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S Ciesielski

Publications and source records attributed to S Ciesielski.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Molecular detection and diversity of medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates-producing bacteria enriched from activated sludge.

AIMS: Knowledge of the species composition of complex bacterial communities is still very limited. The main objectives of this study were to identify medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHAs)-producing bacteria from activated sludge fed with methanol as well as to characterize their PHA operon. METHODS AND RESULTS: The identification was based on PCR amplification of mcl-PHA synthase gene fragments. In the analysed sample, four isolates possessing mcl-PHA synthesis systems were distinguished. The results of a 16S rDNA sequence analysis revealed that three strains belonged to Pseudomonas species and the fourth one was characterized as Comamonas testosteroni. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the PCR-RFLP approach is an excellent way to identify mcl-PHA-synthesizing micro-organisms. The discovery of 4 genetic variants, among the 20 analysed, demonstrates that microbial diversity of activated sludge is high and thus offers a great opportunity for the discovery of novel gene forms. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: An important discovery of this study is that C. testosteroni could harbour mcl-PHA operon. Moreover, the results obtained indicate that PHAs synthesis ability can be spread by horizontal gene transfer. The results of a comparative phylogenetic analysis revealed that mcl-PHA-synthesizing bacteria can be divided into Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa groups.

Acyltransferases↗
PubMed2002

Androgenesis in rainbow trout using cryopreserved spermatozoa: the effect of processing and biological factors.

In addition to producing homozygous lines for biomedical and genomic research and monosex stocks for commercial purposes, androgenesis is the biotechnology considered most promising and reliable for recovering complete nuclear genome information from cryopreserved fish cells. That is because procedures of cryopreserving spermatozoa, contrary to procedures for oocytes or entire eggs, are being well developed. Application of androgenesis in genome banking programs addresses the needs of both the aquaculture industry (safeguard for valuable strains and lines) and natural resource conservation (in vitro protection of endangered species or populations). The present study was focused on successful production of an androgenetic rainbow trout stock using cryopreserved spermatozoa. Our report constitutes the first time a full factorial analysis of processing and biological factors affecting androgenesis efficacy has been presented. Also for the first time, the survival of androgenetic individuals during 2 years of life was recorded. Remarkably high survival rates were observed in one of the two experiments-up to 42.5 +/- 2.8% of hatched larvae, 22.5 +/- 0.1% of swim-up larvae and 10.5% of androgenetic alevins 0.4 g. Mortality rates in androgenetic groups were high especially during the first 6 months. In all, 114 androgenetic individuals (0.9%) survived 2 years. Cryopreservation of spermatozoa generally did not affect androgenesis efficiency significantly, however, this effect was significantly dependent on the method of ploidization shock and on the duration of treatment. Significant interactions were revealed between the irradiation dose and the magnitude of pressure applied, and between the treatment of sperm and duration of pressure shock. Individual variability of spermatozoa donors significantly affected androgenesis efficiency regardless of their genetic (outbred or inbred) origin. Genetic source of the oocytes, contrary to spermatozoa, proved to be an important factor. Following findings of other researchers that androgenesis using cryopreserved spermatozoa is possible, we demonstrated that viable stock could be successfully established from cryopreserved nuclear genome information. Complex statistical analysis of previously developed procedures resulted in information-rich data regarding factorial interactions helpful for developing protocols in genome-restoration programs.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Inhibition of neutrophil elastase activity by phenolic compounds from plants.

The influence of 40 phenolic compounds from plants were tested on the enzymatic activity of neutrophil elastase (EC 3.4.21.37). Among the flavonoids especially the compounds with a catecholic structure showed a strong inhibitory activity in the range of mumol/l, hyperosid was the strongest inhibitor with an IC50 of about 0.3 mumol/l. Lipophilic caffeic acid esters and phenolic compounds with catecholic structure elements in general inhibited the enzyme. Because of the specific role of neutrophil elastase in the inflammatory process its inhibition by phenolic natural compounds might be one explanation for the use of medicinal plants containing phenolic compounds in the treatment of inflammation.

Caffeic Acids↗
PubMed2000

Mitochondrial DNA sequence from an extinct population of European vendace, Coregonus albula L.

Nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial DNA control region was determined for the formalin-preserved specimen of the individual European vendace, Coregonus albula, belonging to an extinct population. The specimen has been preserved and stored in formalin for 39 years. A comparison with two previously determined sequences obtained for specimens from other populations of vendace revealed both nucleotide substitutions and site heteroplasmy. The ability to sequence DNA from formalin-preserved museum specimens of rare or extinct taxa provides another sampling strategy for phylogenetic studies on fish.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

The incidence of tuberculosis among North Carolina migrant farmworkers, 1991.

