Development of an Animal Microbiota Online Web-Based System Basilio: Bacterial Assemblages and Species Identity Library Online

Zoonotic diseases caused by infectious microorganisms transmitted from animals to humans, are becoming a greater threat to global health security. With the massive amount of data on animal microbiota and zoonosis research that recognize the pivotal roles of microorganisms in animal physiology and human health, it is necessary to process and present the data and make them accessible to researchers, educators, and to those involved in microbiota and zoonotic infections studies. The Bacterial Assemblages and Species Identity Library Online (BASILIO) is a web-based bacterial system and database that was created to curate data from various research publications on isolated bacteria from a variety of animal species worldwide. The system focuses on the presentation of animal and bacterial taxonomy, with an emphasis on the abundance of bacterial diversity in the animals studied and the classification of bacteria according to their pathogenicity. The project gathered data on animal microbiota from published studies in reputable peer-reviewed journals. AGILE development approach was utilized to develop the information system iteratively. Unit, system, and acceptability testing were used to execute test plans. The BASILIO web-system was evaluated using ISO 9126 standards and found to be functional, usable, reliable, efficient, portable, maintainable, and usable. The BASILIO in its current state, fills in the need for a database dedicated to fast access to information on pathogenic bacteria found in animals. Future developers are proposed to adopt the BASILIO system and incorporate other data management tools and algorithms to create a more complex and robust system

Antimicrobial Activity of the Rhizospheric Bacillus Species Isolated from Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Organic Farm Soils in the Philippines

The purpose of this study is to determine the potential of rhizospheric bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus isolated from the organic soil of Solanum tuberosum (potato) as an untapped and promising source of novel antimicrobials to combat infections, particularly multidrug-resistant strains. The rhizospheric Bacillus species were isolated using serial dilution and aerobic cultivation. Hydrolytic exoenzyme production was determined using plate techniques, whereas antimicrobial activity was determined using the cross-streak method and agar-disc diffusion assay. The data indicate that the Bacillus isolates possess antimicrobial property against gram-positive bacterial pathogens. The activities were compared to those of the antibiotic Rifampicin as a control. Notably, several Bacillus isolates inhibited the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The top performing Bacillus isolates were identified by 16s rRNA gene sequence analysis, which showed the similarities of the isolates to known soil-associated and plant-growth-promoting species; B. velezensis, B. mojavensis, B. subtilis, B. sonorensis, B. tequilensis, B. clausii, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. altitudinis, and B. siamensis from those sequences available in GENBANK. The present investigation establishes the presence of antagonistic Bacillus species in S. tuberosum's rhizosphere. The findings may form the basis for further investigation of the active compounds produced by the isolates and the mechanisms underlying their antimicrobial activity, while optimizing the culture medium for efficient production of potent antimicrobial compounds to combat infectious agents may further be investigated

Antimicrobial Activity of the Rhizospheric Bacillus Species Isolated from Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Organic Farm Soils in the Philippines

The purpose of this study is to determine the potential of rhizospheric bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus isolated from the organic soil of Solanum tuberosum (potato) as an untapped and promising source of novel antimicrobials to combat infections, particularly multidrug-resistant strains. The rhizospheric Bacillus species were isolated using serial dilution and aerobic cultivation. Hydrolytic exoenzyme production was determined using plate techniques, whereas antimicrobial activity was determined using the cross-streak method and agar-disc diffusion assay. The data indicate that the Bacillus isolates possess antimicrobial property against gram-positive bacterial pathogens. The activities were compared to those of the antibiotic Rifampicin as a control. Notably, several Bacillus isolates inhibited the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The top performing Bacillus isolates were identified by 16s rRNA gene sequence analysis, which showed the similarities of the isolates to known soil-associated and plant-growth-promoting species; B. velezensis, B. mojavensis, B. subtilis, B. sonorensis, B. tequilensis, B. clausii, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. altitudinis, and B. siamensis from those sequences available in GENBANK. The present investigation establishes the presence of antagonistic Bacillus species in S. tuberosum's rhizosphere. The findings may form the basis for further investigation of the active compounds produced by the isolates and the mechanisms underlying their antimicrobial activity, while optimizing the culture medium for efficient production of potent antimicrobial compounds to combat infectious agents may further be investigated

