Screening and Characterization of Bacillus Strains Producing Highly Thermostable Amylase from Various Hot Springs of Algeria

HIGHLIGHTS Screening extremophile Bacillus strains from various Hot Springs Characterization Of Bacillus Strains Producing Highly Thermostable Amylase Genetic identification of the best strains

Abstract Currently thermostable Amylase represents a broad biotechnological interest and desired by a various industries. In this study, forty-six bacterial strains belonging to the genus Bacillus were isolated from various hot springs in the North West of Algeria based on their ability to degrade starch and produce amylase in Starch Agar medium. The majority of isolates showed a positive amylolytic activity. In order to select the most thermostables amylase the effect of temperature on enzymes was estimated, therefore the study of amylase thermostability was culminated by the selection of Four Strains having an interesting optimum of activity and range of stability, reaching 75 °C for the strains HBH1-2, HBH1-3, HBH3-1and 85 °C for the strain HC-2, This indicates that the Enzyme produced by retained strains have optimum activity at high temperature. The identity of the selected strains was established on the basis of the morphological, biochemical characteristics and phylogenetic position as determined by 16S Ribosomal DNA gene sequencing. The whole strains belonged to the genus Bacillus and their phylogeny were also reported in this study.

Microbial mat ecosystems: structure types, functional diversity, and biotechnological application

Microbial mats are horizontally stratified microbial communities, exhibiting a structure defined by physiochemical gradients, which models microbial diversity, physiological activities, and their dynamics as a whole system. These ecosystems are commonly associated with aquatic habitats, including hot springs, hypersaline ponds, and intertidal coastal zones and oligotrophic environments, all of them harbour phototrophic mats and other environments such as acidic hot springs or acid mine drainage harbour non-photosynthetic mats. This review analyses the complex structure, diversity, and interactions between the microorganisms that form the framework of different types of microbial mats located around the globe. Furthermore, the many tools that allow studying microbial mats in depth and their potential biotechnological applications are discussed.

Consideration of the Physical and Environmental Factors and the Accident Sites in Case of Patients with Bathing Accidents, Requiring Ambulance Service in Noboribetsu City / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  Japan has been speculated to have more than 10,000 bathing accidents per year, and the number increases annually. In particular, the number of bathing accidents in the elderly is increasing.   I investigated the bathing accidents that occurred in Noboribetsu City between April of 2014 and March of 2015 with the full cooperation of the Noboribetsu ambulance service. There were 52 accidents in total; 25 occurred in women with an average age of 64.4±20.5 years, and 27 occurred in men with an average age of 70.7±18.2 years.   In 11 cases, patients were transported via ambulance because of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). Eight of these patients were men, and three were women; 10 of the 11 CPA patients were brought to the hospital during the winter.   Although I was unable to clearly determine whether alcohol consumption influenced the increase in the number and seriousness of bathing accidents, I do not recommend heavy alcohol consumption because of the additional risk of consciousness disturbance and drowning.   The number of bathing accidents at the patient’s own home in Noboribetsu City increased significantly (P<0.05) in the winter, and I found no correlation between the season of the year and the number of accidents in public baths in Noboribetsu City and the number of accidents in hotels and inns in Noboribetsu hot springs.

Consideration of the Physical and Environmental Factors and the Accident Sites in Case of Patients with Bathing Accidents, Requiring Ambulance Service in Noboribetsu City / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  Japan has been speculated to have more than 10,000 bathing accidents per year, and the number increases annually. In particular, the number of bathing accidents in the elderly is increasing.<BR>  I investigated the bathing accidents that occurred in Noboribetsu City between April of 2014 and March of 2015 with the full cooperation of the Noboribetsu ambulance service. There were 52 accidents in total; 25 occurred in women with an average age of 64.4±20.5 years, and 27 occurred in men with an average age of 70.7±18.2 years.<BR>  In 11 cases, patients were transported via ambulance because of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). Eight of these patients were men, and three were women; 10 of the 11 CPA patients were brought to the hospital during the winter.<BR>  Although I was unable to clearly determine whether alcohol consumption influenced the increase in the number and seriousness of bathing accidents, I do not recommend heavy alcohol consumption because of the additional risk of consciousness disturbance and drowning.<BR>  The number of bathing accidents at the patient’s own home in Noboribetsu City increased significantly (P<0.05) in the winter, and I found no correlation between the season of the year and the number of accidents in public baths in Noboribetsu City and the number of accidents in hotels and inns in Noboribetsu hot springs.

