Determination of the level and source of microbial pollution in the Sava River Basin

Introduction. The contamination of water bodies by sewage or manure is generally determined by fecal indicator bacteria. Specific differentiation between sources of contamination is of particular importance, since the health risk to humans is usually considered higher from human, than from animal fecal contamination. Quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based assays for analysis of human- or animal-associated genetic Bacteroidetes fecal markers have gained increased popularity in the field of microbial source tracking (MST). Aim. The aim of the present study was to assess the level and source of microbial pollution in the Sava River Basin (SRB). Materials and methods. The sampling at the SRB was performed in September 2015, at 15 locations. Additional samples were collected from 4 wastewater outlets. Quantification of total coliforms, E. coli and enterococci was performed with Colilert Quanti-Tray 2000 and MPN approach. The human-associated BacHum and HF183II, the ruminant-associated BacR and the pig-associated Pig2Bac fecal markers were enumerated by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results. According to the concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria, the river samples were scattered within the classes I and II (slight to moderate pollution). According to all monitored indicators, samples collected at 3 wastewater outlets were excessively contaminated. The results of MST revealed the presence of human-associated fecal markers BacHum and HF183II at 13 locations. The ruminant-associated BacR and the pig-associated Pig-2-Bac markers were not detected. High correlation was observed between the standard fecal indicators and human associated fecal markers. Conclusions. The results reveal human origin of fecal pollution in the SRB and indicates the urgent need for effective wastewater treatment plants in water management

Determination of the level and source of microbial pollution in the Sava River Basin

Introduction. The contamination of water bodies by sewage or manure is generally determined by fecal indicator bacteria. Specific differentiation between sources of contamination is of particular importance, since the health risk to humans is usually considered higher from human, than from animal fecal contamination. Quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based assays for analysis of human- or animal-associated genetic Bacteroidetes fecal markers have gained increased popularity in the field of microbial source tracking (MST). Aim. The aim of the present study was to assess the level and source of microbial pollution in the Sava River Basin (SRB). Materials and methods. The sampling at the SRB was performed in September 2015, at 15 locations. Additional samples were collected from 4 wastewater outlets. Quantification of total coliforms, E. coli and enterococci was performed with Colilert Quanti-Tray 2000 and MPN approach. The human-associated BacHum and HF183II, the ruminant-associated BacR and the pig-associated Pig2Bac fecal markers were enumerated by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results. According to the concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria, the river samples were scattered within the classes I and II (slight to moderate pollution). According to all monitored indicators, samples collected at 3 wastewater outlets were excessively contaminated. The results of MST revealed the presence of human-associated fecal markers BacHum and HF183II at 13 locations. The ruminant-associated BacR and the pig-associated Pig-2-Bac markers were not detected. High correlation was observed between the standard fecal indicators and human associated fecal markers. Conclusions. The results reveal human origin of fecal pollution in the SRB and indicates the urgent need for effective wastewater treatment plants in water management

Performance Characteristics of qPCR Assays Targeting Human- and Ruminant-Associated Bacteroidetes for Microbial Source Tracking across Sixteen Countries on Six Continents

Numerous quantitative PCR assays for microbial fecal source tracking (MST) have been developed and evaluated in recent years. Widespread application has been hindered by a lack of knowledge regarding the geographical stability and hence applicability of such methods beyond the regional level. This study assessed the performance of five previously reported quantitative PCR assays targeting human-, cattle-, or ruminant-associated Bacteroidetes populations on 280 human and animal fecal samples from 16 countries across six continents. The tested cattle-associated markers were shown to be ruminant-associated. The quantitative distributions of marker concentrations in target and nontarget samples proved to be essential for the assessment of assay performance and were used to establish a new metric for quantitative source-specificity. In general, this study demonstrates that stable target populations required for marker-based MST occur around the globe. Ruminant-associated marker concentrations were strongly correlated with total intestinal Bacteroidetes populations and with each other, indicating that the detected ruminant-associated populations seem to be part of the intestinal core microbiome of ruminants worldwide. Consequently tested ruminant-targeted assays appear to be suitable quantitative MST tools beyond the regional level while the targeted human-associated populations seem to be less prevalent and stable, suggesting potential for improvements in human-targeted methods

