What is new in SEM for business? Rebecca Caroe discusses the Wild West of agency service providers and how to avoid getting ripped off by a marketing firm.
Louise runs the Creative Store – a recruitment and placement agency specialising in the creative industries. This is her interview with Rebecca published in August 2018. When starting our companies, Louise and Rebecca shared offices in the BizDojo and shared jokes about English sweets and beer!
Q. How do you define search engine marketing?
A. Anything you do for your business that gets it showing up in search results. So this can cover keyword SEO on your website, having a strong LinkedIn profile, guest articles, Slideshare presentations and advertising.
Q. Are many companies doing a terrible job of this?
A. It is my view that SEO service provision is a "wild west" there are a lot of cowboys. This is not just a supply side problem, it's also caused by clients who do not brief well, are not experienced buyers and have unrealistic expectations of what is possible. We know that business owners come to our events because they want to learn. Many tell anecdotes about past experiences which didn't go well. To challenge and counteract the wild west, I am part of a Facebook group called The Ethical Digital Marketing Community (EDMC) – you're very welcome to join us, share and learn together. I certainly don't claim to have all the answers.
Q. How do you identify your clients?
A. Our clients are businesses who sell to other businesses. Many are new to marketing and do not have in-house staff with expertise.
Normally, they aren't going wrong – they are getting started. For many, the part of their marketing which they notice is not performing is their website. It's not showing up in search, they aren't getting inbound enquiries and competitors are more prominent. We recommend they do a self-test using WooRank Checker or Hubspot Website Grader Tool and see what their website score out of 100 is. That identifies many of the areas where they're underperforming.
Q. If clients wish to engage you, is this on a retainer or do you do a sweep of their work for a charge?
A. We do both. Unusually for an agency we are very happy to train and up-skill the client's team and also work with existing agencies who they already have on retainer. Our strategic leadership allows both to deliver better outcomes for the client – and that is always the end goal. By having a clear strategy and goals we are able to brief agencies better, they work to a clear objective and the client trusts us both to get the results. It's a win-win-win scenario.
Q. You are hosting an exciting event with Blair Enns in October about this subject – how do you put a price on your work – what will we expect to see from this workshop?
Q. Who needs your services the most?
A. Owner-managed businesses where the owners don't know modern digital marketing and are too busy to do it themselves.
Q. Where is the future of SEM going?
A. Deeper and wider into ever more businesses. Good SEM techniques are straightforward to apply to any business. I summarise this into – State what you do, Answer questions clearly and Keep your focus on local or niche audiences. Then repeat and improve.
Q. Any helpful tips and hints to our clients on their SEM and simples fixes they could be applying?
A. Sure – Three things. 1 do a website check and see what your score out of 100 is. 2 connect your Google Analytics and Search Console so you can see the queries driving your natural search traffic. 3 review where your last 10 new clients came from – was it referrals or web search or directories or public speaking or something else. Then double down on what's working and do more of it.
A. More collaborative relationships with other agencies and mutual clients. I firmly believe that collaboration is an under-used business principle and it is working amazingly well for us. Who doesn't want to look good in front of the client?
Anyone should know that to establish a good online brand presence, you need a good Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) strategy. Keywords are a main part of that strategy – they're more than just using the right tags to find relevant blog posts – they help boost your business' search results so your website gets more traffic.
Last year, we helped Living Goodness develop an SEO strategy that saw them appear on the front page! And to top off the cake, it was also the first time that Living Goodness ranked higher than a competitor.
Seventh place! Not too shabby.
In this blog article, I'll show you three key skills that we utilised for their SEO strategy, and show you how you can put them to work on your own business.
For example, Living Goodness were ranking for "fermented foods nz" (though they appeared on the second page of search results). They wanted to rank higher for this search term, and also wished to show up for "sauerkraut nz".
Which we achieved, by the way.
We went on to conduct our own research to find relevant keywords that would complement these. A handy tool that we turned to is called Answer the Public.
This allowed us to see what users were also searching for alongside the terms "fermented foods nz" and "sauerkraut nz". We picked up key phrases and words such as "probiotics", "raw", "organic" and "kimchi" alongside many more. This also gave us a good starting point for blog article ideas.
These were just a few places where we implemented keywords into the existing content in a manner that was natural and flowed. Being a business that sells fermented foods, this wasn't a problem. We also made sure we used a mix of these keywords because no one likes repetition (especially not Google!).
Keywords aren't the only way to boost SEO. There are many things that affect search engine rankings, and relevance is a big contender. If people aren't spending long enough on your website and are bouncing away quickly (tip: check the bounce rate in Google Analytics), it may very well mean they're not finding what they are looking for on your website.
Internal links are a great way to boost SEO and retain website traffic. If you aren't linking to your products whenever you mention them, it's a huge opportunity wasted. You also want to encourage a longer customer journey by suggesting other pages that are relevant.
For Living Goodness, we added links to their stockists page and social media handles on the recipes pages. This call-to-action prompted visitors to seek the closest stockist after reading a delicious recipe – "Are you running low on delicious sauerkraut or kimchi? Check out your local stockist here." The social media links also encouraged visitors to share any of the recipes they'd followed. Being a foodie Instagram account, any photos using a Living Goodness product was free user-generated content, and of course, we were going to make the most of it!
As you can see, these tips are all very simple, easy and free to do. Hopefully, you're able to apply them to your website straight away.
All these were tasks that we did as part of our SEO Starter Pack. It's a comprehensive analysis of a website with actions to improve SEO and a recommended guide for next steps.


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Marcus Niebuhr Tod OBE FBA (* 24. November 1878 in Highgate, London; † 21. Februar 1974 in Birmingham) war ein britischer Epigraphiker. Von 1905 bis 1947 war er Tutor und Dozent am Oriel College der University of Oxford.

Leben
Marcus Niebuhr Tod war der zweite Sohn des Teehändlers John Tod (1847–1916) und Gertrude Tod, geb. von Niebuhr (1849–1889). Er war mütterlicherseits Enkel des preußischen Staatsbeamten Marcus von Niebuhr (1817–1860) und Urenkel des Althistorikers Barthold Georg Niebuhr (1776–1831).

Tod besuchte die Merchant Taylors' School in London und studierte von 1897 bis 1901 Alte Geschichte und Klassische Philologie am St John's College der University of Oxford. Anschließend vertiefte er seine Studien an der British School at Athens, wo er 1902 zum stellvertretenden Leiter und Bibliothekar ernannt wurde. Bereits 1903 wurde er zum Fellow des Oriel College an der University of Oxford ernannt; er trat diese Stelle jedoch erst 1905 an. Mit der British School at Athens hielt er weiterhin Kontakt. Von 1907 bis 1939 gehörte er ihrem Managing Committee an.

Seine weitere Laufbahn verbrachte Tod in Oxford, unterbrochen nur von seinem Einsatz im Ersten Weltkrieg: Er diente von 1915 bis 1919 als Übersetzer in Makedonien, zuletzt im Rang eines Hauptmanns, und erhielt für seinen Einsatz den Order of the British Empire sowie das Croix de guerre mit Palmen.

In Oxford wirkte Tod als Assistant Tutor (ab 1914: Tutor) am Oriel College und von 1907 bis 1949 als Dozent für Griechische Epigraphik. Von 1929 bis 1938 war er Senior Tutor, von 1935 bis 1946 Vice-Provost des College. 1940 gab er die Tutorenstelle ab. Im November 1947 trat er in den Ruhestand. Kurz darauf zog er mit seiner Frau nach Birmingham zu seiner Tochter, wo er bis ins hohe Alter seine Forschungsarbeit fortsetzte.

Marcus Niebuhr Tods Forschungsarbeit galt verschiedenen Aspekten der griechischen Epigraphik. Er verfasste sowohl allgemeinverständliche Bücher und Artikel (unter anderem für die Encyclopedia Britannica) als auch Spezialstudien, die insbesondere im Bereich der Numismatik und der griechischen Zahlschrift wegweisend waren. Seine wichtigsten Aufsätze erschienen wenige Jahre nach seinem Tod in drei Sammelbänden.

Für seine Verdienste erhielt Tod zahlreiche Ehrungen: 1912 erhielt er den Conington Prize der University of Oxford für sein Werk über das griechische Schiedsgericht (erschienen 1913). Er war Mitglied der British Academy (ab 1929), korrespondierendes Mitglied des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts (ab 1905) und Ehrendoktor der Universitäten zu Oxford, Birmingham, Dublin und Edinburgh.

Schriften (Auswahl)
 mit Alan Wace: A Catalogue of the Sparta Museum. Oxford 1906.
 International Arbitration Amongst the Greeks. Oxford 1913.
 Sidelights on Greek History: Three Lectures on the Light Thrown by Greek Inscriptions on the Life and Thought of the Ancient World. Oxford 1932.
 Deutsche Ausgabe von Gerhard Raabe und Gerhard Pfohl: Streiflichter auf die griechische Geschichte. Drei Vorlesungen über die aus griechischen Inschriften zu gewinnenden Aufschlüsse über Leben und Denken der Alten Welt. Darmstadt 1968.
 A Selection of Greek Historical Inscriptions. Zwei Bände, Oxford 1933–1948.
 Ancient Greek Numerical Systems. Six Studies. Chicago 1979 (Nachdruck von sechs Aufsätzen aus dem Annual of the British School at Athens und dem Journal of Hellenic Studies).
 Epigraphical Notes on Greek Coinage. Chicago 1979 (Nachdruck von vier Aufsätzen aus dem Numismatic Chronicle, 1945–1955).
 The Progress of Greek Epigraphy 1937–1953. Chicago 1979 (Nachdruck von Literaturberichten aus dem Journal of Hellenic Studies, 1939–1955).

Literatur
 An Address Presented to Marcus Niebuhr Tod on His Seventieth Birthday. Oxford 1948 (mit Schriftenverzeichnis).
 Gerhard Pfohl: M. N. Tod †. In: Anzeiger für die Altertumswissenschaft, Band 25 (1972), S. 384.
 Russell Meiggs: Marcus Niebuhr Tod. In: Proceedings of the British Academy. Band 60 (1974), S. 485–495 (mit Bild).
 Maurice Bowra: New Bats in Old Belfries, or: Some Loose Tiles. Oxford 2005, S. 3–5.

