Gene Transfer Systems and Molecular Cloning in Group N Streptococci: A Review

Plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid of group N streptococci codes for a wide variety of important metabolic properties associated with dairy fermentations. The increasing knowledge of the genetics of these bacteria has created exciting possibilities for genetically constructing improved starter strains. A review of current literature is presented on the genetics of group N streptococci, especially the development and implications of gene transfer and molecular cloning systems for further genetic studies and for strain improvement. Functional properties of plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid and gene transfer systems, which include transduction, conjugation, transformation, and protoplast fusion, are reviewed and followed by a discussion of recent advances in gene cloning.     

The effect of high hydrostatic pressure on the microbiological quality and safety of carrot juice during refrigerated storage

The microbial quality of untreated and pressure-treated carrot juice was compared during storage at 4, 8 and 12 °C. High pressure treatment at 500 MPa and 600 MPa (1 min/20 °C) reduced the total counts by approximately 4 log CFU ml⁻¹ and there was very little growth of the survivors during storage at 4 °C for up to 22 days. Total counts increased during storage of pressure-treated juice at 8 °C and 12 °C but took significantly longer to reach maximum levels compared to the untreated juice. The microflora in the untreated juice consisted predominantly of Gram-negative bacteria, identified as mostly Pantoea spp., Erwinia spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Initially the pressure-treated juice contained low numbers of spore-forming bacteria (Bacillus spp. and Paenibacillus spp.) and Gram-positive cocci; the spore-formers continued to dominate during storage.     

Plasmid-mediated reduced phage sensitivity in Streptococcus lactis KR5

The phage insensitivity of Streptococcus lactis KR5 was evaluated for its possible linkage to plasmid DNA. This strain possessed plasmids of 40, 29, 26, 21, 16.5, 10.5, 7.8, and 1.5 Mdal. Plasmid curing using novobiocin resulted in derivatives with increased sensitivity to prolate-headed phage, suggesting the involvement of plasmid DNA in phage insensitivity. Transformation of S. lactis LM0230 protoplasts with the KR5 plasmid DNA pool produced transformants containing a plasmid of about 27 Mdal. These erythromycin-resistant transformants were lactose-positive phage-sensitive or were lactose-negative and exhibited a reduced sensitivity to phage. Agarose gel electrophoresis and restriction endonuclease digestion analysis showed the 27-Mdal plasmid band to be composed of two distinct plasmids of 26 Mdal (pBF61) and 29 Mdal (pBF62), which coded for reduced phage sensitivity and lactose-positive phenotypes, respectively. The mechanisms of reduced phage sensitivity encoded by pBF61 included a restriction/modification system and a mechanism that resulted in reduced plaque size independent of incubation temperature. These results further support the involvement of plasmid DNA in the mechanisms for reduced phage sensitivity in dairy streptococci.     

Classification of a bacterial isolate, from pozol, exhibiting antimicrobial activity against several gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and molds

A bacterial isolate, designated CS93, capable of producing a broad-spectrum antimicrobial compound(s) effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and molds was isolated from pozol, a fermented maize product. This strain was phenotypically similar to another pozol isolate that was previously designated as Agrobacterium azotophilium by other investigators. By using biochemical, phenotypic, and 16S rRNA sequence analysis, both pozol isolates were identified as members of the genus Bacillus, possibly a variant of Bacillus subtilis. While the antimicrobial compound(s) was initially produced only on a solid medium, parameters were identified for production in broth. The compound(s) was heat stable (121 degrees C for 15 min), exhibited activity over a wide pH range (pH 3 to pH 11), and was inactivated by pronase E. The antimicrobial compound(s) was bactericidal and bacteriolytic against Escherichia coli V517, bacteriostatic against Micrococcus luteus, and fungistatic against Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The inhibitory compound(s) could possibly serve as a food biopreservative.     

