The reproductive elements of lower organisms, such as BACTERIA; FUNGI; and cryptogamic plants.
Heat and stain resistant, metabolically inactive bodies formed within the vegetative cells of bacteria of the genera Bacillus and Clostridium.
Reproductive bodies produced by fungi.
A vegetative stage in the life cycle of sporozoan protozoa. It is characteristic of members of the phyla APICOMPLEXA and MICROSPORIDIA.
Picolinic acid is an organic compound that belongs to the class of pyridine derivatives, acting as a chelating agent in mammals, primarily found in the liver and kidneys, and playing a significant role in the metabolism of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
A species of gram-positive bacteria that is a common soil and water saprophyte.
A species of bacteria whose spores vary from round to elongate. It is a common soil saprophyte.
A species of bacteria that causes ANTHRAX in humans and animals.
A species of rod-shaped bacteria that is a common soil saprophyte. Its spores are widespread and multiplication has been observed chiefly in foods. Contamination may lead to food poisoning.
A genus of BACILLACEAE that are spore-forming, rod-shaped cells. Most species are saprophytic soil forms with only a few species being pathogenic.
Presence of warmth or heat or a temperature notably higher than an accustomed norm.
An acute infection caused by the spore-forming bacteria BACILLUS ANTHRACIS. It commonly affects hoofed animals such as sheep and goats. Infection in humans often involves the skin (cutaneous anthrax), the lungs (inhalation anthrax), or the gastrointestinal tract. Anthrax is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics.
A species of anaerobic, gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria in the family Clostridiaceae that produces proteins with characteristic neurotoxicity. It is the etiologic agent of BOTULISM in humans, wild fowl, HORSES; and CATTLE. Seven subtypes (sometimes called antigenic types, or strains) exist, each producing a different botulinum toxin (BOTULINUM TOXINS). The organism and its spores are widely distributed in nature.
Proteins found in any species of bacterium.
The most common etiologic agent of GAS GANGRENE. It is differentiable into several distinct types based on the distribution of twelve different toxins.
The presence of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the air. This term is not restricted to pathogenic organisms.
The destroying of all forms of life, especially microorganisms, by heat, chemical, or other means.
A genus of FUNGI originally considered a member of the class SPOROZOEA but now recognized as part of the class MICROSPOREA.
A phylum of fungi comprising minute intracellular PARASITES with FUNGAL SPORES of unicellular origin. It has two classes: Rudimicrosporea and MICROSPOREA.
Infections with FUNGI of the phylum MICROSPORIDIA.
A species of parasitic FUNGI. This intracellular parasite is found in the BRAIN; HEART; and KIDNEYS of several MAMMALS. Transmission is probably by ingestion of the spores (SPORES, FUNGAL).
Any liquid or solid preparation made specifically for the growth, storage, or transport of microorganisms or other types of cells. The variety of media that exist allow for the culturing of specific microorganisms and cell types, such as differential media, selective media, test media, and defined media. Solid media consist of liquid media that have been solidified with an agent such as AGAR or GELATIN.
Ability of a microbe to survive under given conditions. This can also be related to a colony's ability to replicate.
Infections with unicellular organisms formerly members of the subkingdom Protozoa. The infections may be experimental or veterinary.
Seedless nonflowering plants of the class Filicinae. They reproduce by spores that appear as dots on the underside of feathery fronds. In earlier classifications the Pteridophyta included the club mosses, horsetails, ferns, and various fossil groups. In more recent classifications, pteridophytes and spermatophytes (seed-bearing plants) are classified in the Subkingdom Tracheobionta (also known as Tracheophyta).
Infection with FUNGI of the genus ENCEPHALITOZOON. Lesions commonly occur in the BRAIN and KIDNEY tubules. Other sites of infection in MAMMALS are the LIVER; ADRENAL GLANDS; OPTIC NERVES; RETINA; and MYOCARDIUM.
A genus of protozoa, formerly also considered a fungus. Its natural habitat is decaying forest leaves, where it feeds on bacteria. D. discoideum is the best-known species and is widely used in biomedical research.
A genus of motile or nonmotile gram-positive bacteria of the family Clostridiaceae. Many species have been identified with some being pathogenic. They occur in water, soil, and in the intestinal tract of humans and lower animals.
Procedures or techniques used to keep food from spoiling.
A kingdom of eukaryotic, heterotrophic organisms that live parasitically as saprobes, including MUSHROOMS; YEASTS; smuts, molds, etc. They reproduce either sexually or asexually, and have life cycles that range from simple to complex. Filamentous fungi, commonly known as molds, refer to those that grow as multicellular colonies.
A mitosporic fungal genus including one species which forms a toxin in moldy hay that may cause a serious illness in horses.
An order of parasitic FUNGI found mostly in ARTHROPODS; FISHES; and in some VERTEBRATES including humans. It comprises two suborders: Pansporoblastina and APANSPOROBLASTINA.
Any detectable and heritable change in the genetic material that causes a change in the GENOTYPE and which is transmitted to daughter cells and to succeeding generations.
A form of interference microscopy in which variations of the refracting index in the object are converted into variations of intensity in the image. This is achieved by the action of a phase plate.
Any of the processes by which cytoplasmic or intercellular factors influence the differential control of gene action in bacteria.
Vaccines or candidate vaccines used to prevent ANTHRAX.
A protein which is a subunit of RNA polymerase. It effects initiation of specific RNA chains from DNA.
Compounds consisting of glucosamine and lactate joined by an ether linkage. They occur naturally as N-acetyl derivatives in peptidoglycan, the characteristic polysaccharide composing bacterial cell walls. (From Dorland, 28th ed)
A measure of the amount of WATER VAPOR in the air.
The outermost layer of a cell in most PLANTS; BACTERIA; FUNGI; and ALGAE. The cell wall is usually a rigid structure that lies external to the CELL MEMBRANE, and provides a protective barrier against physical or chemical agents.
Enumeration by direct count of viable, isolated bacterial, archaeal, or fungal CELLS or SPORES capable of growth on solid CULTURE MEDIA. The method is used routinely by environmental microbiologists for quantifying organisms in AIR; FOOD; and WATER; by clinicians for measuring patients' microbial load; and in antimicrobial drug testing.
A non-essential amino acid that occurs in high levels in its free state in plasma. It is produced from pyruvate by transamination. It is involved in sugar and acid metabolism, increases IMMUNITY, and provides energy for muscle tissue, BRAIN, and the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.
Descriptions of specific amino acid, carbohydrate, or nucleotide sequences which have appeared in the published literature and/or are deposited in and maintained by databanks such as GENBANK, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), National Biomedical Research Foundation (NBRF), or other sequence repositories.
A mitosporic Loculoascomycetes fungal genus including some economically important plant parasites. Teleomorphs include Mycosphaerella and Venturia.
A phylum of fungi that produce their sexual spores (basidiospores) on the outside of the basidium. It includes forms commonly known as mushrooms, boletes, puffballs, earthstars, stinkhorns, bird's-nest fungi, jelly fungi, bracket or shelf fungi, and rust and smut fungi.
Deoxyribonucleic acid that makes up the genetic material of bacteria.
A phylum of fungi which have cross-walls or septa in the mycelium. The perfect state is characterized by the formation of a saclike cell (ascus) containing ascospores. Most pathogenic fungi with a known perfect state belong to this phylum.
A species of gliding bacteria found on soil as well as in surface fresh water and coastal seawater.
The property of objects that determines the direction of heat flow when they are placed in direct thermal contact. The temperature is the energy of microscopic motions (vibrational and translational) of the particles of atoms.
A mitosporic Loculoascomycetes fungal genus including several plant pathogens and at least one species which produces a highly phytotoxic antibiotic. Its teleomorph is Lewia.
The removal of contaminating material, such as radioactive materials, biological materials, or CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS, from a person or object.
A common inhabitant of the colon flora in human infants and sometimes in adults. It produces a toxin that causes pseudomembranous enterocolitis (ENTEROCOLITIS, PSEUDOMEMBRANOUS) in patients receiving antibiotic therapy.
A basic enzyme that is present in saliva, tears, egg white, and many animal fluids. It functions as an antibacterial agent. The enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of 1,4-beta-linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in peptidoglycan and between N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues in chitodextrin. EC 3.2.1.17.
Single-celled, aquatic endoparasitic worms that are currently considered belonging to the phylum CNIDARIA. They have a complex life cycle and parasitize a wide range of hosts including FISHES; ANNELIDA; and BRYOZOA.
Microscopy using an electron beam, instead of light, to visualize the sample, thereby allowing much greater magnification. The interactions of ELECTRONS with specimens are used to provide information about the fine structure of that specimen. In TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY the reactions of the electrons that are transmitted through the specimen are imaged. In SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY an electron beam falls at a non-normal angle on the specimen and the image is derived from the reactions occurring above the plane of the specimen.
The study of microorganisms living in a variety of environments (air, soil, water, etc.) and their pathogenic relationship to other organisms including man.
Rendering pathogens harmless through the use of heat, antiseptics, antibacterial agents, etc.
Substances used on inanimate objects that destroy harmful microorganisms or inhibit their activity. Disinfectants are classed as complete, destroying SPORES as well as vegetative forms of microorganisms, or incomplete, destroying only vegetative forms of the organisms. They are distinguished from ANTISEPTICS, which are local anti-infective agents used on humans and other animals. (From Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 11th ed)
A genus of parasitic FUNGI in the family Enterocytozoonidae, which infects humans. Enterocytozoon bieneusi has been found in the intestines of patients with AIDS.
A type of CELL NUCLEUS division, occurring during maturation of the GERM CELLS. Two successive cell nucleus divisions following a single chromosome duplication (S PHASE) result in daughter cells with half the number of CHROMOSOMES as the parent cells.
That portion of the electromagnetic spectrum immediately below the visible range and extending into the x-ray frequencies. The longer wavelengths (near-UV or biotic or vital rays) are necessary for the endogenous synthesis of vitamin D and are also called antirachitic rays; the shorter, ionizing wavelengths (far-UV or abiotic or extravital rays) are viricidal, bactericidal, mutagenic, and carcinogenic and are used as disinfectants.
Symbiotic combination (dual organism) of the MYCELIUM of FUNGI with the roots of plants (PLANT ROOTS). The roots of almost all higher plants exhibit this mutually beneficial relationship, whereby the fungus supplies water and mineral salts to the plant, and the plant supplies CARBOHYDRATES to the fungus. There are two major types of mycorrhizae: ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae.
A genus of zygomycetous fungi in the family Mucoraceae, order MUCORALES, forming mycelia having a metallic sheen. It has been used for research on phototropism.
The fruiting 'heads' or 'caps' of FUNGI, which as a food item are familiarly known as MUSHROOMS, that contain the FUNGAL SPORES.
A genus of bacteria that form a nonfragmented aerial mycelium. Many species have been identified with some being pathogenic. This genus is responsible for producing a majority of the ANTI-BACTERIAL AGENTS of practical value.
A class of BRYOPHYTA which is best known for Sphagnum forming PEAT bogs.
Proteins found in any species of fungus.
Techniques used in studying bacteria.
The presence of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in food and food products. This term is not restricted to pathogenic organisms: the presence of various non-pathogenic bacteria and fungi in cheeses and wines, for example, is included in this concept.
The pressure due to the weight of fluid.
A division of organisms that exist vegetatively as complex mobile plasmodia, reproduce by means of spores, and have complex life cycles. They are now classed as protozoa but formerly were considered fungi.
A liquid that functions as a strong oxidizing agent. It has an acrid odor and is used as a disinfectant.
The effects of ionizing and nonionizing radiation upon living organisms, organs and tissues, and their constituents, and upon physiologic processes. It includes the effect of irradiation on food, drugs, and chemicals.
A slowly growing malignant neoplasm derived from cartilage cells, occurring most frequently in pelvic bones or near the ends of long bones, in middle-aged and old people. Most chondrosarcomas arise de novo, but some may develop in a preexisting benign cartilaginous lesion or in patients with ENCHONDROMATOSIS. (Stedman, 25th ed)
The presence of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the soil. This term is not restricted to pathogenic organisms.
Treatment of food with physical methods such as heat, high pressure, radiation, or electric current to destroy organisms that cause disease or food spoilage.
Peptidoglycan is a complex, cross-linked polymer of carbohydrates and peptides that forms the rigid layer of the bacterial cell wall, providing structural support and protection while contributing to the bacterium's susceptibility or resistance to certain antibiotics.
Devices, manned and unmanned, which are designed to be placed into an orbit about the Earth or into a trajectory to another celestial body. (NASA Thesaurus, 1988)
The functional hereditary units of BACTERIA.
A mitosporic Oxygenales fungal genus causing various diseases of the skin and hair. The species Microsporum canis produces TINEA CAPITIS and tinea corporis, which usually are acquired from domestic cats and dogs. Teleomorphs includes Arthroderma (Nannizzia). (Alexopoulos et al., Introductory Mycology, 4th edition, p305)
An actinomycete from which the antibiotics STREPTOMYCIN, grisein, and CANDICIDIN are obtained.
The atmospheric properties, characteristics and other atmospheric phenomena especially pertaining to WEATHER or CLIMATE.
An order of rod-shaped, gram-negative fruiting gliding bacteria found in SOIL; WATER; and HUMUS.
The order of amino acids as they occur in a polypeptide chain. This is referred to as the primary structure of proteins. It is of fundamental importance in determining PROTEIN CONFORMATION.
A large and heterogenous group of fungi whose common characteristic is the absence of a sexual state. Many of the pathogenic fungi in humans belong to this group.
A commonly used x-ray contrast medium. As DIATRIZOATE MEGLUMINE and as Diatrizoate sodium, it is used for gastrointestinal studies, angiography, and urography.
A mitosporic Trichocomaceae fungal genus that develops fruiting organs resembling a broom. When identified, teleomorphs include EUPENICILLIUM and TALAROMYCES. Several species (but especially PENICILLIUM CHRYSOGENUM) are sources of the antibiotic penicillin.
Elements of limited time intervals, contributing to particular results or situations.
The body of a fungus which is made up of HYPHAE.
Deoxyribonucleic acid that makes up the genetic material of fungi.

