Bacteria use a catabolic patchwork pathway of apparently recent origin for degradation of the synthetic buffer compound TRIS.

The synthetic buffer compound TRIS (2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol) is used in countless applications, and no detailed information on its degradation has been published so far. Herein, we describe the discovery of a complete bacterial degradation pathway for TRIS. By serendipity, a Pseudomonas strain was isolated from sewage sludge that was able to grow with TRIS as only carbon and nitrogen source.

Interviews with anti-HIV-positive individuals detected through the systematic screening of blood donations: consequences on predonation medical interview.

This study is based upon interviews with 74 individuals found to be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive through the screening of blood donations between January 1988 and December 1990. The donation history and the risk factor of HIV infection were established. Questions about the use of blood donation as a diagnostic test and on the notion of a predonation medical interview evoking the risk factor were asked.