the desire of some countries to expand their borders and achieve a higher political, social and military influence, cause insecurity among the people. Security is one of the main factors for the proper functioning of individuals and whole societies. Currently, a major threat to people is terrorism. Especially dangerous is the use of biological weapons for this purpose, which significantly interferes with a sense of security and restricts the freedom of human activities. Currently, biological terrorism is a global threat associated with the use of weapons for political or religious reasons. The threat from radical religious fundamentalists is particularly dangerous.

The most common biological threat agents are microorganisms causing zoonoses, i.e. diseases which can be transmitted from animals to humans. The most dangerous are Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis and Francisella tularensis. They are characterized by high virulence, ease of spread and the possibility to obtain and use them at low cost.

The aim of this paper is to characterize, based on the available literature, the most dangerous microorganisms which pose a potential threat to humans as biological warfare. The article also provides basic information on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by pathogens which can be used in a bioterrorist attack.

1. Introduction. 2. Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis). 2.1. Pathogenicity of anthrax. 2.2. Diagnosis and treatment of anthrax. 3. Plague (Yersinia pestis). 3.1. Pathogenicity of Yersinia pestis. 3.2. Diagnosis and treatment of plague. 4. Tularemia (Francisella tularensis). 4.1. Pathogenicity of Francisella tularensis. 4.2. Diagnosis and treatment of Francisella tularensis. 5. Ebola virus. 5.1. Pathogenicity of Ebola virus.5.2. Diagnosis and treatment of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). 6. Summary
Amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba – pathological agents in humans
Authors: Padzik Marcin , Hendiger Edyta B. , Szaflik Jacek P. , Chomicz Lidia
Published: August 2020

Free living, cosmopolitan amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba present a serious risk to human health. As facultative human parasites, these amoebae may cause health and life-threatening diseases, such as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) and cutaneous acanthamebiasis. AK is a severe, vision-threatening cornea infection with non-specific symptoms and course. GAE is a unique central nervous system disease, almost always leading to death. Cutaneous acanthamebiasis is most common in patients with AIDS. The pathogenesis and pathophysiology of the diseases is still incompletely understood, therefore no definitive effective therapy is currently available. Prevention is very difficult due toAcanthamoeba ubiquity and resistance. Further studies on effective solutions for the prevention and treatment of Acanthamoeba infections are needed.

1. Introduction. 2. Genus Acanthamoeba. 2.1. Occurrence. 2.2. Pathogenicity. 3. Acanthamoeba keratitis – AK. 3.1. Risk factors. 3.2. Course of the disease. 3.3. Diagnostics. 3.4. Treatment and prevention. 4. Granulomatous amebic encephalitis – GAE. 4.1. Course of disease. 4.2. Diagnostics and treatment. 5.Cutaneousacanthamebiasis. 5.1. Course of disease. 5.2. Diagnostics and treatment. 6. Summary
Pandemic Human Coronavirus– characterization and comparison of selected properties of HCoV-SARS and HCoV-MERS
Authors: Pancer Katarzyna W.
Published: August 2020

Two Coronaviruses, HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43, causing generally mild respiratory tract infections in humans, were described in the XX c. Pandemic Coronaviruses were first discovered as late as in the XXI c.: SARS-HCoV in 2002 – causing severe respiratory tract infections (SARS) in China; MERS-HCoV in 2012 – circulating mostly on the Arabian Peninsula. The SARS epidemic ended in 2004 resulting in morbidity of > 8000 and > 770 deaths, while the MERS epidemic is still ongoing (> 2000 ill, > 700 deaths) although its intensity decreased. Both viruses are zoonotic and require at least two “host jumps” for the transmission of the infection to humans: for HCoV-SARS – from bat to palm civet and then to human; for HCoV-MERS – from bats to camels and subsequently to humans. Primary mode of transmission is droplet in close contact (< 1 m), but both viruses remain active in aerosol (up to 24 h), so infection can be also spread by air (ventilation). The ability for human-to-human transmission is higher for HCoV-SARS than for HCoV-MERS (8 generations vs. 4, respectively). Moreover, there are differences in genome structure and pathogenic mechanisms: different receptor, cell entry mechanism, different way of host response modulation (e.g. inhibition of IFNβ cascade), etc. Probably, these differences influence the overall manifestation of the disease in humans. Infection caused by HCoV-MERS might manifest itself as ARDS, a mild-mannered and asymptomatic disease. HCoV-SARS infections seem to be associated with severe disease only. In this paper, a comparison of the structure of these viruses, the mechanisms underlying their ability to cross the interspecies barrier and to multiply in the human body, including modulation of IFNβ cascade, as well as routes of infection transmission and symptoms caused, were presented.

