Receptor-mediated exopolysaccharide perception controls bacterial infection.

Surface polysaccharides are important for bacterial interactions with multicellular organisms, and some are virulence factors in pathogens. In the legume-rhizobium symbiosis, bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are essential for the development of infected root nodules. We have identified a gene in Lotus japonicus, Epr3, encoding a receptor-like kinase that controls this infection. We show that epr3 mutants are defective in perception of purified EPS, and that EPR3 binds EPS directly and distinguishes compatible and incompatible EPS in bacterial competition studies. Expression of Epr3 in epidermal cells within the susceptible root zone shows that the protein is involved in bacterial entry, while rhizobial and plant mutant studies suggest that Epr3 regulates bacterial passage through the plant's epidermal cell layer. Finally, we show that Epr3 expression is inducible and dependent on host perception of bacterial nodulation (Nod) factors. Plant-bacterial compatibility and bacterial access to legume roots is thus regulated by a two-stage mechanism involving sequential receptor-mediated recognition of Nod factor and EPS signals.

Factors affecting Accumulibacter population structure in full- and laboratory-scale biological reactors with nutrients removal.

The structure of Accumulibacter lineage was examined over a three-year period in six full-scale wastewater treatment plants and compared to the population in a laboratory-scale reactor. The Accumulibacter lineage reached 69% of all bacteria in the laboratory-scale reactor and contained clades IA and IIA,C,D only. In full-scale plants, Accumulibacter constituted up to 12%, correlated with sludge loading with BOD, COD, N and P. Clade IA was more abundant after periods with low temperatures, whereas clades IIA,C,D presented opposite variations. The fraction, unrevealed by clade-specific probes, constituted 31-62% of the Accumulibacter lineage in all but one full-scale plant - the population in the plant with significant industrial contribution in the influent resembled the low diversity in the laboratory-scale reactor. Selection of specific clades in the laboratory-scale reactor was associated with its different performance, despite stable operational conditions being maintained through the study. It implies that high relative abundance of Accumulibacter in bacterial community is not enough for efficient P removal and the effectiveness may also be associated with the presence of specific clades. A considerable fraction of Accumulibacter in full-scale plants, which is not targeted by clade-specific probes, should be further investigated to better characterize clades that may affect effectiveness of phosphorus removal.

Can DNA sequencing show differences between microbial communities in Polish and Danish wastewater treatment plants?

The microbial populations in the activated sludge of two Polish wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were identified and quantified using Illumina sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA amplicons over a 2-year period. Their dynamics over time were compared to Danish WWTPs (data collected in previous studies by Center for Microbial Communities, Aalborg University). The bacterial communities in Polish and Danish WWTPs were similar to each other, but the microbial diversity in Polish WWTPs was lower. The dominant genera in Polish WWTPs were more abundant than in Danish WWTPs; 30 of them constituted more than half the of activated sludge community. Polish WWTPs showed a higher abundance of bacteria involved in nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand removal (Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes), while polyphosphate-acculumating bacteria were the dominant bacterial group in Danish plants. The microbial community structures in the examined Polish WWTPs were relatively similar to each other and showed strong seasonal variations which are not normally observed in Danish WWTPs.

Population dynamics of filamentous bacteria identified in Polish full-scale wastewater treatment plants with nutrients removal.

A comprehensive study of the identity and population dynamics of filamentous bacteria in five Polish full-scale municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with nutrients removal had been carried out for 2 years. A quantitative culture-independent, molecular method - fluorescence in situ hybridization - was applied to evaluate the structure of different filamentous bacteria populations and their temporal variations. Activated sludge was examined for the abundance of 11 groups of filamentous bacteria. On average, filaments constituted 28% of all bacteria. All samples presented a low diversity of probe-defined filamentous bacteria, usually with significant domination of Chloroflexi (with distinction to types 1851, 0803 and others) and/or Microthrix (14% and 7% of EUBmix, respectively). Haliscomenobacter hydrossis, Mycolata, Skermania piniformis and TM7 were less abundant, whereas Curvibacter, Thiothrix/021N and family Gordonia have not been detected in any of the samples. The tested WWTPs showed similarity among species found and differences in their abundance. The composition of filamentous populations was rather stable in each plant and similar to those found in other European countries. Little differences between plants were shown by multivariate analysis of variance in terms of Chloroflexi and Microthrix. No significant general correlations have been found with Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Medium correlation strength between the presence of different filaments was recorded only for Microthrix and Skermania piniformis. Deleterious effect on settling properties of sludge (measured as sludge volume index) was found only for abundance of Microthrix; a strong linear correlation was recorded between them. However, no other correlations with wastewater and operational data were revealed.