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Epigraphiker
Hochschullehrer (University of Oxford)
Person im Ersten Weltkrieg (Vereinigtes Königreich)
Officer des Order of the British Empire
Mitglied der British Academy
Mitglied des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts
Ehrendoktor der University of Birmingham
Ehrendoktor der Universität Dublin
Ehrendoktor der University of Edinburgh
Ehrendoktor der University of Oxford
Brite
Engländer
Geboren 1878
Gestorben 1974
Mann

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We take learning seriously at Saint John's Prep. Our outstanding faculty and staff challenge our students to reach beyond the familiar to try something new, to create, imagine or invent. We engage our students not only as they are but in relation to all that they can become.
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In Memoriam – Robert Testa
Posted on November 24, 2020 in Obituaries
Robert (Bob) Testa
Father of Nicole Testa Boston '88, Jason Testa '90 and Brandon Testa '92
Robert (Bob) Testa passed away peacefully on November 17, 2020 at home, as he hoped he would. The outgoing and personable business owner was a fixture in the St. Cloud community who cherished his family and friends above all else, as well as embraced and relished the simple joys in life.
Bob was born March 24, 1939 on the South Side of Chicago. He was the son of Italian immigrants, Tranquillo Testa and Irene Vallortigara, and an alumnus of Chicago's Christian Fenger Academy High School.
In 1964 Bob moved to St. Cloud and opened the House of Pizza on Fifth Avenue. As an owner of what he called "a small pizza shop," Bob took great pride in his business and the community he served. He was a charming conversationalist who delighted in chatting with customers, never forgot a name, and genuinely enjoyed helping others. He was strong, proud, fearless, and found a silver lining in every situation. We are so proud of him and grateful for having had him in our lives.
Bob loved patronizing local establishments, traveling near and far, picture-taking, meat raffles, fish fries, weekend getaways, a glass of red wine with an ice cube, festivals and fairs, visiting the Poor Clare's, and most of all socializing with family and friends, new and old.
He took great pride in his children's and grandchildren's varied activities, flipped pizzas for school classes and was always quick to hand out a gift card to his favorite restaurant in town – House of Pizza. He enjoyed old movies and analog phones. He relished a pull tab win almost as much as pulling a stuffed animal out of a box with a crane. He always rooted for the Vikings and was thankful to have lived to see the Chicago Cubs win a World Series. He looked forward to quiet walks in Heritage Park as much as he did discovering a collectible cuckoo clock. The phrase "eat your fruit" will be remembered for generations to come as well as his appetite for artichokes, liver and onions, and of course, a good sausage, mushroom, onion and green pepper pizza.
Bob is survived by his significant other Andrea Steven; the mother of his children Ruth Labat, his children Nicole Testa Boston, Jason Testa and Brandon Testa; son-in-law Gerry; grandsons Marcel, Elliot, David and Jonathan.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, his brothers Ken Cort and Dick Cortopassi, their wives Norma and Rosemary and his ever faithful dog Tiffer.
Bob's family is deeply grateful to CentraCare Hospice and his compassionate team of caregivers, Deb, Dean, Dana, Laura, Peg, Chris, Cindee, Makcario, Katie, and all of those behind the scenes who supported Bob and his family this past year as he dealt with Parkinson's and in his final weeks, COVID.
Donations in Bob's memory may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate) or to the Poor Clare Nuns of St. Clare's Monastery (421 South 4th Street, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379) where Bob sought prayer and solace throughout his life. A celebration of his life will be held at a future date.
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Acclaimed Canadian artist Patrick Watson confirms new U.S. and European fall tour dates in support of his new album Love Songs for Robots (out now via Domino Records). The tour will now run through December, concluding with dates in New York City (at Irving Plaza) and Philadelphia (Underground Arts). The first of his US Love Songs For Robots dates is tonight, at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC.
In celebration of the commencement of the US tour, Patrick Watson is pleased to share a video for "Hearts", recorded at a secret album release show in Montreal recently. Watch the video below.
In addition, KCRW yesterday featured previous single "Places You Will Go" as "Today's Top Tune"—a preview to Watson's upcoming appearance on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" on June 5.
The music was recorded at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles and Pierre Marchand Studio in Montreal. Of the record, some of which debuted at private concerts in small loft spaces, Watson explains, "I wanted to make a science fiction R n' B meets Vangelis erotica with a zest of folk kind of record." It was only halfway through writing the record when the artist found himself having, by his own submission, "a bad year" did more personal themes begin to creep in. "I started thinking about how emotional reactions were more mechanical than we think and the only thing left between us and artificial intelligence is the act of inspiration. Just food for thought." Watch the official video for "Places You Will Go" here.
Love Songs For Robots is available on iTunes. The vinyl edition comes with an additional 7", featuring a non-album track, and can be along with the CD on the Domino Mart.
06/06 San Diego CA @ The Casbah !


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California Is Clueless. There, I Said It.
Ann-Marie Murrell Send an email December 15, 2012
My husband and I recently drove almost 900 miles round trip to see our friend, Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, get sworn into the California State Assembly in Sacramento. I've been writing politically for almost three years now; I've interviewed some "less-than-savory" politicians and have seen the ugly underbelly of issues—but I'm not sure anything could have prepared me for the crazy, backwards idiocy that is Sacramento.
First, I'll share a little bit of the "good". Like most of California, the Capitol building and surrounding grounds are stunningly beautiful. There's a park leading up to the Capitol filled with a variety of California trees, from palm to Sequoia to citrus. It actually looked like fall for a change (and no, I didn't plan to wear a skirt that matched the leaves…).
The Capitol building was built in 1874. Ignoring California's Spanish heritage and history, it features Roman-style columns and a statues.
The inside of the Capitol building is as grand as the outside, with heavy wood, marble parquet floors and stunning stairwells.
The entrance to the Governor's office is flanked by a giant (copper?) bear and I had to continuously remind myself that Governor Reagan once had his office in there (and not just Jerry Brown…)
And speaking of Brown, all the California Governor portraits line the hallway as you entire the Assembly room. Governor Brown's portrait is, to say the least, "interesting". First, here is Ronald Reagan's portrait, which represents the style of all the other governors:
…and here is Jerry Brown's portrait:
See what I mean? "Interesting."
For the swearing in ceremony, we sat in the in the Assembly room. The Assembly floor is impressive; each Assemblyman gets his or her personal desk, laptop and 'voting key'.
I won't bore you with too many details about the swearing in ceremony but will tell you the lack of self-awareness in the California legislature is beyond extremely disturbing.
The most accurate, graphic way I can describe what I witnessed regarding California "government" is to (dramatically) compare them to a demented, sociopathic serial killer. Not only are they trying to justify the murder of California, they are dressing up the corpse and pretending it's still alive.
Opening "Prayer": Despite being led by a Catholic priest, it was as political and agenda driven as it could possibly be, all about how we should "welcome the immigrants, the fruit pickers, and field workers" and "provide for them as our ancestors wanted us to…" I almost expected him to sing a verse of "Imagine" at the end.
Gay Speaker of the Assembly: When outwardly gay Juan A. Perez was reelected as Speaker of the Assembly, one of his gay activist Assemblyman fans, Democrat Tom Ammiano, crassly yelled out, "Long live the Queen!" (An older woman who had a crew cut and was dressed in a suit and tie loudly clapped for this…)
Clueless in California: Speaker Perez talked about how California was in crisis and was doing poorly (yes, all in past tense!) but was now doing great and on the right track. He claimed trade and industry were increasing, that California is once again "attracting businesses" and "maintaining our standing as global leaders". Um, perhaps Speaker Perez might spend less time promoting gay causes and read a few of these California statistics instead:
Harvard ranked California is 33rd in health, education and welfare.
California has won the title "Worst Run State" for the past two years by WallStreet.com.
Sadly, the only way anyone or anything can change is if they believe there's a reason to do so—and from what I saw during my brief visit to California's capitol, the "leaders" controlling the government really and truly think things are copasetic out here. Yes, we have great leaders like Assemblyman Donnelly and a handful of others—but out of the 80 Assemblymen sworn in, only 25 are GOP.
I'm not giving up on California—yet. If the California GOP could grow some backbone and stop thinking they have to bend over backwards to effect change, we might stand a chance. Some of our Conservative politicians, like Assemblyman Donnelly, believe that this is the way to handle state-killing regulations and useless bills:
Many Conservative Californians have understandably given up on this once-Golden state and believe the only way to survive is to move away. Frankly at this point, it would be foolish not to consider all options. But is it over? Do the rest of us GOP-types living in California just roll over and play dead? The fighting Patriot inside me says NO. What we need is a champion out here–someone who's not afraid of the Union machine and the Alinsky/Socialists running us into the ground. It would definitely be a "David vs. Goliath" fight; Meg Whitman with her gazillion dollars couldn't even beat Jerry Brown. But spoiler alert–David wins!
And yet…after witnessing firsthand the aggressive progressives in Sacramento who are leading us closer to bankruptcy and killing all hope for any type of fiscal responsibility or reform, even the optimist in me is exhausted and starting to think it may all be for naught.
Ann-Marie Murrell
Ann-Marie Murrell is one of the creators of PolitiChicks and co-owns the site with Morgan Brittany. Ann-Marie is co-author of two bestselling books, "What Women (Really) Want" and "PolitiChicks: A Clarion Call to Political Activism". She has appeared on dozens of television shows including Fox & Friends, CNN, Hannity, the Dr. Phil Show, Huckabee, Lou Dobbs, C-SPAN, One America News, Stuart Varney & Company, Newsmax, MSNBC, and more. In addition to PolitiChicks, Ann-Marie has written for multiple other news sites. You can find Ann-Marie Murrell on Facebook and Twitter: @PolitichickAM E-mail: [email protected]
Unconditional Surrender from Another Time
Through the Tears


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Take chapter 12, which is devoted to Webster's Dictionary, an American Dictionary of the English Language compiled by Noah Webster, a distant cousin of Daniel. First, there is a bit of discourse about other dictionaries, including the behemoth Oxford English Dictionary (OED) that we wrongly assumed hasn't changed since Victoria ruled Britannia.
Who knew Thanksgiving was a moveable feast? In a presidential proclamation in 1939, Franklin Delano Roosevelt changed the date of Thanksgiving. Even in the 1930s, retailers were hand-wringing over sales if Thanksgiving was late and holiday shopping was curtailed. So, FDR mentioned at a news conference in August that he was going to reschedule Thanksgiving to earlier in November.
Quite a flap ensued in the newspapers. New Hampshire Sen. Henry Styles Bridges suggested that, while he was at it, the president could abolish winter. Because calendars were printed in advance, there were many that showed the holiday on the wrong date. Eventually, the House of Representatives passed a bill "officially establishing Thanksgiving as a federal holiday on the last Thursday of November." So, henceforth there will be no mucking about with this national holiday.
The book covers other documents of importance including Robert's Rules of Order, The Riot Act of 1714, Alfred Nobel's will, and the Rules of Association Football (known in the U.S. as soccer), to name a few.
Curl up with a cup of tea and Fannie Farmer's oatmeal cookies for a read of Janes' book. You'll know a bit more about why things are the way they are, and not another way.


