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Aims In this study, the species indicator test was used to identify key bacterial taxa affected by changes in the soil environment as a result of conservation agriculture or conventional practices. Methods and Results Soils cultivated with wheat ( Triticum spp. L.) and maize ( Zea mays L.) under different raised bed planting systems for 20 years, that is, varying crop residue and fertilizer management, were used. Taxonomic- and divergence-based 16S-metagenomics, and IndVal analysis were used to study the bacterial communities and identify indicator taxa (genus and OTU97) affected by agricultural practices. Although, some phyla were affected significantly by different treatments, the taxonomic assemblages at phylum level were similar. Bacterial taxa related to different processes of the N-cycle were indicators of different fertilization rates, for example, Azorhizobium, Nostoc and Nitrosomonas. A large number of OTU97 were indicators for conventionally tilled beds and their distribution was defined by soil organic carbon. IndVal analysis identified different taxa in each of the residue management systems. This suggests that although the same organic material remains in the field, crop residue management affects specific taxa. The taxa indicator of the burned residues belonged mainly to the order SBR1031 (Anaerolineae, Chloroflexi), and the genera Bacillus and Alicyclobacillus. Conclusions N-fertilizer application rates affected N-cycling taxa. Tillage affected Actinobacteria members and organic matter decomposers. Although the same crop residue was retained in the field, organic material management was important for specific taxa. Significance and Impact of the Study In this study, we report that agricultural practice affected soil bacterial communities. We also identified distinctive taxa and related their distribution to changes in the soil environment resulting from different agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background, aim, and scope: Although highly diverse and specialized prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial communities in soil degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), most of these are removed slowly. This review will discuss the biotechnological possibilities to increase the microbial dissipation of PAHs from soil as well as the main biological and biotechnological challenges. Discussion and conclusions: Microorganism provides effective and economically feasible solutions for soil cleanup and restoration. However, when the PAHs contamination is greater than the microbial ability to dissipate them, then applying genetically modified microorganisms might help to remove the contaminant. Nevertheless, it is necessary to have a more holistic review of the different individual reactions that are simultaneously taking place in a microbial cell and of the interactions microorganism-microorganism, microorganism-plant, microorganism-soil, and microorganisms-PAHs. Perspectives: Elucidating the function of genes from the PAHs-polluted soil and the study in pure cultures of isolated PAHs-degrading organisms as well as the generation of microorganisms in the laboratory that will accelerate the dissipation of PAHs and their safe application in situ have not been studied extensively. There is a latent environmental risk when genetically engineered microorganisms are used to remediate PAHs-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To characterize the bacterial community of taberna, an alcoholic traditional beverage from the Southern part of Mexico produced by the fermentation of the coyol palm sap ( Acrocomia aculeate). Methods and Results: Bacterial 16S rDNA libraries were constructed from metagenomic DNA extracted during the fermentation process at 0, 60 and 108 h. A total of 154 clones were sequenced, and 13, 10 and nine unique sequences were found at each sampling time. At the onset of the fermentation, Zymomonas mobilis, Fructobacillus spp., Pantoea agglomerans and other Gammaproteobacteria were detected. After 60 h, lactic acid bacteria were found and 30% of clones in the library were related to Lactobacillus nagelii, L. sucicola and L. sp. By the end of the experiment, i.e. after 108 h, the bacterial community included Z. mobilis, Lact. nagelii and Acetobacter pasteurianus. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Z. mobilis population represented an important proportion of the bacterial community (60-80%), as well as the lactobacilli during the fermentation process. The bacterial diversity was low and decreased as the fermentation progressed. Significance and Impact of the Study: This culture-independent study suggests that Z. mobilis and lactobacilli play an important role in the alcoholic fermentation of the taberna beverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Although D- patients should receive red blood cells (RBCs) from D- donors, the scarcity of D- blood components in certain situations makes the transfusion of D+ RBCs unavoidable. Therefore it is recommended that guidelines be developed in order to standardize transfusion policy in these scenarios. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We have prospectively evaluated a policy for the use of D+ RBCs in 905 D- patients. The amount of D- RBCs saved as well as the incidence of hemolytic reactions and anti-D alloimmunization were assessed. RESULTS: 554 patients received D- RBCs while 351 received a total of 1032 D+ RBCs, all of them within our criteria for the acceptable use of D+ RBCs. This strategy allowed us to save 25.6 percent of D- RBCs (1032 out of 4024 RBCs requested). No hemolytic reactions were reported. The incidence of alloimmunization was 21.4 percent. Most patients who developed anti-D did so within the first 2 or 4 RBCs transfused (64% after the first 2 RBCs transfused and 88% after the first 4). In multivariate analysis the age of less than 77 years was the only predictor for alloimmuization (HR = 2.48 [95% CI = 1.21-3.81]; p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: The use of D+ RBCs in selected D- patients does not induce adverse reactions and allows the saving of a significant number of D- RBCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor about the efficacy of allogeneic transplantation in treating subcutaneous panniculitic T-cell lymphoma is presented.

Discusses the case of a 60-year-old male who developed pruritic dermatitis after using zinc acexamate to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers. Clinical characteristics; Patch test results.

Presents a case study of a woman who developed fixed drug eruption associated with antiandrogen drug cyproterone acetate. Information on cyproterone acetate; Clinical presentation of the woman; Diagnostic exams administered to the patient.