Chemical composition of lipopolysaccharides isolated from various endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria of the genus Herbaspirillum.

Bacteria from the genus Herbaspirillum are endophytes responsible for nitrogen fixation in gramineous plants of economic importance such as maize, sugarcane, sorghum, rice, and wheat. Some species are known to produce plant growth substances. In contrast, Herbaspirillum rubrisubalbicans strains are known to be mild plant pathogens. The molecular communication between the plant and the microbes might involve lipopolysaccharides present in the outer membrane of these gram-negative bacteria. Phenol-water extraction was used to obtain lipopolysaccharides from 7 strains of Herbaspirillum seropedicae (SmR1, Z67, Z78, ZA95, and M2) and H. rubrisubalbicans (M1 and M4). The electrophoretic profiles and chemical composition of the lipopolysaccharides obtained in the phenol and aqueous extracts were shown herein.

The meaning of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders to classical musicians.

In creating and performing music, musicians can experience health problems from the high physical and psychological demands of their profession. Musculoskeletal disorders related to playing are painful, chronic and disabling conditions which are prevalent among classical musicians. The widespread study of the prevalence, etiology, and management of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) is a recent development known as performing arts medicine. Despite the rapid development of this new field, it is unclear how musicians identify themselves as injured, and how they make decisions about what, if anything, to do about these disabling injuries. The aims of our study were two-fold. First, we aimed to provide musicians with the opportunity to define a PRMD in their own words. Second, we sought to understand the subjective meaning of the PRMD experience to musicians. Two key informants identified 30 study participants in Ontario and Quebec, Canada. As a form of data triangulation, participants included 27 musicians and three health professionals. Data were collected in semi-structured interviews which lasted, on average, 40 min. Data were transcribed, and were manually coded and analyzed. Participants defined a PRMD as pain and other symptoms which are chronic, are beyond their control, and which interfere with their ability to play their instrument at their usual level. Participants distinguished between "normal", mild everyday aches and pains, and a PRMD. Although a PRMD is not a medically serious or life-threatening illness, it is devastating to musicians physically, emotionally, socially, and financially. The overall theme of suffering captures the meaning of these problems which threaten the identity of the musician. The findings of this study are consistent with other studies of the experience of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and other illnesses.

[Aneurysm of pericallosal artery]. / Tetniaki tetnicy okolospoidlowej

The authors describe 3 cases of saccular aneurysms of the pericallosal artery. They accounted for 3.36% of all intracranial aneurysms in the material of the authors. Difficulties in management of pericallosal artery aneurysms are discussed. All patients with aneurysms in this area were operated upon from an approach through the interhemispheric fissure and the results were good.

[Lumbosacral tumors of the vertebral canal simulating prolapse of the nucleus pulposus]. / Guzy ledzwiowo-krzyzowego odcinka kanalu kregowego nasladujace wypadniecie jadra miazdzystego tarczy miedzykregowej.

The authors analyzed the signs and clinical data from the preoperative period in 39 patients with tumours of the conus terminalis and cauda equina. Most patients had been treated for a long time for lumbar discopathy with sciatic pains. Most symptoms and neurological signs were in many cases suggestive rather of lumbar disc prolapse than spinal tumour. Radiological examinations of the spine failed in a overwhelming majority of cases to provide clues for correct diagnosis, only the type of tendon jerks loss, results of Queckenstedt's test and protein level in the cerebrospinal fluid suggested spinal tumor as a cause of the disease. Contract radiological examination of the vertebral canal gave definite answer in all cases.

[Giant intracranial aneurysm]. / Olbrzymi tetniak sródczaszkowy.

The authors describe a case of a giant intracranial aneurysm of the left internal carotid artery in which signs of raised intracranial pressure predominated. In view of presence of internal hydrocephalus Holter's valve was implanted. The aneurysm was excluded from the circulation by trapping the afferent vessel. A good therapeutic result was achieved.

[Surgical treatment of aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery using Yasargil's approach]. / Leczenie operacyjne tetniaków tetnicy laczacej przedniej mózgu z dojscia sposobem Yasargila.

The results of surgical treatment in 19 cases of aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery from the approach described by Yasargil are described. In 16 patients the pedicle of the aneurysm was closed with a clip, in 2 cases the anterior communicating artery was excluded from the circulation by trapping, and in only 1 patient the aneurysm was enclosed in muscle and gazue. Control angiography demonstrated in 16 cases exclusion of the aneurysm from the circulation with maintenance of the patency of the main vessels, and in one case the sac of the aneurysm was partly shadowed. Good results were obtained in 80% of cases. One patient died (5%). Complications with development of Korsakoff's syndrome were observed in 3 patients (15%). The advantages of the approach described by Yasargil for the exposure and safe management of anterior communicating artery aneurysms are stressed.