Thermophilic bacteria in Moroccan hot springs, salt marshes and desert soils

The diversity of thermophilic bacteria was investigated in four hot springs, three salt marshes and 12 desert sites in Morocco. Two hundred and forty (240) thermophilic bacteria were recovered, identified and characterized. All isolates were Gram positive, rod-shaped, spore forming and halotolerant. Based on BOXA1R-PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the recovered isolates were dominated by the genus Bacillus (97.5%) represented by B. licheniformis (119), B. aerius (44), B. sonorensis (33), B. subtilis (subsp. spizizenii (2) and subsp. inaquosurum (6)), B. amyloliquefaciens (subsp. amyloliquefaciens (4) and subsp. plantarum (4)), B. tequilensis (3), B. pumilus (3) and Bacillus sp. (19). Only six isolates (2.5%) belonged to the genus Aeribacillus represented by A. pallidus (4) and Aeribacillus sp. (2). In this study, B. aerius and B. tequilensis are described for the first time as thermophilic bacteria. Moreover, 71.25%, 50.41% and 5.41% of total strains exhibited high amylolytic, proteolytic or cellulolytic activity respectively.

Expression of miRNAs in peripheral blood plasma of the residents surrounding hot springs with radon / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To investigate the expressions of miR-16,miR-106b,miR-449a,miR-34a and let-7g in peripheral blood plasma of the residents surrounding hot springs with radon in Hebei province.Methods A total of 41 randomly selected residents surrounding hot springs with radon were considered as the radon group,and 46 residents with same living habit but without contact with hot springs were considered as control.The miRNAs in the peripheral blood plasma of these two groups were detected with qRT-PCR.Results The levels of miR-16,miR-106b,miR-449a and let-7g in the radon group were significantly higher than those in control group (Z=-2.278,-3.835,-2.719,-2.721,P＜0.05).Alterations of these miRNAs were associated with radon exposure (t =2.154,3.711,2.319,2.015,P ＜ 0.05) but had no relationship with age,sex,smoking and drinking factors.No significant difference was observed in the plasma levels of miR-34a between the two groups.Conclusions miR-16,miR-106b,miR-449a and let-7g could be applied as potential biomarkers for radon exposure.

Isolation, partial purification and characterization of thermophilic uricase from Pseudomonas otitidis strain SN4

Aims: The present study aimed at isolating new source of uricase producers from Malaysian hot springs together with partial purification and characterization of thermophilic uricase from novel strain. Methodology and results: A bacteria strain, designated as SN4, was found to have the ability to degrade uric acid. 16S rRNA analysis identified SN4 as Pseudomonas otitidis. Uricase was then extracted from SN4 and purification was performed via ammonium sulphate precipitation. The effects of temperature, pH and metal ions on partially purified uricase were evaluated. Results showed that 70% ammonium sulphate concentration gave the highest uricase activity at 4.18 U/mL compared to other concentrations. The molecular weight of the partially purified uricase was 33 kilodalton (kDa). The optimum temperature for uricase was 45 °C and its activity was highest at pH 8.0. Calcium ions and copper ions enhanced uricase activity while cobalt ions reduced uricase activity. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Isolation and investigation of uricase producers from new sources such as thermophiles would increase availability and thermal stability of the uricase that could be used for significant purposes such as in biochemical and clinical applications.

Expressions of lung cancer related genes and miRNA in peripheral blood of the residents surrounding hot springs with extremely high radon / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To investigate the expressions of lung cancer related genes and miRNA in peripheral blood of the residents surrounding the extremely high radon hot springs in Ruoergai County,Sichuan Province. Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected from the local residents.Expressions of lung cancer related genes (p53,k-ras) and miRNA (let-7a,miR-34a/b) were detected by real-time PCR and the protein expressions of p53 and k-ras were detected by Western blot.Results The expressions of p53 and k-ras mRNA of the residents in high radon area were 0.97 and 1.33 times of the control respectively (t =0.13,-1.12,P ＞0.05),and the p53 and k-ras protein levels were 0.70 and 1.23 times of the control respectively (t =0.72,0.46,P ＞ 0.05).The let-7a of the residents in high radon area was lower (t =1.63,P ＞ 0.05 ) while the miR-34a and miR-34b were significantly higher than those of the controls (t =- 3.20,- 3.32,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Based on the expressions of p53 and k-ras gene and miRNA,it can be concluded that the residents surrounding the high radon hot springs received radiation damage.

Expected Balneological Effects of Hot Springs in Tokyo 23 Wards / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

 Hot sprigs elements and balneological effects of Tokyo 23 wards, which is not recognized as hot spring region were considered. The density of the hot spring’s source in this region is high compared to other parts of the country. Moreover, a useful element and temperature for the balneological treatment was confirmed by the hot springs with deep digging in a lot of places.  The hot springs in Tokyo can be classified into the NaCl strong salt hot springs, NaHCO3, and the sodium metasilicates. The strong Na-Cl (salt) springs are recognized in hot springs found by deep digging, and exists everywhere in Tokyo. The hot springs of the NaHCO3 are localized in Ohta ward by moderate depth digging. The hot springs including with the rich sodium metasilicates in Ohta ward by shallow digging. If the hot springs in Tokyo are to be used the balneologically, the following effects are expected.  Thermal and warm keeping effects can be expected from the strong Na-Cl (salt) springs. Cleanness and smoothing effects of the skin can be expected of NaHCO3. Hyperkeratosis of the skin can be expected from rich sodium metasilicates.

