bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Existence of weakly interacting OH bond at air/water interface
Authors: Ishiyama Tatsuya
Published: April 2020

Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations at the air/water interface are carried out and elucidate a clear bump-like shoulder band at ∼3600 cm−1 in the imaginary part of the second order nonlinear susceptibility measured by phase-sensitive or heterodyne-detected vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy. The structure of the weakly interacting (WI) OH bond producing this band is found by first-principles simulation. WI OH is the OH bond directing toward the vapor phase and is somewhat buried in the Gibbs dividing surface of water, which is a characteristic structure at the air/water interface. The WI OH vibration tends to couple with the combination band between a neighboring hydrogen-bonded OH vibration and its bonding intermolecular oxygen–oxygen vibration.
Estimation of the effective magnetic anisotropy constant of multi-core based magnetic nanoparticles from the temperature dependence of the coercive field
Authors: Enpuku Keiji , Elrefai Ahmed L. , Yoshida Takashi , Kahmann Tamara , Zhong Jing , Viereck Thilo , Ludwig Frank
Published: April 2020

We estimated the effective magnetic anisotropy constant K of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) from the temperature dependence of the coercive field Hc of the M–H curve for use in biosensing applications. For this purpose, a previous analytical expression for Hc was extended so that it can be applied to nanoparticles with a size distribution. Using the extended expression for Hc, we estimated the K value of multi-core based MNP sample that consists of crystalline aggregates of elementary particles. We prepared three MNP samples. One is Resovist, in which elementary particles and aggregates are mixed. The Resovist sample was magnetically divided into two fractions called MS1 and MS3, which included mainly aggregates and elementary particles, respectively. We discuss the K value of elementary particles and aggregates from the comparison among the three samples. It is suggested that the K value of the aggregates is much smaller than that of the elementary particles. The temperature dependence of K of the aggregates is also discussed.
Memristor switching and integration in ensembles of silicon nanocrystallites
Authors: Balberg Isaac
Published: April 2020

We suggest a memristor device that is based on ensembles of Si nanocrystallites that are embedded in an SO2 matrix, for which we show that its operation is well accounted for by the theory of space charge limited currents. This operation consists of a memristive film that exhibits electronic charge integration properties as well as a potential to provide a quantum confinement controlled spiking behavior. As such, the present system is probably the closest available two-terminal electronic film analog that may imitate the neuron’s function. This system can be considered then, not only as “purely electronic” and “bio-realistic” but also as having the great advantage of being compatible with the silicon microelectronic technology. Corresponding devices have the potential to become practical by their downscaling, on the one hand, and by providing a controllable spiking mechanism on the same device, on the other hand.
Structure effects on electrocatalysts. Oxygen reduction on Te-modified Pt(111) surfaces: Site-blocking vs electronic effects
Authors: Gómez-Marín Ana María , Briega-Martos Valentín , Feliu Juan M.
Published: April 2020

In this work, the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on tellurium-modified Pt(111) surfaces has been studied. Adsorption of Te adatoms on Pt(111) progressively shifts toward less positive values of both the ORR reaction onset and the half-wave potential in 0.1M HClO4 for 0 < θTe < 0.25. However, at θTe > 0.25, the ORR activity increases relative to the one at θTe < 0.25, but remains lower than that on clean Pt(111). Results were analyzed in light of simulations of kinetic currents as a function of θTe, calculated by employing a simple mean field model including both site blocking and electronic effects. Inside this framework, experimental data are best explained by considering that oxygenated Te species inhibit the ORR by either negatively modifying adsorption energies of reaction intermediates or combined site-blocking and electronic effects. A redox ORR catalysis due to redox properties of Te adatoms is discarded. Contrarily, in 0.05M H2SO4, a positive catalytic effect has been found, interpreted in terms of a competitive adsorption–desorption mechanism involving the replacement of adsorbed sulfate by Te adatoms. On the other hand, despite the strong site-blocking effect on Hads and OHads adsorption by Te adatoms, it appears that the reduced Te–Pt(111) adlayer does not inhibit the reaction, suggesting different active sites for Hads and OHads adsorption and for the rate-determining step of the ORR mechanism.
Vertical Transmission, March 2003
Authors: Ellis David
Published: April 2020

This issue contains important information about the Joint ASM/NZMS conference which will be held at the Aotea Centre in Auckland from the 28 September to 2 October 2003. This promises to be an excellent conference and also a great opportunity to visit Auckland and New Zealand and sample some Kiwi hospitality. At our last joint meeting in Cairns the Kiwi girls did the Haka, so the challenge has been made.
Probiotics ? how effective are they?
Authors: Playne Martin , Crittenden Ross
Published: April 2020