Endodermal sinus tumor and embryonal carcinoma of the ovary in a 53-year-old woman

BACKGROUND: Germ cell tumors, the most common ovarian malignancies in females under the age of 21, are rare in older women. We report an unusual case of a mixed embryonal carcinoma and endodermal sinus germ cell tumor in a perimenopausal patient and review the differential diagnosis and management of these malignancies with respect to age. CASE: A 53-year-old woman complaining of irregular menses and pelvic pain was found to have a large pelvic mass and a positive pregnancy test. Subsequent investigation revealed a large left adnexal mass, and an elevated beta-HCG and alpha-AFP. At laparotomy, a mixed germ cell tumor was found. The patient was treated with multiagent chemotherapy and currently is without evidence of disease. CONCLUSION: Although rare, the diagnosis of germ cell tumor should be considered in older women presenting with a large pelvic mass. The treatment and prognosis is similar regardless of age, except that reproductive-sparing surgery is not a priority in the older patient.     

Electroretinographic analysis of ultraviolet sensitivity in juvenile and adult goldfish retinas

Electroretinographic (ERG) spectra show that juvenile goldfish have ultraviolet (UV) sensitivity but adults do not. Chromatic adaptation data suggest mediation by UV cones. ERG spectra from eye cups and spectrophotometry of lenses show that the loss of UV sensitivity with age does not result from lens changes. Our results contribute to a growing literature on UV cone mechanisms and visual development in fish.     

Long-Term Dynamic Modeling Approach to Quantifying Attached Algal Growth and Associated Impacts on Dissolved Oxygen in the Lower Truckee River, Nevada

Nutrient loads enter the lower Truckee River of western Nevada, affecting the growth of attached algae (periphyton) which causes depressed nighttime dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. The lower Truckee River is home to the endangered cui-ui and threatened Lahontan cut-throat trout, with DO standards being established to in part protect these species. Hydrodynamics, nutrient concentrations, periphyton biomass, and DO data spanning August 2000–December 2001 were used to calibrate and verify a modified version of the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program Version 5 (WASP5). Under typical loading conditions the periphyton community is nitrogen limited, however nitrogen loading from an upstream wastewater treatment facility increased greatly during the analysis period due to approved site construction activities (discharge permit excursion) causing the periphyton community to temporarily become phosphorus limited. The developed modeling approach, with limited calibration, was able to accurately track dynamic system responses. Removing the impact of the noted discharge permit excursion resulted in a minimum computed DO value of 4.13?mg/L, occurring at the downstream end of the modeling domain on August 8, 2001. Additionally removing the impact of all nutrient loads from area agriculture resulted in a predicted minimum DO value of 4.54?mg/L, while also shifting its location significantly upstream and its timing to April 26, 2001. Meeting all prescribed DO standards required establishing a minimum in-stream flow value of 1.81?m3/s (64.0?ft3/s) downstream of Derby Dam.     

Open-heart correction of tetralogy of Fallot in an acyanotic dog

Tetralogy of Fallot was diagnosed in an acyanotic 11-month-old dog. Predicted pressure gradient across the pulmonic valve, as assessed by use of continuous wave Doppler echocardiography, was 94.5 mm Hg. Bidirectional shunting was identified by means of selective angiography. Open-heart correction was performed, using a transatrial approach with limited ventriculotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. The hypertrophied infundibulum was resected, the ventricular septal defect was closed primarily, and a transannular pericardial patch graft was applied. Pressure gradients across the pulmonic valve were 52.9 and 22.8 mm Hg 2 weeks and 4 months after surgery, respectively. Advances in cardiopulmonary bypass, anesthetic management, and use of the transatrial approach may improve the success of open-heart correction of tetralogy of Fallot in dogs.     

Misinterpretation of body sensations in panic disorder

Cognitive accounts of panic predict that panic disorder patients will be particularly prone to misinterpret autonomic sensations. Several studies have produced results consistent with this prediction, but each is open to alternative interpretation. To clarify matters, 2 studies administered the Body Sensations Interpretation Questionnaire (BSIQ) to panic patients and controls. Panic patients were more likely to interpret ambiguous autonomic sensations as signs of immediately impending physical or mental disaster and were more likely than other anxiety disorder patients and nonpatients to believe these interpretations. In a 3rd study, a brief version of the BSIQ was shown to have satisfactory test-retest reliability, to change with treatment, and to discriminate treatments that varied in their effects on panic.