Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the dry matter of culture broth of Termitomyces albuminosus and its extracts.

PubMed

Lu, Yi-Yu; Ao, Zong-Hua; Lu, Zhen-Ming; Xu, Hong-Yu; Zhang, Xiao-Mei; Dou, Wen-Fang; Xu, Zheng-Hong

2008-12-08

The objectives of this study were to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the dry matter of culture broth (DMCB) of Termitomyces albuminosus in submerged culture and its crude saponin extract (CSE) and crude polysaccharide extract (CPE). The analgesic effects of DMCB, CSE and CPE were evaluated with models of acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin test in mouse. The anti-inflammatory effects of DMCB, CSE and CPE were evaluated by using models of xylene-induced mouse ear swelling and carrageen-induced mouse paw edema. The DMCB, CSE and CPE significantly decreased the acetic acid-induced writhing response and the licking time on the late phase in the formalin test. Treatment of DMCB (1000mg/kg), CSE (200mg/kg) or CPE (200mg/kg) inhibited the mouse ear swelling by 61.8%, 79.0% and 81.6%, respectively. In the carrageen-induced mouse paw edema test, the group treated with indomethacin showed the strongest inhibition of edema formation by 77.8% in the third hour after carrageenan administration, while DMCB (1000mg/kg), CSE (200mg/kg) and CPE (200mg/kg) showed 48.4%, 55.6% and 40.5%, respectively. The results suggested that DMCB of Termitomyces albuminosus possessed the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Saponins and polysaccharides were proposed to be the major active constituents of Termitomyces albuminosus in submerged culture.

An optimized work-flow to reduce time-to-detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) using direct testing from rectal swabs.

PubMed

O'Connor, C; Kiernan, M G; Finnegan, C; O'Hara, M; Power, L; O'Connell, N H; Dunne, C P

2017-05-04

Rapid detection of patients with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is essential for the prevention of nosocomial cross-transmission, allocation of isolation facilities and to protect patient safety. Here, we aimed to design a new laboratory work-flow, utilizing existing laboratory resources, in order to reduce time-to-diagnosis of CPE. A review of the current CPE testing processes and of the literature was performed to identify a real-time commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that could facilitate batch testing of CPE clinical specimens, with adequate CPE gene coverage. Stool specimens (210) were collected; CPE-positive inpatients (n = 10) and anonymized community stool specimens (n = 200). Rectal swabs (eSwab™) were inoculated from collected stool specimens and a manual DNA extraction method (QIAamp® DNA Stool Mini Kit) was employed. Extracted DNA was then processed on the Check-Direct CPE® assay. The three step process of making the eSwab™, extracting DNA manually and running the Check-Direct CPE® assay, took <5 min, 1 h 30 min and 1 h 50 min, respectively. It was time efficient with a result available in under 4 h, comparing favourably with the existing method of CPE screening; average time-to-diagnosis of 48/72 h. Utilizing this CPE work-flow would allow a 'same-day' result. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing results, as is current practice, would remain a 'next-day' result. In conclusion, the Check-Direct CPE® assay was easily integrated into a local laboratory work-flow and could facilitate a large volume of CPE screening specimens in a single batch, making it cost-effective and convenient for daily CPE testing.

COCOA (Theobroma cacao) Polyphenol-Rich Extract Increases the Chronological Lifespan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Baiges, I; Arola, L

2016-01-01

BACKGROUND: Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a model organism with conserved aging pathways. Yeast chronological lifespan experiments mimic the processes involved in human non-dividing tissues, such as the nervous system or skeletal muscle, and can speed up the search for biomolecules with potential anti-aging effects before proceeding to animal studies. OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of a cocoa polyphenol-rich extract (CPE) in expanding the S. cerevisiae chronological lifespan in two conditions: in the stationary phase reached after glucose depletion and under severe caloric restriction. MEASUREMENTS: Using a high-throughput method, wild-type S. cerevisiae and its mitochondrial manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase null mutant (sod2Δ) were cultured in synthetic complete dextrose medium. After 2 days, 0, 5 and 20 mg/ml of CPE were added, and viability was measured throughout the stationary phase. The effects of the major components of CPE were also evaluated. To determine yeast lifespan under severe caloric restriction conditions, cultures were washed with water 24 h after the addition of 0 and 20 mg/ml of CPE, and viability was followed over time. RESULTS : CPE increased the chronological lifespan of S. cerevisiae during the stationary phase in a dose-dependent manner. A similar increase was also observed in (sod2Δ). None of the major CPE components (theobromine, caffeine, maltodextrin, (-)-epicatechin, (+)-catechin and procyanidin B2) was able to increase the yeast lifespan. CPE further increased the yeast lifespan under severe caloric restriction. CONCLUSION: CPE increases the chronological lifespan of S. cerevisiae through a SOD2-independent mechanism. The extract also extends yeast lifespan under severe caloric restriction conditions. The high-throughput assay used makes it possible to simply and rapidly test the efficacy of a large number of compounds on yeast aging, requiring only small amounts, and is thus a convenient screening assay to accelerate the search for biomolecules with potential anti-aging effects.