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Bobi Wine Kicks as Yoweri Museveni is Declared President for the Sixth Term in Uganda
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The Socialist Politics of Envy: What the World Can Learn from Nigeria's Unfolding Disaster
byAdaeze Uche
You are here: Home » Opinion
'POVERTY IS GOOD'
POPULISM IS GOOD POLITICS
AOC, TRUMP AND FARAGE IN ONE
DEMONIZATION AND SCAPEGOATING
NIGERIA'S UNFOLDING CATASTROPHE
ENVY POLITICS IS DEADLY POLITICS
Africa's most populated country and the world's 26th largest economy is heading for a meltdown as a direct result of envy politics.
It was an election between a multimillionaire pro-business candidate seen as part of the establishment and a self-proclaimed hero of the masses who railed against corrupt elites and promised to fight for the little guy. While this may seem to be the story of pretty much every election nowadays since the shock victory of Donald Trump in 2016, the results of Nigeria's recent elections contain a very important message from an imperilled country about the dangers of using socialist rhetoric and envy politics as a tool of governance.
It is a story that shows how the populist tactics deployed by Trump and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have infected the global political discourse, becoming powerful tools for emerging dictatorships and incompetent governments to entrench themselves in power. Whether dressed up in right-wing clothes as in Trump's case or presented as new age "socialism" as with AOC, the basic method is the same – the weaponization of envy and use of scapegoats to achieve political goals at the expense of good economics and common sense.
If the collapse of Venezuela got the world's attention, the impending collapse of Nigeria, with six times the population of Venezuela, will be positively seismic. This is what happened, and here is how the world can learn from it.
Typically decided along ethnic and religious lines, these elections took on a decidedly economic posture, with the generally prosperous South voting as one for the first time in favour of Atiku Abubakar. This was an economically liberal challenger and successful businessman who promised to introduce comprehensive cryptocurrency regulation in his campaign manifesto after Nigerians were forced to become prolific crypto traders due to the woes of the naira, which fell over 85 percent in 2016 alone. The largely impoverished North, however, voted almost unanimously for the famously statist incumbent Muhammadu Buhari.
Following four years of woeful economic performance, including Nigeria's first recession in a quarter of a century, Buhari's campaign message was no longer that fighting corruption would grow the economy – which it clearly failed to do in his first term. The message was something altogether different – that Nigerians should learn to accept poverty as the price for "fighting corruption."
While this message elicited stunned reactions from many voters, it turned out to be right on the money in terms of hitting the emotional lever of an even greater number of people.
Despite being far behind where it should be on a per capita basis, Nigeria's $411 billion economy has a significant population of US Dollar billionaires and millionaires, in addition to a large population of middle class professionals in cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Ibadan – predominantly in the country's South. This fact is often overshadowed by the preponderance of extreme poverty, particularly in the North.
The glaring economic divide between North and South has been used alongside with ethnic and religious politics in the past, but this election was the first time that no attempt was made to promise economic growth to those in need of it. Instead, the message was that poverty in Nigeria is a sign of virtue because only the "corrupt" are able to live well. Like a certain social media sensation-cum-Congresswoman across the Atlantic, Buhari was the "man of the people," campaigning with a message that their honest poverty is not their fault and is nothing to be ashamed of.
Also READ USA: From Trump to Biden
Like in the U.S., this approach worked brilliantly, with voters responding positively to a message that absolved them of responsibility and found a comfortable and suitably visible scapegoat. On the surface, AOC's message is "billionaires and corporate money are distorting democracy," but what voters are actually expected to hear and respond to is a class warfare dog whistle saying "rich people think they are better than you." Similarly, the message Nigerian voters really got from the "live within your means" mantra was "those smug city people feel superior to you because they have some money which they probably stole."
For Buhari's campaign team, it meant avoiding discussions about real issues like Nigeria's bloated, inefficient, and excessively powerful central government and the unsustainable nature of its welfarist federal budget.
To have such a discussion would mean explaining why amidst the naira's 85 percent fall against the dollar in 2016, Buhari's government chose to maintain an unrealistic official exchange rate which was used to subsidise religious pilgrims heading to Mecca for the Hajj.
Such conversations would include discussing the opposition's stated plan to privatise NNPC, Nigeria's state-owned oil firm that essentially functions as an independent country on its own, with no practical oversight by or accountability to government. Also included would be the federal government's opaque and inefficient public contracting, procurement and funds disbursement process.
Rather than discuss a lack of investment in education and healthcare, extremely poor power generation and transport infrastructure, or the lack of proper separation of powers making the executive a law unto itself, the campaign was instead spent attacking the convenient fig leaves of "corrupt people", "treasury looters," and "arrogant elites".
In the absence of reasoned debate or actual policies and achievements, a large vote-buying effort was also deployed, in what some have referred to as the "weaponization of poverty."
Weaving together the anti-elitist appeal of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the bloviating news-magnetism of Donald Trump and the skilful sophistry of Nigel Farage, Buhari's campaign painted a picture of a country held hostage by "corrupt" elites, "treasury looters" and their middle-class subalterns who wanted to vote in a pro-business candidate to preserve the corruption status quo.
In 2015, Buhari defeated an incumbent candidate with a Ph.D. who was perceived to be incompetent due to being an airy-fairy ivory tower resident. This time around, his challenger's wealth was portrayed as a moral failure in a manner reminiscent of how Ocasio-Cortez has portrayed the existence of billionaires amidst poverty as morally unjust.
While the world of shouty Fox News anchors and social media-savvy Congressional freshmen may seem relatively tame in comparison to the literal life and death politics of Africa's largest country, it is important to note that Nigeria itself was not always this way. The unfortunate sequence of military coups and poor economic decisions that saw the country lose an entire generation of talent to the developed world could not have taken place without popular support from the very people most affected.
It may be difficult to picture Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or Donald Trump leading the U.S. into a dystopian future where middle-class professionals are disparaged as the "enemy", and widespread poverty is held up as a virtue, but such situations can take decades to incubate. The incubation takes place in three stages that often overlap – an anger and dissatisfaction phase, a demonization phase, and then the catastrophe.
The first phase is already well underway across most of the developed and the developing world. From Bangalore to Baltimore, everyone is united in anger about something. Regardless of the wide disparity of living experiences around the world, the general mood is that things are worse than they have ever been, and something or someone must be held to account for it. Politicians eagerly feed the narrative that something has gone terribly wrong, and they will fix it.
The second phase is also underway across much of the world. During this phase, scapegoats must be identified and separated from the assumed 'virtuous masses'. In Nigeria, the scapegoats are "elites", which translates practically to "anyone who is not poor." Anyone with a university-level education and a stable source of income is an "elite" who is collaborating with "corrupt treasury looters." Across the developed world, the scapegoats may vary from immigrants to Blacks, to Muslims, to "the 1 percent."
To the impoverished and angry Nigerian voter, their predicament is down to "people who are stealing Nigeria's money," regardless of how easily that argument falls down when challenged by the most cursory analysis. Their world is a zero-sum game, where if someone eats three times a day, lives in a comfortable modern residence and drives a car, they must have those things because they "stole" them, or they work for someone who stole them.
However intellectually redundant such a viewpoint is, it has a powerful emotional resonance that is often amplified by lack of education and existing ethnoreligious divisions between North and South.
To the angry voter across much of the developed world, their discontent is caused by immigrants coming over and being given all the jobs and housing, or it is down to the Muslims and refugees being allowed to come into the country and create their own laws and live outside the constitution unlike the long-suffering, salt-of-the-earth natives whom nobody ever listens to.
Perhaps it is the Blacks who are committing all the crimes and nobody can criticise them for fear of being called racist, or most recently, it is the 1 Percent (or even the 0.1 Percent) – the globalist plutocrat oligarchs who pay fewer taxes than everyone, and who have taken away all the jobs and healthcare and placed everyone in debt.
For most of the world, the catastrophe phase is not underway yet, so perhaps a look at Nigeria, where it is well and truly underway will be instructive. A poor economy dependent on a single export resource looks set to continue on its self-imposed implosion, driven by generous subsidy regimes, ridiculously unsustainable social intervention programs, rapidly ballooning foreign debt and a growing annual recurrent expenditure bill that it cannot hope to afford.
In a wrong-headed attempt to plug this funding shortfall, the government has embarked on a high-handed tax collection effort, repeatedly violating the law by unilaterally freezing bank accounts belonging to small businesses and private individuals in the absence of valid court orders or even demand notices. Understandably, this has spooked investors and accelerated the outward flow of investment, which is conveniently labeled as "corrupt money" leaving the country, as against a policy failure driven by envy and fuelled by incompetence.
Alongside this is the growing spectre of oil losing its value, as the world's biggest oil buyers including China and Europe switch to renewable sources over the next couple of decades, which will effectively render Nigeria's government penniless overnight. Amidst all this, due to a populist aversion to promoting family planning, Nigeria's impoverished population over the next decade will add another 137 million to its numbers – the biggest growth of any country on earth excluding India.
Already, tens of thousands of middle-class Nigerians are upping sticks and moving to destinations like Canada, Germany, Australia and the U.S. in preparation for the impending crisis. An entire generation of highly skilled labour including doctors, teachers, lawyers, engineers, nurses, pilots, accountants, entrepreneurs, artists, programmers, artisans, academics and management personnel is being lost to the developed world, leaving behind an exploding population of people living in extreme poverty.
The Sahara desert meanwhile, is also claiming an estimated 3,500 sq. km of arable land from Nigeria every year, which is a contributing factor to the presence of Boko Haram and the Fulani herdsmen – two of the world's deadliest terror groups responsible for tens of thousands of deaths, maimings, and abductions over the past decade.
Through all of this, a class of anti-intellectual populists in Abuja continue to raise clenched fists before adoring crowds, admonishing them to "live within their means" while demonizing economic ambition and wealth. They have achieved great political success by weaponizing the economic envy of a large, impoverished population, publicly glorifying poverty as a virtue while collecting the world's most generous compensation packages for political office holders.
Outside in the real world, however, following the news of Buhari's re-election, the Nigerian Stock Exchange lost 196 billion nairas (about $542 million), as the investment outlook continues to dim on Africa's largest economy. The net result of years of envy politics and demonizing wealth and intelligence is a country that has hit the metaphorical iceberg and continues to cheer while the band plays as the ship sinks.
The next time a politician – be it AOC or Donald Trump or Viktor Orban or Nigel Farage – tells you that your life is terrible because of this or that group of people, it would do you some good to think about whether this is what you want your future to look like, before giving in to your base instincts.
The unfolding lesson from this part of the world is very clear – the politics of populism and envy may be very good at winning elections, but they clearly are not good at running successful economies.
Published with permission from the author. First published on CCN.
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Forest School - Looking for things that are similar and different. Students found it nearly impossible to find anything that was identical. God definitely likes variety!
Beautiful sunflower art inspired by the book "The Tiny Seed".
A spontaneous science experiment that came from discovering that a toy could spin. The explorer was challenged to see what would happen if an object was put inside the spinner. A pumpkin seed was chosen, that seemed to disappear while spinning. With some problem solving, we coloured it purple. We could then see it while spinning. Other seeds and small toys were then chosen for comparison. Lots of centrifugal fun (although they didn't know that's what it was called).