Influence of crossdrafts on the performance of a biological safety cabinet. (1/3436)

A biological safety cabinet was tested to determine the effect of crossdrafts (such as those created by normal laboratory activity or ventilation) upon the ability of the cabinet to protect both experiments and investigators. A simple crossdraft, controllable from 50 to 200 feet per min (fpm; 15.24 to 60.96 m/min), was created across the face of the unit. Modifications of standardized procedures involving controlled bacterial aerosol challenges provided stringent test conditions. Results indicated that, as the crossflow velocities exceeded 100 fpm, the ability of the cabinet to protect either experiments or investigators decreased logarithmically with increasing crossdraft speed. Because 100 fpm is an airspeed easily achieved by some air conditioning and heating vents (open windows and doorways may create velocities far in excess of 200 fpm), the proper placement of a biological safety cabinet within the laboratory--away from such disruptive air currents--is essential to satisfactory cabinet performance.  (+info)

Transient gene asymmetry during sporulation and establishment of cell specificity in Bacillus subtilis. (2/3436)

Sporulation in Bacillus subtilis is initiated by an asymmetric division generating two cells of different size and fate. During a short interval, the smaller forespore harbors only 30% of the chromosome until the remaining part is translocated across the septum. We demonstrate that moving the gene for sigmaF, the forespore-specific transcription factor, in the trapped region of the chromosome is sufficient to produce spores in the absence of the essential activators SpoIIAA and SpoIIE. We propose that transient genetic asymmetry is the device that releases SpoIIE phosphatase activity in the forespore and establishes cell specificity.  (+info)

Secretion, localization, and antibacterial activity of TasA, a Bacillus subtilis spore-associated protein. (3/3436)

The synthesis and subcellular localization of the proteins that comprise the Bacillus subtilis spore are under a variety of complex controls. To better understand these controls, we have identified and characterized a 31-kDa sporulation protein, called TasA, which is secreted into the culture medium early in sporulation and is also incorporated into the spore. TasA synthesis begins approximately 30 min after the onset of sporulation and requires the sporulation transcription factor genes spo0H and spo0A. The first 81 nucleotides of tasA encode a 27-amino-acid sequence that resembles a signal peptide and which is missing from TasA isolated from a sporulating cell lysate. In B. subtilis cells unable to synthesize the signal peptidase SipW, TasA is not secreted, nor is it incorporated into spores. Cells unable to produce SipW produce a 34-kDa form of TasA, consistent with a failure to remove the N-terminal 27 amino acids. In cells engineered to express sipW and tasA during exponential growth, TasA migrates as a 31-kDa species and is secreted into the culture medium. These results indicate that SipW plays a crucial role in the export of TasA out of the cell and its incorporation into spores. Although TasA is dispensable for sporulation under laboratory conditions, we find that TasA has a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. We discuss the possibility that during the beginning of sporulation as well as later, during germination, TasA inhibits other organisms in the environment, thus conferring a competitive advantage to the spore.  (+info)

Heat resistance of native and demineralized spores of Bacillus subtilis sporulated at different temperatures. (4/3436)

Demineralization reduced heat resistance of B. subtilis spores, but the pattern and magnitude of the reduction depended on sporulation temperature and on heating menstruum pH. The differences in heat resistance of native spores caused by sporulation temperature almost disappeared after demineralization. Demineralized spores were still susceptible to the heat-sensitizing effect of acidic pH.  (+info)

Bacillus subtilis spore coat. (5/3436)

In response to starvation, bacilli and clostridia undergo a specialized program of development that results in the production of a highly resistant dormant cell type known as the spore. A proteinacious shell, called the coat, encases the spore and plays a major role in spore survival. The coat is composed of over 25 polypeptide species, organized into several morphologically distinct layers. The mechanisms that guide coat assembly have been largely unknown until recently. We now know that proper formation of the coat relies on the genetic program that guides the synthesis of spore components during development as well as on morphogenetic proteins dedicated to coat assembly. Over 20 structural and morphogenetic genes have been cloned. In this review, we consider the contributions of the known coat and morphogenetic proteins to coat function and assembly. We present a model that describes how morphogenetic proteins direct coat assembly to the specific subcellular site of the nascent spore surface and how they establish the coat layers. We also discuss the importance of posttranslational processing of coat proteins in coat morphogenesis. Finally, we review some of the major outstanding questions in the field.  (+info)

SodA and manganese are essential for resistance to oxidative stress in growing and sporulating cells of Bacillus subtilis. (6/3436)

We constructed a sodA-disrupted mutant of Bacillus subtilis 168, BK1, by homologous recombination. The mutant was not able to grow in minimal medium without Mn(II). The spore-forming ability of strain BK1 was significantly lower in Mn(II)-depleted medium than that of the wild-type strain. These deleterious effects caused by the sodA mutation were reversed when an excess of Mn(II) was used to supplement the medium. Moreover, the growth inhibition by superoxide generators in strain BK1 and its parent strain was also reversed by the supplementation with excess Mn(II). We therefore estimated the Mn-dependent superoxide-scavenging activity in BK1 cells. Whereas BK1 cells have no detectable superoxide dismutase (Sod) on native gel, the superoxide-scavenging activity in crude extracts of BK1 cells grown in Mn(II)-supplemented LB medium (10 g of tryptone, 5 g of yeast extract, and 5 g of NaCl per liter) was significantly detected by the modified Sod assay method without using EDTA. The results obtained suggest that Mn, as a free ion or a complex with some cellular component, can catalyze the elimination of superoxide and that both SodA and Mn(II) are involved not only in the superoxide resistance of vegetative cells but also in sporulation.  (+info)

Specific binding of the E2 subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase to the upstream region of Bacillus thuringiensis protoxin genes. (7/3436)

During sporulation, Bacillus thuringiensis produces inclusions comprised of different amounts of several related protoxins, each with a unique specificity profile for insect larvae. A major class of these genes designated cry1 have virtually identical dual overlapping promoters, but the upstream sequences differ. A gel retardation assay was used to purify a potential regulatory protein which bound with different affinities to these sequences in three cry1 genes. It was identified as the E2 subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase. There was specific competition for binding by homologous gene sequences but not by pUC nor Bacillus subtilis DNA; calf thymus DNA competed at higher concentrations. The B. thuringiensis gene encoding E2 was cloned, and the purified glutathione S-transferase-E2 fusion protein footprinted to a consensus binding sequence within an inverted repeat and to a potential bend region, both sites 200-300 base pairs upstream of the promoters. Mutations of these sites in the cry1A gene resulted in decreased binding of the E2 protein and altered kinetics of expression of a fusion of this regulatory region with the lacZ gene. Recruitment of the E2 subunit as a transcription factor could couple the change in post exponential catabolism to the initiation of protoxin synthesis.  (+info)

Negative regulation by the Bacillus subtilis GerE protein. (8/3436)

GerE is a transcription factor produced in the mother cell compartment of sporulating Bacillus subtilis. It is a critical regulator of cot genes encoding proteins that form the spore coat late in development. Most cot genes, and the gerE gene, are transcribed by sigmaK RNA polymerase. Previously, it was shown that the GerE protein inhibits transcription in vitro of the sigK gene encoding sigmaK. Here, we show that GerE binds near the sigK transcriptional start site, to act as a repressor. A sigK-lacZ fusion containing the GerE-binding site in the promoter region was expressed at a 2-fold lower level during sporulation of wild-type cells than gerE mutant cells. Likewise, the level of SigK protein (i. e. pro-sigmaK and sigmaK) was lower in sporulating wild-type cells than in a gerE mutant. These results demonstrate that sigmaK-dependent transcription of gerE initiates a negative feedback loop in which GerE acts as a repressor to limit production of sigmaK. In addition, GerE directly represses transcription of particular cot genes. We show that GerE binds to two sites that span the -35 region of the cotD promoter. A low level of GerE activated transcription of cotD by sigmaK RNA polymerase in vitro, but a higher level of GerE repressed cotD transcription. The upstream GerE-binding site was required for activation but not for repression. These results suggest that a rising level of GerE in sporulating cells may first activate cotD transcription from the upstream site then repress transcription as the downstream site becomes occupied. Negative regulation by GerE, in addition to its positive effects on transcription, presumably ensures that sigmaK and spore coat proteins are synthesized at optimal levels to produce a germination-competent spore.  (+info)

In the context of medicine, spores are typically discussed in relation to certain types of infections and diseases caused by microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi. Spores are a dormant, resistant form of these microorganisms that can survive under harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, lack of nutrients, and exposure to chemicals.

Spores can be highly resistant to heat, radiation, and disinfectants, making them difficult to eliminate from contaminated surfaces or medical equipment. When the conditions are favorable, spores can germinate and grow into mature microorganisms that can cause infection.

Some examples of medically relevant spores include those produced by Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), a bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea and colitis in hospitalized patients, and Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus that can cause invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals.

It's worth noting that spores are not unique to medical contexts and have broader relevance in fields such as botany, mycology, and biology.

I believe there might be a slight confusion in your question. Bacteria do not produce spores; instead, it is fungi and other types of microorganisms that produce spores for reproduction and survival purposes. Spores are essentially reproductive cells that are resistant to heat, radiation, and chemicals, allowing them to survive under harsh conditions.

If you meant to ask about endospores, those are produced by some bacteria as a protective mechanism during times of stress or nutrient deprivation. Endospores are highly resistant structures containing bacterial DNA, ribosomes, and some enzymes. They can survive for long periods in extreme environments and germinate into vegetative cells when conditions improve.

Here's the medical definition of endospores:

Endospores (also called bacterial spores) are highly resistant, dormant structures produced by certain bacteria belonging to the phyla Firmicutes and Actinobacteria. They contain a core of bacterial DNA, ribosomes, and some enzymes surrounded by a protective layer called the spore coat. Endospores can survive under harsh conditions for extended periods and germinate into vegetative cells when favorable conditions return. Common examples of endospore-forming bacteria include Bacillus species (such as B. anthracis, which causes anthrax) and Clostridium species (such as C. difficile, which can cause severe diarrhea).

Fungal spores are defined as the reproductive units of fungi that are produced by specialized structures called hyphae. These spores are typically single-celled and can exist in various shapes such as round, oval, or ellipsoidal. They are highly resistant to extreme environmental conditions like heat, cold, and dryness, which allows them to survive for long periods until they find a suitable environment to germinate and grow into a new fungal organism. Fungal spores can be found in the air, water, soil, and on various surfaces, making them easily dispersible and capable of causing infections in humans, animals, and plants.

Medical definitions for "spores" and "protozoan" are as follows:

1. Spores: These are typically single-celled reproductive units that are resistant to heat, drying, and chemicals. They are produced by certain bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants. In the context of infectious diseases, spores are particularly relevant in relation to certain types of bacteria such as Clostridium tetani (causes tetanus) and Bacillus anthracis (causes anthrax). These bacterial spores can survive for long periods in harsh environments and can cause illness if they germinate and multiply in a host.
2. Protozoan: This term refers to a diverse group of single-celled eukaryotic organisms, which are typically classified as animals rather than plants or fungi. Some protozoa can exist as free-living organisms, while others are parasites that require a host to complete their life cycle. Protozoa can cause various diseases in humans, such as malaria (caused by Plasmodium spp.), giardiasis (caused by Giardia lamblia), and amoebic dysentery (caused by Entamoeba histolytica).

Therefore, there isn't a specific medical definition for "spores, protozoan" as spores are produced by various organisms, including bacteria and fungi, while protozoa are single-celled organisms that can be free-living or parasitic. However, some protozoa do produce spores as part of their life cycle in certain species.

Picolinic acid is not specifically classified as a medical term, but it is a type of organic compound that belongs to the class of molecules known as pyridinecarboxylic acids. These are carboxylic acids derived from pyridine by the substitution of a hydrogen atom with a carboxyl group.

Picolinic acid, specifically, is a pyridine derivative with a carboxyl group at the 2-position of the ring. It is naturally produced in the body and can be found in various tissues and fluids, including the brain, where it plays a role in the metabolism of amino acids, particularly tryptophan.

In addition to its physiological functions, picolinic acid has been studied for its potential therapeutic applications. For example, it has been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, and may also play a role in heavy metal chelation and neuroprotection. However, more research is needed to fully understand the medical significance of this compound.

'Bacillus subtilis' is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in soil and vegetation. It is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can grow with or without oxygen. This bacterium is known for its ability to form durable endospores during unfavorable conditions, which allows it to survive in harsh environments for long periods of time.

'Bacillus subtilis' has been widely studied as a model organism in microbiology and molecular biology due to its genetic tractability and rapid growth. It is also used in various industrial applications, such as the production of enzymes, antibiotics, and other bioproducts.

Although 'Bacillus subtilis' is generally considered non-pathogenic, there have been rare cases of infection in immunocompromised individuals. It is important to note that this bacterium should not be confused with other pathogenic species within the genus Bacillus, such as B. anthracis (causative agent of anthrax) or B. cereus (a foodborne pathogen).

'Bacillus megaterium' is a species of Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that are widely distributed in the environment, including in soil, water, and air. They are known for their large size, with individual cells often measuring 1-2 micrometers in length and 0.5 micrometers in diameter.

'Bacillus megaterium' is a facultative anaerobe, which means that it can grow in the presence or absence of oxygen. It forms endospores, which are highly resistant to heat, radiation, and chemicals, allowing the bacteria to survive under harsh conditions for long periods of time.

These bacteria have been used in various industrial applications, such as the production of enzymes, vitamins, and other bioproducts. They are generally considered to be non-pathogenic, although there have been rare reports of infections associated with this species in immunocompromised individuals.

'Bacillus anthracis' is the scientific name for the bacterium that causes anthrax, a serious and potentially fatal infectious disease. This gram-positive, spore-forming rod-shaped bacterium can be found in soil and commonly affects animals such as sheep, goats, and cattle. Anthrax can manifest in several forms, including cutaneous (skin), gastrointestinal, and inhalation anthrax, depending on the route of infection.

The spores of Bacillus anthracis are highly resistant to environmental conditions and can survive for years, making them a potential agent for bioterrorism or biowarfare. When inhaled, ingested, or introduced through breaks in the skin, these spores can germinate into vegetative bacteria that produce potent exotoxins responsible for anthrax symptoms and complications.

It is essential to distinguish Bacillus anthracis from other Bacillus species due to its public health significance and potential use as a biological weapon. Proper identification, prevention strategies, and medical countermeasures are crucial in mitigating the risks associated with this bacterium.

'Bacillus cereus' is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in soil and food. It can produce heat-resistant spores, which allow it to survive in a wide range of temperatures and environments. This bacterium can cause two types of foodborne illnesses: a diarrheal type and an emetic (vomiting) type.

The diarrheal type of illness is caused by the consumption of foods contaminated with large numbers of vegetative cells of B. cereus. The symptoms typically appear within 6 to 15 hours after ingestion and include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea. Vomiting may also occur in some cases.

The emetic type of illness is caused by the consumption of foods contaminated with B. cereus toxins. This type of illness is characterized by nausea and vomiting that usually occur within 0.5 to 6 hours after ingestion. The most common sources of B. cereus contamination include rice, pasta, and other starchy foods that have been cooked and left at room temperature for several hours.

Proper food handling, storage, and cooking practices can help prevent B. cereus infections. It is important to refrigerate or freeze cooked foods promptly, reheat them thoroughly, and avoid leaving them at room temperature for extended periods.

'Bacillus' is a genus of rod-shaped, gram-positive bacteria that are commonly found in soil, water, and the gastrointestinal tracts of animals. Many species of Bacillus are capable of forming endospores, which are highly resistant to heat, radiation, and chemicals, allowing them to survive for long periods in harsh environments. The most well-known species of Bacillus is B. anthracis, which causes anthrax in animals and humans. Other species of Bacillus have industrial or agricultural importance, such as B. subtilis, which is used in the production of enzymes and antibiotics.

In a medical context, "hot temperature" is not a standard medical term with a specific definition. However, it is often used in relation to fever, which is a common symptom of illness. A fever is typically defined as a body temperature that is higher than normal, usually above 38°C (100.4°F) for adults and above 37.5-38°C (99.5-101.3°F) for children, depending on the source.

Therefore, when a medical professional talks about "hot temperature," they may be referring to a body temperature that is higher than normal due to fever or other causes. It's important to note that a high environmental temperature can also contribute to an elevated body temperature, so it's essential to consider both the body temperature and the environmental temperature when assessing a patient's condition.

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. This bacterium produces spores that can survive in the environment for many years. Anthrax can be found naturally in soil and commonly affects animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. Humans can get infected with anthrax by handling contaminated animal products or by inhaling or coming into contact with contaminated soil, water, or vegetation.

There are three main forms of anthrax infection:

1. Cutaneous anthrax: This is the most common form and occurs when the spores enter the body through a cut or abrasion on the skin. It starts as a painless bump that eventually develops into a ulcer with a black center.
2. Inhalation anthrax (also known as wool-sorter's disease): This occurs when a person inhales anthrax spores, which can lead to severe respiratory symptoms and potentially fatal illness.
3. Gastrointestinal anthrax: This form is rare and results from consuming contaminated meat. It causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which may be bloody.

Anthrax can be treated with antibiotics, but early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a successful outcome. Preventive measures include vaccination and avoiding contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Anthrax is also considered a potential bioterrorism agent due to its ease of dissemination and high mortality rate if left untreated.

'Clostridium botulinum' is a gram-positive, rod-shaped, anaerobic bacteria that produces one or more neurotoxins known as botulinum toxins. These toxins are among the most potent naturally occurring biological poisons and can cause a severe form of food poisoning called botulism in humans and animals. Botulism is characterized by symmetrical descending flaccid paralysis, which can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular failure, and ultimately death if not treated promptly.

The bacteria are widely distributed in nature, particularly in soil, sediments, and the intestinal tracts of some animals. They can form spores that are highly resistant to heat, chemicals, and other environmental stresses, allowing them to survive for long periods in adverse conditions. The spores can germinate and produce vegetative cells and toxins when they encounter favorable conditions, such as anaerobic environments with appropriate nutrients.

Human botulism can occur through three main routes of exposure: foodborne, wound, and infant botulism. Foodborne botulism results from consuming contaminated food containing preformed toxins, while wound botulism occurs when the bacteria infect a wound and produce toxins in situ. Infant botulism is caused by the ingestion of spores that colonize the intestines and produce toxins, mainly affecting infants under one year of age.