Synergistic effects of acyclovir and 3, 19-isopropylideneandrographolide on herpes simplex virus wild types and drug-resistant strains.

PubMed

Priengprom, Thongkoon; Ekalaksananan, Tipaya; Kongyingyoes, Bunkerd; Suebsasana, Supawadee; Aromdee, Chantana; Pientong, Chamsai

2015-03-11

An andrographolide analogue, 3, 19-isopropylideneandrographolide (IPAD), exerts an inhibitory effect on replication of wild-type herpes simplex virus serotype 1 (HSV-1). In this study, we examined the anti-viral activity of IPAD on HSV wild types (HSV-1 strain KOS and HSV-2 clinical isolate) and HSV-1 drug-resistant strains (DRs). Synergistic effects of IPAD with acyclovir (ACV) were also evaluated. MTT and cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction assays were performed to determine cytotoxicity and anti-viral activities, respectively. A combination assay was used to determine synergistic effects of IPAD and ACV. Presence of viral DNA and protein in experimental cells was investigated using the polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. A non-cytotoxic concentration of IPAD (20.50 μM) completely inhibited CPE formation induced by HSV wild types and HSV-1 DRs after viral entry into the cells. The anti-HSV activities included inhibition of viral DNA and protein synthesis. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of ACV for HSV wild types and HSV-1 DRs were 20.20 and 2,220.00 μM, respectively. Combination of ACV with IPAD showed synergistic effects in inhibition of CPE formation, viral DNA and protein synthesis by HSV wild types as well as HSV-1 DRs. For the synergistic effects on HSV wild types and HSV-1 DRs, the effective concentrations of ACV were reduced. These results showed the inhibitory potential of IPAD on HSV wild types and HSV-1 DRs and suggested that IPAD could be used in combination with ACV for treatment of HSV-1 DRs infections.

What influences malaysian nurses to participate in continuing professional education activities?

PubMed

Chong, Mei Chan; Sellick, Kenneth; Francis, Karen; Abdullah, Khatijah Lim

2011-03-01

A cross sectional descriptive study, which involved government hospitals and health clinics from Peninsular Malaysia sought to identify the continuing professional education (CPE) needs and their readiness for E-learning. This paper focuses on the first phase of that study that aimed to determine the factors that influence nurses' participation in CPE. Multistage cluster sampling was used to recruit 1,000 nurses randomly from 12 hospitals and 24 health clinics from four states in Peninsular Malaysia who agreed to be involved. The respondent rate was 792 (79.2%), of which 562 (80%) had participated in CPE in the last 12 months. Findings suggested that updating knowledge and providing quality care are the most important factors that motivate participation in CPE, with respective means of 4.34 and 4.39. All the mean scores for educational opportunity were less than 3.0. Chi-square tests were used to test the association of demographic data and CPE participation. All demographical data were significantly associated with CPE participation, except marital status. Implementation of mandatory CPE is considered an important measure to increase nurse's participation in CPE. However, effective planning that takes into consideration the learning needs of nurses is recommended. Copyright © 2011 Korean Society of Nursing Science. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

NIa-Pro of Papaya ringspot virus interacts with Carica papaya eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit G (CpeIF3G).

PubMed

Gao, Le; Tuo, Decai; Shen, Wentao; Yan, Pu; Li, Xiaoying; Zhou, Peng

2015-02-01

The interaction of papaya eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit G (CpeIF3G) with Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) NIa-Pro was validated using a bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay in papaya protoplasts based on the previous yeast two-hybrid assay results. The C-terminal (residues 133-239) fragment of PRSV NIa-Pro and the central domain (residues 59-167) of CpeIF3G were required for effective interaction between NIa-Pro and CpeIF3G as shown by a Sos recruitment yeast two-hybrid system with several deletion mutants of NIa-Pro and CpeIF3G. The central domain of CpeIF3G, which contains a C2HC-type zinc finger motif, is required to bind to other eIFs of the translational machinery. In addition, quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR assay confirmed that PRSV infection leads to a 2- to 4.5-fold up-regulation of CpeIF3G mRNA in papaya. Plant eIF3G is involved in various stress response by enhancing the translation of resistance-related proteins. It is proposed that the NIa-Pro-CpeIF3G interaction may impair translation preinitiation complex assembly of defense proteins and interfere with host defense.

Antiretroviral therapy CNS penetration and HIV-1-associated CNS disease.

