This was emphasised within the findings of the focus group since

This was emphasised within the findings of the focus group since there was much discussion on the role of the pharmacist on this process, with students also elaborating on what influenced their perspective, e.g. religion, ethics, etc.The undergraduate cohort will be the next generations of pharmacists and these results may evidence the need for the curricula

to tackle the issues of PAS and professionalism AZD6738 manufacturer within practice. 1. Hanlon TRG, Weiss MC, Rees J. British community pharmacists’ views of physician-assisted suicide (PAS). J Med Ethics 2000;26: 363–369. Sonia Chand, Paul Rutter University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK To ascertain what influences students to study pharmacy. Enjoyment of science was cited by many students as a main reason to study pharmacy. A lesser number of students saw pharmacy as a way to help people. Students associated NVP-BGJ398 manufacturer pharmacy with good career opportunities and pay. There is little published work on why students decide to study pharmacy.1,2 Both Roller and Willis et al have measured the comparative influence

of extrinsic (e.g. income, status, good career opportunities) and intrinsic (liking science, desire to help people, and intellectual satisfaction) factors for studying pharmacy.1,2 These studies gave some insight into decisions made by students, however, the study by Roller focused on Australian students and the work by Willis et al, although UK-based, captured 3rd year student views; additionally both studies now lack currency, especially as pharmacy has changed in the last 10 years in response to the UK governments’ desire to better use the clinical skills of pharmacists. Therefore, this study aimed to update understanding on why first year students choose to study pharmacy. A survey comprising of open, closed and semantic differential scale questions was developed from conducting a literature search into similar studies. It was piloted

to all year groups at one School of Pharmacy (SOP) to determine its validity and reliability. Twelve SOP’s were invited to be involved in the study. C59 clinical trial These were chosen as they represented varied curricula content ranging from predominantly science-based to practice-based programmes. Eight SOP agreed to participate. Each SOP disseminated study information and provided students with an email link to an electronic survey hosted by Survey Monkey®. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS 16.0 and qualitative data was analysed using Nvivo 9 using content analysis. Ethics approval was obtained from the XX Ethics Committee at the University of XX and, where appropriate, from each SOP’s ethics committee. A total of 178 students fully completed the survey. Overall response rate was 15%.Individual SOP response rate ranged from 3.5–39%. The following represents the findings from the open ended question asking students to describe what influenced their decision to study pharmacy.

7 and Supporting Information Fig S5) The cell-based (Fig 2) an

7 and Supporting Information Fig. S5). The cell-based (Fig. 2) and in vitro (Fig. 6) binding assays showed that NRX1α and

NRX1–3β carrying the splice site 4 insert specifically bound to Cbln1. Cbln1 coated on beads directly accumulated NRX1β(S4+) on granule cell axons (Fig. 4B and Supporting Information Fig. S2A) and Cbln1-induced presynaptic differentiation was specifically inhibited by soluble NRX1β(S4+)-Fc (Fig. 4C), indicating that NRXs(S4+) serves as a presynaptic receptor for Cbln1. In addition, NRX1β(S4+) coated on beads clustered GluD2 and its interacting intracellular protein shank2 in postsynaptic Purkinje cells in a Cbln1-dependent manner (Fig. 5B). These results indicate that the tripartite

complex consisting of NRX(S4+), Cbln1 and GluD2 could serve as a bidirectional synaptic organizer. The NRX/Cbln1/GluD2 complex find more has several unique features as a synapse organizer (Fig. 8). First, unlike NRXs/NLs (Nguyen & Sudhof, 1997) or NRXs/LRRTMs (Ko et al., 2009; Siddiqui et al., 2010), this complex was resistant to low extracellular Ca2+ concentrations. The crystal structure of NRX1β indicates that Ca2+ binding is essential for binding to NLs (Koehnke et al., 2008). Selleckchem Alvelestat Similarly, other NRX ligands, such as LRRTMs and α-dystroglycan (Sugita et al., 2001), also bind to NRX in a Ca2+-dependent manner. In contrast, neurexophilins bind to the second laminin, NRX, sex-hormone-binding protein (LNS) domain in NRXα in a Ca2+-independent manner (Missler et al., 1998). Unlike neurexophilins but like NLs and LRRTMs, Cbln1 binds to both NRXα and NRXβ, suggesting that Cbln1 binds to the sixth LNS domain in which the splice site 4 insert