For most of the last century lactobacilli and bifidobacteria have been actively promoted as being beneficial to health. Most of the time, evidence for their benefits has been limited to anecdotal recordings. Only since the 1980s have there been well-designed animal experiments and human clinical trials conducted on probiotic bacteria. Unfortunately, the health professionals? view of probiotics is based on the mystique and chicanery used in earlier days to market probiotics. Marketing of this kind is still commonplace. However, research conducted primarily in the last 10 years has started to identify health benefits imparted by specific strains of probiotic microorganisms. This paper presents the evidence accumulated so far for beneficial effects on the health of consumers.
A fresh look at faeces
Authors: W Tannock Gerald
Published: April 2020

The large bowel of humans is home to a complex bacterial community. Most of our microbiological knowledge of this community has been derived from the examination of faeces. The faecal microflora is, at the least, representative of the microbiology of the distal large bowel, and obtaining faeces for examination is relatively easy and does not require the use of invasive methods.
Bioterrorism: what is the threat?
Authors: J Della-Port Antony
Published: April 2020

The usefulness of an agent for bioterrorism depends on a number of factors including the mode of transmission, the infectivity of the agent, its stability and the environmental conditions. If the agent is readily transmissible as an aerosol, then its potential as a bioterrorist agent is greatly enhanced. However, the infectivity of different agents can vary from as low as 0.2 virus infectious units for measles, to 10 for Q fever and tularaemia, 180 for Shigella flexneri, at least 1300 for anthrax, 105 for typhoid, 108 for cholera and 109 for shigellosis.
Australia 2001 and the white powders: the Queensland experience
Authors: Bates John
Published: April 2020

Starting in Canberra and spreading rapidly around the country from 12 October 2001 onwards, the laboratories of the Public Health Laboratory Network (PHLN) were placed on high alert as the nation responded to a heightened fear of anthrax mail attacks. This manifested itself in an incredible array of samples being submitted to laboratories for analysis and detection of possible anthrax contamination. Laboratory staff were placed under high stress in the performance of this work.
Reflectons
Authors: White David , F Millis Nancy , L Jacques Virginia
Published: April 2020

Teaching methods; Computer technology; The role of the casual teacher,
Facing the Challenge
Authors: Foxwell Ruth , Grando Danilla , Newstead Patricia , Gaylor Suzie , Smith Haydn , Pham Colin , Attard Marian , M Cox Julian
Published: April 2020

Too much content, not enough time!; Vocational education in microbiology: more relevant than ever; The professional practice year: the laboratory?s point of view; Learning in the laboratory: the student?s view; Food microbiology: structure and function, teaching and learning
Was Mars the cradle of life
Authors: C W Davies Paul
Published: April 2020

The problem of life?s origin remains one of the great outstanding challenges to science. Ever since Charles Darwin mused about a ?warm little pond? incubating life beneath sunny primeval skies, scientists have speculated about the exact location of this transforming event. Nearly a century and a half later, we remain almost completely ignorant of the physical processes that led from a nonliving chemical mixture to the first autonomous organism.
White Island: a sulphur-rich hydrothermal system
Authors: Butterworth Philip
Published: April 2020

White Island (Whakaari) is New Zealand?s most active volcano. The sulphur-rich hydrothermal environment of the island is considered an analogue for early terrestrial ecosystems that supported sulphur-metabolising microorganisms.
Lipids, biomarkers and the history of life
Authors: E Summons Roger
Published: April 2020

Organic matter is the stuff of life. Its qualities reflect the biochemical pathways used for its synthesis and, to a degree, the phylogeny and physiology of the organism. Organic matter is also readily fossilised and, under opportune circumstances, provides us with an accessible record of the history of life.
Garlic ? its unexploited antimicrobial potential
Authors: R Davis Stephen
Published: April 2020

The antimicrobial properties of garlic (Allium sativum) are well known. However, until relatively recently, there have been few rigorous scientific studies of these properties.
?Beyond reasonable doubt? or ?on the balance of probabilities?: Laboratories and the legal system
Authors: Hogg Geoff , Tan Agnes , Comar Derio
Published: April 2020

In the current climate of accountability and litigation in Australia, laboratory staff are increasingly being called upon to justify their professional behaviour in court. Laboratories receive and occasionally collect samples, perform tests and provide results which they are sometimes asked to interpret in a court of law. The intent of the test is usually, but not always, clear. The results may be used to determine the extent of commercial or regulatory compliance as part of dispute resolution, as evidence during prosecution, or in a formal enquiry.
Transfer of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in food
Authors: Gobius Kari
Published: April 2020

Antimicrobial therapy is essential for the treatment of infectious disease in humans and animals. However, the development, spread and persistence of bacteria resistant to antimicrobials threatens the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy. Since food is a vehicle by which people can acquire antimicrobial resistant bacteria, there are growing risks to human health posed by the selection of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the food chain.
Putting the pressure on spoilage fungi
Authors: Hocking Ailsa , Begum Mariam , Stewart Cindy
Published: April 2020