[Fronto-temporo-sphenoidal craniotomy using the Yasargil method in operations of aneurysms and expanding lesions of basal areas of the brain]. / Zastosowanie kraniotomii czolowo-skroniowo-klinowej sposobem Yasargila w operacjach tetniaków i ekspansywnych procesów chorobowych przypodstawnych okolic mózgu.

The authors describe in detail the technique of fronto-temporo-sphenoidal craniotomy of Yasargil and stress its advantages in surgical treatment of aneurysms of the circle of Willis. This method was used in surgical treatment of 82 patients with intracranial aneurysms, expanding lesions situated in the vicinity of the sella and ala parva of the sphenoid bone, and with other intracranial processes, and very good conditions for operation were obtained. The authors believe that fronto-temporo-sphenoidal craniotomy is the most favourable approach for the management of aneurysms of the circulus arteriosus.

[Results of surgical treatment of aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery]. / Wyniki leczenia operacyjnego tetniaków tetnicy srodkowej mózgu.

The authors present a group of 38 patients with middle cerebral artery aneurysms in whom 48 aneurysms were excluded from the cerebral circulation by microsurgical techniques. In 11 cases multiple aneurysms were found. In 2 cases the wall of the aneurysm was strengthened. In the light of this material and a survey of the pertinent literature the authors analyse the relationship between the results of surgical treatment and various factors. A significant increase in postoperative mortality was found with more severe condition of the patients by the Botterell scale. The factors worsening the prognosis were also: presence of intracerebral haematoma and aneurysm location in the bifurcation of an artery. Arteriospasm increased the incidence of neurological deficits.

[Nocturnal sleep patterns during treatment of hydrocephalus]. / Zachowanie sie snu nocnego w czasie leczenia wodoglowia.

By polygraphic methods the authors studied the sleep patterns during treatment of patients with subtentorial tumours causing hydrocephalus. Sleep recording was carried out in three stages of treatment: 1) before insertion of ventriculo-atrial valve, (7 investigations), 2) on the 7th day after valve insertion (7 investigations), 3) two months after removal of the posterior fossa tumour (3 investigations). The control group included patients with peripheral nerve injury in whom sleep recording was done before and after surgical treatment. In cases with hydrocephalus and raised CSF pressure before valve insertion the cyclic pattern of sleep was disintegrated, showing long periods of light sleep (phase 1 + 2) interrupted by long periods of alertness, during sleep, mostly with elimination of the remaining sleep components. The decrease of CSF pressure after valve implantation was parallelled by partial normalization of sleep pattern, that is shortening of the light sleep phase and reduction of the number of alertness during sleeping hours, as well as prolongation of the phases of deep sleep and appearance of paradoxical sleep. However, only removal of the tumour from the posterior fossa made possible approximation of sleep elements to those in the control group. Sleep disintegration of varying intensity in patients with hydrocephalus may be reversible, the rate of normalization of sleep depends on the intensity of sleep disturbances in the initial stage of the disease, but return to nearly normal sleep is possible only after removal of the subtentorial tumour.

[Neuropsychological evaluation of the results of treatment of hydrocephalus using a ventriculo-atrial valve]. / Neuropsychologiczna ocena wyników leczenia wodoglowia zastawka komorowo-przedsionkowa.

In 25 patients with hydrocephalus of various grades and aetiology treated by insertion of ventriculoatrial valves neuropsychological investigations were carried out before and after this operation using the method of Luria and certain psychometric tests. The obtained results made possible isolation of three grades of impairment of higher nervous functions: III--afunction--10 patients, II--dysfunction--12 patients, I--eufunction--3 patients. Control neuropsychological examination two weeks after the operation demonstrated improvement of higher nervous functions in 6 cases with grade III and 11 patients with grade II impairment. In these cases radiological investigations demonstrated evidence of normotensive and hypertensive hydrocephalus and this was confirmed by measurements of intraventricular pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid. In 5 cases with grades III and II of damage no improvement was found. Radiograms and measurements of intraventricular pressure suggested in these cases hydrocephalus due to brain atrophy.

[Changes in cerebrospinal fluid pressure in patients with hydrocephalus of various intensities]. / Zmiany cisnienia plynu mózgowo-rdzeniowego (CPMR) chorych z wodoglowiem o róznym stopniu nasilenia.