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SputumMacrophagesLungCell WallPhagosomesSpleenT-LymphocytesCells, CulturedMonocytesCD4-Positive T-LymphocytesLymph NodesLeukocytes, MononuclearTh1 CellsMacrophages, AlveolarCell Line
Organisms33
MycobacteriumMycobacterium tuberculosisMycobacterium bovisMycobacterium aviumMycobacterium smegmatisNontuberculous MycobacteriaMycobacterium lepraeMycobacterium avium ComplexMycobacterium fortuitumMycobacterium marinumMycobacterium chelonaeMycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosisMycobacterium kansasiiMycobacterium ulceransMycobacterium phleiMycobacterium lepraemuriumMycobacterium scrofulaceumMycobacterium xenopiMycobacteriophagesMycobacterium haemophilumArmadillosMycobacteriaceaeCattleMice, Inbred C57BLMice, Inbred BALB CNocardiaGuinea PigsEscherichia coliDeerCorynebacterium glutamicumMustelidaeBisonXenarthra
Diseases34
Mycobacterium InfectionsMycobacterium Infections, NontuberculousTuberculosisMycobacterium avium-intracellulare InfectionTuberculosis, PulmonaryParatuberculosisLeprosyTuberculosis, BovineTuberculosis, Multidrug-ResistantGranulomaSkin Diseases, BacterialAIDS-Related Opportunistic InfectionsLeprosy, LepromatousLymphadenitisTuberculosis, Lymph NodeCattle DiseasesHypersensitivity, DelayedTuberculosis, AvianTuberculosis, MeningealTuberculosis, CutaneousSkin UlcerLeprosy, TuberculoidTuberculomaLatent TuberculosisTuberculosis, PleuralLung DiseasesTuberculosis, SplenicExtensively Drug-Resistant TuberculosisGranuloma, Respiratory TractDisease Models, AnimalTuberculosis, Central Nervous SystemTuberculosis, MiliaryAcquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeTuberculosis, Osteoarticular
Chemicals and Drugs83
Antitubercular AgentsBacterial ProteinsMycolic AcidsDNA, BacterialIsoniazidAntigens, BacterialBCG VaccineEthambutolRifampinTuberculosis VaccinesPyrazinamideChaperoninsGlycolipidsCulture MediaChaperonin 60Cord FactorsRNA, Ribosomal, 16SInterferon-gammaDNA Transposable ElementsTuberculinStreptomycinAnti-Bacterial AgentsEthionamideClofazimineRNA, BacterialCapreomycinLeprostatic AgentsAntibodies, BacterialRifabutinReagent Kits, DiagnosticClarithromycinDNA, RibosomalDNA ProbesRifamycinsAmikacinAcyltransferasesDNA PrimersDNA, Ribosomal SpacerGlycopeptidesPolysorbatesRecombinant ProteinsOxazolesDNA GyraseCytokinesLeprominThioacetazoneAza CompoundsRNA, Ribosomal, 23SToll-Like Receptor 2AmidohydrolasesAnti-Infective AgentsPeroxidasesSodium HydroxideTumor Necrosis Factor-alphaCatalaseMacrolidesDiarylquinolinesFluoroquinolonesBenzophenoneidumOfloxacinTruncated HemoglobinsKanamycinOxidoreductasesFatty AcidsDNA-Directed RNA PolymerasesOxazinesLipopolysaccharidesDapsoneCycloserineAlanine DehydrogenaseBacterial VaccinesLipidsTrehaloseViomycinQuinolinesVirulence FactorsNitrate ReductaseAdjuvants, ImmunologicDNA, IntergenicThioridazineAerosolsArabinoseAminosalicylic Acid
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment42
Bacteriological TechniquesMicrobial Sensitivity TestsBacterial Typing TechniquesPolymerase Chain ReactionCulture MediaSequence Analysis, DNADNA FingerprintingSensitivity and SpecificityTuberculin TestColony Count, MicrobialReagent Kits, DiagnosticEvaluation Studies as TopicChromatography, Thin LayerBacterial LoadMolecular EpidemiologyMolecular Diagnostic TechniquesCloning, MolecularMolecular TypingEnzyme-Linked Immunosorbent AssayMolecular Probe TechniquesCluster AnalysisLymphocyte ActivationSequence AlignmentCrystallography, X-RayNucleic Acid Amplification TechniquesSkin TestsModels, MolecularVaccinationGenetic Complementation TestSpecimen HandlingColorimetryNucleic Acid HybridizationDiagnostic ErrorsDisease Models, AnimalChromatography, GasMass SpectrometryMutagenesis, InsertionalDrug Therapy, CombinationMagnetic Resonance SpectroscopyRadiometryReproducibility of ResultsContact Tracing
Phenomena and Processes49
Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment LengthGenes, BacterialDrug Resistance, BacterialSpecies SpecificityDNA Transposable ElementsSensitivity and SpecificityBase SequenceGene Expression Regulation, BacterialGenome, BacterialAmino Acid SequencePhylogenyVirulenceMinisatellite RepeatsMicrobial ViabilityDrug Resistance, MicrobialBacterial LoadMutationGenotypeDrug Resistance, Multiple, BacterialTime FactorsInterspersed Repetitive SequencesMacrophage ActivationSequence Homology, Amino AcidLymphocyte ActivationGene DeletionImmunity, CellularPhagocytosisCross ReactionsImmunocompetenceHost-Pathogen InteractionsImmunity, InnateNucleic Acid HybridizationPhenotypeMolecular StructureKineticsGenetic VariationMutagenesis, InsertionalImmunocompromised HostSubstrate SpecificityDNA, IntergenicSequence Homology, Nucleic AcidHydrogen-Ion ConcentrationProtein Structure, TertiaryOpen Reading FramesPlasmidsGenes, rRNAProtein BindingMolecular WeightOperon
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Anthropology, Education, Sociology and Social Phenomena1
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Technology, Industry, Agriculture1
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MycobacteriumMycobacterium tuberculosisMycobacterium InfectionsMycobacterium bovisMycobacterium aviumMycobacterium smegmatisNontuberculous MycobacteriaMycobacterium lepraeMycobacterium avium ComplexMycobacterium Infections, NontuberculousMycobacterium fortuitumMycobacterium marinumMycobacterium chelonaeMycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosisTuberculosisMycobacterium kansasiiMycobacterium avium-intracellulare InfectionMycobacterium ulceransMycobacterium phleiAntitubercular AgentsTuberculosis, PulmonaryBacterial ProteinsMycolic AcidsDNA, BacterialIsoniazidMycobacterium lepraemuriumAntigens, BacterialMycobacterium scrofulaceumBCG VaccineMycobacterium xenopiParatuberculosisEthambutolRifampinLeprosyMycobacteriophagesTuberculosis, BovineBacteriological TechniquesMolecular Sequence DataMycobacterium haemophilumTuberculosis VaccinesMicrobial Sensitivity TestsSputumArmadillosBacterial Typing TechniquesPolymerase Chain ReactionTuberculosis, Multidrug-ResistantMacrophagesPyrazinamideChaperoninsGlycolipidsGranulomaPolymorphism, Restriction Fragment LengthGenes, BacterialCulture MediaDrug Resistance, BacterialChaperonin 60Species SpecificityCord FactorsRNA, Ribosomal, 16SInterferon-gammaSequence Analysis, DNADNA Transposable ElementsDNA FingerprintingSensitivity and SpecificityTuberculinBase SequenceStreptomycinTuberculin TestGene Expression Regulation, BacterialAnti-Bacterial AgentsColony Count, MicrobialEthionamideMycobacteriaceaeGenome, BacterialAmino Acid SequenceClofazimineLungCell WallRNA, BacterialCapreomycinPhagosomesPhylogenyVirulenceMinisatellite RepeatsLeprostatic AgentsAntibodies, BacterialMicrobial ViabilityDrug Resistance, MicrobialCattleRifabutinMice, Inbred C57BLSkin Diseases, BacterialReagent Kits, DiagnosticClarithromycinAIDS-Related Opportunistic InfectionsEvaluation Studies as TopicLeprosy, LepromatousLymphadenitisChromatography, Thin LayerBacterial Load
Mycobacterium
A genus of gram-positive, aerobic bacteria. Most species are free-living in soil and water, but the major habitat for some is the diseased tissue of warm-blooded hosts.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
A species of gram-positive, aerobic bacteria that produces TUBERCULOSIS in humans, other primates, CATTLE; DOGS; and some other animals which have contact with humans. Growth tends to be in serpentine, cordlike masses in which the bacilli show a parallel orientation.
Mycobacterium Infections
Infections with bacteria of the genus MYCOBACTERIUM.
Mycobacterium bovis
The bovine variety of the tubercle bacillus. It is called also Mycobacterium tuberculosis var. bovis.
Mycobacterium avium
A bacterium causing tuberculosis in domestic fowl and other birds. In pigs, it may cause localized and sometimes disseminated disease. The organism occurs occasionally in sheep and cattle. It should be distinguished from the M. avium complex, which infects primarily humans.
Mycobacterium smegmatis
A rapid-growing, nonphotochromogenic species of MYCOBACTERIUM originally isolated from human smegma and found also in soil and water. (From Dorland, 28th ed)
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
So-called atypical species of the genus MYCOBACTERIUM that do not cause tuberculosis. They are also called tuberculoid bacilli, i.e.: M. buruli, M. chelonae, M. duvalii, M. flavescens, M. fortuitum, M. gilvum, M. gordonae, M. intracellulare (see MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX;), M. kansasii, M. marinum, M. obuense, M. scrofulaceum, M. szulgai, M. terrae, M. ulcerans, M. xenopi.
Mycobacterium leprae
A species of gram-positive, aerobic bacteria that causes LEPROSY in man. Its organisms are generally arranged in clumps, rounded masses, or in groups of bacilli side by side.
Mycobacterium avium Complex
A complex that includes several strains of M. avium. M. intracellulare is not easily distinguished from M. avium and therefore is included in the complex. These organisms are most frequently found in pulmonary secretions from persons with a tuberculous-like mycobacteriosis. Strains of this complex have also been associated with childhood lymphadenitis and AIDS; M. avium alone causes tuberculosis in a variety of birds and other animals, including pigs.
Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous
Infections with nontuberculous mycobacteria (atypical mycobacteria): M. kansasii, M. marinum, M. scrofulaceum, M. flavescens, M. gordonae, M. obuense, M. gilvum, M. duvali, M. szulgai, M. intracellulare (see MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX;), M. xenopi (littorale), M. ulcerans, M. buruli, M. terrae, M. fortuitum (minetti, giae), M. chelonae.
Mycobacterium fortuitum
A rapid-growing, nonphotochromogenic species that is potentially pathogenic, producing lesions of lung, bone, or soft tissue following trauma. It has been found in soil and in injection sites of humans, cattle, and cold-blooded animals. (Dorland, 28th ed)
Mycobacterium marinum
A moderate-growing, photochromogenic species found in aquariums, diseased fish, and swimming pools. It is the cause of cutaneous lesions and granulomas (swimming pool granuloma) in humans. (Dorland, 28th ed)
Mycobacterium chelonae
A species of gram-positive, aerobic bacteria commonly found in soil and occasionally isolated from sputum. It causes postoperative wound infections as well as gluteal abscesses.
Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis
A subspecies of gram-positive, aerobic bacteria. It is the etiologic agent of Johne's disease (PARATUBERCULOSIS), a chronic GASTROENTERITIS in RUMINANTS.
Any of the infectious diseases of man and other animals caused by species of MYCOBACTERIUM.