Heat processing has been a mainstay of the food industry for many years and is used to destroy microorganisms in foods to render the foods safe and extend the shelf life. However, heat processing is detrimental to the flavour and texture of many foods, and canned foods are regarded as ?old-fashioned? by some consumers. Consequently, some manufacturers of canned fruits have moved to flexible packaging to make their product more appealing to consumers, but this does not really change the organoleptic profiles of the heat processed product.
Mycobacterium bovis: an extraordinary pathogen
Authors: Cousins Debby
Published: April 2020

Mycobacterium bovis, originally considered to be the precursor of human tuberculosis by ?crossing over? when man first began domesticating animals, is now considered at the opposite end of the evolutionary spectrum. M. bovis belongs in the M. tuberculosis complex, a group of organisms that has, until relatively recently, contained the established pathogens M. tuberculosis, M. africanum, M. bovis (and M. bovis BCG) and M. microti. M. tuberculosis and M. africanum primarily affect humans and M. microti is the main pathogen of voles. M. bovis is the causative organism of bovine tuberculosis, a well known zoonotic disease that can impact on human health, international trade and production. In fact, because of these factors, most developed countries have spent large sums of money attempting to eradicate or control bovine tuberculosis.
Susceptibility testing of non-tuberculous mycobacteria
Authors: McKnight Leo
Published: April 2020

There is little consensus about treatment for the diseases caused by the common non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Guidelines are based largely on retrospective, non-controlled studies. Where susceptibility testing data is available, in vitro testing often correlates poorly or not at all with the clinical response to treatment. Performing non validated susceptibility testing is likely to confuse treatment rather than aid it. In the clinical situation, the only valid indication for performance of susceptibility testing is if the test will produce a result that will help predict treatment outcome. A ?susceptible? result should predict treatment success with that drug. Conversely, the detection of resistance in a susceptibility test should predict treatment failure.
MIRU: the national tuberculosis genotyping strategy in Australia
Authors: Gilpin Chris , Fyfe Janet
Published: April 2020

Tuberculosis remains a low prevalence disease in Australia, with approximately 800 new bacteriologically confirmed cases detected each year. In Australia, this low incidence rate corresponds to less than five cases per 100,000 population. The highest incidence occurs in migrants from high prevalence countries followed by indigenous Australian-born people. Among non-indigenous Australians, tuberculosis most often occurs among elderly males, largely due to re-activation of latent tuberculosis.
Vertical Transmission, March 2005
Authors: Rood Julian
Published: April 2020

This edition of Microbiology Australia contains the announcement of the programme for the 2005 Annual Scientific meeting in Canberra. It looks like an outstanding conference, with many terrific national and international speakers.
Recent breakthroughs to combat Hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: A White Peter
Published: April 2020

Following the discovery of hepatitis A and B viruses, it was almost certain that a third virus also attacked the liver. The main criteria for this thinking was the fact that, following blood transfusion, hepatitis with slightly different clinical features occurred in patients who were negative for both viruses, hence the disease was known as non-A, non-B post-transfusion hepatitis.
Testing algorithms for blood: what should we test?
Authors: W Smith David
Published: April 2020

Ensuring the safety of blood and tissues used for donation has been a priority of government and the health system for decades, and it has been extremely successful. While there are a large number of organisms that may be transmitted by blood transfusion (Table 1), many of these are rare or non-existent within the Australian donor population and the major concerns are hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. These three are present within the Australian donor population, are readily transmitted by blood transfusion, and have the potential to cause serious, incurable illness in the recipient.
Vertical Transmission, June 2005
Authors: Rood Julian
Published: April 2020

Congratulations are in order. I am pleased to announce that Associate Professor Bill Rawlinson from the Department of Microbiology at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney is the recipient of the 2004 Fenner Prize. A/Prof Rawlinson is a medical graduate who went on to obtain his PhD from the University of Cambridge in 1993. He then returned to Australia to take up his position at the Prince of Wales Hospital, where he is currently Senior Medical Virologist within South East Health Laboratories. His research has been very productive and has involved antiviral agents, cytomegalovirus and hepatitis C virus. Bill has been very active in ASM in the role of a Division 2 Chair on NSAC and as the guest editor of the March 2005 edition of Microbiology Australia. He will present his Fenner Lecture entitled ?Virus transmission from mother to baby ? infections, disease and emerging paradigms? at the Canberra meeting in September.
Microbiology in decay: A field needing filling
Authors: Jacques Nick
Published: April 2020

?Nothing could be more unfortunate than to divorce dental research in any way from the rest of scientific and, particularly, medical, research. The solution of the problems relating to dental disease demands more fundamental knowledge than is at present available. The organisation of this knowledge calls for investigations in which ?bacteriologists must participate.? This quotation comes from what was commonly called the Treviot Committee?s report of 1946. To put the Treviot report into perspective, it was not until 10 years later that Orland showed that dental caries was an infectious disease and not until 1960 that Keyes showed the cariogenic and transmissible nature of streptococci. Nearly sixty years have now passed since this report and it is clear that microbiologists have made a major contribution to the study of oral diseases and, in the process, have influenced general scientific exploration in many other areas of microbiology and immunology.
Do dental diseases resemble ecological catastrophes?
Authors: D Marsh Philip
Published: April 2020