Prevention measures include proper food handling, storage, and preparation practices, such as cooking and canning foods at appropriate temperatures and for sufficient durations. Wound care and prompt medical attention are crucial in preventing wound botulism. Vaccines and antitoxins are available for prophylaxis and treatment of botulism in high-risk individuals or in cases of confirmed exposure.

Bacterial proteins are a type of protein that are produced by bacteria as part of their structural or functional components. These proteins can be involved in various cellular processes, such as metabolism, DNA replication, transcription, and translation. They can also play a role in bacterial pathogenesis, helping the bacteria to evade the host's immune system, acquire nutrients, and multiply within the host.

Bacterial proteins can be classified into different categories based on their function, such as:

1. Enzymes: Proteins that catalyze chemical reactions in the bacterial cell.
2. Structural proteins: Proteins that provide structural support and maintain the shape of the bacterial cell.
3. Signaling proteins: Proteins that help bacteria to communicate with each other and coordinate their behavior.
4. Transport proteins: Proteins that facilitate the movement of molecules across the bacterial cell membrane.
5. Toxins: Proteins that are produced by pathogenic bacteria to damage host cells and promote infection.
6. Surface proteins: Proteins that are located on the surface of the bacterial cell and interact with the environment or host cells.

Understanding the structure and function of bacterial proteins is important for developing new antibiotics, vaccines, and other therapeutic strategies to combat bacterial infections.

'Clostridium perfringens' is a type of Gram-positive, rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium that is commonly found in the environment, including in soil, decaying vegetation, and the intestines of humans and animals. It is a major cause of foodborne illness worldwide, producing several toxins that can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

The bacterium can contaminate food during preparation or storage, particularly meat and poultry products. When ingested, the spores of C. perfringens can germinate and produce large numbers of toxin-producing cells in the intestines, leading to food poisoning. The most common form of C. perfringens food poisoning is characterized by symptoms that appear within 6 to 24 hours after ingestion and last for less than 24 hours.

In addition to foodborne illness, C. perfringens can also cause other types of infections, such as gas gangrene, a serious condition that can occur when the bacterium infects a wound and produces toxins that damage surrounding tissues. Gas gangrene is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment with antibiotics and surgical debridement or amputation of affected tissue.

Prevention measures for C. perfringens food poisoning include proper cooking, handling, and storage of food, as well as rapid cooling of cooked foods to prevent the growth of the bacterium.

Air microbiology is the study of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that are present in the air. These microorganisms can be suspended in the air as particles or carried within droplets of liquid, such as those produced when a person coughs or sneezes.

Air microbiology is an important field of study because it helps us understand how these microorganisms are transmitted and how they may affect human health. For example, certain airborne bacteria and fungi can cause respiratory infections, while airborne viruses can cause diseases such as the common cold and influenza.

Air microbiology involves various techniques for collecting and analyzing air samples, including culturing microorganisms on growth media, using molecular biology methods to identify specific types of microorganisms, and measuring the concentration of microorganisms in the air. This information can be used to develop strategies for controlling the spread of airborne pathogens and protecting public health.

Sterilization, in a medical context, refers to the process of eliminating or removing all forms of microbial life, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, spores, and any other biological agents from a surface, object, or environment. This is typically achieved through various methods such as heat (using autoclaves), chemical processes, irradiation, or filtration.

In addition, sterilization can also refer to the surgical procedure that renders individuals unable to reproduce. This is often referred to as "permanent contraception" and can be performed through various methods such as vasectomy for men and tubal ligation for women. It's important to note that these procedures are typically permanent and not easily reversible.

Encephalitozoon is a genus of intracellular parasites belonging to the phylum Microspora. The two species that are most relevant to human health are Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis (previously known as Septata intestinalis). These microscopic organisms are capable of infecting a wide range of hosts, including humans, and are often associated with opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals.

E. cuniculi is well-known for causing encephalitozoonosis, a disease that can lead to various symptoms depending on the infected organ. In humans, it primarily affects the central nervous system (CNS), leading to neurological issues such as seizures, cognitive impairment, and motor function loss. E. intestinalis, on the other hand, tends to infect the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea and wasting syndrome.

Transmission of these parasites typically occurs through the ingestion of spores present in contaminated food, water, or soil. Once inside a host, the spores germinate and invade various cells, including intestinal epithelial cells, hepatocytes, and endothelial cells. The subsequent infection can lead to a range of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic to severe, life-threatening disease.

Effective treatment for encephalitozoonosis involves the administration of antiparasitic drugs such as albendazole or nitazoxanide. In immunocompromised patients, improving immune function through appropriate therapy is also crucial to prevent recurrence and manage the infection effectively.

Microsporidia are a group of small, obligate intracellular parasites that belong to the kingdom Fungi. They are characterized by their spore stage, which contains a unique infection apparatus called the polar tube or coiled filament. These spores can infect a wide range of hosts, including humans, animals, and insects.

In humans, Microsporidia can cause chronic diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS. They can also infect various other tissues, including the eye, muscle, and kidney, leading to a variety of clinical manifestations.

Microsporidia were once considered to be protozoa but are now classified as fungi based on genetic and biochemical evidence. There are over 1,300 species of Microsporidia, with at least 14 species known to infect humans.

Microsporidiosis is an infection caused by microscopic, single-celled parasites belonging to the phylum Microspora. These parasites are primarily intracellular and can infect various organisms, including humans. Infection typically occurs through ingestion of spores present in contaminated food, water, or soil, or through inhalation of spores. Once inside a host, the spores germinate, releasing the infective sporoplasm that invades host cells and multiplies within them.

In humans, microsporidiosis can cause various symptoms depending on the species involved and the immune status of the host. In immunocompetent individuals, it may present as self-limiting diarrhea or mild gastrointestinal disturbances. However, in immunocompromised patients (e.g., those with HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, or using immunosuppressive medications), microsporidiosis can lead to severe and chronic diarrhea, wasting, and potentially life-threatening complications affecting various organs such as the eyes, kidneys, and respiratory system.

Diagnosis of microsporidiosis typically involves detecting the parasites in stool or tissue samples using specialized staining techniques (e.g., chromotrope stains) or molecular methods (e.g., PCR). Treatment usually includes antiparasitic drugs such as albendazole, which has activity against many microsporidian species. In severe cases or when the infection involves multiple organs, additional supportive care and management of underlying immunodeficiencies may be necessary.

'Encephalitozoon cuniculi' is a small, intracellular parasitic protozoan that belongs to the phylum Microspora. It is the causative agent of encephalitozoonosis, a disease that primarily affects rabbits but can also infect other animals including humans, particularly those with weakened immune systems.

In rabbits, E. cuniculi can cause a range of clinical signs, including neurological symptoms such as tremors, torticollis (wry neck), and hind limb paresis or paralysis. It can also lead to kidney disease and eye lesions. The parasite is typically transmitted through the ingestion of spores shed in the urine of infected animals.

In humans, E. cuniculi infection is usually asymptomatic but can cause serious complications in immunocompromised individuals, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs), and disseminated disease. It is typically transmitted through contact with infected animals or their feces, contaminated soil, or water.

Prevention measures include good hygiene practices, avoiding contact with infected animals, and proper handling and disposal of animal waste. In rabbits, vaccination and treatment with antiparasitic drugs may help reduce the risk of infection and transmission.

Culture media is a substance that is used to support the growth of microorganisms or cells in an artificial environment, such as a petri dish or test tube. It typically contains nutrients and other factors that are necessary for the growth and survival of the organisms being cultured. There are many different types of culture media, each with its own specific formulation and intended use. Some common examples include blood agar, which is used to culture bacteria; Sabouraud dextrose agar, which is used to culture fungi; and Eagle's minimum essential medium, which is used to culture animal cells.

Microbial viability is the ability of a microorganism to grow, reproduce and maintain its essential life functions. It can be determined through various methods such as cell growth in culture media, staining techniques that detect metabolic activity, or direct observation of active movement. In contrast, non-viable microorganisms are those that have been killed or inactivated and cannot replicate or cause further harm. The measurement of microbial viability is important in various fields such as medicine, food safety, water quality, and environmental monitoring to assess the effectiveness of disinfection and sterilization procedures, and to determine the presence and concentration of harmful bacteria in different environments.

Protozoan infections in animals refer to diseases caused by the invasion and colonization of one or more protozoan species in an animal host's body. Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic organisms that can exist as parasites and can be transmitted through various modes, such as direct contact with infected animals, contaminated food or water, vectors like insects, and fecal-oral route.

Examples of protozoan infections in animals include:

1. Coccidiosis: It is a common intestinal disease caused by several species of the genus Eimeria that affects various animals, including poultry, cattle, sheep, goats, and pets like cats and dogs. The parasites infect the epithelial cells lining the intestines, causing diarrhea, weight loss, dehydration, and sometimes death in severe cases.
2. Toxoplasmosis: It is a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii that can infect various warm-blooded animals, including humans, livestock, and pets like cats. The parasite forms cysts in various tissues, such as muscles, brain, and eyes, causing mild to severe symptoms depending on the host's immune status.
3. Babesiosis: It is a tick-borne disease caused by several species of Babesia protozoa that affect various animals, including cattle, horses, dogs, and humans. The parasites infect red blood cells, causing anemia, fever, weakness, and sometimes death in severe cases.
4. Leishmaniasis: It is a vector-borne disease caused by several species of Leishmania protozoa that affect various animals, including dogs, cats, and humans. The parasites are transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies and can cause skin lesions, anemia, fever, weight loss, and sometimes death in severe cases.
5. Cryptosporidiosis: It is a waterborne disease caused by the protozoan Cryptosporidium parvum that affects various animals, including humans, livestock, and pets like dogs and cats. The parasites infect the epithelial cells lining the intestines, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration.

Prevention and control of these diseases rely on various measures, such as vaccination, chemoprophylaxis, vector control, and environmental management. Public awareness and education are also essential to prevent the transmission and spread of these diseases.

Ferns are a group of vascular plants that reproduce by means of spores rather than seeds. They are characterized by their frond-like leaves and lack of flowers or fruits. Ferns have been around for millions of years, with some fossilized ferns dating back to the Devonian period, over 360 million years ago.

Ferns are an important part of many ecosystems, particularly in tropical rainforests where they provide habitat and food for a variety of animals. They also play a role in soil erosion control and nutrient cycling.

Medically, some ferns have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as bracken fern which has been used to treat wounds, burns, and skin diseases. However, it is important to note that not all ferns are safe for consumption or use as medicines, and some can be toxic if ingested or applied topically. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using any plant-based remedies.

Encephalitozoonosis is a medical condition caused by infection with microsporidian parasites of the genus Encephalitozoon. The two most common species that cause disease in humans are Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis.

The infection typically occurs through the ingestion of spores present in contaminated food, water, or soil. Once inside the body, the spores can infect various organs, including the brain, lungs, eyes, and kidneys. The resulting disease can manifest as a wide range of symptoms, depending on the organ systems involved.

In the central nervous system, encephalitozoonosis can cause inflammation and damage to the brain and surrounding tissues, leading to symptoms such as headache, confusion, memory loss, and difficulty with coordination or balance. In the eyes, the infection can cause inflammation and scarring of the cornea, leading to vision loss. In the kidneys, encephalitozoonosis can cause interstitial nephritis, which can lead to kidney failure in severe cases.

Encephalitozoonosis is most commonly seen in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients. However, it has also been reported in otherwise healthy individuals. Treatment typically involves the use of antimicrobial agents, such as albendazole or fumagillin, to eliminate the parasites from the body.

'Dictyostelium' is a genus of social amoebae that are commonly found in soil and decaying organic matter. These microscopic organisms have a unique life cycle, starting as individual cells that feed on bacteria. When food becomes scarce, the cells undergo a developmental process where they aggregate together to form a multicellular slug-like structure called a pseudoplasmodium or grex. This grex then moves and differentiates into a fruiting body that can release spores for further reproduction.

Dictyostelium discoideum is the most well-studied species in this genus, serving as a valuable model organism for research in various fields such as cell biology, developmental biology, and evolutionary biology. The study of Dictyostelium has contributed significantly to our understanding of fundamental biological processes like chemotaxis, signal transduction, and cell differentiation.

'Clostridium' is a genus of gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that are widely distributed in nature, including in soil, water, and the gastrointestinal tracts of animals and humans. Many species of Clostridium are anaerobic, meaning they can grow and reproduce in environments with little or no oxygen. Some species of Clostridium are capable of producing toxins that can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses in humans and animals.

Some notable species of Clostridium include:

* Clostridium tetani, which causes tetanus (also known as lockjaw)
* Clostridium botulinum, which produces botulinum toxin, the most potent neurotoxin known and the cause of botulism
* Clostridium difficile, which can cause severe diarrhea and colitis, particularly in people who have recently taken antibiotics
* Clostridium perfringens, which can cause food poisoning and gas gangrene.

It is important to note that not all species of Clostridium are harmful, and some are even beneficial, such as those used in the production of certain fermented foods like sauerkraut and natto. However, due to their ability to produce toxins and cause illness, it is important to handle and dispose of materials contaminated with Clostridium species carefully, especially in healthcare settings.

Food preservation, in the context of medical and nutritional sciences, refers to the process of treating, handling, and storing food items to reduce the risk of foodborne illness and to extend their shelf life. The goal is to prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and mold, as well as to slow down the oxidation process that can lead to spoilage.

Common methods of food preservation include:

1. Refrigeration and freezing: These techniques slow down the growth of microorganisms and enzyme activity that cause food to spoil.
2. Canning: This involves sealing food in airtight containers, then heating them to destroy microorganisms and inactivate enzymes.
3. Dehydration: Removing water from food inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
4. Acidification: Adding acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar can lower the pH of food, making it less hospitable to microorganisms.
5. Fermentation: This process involves converting sugars into alcohol or acids using bacteria or yeasts, which can preserve food and also enhance its flavor.
6. Irradiation: Exposing food to small doses of radiation can kill bacteria, parasites, and insects, extending the shelf life of certain foods.
7. Pasteurization: Heating food to a specific temperature for a set period of time can destroy harmful bacteria while preserving the nutritional value and taste.

Proper food preservation is crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring the safety and quality of the food supply.

Fungi, in the context of medical definitions, are a group of eukaryotic organisms that include microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. The study of fungi is known as mycology.

Fungi can exist as unicellular organisms or as multicellular filamentous structures called hyphae. They are heterotrophs, which means they obtain their nutrients by decomposing organic matter or by living as parasites on other organisms. Some fungi can cause various diseases in humans, animals, and plants, known as mycoses. These infections range from superficial, localized skin infections to systemic, life-threatening invasive diseases.

Examples of fungal infections include athlete's foot (tinea pedis), ringworm (dermatophytosis), candidiasis (yeast infection), histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and aspergillosis. Fungal infections can be challenging to treat due to the limited number of antifungal drugs available and the potential for drug resistance.

Stachybotrys is a genus of filamentous fungi (molds) that are known to produce potent mycotoxins, which can be harmful to humans and animals. The most well-known species is Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly referred to as "black mold" or "toxic black mold." This mold typically grows on materials with high cellulose content and a low nitrogen content, such as paper, straw, hay, wet drywall, and ceiling tiles. Exposure to the mycotoxins produced by Stachybotrys can cause various health issues, including respiratory symptoms, allergic reactions, and immune system responses. It is essential to address water damage and mold growth promptly to prevent the spread of Stachybotrys and other molds in indoor environments.

Microsporidia are a group of small, spore-forming, obligate intracellular parasites that were once considered to be primitive protozoans but are now classified within the fungi. They are characterized by a unique infection mechanism called "polysporous invasion," where a single spore can infect multiple host cells and produce numerous progeny spores.

Microsporidia infect a wide range of hosts, including insects, fish, birds, and mammals, including humans. In humans, microsporidiosis is an opportunistic infection that primarily affects immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, and those undergoing chemotherapy.

The most common Microsporidia species that infect humans are Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Other species can infect various organs, including the eyes, muscles, and respiratory system, causing a range of clinical manifestations.

Microsporidia have a complex life cycle that involves several developmental stages, including spores, meronts, and sporonts. The spores are highly resistant to environmental stresses and can survive for long periods outside the host, facilitating their transmission. Once inside the host cell, the spore releases its infectious contents, including a coiled tubular structure called the polar filament, which penetrates the host cell membrane and injects the parasite's genetic material into the host cytoplasm. The parasite then undergoes rapid multiplication, eventually producing numerous progeny spores that are released into the environment upon host cell lysis.