Mycobacterium kansasii
A slow-growing, photochromogenic species that is the etiologic agent of a tuberculosis-like disease in humans and is frequently isolated from human pulmonary secretions or tubercles. The incidence of infection is sharply increased among immunocompromised individuals. (Dorland, 28th ed)
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection
A nontuberculous infection when occurring in humans. It is characterized by pulmonary disease, lymphadenitis in children, and systemic disease in AIDS patients. Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection of birds and swine results in tuberculosis.
Mycobacterium ulcerans
A slow-growing mycobacterium that infects the skin and subcutaneous tissues, giving rise to indolent BURULI ULCER.
Mycobacterium phlei
A saprophytic bacterium widely distributed in soil and dust and on plants.
Antitubercular Agents
Drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis. They are divided into two main classes: "first-line" agents, those with the greatest efficacy and acceptable degrees of toxicity used successfully in the great majority of cases; and "second-line" drugs used in drug-resistant cases or those in which some other patient-related condition has compromised the effectiveness of primary therapy.
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
MYCOBACTERIUM infections of the lung.
Proteins found in any species of bacterium.
Mycolic Acids
DNA, Bacterial
Deoxyribonucleic acid that makes up the genetic material of bacteria.
Antibacterial agent used primarily as a tuberculostatic. It remains the treatment of choice for tuberculosis.
Mycobacterium lepraemurium
The etiologic agent of rat leprosy, also known as murine leprosy.
Antigens, Bacterial
Substances elaborated by bacteria that have antigenic activity.
Mycobacterium scrofulaceum
A non-tuberculous mycobacterium causing cervical lymphadenitis in children. It very rarely causes pulmonary disease, and is believed to be non-pathogenic in animals.
BCG Vaccine
An active immunizing agent and a viable avirulent attenuated strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, var. bovis, which confers immunity to mycobacterial infections. It is used also in immunotherapy of neoplasms due to its stimulation of antibodies and non-specific immunity.
Mycobacterium xenopi
A slow-growing, scotochromogenic species occurring usually harmlessly in human secretions but occasionally associated with chronic pulmonary disease. (Dorland, 28th ed)
Paratuberculosis
A chronic GASTROENTERITIS in RUMINANTS caused by MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM SUBSPECIES PARATUBERCULOSIS.
An antitubercular agent that inhibits the transfer of mycolic acids into the cell wall of the tubercle bacillus. It may also inhibit the synthesis of spermidine in mycobacteria. The action is usually bactericidal, and the drug can penetrate human cell membranes to exert its lethal effect. (From Smith and Reynard, Textbook of Pharmacology, 1992, p863)
A semisynthetic antibiotic produced from Streptomyces mediterranei. It has a broad antibacterial spectrum, including activity against several forms of Mycobacterium. In susceptible organisms it inhibits DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity by forming a stable complex with the enzyme. It thus suppresses the initiation of RNA synthesis. Rifampin is bactericidal, and acts on both intracellular and extracellular organisms. (From Gilman et al., Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed, p1160)
A chronic granulomatous infection caused by MYCOBACTERIUM LEPRAE. The granulomatous lesions are manifested in the skin, the mucous membranes, and the peripheral nerves. Two polar or principal types are lepromatous and tuberculoid.
Mycobacteriophages
Viruses whose host is one or more Mycobacterium species. They include both temperate and virulent types.
Tuberculosis, Bovine
An infection of cattle caused by MYCOBACTERIUM BOVIS. It is transmissible to man and other animals.
Bacteriological Techniques
Techniques used in studying bacteria.
Molecular Sequence Data
Descriptions of specific amino acid, carbohydrate, or nucleotide sequences which have appeared in the published literature and/or are deposited in and maintained by databanks such as GENBANK, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), National Biomedical Research Foundation (NBRF), or other sequence repositories.
Mycobacterium haemophilum
A species of gram-positive, aerobic bacteria that causes granulomatous or ulcerating skin lesions in immunosuppressed persons. This organism owes its name to its requirement for growth of high levels of iron, conveniently supplied as blood, heme, or ferric ammonium citrate.
Vaccines or candidate vaccines used to prevent or treat TUBERCULOSIS.
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Any tests that demonstrate the relative efficacy of different chemotherapeutic agents against specific microorganisms (i.e., bacteria, fungi, viruses).
Sputum
Material coughed up from the lungs and expectorated via the mouth. It contains MUCUS, cellular debris, and microorganisms. It may also contain blood or pus.
Burrowing, chiefly nocturnal mammals of the family Dasypodidae having bodies and heads encased in small bony plates. They are widely distributed in the warmer parts of the Americas.
Bacterial Typing Techniques
Procedures for identifying types and strains of bacteria. The most frequently employed typing systems are BACTERIOPHAGE TYPING and SEROTYPING as well as bacteriocin typing and biotyping.
In vitro method for producing large amounts of specific DNA or RNA fragments of defined length and sequence from small amounts of short oligonucleotide flanking sequences (primers). The essential steps include thermal denaturation of the double-stranded target molecules, annealing of the primers to their complementary sequences, and extension of the annealed primers by enzymatic synthesis with DNA polymerase. The reaction is efficient, specific, and extremely sensitive. Uses for the reaction include disease diagnosis, detection of difficult-to-isolate pathogens, mutation analysis, genetic testing, DNA sequencing, and analyzing evolutionary relationships.
Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant
Tuberculosis resistant to chemotherapy with two or more ANTITUBERCULAR AGENTS, including at least ISONIAZID and RIFAMPICIN. The problem of resistance is particularly troublesome in tuberculous OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS associated with HIV INFECTIONS. It requires the use of second line drugs which are more toxic than the first line regimens. TB with isolates that have developed further resistance to at least three of the six classes of second line drugs is defined as EXTENSIVELY DRUG-RESISTANT TUBERCULOSIS.
The relatively long-lived phagocytic cell of mammalian tissues that are derived from blood MONOCYTES. Main types are PERITONEAL MACROPHAGES; ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES; HISTIOCYTES; KUPFFER CELLS of the liver; and OSTEOCLASTS. They may further differentiate within chronic inflammatory lesions to EPITHELIOID CELLS or may fuse to form FOREIGN BODY GIANT CELLS or LANGHANS GIANT CELLS. (from The Dictionary of Cell Biology, Lackie and Dow, 3rd ed.)
Pyrazinamide
A pyrazine that is used therapeutically as an antitubercular agent.
Chaperonins
A family of multisubunit protein complexes that form into large cylindrical structures which bind to and encapsulate non-native proteins. Chaperonins utilize the energy of ATP hydrolysis to enhance the efficiency of PROTEIN FOLDING reactions and thereby help proteins reach their functional conformation. The family of chaperonins is split into GROUP I CHAPERONINS, and GROUP II CHAPERONINS, with each group having its own repertoire of protein subunits and subcellular preferences.
Any compound containing one or more monosaccharide residues bound by a glycosidic linkage to a hydrophobic moiety such as an acylglycerol (see GLYCERIDES), a sphingoid, a ceramide (CERAMIDES) (N-acylsphingoid) or a prenyl phosphate. (From IUPAC's webpage)
A relatively small nodular inflammatory lesion containing grouped mononuclear phagocytes, caused by infectious and noninfectious agents.
Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
Variation occurring within a species in the presence or length of DNA fragment generated by a specific endonuclease at a specific site in the genome. Such variations are generated by mutations that create or abolish recognition sites for these enzymes or change the length of the fragment.
Genes, Bacterial
The functional hereditary units of BACTERIA.
Any liquid or solid preparation made specifically for the growth, storage, or transport of microorganisms or other types of cells. The variety of media that exist allow for the culturing of specific microorganisms and cell types, such as differential media, selective media, test media, and defined media. Solid media consist of liquid media that have been solidified with an agent such as AGAR or GELATIN.
Drug Resistance, Bacterial
The ability of bacteria to resist or to become tolerant to chemotherapeutic agents, antimicrobial agents, or antibiotics. This resistance may be acquired through gene mutation or foreign DNA in transmissible plasmids (R FACTORS).
Chaperonin 60
A group I chaperonin protein that forms the barrel-like structure of the chaperonin complex. It is an oligomeric protein with a distinctive structure of fourteen subunits, arranged in two rings of seven subunits each. The protein was originally studied in BACTERIA where it is commonly referred to as GroEL protein.
The restriction of a characteristic behavior, anatomical structure or physical system, such as immune response; metabolic response, or gene or gene variant to the members of one species. It refers to that property which differentiates one species from another but it is also used for phylogenetic levels higher or lower than the species.
Cord Factors
Toxic glycolipids composed of trehalose dimycolate derivatives. They are produced by MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS and other species of MYCOBACTERIUM. They induce cellular dysfunction in animals.
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
Constituent of 30S subunit prokaryotic ribosomes containing 1600 nucleotides and 21 proteins. 16S rRNA is involved in initiation of polypeptide synthesis.
The major interferon produced by mitogenically or antigenically stimulated LYMPHOCYTES. It is structurally different from TYPE I INTERFERON and its major activity is immunoregulation. It has been implicated in the expression of CLASS II HISTOCOMPATIBILITY ANTIGENS in cells that do not normally produce them, leading to AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES.