In 12 patients with hydrocephalus caused by posterior fossa tumours continuous measurements of intraventricular CSFP were done before and after implantation of ventriculoatrial valve and after tumour removal. A fall of the mean CSFP from 31.57 mm Hg to 15.32 mm Hg was observed after valve implantation, and a further fall of the mean CSFP to 10.55 mm Hg after removal of the tumour. After valve implantation pathological A and B waves disappeared. Absence of improvement after different stages of treatment indicated poor functioning of the valve, but it was observed also in patients with inoperable tumours.

[Differential diagnosis between third-ventricle neoplasms and tumors of the posterior fossa based on clinical manifestations and results of contrast radiograms of the brain]. / Róznicowanie pomiedzy guzami komory III a guzami tylnej jamy czaszkowej na podstawie symptomatologii oraz badan kontrastowych mózgu.

Differential diagnosis in the material was based on the neurological and radiological findings made in 45 patients with third-ventricle tumours and 133 with subtentorial tumours. No clinical syndrome has been found which could help in reliable diagnosis concerning either of these locations of the tumour. Of decisive significance for the correct localization of tumours was ventriculography which established the diagnosis in 42 cases of third-ventricle tumours and 103 cases of subtentorial tumours. The most difficult problem was recognition of the relation of the subtentorial tumours to the brain stem since this relation could not be indicated unequivocally neither by clinical findings nor by radiological examination. This required surgical revision of the posterior fossa in most cases with suspected brain stem tumours.

[Clinico-theoretical aspects of cerebrospinal fluid pressure changes associated with sleep analysis in patients with hydrocephalus caused by posterior fossa tumors]. / Aspekty kliniczno-poznawcze zmian cisnienia plynu mózgowo-rdzeniowego w polaczeniu z badaniami snu u chorych z wodoglowiem spowodowanym guzami tylnej jamy czaszkowej.

In 6 patients treated for hydrocephalus caused by posterior fossa tumours simultaneous continuous measurement of intraventricular cerebrospinal fluid pressure and all-night polygraphic sleep recording were carried out before and after implantation of ventriculoatrial valve. It was observed that in patients with hydrocephalus and raised CSF pressure electrography demonstrated a breakdown of the cyclic sleep pattern with increased duration of light sleep and higher number of awakening episodes, and with reduced amount of deep sleep and nearly complete absence of REM sleep. The degree of sleep disturbances seemed to be correlated with increased value of CSF pressure. In that period discrepancies were observed between the sleep record suggesting waking and the behaviour of the patient who was asleep at that time. With normalization of CSF pressure record (after valve implantation) an improvement of sleep pattern was observed which approached the normal one.

[Studies on the cerebrospinal fluid pressure changes in patients treated for hydrocephalus by the so-called ventricular filling test. Preliminary report]. / Badania nad zmianami cisneinia plynu mozgowordzeniowego (CPMR) u chorych leczonych z powodu wodoglowia, przy zastosowaniu tzw próby dopelniania ukladu komorowego.

The curves of cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CFP) in the lateral cerebral ventricle during the so called ventricular filling-up test are presented in 6 patients with high-pressure and medium-pressure hydrocephalus as compared with CFP curves obtained in 2 patients with low-pressure hydrocephalus. The method of filling-up test (infusion test) is described. In this method portions of normal saline 2 ml each are administered rapidly into a lateral ventricle every 30 seconds. The obtained results demonstrated a difference in the shape of the CFP curves in patients with low-pressure open hydrocephalus as compared with patients with closed hydrocephalus. This could help in qualifying patients with hydrocephalus for treatment with ventriculo-atrial shunt.

[Results of surgical treatment of aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery]. / Wyniki leczenia operacyjnego tetniaków tetnicy laczacej przedniej.

The authors present the results of surgical treatment of 48 aneurysms situated on the anterior communicating artery operated upon by the classic and microsurgical methods. The latter method has made it possible to raise the proportion of very good and good results from 23% in the classic method to 70%, and to reduce the postoperative mortality in groups I and II of condition severity from 13.6% to 4%. Independently of the method used Korsakoff's syndrome was observed in 17% of cases. The high value of Yasargil's surgical approach is stressed.

[Evaluation of intrauterine insemination after two different methods of sperm preparation in cases of oligospermia in stimulated cycles]. / Ocena porównawcza skutecznosci inseminacji domacicznej po dwóch róznych technikach przygotowania nasienia, w przypadku umiarkowanej oligozoospermii w cyklach stymulowanych.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a widely accepted method of infertility treatment in case of oligospermia. Sperm requires special preparation to avoid applying of active ingredients and abnormal cells to uterine cavity. In this paper authors compared the efficiency of IUI after swim-up sperm preparation on Menezo B2 medium, with IxaPrep technic sperm preparation. In our material there were no significant differences in received results in relation to sperm preparation method.