Microsporidia have been identified as potential bioterrorism agents due to their high infectivity, environmental resistance, and ability to cause severe disease in immunocompromised hosts. However, there are currently no effective vaccines or specific antimicrobial therapies available for microsporidiosis, and treatment is mainly supportive, focusing on managing symptoms and improving immune function.

A mutation is a permanent change in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome. Mutations can occur spontaneously or be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to radiation, chemicals, or viruses. They may have various effects on the organism, ranging from benign to harmful, depending on where they occur and whether they alter the function of essential proteins. In some cases, mutations can increase an individual's susceptibility to certain diseases or disorders, while in others, they may confer a survival advantage. Mutations are the driving force behind evolution, as they introduce new genetic variability into populations, which can then be acted upon by natural selection.

Phase-contrast microscopy is a type of optical microscopy that allows visualization of transparent or translucent specimens, such as living cells and their organelles, by increasing the contrast between areas with different refractive indices within the sample. This technique works by converting phase shifts in light passing through the sample into changes in amplitude, which can then be observed as differences in brightness and contrast.

In a phase-contrast microscope, a special condenser and objective are used to create an optical path difference between the direct and diffracted light rays coming from the specimen. The condenser introduces a phase shift for the diffracted light, while the objective contains a phase ring that compensates for this shift in the direct light. This results in the direct light appearing brighter than the diffracted light, creating contrast between areas with different refractive indices within the sample.

Phase-contrast microscopy is particularly useful for observing unstained living cells and their dynamic processes, such as cell division, motility, and secretion, without the need for stains or dyes that might affect their viability or behavior.

Gene expression regulation in bacteria refers to the complex cellular processes that control the production of proteins from specific genes. This regulation allows bacteria to adapt to changing environmental conditions and ensure the appropriate amount of protein is produced at the right time.

Bacteria have a variety of mechanisms for regulating gene expression, including:

1. Operon structure: Many bacterial genes are organized into operons, which are clusters of genes that are transcribed together as a single mRNA molecule. The expression of these genes can be coordinately regulated by controlling the transcription of the entire operon.
2. Promoter regulation: Transcription is initiated at promoter regions upstream of the gene or operon. Bacteria have regulatory proteins called sigma factors that bind to the promoter and recruit RNA polymerase, the enzyme responsible for transcribing DNA into RNA. The binding of sigma factors can be influenced by environmental signals, allowing for regulation of transcription.
3. Attenuation: Some operons have regulatory regions called attenuators that control transcription termination. These regions contain hairpin structures that can form in the mRNA and cause transcription to stop prematurely. The formation of these hairpins is influenced by the concentration of specific metabolites, allowing for regulation of gene expression based on the availability of those metabolites.
4. Riboswitches: Some bacterial mRNAs contain regulatory elements called riboswitches that bind small molecules directly. When a small molecule binds to the riboswitch, it changes conformation and affects transcription or translation of the associated gene.
5. CRISPR-Cas systems: Bacteria use CRISPR-Cas systems for adaptive immunity against viruses and plasmids. These systems incorporate short sequences from foreign DNA into their own genome, which can then be used to recognize and cleave similar sequences in invading genetic elements.

Overall, gene expression regulation in bacteria is a complex process that allows them to respond quickly and efficiently to changing environmental conditions. Understanding these regulatory mechanisms can provide insights into bacterial physiology and help inform strategies for controlling bacterial growth and behavior.

Anthrax vaccines are biological preparations designed to protect against anthrax, a potentially fatal infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax can affect both humans and animals, and it is primarily transmitted through contact with contaminated animal products or, less commonly, through inhalation of spores.

There are two types of anthrax vaccines currently available:

1. Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AVA): This vaccine is licensed for use in the United States and is approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis in high-risk individuals, such as military personnel and laboratory workers who handle the bacterium. AVA contains a cell-free filtrate of cultured B. anthracis cells that have been chemically treated to render them non-infectious. The vaccine works by stimulating the production of antibodies against protective antigens (PA) present in the bacterial culture.
2. Recombinant Anthrax Vaccine (rPA): This vaccine, also known as BioThrax, is a newer generation anthrax vaccine that was approved for use in the United States in 2015. It contains only the recombinant protective antigen (rPA) of B. anthracis, which is produced using genetic engineering techniques. The rPA vaccine has been shown to be as effective as AVA in generating an immune response and offers several advantages, including a more straightforward manufacturing process, fewer side effects, and a longer shelf life.

Both vaccines require multiple doses for initial immunization, followed by periodic booster shots to maintain protection. Anthrax vaccines are generally safe and effective at preventing anthrax infection; however, they may cause mild to moderate side effects, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, and muscle aches. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

It is important to note that anthrax vaccines do not provide immediate protection against anthrax infection. They require several weeks to stimulate an immune response, so they should be administered before potential exposure to the bacterium. In cases of known or suspected exposure to anthrax, antibiotics are used as a primary means of preventing and treating the disease.

A sigma factor is a type of protein in bacteria that plays an essential role in the initiation of transcription, which is the first step of gene expression. Sigma factors recognize and bind to specific sequences on DNA, known as promoters, enabling the attachment of RNA polymerase, the enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA.

In bacteria, RNA polymerase is made up of several subunits, including a core enzyme and a sigma factor. The sigma factor confers specificity to the RNA polymerase by recognizing and binding to the promoter region of the DNA, allowing transcription to begin. Once transcription starts, the sigma factor is released from the RNA polymerase, which then continues to synthesize RNA until it reaches the end of the gene.

Bacteria have multiple sigma factors that allow them to respond to different environmental conditions and stresses by regulating the expression of specific sets of genes. For example, some sigma factors are involved in the regulation of genes required for growth and metabolism under normal conditions, while others are involved in the response to heat shock, starvation, or other stressors.

Overall, sigma factors play a crucial role in regulating gene expression in bacteria, allowing them to adapt to changing environmental conditions and maintain cellular homeostasis.

Muramic acids are not a medical condition or diagnosis. They are actually a type of chemical compound that is found in the cell walls of certain bacteria. Specifically, muramic acid is a derivative of amino sugars and forms a part of peptidoglycan, which is a major component of bacterial cell walls.

Peptidoglycan provides structural support and protection to bacterial cells, helping them maintain their shape and resist osmotic pressure. Muramic acids are unique to bacteria and are not found in the cell walls of human or animal cells, making them potential targets for antibiotic drugs that can selectively inhibit bacterial growth without harming host cells.

Humidity, in a medical context, is not typically defined on its own but is related to environmental conditions that can affect health. Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air. It is often discussed in terms of absolute humidity (the mass of water per unit volume of air) or relative humidity (the ratio of the current absolute humidity to the maximum possible absolute humidity, expressed as a percentage). High humidity can contribute to feelings of discomfort, difficulty sleeping, and exacerbation of respiratory conditions such as asthma.

A cell wall is a rigid layer found surrounding the plasma membrane of plant cells, fungi, and many types of bacteria. It provides structural support and protection to the cell, maintains cell shape, and acts as a barrier against external factors such as chemicals and mechanical stress. The composition of the cell wall varies among different species; for example, in plants, it is primarily made up of cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin, while in bacteria, it is composed of peptidoglycan.

A "colony count" is a method used to estimate the number of viable microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, in a sample. In this technique, a known volume of the sample is spread onto the surface of a solid nutrient medium in a petri dish and then incubated under conditions that allow the microorganisms to grow and form visible colonies. Each colony that grows on the plate represents an individual cell (or small cluster of cells) from the original sample that was able to divide and grow under the given conditions. By counting the number of colonies that form, researchers can make a rough estimate of the concentration of microorganisms in the original sample.

The term "microbial" simply refers to microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Therefore, a "colony count, microbial" is a general term that encompasses the use of colony counting techniques to estimate the number of any type of microorganism in a sample.

Colony counts are used in various fields, including medical research, food safety testing, and environmental monitoring, to assess the levels of contamination or the effectiveness of disinfection procedures. However, it is important to note that colony counts may not always provide an accurate measure of the total number of microorganisms present in a sample, as some cells may be injured or unable to grow under the conditions used for counting. Additionally, some microorganisms may form clusters or chains that can appear as single colonies, leading to an overestimation of the true cell count.

Alanine is an alpha-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. The molecular formula for alanine is C3H7NO2. It is a non-essential amino acid, which means that it can be produced by the human body through the conversion of other nutrients, such as pyruvate, and does not need to be obtained directly from the diet.

Alanine is classified as an aliphatic amino acid because it contains a simple carbon side chain. It is also a non-polar amino acid, which means that it is hydrophobic and tends to repel water. Alanine plays a role in the metabolism of glucose and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. It is also involved in the transfer of nitrogen between tissues and helps to maintain the balance of nitrogen in the body.

In addition to its role as a building block of proteins, alanine is also used as a neurotransmitter in the brain and has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system. It is found in many foods, including meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, and legumes.

Molecular sequence data refers to the specific arrangement of molecules, most commonly nucleotides in DNA or RNA, or amino acids in proteins, that make up a biological macromolecule. This data is generated through laboratory techniques such as sequencing, and provides information about the exact order of the constituent molecules. This data is crucial in various fields of biology, including genetics, evolution, and molecular biology, allowing for comparisons between different organisms, identification of genetic variations, and studies of gene function and regulation.

'Cladosporium' is a genus of fungi that are widely distributed in the environment, particularly in soil, decaying plant material, and indoor air. These fungi are known for their dark-pigmented spores, which can be found in various shapes and sizes depending on the species. They are important causes of allergies and respiratory symptoms in humans, as well as plant diseases. Some species of Cladosporium can also produce toxins that may cause health problems in susceptible individuals. It is important to note that medical definitions typically refer to specific diseases or conditions that affect human health, so 'Cladosporium' itself would not be considered a medical definition.

Basidiomycota is a phylum in the kingdom Fungi that consists of organisms commonly known as club fungi or club mushrooms. The name Basidiomycota is derived from the presence of a characteristic reproductive structure called a basidium, which is where spores are produced.

The basidiomycetes include many familiar forms such as mushrooms, toadstools, bracket fungi, and other types of polypores. They have a complex life cycle that involves both sexual and asexual reproduction. The sexual reproductive stage produces a characteristic fruiting body, which may be microscopic or highly visible, depending on the species.

Basidiomycota fungi play important ecological roles in decomposing organic matter, forming mutualistic relationships with plants, and acting as parasites on other organisms. Some species are economically important, such as edible mushrooms, while others can be harmful or even deadly to humans and animals.

Bacterial DNA refers to the genetic material found in bacteria. It is composed of a double-stranded helix containing four nucleotide bases - adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C) - that are linked together by phosphodiester bonds. The sequence of these bases in the DNA molecule carries the genetic information necessary for the growth, development, and reproduction of bacteria.

Bacterial DNA is circular in most bacterial species, although some have linear chromosomes. In addition to the main chromosome, many bacteria also contain small circular pieces of DNA called plasmids that can carry additional genes and provide resistance to antibiotics or other environmental stressors.

Unlike eukaryotic cells, which have their DNA enclosed within a nucleus, bacterial DNA is present in the cytoplasm of the cell, where it is in direct contact with the cell's metabolic machinery. This allows for rapid gene expression and regulation in response to changing environmental conditions.

Ascomycota is a phylum in the kingdom Fungi, also known as sac fungi. This group includes both unicellular and multicellular organisms, such as yeasts, mold species, and morel mushrooms. Ascomycetes are characterized by their reproductive structures called ascus, which contain typically eight haploid spores produced sexually through a process called ascogony. Some members of this phylum have significant ecological and economic importance, as they can be decomposers, mutualistic symbionts, or plant pathogens causing various diseases. Examples include the baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ergot fungus Claviceps purpurea, and morel mushroom Morchella esculenta.

I apologize for any confusion, but "Myxococcus xanthus" is not a medical term or concept. It is actually the scientific name of a type of soil-dwelling bacteria that belongs to the family Myxococcaceae. These bacteria are known for their social behavior and complex life cycle, which includes the formation of multicellular structures under certain conditions. They have been studied extensively in the field of microbiology due to their unique biological characteristics.

Temperature, in a medical context, is a measure of the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment. It is usually measured using a thermometer and reported in degrees Celsius (°C), degrees Fahrenheit (°F), or kelvin (K). In the human body, normal core temperature ranges from about 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F) when measured rectally, and can vary slightly depending on factors such as time of day, physical activity, and menstrual cycle. Elevated body temperature is a common sign of infection or inflammation, while abnormally low body temperature can indicate hypothermia or other medical conditions.

'Alternaria' is a genus of widely distributed saprophytic fungi that are often found in soil, plant debris, and water. They produce darkly pigmented, septate hyphae and conidia (asexual spores) that are characterized by their distinctive beak-like projections.

Alternaria species can cause various types of plant diseases, including leaf spots, blights, and rots, which can result in significant crop losses. They also produce a variety of mycotoxins, which can have harmful effects on human and animal health.

In humans, Alternaria species can cause allergic reactions, such as hay fever and asthma, as well as skin and respiratory tract infections. Exposure to Alternaria spores is also a known risk factor for the development of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), a condition characterized by inflammation and scarring of the lungs.

It's important to note that medical definitions can vary depending on the context, so it may be helpful to consult a reliable medical or scientific source for more specific information about Alternaria and its potential health effects.

Decontamination is the process of removing, inactivating or destroying harmful contaminants from a person, object, environment or substance. In a medical context, decontamination typically refers to the removal of pathogens, toxic chemicals, or radioactive substances from patients, equipment, or surfaces in order to prevent infection or illness.

There are different methods and techniques for decontamination depending on the type and extent of contamination. For example, mechanical cleaning (such as washing with soap and water), chemical disinfection (using antimicrobial agents), radiation sterilization (using ionizing radiation), and heat sterilization (using steam or dry heat) are some common methods used in medical settings to decontaminate surfaces, equipment, and supplies.

Decontamination is an important process in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics, as well as in emergency response situations involving hazardous materials or bioterrorism incidents. Proper decontamination procedures can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, reduce the risk of chemical or radiation exposure, and protect the health and safety of patients, healthcare workers, and the public.

'Clostridium difficile' (also known as 'C. difficile' or 'C. diff') is a type of Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that can be found in the environment, including in soil, water, and human and animal feces. It is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections, particularly in individuals who have recently received antibiotics or have other underlying health conditions that weaken their immune system.

C. difficile produces toxins that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild diarrhea to severe colitis (inflammation of the colon) and potentially life-threatening complications such as sepsis and toxic megacolon. The most common toxins produced by C. difficile are called TcdA and TcdB, which damage the lining of the intestine and cause inflammation.

C. difficile infections (CDIs) can be difficult to treat, particularly in severe cases or in patients who have recurrent infections. Treatment typically involves discontinuing any unnecessary antibiotics, if possible, and administering specific antibiotics that are effective against C. difficile, such as metronidazole, vancomycin, or fidaxomicin. In some cases, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may be recommended as a last resort for patients with recurrent or severe CDIs who have not responded to other treatments.

Preventing the spread of C. difficile is critical in healthcare settings, and includes measures such as hand hygiene, contact precautions, environmental cleaning, and antibiotic stewardship programs that promote the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Muramidase, also known as lysozyme, is an enzyme that hydrolyzes the glycosidic bond between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetylglucosamine in peptidoglycan, a polymer found in bacterial cell walls. This enzymatic activity plays a crucial role in the innate immune system by contributing to the destruction of invading bacteria. Muramidase is widely distributed in various tissues and bodily fluids, such as tears, saliva, and milk, and is also found in several types of white blood cells, including neutrophils and monocytes.

Myxozoa is a group of microscopic, primarily freshwater, parasitic cnidarians. They have complex life cycles involving one or more intermediate hosts, such as annelids or mollusks, and a definitive host, usually a fish. The adult stage of the parasite develops in the tissues of the definitive host, while the larval stages infect the muscles, gills, or other organs of the intermediate hosts.

Myxozoans are characterized by their small size (usually less than 1 mm), simple body structure, and unique spore stage. The spores contain one or two polar capsules, which are coiled structures that release thread-like filaments to help the spores attach to host tissues.

Myxozoans can cause significant damage to their hosts, leading to diseases such as whirling disease in fish and proliferative kidney disease in salmonids. These parasites have a wide geographic distribution and are found in both wild and farmed aquatic animals.

