61 research outputs found
Burkholderia paludis sp. nov., an antibiotic-siderophore producing novel Burkholderia cepacia complex species, isolated from malaysian tropical peat swamp soil
No full textA novel Gram negative rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain MSh1T, was isolated from Southeast Pahang tropical peat swamp forest soil in Malaysia and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. The predominant cellular fatty acids (> 10.0%) were C16:0 (31.7%), C17:0 cyclo (26.6%), and C19:0 cyclo ω8c (16.1%). The polar lipids detected were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and diphosphatidylglycerol. The predominant ubiquinone was Q-8. This revealed that strain MSh1T belongs to the genus Burkholderia. The type strain MSh1T can be differentiated from other Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) species by phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence, multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA), average nucleotide identity (ANI) and biochemical tests. DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain MSh1T and closely related type strains were below the 70% threshold value. Based on this polyphasic study of MSh1T, it can be concluded that this strain represents a novel species within the Bcc, for which the name Burkholderia paludis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MSh1T (= DSM 100703T = MCCC 1K01245T). The dichloromethane extract of MSh1T exhibited antimicrobial activity against four Gram positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, E. faecalis ATCC 700802, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, S. aureus ATCC 700699) and a Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922). Further purification work has led to the isolation of Compound 1, pyochelin. Pyochelin demonstrated antimicrobial activity against four S. aureus strains and three E. faecalis strains with MIC-values of 3.13 μg/ml and 6.26 μg/ml, respectively. SEM analysis showed that the cellular morphology of E. faecalis ATCC 700802 was not affected by pyochelin; suggesting that it might target the intracellular components. Pyochelin, a siderophore with antimicrobial activity might be useful in treating bacterial infections caused by S. aureus and E. faecalis, however further work has to be done. © 2016 Ong, Aw, Lee, Yule, Cheow and Lee
Newly Isolated Paenibacillus tyrfis sp. nov., from Malaysian Tropical Peat Swamp Soil with Broad Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity
No full textEmergence of antimicrobial resistance coupled with the slowdown in discovery of new antimicrobial compounds points to serious consequences for human health. Therefore, scientists are looking for new antimicrobial compounds from unique and understudied ecosystems such as tropical peat swamp forests. Over the course of isolating antimicrobial producing bacteria from North Selangor tropical peat swamp forest, Malaysia, a Gram variable, rod shaped, endospore forming, facultative anaerobic novel strain MSt1T that exerts potent and broad spectrum antimicrobial activity was isolated. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain MSt1T belonged to the genus Paenibacillus with the highest similarity to Paenibacillus elgii SD17T (99.5%). Whole genome comparison between strain MSt1T with its closely related species using average nucleotide identity (ANI) revealed that similarity between strain MSt1T with P. elgii B69 (93.45%) and Paenibacillus ehimensis A2 (90.42%) was below the recommended threshold of 95%. Further analysis using in silico pairwise DDH also showed that similarity between strain MSt1T with P. elgii B69 (55.4%) and P. ehimensis A2 (43.7%) was below the recommended threshold of 70%. Strain MSt1T contained meso-diaminopilemic acid in the cell wall and MK-7 as the major menaquinone. The major fatty acids of strain MSt1T were anteiso-C15:0 (48.2%) and C16:0 (29.0%) whereas the polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unknown lipid, two unknown glycolipids, and one unknown phospholipid. Total DNA G+C content of strain MSt1T was 51.5 mol%. The extract from strain MSt1T exerted strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (MIC = 1.5 μg/mL), MRSA ATCC 700699 (MIC = 25 μg/mL) and Candida albicans IMR (MIC = 12.5 μg/mL). Partially purified active fraction exerted a strong effect against E. coli ATCC 25922 resulting in cell rupture when viewed with SEM. Based on distinctive taxonomic differences between strain MSt1T when compared to its closely related type species, we propose that strain MSt1T represents a novel species within the genus of Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus tyrfis sp. nov. (= DSM 100708T = MCCC 1K01247T) is proposed. © 2016 Aw, Ong, Lee, Cheow, Yule and Lee
Soft power: Power of attraction or confusion?