is located (Craig & Kang, 2007). Structural studies on NRX1β(S4+) have shown that the splice site 4 insert is unstructured and remains partially disordered in the complex with NLs despite its high level of sequence conservation, suggesting that Cytidine deaminase it has a distinct functional role in binding to partner molecules other than NLs (Koehnke et al., 2008). Together, these findings indicate that Cbln1 binds to the region involving the splice site 4 insert of NRXs in a manner distinct from NLs or LRRTMs. Although it remains unclear whether Cbln1 and NLs compete for presynaptic NRXs in vivo, Cbln1 inhibited the interaction between NL1(−) and NRX(S4+) in vitro (Fig. 1) probably by steric hindrance because Cbln1 and NL1(−) are unlikely to share the same binding site of NRX(S4+). Although various cell adhesion molecules (such as cadherins, protocadherins, NRXs/NLs and NRXs/LRRTMs) require extracellular Ca2+, synaptic adhesion itself is independent of Ca2+ (Sudhof, 2001). cbln1- and GluD2-null mice are ataxic, showing a markedly impaired performance on the rotorod test.

In this report, we further show that pfm influences bacterial adh

In this report, we further show that pfm influences bacterial adherence to human cells. Microarray assay results suggest that pfm affects bacterial adherence through its influence on the QS system. Further experiments confirmed that the pfm mutant strain produces significantly less QS signal molecules than the corresponding wild-type strain. Using strains Escherichia coliDH5α(pECP64, lasB’-lacZ) and E. coliDH5α(pECP61.5, rhlA’-lacZ), biosensors for

N-(3-oxododecanoyl) homoserine lactone (3O-C12-HSL) and N-butyryl homoserine lactone (C4-HSL), respectively, we found that pfm mutant strain produces decreased amounts of both signal molecules. Elastase activity and pyocyanin measurements further confirmed the reduced levels of 3O-C12-HSL and C4-HSL in the pfm mutant. Finally, bacterial virulence, as IWR-1 nmr assessed by the Caenorhabditis elegans worm killing assay, is decreased in the pfm mutant. Taken together, these data indicate that pfm can be an important target for the control of P. aeruginosa infectivity. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a versatile Gram-negative selleck chemicals llc bacterium, is a major opportunistic human pathogen. It is present in almost all ecological niches, including soil, marshes, and coastal marine

habitats, as well as on plants and animal tissues (Hardalo & Edberg, 1997). The genome of P. aeruginosa strain PAO1 contains 6.3 million base pairs, with 5572 predicted open reading frames (ORFs) (Stover et al., 2000). The genome complexity of this organism reflects its evolutionary adaptation to various hosts and environmental Sitaxentan conditions (Dobrindt & Hacker, 2001). As an opportunistic human pathogen, P. aeruginosa is commonly found in hospitals and often causes chronic infections. Many factors contribute to its infectivity and pathogenicity. It encodes a series of virulent effectors, including flagella, pilus, exotoxin A, endotoxin, pigments, protease,

etc. (Bell & Robinson, 2007; Harrison, 2007; Vanegas et al., 2009). It also takes advantages of many antibiotic resistance pathways that are readily activated during host infection (Hancock, 1998). These characteristics make it difficult to completely cure patients infected by P. aeruginosa. In P. aeruginosa, there are two separate quorum sensing (QS) systems, lasR-lasI and rhlR-rhlI (Parsek & Greenberg, 2000). Both systems are controlled by autoinducer signal molecules, N-(3-oxododecanoyl) homoserine lactone (3O-C12-HSL) and N-butyryl homoserine lactone (C4-HSL), respectively (Parsek & Greenberg, 2000). In the lasR-lasI QS system, the signal molecule 3O-C12-HSL is synthesized by LasI. In turn, the accumulated 3O-C12-HSL acts as the ligand for its receptor LasR, leading to the activation of LasR. Activated LasR functions as a transcriptional activator to upregulate downstream target genes, most of which are associated with the virulence of P.