All locatable subjects (n = 94) for whom tuberculosis prevalence had been determined in an earlier study were tested with purified protein derivative (PPD) and control antigens, sputum sampling, and chest x-rays. Of the 46 who had been tuberculin negative (confirmed with control antigens) 3 years earlier, 2 had developed active tuberculosis in the interim and 14 (30%) were tuberculin positive. All had been engaged continuously in migrant farmwork. Lack of access to health care, an institutional feature of migrant farmwork, was significantly associated with primary infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Pesticide exposures, cholinesterase depression, and symptoms among North Carolina migrant farmworkers.

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a clinic-based study of erythrocyte cholinesterase levels, pesticide exposures, and health effects among farmworkers and nonfarmworkers to determine risks for exposure and associated morbidity. METHODS: Two hundred two farmworkers and 42 nonfarmworkers were recruited sequentially at two community health centers. Erythrocyte cholinesterase levels were measured colorimetrically. Questionnaires obtained data on demographics, occupational history, exposures, and symptoms. RESULTS: Cholinesterase levels were significantly lower among farmworkers (30.28 U/g hemoglobin) than among nonfarmworkers (32.3 U/g hemoglobin). Twelve percent of farmworkers, but no nonfarmworkers, had very low levels. Farmworkers applying pesticides also had lower cholinesterase levels. One half of farmworkers reported being sprayed by pesticides and working in fields with an obvious chemical smell. Of reported symptoms, only diarrhea was associated with cholinesterase levels. Reported exposures, however, were strongly associated with symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Farmworkers reported many pesticide exposures that violate state and federal regulations. Farmworkers had cholinesterase levels significantly lower than those of nonfarmworkers, although only spraying pesticides was associated with very low levels.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed1991

The microbiologic quality of drinking water in North Carolina migrant labor camps.

A two-year study of the microbiological quality of drinking water in 27 randomly selected North Carolina migrant labor camps yielded total and fecal coliform prevalences of 44 percent and 26 percent, respectively in 1988 and similar but higher prevalences in 1989. Preoccupancy testing by county sanitarians had found virtually no total coliform contamination. These findings suggest that a potential source of contamination existed and that current testing protocols which rely on preoccupancy testing may be inadequate.

Enterobacteriaceae↗
PubMed1991

Occupational injuries among North Carolina migrant farmworkers.

A population-based cross-sectional study of occupational injuries among a random sample of 287 migrant farmworkers demonstrated frequent obstacles to health care; 65% (11/17) of the more seriously injured subjects did not receive prompt care or never received care. Subjects not receiving prompt care were twice as likely to have incomplete recovery. Employers covered medical expenses for only 5/13 (38%) of the injured workers, and only 3/15 were compensated for lost work. This study indicates that comprehensive Workers' Compensation coverage is urgently needed in North Carolina.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1980

Incubator noise and vibration--possible iatrogenic influence on neonate.

Analysis of noise and vibration from infant incubators (models Medicor and CN2) revealed average noise levels (peak values) of 60 dB (A-weighted) and 73.5 dB (linear) and values for vibration where the infant's head normally rests were 0.065 m/sec2 (A-weighted) and 0.14 m/sec2 (linear), and at the infants' feet were 0.105 m/sec 2 (A-weighted) and 0.58 m/sec2 (linear). On the basis of present knowledge of the physiologic effects of noise and vibration, we discuss the influence of long-term noise and vibration exposures on the neonate; they provide a threat to carbohydrate, aliphatic compound and protein-enzymatic metabolic transformations and produce changes in cardiovascular, pituitary--adrenal axis and auditory systems.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

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Career Mobility↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The seroprevalence of cysticercosis, malaria, and Trypanosoma cruzi among North Carolina migrant farmworkers.

A seroprevalence study of cysticercosis, Trypanosoma cruzi, and plasmodia species and screening for active malaria was conducted among a randomly selected group of 138 Hispanic and Haitian migrant farmworkers. A random sample of labor camps in eastern North Carolina was selected. Blood samples were tested by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody techniques for plasmodial antibody and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for cysticerci and T. cruzi antibodies. Questionnaires collected demographic data and medical history of the workers and family. Blood films stained with Leukostat stain were examined for plasmodia species. The seroprevalence of cysticercosis was 10 percent, T. cruzi 2 percent, and plasmodia species 4.4 percent. One case of active malaria (Plasmodium vivax) was demonstrated. The clinical significance of seropositivity was not determined, but these results suggest that a small but significant number of farmworkers are infected with cysticercosis, T. cruzi, and malaria. Migrant health clinicians should be aware of the possible presence of these infections. Greater observance and enforcement of sanitation regulations in farmwork is needed to prevent transmission of cysticercosis.

Agriculture↗