PubMed

Garvey, L; Winston, A; Walsh, J; Post, F; Porter, K; Gazzard, B; Fisher, M; Leen, C; Pillay, D; Hill, T; Johnson, M; Gilson, R; Anderson, J; Easterbrook, P; Bansi, L; Orkin, C; Ainsworth, J; Palfreeman, A; Gompels, M; Phillips, A N; Sabin, C A

2011-02-22

The impact of different antiretroviral agents on the risk of developing or surviving CNS disease remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether using antiretroviral regimens with higher CNS penetration effectiveness (CPE) scores was associated with reduced incidence of CNS disease and improved survival in the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (CHIC) Study. Adults without previous CNS disease, who commenced combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) between 1996 and 2008, were included (n = 22,356). Initial and most recent cART CPE scores were calculated. CNS diseases were HIV encephalopathy (HIVe), progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), cerebral toxoplasmosis (TOXO), and cryptococcal meningitis (CRYPTO). Incidence rates and overall survival were stratified by CPE score. A multivariable Poisson regression model was used to identify independent associations. The median (interquartile range) CPE score for initial cART regimen increased from 7 (5-8) in 1996-1997 to 9 (8-10) in 2000-2001 and subsequently declined to 6 (7-8) in 2006-2008. Differences in gender, HIV acquisition risk group, and ethnicity existed between CPE score strata. A total of 251 subjects were diagnosed with a CNS disease (HIVe 80; TOXO 59; CRYPTO 56; PML 54). CNS diseases occurred more frequently in subjects prescribed regimens with CPE scores ≤ 4, and less frequently in those with scores ≥ 10; however, these differences were nonsignificant. Initial and most recent cART CPE scores ≤ 4 were independently associated with increased risk of death. Clinical status at time of commencing cART influences antiretroviral selection and CPE score. This information should be considered when utilizing CPE scores for retrospective analyses.

Conjugated polyelectrolyte based real-time fluorescence assay for phospholipase C.

PubMed

Liu, Yan; Ogawa, Katsu; Schanze, Kirk S

2008-01-01

A fluorescence turnoff assay for phospholipase C (PLC) from Clostridium perfringens is developed based on the reversible interaction between the natural substrate, phosphatidylcholine, and a fluorescent, water-soluble conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE). The fluorescence intensity of the CPE in water is increased substantially by the addition of the phospholipid due to the formation of a CPE-lipid complex. Incubation of the CPE-lipid complex with the enzyme PLC causes the fluorescence intensity to decrease (turnoff sensor); the response arises due to PLC-catalyzed hydrolysis of the phosphatidylcholine, which effectively disrupts the CPE-lipid complex. The PLC assay operates with phospholipid substrate concentrations in the micromolar range, and the analytical detection limit for PLC is <1 nM. The optimized assay provides a convenient, rapid, and real-time sensor for PLC activity. The real-time fluorescence intensity from the CPE can be converted to substrate concentration by using an ex situ calibration curve, allowing PLC-catalyzed reaction rates and kinetic parameters to be determined. PLC activation by Ca2+ and inhibition by EDTA and fluoride ion are demonstrated using the optimized sensor.

ATS-6 - Preliminary results from the 13/18-GHz COMSAT Propagation Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hyde, G.

1975-01-01

The 13/18-GHz COMSAT Propagation Experiment (CPE) is reviewed, the data acquisition and processing are discussed, and samples of preliminary results are presented. The need for measurements of both hydrometeor-induced attenuation statistics and diversity effectiveness is brought out. The facilitation of the experiment - CPE dual frequency and diversity site location, the CPE ground transmit terminals, the CPE transponder on Applications Technology Satellite-6 (ATS-6), and the CPE receive and data acquisition system - is briefly examined. The on-line preprocessing of the received signal is reviewed, followed by a discussion of the off-line processing of this database to remove signal fluctuations not due to hydrometeors. Finally, samples of the results of first-level analysis of the resultant data for the 18-GHz diversity site near Boston, Mass., and for the dual frequency 13/18-GHz site near Detroit, Mich., are presented and discussed.

In vitro anti-viral effect of β-santalol against influenza viral replication.