A multistage process that includes cloning, physical mapping, subcloning, determination of the DNA SEQUENCE, and information analysis.
DNA Transposable Elements
Discrete segments of DNA which can excise and reintegrate to another site in the genome. Most are inactive, i.e., have not been found to exist outside the integrated state. DNA transposable elements include bacterial IS (insertion sequence) elements, Tn elements, the maize controlling elements Ac and Ds, Drosophila P, gypsy, and pogo elements, the human Tigger elements and the Tc and mariner elements which are found throughout the animal kingdom.
A technique for identifying individuals of a species that is based on the uniqueness of their DNA sequence. Uniqueness is determined by identifying which combination of allelic variations occur in the individual at a statistically relevant number of different loci. In forensic studies, RESTRICTION FRAGMENT LENGTH POLYMORPHISM of multiple, highly polymorphic VNTR LOCI or MICROSATELLITE REPEAT loci are analyzed. The number of loci used for the profile depends on the ALLELE FREQUENCY in the population.
Binary classification measures to assess test results. Sensitivity or recall rate is the proportion of true positives. Specificity is the probability of correctly determining the absence of a condition. (From Last, Dictionary of Epidemiology, 2d ed)
Tuberculin
A protein extracted from boiled culture of tubercle bacilli (MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS). It is used in the tuberculin skin test (TUBERCULIN TEST) for the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection in asymptomatic persons.
Base Sequence
The sequence of PURINES and PYRIMIDINES in nucleic acids and polynucleotides. It is also called nucleotide sequence.
Streptomycin
An antibiotic produced by the soil actinomycete Streptomyces griseus. It acts by inhibiting the initiation and elongation processes during protein synthesis.
Tuberculin Test
One of several skin tests to determine past or present tuberculosis infection. A purified protein derivative of the tubercle bacilli, called tuberculin, is introduced into the skin by scratch, puncture, or interdermal injection.
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Any of the processes by which cytoplasmic or intercellular factors influence the differential control of gene action in bacteria.
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Substances that reduce the growth or reproduction of BACTERIA.
Colony Count, Microbial
Enumeration by direct count of viable, isolated bacterial, archaeal, or fungal CELLS or SPORES capable of growth on solid CULTURE MEDIA. The method is used routinely by environmental microbiologists for quantifying organisms in AIR; FOOD; and WATER; by clinicians for measuring patients' microbial load; and in antimicrobial drug testing.
A second-line antitubercular agent that inhibits mycolic acid synthesis.
Mycobacteriaceae
A family of gram-positive bacteria found in soil and dairy products and as parasites on animals and man. Several are important pathogens.
Genome, Bacterial
The genetic complement of a BACTERIA as represented in its DNA.
The order of amino acids as they occur in a polypeptide chain. This is referred to as the primary structure of proteins. It is of fundamental importance in determining PROTEIN CONFORMATION.
Clofazimine
A fat-soluble riminophenazine dye used for the treatment of leprosy. It has been used investigationally in combination with other antimycobacterial drugs to treat Mycobacterium avium infections in AIDS patients. Clofazimine also has a marked anti-inflammatory effect and is given to control the leprosy reaction, erythema nodosum leprosum. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1993, p1619)
Either of the pair of organs occupying the cavity of the thorax that effect the aeration of the blood.
The outermost layer of a cell in most PLANTS; BACTERIA; FUNGI; and ALGAE. The cell wall is usually a rigid structure that lies external to the CELL MEMBRANE, and provides a protective barrier against physical or chemical agents.
RNA, Bacterial
Ribonucleic acid in bacteria having regulatory and catalytic roles as well as involvement in protein synthesis.
Capreomycin
Cyclic peptide antibiotic similar to VIOMYCIN. It is produced by Streptomyces capreolus.
Phagosomes
Membrane-bound cytoplasmic vesicles formed by invagination of phagocytized material. They fuse with lysosomes to form phagolysosomes in which the hydrolytic enzymes of the lysosome digest the phagocytized material.
The relationships of groups of organisms as reflected by their genetic makeup.
The degree of pathogenicity within a group or species of microorganisms or viruses as indicated by case fatality rates and/or the ability of the organism to invade the tissues of the host. The pathogenic capacity of an organism is determined by its VIRULENCE FACTORS.
Minisatellite Repeats
Tandem arrays of moderately repetitive, short (10-60 bases) DNA sequences which are found dispersed throughout the GENOME, at the ends of chromosomes (TELOMERES), and clustered near telomeres. Their degree of repetition is two to several hundred at each locus. Loci number in the thousands but each locus shows a distinctive repeat unit.
Leprostatic Agents
Substances that suppress Mycobacterium leprae, ameliorate the clinical manifestations of leprosy, and/or reduce the incidence and severity of leprous reactions.
Antibodies, Bacterial
Immunoglobulins produced in a response to BACTERIAL ANTIGENS.
Microbial Viability
Ability of a microbe to survive under given conditions. This can also be related to a colony's ability to replicate.
The ability of microorganisms, especially bacteria, to resist or to become tolerant to chemotherapeutic agents, antimicrobial agents, or antibiotics. This resistance may be acquired through gene mutation or foreign DNA in transmissible plasmids (R FACTORS).
Domesticated bovine animals of the genus Bos, usually kept on a farm or ranch and used for the production of meat or dairy products or for heavy labor.
Rifabutin
A broad-spectrum antibiotic that is being used as prophylaxis against disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection in HIV-positive patients.
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Skin diseases caused by bacteria.
Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
Commercially prepared reagent sets, with accessory devices, containing all of the major components and literature necessary to perform one or more designated diagnostic tests or procedures. They may be for laboratory or personal use.
A semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic derived from ERYTHROMYCIN that is active against a variety of microorganisms. It can inhibit PROTEIN SYNTHESIS in BACTERIA by reversibly binding to the 50S ribosomal subunits. This inhibits the translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNA and prevents peptide chain elongation.
AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections
Opportunistic infections found in patients who test positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The most common include PNEUMOCYSTIS PNEUMONIA, Kaposi's sarcoma, cryptosporidiosis, herpes simplex, toxoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and infections with Mycobacterium avium complex, Microsporidium, and Cytomegalovirus.
Evaluation Studies as Topic
Studies determining the effectiveness or value of processes, personnel, and equipment, or the material on conducting such studies. For drugs and devices, CLINICAL TRIALS AS TOPIC; DRUG EVALUATION; and DRUG EVALUATION, PRECLINICAL are available.
Leprosy, Lepromatous
A chronic communicable infection which is a principal or polar form of LEPROSY. This disorder is caused by MYCOBACTERIUM LEPRAE and produces diffuse granulomatous skin lesions in the form of nodules, macules, or papules. The peripheral nerves are involved symmetrically and neural sequelae occur in the advanced stage.
Lymphadenitis
Inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Chromatography, Thin Layer
Chromatography on thin layers of adsorbents rather than in columns. The adsorbent can be alumina, silica gel, silicates, charcoals, or cellulose. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed)
Bacterial Load
Measurable quantity of bacteria in an object, organism, or organism compartment.
Any detectable and heritable change in the genetic material that causes a change in the GENOTYPE and which is transmitted to daughter cells and to succeeding generations.
Tuberculosis, Lymph Node
Infection of the lymph nodes by tuberculosis. Tuberculous infection of the cervical lymph nodes is scrofula.
DNA, Ribosomal
DNA sequences encoding RIBOSOMAL RNA and the segments of DNA separating the individual ribosomal RNA genes, referred to as RIBOSOMAL SPACER DNA.
Mice, Inbred BALB C
Diseases of domestic cattle of the genus Bos. It includes diseases of cows, yaks, and zebus.
Hypersensitivity, Delayed
An increased reactivity to specific antigens mediated not by antibodies but by cells.
The genetic constitution of the individual, comprising the ALLELES present at each GENETIC LOCUS.
An encapsulated lymphatic organ through which venous blood filters.
Species- or subspecies-specific DNA (including COMPLEMENTARY DNA; conserved genes, whole chromosomes, or whole genomes) used in hybridization studies in order to identify microorganisms, to measure DNA-DNA homologies, to group subspecies, etc. The DNA probe hybridizes with a specific mRNA, if present. Conventional techniques used for testing for the hybridization product include dot blot assays, Southern blot assays, and DNA:RNA hybrid-specific antibody tests. Conventional labels for the DNA probe include the radioisotope labels 32P and 125I and the chemical label biotin. The use of DNA probes provides a specific, sensitive, rapid, and inexpensive replacement for cell culture techniques for diagnosing infections.
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
The ability of bacteria to resist or to become tolerant to several structurally and functionally distinct drugs simultaneously. This resistance may be acquired through gene mutation or foreign DNA in transmissible plasmids (R FACTORS).
Rifamycins
A group of ANTI-BACTERIAL AGENTS characterized by a chromophoric naphthohydroquinone group spanned by an aliphatic bridge not previously found in other known ANTI-BACTERIAL AGENTS. They have been isolated from fermentation broths of Streptomyces mediterranei.
Tuberculosis, Avian
A variety of TUBERCULOSIS affecting various birds, including chickens and ducks. It is caused by MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM and characterized by tubercles consisting principally of epithelioid cells.
