Bacillus subtilis 168 is a gram-positive bacterium whose cell wall contains the highly electronegative polymers peptidoglycan (chemotype A1 gamma) and glycerol-based teichoic acid to produce a surface with a net negative charge with high metal binding capacity. During metabolism, a membrane-induced proton motive force continuously pumps protons into the wall fabric. As a result, a competition between protons and metal ions for anionic wall sites occurs, and less metal is bound in living cells than in nonliving cells or those in which the plasma membrane has been uncoupled. This was shown by using two metallic ions, UO2(2+) and Sc3+, on control cells, cells uncoupled with either carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone or NaN3, or cells killed by gamma radiation. Transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma atomic-emission spectroscopy showed that more metal was retained in the walls of nonliving cells and those with deenergized membranes than in their living counterparts.

Bacillus subtilis↗

PubMed1992

Genetic characterization of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 associated with respiratory disease in Australia.

Techniques were developed for genetic characterization of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 by using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Allozyme analysis provided an index of the discrimination achieved by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Isolates from human cases of legionellosis were examined by both methods, and their profiles were compared with reference strains of L. pneumophila serogroup 1 obtained from the American Type Culture Collection. Eighteen distinct clones were evident among the isolates examined. Both methods could be used to trace the source of an outbreak of legionellosis caused by L. pneumophila serogroup 1.

Australia↗

PubMed1991

Biofeedback therapy technique for treatment of urinary incontinence.

Biofeedback treatment of urinary incontinence is a management method that has low risk and therapeutic efficacy for selected patients. Biofeedback therapy techniques vary widely and have not been well described or standardized. A technique for biofeedback therapy is described that allows accurate signal monitoring and assures appropriate biofeedback to the patient. External anal sphincter electromyographic performance is presented to the patient as a color line graph with pitch variable audio feedback. The method has complete flexibility in providing biofeedback training according to patient performance level and is one that can be easily interpreted by patients who have voiding dysfunctions.

Aged↗

PubMed1991

The Roy Adaptation Model. Health teaching about osteoporosis.

1. Osteoporosis has an impact on quality of life and places a financial strain on the health care system. Occupational health nurses can play a key role in health education about osteoporosis because they have the most frequent contact with at risk persons. 2. The Roy Adaptation Model presents a holistic approach for assessment of persons at risk and allows for planning of nursing interventions. 3. A concerted effort must be made to ensure persons at risk engage in health promoting strategies to decrease the incidence of the disease.

Adaptation, Psychological↗