A collection of bacterial isolates from the pig intestine reveals functional and taxonomic diversity.

Our knowledge about the gut microbiota of pigs is still scarce, despite the importance of these animals for biomedical research and agriculture. Here, we present a collection of cultured bacteria from the pig gut, including 110 species across 40 families and nine phyla. We provide taxonomic descriptions for 22 novel species and 16 genera. Meta-analysis of 16S rRNA amplicon sequence data and metagenome-assembled genomes reveal prevalent and pig-specific species within Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Clostridium, Desulfovibrio, Enterococcus, Fusobacterium, and several new genera described in this study. Potentially interesting functions discovered in these organisms include a fucosyltransferase encoded in the genome of the novel species Clostridium porci, and prevalent gene clusters for biosynthesis of sactipeptide-like peptides. Many strains deconjugate primary bile acids in in vitro assays, and a Clostridium scindens strain produces secondary bile acids via dehydroxylation. In addition, cells of the novel species Bullifex porci are coccoidal or spherical under the culture conditions tested, in contrast with the usual helical shape of other members of the family Spirochaetaceae. The strain collection, called 'Pig intestinal bacterial collection' (PiBAC), is publicly available at www.dsmz.de/pibac and opens new avenues for functional studies of the pig gut microbiota

Mineral Carbonation Potential (MCP) of Mine Waste Material: Derivation of an MCP Parameter

The heterogenous mineralogy of ultramafic deposits hosting mining operations makes it challenging to accurately determine the waste rock’s mineral carbonation potential (MCP). Additionally, the significantly higher carbonation capabilities of olivine than serpentine add to the difficulty. To address this issue, in this work, a new and unique tool called the MCP calculator was developed as a Microsoft ExcelTM spreadsheet to accurately determine the amount of anthropogenic CO2 that a given rock mass can sequester through mineral carbonation. The program estimates the modal mineral abundance of ultramafic rocks to aid in MCP estimation. This tool is designed to be cost-effective and tailored for use by the mining industry, utilising abundant lithogeochemical data to evaluate their deposit as a potential substrate for industrial mineral carbonation operations. The paper introduces the MCP calculator, outlines a framework for developing the MCP parameter, and presents an example of its application. The calculator is specific to the mineral assemblage investigated at the Turnagain ultramafic complex in northern British Columbia but can be adjusted to study comparable deposits. The paper acknowledges that using waste rock in a mineral carbonation operation requires economic and practical decisions beyond the scope of the research.Applied Science, Faculty ofNon UBCMining Engineering, Keevil Institute ofReviewedFacultyResearche

The use of videos in blended learning to enhance students' learning in systems-based patient assessment with development of associated clinical skills : an analysis

Background: Many healthcare programmes require students to learn practical skills that involve the physical assessment of patients. Videos of clinical skills can reinforce this learning . Aim: To develop and evaluate the usefulness of video learning resources relating to clinical skills in patient assessment. Method: Videos demonstrating approaches to patient assessment were developed to support third year pharmacy undergraduates (n=113) undertaking a module in Patient Assessment. These were evaluated as a learning resource, via a structured questionnaire and by weekly reflective diaries. Results: Out of 85 (75%) respondents, 73% (n=62) viewed the videos as a positive supplement for learning and 79% (n=67) acknowledged these as an invaluable revision aid. Over 90% (n=77) found the videos extremely useful in the learning of communication skills. Conclusion: Videos engage and enhance the student learning experience and may provide a sustainable resource for the support and training of teaching staff.Peer reviewe

Retrospective Cohort Study of Methotrexate Use in the Treatment of Pediatric Crohn\u27s Disease

BACKGROUND: Methotrexate (MTX) use as an alternative to thiopurines in the treatment of Crohn\u27s disease (CD) in children is increasing. This study was undertaken to assess safety and efficacy of MTX in children with CD. METHODS: Patients treated with MTX with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were identified in the Pediatric IBD Collaborative Research Group Registry, a prospective inception cohort study started in 2002. The clinical efficacy and safety of MTX were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety patients treated with MTX were identified. One hundred seventy-two patients received at least 3 months of MTX without thiopurine or biologicals and had ≥1 year of follow-up. Eighty-one of 172 patients (47%) received MTX as first immunomodulator (IMM), of which 22 (27%) achieved ≥12 months of sustained clinical remission without surgery, thiopurine, biologicals, or corticosteroids. Those receiving MTX as second IMM achieved similar remission rate (35%, P = not significant). Fourteen percent received MTX as first IMM in 2002 and 60% in 2010 (P = 0.005). Disease location did not affect outcomes. MTX doses were equivalent in both groups. Fifteen percent of patients developed an alanine aminotransferase \u3e60 international units/liter and 12% developed a white blood cell \u3c4000 cells per microliter while on MTX. Only 4% of these discontinued MTX completely. A small group of 6 centers, which contributed only about one-third of patients with CD in the registry, contributed nearly two-thirds of the patients receiving MTX (P \u3c 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MTX use as first choice IMM is increasing in pediatric CD. MTX provided sustained clinical remission in nearly one-third of patients with minimal toxicity. There is large center-to-center variability in its use