Ecological catastrophes can take many forms, and can come in all shapes and sizes! Nitrogenous fertilisers can be washed off farm-land into lakes and ponds, resulting in overgrowth by algae. Such an overgrowth can lead to secondary effects to the ecosystem; the algae can consume dissolved oxygen in the water leading to the loss of aerobic microbial, plant and insect life (eutrophication). Similarly, atmospheric pollution with sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can produce acid rain causing damage to plants and trees and loss of aquatic life. On a larger scale, it has been postulated that the extinction of the dinosaurs followed climate change resulting from the impact of a meteorite. At the other end of the spectrum, it will be argued in this article that the key to a more complete understanding of the role of micro-organisms in dental diseases depends on a paradigm shift away from concepts that have evolved from studies of diseases with a simple and specific (e.g. single species) aetiology to an appreciation of ecological principles similar to those outlined above, where a substantial change to a key parameter influencing the habitat can disrupt the natural balance of the resident oral microflora. Acceptance of such principles can more readily explain the transition of the oral microflora from having a benign to a pathogenic relationship with the host, while opening up new opportunities for the control of dental plaque-mediated diseases.
Caries and periodontal disease: Two diseases, one biofilm
Authors: K L Tsang Annetta , Ivanovski Saso , S Bird Philip
Published: April 2020

Dental plaque, a natural oral biofilm is involved in the aetiology of dental caries and periodontal disease. Despite decades of research, the microbiology, aetiology and pathogenesis of these diseases remain controversial. A number of factors interplay in these diseases, the indigenous microbes that inhabit the oral cavity, diet, host susceptibility and time. The ?Non-Specific Plaque Hypothesis? (NSPH) was proposed where the overall mass of plaque interacted with the host and caused disease. An alternative view was the ?Specific Plaque Hypothesis? (SPH) where, among the diverse microbial community, a limited subset of specific bacteria were associated with disease. In recent years, the ?Ecological Plaque Hypothesis? (EPH) has been proposed that it be recognised that the oral ecology as a whole contributes to the aetiology of dental caries and periodontal diseases, with shifts in the composition of microbial communities being of particular importance.
Virulence factors in streptococcal infective endocarditis
Authors: W S Harty Derek
Published: April 2020

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life threatening, endovascular infection occurring when bacteria enter the blood stream and adhere to heart valves. Mortality rates remain in the range of 11-27%. The most common infecting micro-organisms are now the staphylococci (44%) although streptococci (31%) and particularly the oral streptococci (21%) are still major causative agents. Many different oral streptococci have been isolated from IE cases, the most common being Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus anginosus group and mutans streptococci.
Signal peptide pheromones in oral streptococcal biofilms
Authors: Dilani Senadheera M , M Lévesque Céline , G Cvitkovitch Dennis
Published: April 2020

Oral streptococci are known to modulate various physiological properties by responding to secreted signal peptide pheromones. These molecules accumulate in the environment and trigger a genetic response in the target cells at a threshold cell density, thereby synchronising a metabolic outcome with population density. In this review, we summarise how signal peptide pheromones of oral streptococci function. The possibility of targeting these peptide pheromones for the prevention of biofilm-associated infections such as dental caries is also discussed.
The Great Bacterial Reef: Communication and development in human oral bacterial biofilms
Authors: E Kolenbrander Paul , I Diaz Patricia , S Jakubovics Nicholas , H Rickard Alexander , I Chalmers Natalia , J Palmer Jr Robert
Published: April 2020

Consider that The Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of species of plants and animals with spatiotemporally predictable fish communities on coral reefs, and compare this with the fact that human oral bacteria develop spatiotemporally predictable dental plaque communities on enamel after each oral hygiene procedure. This reassembling of oral bacterial communities over a time interval of only a few hours offers an opportunity to investigate the role of communication in community architecture and composition.
The Asian tsunami disaster: emergency management aspects
Authors: Cooper David
Published: April 2020

While the threat of terrorism cannot be underestimated, the recent Asian earthquake and tsunami disaster demonstrates the awesome nature of large natural disasters in generating mass casualty and infrastructure destruction
Epidemic surveillance following the Asian tsunami
Authors: Stewart Tony
Published: April 2020

The December 2004 tsunami which originated less than 250km off the coast of Sumatra devastated the shorelines of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, and other countries even as far away as Africa. It is a potent reminder that the populated parts of the Australian coast and our Pacific neighbours are also at risk. The experience from the Asian tsunami can provide valuable lessons in preparedness and response.
The army laboratory response
Authors: Mok Dennis
Published: April 2020

At the request of the Indonesian government, the 1st Health Support Battalion was given the task of providing immediate medical support as part of the Australian government program of humanitarian relief following the tsunami that devastated areas of the Indonesian island of Sumatra on 26 December 2004.
Reopening a hospital laboratory in Banda Aceh
Authors: Ryan Norbert
Published: April 2020