Electron microscopy (EM) is a type of microscopy that uses a beam of electrons to create an image of the sample being examined, resulting in much higher magnification and resolution than light microscopy. There are several types of electron microscopy, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and reflection electron microscopy (REM).

In TEM, a beam of electrons is transmitted through a thin slice of the sample, and the electrons that pass through the sample are focused to form an image. This technique can provide detailed information about the internal structure of cells, viruses, and other biological specimens, as well as the composition and structure of materials at the atomic level.

In SEM, a beam of electrons is scanned across the surface of the sample, and the electrons that are scattered back from the surface are detected to create an image. This technique can provide information about the topography and composition of surfaces, as well as the structure of materials at the microscopic level.

REM is a variation of SEM in which the beam of electrons is reflected off the surface of the sample, rather than scattered back from it. This technique can provide information about the surface chemistry and composition of materials.

Electron microscopy has a wide range of applications in biology, medicine, and materials science, including the study of cellular structure and function, disease diagnosis, and the development of new materials and technologies.

Environmental Microbiology is a branch of microbiology that deals with the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microscopic entities, that are found in various environments such as water, soil, air, and organic matter. This field focuses on understanding how these microbes interact with their surroundings, their role in various ecological systems, and their impact on human health and the environment. It also involves studying the genetic and biochemical mechanisms that allow microorganisms to survive and thrive in different environmental conditions, as well as the potential uses of microbes for bioremediation, bioenergy, and other industrial applications.

Disinfection is the process of eliminating or reducing harmful microorganisms from inanimate objects and surfaces through the use of chemicals, heat, or other methods. The goal of disinfection is to reduce the number of pathogens to a level that is considered safe for human health. Disinfection is an important step in preventing the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare settings, food processing facilities, and other environments where there is a risk of infection transmission.

It's important to note that disinfection is not the same as sterilization, which is the complete elimination of all microorganisms, including spores. Disinfection is generally less effective than sterilization but is often sufficient for most non-critical surfaces and objects. The choice between disinfection and sterilization depends on the level of risk associated with the item or surface being treated and the intended use of that item or surface.

Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents that are applied to non-living objects to destroy or irreversibly inactivate microorganisms, but not necessarily their spores. They are different from sterilizers, which kill all forms of life, and from antiseptics, which are used on living tissue. Disinfectants work by damaging the cell wall or membrane of the microorganism, disrupting its metabolism, or interfering with its ability to reproduce. Examples of disinfectants include alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and quaternary ammonium compounds. They are commonly used in hospitals, laboratories, and other settings where the elimination of microorganisms is important for infection control. It's important to use disinfectants according to the manufacturer's instructions, as improper use can reduce their effectiveness or even increase the risk of infection.

Enterocytozoon is a genus of microsporidian parasites that are known to infect a variety of animals, including humans. The most well-known species in this genus is Enterocytozoon bieneusi, which is a common cause of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS.

Enterocytozoon species infect the host by invading intestinal epithelial cells, specifically enterocytes, hence the name "enterocytozoon." Once inside the host cell, they replicate and can cause damage to the cell, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

Transmission of Enterocytozoon species typically occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water, although sexual contact and mother-to-child transmission have also been reported. Diagnosis is usually made by detecting the parasite's DNA in stool samples using molecular techniques such as PCR. Treatment options for Enterocytozoon infections are limited, but antimicrobial drugs such as albendazole and fumagillin have shown some efficacy in reducing symptoms and clearing the infection.

Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in the formation of four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. It is a key process in sexual reproduction, where it generates gametes or sex cells (sperm and eggs).

The process of meiosis involves one round of DNA replication followed by two successive nuclear divisions, meiosis I and meiosis II. In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes pair, form chiasma and exchange genetic material through crossing over, then separate from each other. In meiosis II, sister chromatids separate, leading to the formation of four haploid cells. This process ensures genetic diversity in offspring by shuffling and recombining genetic information during the formation of gametes.

According to the medical definition, ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible radiations that fall in the range of the electromagnetic spectrum between 100-400 nanometers. UV rays are further divided into three categories: UVA (320-400 nm), UVB (280-320 nm), and UVC (100-280 nm).

UV rays have various sources, including the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause damage to the skin, leading to premature aging, eye damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are associated with skin aging, while UVB rays primarily affect the outer layer of the skin and are linked to sunburns and skin cancer. UVC rays are the most harmful but fortunately, they are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and do not reach the surface.

Healthcare professionals recommend limiting exposure to UV rays, wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and avoiding tanning beds to reduce the risk of UV-related health problems.

Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations between fungi and the roots of most plant species. In a mycorrhizal association, fungi colonize the root tissues of plants and extend their mycelial networks into the surrounding soil. This association enhances the nutrient uptake capacity of the host plant, particularly with regards to phosphorus and nitrogen, while the fungi receive carbohydrates from the plant for their own growth and metabolism.

Mycorrhizal fungi can be broadly classified into two types: ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae (or arbuscular mycorrhizae). Ectomycorrhizae form a sheath around the root surface, while endomycorrhizae penetrate the root cells and form structures called arbuscules, where nutrient exchange occurs. Mycorrhizal associations play crucial roles in maintaining ecosystem stability, promoting plant growth, and improving soil structure and fertility.

"Phycomyces" is not a medical term, but a genus name in the fungal kingdom, specifically within the division Mucoromycota. It belongs to the family Physalacriaceae and includes various species of saprophytic fungi that are commonly found in soil and decaying organic matter. They are known for producing large, quickly growing sporangiophores and sporangia.

In a medical context, certain fungal infections can be caused by related molds in the same division (Mucoromycota), but "Phycomyces" itself is not typically associated with human diseases.

A fruiting body, in the context of mycology (the study of fungi), refers to the part of a fungus that produces spores for sexual or asexual reproduction. These structures are often what we typically think of as mushrooms or toadstools, although not all fungal fruiting bodies resemble these familiar forms.

Fungal fruiting bodies can vary greatly in size, shape, and color, depending on the species of fungus. They may be aboveground, like the caps and stalks of mushrooms, or underground, like the tiny, thread-like structures known as "corals" in some species.

The primary function of a fruiting body is to produce and disperse spores, which can give rise to new individuals when they germinate under favorable conditions. The development of a fruiting body is often triggered by environmental factors such as moisture, temperature, and nutrient availability.

Streptomyces is a genus of Gram-positive, aerobic, saprophytic bacteria that are widely distributed in soil, water, and decaying organic matter. They are known for their complex morphology, forming branching filaments called hyphae that can differentiate into long chains of spores.

Streptomyces species are particularly notable for their ability to produce a wide variety of bioactive secondary metabolites, including antibiotics, antifungals, and other therapeutic compounds. In fact, many important antibiotics such as streptomycin, neomycin, tetracycline, and erythromycin are derived from Streptomyces species.

Because of their industrial importance in the production of antibiotics and other bioactive compounds, Streptomyces have been extensively studied and are considered model organisms for the study of bacterial genetics, biochemistry, and ecology.

Sphagnopsida is a division of non-vascular plants that are commonly known as peat mosses or bog mosses. These plants are characterized by their ability to absorb and retain large amounts of water, making them an important component of many wetland ecosystems. They have simple, branching structures with small, leaf-like appendages called pseudoparenchyma. Sphagnopsida species play a significant role in the global carbon cycle as they decompose very slowly and can accumulate over long periods of time to form peat deposits.

Fungal proteins are a type of protein that is specifically produced and present in fungi, which are a group of eukaryotic organisms that include microorganisms such as yeasts and molds. These proteins play various roles in the growth, development, and survival of fungi. They can be involved in the structure and function of fungal cells, metabolism, pathogenesis, and other cellular processes. Some fungal proteins can also have important implications for human health, both in terms of their potential use as therapeutic targets and as allergens or toxins that can cause disease.

Fungal proteins can be classified into different categories based on their functions, such as enzymes, structural proteins, signaling proteins, and toxins. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions in fungal cells, while structural proteins provide support and protection for the cell. Signaling proteins are involved in communication between cells and regulation of various cellular processes, and toxins are proteins that can cause harm to other organisms, including humans.

Understanding the structure and function of fungal proteins is important for developing new treatments for fungal infections, as well as for understanding the basic biology of fungi. Research on fungal proteins has led to the development of several antifungal drugs that target specific fungal enzymes or other proteins, providing effective treatment options for a range of fungal diseases. Additionally, further study of fungal proteins may reveal new targets for drug development and help improve our ability to diagnose and treat fungal infections.

Bacteriological techniques refer to the various methods and procedures used in the laboratory for the cultivation, identification, and study of bacteria. These techniques are essential in fields such as medicine, biotechnology, and research. Here are some common bacteriological techniques:

1. **Sterilization**: This is a process that eliminates or kills all forms of life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. Common sterilization methods include autoclaving (using steam under pressure), dry heat (in an oven), chemical sterilants, and radiation.

2. **Aseptic Technique**: This refers to practices used to prevent contamination of sterile materials or environments with microorganisms. It includes the use of sterile equipment, gloves, and lab coats, as well as techniques such as flaming, alcohol swabbing, and using aseptic transfer devices.

3. **Media Preparation**: This involves the preparation of nutrient-rich substances that support bacterial growth. There are various types of media, including solid (agar), liquid (broth), and semi-solid (e.g., stab agar). The choice of medium depends on the type of bacteria being cultured and the purpose of the investigation.

4. **Inoculation**: This is the process of introducing a bacterial culture into a medium. It can be done using a loop, swab, or needle. The inoculum should be taken from a pure culture to avoid contamination.

5. **Incubation**: After inoculation, the bacteria are allowed to grow under controlled conditions of temperature, humidity, and atmospheric composition. This process is called incubation.

6. **Staining and Microscopy**: Bacteria are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, they need to be stained and observed under a microscope. Gram staining is a common method used to differentiate between two major groups of bacteria based on their cell wall composition.

7. **Biochemical Tests**: These are tests used to identify specific bacterial species based on their biochemical characteristics, such as their ability to ferment certain sugars, produce particular enzymes, or resist certain antibiotics.

8. **Molecular Techniques**: Advanced techniques like PCR and DNA sequencing can provide more precise identification of bacteria. They can also be used for genetic analysis and epidemiological studies.

Remember, handling microorganisms requires careful attention to biosafety procedures to prevent accidental infection or environmental contamination.

Food microbiology is the study of the microorganisms that are present in food, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. This field examines how these microbes interact with food, how they affect its safety and quality, and how they can be controlled during food production, processing, storage, and preparation. Food microbiology also involves the development of methods for detecting and identifying pathogenic microorganisms in food, as well as studying the mechanisms of foodborne illnesses and developing strategies to prevent them. Additionally, it includes research on the beneficial microbes found in certain fermented foods and their potential applications in improving food quality and safety.

Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium at a given point within the fluid, due to the force of gravity. In medical terms, hydrostatic pressure is often discussed in relation to body fluids and tissues. For example, the hydrostatic pressure in the capillaries (tiny blood vessels) is the force that drives the fluid out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues. This helps to maintain the balance of fluids in the body. Additionally, abnormal increases in hydrostatic pressure can contribute to the development of edema (swelling) in the tissues.

Myxomycetes are not a part of human or animal medicine, and thus do not have a medical definition. They are actually a group of organisms commonly known as plasmodial slime molds. These are single-celled amoeboid organisms that can aggregate under certain conditions to form a multinucleate mass called a plasmodium. When the plasmodium matures, it differentiates into fruiting bodies that release spores. Myxomycetes are not plants, animals or fungi, but are classified in their own kingdom, Protista. They are often found on dead plant material in moist, shaded habitats.

Peracetic acid (PAA) is not a medical term per se, but it is widely used in the medical field as a disinfectant and sterilant. Medically, it's often used for high-level disinfection of medical devices and equipment, especially those that are heat-sensitive or cannot be sterilized using traditional methods like steam sterilization.

Peracetic acid is an organic compound with the formula CH3CO3H. It's a colorless liquid with a pungent, acrid smell, similar to that of acetic acid (vinegar). In solution, it's a strong oxidizing agent and can effectively kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.

It's important to note that peracetic acid should be used with caution due to its potential irritant effects on the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Proper handling and use according to manufacturer instructions are essential to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Radiation effects refer to the damages that occur in living tissues when exposed to ionizing radiation. These effects can be categorized into two types: deterministic and stochastic. Deterministic effects have a threshold dose below which the effect does not occur, and above which the severity of the effect increases with the dose. Examples include radiation-induced erythema, epilation, and organ damage. Stochastic effects, on the other hand, do not have a threshold dose, and the probability of the effect occurring increases with the dose. Examples include genetic mutations and cancer induction. The severity of the effect is not related to the dose in this case.

Chondrosarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the cartilaginous tissue, which is the flexible and smooth connective tissue found in various parts of the body such as the bones, ribs, and nose. It is characterized by the production of malignant cartilage cells that can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).

Chondrosarcomas are typically slow-growing tumors but can be aggressive in some cases. They usually occur in adults over the age of 40, and men are more commonly affected than women. The most common sites for chondrosarcoma development include the bones of the pelvis, legs, and arms.

Treatment for chondrosarcoma typically involves surgical removal of the tumor, along with radiation therapy or chemotherapy in some cases. The prognosis for chondrosarcoma depends on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the grade of malignancy, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

I apologize, but there seems to be a misunderstanding. "Soil microbiology" is not a medical term; rather, it is a branch of microbiology that deals with the study of microorganisms in soil. It involves understanding the diversity, ecology, and biochemistry of bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, and other microscopic life forms found in soil. This field has applications in agriculture, environmental science, and waste management but is not directly related to medical definitions or human health.

Pasteurization is a process that involves heating a liquid, such as milk or fruit juice, to a specific temperature for a certain amount of time in order to kill harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. The process was named after Louis Pasteur, who developed it in the 19th century.

In pasteurization, the liquid is typically heated to a temperature between 63°C (145°F) and 75°C (167°F) for at least 15 seconds to 30 minutes, depending on the type of product being pasteurized. This heat treatment destroys pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause serious illness if consumed.

Pasteurization does not sterilize the product completely, but it significantly reduces the number of bacteria present, making it safer for consumption. It is important to note that pasteurized products still have a shelf life and should be stored properly to prevent contamination and spoilage.

Peptidoglycan is a complex biological polymer made up of sugars and amino acids that forms a crucial component of the cell walls of bacteria. It provides structural support and protection to bacterial cells, contributing to their shape and rigidity. Peptidoglycan is unique to bacterial cell walls and is not found in the cells of other organisms, such as plants, animals, or fungi.

The polymer is composed of linear chains of alternating units of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM), which are linked together by glycosidic bonds. The NAM residues contain short peptide side chains, typically consisting of four amino acids, that cross-link adjacent polysaccharide chains, forming a rigid layer around the bacterial cell.

The composition and structure of peptidoglycan can vary between different species of bacteria, which is one factor contributing to their diversity. The enzymes responsible for synthesizing and degrading peptidoglycan are important targets for antibiotics, as inhibiting these processes can weaken or kill the bacterial cells without affecting host organisms.

I'm sorry for any confusion, but "spacecraft" is not a term typically used in medical definitions. A spacecraft is a vehicle or machine designed to fly in outer space. It may be used to transport humans or cargo to and from space stations, conduct scientific research, or explore other celestial bodies such as the moon, planets, and asteroids. If you have any questions related to medical terminology, I'd be happy to help!

A bacterial gene is a segment of DNA (or RNA in some viruses) that contains the genetic information necessary for the synthesis of a functional bacterial protein or RNA molecule. These genes are responsible for encoding various characteristics and functions of bacteria such as metabolism, reproduction, and resistance to antibiotics. They can be transmitted between bacteria through horizontal gene transfer mechanisms like conjugation, transformation, and transduction. Bacterial genes are often organized into operons, which are clusters of genes that are transcribed together as a single mRNA molecule.

It's important to note that the term "bacterial gene" is used to describe genetic elements found in bacteria, but not all genetic elements in bacteria are considered genes. For example, some DNA sequences may not encode functional products and are therefore not considered genes. Additionally, some bacterial genes may be plasmid-borne or phage-borne, rather than being located on the bacterial chromosome.

Microsporum is a genus of fungi belonging to the family Arthrodermataceae. These fungi are known to cause various types of tinea (ringworm) infections in humans and animals. They are characterized by their ability to produce large, thick-walled macroconidia that are typically round to oval in shape.