PubMed

Paulpandi, Manickam; Kannan, Soundarapandian; Thangam, Ramar; Kaveri, Krishnasamy; Gunasekaran, Palani; Rejeeth, Chandrababu

2012-02-15

The anti-influenza A/HK (H3N2) virus activity of β-santalol was evaluated in MDCK cells and investigated the effect of β-santalol on synthesis of viral mRNAs. β-Santalol was investigated for its antiviral activity against influenza A/HK (H3N2) virus using a cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction method. β-Santalol exhibited anti-influenza A/HK (H3N2) virus activity of 86% with no cytotoxicity at the concentration of 100 μg/ml reducing the formation of a visible CPE. Oseltamivir also showed moderate antiviral activity of about 83% against influenza A/HK (H3N2) virus at the concentration of 100 μg/ml. Furthermore, the mechanism of anti-influenza virus action in the inhibition of viral mRNA synthesis was analyzed by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), and the data indicated an inhibitory effect in late viral RNA synthesis compared with oseltamivir in the presence of 100 μg/ml of β-santalol. β-Santalol should be further studied for therapeutic and prophylactic potential especially for influenza epidemics and pandemics. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Antiretroviral therapy CNS penetration and HIV-1–associated CNS disease

PubMed Central

Winston, A.; Walsh, J.; Post, F.; Porter, K.; Gazzard, B.; Fisher, M.; Leen, C.; Pillay, D.; Hill, T.; Johnson, M.; Gilson, R.; Anderson, J.; Easterbrook, P.; Bansi, L.; Orkin, C.; Ainsworth, J.; Palfreeman, A.; Gompels, M.; Phillips, A.N.; Sabin, C.A.

2011-01-01

Objective: The impact of different antiretroviral agents on the risk of developing or surviving CNS disease remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether using antiretroviral regimens with higher CNS penetration effectiveness (CPE) scores was associated with reduced incidence of CNS disease and improved survival in the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (CHIC) Study. Methods: Adults without previous CNS disease, who commenced combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) between 1996 and 2008, were included (n = 22,356). Initial and most recent cART CPE scores were calculated. CNS diseases were HIV encephalopathy (HIVe), progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), cerebral toxoplasmosis (TOXO), and cryptococcal meningitis (CRYPTO). Incidence rates and overall survival were stratified by CPE score. A multivariable Poisson regression model was used to identify independent associations. Results: The median (interquartile range) CPE score for initial cART regimen increased from 7 (5–8) in 1996–1997 to 9 (8–10) in 2000–2001 and subsequently declined to 6 (7–8) in 2006–2008. Differences in gender, HIV acquisition risk group, and ethnicity existed between CPE score strata. A total of 251 subjects were diagnosed with a CNS disease (HIVe 80; TOXO 59; CRYPTO 56; PML 54). CNS diseases occurred more frequently in subjects prescribed regimens with CPE scores ≤4, and less frequently in those with scores ≥10; however, these differences were nonsignificant. Initial and most recent cART CPE scores ≤4 were independently associated with increased risk of death. Conclusion: Clinical status at time of commencing cART influences antiretroviral selection and CPE score. This information should be considered when utilizing CPE scores for retrospective analyses. PMID:21339496

Largely improved the low temperature toughness of acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA) resin: Fabricated a core-shell structure of two elastomers through the differences of interfacial tensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Zepeng; Zhang, Jun

2018-06-01

The phase morphology of two elastomers (i.e., chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) and polybutadiene rubber (BR)) were devised to be a core-shell structure in acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA) resin matrix, via the interfacial tension differences of polymer pairs. Selective extraction test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to verify this special phase morphology. The results demonstrated that the core-shell structure, BR core and CPE shell, significantly contributed to improve the low temperature toughness of ASA/CPE/BR ternary blends, which may be because the nonpolar BR core was segregated from polar ASA by the CPE shell. The CPE shell served dual functions: Not only did it play compatibilizing effect in the interface between BR and ASA matrix, but it also toughened the blends at 25 and 0 °C. The blends of ASA/CPE/BR (100/27/3, w/w/w) and ASA/CPE/BR (100/22/8, w/w/w) showed the peak impact strengths at about 28 and 9 kJ/m2 at 0 and -30 °C, respectively, which were higher than both that of ASA/CPE/BR (100/30/0, w/w/w) and ASA/CPE/BR (100/0/30, w/w/w). Moreover, the impact strength of ternary blends at room temperature kept at 40 kJ/m2 when BR content was lower than 10 phr. Other characterizations including contact angle measurement, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), morphology of impact-fractured surfaces, tensile properties, flexural properties, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were measured as well.

Detection of vitamin b1 (thiamine) using modified carbon paste electrodes with polypyrrole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muppariqoh, N. M.; Wahyuni, W. T.; Putra, B. R.

2017-03-01

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is oxidized in alkaline medium and can be detected by cyclic voltammetry technique using carbon paste electrode (CPE) as a working electrode. polypyrrole-modified CPE were used in this study to increase sensitivity and selectivity measurement of thiamine. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) of the modified CPE was prepared through electrodeposition of pyrrole. Measurement of thiamine performed in KCl 0.05 M (pH 10, tris buffer) using CPE and the modified CPE gave an optimum condition anodic current of thiamine at 0.3 V, potential range (-1.6_1 V), and scan rate of 100 mV/s. Measurement of thiamine using polypyrrole modified CPE (CPE-MIPpy) showed better result than CPE itself with detection limit of 6.9×10-5 M and quantitation limit 2.1×10-4 M. CPE-MIPpy is selective to vita min B1. In conclusion, CPE-MIPpy as a working electrode showed better performance of thiamine measurement than that of CPE.