Medical team GOLF departed Melbourne on Australia Day bound for Banda Aceh. This was an AusAID initiative coordinated by Emergency Management Australia (EMA). The group of 24 was the seventh Australian government team sent to tsunami devastated areas. The team consisted of surgeons, anaesthetists, nursing staff, paramedics, environmental and public health experts and a laboratory team, comprising Dr Geoff Hogg (pathologist), Kay Withnall and myself. Our brief was to provide public health and medical support to communities affected by the tsunami, to coordinate with other agencies and to support local health authorities.
The microbiology of the tsunami
Authors: Bastian Ivan
Published: April 2020

This article will discuss these two microbiological aspects of the tsunami. The results from the first 3 weeks of the deployment of the Australian microbiology laboratory will also be presented and the published literature on infectious diseases associated with the tsunami will be reviewed.
Tetanus post tsunami: Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Ritchie Brett , Pearce Andrew
Published: April 2020

Tetanus is preventable disease through effective immunisation. The tsunami in southeast Asia, with its heavy toll of trauma cases, was an important reminder that outbreaks of tetanus can affect all ages in susceptible populations.
The World Federation for Culture Collections (WFCC) and biological resource centres
Authors: Smith David
Published: April 2020

The World Federation for Culture Collections (WFCC) is the largest independent global organisation representing professional individuals and culture collections which preserve and utilise biodiversity. Member collections target living microorganisms, cell lines, viruses and parts and derivatives of them. Key values are authenticity and genetic integrity of the material and validity of the information provided.
WFCC-MIRCEN: world data centre for microorganisms
Authors: Sugawara Hideaki
Published: April 2020

In the 1960s, microbiology and culture collection experts met several times to develop a strategic plan to foster microbial culture collections. They quickly recognised that statistics on the activities of culture collections worldwide were not available and that there was a need for a ?world directory of collections of cultures of microorganisms? that accumulated information on culture collections. It was obvious also that a world data centre for microorganisms was required to develop and maintain the directory.
Microbes in transit: international shipping requirements in brief
Authors: Rohde Christine
Published: April 2020

The worldwide exchange of microorganisms, including pathogens, is a matter of course. While the availability of these resources is essential for research, biomedical application, industry and education, adequate safeguards have to be observed so that biological material presents no hazard to people who may handle it during the transportation chain, to laboratory workers, animals or the environment.
The European initiatives MINE, CABRI, EBRCN and ENBI
Authors: Fritze Dagmar
Published: April 2020

Worldwide development of biotechnology results increasingly in the recognition of the importance of microbial culture collections and their holdings. In particular, it is recognised that the knowledge on these holdings accumulated in culture collections should be put more easily at the use of researchers. Far sighted scientists, under the leadership of the late VBD Skerman, had set up, already from the mid 1960s on, activities to catalogue culture collections and their holdings.
The use of rapid diagnostic kits for the rapid presumptive identification of bioterrorist agents
Authors: Bates John
Published: April 2020

The events of 11 September 2001 and the subsequent US anthrax mail attacks placed enormous pressure on emergency response agencies to be able to rapidly assess the potential risk of an incident as a possible case of bioterrorism. In response to this perceived need to rapidly identify bioterrorist agents in the field, a number of hand-held ?tickets? appeared in the market and were promoted heavily to emergency response personnel. These included products from Tetracore (Guardian Bio-Threat Alert System), Alexis, Sigma-Aldrich (BADD ? Biowarfare Agent Detection Device) and RAMP. This brief discussion will examine the current knowledge on such devices and their applications for the detection of bioterrorist agents.
DNA microarrays for pathogen detection and characterisation
Authors: Jack Philippa , Boyle David
Published: April 2020

DNA microarrays have three main potential diagnostic uses in clinical microbiology: detection of known pathogens, pathogen typing and novel pathogen discovery. Although DNA microarray platforms offer the ability to screen for a large number of agents in parallel, sensitivity is dependent on the ability to obtain adequate amounts of pathogen nucleic acids from collected samples. In general, high levels of sensitivity require a PCR amplification step using specific primer sets, subsequently reducing the overall scope of the microarray assay. At present, relatively high costs, restricted sample throughput capabilities and validation difficulties are also major factors limiting the implementation of DNA microarray assays in diagnostic microbiology laboratories.
Rapid diagnosis and the routine microbiology laboratory
Authors: W Smith David
Published: April 2020

This issue of Microbiology Australia discusses many of the exciting technological advances occurring in laboratories that give us quicker and better quality results. Many of these have been developed to meet new demands for quicker diagnosis of common infections, or relate to uncommon infections with dire individual or public health consequences.
Avian influenza: implications for Australia
Authors: Nunn Mike
Published: April 2020

