362 research outputs found
White-rot fungi capable of decolourising textile dyes under alkaline conditions
Twelve white-rot fungal strains belonging to seven different species were screened on plates under alkaline condition to study the decolourisation of the textile dyes Reactive Black 5 and Poly R-478. Three strains of Trametes versicolor (Micoteca da Universidade do Minho (MUM) 94.04, 04.100 and 04.101) and one strain of Phanerochaete chrysosporium (MUM 94.15) showed better decolourisation results. These four strains were used for decolourisation studies in liquid culture medium. All four selected strains presented more efficient decolourisation rates on Reactive Black 5 than on Poly R-478. For both dyes on solid and liquid culture media, the decolourisation capability exhibited by these strains depended on dye concentration and pH values of the media. Finally, the decolourisation of Reactive Black 5 by T. versicolor strains MUM 94.04 and 04.100 reached 100 %. In addition, the highest white-rot fungi ligninolytic enzyme activities were found for these two strains
Fungi in bottled water: a case study of a production plant
A one year fungal survey of a water bottling plant was conducted in order to
evaluate the incidence and fluctuations of the biota. The dominant fungal genera
in order of highest numbers were Penicillium, Cladosporium and Trichoderma
followed by Aspergillus, Paecilomyces, and others. As expected, highest number of
isolates collected were during the summer months, particularly May and June.
Indeed during these two months there were more fungi present in the water after
it had passed through the filtration system (0.4ÎĽm filter), indicating that during
those times of the year when fungal contamination is high, filters should be
changed on a more regular basis. In order to assess whether contamination was
single or multi-loci, molecular methods based on PCR were used. Overall fungal
contamination arose from multiple sources. Some fungal strains were very “alike”
and were detected during different sampling times, indicating that some strains
were endemic to the plant. There was little evidence to suggest that fungi
detected in the source water passed through to other parts of the plant. However,
there was evidence that fungal strains isolated from the water filter were detected
elsewhere in the factory, confirming the need to change filters more regularly
during periods of high fungal contamination. In order to improve quality control a
HACCP programme was implemented and Best Practice Guidelines introduced.Control of Mycological Contaminations in Bottled Water (COMBOW) -
CRAFT/QLK1-2002-70843 contract
Transcriptomics of Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) ear tissue reveals homogeneous gene expression patterns across a heterogeneous landscape
In an era of unprecedented global change, exploring patterns of gene expression among wild populations across their geographic range is crucial for characterizing adaptive potential. RNA-sequencing studies have successfully characterized gene expression differences among populations experiencing divergent environmental conditions in a wide variety of taxa. However, few of these studies have identified transcriptomic signatures to multivariate, environmental stimuli among populations in their natural environments. Herein, we aim to identify environmental and sex-driven patterns of gene expression in the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), a critically endangered species that occupies a heterogeneous environment. We performed RNA-sequencing on ear tissue biopsies from adult male and female devils from three populations at the extremes of their geographic range. There were no transcriptome-wide patterns of differential gene expression that would be suggestive of significant, environmentally-driven transcriptomic responses. The general lack of transcriptome-wide variation in gene expression levels across the devil’s geographic range is consistent with previous studies that documented low levels of genetic variation in the species. However, genes previously implicated in local adaptation to abiotic environment in devils were enriched for differentially expressed genes. Additionally, three modules of co-expressed genes were significantly associated with either population of origin or sex
Mycotoxin production from fungi isolated from grapes
Aims: In order to assess the potential for producing mycotoxins, fungi were isolated from
wine producing grapes.
Methods and Results: The isolates were identified and Penicillium expansum, the most well
recognized mycotoxin producer, was analysed for mycotoxin production by TLC. Many of the
strains produced patulin and/or citrinin, often depending on whether they were grown on a
grape or yeast extract sucrose media.
Conclusions: Citrinin was produced by all strains grown in the yeast extract sucrose medium,
but only one strain (from 51) was able to produce this compound in grape juice medium.
Patulin was produced in the yeast extract medium by 20 strains and in grape juice medium by
33 strains.
Significance and Impact of the Study: The presence of mycotoxins in wine producing
grapes is discussed. Grapes contamination with patulin seems not to contribute to wine
contamination, and no ochratoxin producing fungi was identified.The British Council, Conselho de Reitores das Universidades Portuguesas (CRUP) - Windsor Programme - grant no 29/00
Association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and physical activity in Polish women
Angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE) is the most
frequently investigated genetic marker in the context of genetic
conditioning of athletic predispositions. However, the knowledge
of ACE\u2019s potential modifying effect on changes in selected body
traits achieved through a training programme is still limited.
Therefore, we have decided to check whether selected body
mass, body composition variables, oxygen uptake parameters as
well as strength/speed parameters observed in physically active
participants will be modulated by the ACE I/D polymorphism.
The genotype distribution was examined in a group of 201
young healthy women measured for chosen traits before and
after the completion of a 12-week moderate-intensive aerobic
training programme. Our results revealed the significant
genotype
7 training interactions for VEmax and power of
countermovement jump, whereas training improvements
were demonstrated for almost all parameters. In addition,
main effects of the ACE I/D genotype on TGL, HDL, glucose
and 10 m run were observed. A significant increase in VEmax
was demonstrated for II and DD genotypes, but not for ID
heterozygotes. The greatest gain in power of countermovement
jump was observed in II homozygotes, although DD and ID
were associated with a significant increase as well. Our study
indicated that the polymorphism was associated with changes
in VEmax and power of countermovement jump in response to
a 12-week aerobic training programme in Caucasian women.
