Turnover of the extracellular polymeric matrix of granules performing biological phosphate removal.

Polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) are responsible for enhanced biological phosphate removal (EBPR) from wastewater, where they grow embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). EPSs comprise a mixture of biopolymers like polysaccharides or (glyco)proteins. Despite previous studies, little is known about the dynamics of EPS in mixed cultures, and their production by PAOs and potential consumption by flanking microbes.

Adaptation of anammox bacteria to low temperature via gradual acclimation and cold shocks: Distinctions in protein expression, membrane composition and activities.

Anammox bacteria enable efficient removal of nitrogen from sewage in processes involving partial nitritation and anammox (PN/A) or nitrification, partial denitrification, and anammox (N-PdN/A). In mild climates, anammox bacteria must be adapted to ≤15 °C, typically by gradual temperature decrease; however, this takes months or years. To reduce the time necessary for the adaptation, an unconventional method of 'cold shocks' is promising, involving hours-long exposure of anammox biomass to extremely low temperatures.

Effect of nicotine on production of prostacyclin in human umbilical artery.

The influence of nicotine on the production of prostacyclin was studied in umbilical arteries from newborn infants of mothers who were smokers and those who were non-smokers. Thirteen umbilical cords were obtained from the non-smokers and 10 from the smokers. After their ability to produce prostacyclin was shown, the arteries were perfused during a 20 minute period with nicotine 10-7 mol in Krebs-Henseleit buffer and then again during 20 minutes with pure buffer.