Avian influenza (AI) or ?bird flu? is a highly contagious viral infection of birds. Some AI viruses, called ?highly pathogenic avian influenza? (HPAI) viruses, can cause sudden high mortality (up to 100%) in domestic fowl (chickens). AI viruses are classified into subtypes on the basis of haemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) projections on their surface. There are 16 H and nine N types and, to date, all outbreaks of HPAI have been caused by H5 or H7 viruses.
How bacterial genes get turned on
Authors: A Schubert Rachel , E Shearwin Keith
Published: April 2020

DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP) from prokaryotic to eukaryotic cells is conserved in sequence and structure due to the universality of DNA as a store of information and the need to decode this information into protein expression through copying into messenger RNA.
Control of transcription by nucleoid proteins
Authors: K Davies John
Published: April 2020

Although not confined to a membrane-bound organelle such as the eukaryotic nucleus, the chromosome(s) of bacterial cells are compacted into a DNA-protein complex termed the nucleoid. Many different proteins appear to be associated with the nucleoid, but we understand the function of just a few of these.
Manganese: a key regulator of global cell physiology?
Authors: McEwan Alastair , Jennings Michael
Published: April 2020

Iron is recognised as central element in bacterial physiology and the control of the iron acquisition regulon in relation to iron status is an established example of how a metal ion can influence gene expression. In contrast, manganese is an element that has long been known to be an essential ?trace element? but, until recently, its influence on gene expression and microbial cell physiology was largely overlooked.
The influenza conundrum
Authors: Tannock Greg
Published: April 2020

We live in an age of great erudition with respect to the structure and replication of influenza viruses. We have much insight as to the immunology and pathogenicity of influenza viruses from studies in mice (albeit largely of viruses that are very different from contemporary epidemic strains). Knowledge of the crystalline structure of the two surface glycoproteins, the haemagglutinin and the neuraminidase, has facilitated considerable understanding of the mechanisms of antigenic variability and has allowed the development of neuraminidase inhibitors ? the most effective antivirals ever developed for treatment of the disease.
Antivirals for treatment and prevention of human seasonal influenza
Authors: Chiu Clayton , Booy Robert , E Dwyer Dominic
Published: April 2020

While immunisation is the primary public health strategy for prevention of influenza, antivirals are important complementary measures for controlling seasonal/epidemic human influenza, especially when there is a mismatch between circulating and vaccine strains and in at-risk population groups.
Determinants of immunity to influenza
Authors: E Brown Lorena
Published: April 2020

Neutralising antibody is by far the best protection against influenza virus but, in its absence, do we have any other types of immune counter-measures that can be heightened or exploited to protect us against newly emerging and potentially highly virulent influenza strains?
Vertical Transmission, March 2007
Authors: Christiansen Keryn
Published: April 2020

The start of the new year brings with it the promise of new challenges, new experiences and new friendships. This is true not only for our members personally but also for the Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM). Our challenge is to attract new members, to reach those with an interest in microbiology both academic and diagnostic, to meet the increasing needs of our existing members, to foster new relationships with other societies both national and international, to work with the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS) to promote microbiology at the highest level and to provide our membership with an exciting and relevant annual scientific meeting.
From the Editors, March 2007
Authors: Macreadie Ian , Macreadie Jo
Published: April 2020

To all our Microbiology Australia readers, we would like to wish you all the best for 2007. We hope this year offers exciting discoveries and interactions in the world of microbiology.
HPV DNA detection: clinical applications
Authors: M. Garland Suzanne
Published: April 2020

With the licensure and recent agreement by the Commonwealth Government to fund the prophylactic HPV vaccine [Gardasil], preventative against cervical cancer and for females aged 12 to 26 from 2007, as well as the recent NHMRC guidelines on management of abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smears recommending HPV DNA assays as a tool in the management post ablation for high-grade dysplasia, a good knowledge base by the medical profession, clinicians, scientists and the lay public will be critical to ensuring appropriate uptake of the vaccine and appropriate use of various diagnostic HPV DNA assays.
Sexual transmission of hepatitis viruses
Authors: W Smith David
Published: April 2020

Hepatitis viruses are often not perceived as sexually transmitteddiseases, but sex is an extremely important mode of transmission worldwide for hepatitis B, and it plays a significant role for hepatitis C, hepatitis A and hepatitis D.
Donovanosis ? hope after years of despair
Authors: Bastian Ivan
Published: April 2020

Donovanosis (granuloma inguinale) is an indolent genital ulcerative disease (GUD). After years of neglect and despair,the recent introduction of a molecular diagnostic test and an effective convenient therapy (azithromycin) have helped to control this disease in Indigenous Australian communities.
A Century of syphilis serology
Authors: W Robertson Peter
Published: April 2020

The year 2006 represented the centenary of the first diagnostic serological test, the Wasserman complement fixation test for the diagnosis of syphilis. In this article I will relate some developments I have observed in the day-to-day running of a diagnostic serology laboratory over the thirty years preceding this centenary. I have assumed some background knowledge and elected to discuss only selected aspects of serological tests for syphilis (STS), rather than attempt a comprehensive review of the subject. A number of areas such as the serological diagnosis of congenital syphilis, the use of and interpretation of western blots in ?problem? sera and diagnosis of other treponemal diseases have not been included.
Size matters ? yeast petite colonie mutants
Authors: Clark-Walker Des
Published: April 2020