1. Background. 2. Comparison of structure. 3. Transmission of infections. 3.1. Origin of the viruses. 3.2. Interspecies transmission. 4. Infections in humans. 5. Growth of the viruses in the human body. 5.1. Inhibition of interferon cascade. 6. Infections due to MERS- HCoV and SARS-HCoV. 7. Hospital outbreaks. 8. Summary
Relapsing fevers
Authors: Tylewska-Wierzbanowska Stanisława , Fiecek Beata , Chmielewski Tomasz
Published: August 2020

Relapsing fevers are considered, on the one hand, emerging or re-emerging diseases, and on the other hand, they still belong to neglected diseases which attract little attention of researchers and the public in developed countries. Genus Borrelia is divided into two large groups. The first of these is Borreli aburgdorferi sensulato– the etiologic agent of Lyme disease, first isolated from the Ixodesdamminitick. The second large group of Borrelia spirochetes contains more than 20 species associated with relapsing fever, which are mainly transmitted by soft ticks, with the exception of B. recurrentis transmitted by lice. Comparision of the DNA of different species within this genus showed that the similarity between them is often small, e.g. the DNA homology between B. miyamotoi and B. burgdorferi s.s. or B. garinii is 13%, and B. afzelii only 8%, whereas the B. miyamotoi DNA has a profile similar to the representatives of the tick-borne relapsing fevers, such as B. hermsii (44%), B. turicatae (41%), B. Parkeri (51%). Symptoms of relapsing fevers transmitted by lice and by ticks are very similar. The following symptoms are characteristic for both types of relapsing fevers: high fever with sudden onset, chills, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, drowsiness, photophobia and cough.

1. Introduction. 2. Systematics – classification. 3. Clinical symptoms. 4. Summary
Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance – PMQR MECHANIZMY OPORNOŚCI NA FLUOROCHINOLONY
Authors: Piekarska Katarzyna
Published: August 2020

Fluoroquinolones(FQ) are broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents widely used to treat a range of infections in clinical medicine. However, the surveillance studies demonstrate that fluoroquinolone resistance rates increased in Enterobacteriaceae in the past years. FQ inhibit bacterial DNA synthesis by interfering with the action of two bacterial enzymes - DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. There are two categories of quinolone resistance mechanisms: chromosomally encoded and acquired. Mutations in chromosomal genes encoding gyrase and topoisomerase IV are the most common mechanisms responsible for high-level fluoroquinolone resistance. Mutations can occur also in regulatory genes which control the expression of native efflux pumps located in bacterial membrane. Furthermore, three mechanisms of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) have been discovered so far, including Qnr proteins, the aminoglycoside acetylotransferase variant - AAC(6’)-Ib-cr, and plasmid-mediated efflux pumps - QepA and OqxAB. Although the PMQR mechanisms alone cause only low-level resistance to fluoroquinolone, they can complement other mechanisms of chromosomal resistance and facilitate the selection of higher-level resistance. Moreover, plasmids with PMQR mechanisms often encode additional resistance traits (ESBLs, pAmpC, KPC) contributing to multidrug resistance (MDR). This review is focused on a range of molecular mechanisms which underlie quinolone resistance.

1. Introduction. 2. Mechanisms of fluoroquinolone action. 3. Chromosomally-encoded fluoroquinolone resistance. 3.1. Mutations changing the functions of target enzymes. 3.2. Reduction of drug concentration in the cytoplasm - efflux pump. 4. Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance. 4.1. Qnr proteins. 4.2. AAC(6’)-Ib-cr enzyme. 4.3. Plasmid-mediated efflux pump: QepA i OqxAB. 4.4. The impact of PMQR on fluoroquinolone susceptibility level. 5. Summary
Alicyclobacillus– bacteria still not understood
Authors: Dąbrowska Justyna , Kunicka-Styczyńska Alina
Published: August 2020

The genus Alicyclobacillus includes Gram-positive, Gram-negative or Gram-variable, acidothermophilic, endospore-forming bacteria, which have been isolated from various environments, mostly acidic and geothermal soils, hot springs, fruit surface and spoiled fruit juices. The members of the Alicyclobacillus genus are characterized by the presence of ω-alicyclic fatty acids (ω-cyclohexane or ω-cycloheptane), the iso and anteiso branched-chain fatty acids, and the hopanoids as the major membrane lipids. There are 23 known species and 2 subspecies, with Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris as the most significant. Certain species cause food spoilage in the fruit- and-vegetable juices industry. The spores of Alicyclobacillus are highly tolerant to high temperatures and low pH-values of fruit juices. What is more, they are naturally present on fruit surface and can readily enter the production environment of the fruit and vegetable processing. Due to high thermophilicity of these bacteria, the typical juice pasteurization conditions can stimulate spore germination. This is the reason why they can proliferate in juice and ipso facto cause fruit products spoilage. The family of Alicyclobacillaceae has continuously been modified and each successive year brings new species. Additionally, A. acidoterrestris is recognized as bacterium with a high evolution rate due to its rapid adaptation to changing environmental conditions.