Amikacin
A broad-spectrum antibiotic derived from KANAMYCIN. It is reno- and oto-toxic like the other aminoglycoside antibiotics.
Tuberculosis, Meningeal
A form of bacterial meningitis caused by MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS or rarely MYCOBACTERIUM BOVIS. The organism seeds the meninges and forms microtuberculomas which subsequently rupture. The clinical course tends to be subacute, with progressions occurring over a period of several days or longer. Headache and meningeal irritation may be followed by SEIZURES, cranial neuropathies, focal neurologic deficits, somnolence, and eventually COMA. The illness may occur in immunocompetent individuals or as an OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTION in the ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME and other immunodeficiency syndromes. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp717-9)
The application of molecular biology to the answering of epidemiological questions. The examination of patterns of changes in DNA to implicate particular carcinogens and the use of molecular markers to predict which individuals are at highest risk for a disease are common examples.
Tuberculosis of the skin. It includes scrofuloderma and tuberculid, but not LUPUS VULGARIS.
Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY techniques used in the diagnosis of disease.
Cloning, Molecular
The insertion of recombinant DNA molecules from prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic sources into a replicating vehicle, such as a plasmid or virus vector, and the introduction of the resultant hybrid molecules into recipient cells without altering the viability of those cells.
Enzymes from the transferase class that catalyze the transfer of acyl groups from donor to acceptor, forming either esters or amides. (From Enzyme Nomenclature 1992) EC 2.3.
DNA Primers
Short sequences (generally about 10 base pairs) of DNA that are complementary to sequences of messenger RNA and allow reverse transcriptases to start copying the adjacent sequences of mRNA. Primers are used extensively in genetic and molecular biology techniques.
Molecular Typing
Using MOLECULAR BIOLOGY techniques, such as DNA SEQUENCE ANALYSIS; PULSED-FIELD GEL ELECTROPHORESIS; and DNA FINGERPRINTING, to identify, classify, and compare organisms and their subtypes.
DNA, Ribosomal Spacer
The intergenic DNA segments that are between the ribosomal RNA genes (internal transcribed spacers) and between the tandemly repeated units of rDNA (external transcribed spacers and nontranscribed spacers).
Elements of limited time intervals, contributing to particular results or situations.
Skin Ulcer
Glycopeptides
Proteins which contain carbohydrate groups attached covalently to the polypeptide chain. The protein moiety is the predominant group with the carbohydrate making up only a small percentage of the total weight.
Interspersed Repetitive Sequences
Copies of transposable elements interspersed throughout the genome, some of which are still active and often referred to as "jumping genes". There are two classes of interspersed repetitive elements. Class I elements (or RETROELEMENTS - such as retrotransposons, retroviruses, LONG INTERSPERSED NUCLEOTIDE ELEMENTS and SHORT INTERSPERSED NUCLEOTIDE ELEMENTS) transpose via reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate. Class II elements (or DNA TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENTS - such as transposons, Tn elements, insertion sequence elements and mobile gene cassettes of bacterial integrons) transpose directly from one site in the DNA to another.
Sorbitan mono-9-octadecanoate poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivatives; complex mixtures of polyoxyethylene ethers used as emulsifiers or dispersing agents in pharmaceuticals.
Leprosy, Tuberculoid
A principal or polar form of LEPROSY in which the skin lesions are few and are sharply demarcated. Peripheral nerve involvement is pronounced and may be severe. Unlike lepromatous leprosy (LEPROSY, LEPROMATOUS), the lepromin test is positive. Tuberculoid leprosy is rarely a source of infection to others.
T-Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes responsible for cell-mediated immunity. Two types have been identified - cytotoxic (T-LYMPHOCYTES, CYTOTOXIC) and helper T-lymphocytes (T-LYMPHOCYTES, HELPER-INDUCER). They are formed when lymphocytes circulate through the THYMUS GLAND and differentiate to thymocytes. When exposed to an antigen, they divide rapidly and produce large numbers of new T cells sensitized to that antigen.
An immunoassay utilizing an antibody labeled with an enzyme marker such as horseradish peroxidase. While either the enzyme or the antibody is bound to an immunosorbent substrate, they both retain their biologic activity; the change in enzyme activity as a result of the enzyme-antibody-antigen reaction is proportional to the concentration of the antigen and can be measured spectrophotometrically or with the naked eye. Many variations of the method have been developed.
Molecular Probe Techniques
The use of devices which use detector molecules to detect, investigate, or analyze other molecules, macromolecules, molecular aggregates, or organisms.
Proteins prepared by recombinant DNA technology.
Oxazoles
Five-membered heterocyclic ring structures containing an oxygen in the 1-position and a nitrogen in the 3-position, in distinction from ISOXAZOLES where they are at the 1,2 positions.
The process of altering the morphology and functional activity of macrophages so that they become avidly phagocytic. It is initiated by lymphokines, such as the macrophage activation factor (MAF) and the macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MMIF), immune complexes, C3b, and various peptides, polysaccharides, and immunologic adjuvants.
A set of statistical methods used to group variables or observations into strongly inter-related subgroups. In epidemiology, it may be used to analyze a closely grouped series of events or cases of disease or other health-related phenomenon with well-defined distribution patterns in relation to time or place or both.
Cells, Cultured
Cells propagated in vitro in special media conducive to their growth. Cultured cells are used to study developmental, morphologic, metabolic, physiologic, and genetic processes, among others.
DNA Gyrase
A bacterial DNA topoisomerase II that catalyzes ATP-dependent breakage of both strands of DNA, passage of the unbroken strands through the breaks, and rejoining of the broken strands. Gyrase binds to DNA as a heterotetramer consisting of two A and two B subunits. In the presence of ATP, gyrase is able to convert the relaxed circular DNA duplex into a superhelix. In the absence of ATP, supercoiled DNA is relaxed by DNA gyrase.
Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
The degree of similarity between sequences of amino acids. This information is useful for the analyzing genetic relatedness of proteins and species.
Morphologic alteration of small B LYMPHOCYTES or T LYMPHOCYTES in culture into large blast-like cells able to synthesize DNA and RNA and to divide mitotically. It is induced by INTERLEUKINS; MITOGENS such as PHYTOHEMAGGLUTININS, and by specific ANTIGENS. It may also occur in vivo as in GRAFT REJECTION.
Non-antibody proteins secreted by inflammatory leukocytes and some non-leukocytic cells, that act as intercellular mediators. They differ from classical hormones in that they are produced by a number of tissue or cell types rather than by specialized glands. They generally act locally in a paracrine or autocrine rather than endocrine manner.
The arrangement of two or more amino acid or base sequences from an organism or organisms in such a way as to align areas of the sequences sharing common properties. The degree of relatedness or homology between the sequences is predicted computationally or statistically based on weights assigned to the elements aligned between the sequences. This in turn can serve as a potential indicator of the genetic relatedness between the organisms.
Crystallography, X-Ray
The study of crystal structure using X-RAY DIFFRACTION techniques. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed)
A genus of gram-positive, aerobic bacteria whose species are widely distributed and are abundant in soil. Some strains are pathogenic opportunists for humans and animals.
Gene Deletion
A genetic rearrangement through loss of segments of DNA or RNA, bringing sequences which are normally separated into close proximity. This deletion may be detected using cytogenetic techniques and can also be inferred from the phenotype, indicating a deletion at one specific locus.
Lepromin
Tuberculoma
A tumor-like mass resulting from the enlargement of a tuberculous lesion.
Manifestations of the immune response which are mediated by antigen-sensitized T-lymphocytes via lymphokines or direct cytotoxicity. This takes place in the absence of circulating antibody or where antibody plays a subordinate role.
Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques
Laboratory techniques that involve the in-vitro synthesis of many copies of DNA or RNA from one original template.
A common name used for the genus Cavia. The most common species is Cavia porcellus which is the domesticated guinea pig used for pets and biomedical research.
The engulfing and degradation of microorganisms; other cells that are dead, dying, or pathogenic; and foreign particles by phagocytic cells (PHAGOCYTES).
Thioacetazone
A thiosemicarbazone that is used in association with other antimycobacterial agents in the initial and continuation phases of antituberculosis regimens. Thiacetazone containing regimens are less effective than the short-course regimen recommended by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and are used in some developing countries to reduce drug costs. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p217)
Latent Tuberculosis
The dormant form of TUBERCULOSIS where the person shows no obvious symptoms and no sign of the causative agent (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) in the SPUTUM despite being positive for tuberculosis infection skin test.
A species of gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria (GRAM-NEGATIVE FACULTATIVELY ANAEROBIC RODS) commonly found in the lower part of the intestine of warm-blooded animals. It is usually nonpathogenic, but some strains are known to produce DIARRHEA and pyogenic infections. Pathogenic strains (virotypes) are classified by their specific pathogenic mechanisms such as toxins (ENTEROTOXIGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI), etc.