An evaluative case study of online learning for healthcare professionals.

PubMed

Pullen, Darren L

2006-01-01

This evaluation study assessed the pedagogical and instructional design (e-pedagogy) effectiveness of online continuing professional education (CPE) courses offered by a large Australian CPE provider. A naturalistic theory approach and a multilevel evaluation were used to examine the impact of web-based learning on more than 300 healthcare professionals. Participant satisfaction, learning achievement, self-reported practice performance change, and e-pedagogical courseware characteristics were assessed by various qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Findings revealed that learning online was an effective means for increasing CPE knowledge (p < .05) and improving self-reported practice performance change (p < .05). Courses containing a clinical tool resulted in an increased self-reported practice performance change over courses that did not (Zobs = 3.757). Online CPE offers a convenient format for healthcare professionals from educationally and geographically diverse populations to update their knowledge and view best practice.

Impact of Deterrents on Effectiveness of Mandatory Continuing Professional Education for Company Secretaries in India

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walawalkar, Rajesh

2015-01-01

This study is about the perceptions of Company Secretaries about effectiveness of their formal and mandatory Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programme run by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. The objectives were to ascertain: (1) to what extent do Company Secretaries perceive their CPE as effective, (2) what are the various…

Clostridium perfringens Type A Strains Carrying a Plasmid-Borne Enterotoxin Gene (Genotype IS1151-cpe or IS1470-like-cpe) as a Common Cause of Food Poisoning▿

PubMed Central

Lahti, Päivi; Heikinheimo, Annamari; Johansson, Tuula; Korkeala, Hannu

2008-01-01

The prevalences of various genotypes of enterotoxin gene-carrying (cpe-positive) Clostridium perfringens type A in 24 different food poisoning outbreaks were 75% (chromosomal IS1470-cpe), 21% (plasmid-borne IS1470-like-cpe), and 4% (plasmid-borne IS1151-cpe). These results show that C. perfringens type A carrying the plasmid-borne cpe is a common cause of food poisoning. PMID:18003798

Conceptual Physical Education Course and College Freshmen's Physical Activity Patterns

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shangguan, Rulan; Keating, Xiaofen Deng; Liu, Jingwen; Zhou, Ke; Clark, Langston; Leitner, Jessica

2017-01-01

Conceptual physical education (CPE) courses play a critical role in promoting physical activity (PA) among students in American higher education settings. To date, however, very limited knowledge is available about the effectiveness of such courses. Aims: The primary purpose of the study was to examine effects of a CPE course on altering freshmen…

Clover-Tagged Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Infectious Clones for Rapid Detection of Virus Neutralizing Antibodies.

PubMed

Huang, Baicheng; Xiao, Xia; Xue, Biyun; Zhou, En-Min

2018-06-24

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSV), is a widespread disease that affects domestic pigs of all ages. Accurate and rapid detection of PRRSV specific neutralizing antibodies levels in a pig herd is beneficial for the evaluation of the herd's immunity to combat the specific viral infection. However, the current methods for viral detection, including fluorescent focus neutralization (FFN) and cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction neutralizing assays, are subjective and time-consuming. Therefore, a Clover-tagged PRRSV virus neutralization assay were developed that instrumentally measures the fluorescence signal of Clover stably expressing by a PRRSV infectious clone for at least 10 passages. Herein, the results showed that the proposed Clover-tagged PRRSV neutralization assay is reliable using instrumental measurements of the fluorescence signal of Clover and allows for rapid detection of neutralizing antibodies against PRRSV. The assay was evaluated by testing swine sera from experimental and field samples, and comparisons were made with the traditional FFN and CPE reduction assays. These results suggest that the Clover-tagged PRRSV infectious clone offers a fast and reliable testing method for neutralizing antibodies and could permit high-throughput screening of new antiviral agents. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Determination of the In Vitro and In Vivo Activity of Compounds Tested Against Punta Toro Virus.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-12-29

were performed on 295 AVS compounds in LLC-MK2 cells with inhibition of viral cytopathic effect (CPE) as initial endpoint and reduction of virus...ineffective doses of ribavirin were highly active against the infection. 11. Publications and Presentations: One manuscript describing work performed on...USERS unclassifie 22a N4AME QP RESPONSIBE INDIIDUAL 22b. TELEPHONE WInd Area Code) 22. OFFICE SYMBOL WF ir ginia M. Miller- - DD FORM 1473,s4Mat 83

Cloud-point extraction is compatible with liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for the determination of antazoline in human plasma.