The most common species of Microsporum that infect humans include M. canis, M. audouinii, and M. gypsum. These fungi are often found in soil and on the skin or fur of animals such as cats, dogs, and cattle. They can cause a variety of skin infections, including tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), tinea corporis (body ringworm), and tinea unguium (nail ringworm).

Microsporum infections are typically treated with topical or oral antifungal medications. Prevention measures include good personal hygiene, avoiding contact with infected animals, and prompt treatment of any fungal infections.

"Streptomyces griseus" is a species of bacteria that belongs to the family Streptomycetaceae. This gram-positive, aerobic, and saprophytic bacterium is known for its ability to produce several important antibiotics, including streptomycin, grisein, and candidin. The bacterium forms a branched mycelium and is commonly found in soil and aquatic environments. It has been widely studied for its industrial applications, particularly in the production of antibiotics and enzymes.

The medical significance of "Streptomyces griseus" lies primarily in its ability to produce streptomycin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as some mycobacteria. Streptomycin was the first antibiotic discovered to be effective against tuberculosis and has been used in the treatment of this disease for several decades. However, due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, streptomycin is now rarely used as a first-line therapy for tuberculosis but may still be used in combination with other antibiotics for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

In addition to its role in antibiotic production, "Streptomyces griseus" has also been studied for its potential use in bioremediation and as a source of novel enzymes and bioactive compounds with potential applications in medicine and industry.

I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Meteorological Concepts" is quite broad and can refer to various ideas and phenomena related to the study of meteorology, which is the scientific discipline that deals with the atmosphere and its processes. Here are a few examples of meteorological concepts:

1. Air pressure: The force exerted by the weight of the air above a given point. It's usually measured in hectopascals (hPa), inches of mercury (inHg), or millibars (mbar).
2. Temperature: A measure of the warmth or coldness of an object or environment, often reported in degrees Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F).
3. Humidity: The amount of water vapor present in the air. Relative humidity is the ratio of the current water vapor content to the maximum possible content at a given temperature.
4. Precipitation: Any form of water that falls from the atmosphere and reaches the ground, including rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
5. Wind: The horizontal movement of air relative to the surface of the Earth. It's usually described in terms of its speed (measured in knots, miles per hour, or meters per second) and direction (often given as a compass bearing).
6. Clouds: Visible masses of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. They form due to the condensation of atmospheric water vapor and are classified based on their appearance, altitude, and other characteristics.
7. Fronts: Boundaries between different air masses that have distinct temperature and humidity properties. These boundaries can lead to various weather phenomena, such as precipitation and severe thunderstorms.
8. Air pollution: The presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, often resulting from human activities like industrial processes or transportation.
9. Weather forecasting: The use of scientific principles, observations, and computer models to predict future weather conditions.
10. Climate: The long-term average of weather patterns and conditions in a specific region, typically over a period of 30 years or more.

These are just a few examples of meteorological concepts. There are many more aspects of atmospheric science that could be explored, such as the study of tornadoes, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events.

Myxococcales is an order of delta proteobacteria that are known for their complex social behavior and unique life cycle. They are gram-negative bacteria that commonly exist in soil and aquatic environments. Myxococcales species can form multicellular structures called fruiting bodies, which consist of many individual cells that differentiate into dormant spores to survive unfavorable conditions. They move using gliding motility and feed on other bacteria by forming cooperative groups that collectively produce antibiotic-like compounds to kill and digest prey. Myxococcus xanthus is one of the most well-studied species within this order, serving as a model organism for studying cellular differentiation, social behavior, and biofilm formation in bacteria.

An amino acid sequence is the specific order of amino acids in a protein or peptide molecule, formed by the linking of the amino group (-NH2) of one amino acid to the carboxyl group (-COOH) of another amino acid through a peptide bond. The sequence is determined by the genetic code and is unique to each type of protein or peptide. It plays a crucial role in determining the three-dimensional structure and function of proteins.

Mitosporic fungi, also known as asexual fungi or anamorphic fungi, are a group of fungi that produce mitospores (also called conidia) during their asexual reproduction. Mitospores are produced from the tip of specialized hyphae called conidiophores and are used for dispersal and survival of the fungi in various environments. These fungi do not have a sexual reproductive stage or it has not been observed, making their taxonomic classification challenging. They are commonly found in soil, decaying organic matter, and water, and some of them can cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants. Examples of mitosporic fungi include Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium species.

Diatrizoate is a type of contrast medium that is used during X-ray examinations, such as CT scans and urography, to help improve the visibility of internal body structures. It is a type of iodinated compound, which means it contains iodine atoms. Diatrizoate works by blocking the absorption of X-rays, causing the areas where it is injected or introduced to appear white on X-ray images. This can help doctors to diagnose a variety of medical conditions, including problems with the urinary system and digestive tract.

Like all medications and contrast agents, diatrizoate can have side effects, including allergic reactions, kidney damage, and thyroid problems. It is important for patients to discuss any potential risks and benefits of using this agent with their healthcare provider before undergoing an X-ray examination.

"Penicillium" is not a medical term per se, but it is a genus of mold that is widely used in the field of medicine, specifically in the production of antibiotics. Here's a scientific definition:

Penicillium is a genus of ascomycete fungi that are commonly found in the environment, particularly in soil, decaying vegetation, and food. Many species of Penicillium produce penicillin, a group of antibiotics with activity against gram-positive bacteria. The discovery and isolation of penicillin from Penicillium notatum by Alexander Fleming in 1928 revolutionized the field of medicine and led to the development of modern antibiotic therapy. Since then, various species of Penicillium have been used in the industrial production of penicillin and other antibiotics, as well as in the production of enzymes, organic acids, and other industrial products.

In the field of medicine, "time factors" refer to the duration of symptoms or time elapsed since the onset of a medical condition, which can have significant implications for diagnosis and treatment. Understanding time factors is crucial in determining the progression of a disease, evaluating the effectiveness of treatments, and making critical decisions regarding patient care.

For example, in stroke management, "time is brain," meaning that rapid intervention within a specific time frame (usually within 4.5 hours) is essential to administering tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a clot-busting drug that can minimize brain damage and improve patient outcomes. Similarly, in trauma care, the "golden hour" concept emphasizes the importance of providing definitive care within the first 60 minutes after injury to increase survival rates and reduce morbidity.

Time factors also play a role in monitoring the progression of chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, where regular follow-ups and assessments help determine appropriate treatment adjustments and prevent complications. In infectious diseases, time factors are crucial for initiating antibiotic therapy and identifying potential outbreaks to control their spread.

Overall, "time factors" encompass the significance of recognizing and acting promptly in various medical scenarios to optimize patient outcomes and provide effective care.

Mycelium is not a specifically medical term, but it is a biological term used in fungi and other organisms. Medically, it might be relevant in certain contexts such as discussing fungal infections. Here's the general definition:

Mycelium (my-SEE-lee-um) is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. It is the underground portion of the fungus that supports the growth of the organism and is often responsible for the decomposition of organic material. Mycelium can be found in various environments, including soil, water, and dead or living organisms.

Fungal DNA refers to the genetic material present in fungi, which are a group of eukaryotic organisms that include microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as larger organisms like mushrooms. The DNA of fungi, like that of all living organisms, is made up of nucleotides that are arranged in a double helix structure.

Fungal DNA contains the genetic information necessary for the growth, development, and reproduction of fungi. This includes the instructions for making proteins, which are essential for the structure and function of cells, as well as other important molecules such as enzymes and nucleic acids.

Studying fungal DNA can provide valuable insights into the biology and evolution of fungi, as well as their potential uses in medicine, agriculture, and industry. For example, researchers have used genetic engineering techniques to modify the DNA of fungi to produce drugs, biofuels, and other useful products. Additionally, understanding the genetic makeup of pathogenic fungi can help scientists develop new strategies for preventing and treating fungal infections.