Tuberculosis, Pleural
Tuberculosis of the serous membrane lining the thoracic cavity and surrounding the lungs.
Water Microbiology
The presence of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in water. This term is not restricted to pathogenic organisms.
Aza Compounds
Constituent of 50S subunit of prokaryotic ribosomes containing about 3200 nucleotides. 23S rRNA is involved in the initiation of polypeptide synthesis.
Skin Tests
Epicutaneous or intradermal application of a sensitizer for demonstration of either delayed or immediate hypersensitivity. Used in diagnosis of hypersensitivity or as a test for cellular immunity.
Pathological processes involving any part of the LUNG.
Toll-Like Receptor 2
A pattern recognition receptor that forms heterodimers with other TOLL-LIKE RECEPTORS. It interacts with multiple ligands including PEPTIDOGLYCAN, bacterial LIPOPROTEINS, lipoarabinomannan, and a variety of PORINS.
Tuberculosis, Splenic
Infection of the spleen with species of MYCOBACTERIUM.
Amidohydrolases
Substances that prevent infectious agents or organisms from spreading or kill infectious agents in order to prevent the spread of infection.
Peroxidases
The family Cervidae of 17 genera and 45 species occurring nearly throughout North America, South America, and Eurasia, on most associated continental islands, and in northern Africa. Wild populations of deer have been established through introduction by people in Cuba, New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and other places where the family does not naturally occur. They are slim, long-legged and best characterized by the presence of antlers. Their habitat is forests, swamps, brush country, deserts, and arctic tundra. They are usually good swimmers; some migrate seasonally. (Walker's Mammals of the World, 5th ed, p1362)
A highly caustic substance that is used to neutralize acids and make sodium salts. (From Merck Index, 11th ed)
Models used experimentally or theoretically to study molecular shape, electronic properties, or interactions; includes analogous molecules, computer-generated graphics, and mechanical structures.
Administration of vaccines to stimulate the host's immune response. This includes any preparation intended for active immunological prophylaxis.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
Serum glycoprotein produced by activated MACROPHAGES and other mammalian MONONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES. It has necrotizing activity against tumor cell lines and increases ability to reject tumor transplants. Also known as TNF-alpha, it is only 30% homologous to TNF-beta (LYMPHOTOXIN), but they share TNF RECEPTORS.
Serological reactions in which an antiserum against one antigen reacts with a non-identical but closely related antigen.
An oxidoreductase that catalyzes the conversion of HYDROGEN PEROXIDE to water and oxygen. It is present in many animal cells. A deficiency of this enzyme results in ACATALASIA.
A group of often glycosylated macrocyclic compounds formed by chain extension of multiple PROPIONATES cyclized into a large (typically 12, 14, or 16)-membered lactone. Macrolides belong to the POLYKETIDES class of natural products, and many members exhibit ANTIBIOTIC properties.
Genetic Complementation Test
A test used to determine whether or not complementation (compensation in the form of dominance) will occur in a cell with a given mutant phenotype when another mutant genome, encoding the same mutant phenotype, is introduced into that cell.
Immunocompetence
The ability of lymphoid cells to mount a humoral or cellular immune response when challenged by antigen.
Diarylquinolines
A class of quinoline compounds defined by the presence of two aromatic ring structures which are attached via a side chain to carbon 3 of the qunolinyl structure. The two aromatic moieties are typically NAPTHALENE and BENZENE. Several compounds in this class are used as ANTITUBERCULAR AGENTS.
A group of QUINOLONES with at least one fluorine atom and a piperazinyl group.
Large, phagocytic mononuclear leukocytes produced in the vertebrate BONE MARROW and released into the BLOOD; contain a large, oval or somewhat indented nucleus surrounded by voluminous cytoplasm and numerous organelles.
The interactions between a host and a pathogen, usually resulting in disease.
Immunity, Innate
The capacity of a normal organism to remain unaffected by microorganisms and their toxins. It results from the presence of naturally occurring ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS, constitutional factors such as BODY TEMPERATURE and immediate acting immune cells such as NATURAL KILLER CELLS.
Benzophenoneidum
An aniline dye used as a disinfectant and an antiseptic agent. It is weakly fluorescing and binds specifically to certain proteins.
Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis resistant to ISONIAZID and RIFAMPIN and at least three of the six main classes of second-line drugs (AMINOGLYCOSIDES; polypeptide agents; FLUOROQUINOLONES; THIOAMIDES; CYCLOSERINE; and PARA-AMINOSALICYLIC ACID) as defined by the CDC.
A synthetic fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent that inhibits the supercoiling activity of bacterial DNA GYRASE, halting DNA REPLICATION.
Truncated Hemoglobins
A family of hemoglobin-like proteins found in BACTERIA; PLANTS; and unicellular eukaryotes. Truncated hemoglobins are distantly related to vertebrate hemoglobins and are typically shorter than vertebrate hemoglobins by 20-40 residues.
Kanamycin
Antibiotic complex produced by Streptomyces kanamyceticus from Japanese soil. Comprises 3 components: kanamycin A, the major component, and kanamycins B and C, the minor components.
Oxidoreductases
The class of all enzymes catalyzing oxidoreduction reactions. The substrate that is oxidized is regarded as a hydrogen donor. The systematic name is based on donor:acceptor oxidoreductase. The recommended name will be dehydrogenase, wherever this is possible; as an alternative, reductase can be used. Oxidase is only used in cases where O2 is the acceptor. (Enzyme Nomenclature, 1992, p9)
Procedures for collecting, preserving, and transporting of specimens sufficiently stable to provide accurate and precise results suitable for clinical interpretation.
A critical subpopulation of T-lymphocytes involved in the induction of most immunological functions. The HIV virus has selective tropism for the T4 cell which expresses the CD4 phenotypic marker, a receptor for HIV. In fact, the key element in the profound immunosuppression seen in HIV infection is the depletion of this subset of T-lymphocytes.
Any technique by which an unknown color is evaluated in terms of standard colors. The technique may be visual, photoelectric, or indirect by means of spectrophotometry. It is used in chemistry and physics. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed)
The study of microorganisms living in a variety of environments (air, soil, water, etc.) and their pathogenic relationship to other organisms including man.
They are oval or bean shaped bodies (1 - 30 mm in diameter) located along the lymphatic system.
Nucleic Acid Hybridization
Widely used technique which exploits the ability of complementary sequences in single-stranded DNAs or RNAs to pair with each other to form a double helix. Hybridization can take place between two complimentary DNA sequences, between a single-stranded DNA and a complementary RNA, or between two RNA sequences. The technique is used to detect and isolate specific sequences, measure homology, or define other characteristics of one or both strands. (Kendrew, Encyclopedia of Molecular Biology, 1994, p503)
The outward appearance of the individual. It is the product of interactions between genes, and between the GENOTYPE and the environment.
Organic, monobasic acids derived from hydrocarbons by the equivalent of oxidation of a methyl group to an alcohol, aldehyde, and then acid. Fatty acids are saturated and unsaturated (FATTY ACIDS, UNSATURATED). (Grant & Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, 5th ed)
The location of the atoms, groups or ions relative to one another in a molecule, as well as the number, type and location of covalent bonds.
DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases
Enzymes that catalyze DNA template-directed extension of the 3'-end of an RNA strand one nucleotide at a time. They can initiate a chain de novo. In eukaryotes, three forms of the enzyme have been distinguished on the basis of sensitivity to alpha-amanitin, and the type of RNA synthesized. (From Enzyme Nomenclature, 1992).
Oxazines
Six-membered heterocycles containing an oxygen and a nitrogen.
Diagnostic Errors
Incorrect diagnoses after clinical examination or technical diagnostic procedures.
Leukocytes, Mononuclear
Mature LYMPHOCYTES and MONOCYTES transported by the blood to the body's extravascular space. They are morphologically distinguishable from mature granulocytic leukocytes by their large, non-lobed nuclei and lack of coarse, heavily stained cytoplasmic granules.
Lipid-containing polysaccharides which are endotoxins and important group-specific antigens. They are often derived from the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria and induce immunoglobulin secretion. The lipopolysaccharide molecule consists of three parts: LIPID A, core polysaccharide, and O-specific chains (O ANTIGENS). When derived from Escherichia coli, lipopolysaccharides serve as polyclonal B-cell mitogens commonly used in laboratory immunology. (From Dorland, 28th ed)
A sulfone active against a wide range of bacteria but mainly employed for its actions against MYCOBACTERIUM LEPRAE. Its mechanism of action is probably similar to that of the SULFONAMIDES which involves inhibition of folic acid synthesis in susceptible organisms. It is also used with PYRIMETHAMINE in the treatment of malaria. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p157-8)
Cycloserine
Antibiotic substance produced by Streptomyces garyphalus.
Granuloma, Respiratory Tract
Granulomatous disorders affecting one or more sites in the respiratory tract.


text:
Xuanhua ist mehrdeutig. Es bezeichnet

den Kreis Xuanhua (宣化县) der bezirksfreien Stadt Zhangjiakou in der chinesischen Provinz Hebei, siehe Xuanhua (Kreis)
den Stadtbezirk Xuanhua (宣化區) der bezirksfreien Stadt Zhangjiakou in der chinesischen Provinz Hebei, siehe Xuanhua (Stadtbezirk)
die Großgemeinde Xuanhua (宣化镇) der Stadt Dengfeng in der chinesischen Provinz Henan, siehe Xuanhua (Dengfeng)
die Großgemeinde Xuanhua (宣化镇) im Kreis Gaotai in der chinesischen Provinz Gansu, siehe Xuanhua (Gaotai)
die Gemeinde Xuanhua (宣化乡) der Stadt Zhaodong in der chinesischen Provinz Heilongjiang, siehe Xuanhua (Zhaodong)