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Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) belongs to the group of gasoline oxygenates and persistent environment contaminants, and shows potential for biodegradation in aerobic and anaerobic conditions, through application of pure microbial cultures. Presented research shows that indigenous bacterial isolates 6sy and 24p, selected from oil hydrocarbons-contaminated environments, were capable of utilizing MTBE as sole carbon and energy source. Based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis, bacterial isolates 6sy and 24p were identified as Staphylococcus saprophyticus subsp. saprophyticus and Pseudomonas sp., respectively. The MTBE biodegradation rate was affected by longevity of incubation period and initial MTBE concentration. After 3 weeks of incubation at 25°C in a dark, the removal rates of initial 25 and 125 ppm MTBE concentrations by Staphylococcus saprophyticus 6sy were found to be 97, and 63%, respectively, while efficiency of Pseudomonas sp. in degradation of indicated concentrations was 96, and 40%, respectively. Both bacterial isolates were able to grow in MTBE-containing growth medium. Highest growth rate of bacterial isolates was observed at the end of incubation period. The presented results indicated the potential of these bacterial isolates in bioremediation of MTBE-contaminated environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) belongs to the group of gasoline oxygenates and persistent environment contaminants, and shows potential for biodegradation in aerobic and anaerobic conditions, through application of pure microbial cultures. Presented research shows that indigenous bacterial isolates 6sy and 24p, selected from oil hydrocarbons-contaminated environments, were capable of utilizing MTBE as sole carbon and energy source. Based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis, bacterial isolates 6sy and 24p were identified as Staphylococcus saprophyticus subsp. saprophyticus and Pseudomonas sp., respectively. The MTBE biodegradation rate was affected by longevity of incubation period and initial MTBE concentration. After 3 weeks of incubation at 25°C in a dark, the removal rates of initial 25 and 125 ppm MTBE concentrations by Staphylococcus saprophyticus 6sy were found to be 97, and 63%, respectively, while efficiency of Pseudomonas sp. in degradation of indicated concentrations was 96, and 40%, respectively. Both bacterial isolates were able to grow in MTBE-containing growth medium. Highest growth rate of bacterial isolates was observed at the end of incubation period. The presented results indicated the potential of these bacterial isolates in bioremediation of MTBE-contaminated environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes pathomorphological findings in two dogs and one cat with the intention to clarify whether these animals died by drowning. The investigations are supplemented by experimental results of water instillation into the lung to induce signs of emphysema aquosum post mortem. Additionally, histopathology of the skin lesions due to water exposition after death are demonstrated by systematic investigations of four different localizations for 10 days. Critical evaluation of the results and literature references in human forensic pathology indicate that post mortem findings as described in this paper, especially those of the so called "drowning lung" can be attributed to death by drowning.

A pig grower ration containing olaquindox at a concentration of 778 mg/kg was accidentally fed to 10 respectively 16 weeks old weaner pigs. The subsequent intoxication was characterized by poor growth and long-term disturbances of renal function and electrolyte metabolism. A deficiency of aldosterone, produced by a selective degeneration of the arcuate zone of the adrenal cortex, is probably the cause of the hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and hemoconcentration observed. Simultaneously plasma levels of urea and creatinine were elevated five- to eightfold. Due to hyperkalemia episodes with collapse, paralysis and severe electrocardiographic changes occurred several times. Two pigs died in the course of such attacks. Individuals, which transiently showed distinct clinical symptoms of intoxication, did not show any signs of disease 15 or 18 weeks later. Therefore it may be assumed, that the lesions of the adrenals, heart and skeletal muscle caused by olaquindox intoxication are reversible in some cases.

This report describes a 7-year-old cow of the breed "Deutsche Rotbunte" which was brought into the clinic because of intense fungal mastitis and left displacement of the abomasum. A disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) was determined by coagulation assays and verified by necropsy and histopathological examination.