Multi-omic analyses can provide information on the potential for activity within a microbial community but often lack specificity to link functions to cell, primarily offer potential for function or rely on annotated databases. Functional assays are necessary for understanding in situ microbial activity to better describe and improve microbiome biology. Targeting enzyme activity through activity-based protein profiling enhances the accuracy of functional studies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHere, we report on eight sediment metagenomes obtained from an alkaline hot spring, with their corresponding metagenome-assembled genomes. Samples had been incubated for 48 h with various substrate amendments in conjunction with the amino acid analog l-homopropargylglycine in a study targeted at identifying anabolicly active uncultured thermophilic archaea and bacteria.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOrganic-rich, hydrothermal sediments of the Guaymas Basin are inhabited by diverse microbial communities including many uncultured lineages with unknown metabolic potential. Here we investigated the short-term effect of polysaccharide amendment on a sediment microbial community to identify taxa involved in the initial stage of macromolecule degradation. We incubated anoxic sediment with cellulose, chitin, laminarin, and starch and analyzed the total and active microbial communities using bioorthogonal non-canonical amino acid tagging (BONCAT) combined with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnzyme stability and activity at elevated temperatures are important aspects in biotechnological industries, such as the conversion of plant biomass into biofuels. In order to reduce the costs and increase the efficiency of biomass conversion, better enzymatic processing must be developed. Hot springs represent a treasure trove of underexplored microbiological and protein chemistry diversity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMetagenomic studies have revolutionized our understanding of the metabolic potential of uncultured microorganisms in various ecosystems. However, many of these genomic predictions have yet to be experimentally tested, and the functional expression of genomic potential often remains unaddressed. In order to obtain a more thorough understanding of cell physiology, novel techniques capable of testing microbial metabolism under close to in situ conditions must be developed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBilevel positive airway pressure ventilation (BIPAP) has been used in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients as a bridge to transplantation. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of BIPAP use before transplantation on post-transplantation morbidity and mortality. We performed a retrospective study at a tertiary care center.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Lung transplantation is a well-established therapeutic option for end-stage lung disease in cystic fibrosis. Although it confers a clear survival advantage, outcome differs among centers according to local experience, patient selection, transplantation procedure, and postoperative care.
Objectives: To evaluate the national Israeli experience with lung transplantation in patients with CF.
Objectives: To characterize the incidence of patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) in Israel and their outcomes.
Methods: We have evaluated retrospectively all the patients in Israel in whom PPH was diagnosed between the years 1988 and 1997. We looked at medical history, hemodynamic data, pulmonary function and gas exchange, and demographic variables.
The results obtained from fibreoptic bronchoscopy preformed under fluoroscopic guidance were evaluated in a prospective study of 71 consecutive patients with a peripheral lung lesion more than 2 cm in diameter on the chest radiograph. A peripheral lung lesion was defined as a lesion that was not seen within the bronchial tree at fibreoptic bronchoscopy. Small volume washings, bronchoalveolar lavage, transbronchial biopsy, and bronchial brushings were carried out and fluid or tissue was sent for cytological or histological examination as appropriate.
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