Exosporium Spore coat Spore cortex Core wall The position of the endospore differs among bacterial species and is useful in ... The spore is sometimes surrounded by a thin covering known as the exosporium, which overlies the spore coat. The spore coat, ... In 1995, Raul Cano of California Polytechnic State University found bacterial spores in the gut of a fossilized bee trapped in ... 2012). Bacterial Spores: Current Research and Applications. Caister Academic Press. ISBN 978-1-908230-00-3. Wikimedia Commons ...
2012). Bacterial spores: current research and applications. Norfolk: Caister Academic Press. ISBN 978-1-908230-00-3. List of ... ISBN 0-8493-7765-X. Type strain of Streptomyces humidus at BacDive - the Bacterial Diversity Metadatabase v t e (Articles with ...
Spores form part of the life cycles of many plants, algae, fungi and protozoa. Bacterial spores are not part of a sexual cycle ... Alete spores show no lines. In monolete spores, there is a single narrow line (laesura) on the spore. This indicates the mother ... Eudicots have tricolpate spores (i.e. spores with three colpi). Envelope-enclosed spore tetrads are taken as the earliest ... Parasitic fungal spores may be classified into internal spores, which germinate within the host, and external spores, also ...
"Topological and phylogenetic analyses of bacterial holin families and superfamilies". Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - ... Mutants lacking this gene or its product have spores that exhibit outer coat defects. These spores lack the characteristic ... "A gene encoding a holin-like protein involved in spore morphogenesis and spore germination in Bacillus subtilis". Journal of ... The Bacillus Spore Morphogenesis and Germination Holin (BSH) Family (TC# 1.E.23) is a family of proteins named after a holin in ...
Bacterial spores on the other hand cannot be killed by iodine, but they can be inhibited by iodophors. The growth of ... It is also highly effective against bacterial spores. The mode of action is by breaking the bonds present in these ... When mixed with chlorine it is highly effective against bacterial spores such as S. faecalis.[citation needed] Alcohols are ... Bacterial endospores can be killed using this method. Both dry and moist heat are effective in eliminating microbial life. For ...
Horneck, G.; Bücker, H.; Reitz, G. (1994). "Long-term survival of bacterial spores in space". Advances in Space Research. 14 ( ... Because of their ubiquity and resistance to spacecraft decontamination, bacterial spores are considered likely potential ... NASA - Spaceflight Alters Bacterial Social Networks (2013) Rothschild, L. J.; Mancinelli, R. L. (2001). "Life in extreme ... Niger Spores". Applied Microbiology. 15 (2): 285-291. doi:10.1128/AEM.15.2.285-291.1967. PMC 546892. PMID 4961769. Hawrylewicz ...
They are more similar to bacterial Pol I than they are to mammalian Pol γ. Retroviruses encode an unusual DNA polymerase called ... Deoxy- ribonucleic acid polymerase in spores of Bacillus subtilis". The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 241 (7): 1478-82. doi: ... Liao Y, Li Y, Schroeder JW, Simmons LA, Biteen JS (December 2016). "Single-Molecule DNA Polymerase Dynamics at a Bacterial ... Xu ZQ, Dixon NE (December 2018). "Bacterial replisomes". Current Opinion in Structural Biology. 53: 159-168. doi:10.1016/j.sbi. ...
The heat will kill any bacterial cells; however, bacterial spores capable of later germinating into bacterial cells may survive ... and spores do not form from cells in this environment[citation needed] (see bacterial spores). The Tyndallization process is ... After each heating, the resting period will allow spores that have survived to germinate into bacterial cells; these cells will ... But it is not considered completely reliable - some spores may survive and later germinate and multiply. It is not often used ...
When subjected to moderate pressures, bacterial spores germinate, and the resulting spores are easily killed using pressure, ... Bacterial spores survive pressure treatment at ambient or chilled conditions. Researchers reported that pressure in combination ... Using moderate pressure does not always work, as some bacterial spores are more resistant to germination under pressure and a ... While some foods were preserved, others were not, possibly due to bacterial spores that had not been killed. Hite's 1914 ...
It is not effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and bacterial spores. Longer expositions may inactivate some viruses. ...
... is spread by bacterial spores found within feces. Surfaces may become contaminated with the ... Common hospital disinfectants are ineffective against C. difficile spores, and may promote spore formation, but various ... Fecal microbiota spores, live (Vowst) was approved for medical use in the United States in April 2023. It is the first fecal ... Thus, these spores survive in clinical environments for long periods. Because of this, the bacteria may be cultured from almost ...
Botulism spores can survive in unproperly canned or ill-prepared foods. Even ingesting trace amounts of the spores can lead to ... Bacterial flora is endogenous bacteria, which is defined as bacteria that naturally reside in a closed system. Disease can ... Bacterial flora Cholera Waterborne diseases Willey, Sherwood & Woolverton 2011, pp. 673-737. Willey, Sherwood & Woolverton 2011 ... Bacteria that are part of normal internal ecosystems, also known as bacterial flora, are called Endogenous Bacteria. A ...
"High-level disinfection kills all organisms, except high levels of bacterial spores" and is done with a chemical germicide ... Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially resistant bacterial spores; it is less effective than ... against asexual spores but not necessarily dried chlamydospores or sexual spores), and virucidal. High level disinfectant means ... It is also known to bind to bacterial DNA, alter its transcription, and cause lethal DNA damage. It has very low toxicity to ...
All disinfectants kill bacteria (called bactericidal). Some also kill fungi (fungicidal), bacterial spores (sporicidal), or ... Respiratory viruses and fungal spores spread via the air.[citation needed] Good home hygiene means engaging in hygiene ...
... it can be used for the staining of bacterial spores. Carbol-fuchsin is also used as a topical antiseptic and antifungal.[ ... is a mixture of phenol and basic fuchsin that is used in bacterial staining procedures. It is commonly used in the staining of ...
Dipicolinic acid is a chemical compound which composes 5% to 15% of the dry weight of bacterial spores and is implicated in ... Cano RJ, Borucki MK (May 1995). "Revival and identification of bacterial spores in 25- to 40-million-year-old Dominican amber ... Bacterial DNA can be located in two places: Bacterial chromosome, located in the irregularly shaped region known as the ... It differs from reproductive spores in that only one spore is formed per cell resulting in no net gain in cell number upon ...
It does not form spores, and is considered anaerobic or microaerophilic. In 2009, the species A. naeslundi was split. Bacteria ... It has also been isolated from women with bacterial vaginosis. A. naeslundii appears Gram-positive and pleomorphic by ... Actinomyces naeslundii MG1 Genome Page Type strain of Actinomyces naeslundii at BacDive - the Bacterial Diversity Metadatabase ... Africa, Charlene; Nel, Janske; Stemmet, Megan (2014). "Anaerobes and Bacterial Vaginosis in Pregnancy: Virulence Factors ...
Disinfection involves the removal of all pathogens other than bacterial spores. Sterilization is defined as the removal or ... The following changes in the bacterial count after drying the hands were observed: The field of infection prevention describes ... destruction of ALL microorganisms including bacterial spores.[citation needed] Cleaning is the first and simplest step in ... Disinfection is less effective than sterilization because it does not kill bacterial endospores. Along with ensuring proper ...
Hong, H. A.; Duc, L. H.; Cutting, S. M. (2005). "The use of bacterial spore formers as probiotics". FEMS Microbiology Reviews. ... Spores are activated in the acidic environment of the stomach and begin germinating and proliferating in the intestine. ... "Official list of bacterial names". Archived from the original on 2007-10-30. Retrieved 2007-11-02. Gupta, Radhey S.; Patel, ... Bacillus coagulans (Weizmannia coagulans) is a lactic acid-forming bacterial species first isolated and described in 1915 by B. ...
The mites have been associated with sheath rot as well as bacterial panicle blight. The mites can carry sheath rot spores on ... bacterial panicle blight) and Sarocladium oryzae (sheath rot) pathogens. These pathogens are both present in southwest ...
Hydrogen peroxide is used to help eliminate bacterial spores in the alcohol; it is "not an active substance for hand antisepsis ...
Chlorine-based compounds are effective against a wide variety of microorganisms including bacterial spores. They are listed by ... They are effective against a wide variety of microorganisms including bacterial spores. Chlorine-releasing compounds first came ...
H2O2 demonstrates broad-spectrum efficacy against viruses, bacteria, yeasts, and bacterial spores. In general, greater activity ... Lower levels of concentration (3%) will work against most spores; higher concentrations (7 to 30%) and longer contact times ...
He discovered the broths had been contaminated with dry bacterial spores from hay in the lab. All bacteria are killed by simple ... Tyndall found a way to eradicate the bacterial spores that came to be known as "Tyndallization". Tyndallization historically ... From this Tyndall was led to find viable bacterial spores (endospores) in supposedly heat-sterilized broths. ... was the earliest known effective way to destroy bacterial spores. At the time, it affirmed the "germ theory" against a number ...
Various bacterial spore staining techniques using Kenyon e.g. Moeller's method Dorner's method (acid alcohol decolorizer) ... Tsukamurella Dietzia Head of sperm Bacterial spores, see Endospore Legionella micdadei Certain cellular inclusions e.g. ... "PROPOSAL OF A SIMPLIFIED TECHNIQUE FOR STAINING BACTERIAL SPORES WITHOUT APPLYING HEAT - SUCCESSFUL MODIFICATION OF MOELLER'S ... Un procédé simple pour la colouration des spores. Le Lait 6:8-12. Schaeffer AB, Fulton M (1933). "A simplified method of ...
The bacterial spores which cause it are common in both soil and water. They produce the botulinum toxin when exposed to low ... Cooking and pasteurization denatures botulinum toxin but does not necessarily eliminate spores. Botulinum spores or toxins can ... In this situation, spores enter a wound, and in the absence of oxygen, release the toxin. It is not passed directly between ... The spores can survive in their inert form for many years. Toxin is produced by the bacteria when environmental conditions are ...
Bacterial spores have proven to be difficult to stain as they are not permeable to aqueous dye reagents. Endospore staining is ... Heat helps open the spore's membrane so the dye can enter. The main purpose of this stain is to show germination of bacterial ... This stain can also help determine the orientation of the spore within the bacterial cell; whether it being terminal (at the ... If the process of germination is taking place, then the spore will turn green in color due to malachite green and the ...
... composes 5% to 15% of the dry weight of bacterial spores. It has been implicated as responsible for the heat ... "Bacterial Spore Detection and Determination by Use of Terbium Dipicolinate Photoluminescence". Analytical Chemistry. 69 (6): ... Two genera of bacterial pathogens are known to produce endospores: the aerobic Bacillus and anaerobic Clostridium. Dipicolinic ... dead link] Spotting Spores at Astrobiology Magazine. (Articles without KEGG source, ECHA InfoCard ID from Wikidata, Chembox ...
It is Gram-negative, non-spore-forming and non-motile. Its type strain is RHA2-9T (=KCTC 22545T =NBRC 105253T). Cho, Sung-Heun ... Chryseobacterium hagamense is an bacterial species found in the rhizospheres of coastal sand dune plants. ... the Bacterial Diversity Metadatabase v t e (Articles with short description, Short description matches Wikidata, Articles with ...
It is Gram-negative, non-spore-forming and non-motile. Its type strain is RBA2-6T (=KCTC 22544T =NBRC 105250T). Cho, Sung-Heun ... "Chryseobacterium lathyri" at the Encyclopedia of Life Type strain of Chryseobacterium lathyri at BacDive - the Bacterial ... Chryseobacterium lathyri is an bacterial species found in the rhizospheres of coastal sand dune plants. ...
title = "Bacterial spores as vaccine vehicles",. keywords = "Animals, Antibodies, Bacterial, Bacterial Vaccines, Female, ... Bacterial spores as vaccine vehicles. / Duc, Le H; Hong, Huynh A; Fairweather, Neil et al. In: Infection and Immunity, Vol. 71 ... Duc, L. H., Hong, H. A., Fairweather, N., Ricca, E., & Cutting, S. M. (2003). Bacterial spores as vaccine vehicles. Infection ... Duc, LH, Hong, HA, Fairweather, N, Ricca, E & Cutting, SM 2003, Bacterial spores as vaccine vehicles, Infection and Immunity ...
FORMATION AND STRUCTURE OF THE SPORE OF BACILLUS COAGULANS CHEMICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES OF BACTERIAL SPORE FORMATION : IV ... A. D. Warth, D. F. Ohye, W. G. Murrell; THE COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF BACTERIAL SPORES . J Cell Biol 1 March 1963; 16 (3): ... THE COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF BACTERIAL SPORES A. D. Warth, A. D. Warth ... The composition of the insoluble "integuments" and soluble "contents" fractions of spores of four Bacillus species of widely ...
However, information on inactivating spores of bacterial species more resistant to environmental conditions than B. anthracis ... The spores of Clostridium botulinum are more resistant to heat inactivation than are B. anthracis spores (4). The commercial ... However, decontamination may not eliminate bacterial spores. Sterilization is the complete destruction or elimination of ... anthracis spores, and frequent inquiries were made regarding the science of destroying these spores. We conducted a survey of ...
Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially resistant bacterial spores; it is less effective than ...
Wet spores were suspended in water during treatment, while spores in the dry state were treated in air which had a relative ... niger was more resistant to heat than Clostridium sporogenes when dry spores were compared. When wet spores were heated the ... Three dimensional plots of the synergistic response of wet spores to thermoradiation treatment showed the most effective ... The spores were subjected to treatment under two sets of conditions. ...
Hemmer, J. D., Drews, M. J., LaBerge, M. & Matthews, M. A. (2007). Sterilization of Bacterial Spores by Using Supercritical ... Sterilization of Bacterial Spores by Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
... Christian Laflamme1. , Daniel Verreault1. , Sophie ... Autofluorescence as a viability marker for detection of bacterial spores. Front. Biosci. (Landmark Ed) 2005, 10(2), 1647-1653. ... In conclusion, this study documents that the overall viability potential of bacterial spores can be assessed by UV flow ... Recent biological terrorism events have indicated that bacterial spores such as Bacillus anthracis are real threat agents. Real ...
Spore formation in fast motion November 02, 2020 Microbiology (B&M) Time-lapse microscopy reveals different life cycle ... Defensive symbiosis leads to gene loss in bacterial partners. The genome of symbiotic bacteria of beewolves is in the process ... Signs of genome erosion in the bacterial partner. The genome of the bacteria Streptomyces philanthi that are associated with ... Applying them to the manifold symbioses between insects and their bacterial partners may help to better understand the ...
Robogerms Spawned by Combo of Graphene and Bacterial Spores Combining graphene with a living organism creates a robust ...
At leasttwo types of enzymes are involved in the germination process: a spore cortex-lytic enzyme (SCLE) anda cortical fragment ... However, all enzymes are located outside the cortex layer in dormant spores, suggestingthat the hydrolysis process initiates at ... bacterial endospores retain an alert sensory mechanism to respond to the germinants and initiategermination. Although the ... progress in the studies on the enzymes involved in the process gave us a somewhat clearer pictureof the process of spore ...
... through which the developing spore is nurtured. The two proteins also form … ... 4 Bacterial Cell Biology Laboratory, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da ... The SpoIIQ-SpoIIIAH complex of Clostridium difficile controls forespore engulfment and late stages of gene expression and spore ... through which the developing spore is nurtured. The two proteins also form a backup system for engulfment. Unlike in B. ...
Spores, Bacterial / chemistry * Spores, Bacterial / classification * Spores, Bacterial / genetics Substances * Biomarkers * ... In addition, a pyridine ring vibration at 1447-1439 cm-1 from DPA was found to be highly characteristic of spores in FT-IR ... Detection of the dipicolinic acid biomarker in Bacillus spores using Curie-point pyrolysis mass spectrometry and Fourier ... vegetative cells or spores) correctly, and these methods produced mathematical rules which could be simply interpreted in ...
Chemical and morphological studies of bacterial spore formation. IV. The development of spore refractility (English) ... Chemical and morphological studies of bacterial spore formation. II. Spore and parasporal protein formation in Bacillus cereus ... Chemical and morphological studies of bacterial spore formation. IV. The development of spore refractility. scientific article ... Vegetative and mature phage DNA as compared with normal bacterial nucleoids in different physiological states ...
Exosporium Spore coat Spore cortex Core wall The position of the endospore differs among bacterial species and is useful in ... The spore is sometimes surrounded by a thin covering known as the exosporium, which overlies the spore coat. The spore coat, ... In 1995, Raul Cano of California Polytechnic State University found bacterial spores in the gut of a fossilized bee trapped in ... 2012). Bacterial Spores: Current Research and Applications. Caister Academic Press. ISBN 978-1-908230-00-3. Wikimedia Commons ...
Owing in part to the inability of phages to attach to spores, seed banks stabilized population dynamics and resulted in minimum ... We conducted a factorially designed experiment where we passaged a bacterial host (Bacillus subtilis) and its phage (SPO1) in ... Setlow P. Spore resistance properties. The bacterial spore: from molecules to systems. Microbiol Spectr. 2016:201-15. ... We quantified bacterial densities with a flow cytometry assay that distinguished endospores from vegetative cells (non-spores) ...
... inactivate all resistant bacterial spores? If not, how widespread are autoclave-resistant bacterial spores?. Ask Question ... Bacterial spores in most contexts are properly called endospores, formed within the bacterial wall and are a survival mechanism ... all resistant bacterial spores.... Question: The research cited in Is it known how some heat-resistance Bacillus spores repair ... The vast majority of bacterial spores studied are from Gram-positive species, that are medically relevant. These include ...
Spore Structure and Function; and Bacterial Development/Physiology and Gene Regulation Decontamination Toxins Vaccines, ... CDC is working to meet national goals to decrease the burden of bacterial and diarrheal illness by the year 2020. We are also ... To also advance knowledge of bacterial meningitis and meet with partners to discuss the collaborative projects and plan for ... The added complications surrounding the increasing resistance to bacterial enteric pathogens to antibiotics are creating a ...
Bacterial spores Is the Subject Area "Bacterial spores" applicable to this article? Yes. No. ...
1 Bacterial Capsules * 1 Bacterial Flagella * 1 Bacterial Spores * 1 Anabaena * 1 Treponema ...
Bacterial Spore Detector. CAIT is currently integrating an evacuation protocol program into the sites current emergency ...
Brown, K. L. Control of bacterial spores. Br Med Bull 2000;56(1):158-171. View abstract. ... A-type cranberry proanthocyanidins and uropathogenic bacterial anti-adhesion activity. Phytochemistry 2005;66(18):2281-2291. ...
Ultrashort-pulse lasers can kill bacterial superbugs, hardy spores; show potential as alternative sterilization [details]. In a ... and spores like that of Bacillus cereus.. Nov 28, 2021 ... found that ultrashort-pulse lasers can kill bacterial superbugs ...
The spores were suspended in guava juice, processed at 90-100°C for ,i,B. subtilis,/i, and at 80-90°C for ,i,T. flavus,/i, and ... The objective of this study was to evaluate the log reductions and thermal inactivation kinetics of spores of ,i,Bacillus ... the combination of low pH and sodium benzoate provided the best method for spore inactivation, which could enhance food safety ... Inclusion of sodium benzoate in pH 3.5 juice enhanced the thermal inactivation of spores (,svg xmlns:xlink=http://www.w3.org/ ...
Spore loads often increased in August.. *The strongest and most important predictor of spore release is the number of spores ... Overall, the spore load results were similar to previous years in which high numbers of spores were collected throughout the ... Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum Spore Monitoring. Sclerotinia spore load was measured in farmer fields in Alberta (seven fields and ... Exploring and Estimating Spore Loads. A correlation analysis was performed to examine potential relationships on spore load and ...
Bacterial Spore-based Humidity Responsive Textiles Ungar, Yocheved 2023 Theses Electronic textilesHumidity--ControlMoisture in ... textilesNanofibersBacterial spores 81. Bayesian Auction Design and Approximation Jin, Yaonan 2023 Theses Computer science ... ImmunologyT cellsLiver--DiseasesCytokines--ImmunologyCytokines--Therapeutic useBacterial genetic engineering 56. Applications ...
Categories: Spores, Bacterial Image Types: Photo, Illustrations, Video, Color, Black&White, PublicDomain, CopyrightRestricted 4 ...
Vowst is manufactured with purified bacterial spores derived from donor feces, not whole stool. Nonetheless, FDA noted in its ...
Bacterial-dusts; Work-environment; Warning-systems; Ventilation-systems; Author Keywords: Bacillus atrophaeus; BG; spore ... The total potential spore aerosol exposure of the letter opener was not affected by remaining still and waiting 5 min to allow ... In 2001, letters filled with a powder containing anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) spores were delivered by mail to a number of ... Emergency-response; Disease-prevention; Disease-transmission; Biological-weapons; Bacterial-disease; Office-workers; Postal- ...