It is well known that brewers yeast can grow by fermentation but it can also respire using mitochondria. However, damage to mitochondria can permanently block respiration. Such damaged or mutant cells can still grow, although more slowly than the wild-type, producing ?petite colonie? forms on agar plates. Remarkably, these small colonies appear spontaneously at the high frequency of 1% per generation. Indeed, petite colonie forms had frequently been observed in plated cultures of brewers or bakers yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by a number of groups but it was not until 1949 that Boris Ephrussi and colleagues in Paris described how these mutants differed in many properties from wild-type cells. Most saliently, they were found to lack respiration, the mutation was cytoplasmic (i.e. not associated with nuclear chromosomes), and as well as occurring spontaneously mutants could be produced in high frequency by treatment with acriflavine.
Not all wine yeast are equal
Authors: Bartowsky Eveline , Bellon Jenny , Borneman Anthony , Chambers Paul , Cordente Antonio , Costello Peter , Curtin Chris , Forgan Angus , Henschke Paul , Kutyna Dariusz , McCarthy Jane , Macintyre Oenone , Schmidt Simon , Tran Tina , Swiegers Hentie , Ugliano Maurizio
Published: April 2020

It may come as a surprise to learn that there are over 200 commercial strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae available for winemakers to work their magic on grape juice. Why so many? Surely one or two reliable workhorse strains should suffice; after all, don?t they just make ethanol from sugar? The answer to this is an emphatic no; the more we look at the role(s) of yeast in winemaking, the more we are learning about their influences on appearance, aroma, flavour, mouthfeel and final ethanol concentration. And different yeast are more or less robust and efficient in converting the hostile environment of grape juice into wine. Indeed, not all wine yeasts are equal.
The emergence of Cryptococcus gattii VGII as a super killer?
Authors: Meyer Wieland
Published: April 2020

Members of the Cryptococcus neoformans (C.n.) species complex are basidiomycetous yeast, which cause the second most common life-threatening invasive fungal disease (cryptococcosis) in humans and animals worldwide. The C.n. species complex has spawned the recent global emergence of highly virulent strains and is comprised of two closely related species.
Alcohol, stress and working with yeast
Authors: Stanley Grant , de Barros Lopes Miguel
Published: April 2020

Ethanologenic fermentation is traditionally associated with beverage production. However, more recently it has become increasingly important in the biofuel sector. Although the harnessing of yeast for societal outcomes has resulted in many improvements to the fermentation process, there are still considerable gains to be made in this area. In this regard, microbial sensitivity to ethanol toxicity is a major factor affecting fermentation productivity, its impact causing lower fermentation rates, reduced ethanol yields and decreased microbial lifespan. One approach to developing more ethanol stress tolerant yeast is to improve the protective response elicited by cells during ethanol stress.
Coral microbial ecology under the microscope
Authors: Henderson Meegan , Ainsworth Tracy , Hoegh-Guldberg Ove
Published: April 2020

Increasing episodes of mass coral bleaching and a growing number of reports of coral disease epizootics have led to an expanding research field investigating the microbial ecology of reef building corals. Corals reside in a complex ecosystem and form intimate symbiotic relationships with eukaryotic dinoflagellates (commonly called zooxanthellae), which have been well studied. Less understood is the complex interactions that corals form with Bacteria, Archaea and viruses, all of which play an important functional role in coral health. Understanding how the coral animal and its symbiotic partners (eukaryotic, bacterial, archeal and viral) are influenced by environmental perturbations such as global climate change, rising sea surface temperatures and increasing anthropogenic inputs into the ecosystem such as nutrients, is the driving factor behind this expanding microbial discipline.
Mining with microbes
Authors: D Franzmann Peter , B Hawkes Rebecca , M Haddad Christina , J Plumb Jason
Published: April 2020

As early as 166 AD, biotechnology was applied to the extraction of metals from ores in the copper mines of Cyprus, and in 1928 in Kennecott, USA, ?dump leaching? ? the use of microorganisms to extract copper from low grade mine waste material ? was conducted on commercial scale. It was not until 1947 that Colmer and Hinkle 1 demonstrated the role that microorganisms play in the oxidation of mineral sulfides for the release of metals in solution. Currently, 20% of annual global copper production results largely through the bioleaching of chalcocite (Cu2S). Many other metals, such as gold, cobalt, nickel, uranium and zinc are also being produced through bioleaching technology. Today, biotechnology is used to improve the environmental outcomes in a range of mining operations such as the use of sulfate-reducing bioreactors for the treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD), and heterotrophic and chemolithotrophic biofilm reactors for the degradation of cyanide products from gold processing and for the destruction of organic wastes such as oxalate from Bayer liquors during alumina production.
Growing the recalcitrant
Authors: H Janssen Peter
Published: April 2020

