Rapid Multi-Locus Sequence Typing Using Microfluidic Biochips

sequencing of 6–8 housekeeping loci to assign unique sequence types. In this work we adapted MLST to a rapid microfluidics platform in order to enhance speed and reduce laboratory labor time. isolated in this study from one location in Rockville, Maryland (0.04 substitutions per site) was found to be as great as the global collection of isolates.Biogeographical investigation of pathogens is only one of a panoply of possible applications of microfluidics based MLST; others include microbiologic forensics, biothreat identification, and rapid characterization of human clinical samples

A comparison of the acid mine drainage (AMD) neutralization potential of low grade nickel laterite and other alkaline-generating materials

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a serious environmental problem caused by the weathering of sulfur-rich minerals found in mine sites, typically pyrite. Passive treatment methods have been extensively studied exploring various materials and treatment systems. Limestone is typically used as neutralizing media through open channels or anoxic limestone drains. However, the armouring that occurs when heavy metals precipitate on the surface restricts the lifespan of limestone treatment systems to 15-20 years. Goethite has been characterized to be a good adsorbent of heavy metals found in wastewater. It is abundant in a layer of nickel laterite deposit which are considered mine wastes due to the low amount of nickel present. This study investigates the performance of locally available nickel laterite ore rock, limestone, fly ash, and cement waste as media for AMD neutralization. The treatment efficiency are evaluated based on the physiochemical properties of the AMD, namely: pH, redox potential (ORP), conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and dissolved oxygen (DO). © 2020 IOP Publishing Ltd

Age and growth of the queen triggerfish Balistes vetula (tetraodontiformes, balistidae) of the central coast of Brazil

Dorsal spines (n=649) of the queen triggerfish Balistes vetula were collected between 1997 to 1999 at the central coast of Brazil and used to evaluate fish growth. The marginal increment analysis validated that 1 increment was formed annually (n=476), with minimum values observed at the summer, and coinciding with the maximum proportion of translucent growth bands. Fish's maximum fork length and age were 460 mm and 14 years respectively. The parameters of the von Bertalanffy function were: Fl&#8734; = 441.3 mm, K = 0.14 and T0= -1.8. Weight gain by year ranged from about 110 g yr-1 for age 5 to about 30 g yr-1 for age 14. Compared to other studies, B. vetula growth in the Central coast of Brazil was slow, which could be related to the influence of the oligotrophic water from Brazil current. Our results indicate that B. vetula's fisheries in the Central coast of Brazil until 1999 have caught mostly adult individuals over the sexual maturation lenght, 60% of them with ages from 6 to 8 yr.<br>Entre 1997 e 1999 foram amostrados 649 espinhos de Balistes vetula na costa central do Brazil e foram utilizados para a avaliação de crescimento. A validação de anéis anuais de crescimento foi realizada através da analise de incrementos marginais, cujos valores mínimos foram observados durante o verão, coincidindo com a maior proporção de anéis translúcidos na borda do espinho. Portanto, forma-se um anel de crescimento a cada ano. A idade e o comprimento padrão máximos observados foram respectivamente 14 anos e 460 mm. Os parâmetros da equação de von-Bertalanffy foram: Fl&#8734; = 441,3 mm, K = 0,14 e T0= -1,8. O incremento anual em peso variou de 110 g yr-1 para a idade 5 a 30 g yr-1 para a idade 14. Comparados a outros estudos, nossos resultados indicam taxas de crescimento mais baixas, que podem ter sido induzidas pela influência oligotrófica da corrente do Brasil ao longo da costa central do Brasil. Nossos resultados indicam que a pesca do peroá até 1999 estava principalmente voltada a indivíduos adultos, com tamanhos acima do comprimento de primeira maturação sexual e cerca de 60% dos indivíduos capturados apresentando idades entre 6 e 8 anos