Bacterial adherence to respiratory tract cells: relationships between in vivo and in vitro pH and bacterial attachment. Am Rev ... Spores A. Planning new specialized-care units for patients at high risk for infection 1. When constructing new specialized-care ... Conduct surveillance of bacterial pneumonia among ICU patients at high risk for nosocomial bacterial pneumonia (e.g., patients ... Pathogenesis of nosocomial bacterial pneumonia. This page last reviewed: Wednesday, January 27, 2016 This information is ...
  • The composition of the insoluble "integuments" and soluble "contents" fractions of spores of four Bacillus species of widely differing heat resistance were compared. (rupress.org)
  • After the intentional release of Bacillus anthracis through the U.S. Postal Service in the fall of 2001, many environments were contaminated with B. anthracis spores, and frequent inquiries were made regarding the science of destroying these spores. (cdc.gov)
  • In October 2001, several letters containing Bacillus anthracis spores were sent through the U.S. Postal Service to recipients in government and private-sector buildings. (cdc.gov)
  • During the initial response, frequent requests were made for published materials about inactivating Bacillus spores. (cdc.gov)
  • We provide a summary of much of the available literature on the inactivation of Bacillus spores that is relevant to the inactivation of B. anthracis . (cdc.gov)
  • Spores of Bacillus subtilis var. (unm.edu)
  • Recent biological terrorism events have indicated that bacterial spores such as Bacillus anthracis are real threat agents. (imrpress.com)
  • Two categories of Bacillus spore populations can be differentiated by the intensity of intrinsic fluorescence emitted by ultraviolet (UV) stimulation : autofluorescent and non-autofluorescent. (imrpress.com)
  • In Bacillus subtilis, the forespore protein SpoIIQ and the mother cell protein SpoIIIAH form a channel, essential for endosporulation, through which the developing spore is nurtured. (nih.gov)
  • Spore and parasporal protein formation in Bacillus cereus var. (wikidata.org)
  • There is one report of viable spores of Bacillus marismortui in salt crystals approximately 250 million years old. (wikipedia.org)
  • Examples of bacterial species that can form endospores include Bacillus cereus, Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Clostridium botulinum, and Clostridium tetani. (wikipedia.org)
  • In Bacillus subtilus endospores, the spore coat is estimated to contain more than 70 coat proteins, which are organized into an inner and an outer coat layer. (wikipedia.org)
  • We conducted a factorially designed experiment where we passaged a bacterial host ( Bacillus subtilis ) and its phage (SPO1) in the presence versus absence of a seed bank consisting of dormant endospores. (nature.com)
  • In a new study, researchers found that ultrashort-pulse lasers can kill bacterial superbugs such as multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and spores like that of Bacillus cereus. (ibtimes.co.in)
  • The objective of this study was to evaluate the log reductions and thermal inactivation kinetics of spores of Bacillus subtilis bacteria and ascospores of Talaromyces flavus and Eupenicillium javanicum molds under influence of pH and sodium benzoate preservative. (hindawi.com)
  • such as Bacillus subtilis , is also one of the predominant microbes from bacterial genera found in soil and may also be introduced into the manufacturing process through poorly washed fruits. (hindawi.com)
  • In 2001, letters filled with a powder containing anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) spores were delivered by mail to a number of governmental and media locations within the United States. (cdc.gov)
  • This study attempts to address this need, adapting earlier work that used a multiple small office test site to create a model system in an open office test site in a vacated office building in which Bacillus atrophaeus spores (as a simulant for B. anthracis spores) were released by opening a letter. (cdc.gov)
  • Spaulding illustrated this relation when he employed identical test conditions and demonstrated that it took 30 minutes to kill 10 B. atrophaeus (formerly Bacillus subtilis ) spores but 3 hours to kill 100,000 Bacillus atrophaeus spores. (cdc.gov)
  • Recently, viable Bacillus sphaericus spores were isolated from an extinct bee species enclosed in amber with a reported age of 25-30 Ma. (creation.com)
  • RÉSUMÉ Des épidémies de Bacillus anthracis chez les animaux sont souvent signalées en République islamique d'Iran. (who.int)
  • A variety of different microorganisms form "spores" or "cysts", but the endospores of low G+C gram-positive bacteria are by far the most resistant to harsh conditions. (wikipedia.org)
  • Owing in part to the inability of phages to attach to spores, seed banks stabilized population dynamics and resulted in minimum host densities that were 30-fold higher compared to bacteria that were unable to engage in dormancy. (nature.com)
  • Proper autoclave treatment will inactivate all resistant bacterial spores in addition to fungi, bacteria, and viruses, but is not expected to eliminate all prions, which vary in their resistance. (stackexchange.com)
  • A substance that significantly reduces the bacterial population in an inanimate environment but does not destroy all bacteria or other microorganisms. (studystack.com)
  • Most bacterial nosocomial pneumonias occur by aspiration of bacteria colonizing the oropharynx or upper gastrointestinal tract of the patient. (cdc.gov)
  • For example, spores are resistant to disinfectants because the spore coat and cortex act as a barrier, mycobacteria have a waxy cell wall that prevents disinfectant entry, and gram-negative bacteria possess an outer membrane that acts as a barrier to the uptake of disinfectants 341, 343-345 . (cdc.gov)
  • Living bacteria and dormant stages of bacteria known as spores, have been found in many sediments with reported ages of up to hundreds of million years. (creation.com)
  • The bacteria can form spores that can survive in harsh conditions. (straitstimes.com)
  • Tularemia, a bacterial zoonosis, is caused by Francisella tularensis, one of the most infectious pathogenic bacteria known. (cdc.gov)
  • Spore extraction and bacteria with infected animals or their contaminated identification products [ 4 ]. (who.int)
  • The process of destroying all microorganisms including bacterial endospores and viruses. (studystack.com)
  • That is, to destroy the most resistant types of microorganisms (i.e., bacterial spores), the user needs to employ exposure times and a concentration of germicide needed to achieve complete destruction. (cdc.gov)
  • However, disinfection is significantly less effective than sterilization because it does not necessarily kill all harmful microorganisms, especially resistant bacterial spores. (prnewswire.com)
  • Sterilization is the complete destruction or elimination of microbial viability, including spores ( 3 ). (cdc.gov)
  • Sterilization of Bacterial Spores by Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxid" by Jason D. Hemmer, Michael J. Drews et al. (sc.edu)
  • We conducted a survey of the literature that had potential application to the inactivation of B. anthracis spores. (cdc.gov)
  • As a result of this intentional release of B. anthracis , several post offices, mailrooms in government buildings, and private office buildings were contaminated with B. anthracis spores. (cdc.gov)
  • A number of manufacturers have developed equipment or materials that reportedly kill B. anthracis spores. (cdc.gov)
  • PCR can be used as a reliable alternative for the detection of B. anthracis spores. (who.int)
  • Hydrolysis of cortex peptidoglycan during bacterial spore germination. (medscitechnol.com)
  • The spore coat, which acts like a sieve that excludes large toxic molecules like lysozyme, is resistant to many toxic molecules and may also contain enzymes that are involved in germination. (wikipedia.org)
  • Furthermore, 0.3‱ tea polyphenols, 0.8‱ D-isoascorbic acid, and 0.75‱ potassium sorbate promoted leakage of contents during spore germination. (bvsalud.org)
  • Further analysis of the inactivation mechanism of spores by the bacteriostats was performed by comparing the leakage of UV-absorbing substances during germination. (bvsalud.org)
  • The results revealed that bacteriostats could not directly kill the spores, but could inactivate them by inhibiting germination or damaging the spore structure during germination, thus preventing the formation of bacterial vegetative bodies. (bvsalud.org)
  • The core contains the spore chromosomal DNA which is encased in chromatin-like proteins known as SASPs (small acid-soluble spore proteins), that protect the spore DNA from UV radiation and heat. (wikipedia.org)
  • Implicated antigens include avian (bird) antigens, mammalian proteins, fungi and fungal spores, bacterial antigens, and small-molecular-weight chemicals. (medscape.com)
  • No other reports were reported for this bacterium spores in high-acid foods. (hindawi.com)
  • During the '70s, viable spores of a thermophilic (heat loving) bacterium were discovered in lake sediments with radiocarbon ages of 7 Ka or more. (creation.com)
  • These sam- obic, spore-forming bacterium that causes ples were analysed for the presence of anthrax in mammals [ 1 ]. (who.int)
  • People can get histoplasmosis after breathing in these microscopic fungal spores, often after the soil has been disrupted, which is something that we see a lot in histoplasmosis outbreaks. (cdc.gov)
  • In the outbreaks we reviewed, 77 percent mentioned that either birds or bats were present in the outbreak setting, and in 40 percent of the outbreak reports there was some mention of disruption of accumulated bird or bat droppings that likely stirred up the fungal spores. (cdc.gov)
  • see below) shows an abrupt transition between 420 and 430 °C. Can we therefore assume that the sentence 'Proper autoclave treatment will inactivate all resistant bacterial spores. (stackexchange.com)
  • The hydrogen peroxide isn't an active substance but is used to inactivate contaminating bacterial spores in the hand sanitizer mixture. (wkyc.com)
  • Unraveling the microbiome of a thermophilic biogas plant by metagenome and metatranscriptome analysis complemented by characterization of bacterial and archaeal isolates. (microbiologyresearch.org)
  • Genetic diversity of the bacterial isolates was evaluated by rep-PCR. (scielo.br)
  • Gram-positive, spore-forming bacilli comprised most bacterial isolates. (scielo.br)
  • niger was more resistant to heat than Clostridium sporogenes when dry spores were compared. (unm.edu)
  • If not, how widespread are autoclave-resistant bacterial spores? (stackexchange.com)
  • is just plain wrong If so, just how widespread are autoclave-resistant bacterial spores? (stackexchange.com)
  • Dipicolinic acid is a spore-specific chemical that appears to help in the ability for endospores to maintain dormancy. (wikipedia.org)
  • Dipicolinic acid could be responsible for the heat resistance of the spore, and calcium may aid in resistance to heat and oxidizing agents. (wikipedia.org)
  • To conclude, the combination of low pH and sodium benzoate provided the best method for spore inactivation, which could enhance food safety and extend food's shelf life. (hindawi.com)
  • Sometimes, under certain conditions, the resident bacterial flora can act as pathogens and cause disease. (msdmanuals.com)
  • This interplay of bacterial effects on the pathogen can be beneficial to protect plants from infection, as shown with A . thaliana root experiments. (frontiersin.org)
  • Bacterial infection from medical devices is a major problem and accounts for an increasing number of deaths as well as high medical costs. (mdpi.com)
  • One way to prevent infection is by modifying the surface of the devices in such a way that no bacterial adhesion can occur. (mdpi.com)
  • Helicobacter pylori Infection Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) infection is a bacterial infection that causes stomach inflammation ( gastritis), peptic ulcer disease, and certain types of stomach cancer. (msdmanuals.com)
  • These spores can be found naturally in soil and they cause anthrax when they enter human bodies. (straitstimes.com)
  • In 2001, powdered anthrax spores were deliberately put into letters that were mailed through the US postal system. (straitstimes.com)
  • Anthrax is a particularly virulent germ once a person is infected by inhaling its spores. (unige.ch)
  • The initial phase of inhalational anthrax may resemble bacterial mediastinitis, but it is associated with hemoptysis, severe substernal chest pain, and shock, which is very different from bacterial mediastinitis. (medscape.com)
  • Patients with inhalational anthrax have a history of exposure to sources of anthrax spores. (medscape.com)
  • Stools negative for amebic cysts or trophs and for Shigella suggest the possibility of intestinal anthrax in patients residing near areas where anthrax is endemic (ie, in pastures where herbivores graze) or after ingestion of spores from hand/food contact. (medscape.com)
  • Further genetic analyses provided hints that the metabolism of the bacterial symbionts is mainly directed towards the production of antibiotic substances necessary for the protection of the beewolves' offspring. (mpg.de)
  • There are many reports of spores remaining viable over 10,000 years, and revival of spores millions of years old has been claimed. (wikipedia.org)
  • Astrophysicist Steinn Sigurdsson said "There are viable bacterial spores that have been found that are 40 million years old on Earth - and we know they're very hardened to radiation. (wikipedia.org)
  • Viable spores, with proven autochthonous origin, have recently been isolated from water inclusions in the late Permian Salado evaporite, New Mexico (USA). (creation.com)
  • However, current rates of bacterial life decay (the decrease in the number of viable spores with time) do not support the age of 250 Ma. (creation.com)
  • Enumeration by direct count of viable, isolated bacterial, archaeal, or fungal CELLS or SPORES capable of growth on solid CULTURE MEDIA. (bvsalud.org)
  • The results suggest that spore integuments consist of mainly proteinaceous outer and inner coats together with variable amounts of residual cortex and cortical membrane which contain the mucopeptide material. (rupress.org)
  • The cortex lies beneath the spore coat and consists of peptidoglycan. (wikipedia.org)
  • Chemometric methods based on rule induction and genetic programming were used to determine the physiological state (vegetative cells or spores) correctly, and these methods produced mathematical rules which could be simply interpreted in biochemical terms. (nih.gov)
  • His notion of spores being the reproductive mechanism for the growth was a large blow to the previous suggestions of spontaneous generation. (wikipedia.org)
  • We found that the potential for formation of bacterial lipopeptide syringomycin resulted in stronger growth reduction effects on saprophytic Aspergillus nidulans compared to Verticillium spp. (frontiersin.org)
  • In this study, the effects of bacteriostats, including nine commonly used food additives and four detergents, on the growth of Clostridium perfringens spores were investigated. (bvsalud.org)
  • The results showed that 0.07‱ ethylenediaminetetraacetate had a good inhibitory effect on C. perfringens spore growth, and the spore turbidity decreased by 4.8% after incubation for 60 min. (bvsalud.org)
  • Among the four detergents, 5‱ glutaraldehyde solution presented the best inhibitory effect on the growth of C. perfringens spores, and the spore turbidity decreased by 5.6% after incubation for 60 min. (bvsalud.org)
  • Except for prions, bacterial spores possess the highest innate resistance to chemical germicides, followed by coccidia (e.g. (cdc.gov)
  • Thus, although the original data sets recorded hundreds of spectral variables from whole cells simultaneously, a simple biomarker can be used for the rapid and unequivocal detection of spores of these organisms. (nih.gov)
  • Cells of N2K1 T were observed to be rod-shaped, non-motile, spore-forming, Gram-stain-positive and able to adhere directly to cellulose fibre. (microbiologyresearch.org)
  • But once construction progresses, some cells will switch to producing spores or useful enzymes. (the-scientist.com)
  • The severity of symptoms, which affect various organs, is mainly due to bacterial toxins which are lethal to cells. (unige.ch)
  • The virulent strains of etative cells and activate the spores. (who.int)
  • deciBel Research and our university partner, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)-Center for Imaging Science, propose to develop a dual MWIR/LWIR imaging polarimeter for the detection and discrimination of aerosolized biological spores. (sbir.gov)
  • This study was performed to determine whether intensity of autofluorescence correlates with spore viability. (imrpress.com)
  • In conclusion, this study documents that the overall viability potential of bacterial spores can be assessed by UV flow cytometry used in the FLAPS technology. (imrpress.com)
  • Furthermore, the 2021 correlation analysis supports previous analyses in which spores loads had a negative relationship with precipitation and relative humidity and were positively related with air temperature and vapour pressure deficit. (saskpulse.com)
  • A more detailed analyses on bacterial-fungal co-cultivation in narrow interaction channels of microfluidic devices revealed that the strongest inhibitory potential was found for Pseudomonas protegens CHA0, with its inhibitory potential depending on the presence of the GacS/GacA system controlling several bacterial metabolites. (frontiersin.org)
  • A correlation analysis was performed to examine potential relationships on spore load and environmental data collected from growing seasons between 2018 and 2021. (saskpulse.com)
  • Wait until Abx Tx complete to administer live bacterial vaccine. (medscape.com)
  • Wet spores were suspended in water during treatment, while spores in the dry state were treated in air which had a relative humidity of about 30% at room temperature. (unm.edu)
  • Three dimensional plots of the synergistic response of wet spores to thermoradiation treatment showed the most effective combinations of heat and radiation to be in the temperature range of 50 to 60 ° C with dose rates of about 10 krads/hour. (unm.edu)
  • Life from the ashes: survival of dry bacterial spores after very high temperature exposure. (stackexchange.com)
  • Spore samples were collected daily using automated ascospore collecting technology developed by Burkard Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and were deployed with weather stations which recorded air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, and soil temperature and moisture every hour. (saskpulse.com)
  • Rectal temperature during the first 24 hours after injection of Clostridium novyi -NT spores in each dog of cohort 1 (A) and cohort 2 (B). Notice that the maximum rectal temperature during the first 24 hours was higher in cohort 1 than in cohort 2, but the temperature decreased with medical interventions in each dog of both cohorts. (avma.org)
  • They even survive for long periods of time as spores without any nutrients. (creation.com)
  • Sections on the prevention of bacterial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated and/or critically ill patients, care of respiratory-therapy devices, prevention of cross-contamination, and prevention of viral lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., respiratory syncytial virus {RSV} and influenza infections) have been expanded and updated. (cdc.gov)
  • This trend suggests that white mould disease development is more strongly influenced by environmental conditions at critical dry bean life cycle stages rather than just spore load number. (saskpulse.com)
  • The tiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) spores can survive for many years in soil. (who.int)
  • It has a thin lipopolysaccharide-containing envelope and is a hard, non-spore-forming organism that survives for weeks at low temperatures in water, moist soil, hay, straw, and decaying animal carcasses. (cdc.gov)
  • contact with soil-borne spores when graz- ing. (who.int)
  • Sixty-eight bacterial strains were isolated from 3 different microhabitats of V. gigantea and from 2 microhabitats of T. aeranthos bromeliad plants. (scielo.br)
  • The total potential spore aerosol exposure of the letter opener was not affected by remaining still and waiting 5 min to allow co-workers to escape first before leaving the office. (cdc.gov)
  • Sclerotinia spore load was measured in farmer fields in Alberta (seven fields and one disease nursery), Manitoba (two fields and one disease nursery), and Ontario (two fields and one disease nursery) in 2021. (saskpulse.com)
  • In August of 2021 white mould disease surveys were conducted in 45 dry bean fields in Southern Alberta and in the same fields the spore collecting equipment and weather stations were deployed in Manitoba and Ontario. (saskpulse.com)
  • Is the Subject Area "Bacterial spores" applicable to this article? (plos.org)
  • The spore is sometimes surrounded by a thin covering known as the exosporium, which overlies the spore coat. (wikipedia.org)
  • However, after further studies this group concluded that the structure of the spore coat protein was different from keratin. (wikipedia.org)
  • 10 minutes, for example, can reduce B. anthracis spore counts by at least 10 6 ( Table 1 ). (cdc.gov)
  • Moreover, a small proportion of autofluorescent spores exhibited extracellular membrane damages. (imrpress.com)
  • Autofluorescent spores also showed higher membrane potential activity and contained higher levels of DPA. (imrpress.com)
  • These results support the hypothesis that the fungus attempts to evade the bacterial confrontation. (frontiersin.org)
  • Using SF6 as a tracer gas, smoke tubes (containing stannic chloride) to visualize airflow, culturable aerosol sampling, and aerosol spectrometry we were able to characterize airflow and unmitigated spore aerosol dissemination within the office test site. (cdc.gov)
  • Furthermore, the results from laboratory experiments do not specifically address questions regarding the best methods for inactivating spores on different materials such as mail, carpet, other porous objects, food, or water. (cdc.gov)
  • The physical state of water in bacterial spores. (lu.se)
  • Preliminary models of spore release and disease development have provided insights into potential drivers of spore release, however, developing consistent and accurate spore release modelling remains a challenge and is an area of ongoing research. (saskpulse.com)
  • Chemical and morphological studies of bacterial spore formation. (wikidata.org)
  • Closing office doors and quickly deactivating the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system significantly reduced spore aerosol concentrations outside the main open office in which they had been released. (cdc.gov)
  • In addition, a pyridine ring vibration at 1447-1439 cm-1 from DPA was found to be highly characteristic of spores in FT-IR analysis. (nih.gov)