Continuous immobilized yeast reactor system for complete beer fermentation using spent grains and corncobs as carrier materials

Despite extensive research carried out in the last few decades, continuous beer fermentation has not yet managed to outperform the traditional batch technology. An industrial breakthrough in favour of continuous brewing using immobilized yeast could be expected only on achievement of the following process characteristics: simple design, low investment costs, flexible operation, effective process control and good product quality. The application of cheap carrier materials of by-product origin could significantly lower the investment costs of continuous fermentation systems. This work deals with a complete continuous beer fermentation system consisting of a main fermentation reactor (gas-lift) and a maturation reactor (packedbed) containing yeast immobilized on spent grains and corncobs, respectively. The suitability of cheap carrier materials for long-term continuous brewing was proved. It was found that by fine tuning of process parameters (residence time, aeration) it was possible to adjust the flavour profile of the final product. Consumers considered the continuously fermented beer to be of a regular quality. Analytical and sensorial profiles of both continuously and batch fermented beers were compared.(Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Brazil (FAPESPFundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FC

Construction of an integrated genetic linkage map for the A genome of Brassica napus using SSR markers derived from sequenced BACs in B. rapa

Background The Multinational Brassica rapa Genome Sequencing Project (BrGSP) has developed valuable genomic resources, including BAC libraries, BAC-end sequences, genetic and physical maps, and seed BAC sequences for Brassica rapa. An integrated linkage map between the amphidiploid B. napus and diploid B. rapa will facilitate the rapid transfer of these valuable resources from B. rapa to B. napus (Oilseed rape, Canola). Results In this study, we identified over 23,000 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) from 536 sequenced BACs. 890 SSR markers (designated as BrGMS) were developed and used for the construction of an integrated linkage map for the A genome in B. rapa and B. napus. Two hundred and nineteen BrGMS markers were integrated to an existing B. napus linkage map (BnaNZDH). Among these mapped BrGMS markers, 168 were only distributed on the A genome linkage groups (LGs), 18 distrubuted both on the A and C genome LGs, and 33 only distributed on the C genome LGs. Most of the A genome LGs in B. napus were collinear with the homoeologous LGs in B. rapa, although minor inversions or rearrangements occurred on A2 and A9. The mapping of these BAC-specific SSR markers enabled assignment of 161 sequenced B. rapa BACs, as well as the associated BAC contigs to the A genome LGs of B. napus. Conclusion The genetic mapping of SSR markers derived from sequenced BACs in B. rapa enabled direct links to be established between the B. napus linkage map and a B. rapa physical map, and thus the assignment of B. rapa BACs and the associated BAC contigs to the B. napus linkage map. This integrated genetic linkage map will facilitate exploitation of the B. rapa annotated genomic resources for gene tagging and map-based cloning in B. napus, and for comparative analysis of the A genome within Brassica species

Age related effects of organochlorine insecticide lindane on intestinal brush border membrane in rats

249-252The effect of oral administration of lindane (γ-HCH) has been studied on the intestine in 10-day, 20-day and 100-day old rats. In 10 day-old suckling pups exposed to lindane, there was a significant decrease in the activities of sucrase (29%), lactase (20%) and that of alkaline phosphatase (24%) compared to control. Sialic acid content of the brush borders was significantly decreased (29%) in 10-day old as well as in 20- and 100-day old rats (20 and 25% respectively), while fucose content of the membranes was significantly enhanced in all the age groups upon pesticide treatment. Among the brush border lipids, cholesterol content was significantly increased in all the age groups studied, the maximum increase of 35% being observed in 10-day-old rats. Membrane phospholipids were also increased in 20- and 100-day old animals (22% each) on lindane exposure. The present studies indicated that brush border membranes of suckling rat intestine were more susceptible to pesticide induced changes compared to older animals.</span