Use of Hot Springs by Ambulatory Orthopaedic Patients / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

 The effects of hot springs have been described in many studies. However, few studies have reported the use of hot springs by patients. This study aimed to elucidate the use of hot springs by ambulatory orthopaedic patients. We prepared paper questionnaires on the use of hot springs by patients; these questionnaires were administered to ambulatory orthopaedic patients in our general hospital. The questions were as follows: (Q1) Is (Are) there any hot spring(s) near your residence? (Q2) Do you think hot springs are effective for improving your health? (Q3) Have you ever visited a hot spring in the past 1 year? If yes, what was the reason for visiting the hot spring? (Q4) If you did not visit any hot spring, what was the reason for not going? When you are unable to visit hot springs, do you use any alternative methods? (Q5) Do you want hot springs near your residence? The results were as follows: (Q1) Yes, 33 (61%); No, 20 (37%); and No answer, 1 (2%) (Q2) Yes, 15 (28%); Yes (a little), 29 (54%); Neutral, 7 (13%); and No, 3 (6%) (Q3) 1-2 times per year, 18 (33%); 3-4 times per year, 6 (11%); More than 5 times per year, 13 (24%); and No, 17 (31%) (Q4) Bear, 13 (24 %); Alternative, 23 (43%); Use spa, 8 (15%); and Others, 10 (19%) (Q5) Yes, 30 (56%); Yes (a little), 14 (26%); Neutral, 7 (13%); No, 1 (2%); and No answer, 2 (4%). The results of this study suggest that ambulatory orthopaedic patients have a good opinion about the effects of hot springs. Further, these patients visited hot springs. Orthopaedic surgeons must be well informed about the therapeutic use of hot springs.

Expected Balneological Effects of Hot Springs in Tokyo 23 Wards / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

 Hot sprigs elements and balneological effects of Tokyo 23 wards, which is not recognized as hot spring region were considered. The density of the hot spring’s source in this region is high compared to other parts of the country. Moreover, a useful element and temperature for the balneological treatment was confirmed by the hot springs with deep digging in a lot of places.<br> The hot springs in Tokyo can be classified into the NaCl strong salt hot springs, NaHCO<SUB>3</SUB>, and the sodium metasilicates. The strong Na-Cl (salt) springs are recognized in hot springs found by deep digging, and exists everywhere in Tokyo. The hot springs of the NaHCO<SUB>3</SUB> are localized in Ohta ward by moderate depth digging. The hot springs including with the rich sodium metasilicates in Ohta ward by shallow digging.<br>If the hot springs in Tokyo are to be used the balneologically, the following effects are expected.<br> Thermal and warm keeping effects can be expected from the strong Na-Cl (salt) springs. Cleanness and smoothing effects of the skin can be expected of NaHCO<SUB>3</SUB>. Hyperkeratosis of the skin can be expected from rich sodium metasilicates.

Use of Hot Springs by Ambulatory Orthopaedic Patients / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

 The effects of hot springs have been described in many studies. However, few studies have reported the use of hot springs by patients. This study aimed to elucidate the use of hot springs by ambulatory orthopaedic patients. We prepared paper questionnaires on the use of hot springs by patients; these questionnaires were administered to ambulatory orthopaedic patients in our general hospital. The questions were as follows: (Q1) Is (Are) there any hot spring(s) near your residence? (Q2) Do you think hot springs are effective for improving your health? (Q3) Have you ever visited a hot spring in the past 1 year? If yes, what was the reason for visiting the hot spring? (Q4) If you did not visit any hot spring, what was the reason for not going? When you are unable to visit hot springs, do you use any alternative methods? (Q5) Do you want hot springs near your residence? The results were as follows: (Q1) Yes, 33 (61%); No, 20 (37%); and No answer, 1 (2%) (Q2) Yes, 15 (28%); Yes (a little), 29 (54%); Neutral, 7 (13%); and No, 3 (6%) (Q3) 1-2 times per year, 18 (33%); 3-4 times per year, 6 (11%); More than 5 times per year, 13 (24%); and No, 17 (31%) (Q4) Bear, 13 (24 %); Alternative, 23 (43%); Use spa, 8 (15%); and Others, 10 (19%) (Q5) Yes, 30 (56%); Yes (a little), 14 (26%); Neutral, 7 (13%); No, 1 (2%); and No answer, 2 (4%). The results of this study suggest that ambulatory orthopaedic patients have a good opinion about the effects of hot springs. Further, these patients visited hot springs. Orthopaedic surgeons must be well informed about the therapeutic use of hot springs.