However, more experimental studies are needed to establish the
ACE gene
7 physical activity interaction
Multi-center national population health examination survey (WOBASZ II study) : assumptions, methods and implementation
Trends in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control among Polish adults 75 years and older during 2007–2014
Background: The aim of this study was to assess changes in the prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension and its effectiveness between 2007 (WOBASZ Senior study) and 2013–2014 (WOBASZ II) in a sample of the Polish population over the age of 75 years. Methods: Sampling had three stages, stratified according to voivodeships, type of community, and genÂder. Finally, the WOBASZ II study included 467 persons (290 women and 177 men). For a comparison of the data, 1096 persons (538 women and 554 men) examined in the WOBASZ Senior study were used. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressures significantly decreased from 153.0 ± 23.9 mmHg to 142.9 ± 22.3 mmHg and from 85.2 ± 11.9 mmHg to 78.4 ± 11.3 mmHg, respectively, from 2007 to 2014 (p < 0.0001). Prevalence of hypertension among people included in WOBASZ studies slightly decreased from 83.8% to 77.9% (rate ratio [RR]: 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78–1.16) in men, and from 75.4% to 71.8% (RR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.8–1.09) in women. Hypertension awareness was improved from 59.2% to 72.9% (RR: 1.23; 95% CI: 0.97–1.56) in men, and from 74,8% to 93% (RR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.01–1.58) in women. The proportion of men and women, with implemented hypertension treatment, increased from 48.4% to 61.1% (RR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.01–1.58), and from 63.2% to 82.0% (RR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1–1.53), respectively. The effectiveness of the treatment was improved over two-fold, there was an increase from 10.3% to 26.8% (RR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.81–3.89) in men, and from 13.8% to 33.5% in women (RR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.81–3.3). Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension in Polish seniors remains high, but has decreased slightly in the perspective of the last 7 years. Although treatment and control has improved over the last decade, it remains below expectations. Efforts to improve the diagnosis and effective treatment of hypertension in Polish seniors should be intensified
B Cells Regulate Neutrophilia during Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and BCG Vaccination by Modulating the Interleukin-17 Response
We have previously demonstrated that B cells can shape the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including the level of neutrophil infiltration and granulomatous inflammation at the site of infection. The present study examined the mechanisms by which B cells regulate the host neutrophilic response upon exposure to mycobacteria and how neutrophilia may influence vaccine efficacy. To address these questions, a murine aerosol infection tuberculosis (TB) model and an intradermal (ID) ear BCG immunization mouse model, involving both the μMT strain and B cell-depleted C57BL/6 mice, were used. IL (interleukin)-17 neutralization and neutrophil depletion experiments using these systems provide evidence that B cells can regulate neutrophilia by modulating the IL-17 response during M. tuberculosis infection and BCG immunization. Exuberant neutrophilia at the site of immunization in B cell-deficient mice adversely affects dendritic cell (DC) migration to the draining lymph nodes and attenuates the development of the vaccine-induced Th1 response. The results suggest that B cells are required for the development of optimal protective anti-TB immunity upon BCG vaccination by regulating the IL-17/neutrophilic response. Administration of sera derived from M. tuberculosis-infected C57BL/6 wild-type mice reverses the lung neutrophilia phenotype in tuberculous μMT mice. Together, these observations provide insight into the mechanisms by which B cells and humoral immunity modulate vaccine-induced Th1 response and regulate neutrophila during M. tuberculosis infection and BCG immunization. © 2013 Kozakiewicz et al
The influence of depression on risk development of acute cardiovascular diseases in the female population aged 25–64 in Russia
Background. Recent studies showed that depression was an independent predictor of mortality from cardio-vascular disease in healthy women. Objective. To explore the effect of depression (D) on relative risk (RR) of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke for 16 years (1995–2010) in the female population aged 25–64 years from Novosibirsk, Russia. Materials and methods. Under the third screening of the WHO “MONICA-psychosocial” (MOPSY) programme, a cohort of women aged 25–64 years (N=560) was surveyed. Women were followed for 16 years for the incidence of MI and stroke (1995–2010). D was measured at the baseline examination by means of test “MOPSY”. Participants having stroke, MI, arterial hypertension, coronary artery diseases and diabetes in their medical history at the baseline were excluded from this analysis. Results. The prevalence of D in women aged 25–64 years was 55.2%. With the growth of D levels, positive self-rated health reduced and almost 100% of those women have complaints about their health, but considered the care of their health insufficient. Women with major D significantly extended negative behavioural habits: smoking and unsuccessful attempts to give up, low physical activity, and less likely to follow a diet (healthy food). Major D associated with high job strain and family stress. Relative risk (RR) of MI development in women with D during 16 years of study was higher in 2.53 cases (p<0.05) and risk of stroke was higher in 4.63 cases (p<0.05). Conclusions. The prevalence of D in women aged 25–64 years was >50%. Women with D had a 2.53-fold risk of MI and 4.63-fold risk of stroke during the 16 years of follow-up
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