1 Motamedi SM, Posadas-Calleja J, Straus S, et al (2011) The ef

1. Motamedi SM, Posadas-Calleja J, Straus S, et al. (2011) The efficacy of computer-enabled discharge communication interventions: a systematic review. BMJ Qual Saf, 20(5), 403–415. 2. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). 128 The SIGN discharge document. (2012) Edinburgh: SIGN. Available from www.sign.ac.uk Date accessed 30/07/2012 J. Sowtera, P. Knappc, L. Dyea, F. Astinb, P. Marshalla aUniversity of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK, bUniversity click here of Salford, Salford, Greater Manchester, UK, cUniversity of York, York, North Yorkshire,

UK This exploratory study assessed the quality of a purposive sample of 39 commercial and non-commercial websites containing information about herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms. Commercial websites were the most prevalent and scored lower for quality than non-commercial sites using the Barasertib datasheet DISCERN tool. Coverage of information about specific herbal remedies was poor across all websites. There is room for improvement in quality and coverage of website information about herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms. The internet is increasingly used as a source of health information for consumers despite concerns about the quality

of health information on the internet, particularly about herbal remedies. The study aim was to analyse the content of a sample of commercial and non-commercial websites with information about herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms, to determine their quality and the extent to which check details they met women’s identified information needs. This exploratory study used a purposive sample of websites for analysis. The sample included websites used by women or recommended by service providers, supplemented by websites identified via a series of searches conducted in Google using search terms volunteered by women. Inclusion criteria were that they contained information about herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms and had a key purpose for providing information about treatment. Research ethics approval was not required. The websites were assessed for quality using validated tools for: Information quality (using the DISCERN

tool1) Coverage of information specific to needs identified by a sample of women with menopausal symptoms (e.g. range of treatment choices, clinical effects of products, combining products for optimal effect and real life experiences) Accessibility (assessed by readability scores using the SMOG tool2) Thirty-nine websites were analysed. The majority of websites were for commercial providers. There was a statistically significant difference between commercial and non-commercial (e.g. charities and government) websites, with commercial websites scoring lower than non-commercial for the DISCERN tool (p = 0.014). There was no statistical difference between the types of website provider for the SMOG readability test (p = 0.324) or for the tool assessing coverage of specific information (p = 0.60).

1 Motamedi SM, Posadas-Calleja J, Straus S, et al (2011) The ef

1. Motamedi SM, Posadas-Calleja J, Straus S, et al. (2011) The efficacy of computer-enabled discharge communication interventions: a systematic review. BMJ Qual Saf, 20(5), 403–415. 2. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). 128 The SIGN discharge document. (2012) Edinburgh: SIGN. Available from www.sign.ac.uk Date accessed 30/07/2012 J. Sowtera, P. Knappc, L. Dyea, F. Astinb, P. Marshalla aUniversity of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK, bUniversity INK 128 purchase of Salford, Salford, Greater Manchester, UK, cUniversity of York, York, North Yorkshire,

UK This exploratory study assessed the quality of a purposive sample of 39 commercial and non-commercial websites containing information about herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms. Commercial websites were the most prevalent and scored lower for quality than non-commercial sites using the HM781-36B solubility dmso DISCERN tool. Coverage of information about specific herbal remedies was poor across all websites. There is room for improvement in quality and coverage of website information about herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms. The internet is increasingly used as a source of health information for consumers despite concerns about the quality

of health information on the internet, particularly about herbal remedies. The study aim was to analyse the content of a sample of commercial and non-commercial websites with information about herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms, to determine their quality and the extent to which pentoxifylline they met women’s identified information needs. This exploratory study used a purposive sample of websites for analysis. The sample included websites used by women or recommended by service providers, supplemented by websites identified via a series of searches conducted in Google using search terms volunteered by women. Inclusion criteria were that they contained information about herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms and had a key purpose for providing information about treatment. Research ethics approval was not required. The websites were assessed for quality using validated tools for: Information quality (using the DISCERN

tool1) Coverage of information specific to needs identified by a sample of women with menopausal symptoms (e.g. range of treatment choices, clinical effects of products, combining products for optimal effect and real life experiences) Accessibility (assessed by readability scores using the SMOG tool2) Thirty-nine websites were analysed. The majority of websites were for commercial providers. There was a statistically significant difference between commercial and non-commercial (e.g. charities and government) websites, with commercial websites scoring lower than non-commercial for the DISCERN tool (p = 0.014). There was no statistical difference between the types of website provider for the SMOG readability test (p = 0.324) or for the tool assessing coverage of specific information (p = 0.60).