No full textDespite its popularity soft power remains power of confusion. The paper examines the concept, with a special focus on the nature and sources of soft power. Nye’s notion of soft power is largely ethnocentric and based on the assumption that there is a link between attractiveness and the ability to influence others in international relations. This poses two problems: Firstly, a country has many different actors. Some of them like the attraction and others don’t. Whether the attraction will lead to the ability to influence the policy of the target country depends on which groups in that country find it attractive and how much control they have on policymaking. Secondly, policymaking at the state level is far more complicated than at the personal level; and has different dynamics that emphasise the rational considerations. This leaves little room for emotional elements thus significantly reducing the effect of soft power. Given the nature of soft power being uncontrollable and unpredictable, it would be impossible to wield soft power in any organised and coordinated fashion as Nye suggested. Furthermore, the relationship between two countries is shaped by many complex factors. It is ultimately decided by the geopolitics and strategic interests of nations, in which soft power may play only a limited role. The paper also discusses the link between soft power and nation branding as both concepts are concerned with a nation’s influence on the world stage. Public diplomacy is a subset of nation branding that focuses on the political brand of a nation; whereas nation branding is about how a nation as whole to reshape the international opinions. A successful nation branding campaign will help create a more favourable and lasting image among the international audience thus further enhancing a country’s soft power
Grafting of nanoporous alumina membranes and films with organic acids
No full text10.1002/sia.2573Surface and Interface Analysis397601-610SIAN
Colesevelam for Type 2 diabetes mellitus: an abridged Cochrane review
No full textAim Colesevelam, a second-generation bile acid sequestrant, may be beneficial in controlling both glycaemia and lipids
simultaneously. Our goal was to evaluate the systemic effects of colesevelam on Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Method The original Cochrane review was conducted using the methodology for the systematic review of interventions
of the Cochrane Collaboration in RevMan 5.2. We comprehensively searched the literature in several databases up to
January 2012. Two reviewing authors independently selected and extracted the data, and then evaluated the quality of
the randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria.
Results Six randomized controlled trials were selected, which ranged from 8 to 26 weeks in duration. A total of 1450
participants were divided into two groups: those treated with colesevelam and no other anti-diabetic drug treatments/
placebo, or with colesevelam added on to anti-diabetic drug treatments. The colesevelam added on to anti-diabetic
agents demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the fasting blood glucose (mean difference of –0.82 mmol/l,
95% CI –1.2 to –0.44), HbA1c (mean difference –0.5%, 95% CI –0.6 to –0.4) and LDL cholesterol (mean difference –
0.34 mmol/l, 95% CI –0.44 to –0.23). There were no reported data on weight. Non-severe hypoglycaemic episodes were
infrequently observed.
Conclusion The limited number of studies concerning the treatment with colesevelam added to anti-diabetic agents
showed significant effects on glycaemic control; however, more research on the reduction of cardiovascular risks is
required. Furthermore, long-term data on the health-related quality of life and all-cause mortality also need to be
investigated
The properties of recycled copper filled epoxy/unsaturated polyester composites
No full textLink to publisher's homepage at http://www.ttp.net/A blend system between two different thermoset polymer, epoxy and unsaturated polyester at ratio 80/20 weight percentage (wt. %) with 10, 20, 30 and 40 volume percentage (vol. %) of recycled copper powder as conductive filler was investigated. The conductive polymer blend composites were undergone some characterization and testing which include flexural properties, hardness, thermal stability, electrical properties and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The flexural strength of the unfilled system decreased as increasing of the recycled copper powder content. With the increase of recycled copper, from 0 vol.% to 40 vol.%, a total 350% of increment in flexural modulus was observed. The thermal stability of the blend polymer increased with the filler loading, from 140°C to 300°C, which was the 5% weight loss onset degradation temperature. The electrical conductivity properties of the blend composite shown the percolation threshold at 30 - 40 vol.% of recycled copper powder filler content, where the conductive blend composites change from insulator to conductor
Should Southeast Asia Fear the Chinese Juggernaut? The View from the Philippines