1. Introduction. 2. Taxonomic identification of Alicyclobacillus and its systematic position. 3. The characteristic components of cell membranes and their functions. 4. Morphological and physiological characteristics. 5. Detection of Alicyclobacillus bacteria, 6. Summary
CURRENT CHALLENGES OF VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSTICS CONCERNING THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF STAPHYLOCOCCI TO ANTIBIOTICS
Authors: Kizerwetter-Świda Magdalena , Chrobak-Chmiel Dorota , Rzewuska Magdalena
Published: August 2020

Staphylococci belong to bacteria often isolated from clinical material obtained from animals. Unlike in human medicine, in veterinary, different species of coagulase-positive staphylococci are isolated from clinical specimens, and except Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, and other species are also often recognized. Recently, the taxonomy of staphylococci has been updated, therefore, now it is necessary to recognize the new species as well. Currently, coagulase-negative staphylococci are considered an important group of opportunistic pathogens. The accurate identification of species within the genus Staphylococcus is important because, according to the EUCAST and CLSI recommendations, the interpretation of the results of susceptibility testing for S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci is different. Furthermore, the resistance to methicillin in S. aureus strains is detected using a cefoxitin disk, whereas in the case of S. pseudintermedius– using an oxacillin disk. An important problem for veterinary microbiological laboratories is a limited number of unified guidelines on methodology and guidelines specifying the interpretation of the results of antibiotic susceptibility testing. The lack of available recommendations for some antibiotics testing results in the fact that veterinary laboratories often use the guidelines established for human pathogens. There is an urgent necessity for harmonization of methods and to develop guidelines for the interpretation of results of susceptibility testing for different bacteria, including various species of staphylococci from the individual animal host.

1. Introduction. 2. Problems with the identification of staphylococci isolated from animals. 3. Determination of susceptibility of staphylococci – traditional methods. 4. Alternative methods for determining the susceptibility of staphylococci. 5. Detection of staphylococcal resistance to methicillin. 6. Interpretation of the results of the susceptibility testing of veterinary pathogens. 7. Prevention of the antimicrobial resistance. 8. Summary
CHARACTERISTICS AND FUNCTIONS OF HYDROPHOBINS AND THEIR USE IN MANIFOLD INDUSTRIES
Authors: Tymiński Łukasz P. , Znajewska Zuzanna , Dąbrowska Grażyna B.
Published: August 2020

Hydrophobins are surface active proteins produced by filamentous fungi. They have a role in fungal growth and their life cycle. Although proteins with similar properties are being found in prokaryotic organisms as well. Hydrophobins are characterized by a specific arrangement of cysteine residues, which form four disulfide bridges in the amino acid sequence. This construction gives hydrophobins hydrophobic properties. These proteins are able to assemble spontaneously into amphipathic monolayers at hydrophobic-hydrophilic interfaces. The unique properties of hydrophobins make them more and more popular with regard to their potential application in industry. New ways of use hydrophobins in various branches of the economy are being developed. Hydrophobins are already widely used in the food industry, pharmaceutical industry, but also in molecular biology.

1. Introduction. 2. Classification of hydrophobins. 3. Structure of hydrophobin genes and proteins. 4. Formation of hydrophobin film. 5. Production, secretion and formation of hydrophobins in the natural environment. 6. Properties of hydrophobins. 7. The use of hydrophobins in various fields. 8. Manufacturing of hydrophobins. 9. Summary
A diagnostic dashboard to evaluate country water security
Authors: Doeffinger Tess , Borgomeo Edoardo , Young William J. , Sadoff Claudia , Hall Jim W.
Published: August 2020

While water security is widely regarded as an issue of global significance and concern, there is not yet a consensus on a methodology for evaluating it. The difficulty in operationalizing the concept comes from its various interpretations and characteristics at different spatial and temporal scales. In this paper, we generate a dashboard comprised of 52 indicators to facilitate a rapid assessment of a country's water security and to focus the first step of a more comprehensive water security diagnostic assessment. We design the dashboard around a conceptualization of water security that builds upon existing framings and metrics. To illustrate its usefulness, we apply the dashboard to a case study of Pakistan and a regional cross-country comparative analysis. The dashboard provides a rapid view of the water security status, trends, strengths, and challenges for Pakistan. The cross-country comparative analysis tentatively identifies relationships between indicators such as water stress and the transboundary dependency ratio, with countries exhibiting high values in both variables being especially vulnerable to transboundary water risk. Overall, this dashboard (1) provides quantitative information on key water-related variables at the country level in a consistent manner and (2) helps to design and focus more in-depth water security diagnostic studies.
Study on the influence of ecological vegetation revetment on river flow and sediment environment
Authors: Yang Yanhua , Yang Shuqing , Wang Xin , Wang Chenyang , Wang Jianjun
Published: August 2020