PubMed

Giebułtowicz, Joanna; Kojro, Grzegorz; Piotrowski, Roman; Kułakowski, Piotr; Wroczyński, Piotr

2016-09-05

Cloud-point extraction (CPE) is attracting increasing interest in a number of analytical fields, including bioanalysis, as it provides a simple, safe and environmentally-friendly sample preparation technique. However, there are only few reports on the application of this extraction technique in liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis. In this study, CPE was used for the isolation of antazoline from human plasma. To date, only one method of antazoline isolation from plasma exists-liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). The aim of this study was to prove the compatibility of CPE and LC-ESI-MS/MS and the applicability of CPE to the determination of antazoline in spiked human plasma and clinical samples. Antazoline was isolated from human plasma using Triton X-114 as a surfactant. Xylometazoline was used as an internal standard. NaOH concentration, temperature and Triton X-114 concentration were optimized. The absolute matrix effect was carefully investigated. All validation experiments met international acceptance criteria and no significant relative matrix effect was observed. The compatibility of CPE and LC-ESI-MS/MS was confirmed using clinical plasma samples. The determination of antazoline concentration in human plasma in the range 10-2500ngmL(-1) by the CPE method led to results which are equivalent to those obtained by the widely used liquid-liquid extraction method. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In vitro cytotoxicity induced by Clostridium perfringens isolate carrying a chromosomal cpe gene is exclusively dependent on sporulation and enterotoxin production.

PubMed

Yasugi, Mayo; Sugahara, Yuki; Hoshi, Hidenobu; Kondo, Kaori; Talukdar, Prabhat K; Sarker, Mahfuzur R; Yamamoto, Shigeki; Kamata, Yoichi; Miyake, Masami

2015-08-01

Clostridium perfringens type A is a common source of food poisoning (FP) and non-food-borne (NFB) gastrointestinal diseases in humans. In the intestinal tract, the vegetative cells sporulate and produce a major pathogenic factor, C. perfringens enterotoxin (CPE). Most type A FP isolates carry a chromosomal cpe gene, whereas NFB type A isolates typically carry a plasmid-encoded cpe. In vitro, the purified CPE protein binds to a receptor and forms pores, exerting a cytotoxic activity in epithelial cells. However, it remains unclear if CPE is indispensable for C. perfringens cytotoxicity. In this study, we examined the cytotoxicity of cpe-harboring C. perfringens isolates co-cultured with human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. The FP strains showed severe cytotoxicity during sporulation and CPE production, but not during vegetative cell growth. While Caco-2 cells were intact during co-culturing with cpe-null mutant derivative of strain SM101 (a FP strain carrying a chromosomal cpe gene), the wild-type level cytotoxicity was observed with cpe-complemented strain. In contrast, both wild-type and cpe-null mutant derivative of the NFB strain F4969 induced Caco-2 cell death during both vegetative and sporulation growth. Collectively, the Caco-2 cell cytotoxicity caused by C. perfringens strain SM101 is considered to be exclusively dependent on CPE production, whereas some additional toxins should be involved in F4969-mediated in vitro cytotoxicity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Functional characterization of enzymes catalyzing ceramide phosphoethanolamine biosynthesis in mice.

PubMed

Bickert, Andreas; Ginkel, Christina; Kol, Matthijs; vom Dorp, Katharina; Jastrow, Holger; Degen, Joachim; Jacobs, René L; Vance, Dennis E; Winterhager, Elke; Jiang, Xian-Cheng; Dörmann, Peter; Somerharju, Pentti; Holthuis, Joost C M; Willecke, Klaus

2015-04-01

Besides bulk amounts of SM, mammalian cells produce small quantities of the SM analog ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE). Little is known about the biological role of CPE or enzymes responsible for CPE production. Heterologous expression studies revealed that SM synthase (SMS)2 is a bifunctional enzyme producing both SM and CPE, whereas SMS-related protein (SMSr) serves as monofunctional CPE synthase. Acute disruption of SMSr catalytic activity in cultured cells causes a rise in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) ceramides, fragmentation of ER exit sites, and induction of mitochondrial apoptosis. To address the relevance of CPE biosynthesis in vivo, we analyzed the tissue-specific distribution of CPE in mice and generated mouse lines lacking SMSr and SMS2 catalytic activity. We found that CPE levels were >300-fold lower than SM in all tissues examined. Unexpectedly, combined inactivation of SMSr and SMS2 significantly reduced, but did not eliminate, tissue-specific CPE pools and had no obvious impact on mouse development or fertility. While SMSr is widely expressed and serves as the principal CPE synthase in the brain, blocking its catalytic activity did not affect ceramide levels or secretory pathway integrity in the brain or any other tissue. Our data provide a first inventory of CPE species and CPE-biosynthetic enzymes in mammals. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Molecularly imprinted polymer based electrochemical detection of L-cysteine at carbon paste electrode.