No full textChina's emergence as an economic giant in the past 25 years has dramatically changed the global economic landscape especially in East Asia. Should this be a cause of fear for these Asian economies? Or a source of opportunities? This Policy Notes examines the adverse and beneficial effects of China's rise on the economies of Southeast Asia, and looks at how the adverse effects can be mitigated and the gains maximized, in particular from the Philippine perspective.investment, foreign direct investment, Southeast Asia, regional economic integration, China, manufactured exports
NGOs and the search for Chinese civil society environmental non-governmental organisations in the Nujiang campaign
No full textvoluntary organizations; nonprofit organizations; grass roots groups; environmentalism; civil society; advocacy; China;
Chemical Interesterification Of Soybean Oil And Fully Hydrogenated Soybean Oil: Influence Of The Reaction Time [interesterificação Química De óleo De Soja E óleo De Soja Totalmente Hidrogenado: Influência Do Tempo De Reação]
No full textChemical interesterification is an important alternative to produce zero trans fats. In practice, however, excessive reaction times are used to ensure complete randomization. This work evaluated the influence of the reaction time on the interesterification of soybean oil/fully hydrogenated soybean oil blend, carried out in the following conditions: 100 °C, 500 rpm stirring speed, 0.4% (w/w) sodium methoxide catalyst. The ttiacylglycerol composition, solid fat content and melting point analysis showed that the reaction was very fast, reaching the equilibrium within 5 min. This result suggests the interesterification can be performed in substantially lower times, with reduction in process costs.324939945Chiu, M.C., Gioielli, L.A., Grimaldi, R., (2008) Quim. Nova, 31, p. 238Norizzah, A.R., Chong, C.L., Cheow, C.S., Zaliha, O., (2004) Food Chem., 86, p. 229Ribeiro, A.P.B., Moura, J.M.L.N., Grimaldi, R., Gonçalves, L.A.G., (2007) Quim. Nova, 30, p. 1295Rozendaal, A., (1992) Inform., 3, p. 1232Liu, L., (2004) J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc., 81, p. 331Rousseau, D., Marangoni, A.G., (2008) Em Food Lipids: Chemistry, Nutrition, and Biotechnology, , Akoh, C. C.Min, D. B., eds.CRC Press: Boca Raton, cap. 10Musavi, A., Tekin, A., Kaya, M., Sanal, I., (2003) J. Food Lipids, 10, p. 111Konishi, H., Neff, W.E., Mounts, T.L., (1993) J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc., 70, p. 411Dijkstra, A.J., (2007) Em the Lipid HandbookGunstone, , F. D., ed.CRC Press: Boca Raton, cap. 4Marangoni, A.G., Rousseau, D., (1998) J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc., 75, p. 1265Liu, L., Lampert, D., (1999) J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc., 76, p. 783Ramamurthi, S., McCurfy, A.R., (2005) Em Development and Processing of Vegetable Oils for Human Nutrition, , Przybylski, R.McDonald, B. E., eds.AOCS Press: Champaign, cap. 6Dijkstra, A.J., Toke, E.R., Kolonits, P., Recseg, K., Kovári, K., Poppe, L., (2005) Eur. J. Lipid Sci. Technol., 107, p. 912Gioielli, L.A., Baruffaldi, R., (1988) Rev. Farm. Bioquím. Univ. S. Paulo., 24, p. 29Grimaldi, R., Gonçalves, L.A.G., Ando, M.Y., (2005) Quim. Nova, 28, p. 633O'Brien, R.D., (2004) Fats and Oils - Formulating and Processing for Applications, 2 nd Ed., , CRC Press: New YorkMarangoni, A.G., Rousseau, D., (1995) Trends Food Sei. Technol., 6, p. 329Zeitoun, M.A.M., Neff, W.E., List, G.R., Mounts, T.L., (1993) J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc., 70, p. 461List, G.R., Mounts, T.L., Orthoefer, F., Neff, W.E., (1995) J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc., 72, p. 379Pettauskaite, V., De Greyt, W., Kellens, M., Huyghebaert, A., (1998) J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc., 75, p. 489Zomorrodi, S., Shokrani, R., Shahedi, M., Dokhani, S., (2003) Iranian J. Agric. Sci., 34, p. 587Hartman, L., Lago, R.G.A., (1973) Lab. Pract., 22, p. 475(2004) Official Methods and Recommended Practices of the American Oil Chemists'Society, , AOCSAOCS Press: ChampaignGrimaldi, R., (1999) Tese de Doutorado, , Universidade Estadual de Campinas, BrasilAntoniossi Filho, N.R., (1995) Tese de Doutorado, , Universidade de São Paulo, BrasilAntoniossi Filho, N.R., Mendes, O.L., Lanças, F.M., (1995) Chromatographia, 40, p. 557Karabulut, I., Turan, S., Ergin, G., (2004) Eur. Food Res. Technol., 218, p. 224(2002) Statistica V.6.0.for Windows, 4. , Statsoft Inc.Tulsa, Estados UnidosSreenivasan, B., (1978) J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc., 55, p. 796Erickson, D.R., (1995) Practical Handbook of Soybean Processing and Utilization, , AOCS Press: Champaign(2008), http://bioaiesel.gov.br, acessada em FevereiroWada, J.K.A., (2007), Dissertação de Mestrado, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, BrasilMeneghetti, S.M.P., Meneghetti, M.R., Wolf, C.R., Silva, E.C., Gilvan, E.S.L., Coimbra, M.A., Soletti, J.I., Carvalho, S.H.V., (2006) J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc., 83, p. 819Coenen, J.W.E., (1974) Rev.Fr. Corps Gras., 21, p. 40
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