This paper studied the influence of vegetation cover on the river water flow environment and on sediment suspended load movement environment, closely combining the development and construction of new ecological water conservancy projects such as ecological embankments and ecological wetlands with ecological vegetation revetment cultivated on river bank slopes. The glass flume experiment was carried out in the vegetation-water flow-sediment environment. In the experiment, natural straight holly in the early growth stage was selected as the experimental vegetation, and erect type vegetation with uniform distribution of the upper and lower branches and leaves was simulated, and a total of 14 experimental groups were set in different combinations with fixed bed, movable bed, submerged and non-submerged conditions. The measured data of flow quantity, flow velocity and suspended load concentration were achieved in the experiment. The experimental results show that: (1) as to the influence of vegetation on the water flow environment, the vegetation canopy density directly affects the turbulent environment of the water flow, and the greater the density, the greater the disturbance to the water flow environment, and the flow velocity near the canopy will be decreased sharply; (2) in the fixed bed, under submerged conditions, the maximum turbulence intensity appears near z/h = 0.6; under non-submerged conditions, the turbulence intensity near the water surface is largest. In the movable bed, under submerged conditions, the maximum turbulence intensity reaches the maximum in the top and upper locations of the top of the plant, and the turbulence intensity reaches the maximum at the top of the plant under non-submerged conditions. (3) In terms of the influence of vegetation on the sediment suspended load movement environment, the concentration of suspended sediment decreases with the increase of plant height, the sediment content in the tail of the plant belt is reduced to some degree. When the relative water depth is z/h > 0.5, almost no suspended sediment exists. And the sediment-retaining effect under non-submerged conditions is better than that under submerged conditions.
Nanoparticle-templated conversion of glucose to a high surface area biocarbon for the removal of organic pollutants in water
Authors: Barrera Luis A. , Escobosa Alma C. , Nevarez Aileen , Ahsan Md. Ariful , Alsaihati Laila S. , Noveron Juan C.
Published: August 2020

While extensive work has been done on the generation of adsorbents by carbonization of large polymeric structures, few works are currently available for the use of monomeric carbon molecules as precursors during carbonization. In this work we report the formation of a carbon adsorbent material from the carbonization of glucose in the presence of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle templates. Carbonization at 1,000 °C under inert atmosphere yields a product with Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 1,228.19 m2/g and 14.77 nm average pore diameter. Adsorption capacities against methylene blue, 2-naphthol and bisphenol-A at pH 7 were found to be 539 mg/g, 737 mg/g and 563 mg/g, respectively. Our material demonstrates a strong fit with the Langmuir isotherm, and adsorption kinetics show regression values near unity for the pseudo-second order kinetic model. A flow adsorption column was implemented for the remediation of tap water containing 20 mg/L methylene blue and found to quantitatively purify 11.5 L of contaminated water.
Preparation of a hydrophobically associated cationic polyacrylamide and its regulation of the sludge dewatering performance
Authors: Feng Xin , Deng Jinchuan , Wan Junjie , He Jinqiang , Huang Zhenjun , Yan Aoqi
Published: August 2020

A hydrophobically associating cationic polyacrylamide (HACPAM) was prepared by using a micellar polymerization method with V-50 (azobisisobutyramidine hydrochloride) as the initiator and acrylamide, acryloyloxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride and butyl methacrylate as substrates under ultraviolet light irradiation. Structural analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses showed that the substrates were successfully polymerized. HACPAM was used to condition sludge to improve its dewatering performance, and the results showed that as the amount of HACPAM increases, the sludge dewatering performance is significantly improved, and 3.532 kg/t dry solids of HACPAM is regarded as the optimal amount. Compared with the commercially available cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM), HACPAM has a stronger hydrophobic group association effect, with better promotion of the conversion of bound water in sludge flocs into free water, thereby improving the sewage dewatering performance. The 3D spatial structure of dewatered sludge cakes analyzed by computed tomography technology showed that the number of pores of the dewatered sludge cake treated by HACPAM 3 was smaller than that of the cake treated by CPAM, with a reduction in the porosity of 68.8%, resulting in a better hydrophobic effect. In addition, the mechanism of HACPAM improving the dewatering performance is discussed.