Unculturable microorganisms are those that have been identifiedby microscopy, by their activity or by detection of phylogenetic markers such as their 16S rRNA genes, and have not been able to be cultured, despite reasonable efforts having been made. Recent successes in the cultivation of so-called unculturable microorganisms have revealed that the key ingredient in therecipe for growing them in the laboratory is patience. Beyond that, there is probably no single secret to success and microbial diversity must be matched by experimental ingenuity.
From the Editors, November 2007
Authors: Macreadie Ian , Macreadie Jo
Published: April 2020

This is our last edition of Microbiology Australia for 2007 and we take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Christmas (yes it is next month!). We hope it has been a rewarding year for all of you.
Global antibacterial resistance issues
Authors: C Moellering Jr Robert
Published: April 2020

The clinical use of antimicrobial agents has spawned, as an unwanted consequence, the widespread emergence of bacteria resistant to these valuable drugs. During the past fifty years, resistant organisms have caused problems throughout the world, as will be documented in this brief paper.
Antimicrobial resistance ? a public health issue?
Authors: Christiansen Keryn
Published: April 2020

With any decision to label a disease a public health issue comes an implicit understanding that action must be taken and that there should be a government intervention or management plan ? but there is no standard definition of what constitutes a public health issue. Most often the factors considered are the number of cases, the vulnerability of the affected group and rapidity of spread, and the levels of morbidity and mortality caused. The cost to the community ? either directly in managing the disease or in loss of work or productivity ? is also an important factor. We can all think of infectious diseases that fit these criteria; meningococcal meningitis, because it kills young healthy adults and children rapidly; pandemic influenza because it has the potential to kill many rapidly; sexually transmitted diseases carrying with them social stigma and the potential to cause sterility; tuberculosis with its transmissability and protracted and potentially lethal course; and food borne infections causing large outbreaks. Where does antimicrobial resistance (AMR) fit in this and is it a public health issue? To answer this question we must look at the evidence.
Resistance to antiviral agents: balancing good and evil
Authors: Smith David , Speers David
Published: April 2020

Antiviral agents have been difficult to find and we still have only a handful that meet the safety and effectiveness we have come to expect from antibacterial agents. Some, because of these limitations, are reserved for serious conditions such as HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C and CMV in immunocompromised patients. The widespread use of antivirals has been a phenomenon of the last one to two decades, following on from the development of the nucleoside analogues for herpes viruses. Not unexpectedly, it is only in the very recent past that we have had to confront the problems of resistance of viruses to antiviral agents, though this already poses significant management problems for some conditions.
Resistance testing in parasites: a review
Authors: Sheorey Harsha
Published: April 2020

The burden of parasitic diseases in the world is enormous and 41% of the world?s population lives in areas where malaria is transmitted. Each year 350?500 million cases of malaria occur worldwide, and over one million people die, most of them young children in sub-Saharan Africa. About 2 billion people are affected worldwide, of whom 300 million suffer associated severe morbidity. At least 1 billion people ? one sixth of the world?s population, or 1 in 6 persons, suffer from one or more neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), most of which are parasitic.
An overview of emerging community based antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Gottlieb Tom , Cheong Elaine
Published: April 2020

The development of community antimicrobial resistance should not surprise any budding microbiologist. Bacteria are highly adaptable and mutations are acquired or selected in response to any number of stresses. In the 21st century the major ?stressor? is profligate human and veterinary antibiotic use, and inappropriate antimicrobial use in food and agricultural sectors. Worldwide, resistance in the community has been well described in many bacterial species. In this overview, we focus on community resistance in three bacterial species ? Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In all three human antibiotic use provides the greatest selection pressure.
Environmentally-friendly biodegradable packaging products
Authors: Baum Dale M , Jayasekara Ranjith K , Palombo Enzo A
Published: April 2020

The rise of industrialisation and widespread use of petrochemicals brought with it many useful products. One of these products was plastic, a highly polymerised hydrocarbon mainly used for its physical strength and effective microbial barrier properties. While oil is a productive and inexpensive way to produce chemicals, stocks are beginning to be depleted. Therefore, alternative ways to produce such products must be pursued. However, sustainability is becoming a necessary part of environmental management and important steps are now being made towards reduced use of non-biodegradable materials. Where old packaging was once made from polystyrene foam and CFC-containing materials, a shift back towards paper and starch based products is occurring. In the case where packaging materials are susceptible to moisture and other microbial attack, it is necessary to develop novel materials with increased barrier properties for use in such items as meat packaging.
New quarantine criteria for microbiological laboratories
Authors: Cates Jeff
Published: April 2020

The Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) has developed new systems to enhance quarantine controls and procedures for containment facilities. AQIS engaged stakeholders throughout the development process to ensure the strengthened requirements would impose a minimal burden on industry while maintaining quarantine integrity.