Effects of endosulfan on intestinal functions in protein-malnourished rats

1017-1021<span style="font-size: 15.5pt;mso-bidi-font-size:8.5pt;font-family:" times="" new="" roman","serif""="">In rats fed 18% protein diet, administration of endosulfan (2mg/kg body weight daily for 7 days) significantly decreased the brush border sialic acid and increased the hexoses contents. The intestinal uptake of glucose was increased while that of glycine and calcium was reduced. Brush border enzymes and lipids were not affected. However, in protein malnourished rats (fed 8% protein) exposed to endosulfan, brush border sucrase and peptidase activities were enhanced, while alkaline phosphatase activity was decreased compared to untreated malnourished animals. Membrane sialic acid content was low while fucose and cholesterol levels were augmented in endosulfan fed malnourished animals. The uptake of glucose and <span style="font-size: 15.5pt;mso-bidi-font-size:8.5pt;font-family:" times="" new="" roman","serif""="">glycine was elevated under these conditions. These results suggest that the nutritional status of the animals has an important hearing on the susceptibility of intestinal tissue to endosulfan toxicity in rats. </span

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome and platelet count &ge;250&times;109 are associated with venous thromboembolic disease

Amy Pate, Gerard A Baltazar, Shahniwaz Labana, Trishul Bhagat, Joseph Kim, Akella ChendrasekharRichmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, NY, USAIntroduction: Prior research has demonstrated that platelet count and inflammation are dominant contributors to hypercoagulability. Our objective is to determine whether elevated platelet count and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) have an association with the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalized patients with a high clinical index of suspicion for thromboembolic disease.Methods: We performed a retrospective medical record review of 844 medical and surgical patients with suspected VTE hospitalized from July 2012 to May 2013 who underwent screening by venous duplex and computed tomography pulmonary angiogram. For our purposes, thrombocytosis was arbitrarily defined as platelet count &ge;250&times;109/L.Results: Venous thromboembolic disease was detected in 229 patients (25.9%). Thrombocytosis was present in 389 patients (44%) and SIRS was present in 203 patients (23%) around the time of imaging. Thrombocytosis and SIRS were positively correlated with VTE (P&lt;0.001). There was no correlation between thrombocytosis and SIRS. Multivariate analysis revealed that SIRS (odds ratio 1.91, 95% confidence interval 1.36&ndash;2.68, P&lt;0.001) and thrombocytosis (odds ration 1.67, 95% confidence interval 1.23&ndash;2.26, P=0.001) were independently associated with VTE.Conclusion: Patients at high risk for VTE should be routinely assessed for thrombocytosis (&ge;250&times;109/L) and SIRS; if either is present, consideration for empiric anticoagulation should be given while diagnostic imaging is undertaken.Keywords: SIRS, thrombocytosis, VTE, platelet coun

Community support is associated with better antiretroviral treatment outcomes in a resource-limited rural district in Malawi.

A study was carried in a rural district in Malawi among HIV-positive individuals placed on antiretroviral treatment (ART) in order to verify if community support influences ART outcomes. Standardized ART outcomes in areas of the district with and without community support were compared. Between April 2003 (when ART was started) and December 2004 a total of 1634 individuals had been placed on ART. Eight hundred and ninety-five (55%) individuals were offered community support, while 739 received no such support. For all patients placed on ART with and without community support, those who were alive and continuing ART were 96 and 76%, respectively (P<0.001); death was 3.5 and 15.5% (P<0.001); loss to follow-up was 0.1 and 5.2% (P<0.001); and stopped ART was 0.8 and 3.3% (P<0.001). The relative risks (with 95% CI) for alive and on ART [1.26 (1.21-1.32)], death [0.22 (0.15-0.33)], loss to follow-up [0.02 (0-0.12)] and stopped ART [0.23 (0.08-0.54)] were all significantly better in those offered community support (P<0.001). Community support is associated with a considerably lower death rate and better overall ART outcomes. The community might be an unrecognized and largely 'unexploited resource' that could play an important contributory role in countries desperately trying to scale up ART with limited resources