Analytic philosophy for biomedical research: the imperative of applying yesterday's timeless messages to today's impasses

The mantra that "the best way to predict the future is to invent it" (attributed to the computer scientist Alan Kay) exemplifies some of the expectations from the technical and innovative sides of biomedical research at present. However, for technical advancements to make real impacts both on patient health and genuine scientific understanding, quite a number of lingering challenges facing the entire spectrum from protein biology all the way to randomized controlled trials should start to be overcome. The proposal in this chapter is that philosophy is essential in this process. By reviewing select examples from the history of science and philosophy, disciplines which were indistinguishable until the mid-nineteenth century, I argue that progress toward the many impasses in biomedicine can be achieved by emphasizing theoretical work (in the true sense of the word 'theory') as a vital foundation for experimental biology. Furthermore, a philosophical biology program that could provide a framework for theoretical investigations is outlined

Evolution of a minimal cell.

Na Publicação: D. M. C. Bittencourt

GIS-based web-application of mass movements in Austria registered by publications and internet

Służba Geologiczna Austrii zamierza publikować informacje o naturalnych ruchach masowych poprzez dostępny dla wszystkich system internetowy. Zastosowany system oparto na mapie z GISowską informacją punktową o miejscowościach, w których występują różnego rodzaju ruchy masowe (skala 1:500 000) oraz na bazie informacji o poszczególnych obiektach, opracowanych w systemie GIS. Ponadto, system internetowy zawiera opcje wyjaśniające zasady korzystania oraz ogólną informację o mapie i o ruchach masowych. Należy mieć nadzieję, że ta aplikacja internetowa będzie pomocna dla wszystkich pragnących uzyskać informację o ruchach masowych w Austrii

Simpson-Golabi-Behmel-Syndrome in Dichorionic-Diamniotic Twin Pregnancy

Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) is a rare x-linked overgrowth syndrome with distinct clinical features, which is difficult to diagnose prenatally. We report the diagnosis of SGBS in dichorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancies in the first trimester by ultrasound and genetic testing. The affected fetus developed polyhydramnios and the cervical length of the mother decreased significantly. To save the unaffected twin, a selective feticide of the affected fetus was performed. Finally, the patient underwent preterm caesarean section due to premature rupture of membranes in the dead twin, and also intrauterine infection. While SGBS has been reported, this was the first case in a multiple pregnancy, with possible consequences for the healthy twin. In conclusion, SGBS is a rare condition, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of prenatal overgrowth syndromes and associated malformation

Self-Transcendence and Life Stories of Humanistic Growth Among Late-Midlife Adults

Objective: Self-transcendence is the experience of feeling connected to something greater than oneself. Previous studies have shown high scores on self-transcendence are associated with well-being and other psychological benefits, but have rarely examined the lived experiences of highly self-transcendent people. Method: Black and White men and women in late-midlife completed Life Story Interviews and self-report measures of self-transcendence. In Study 1 (N = 144, Mage = 56.4), we used grounded theory methodology to differentiate stories told by participants scoring either extremely high or extremely low on self-transcendence. In Study 2 (N = 125; Mage = 60.4), we created a quantitative coding scheme, and scored 1,375 new life story scenes. Results: In Study 1, six narrative themes were identified (closure, interconnectedness, lifelong learning, secure attachment, self-actualization, spiritual pluralism) as part of a “humanistic growth story.” In Study 2, four of the narrative themes were found to predict self-transcendence scores with significant effect sizes of β = .26 to .47. Conclusions: In our sample, highly self-transcendent individuals tended to narrate their lived experiences as spiritual journeys of humanistic growth. This study adds to our understanding of one path of personality growth in late midlife, that toward self-transcendence