Nevertheless, post-TD IBS remains an issue because it represents

Nevertheless, post-TD IBS remains an issue because it represents a long-term travel sequelae in a previous healthy population. Of

note, the TD-associated IBS incidence is twice the incidence rate of self-limited influenza in a comparable population of travelers. Further investigations need to focus on the pathophysiological interaction of IBS predisposing factors. Research is also needed to optimize TD self-treatment and to determine whether extensive preventive measures, eg, by drug prophylaxis, would reduce the risk of IBS among travelers. If so, those with predisposing HIF activation factors could in the pre-travel consultation discuss available options to reduce the risk for IBS. The study was self-funded by the Division of Communicable Diseases of the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. R. S. has obtained research sponsorships

(which could Buparlisib cell line indirectly be related) from Dr Falk Pharma, Intercell, Optimer, Santarus. Additionally he was sponsered as a speaker by Salix. The other authors state that they have no conflicts of interest to declare. “
“Introduction. Spain could be a potential area in Europe for the development and spread of emerging diseases from the tropics due to its geoclimatic characteristics, but there is little information on infectious diseases imported by travelers. The aim of this article was to analyze clinical–epidemiological characteristics of infectious diseases imported by Spanish travelers Thalidomide from the tropics. Methods. A retrospective descriptive study of 2,982 travelers seeking medical advice who return ill from the tropics was conducted. Demographic data, details of travel (destination, type, and duration), preventive measures, clinical syndromes, and diagnoses were analyzed. Results. Nearly half (46.5%) the travelers had traveled to sub-Saharan Africa; 46.5% reported a stay exceeding 1 month (and almost a quarter more than 6

months). Following pre-travel advice, 69.1% received at least one vaccine and 35.5% took malarial chemoprophylaxis with variations according to geographical area of travel. In all, 58.8% of this took chemoprophylaxis correctly. Most common syndromes were fever 1,028 (34.5%), diarrhea 872 (29.3%), and cutaneous syndrome 684 (22.9%). Most frequent diagnoses were traveler’s diarrhea (17.2%), malaria (17%), and intestinal parasites (10.4%). The three main syndromes in travelers to the Caribbean–Central America, Indian subcontinent–Southeast Asia, and other areas were diarrhea, fever, and cutaneous syndrome (p < 0.05); in sub-Saharan Africa were fever, cutaneous syndrome, and diarrhea (p < 0.05); and in South America were cutaneous syndrome, diarrhea, and fever (p < 0.05). Travelers to sub-Saharan Africa showed a higher frequency of malaria, rickettsiosis, filariasis, and schistosomiasis (p < 0.

casei) This suggests that yahD and yaiA encode proteins of the s

casei). This suggests that yahD and yaiA encode proteins of the same or related biological pathways. In E. faecalis and S. aureus, these operons also encode a predicted regulator. The yaiB gene, on the other hand, is in the same operon only in L. lactis and L. casei, while it is present as an adjacent, divertantly transcribed gene in E. faecalis and B. subtilis. Based on sequence similarity, the yaiA-like genes shown in Fig. 1 have

been annotated as putative glyoxylases. However, a direct demonstration of the function of any of these genes is not available. YahD exhibits 31%, 32%, 34%, 32% and 42% sequence identity with the most homologous proteins aligned in Fig. 2. In all these proteins, there is a conserved catalytic click here triad typical of α/β serine hydrolases, characterized by Ser107, Asp157 and His188 of L. lactis YahD. The closest relative of this group of aligned proteins that has been characterized biochemically is EstB of Pseudomonas fluorescence. It shares 17% sequence identity with YahD of L. lactis and functions as a carboxylesterase with maximal hydrolytic activity towards (p-nitro)phenyl acetate (Hong et al., 1991). Because α/β serine hydrolases are an extremely diverse family of enzymes, this does not imply a function for related enzymes. To learn more about the function of YahD of