PubMed

Aswini, K K; Vinu Mohan, A M; Biju, V M

2014-04-01

A methacrylic acid (MAA) based molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) was developed for electrochemical detection of L-cysteine (Cys). Characterisation of MIP was done with FTIR and the modified electrode with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). CV, DPV and impedance analysis demonstrated that the modified electrode is responsive towards the target molecule. The optimum percentage composition of MIP for MIP/CPE and the effect of pH towards the electrode response for Cys were studied. The detection of Cys in the range of 2×10(-8) to 18×10(-8)M at MIP/CPE was monitored by DPV with a limit of detection of 9.6nM and R(2) of 0.9974. Also, various physiological interferents such as ascorbic acid, L-tryptophan, D-glucose, D-cysteine and L-cysteine were found to have little effect on DPV response at MIP/CPE. The utility of the electrode was proved by the effective detection of Cys from tap water and human blood plasma samples with reproducible results. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Claudin-4 Overexpression in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Is Associated with Hypomethylation and Is a Potential Target for Modulation of Tight Junction Barrier Function Using a C-Terminal Fragment of Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin1

PubMed Central

Litkouhi, Babak; Kwong, Joseph; Lo, Chun-Min; Smedley, James G; McClane, Bruce A; Aponte, Margarita; Gao, Zhijian; Sarno, Jennifer L; Hinners, Jennifer; Welch, William R; Berkowitz, Ross S; Mok, Samuel C; Garner, Elizabeth I O

2007-01-01

Background Claudin-4, a tight junction (TJ) protein and receptor for the C-terminal fragment of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (C-CPE), is overexpressed in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Previous research suggests DNA methylation is a mechanism for claudin-4 overexpression in cancer and that C-CPE acts as an absorption-enhancing agent in claudin-4-expressing cells. We sought to correlate claudin-4 overexpression in EOC with clinical outcomes and TJ barrier function, investigate DNA methylation as a mechanism for overexpression, and evaluate the effect of C-CPE on the TJ. Methods Claudin-4 expression in EOC was quantified and correlated with clinical outcomes. Claudin-4 methylation status was determined, and claudin-4-negative cell lines were treated with a demethylating agent. Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing was used to calculate junctional (paracellular) resistance (Rb) in EOC cells after claudin-4 silencing and after C-CPE treatment. Results Claudin-4 overexpression in EOC does not correlate with survival or other clinical endpoints and is associated with hypomethylation. Claudin-4 overexpression correlates with Rb and C-CPE treatment of EOC cells significantly decreased Rb in a dose- and claudin-4-dependent noncytotoxic manner. Conclusions C-CPE treatment of EOC cells leads to altered TJ function. Further research is needed to determine the potential clinical applications of C-CPE in EOC drug delivery strategies. PMID:17460774

Citrange fruit extracts alleviate obesity-associated metabolic disorder in high-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6 mouse.

PubMed

Lu, Yan; Xi, Wanpeng; Ding, Xiaobo; Fan, Shengjie; Zhang, Yu; Jiang, Dong; Li, Yiming; Huang, Cheng; Zhou, Zhiqin

2013-12-05

Obesity is becoming one of the global epidemics of the 21st century. In this study, the effects of citrange (Citrus sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata) fruit extracts in high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity mice were studied. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed respectively a chow diet (control), an HF diet, HF diet supplemented with 1% w/w citrange peel extract (CPE) or 1% w/w citrange flesh and seed extract (CFSE) for 8 weeks. Our results showed that both CPE and CFSE regulated the glucose metabolic disorders of obese mice. In CPE and CFSE-treated groups, the body weight gain, blood glucose, serum total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels were significantly (p<0.05) reduced relative to those in the HF group. To explore the mechanisms of action of CPE and CFSE on the metabolism of glucose and lipid, related genes' expressions in liver were assayed. In liver tissue, the expression level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and its target genes were down-regulated by CPE and CFSE supplementation as revealed by qPCR tests. In addition, both CPE and CFSE decreased the expression level of liver X receptor (LXR) α and β, which are involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. Taken together, these results suggest that CPE and CFSE administration could ameliorate obesity and related metabolic disorders in HF diet-induced obesity mice probably through the inhibition of PPARγ and LXRs gene expressions.

Performance improvement of coherent free-space optical communication with quadrature phase-shift keying modulation using digital phase estimation.

