Synthetic algal-bacteria consortia for space-efficient microalgal growth in a simple hydrogel system

Abstract: Photosynthetic microalgae are an attractive source of food, fuel, or nutraceuticals, but commercial production of microalgae is limited by low spatial efficiency. In the present study we developed a simple photosynthetic hydrogel system that cultivates the green microalga, Marinichlorella kaistiae KAS603, together with a novel strain of the bacteria, Erythrobacter sp. We tested the performance of the co-culture in the hydrogel using a combination of chlorophyll-a fluorimetry, microsensing, and bio-optical measurements. Our results showed that growth rates in algal–bacterial hydrogels were about threefold enhanced compared to hydrogels with algae alone. Chlorophyll-a fluorimetry–based light curves found that electron transport rates were enhanced about 20% for algal–bacterial hydrogels compared to algal hydrogels for intermediate irradiance levels. We also show that the living hydrogel is stable under different environmental conditions and when exposed to natural seawater. Our study provides a potential bio-inspired solution for problems that limit the space-efficient cultivation of microalgae for biotechnological applications

Effects of slow-release fertilizers of Silvamix and Silvagen line on growth of a young spruce and larch forest plantation three years after application

This work evaluates effects of tablet fertilizers Silvamix, Silvamix Mg and Silvagen on height and diameter growth of a young plantation of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] and European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) after the third year of fertilizer application. The experiment was conducted on one experimental plot in the Low Tatra Mountains. The fertilizers were applied at a rate five tablets (50 g) per each tree, considering not treated trees as the control. The tablets were laid on the ground and thoroughly trodden into soil. ANOVA analysis did not reveal any significant effects of fertilizers on height and diameter growth of Norway spruce trees. The use of Silvagen resulted in significant effects on height growth of larch trees

Bipolar disorder center for Pennsylvanians: implementing an effectiveness trial to improve treatment for at-risk patients

Objective: Adolescents, elderly persons, African Americans, and rural residents with bipolar disorder are less likely than their middle-aged, white, urban counterparts to be diagnosed, receive adequate treatment, remain in treatment once identified, and have positive outcomes. The Bipolar Disorder Center for Pennsylvanians (BDCP) study was designed to address these disparities. This report highlights the methods used to recruit, screen, and enroll a cohort of difficult-to-recruit individuals with bipolar disorder. Methods: Study sites included three specialty clinics for bipolar disorder in a university setting and a rural behavioral health clinic. Study operations were standardized, and all study personnel were trained in study procedures. Several strategies were used for recruitment. Results: It was possible to introduce the identical assessment and screening protocol in settings regardless of whether they had a history of implementing research protocols. This protocol was also able to be used across the age spectrum, in urban and rural areas, and in a racially diverse cohort of participants. Across the four sites 515 individuals with bipolar disorder were enrolled as a result of these methods (69 African Americans and 446 non-African Americans). Although clinical characteristics at study entry did not differ appreciably between African Americans and non-African Americans, the pathways into treatment differed significantly. Conclusions: Rigorous recruitment and assessment procedures can be successfully introduced in different settings and with different patient cohorts, thus facilitating access to high-quality treatment for individuals who frequently do not receive appropriate care for bipolar disorder