L. lactis in copper homeostasis and stress Staurosporine response, we analyzed in vivo expression by Western blot analysis with an antibody against YahD. Expression was upregulated by copper, with maximal expression observed at 200 μM extracellular Cu2+ (Fig. 3). Among other metals tested, 20 μM Cd2+ induced YahD expression to even higher levels than copper, while Ag+ at the same concentration induced YahD only marginally. Zn2+, Fe2+, Ni2+ and Co2+

failed to stimulate YahD expression. Likewise, oxidative stress by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide or hydrogen peroxide and nitrosative stress by nitrosoglutathione eltoprazine failed to induce YahD. This induction specificity is typical for genes under the control of the CopR copper-inducible repressor and suggests that CopR is the sole regulator governing the expression of YahD. In line with this, Hg2+ and Pb2+ also failed to induce YahD (not shown). To functionally and structurally characterize YahD, the gene was cloned in an expression vector as a fusion protein with a chitin affinity tag, connected to the N-terminus of YahD via a self-cleaving intein. Self-cleavage of the intein with dithiothreitol resulted in YahD with Ala-Gly-His added to the N-terminal methionine. Preparations with >99% purity and of the expected apparent molecular weight of 23.6 kDa were routinely obtained with a yield of 2 mg L−1 of culture (Fig. 4). Purified YahD was highly soluble and stable when stored frozen at −80 °C. Sequencing of the cloned yahD gene revealed two amino acid replacements, M191T and N199K, relative to the L.

6%) contained enough DNA to detect M ulcerans Our detection rat

6%) contained enough DNA to detect M. ulcerans. Our detection rate of M. ulcerans DNA differs considerably from the higher proportions described in a recent environmental study (Williamson et al., 2008) performed in Ghana. Possible reasons for these discrepant results are: differing collection sites, collection during dissimilar seasons, and the analysis of different specimen types. Besides these reasons, the possibility of cross-contamination should not be disregarded. The development of a suite Romidepsin of assays targeting multiple regions in the M. ulcerans

genome enables a more sensitive and specific detection of this pathogen. Furthermore, the use of real-time PCR assays in BU-endemic countries for the detection of www.selleckchem.com/products/XL184.html M. ulcerans could potentially increase chances of cultivating this pathogen from the environment, which has been shown to be very difficult (Portaels et al., 2008), as PCR-positive samples can be cultured locally, without a loss in the viability of the organism because of transport to the country where analysis is performed. Additionally, environmental specimens can now be analyzed in a high-throughput approach with much greater confidence and with a reduced risk of false positives due to contamination. Furthermore, following the recent decline

of real-time PCR consumable prices, the cost of real-time PCR analysis is comparable with that of conventional gel-based PCR. However, the availability of basic laboratory facilities and a real-time thermocycler still remain prerequisites before application is feasible. Moreover, when Bacterial neuraminidase applying

this assay (as with all PCR-based assays), special care needs to be taken to avoid contamination, such as physical separation of pre- and post-PCR laboratories and extensive training of the laboratory staff. In conclusion, the fluorescence-based real-time PCR assays for the detection of M. ulcerans were successfully adapted and applied at NMIMR. Although the reagents as well as the thermocycler used in the present study differed from those used by Fyfe et al. (2007), both studies achieved comparable sensitivities, even after a delay in the analysis of a prepared plate. The study also confirmed the presence of M. ulcerans in a water body in a BU-endemic area in the Ashanti region. The application of these real-time PCR assays in BU-endemic countries will thus contribute to improved studies on the environmental reservoir of M. ulcerans. This research was supported by the Flemish Interuniversity Council, the Directorate-General for Development Cooperation (Brussels, Belgium), and the UBS OPTIMUS Foundation ‘Stop Buruli’ project (Zurich, Switzerland). We are grateful to Dr Janet Fyfe and Dr Caroline Lavender (VIDRL) for hosting and assisting K.V. in Melbourne.

5%) and out-of-town shopping centres (14%) The majority reporte

5%) and out-of-town shopping centres (1.4%). The majority reported being chain pharmacies (82.5%). The average number LBH589 chemical structure of enhanced services provided was 3.6 (range 0–12). Half of the responding pharmacists (48.6%) were aged less than 35, and 52.4% were male. Table 1 shows the pharmacists’ perception of how often they provided different services for young people. The majority of pharmacists (62.2%) felt ‘reasonably confident’ about engaging with young people, and a significant minority (30.1%) felt ‘very confident’. Table 1: Pharmacists’ perception of service provision to young people aged 13–19 years Pharmacy service provided

% of pharmacists reporting specified frequency of provision of service to young people aged 13–19 years Never Rarely Sometimes Often Dispensing prescriptions (n = 143) 1.4 4.9 39.9 53.8 Medicines Use Review (MUR) (n = 135) 23.7 60.7 10.4 5.2 Enhanced services (n = 130) 3.1 22.3 29.2 45.4 Pharmacists Selumetinib mouse from a diverse range of pharmacy settings responded to this survey, although younger pharmacists might be slightly over-represented. Pharmacists reported significant engagement with young people, but there was a discrepancy between the provision of MUR and other

services, despite widespread dispensing opportunities. Most pharmacists felt confident about their engagement with young people. It is over ten years since the establishment of the first EHC service, which arguably brought young people’s health concerns into focus for pharmacists and highlighted the issues of consent and confidentiality. Pharmacies are accessible settings for young people, and pharmacists should consider widening their scope of engagement to include discussions about medicines Amine dehydrogenase adherence and optimisation. 1. Staples B, Bravender T. Drug compliance in adolescence: assessing and managing modifiable risk factors. Paediatr Drugs 2002; 4: 503–513. 2. Analytical tool available at http://data.gov.uk/dataset/national_statistics_2001_area_classification_of_super_output_areas_and_data_zones_-_distance_from_ce. Shelly Patel, Manir Hussain North Staffordshire

Clinical Commissioning Group, Staffordshire, UK Pharmacist-led clinical medication reviews for care home residents have the potential to optimise therapy and liberate savings. 1271 residents were reviewed in 45 care homes over 12 months resulting in a total of 1624 recommendations. 96% (n = 1563) of recommendations implemented of which 50% (n = 776) resulted in optimising medications Net annualised saving of £205,272 as a result of the clinical medication reviews, £161 saved per care home resident Care homes have the responsibility to ensure safe medicines management systems are in place to reduce medication related errors in care homes1. Evidence suggests that at least 70% of care home residents may experience at least one medication error2.

CF150 than on Pseudomonas sp N9 at the highest cadmium concentra

CF150 than on Pseudomonas sp. N9 at the highest cadmium concentration. “
“Reports that bacteria within the Firmicutes phylum, especially the species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, are less abundant in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients and supernatants from cultures of this bacterium are anti-inflammatory prompted the investigation of the possible correlations between the abundance

of F. prausnitzii and the response to treatment in patients with gut diseases Akt inhibitor and healthy controls. In a randomized, double-blind trial, faeces were collected from healthy volunteers, and from patients with active CD, ulcerative colitis (UC) and irritable bowel syndrome before and after treatment. The levels of F. prausnitzii DNA in faecal suspensions were determined by PCR. Treatment by an elemental diet was

effective, resulting in decreases in both the Harvey and Bradshaw index (P<0.001) and the concentrations of serum C-reactive protein (P<0.05). The total levels of F. prausnitzii in faecal samples from CD patients at presentation were lower than those in the other groups both before and after the treatment. There was no correlation between F. prausnitzii abundance and the severity of CD before treatment. Clinical improvement unexpectedly correlated with a significant decrease in the abundance of F. prausnitzii, especially the selleck A2-165 subgroup (P<0.05). Our data suggest that a paucity of F. prausnitzii in the gastrointestinal microbial communities is likely to be a minor aetiological factor in CD: recovery following elemental diet is attributed to lower levels of gut flora. "
“Vibrio owensii is a potential bacterial pathogen in marine aquaculture system. In this Cobimetinib purchase study, five lytic phages specific against Vibrio strain B8D, closely related to V. owensii, were

isolated from seawater of an abalone farm. The phages were characterized with respect to morphology, genome size, growth phenotype, as well as thermal, and pH stability. All phages were found to belong to the family Siphoviridae with long noncontractile tails and terminal fibers. Restriction analysis indicated that the five phages were dsDNA viruses with molecular weights ranging from c. 30 to 48 kb. One-step growth experiments revealed that the phages were heterogeneous in latent periods (10–70 min), rise periods (40–70 min), and burst sizes [23–331 plaque-forming units (PFU) per infected cell] at the same host strain. All phages were thermal stable and were tolerant to a wide range of pH. The results indicated that these phages could be potential candidates of a phage cocktail for biological control of V. owensii in aquaculture systems. “
“The conversion of branched-chain amino acids to branched-chain acids or alcohols is an important aspect of flavor in the food industry and is dependent on the Ehrlich pathway found in certain lactic acid bacteria.