PubMed

Li, Xueliang; Geng, Tianwen; Ma, Shuang; Li, Yatian; Gao, Shijie; Wu, Zhiyong

2017-06-01

The performance of coherent free-space optical (CFSO) communication with phase modulation is limited by both phase fluctuations and intensity scintillations induced by atmospheric turbulence. To improve the system performance, one effective way is to use digital phase estimation. In this paper, a CFSO communication system with quadrature phase-shift keying modulation is studied. With consideration of the effects of log-normal amplitude fluctuations and Gauss phase fluctuations, a two-stage Mth power carrier phase estimation (CPE) scheme is proposed. The simulation results show that the phase noise can be suppressed greatly by this scheme, and the system symbol error rate performance with the two-stage Mth power CPE can be three orders lower than that of the single-stage Mth power CPE. Therefore, the two-stage CPE we proposed can contribute to the performance improvements of the CFSO communication system and has determinate guidance sense to its actual application.

Clostridium Perfringens Enterotoxin (CPE) and CPE-Binding Domain (c-CPE) for the Detection and Treatment of Gynecologic Cancers

PubMed Central

Black, Jonathan D.; Lopez, Salvatore; Cocco, Emiliano; Schwab, Carlton L.; English, Diana P.; Santin, Alessandro D.

2015-01-01

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) is a three-domain polypeptide, which binds to Claudin-3 and Claudin-4 with high affinity. Because these receptors are highly differentially expressed in many human tumors, claudin-3 and claudin-4 may provide an efficient molecular tool to specifically identify and target biologically aggressive human cancer cells for CPE-specific binding and cytolysis. In this review we will discuss these surface proteins as targets for the detection and treatment of chemotherapy-resistant gynecologic malignancies overexpressing claudin-3 and -4 using CPE-based theranostic agents. We will also discuss the use of fluorescent c-CPE peptide in the operative setting for real time detection of micro-metastatic tumors during surgery and review the potential role of CPE in other medical applications. PMID:25835384

Online Continuing Professional Education: An Evaluative Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pullen, Darren L.

2005-01-01

An evaluation study, assessing the pedagogical and instructional design (e-pedagogy) effectiveness of online continuing professional education (CPE) courses offered by a large Australasian CPE provider to health care professionals (HCPs). The study used a naturalistic theory approach in conjunction with a multilevel evaluation to examine the…

Carboxypeptidase E modulates intestinal immune homeostasis and protects against experimental colitis in mice.

PubMed

Bär, Florian; Föh, Bandik; Pagel, René; Schröder, Torsten; Schlichting, Heidi; Hirose, Misa; Lemcke, Susanne; Klinger, Antje; König, Peter; Karsten, Christian M; Büning, Jürgen; Lehnert, Hendrik; Fellermann, Klaus; Ibrahim, Saleh M; Sina, Christian

2014-01-01

Enteroendocrine cells (EEC) produce neuropeptides, which are crucially involved in the maintenance of the intestinal barrier. Hence, EEC dysfunction is suggested to be involved in the complex pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is characterized by decreased intestinal barrier function. However, the underlying mechanisms for EEC dysfunction are not clear and suitable models for a better understanding are lacking. Here, we demonstrate that Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) is specifically expressed in EEC of the murine colon and ileum and that its deficiency is associated with reduced intestinal levels of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and Peptide YY (PYY), which are both produced by EEC. Moreover, cpe-/- mice exhibit an aggravated course of DSS-induced chronic colitis compared to wildtype littermates. In addition, we observed elevated mucosal IL-6 and KC transcript levels already at baseline conditions in cpe-/- mice. Moreover, supernatants obtained from isolated intestinal crypts of cpe-/- mice lead to increased IL-6 and KC expression in MODE-K cells in the presence of LPS. This effect was reversible by co-administration of recombinant NPY, suggesting a CPE mediated immunosuppressive effect in the intestines by influencing the processing of specific neuropeptides. In this context, the chemotaxis of bone marrow derived macrophages towards respective supernatants was enhanced. In conclusion, our data point to an anti-inflammatory role of CPE in the intestine by influencing local cytokine levels and thus regulating the migration of myeloid immune cells into the mucosa. These findings highlight the importance of EEC for intestinal homeostasis and propose EEC as potential therapeutic targets in IBD.

Bicarbonate and amino acids are co-germinants for spores of Clostridium perfringens type A isolates carrying plasmid-borne enterotoxin gene.

PubMed

Alnoman, Maryam; Udompijitkul, Pathima; Banawas, Saeed; Sarker, Mahfuzur R

2018-02-01

Clostridium perfringens type A isolates carrying a chromosomal enterotoxin (cpe) gene (C-cpe) are generally linked to food poisoning, while isolates carrying cpe on a plasmid (P-cpe) are associated with non-food-borne gastrointestinal diseases. Both C-cpe and P-cpe isolates can form metabolically dormant spores, which through germination process return to actively growing cells to cause diseases. In our previous study, we showed that only 3 out of 20 amino acids (aa) in phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) triggered germination of spores of P-cpe isolates (P-cpe spores). We now found that 14 out of 20 individual aa tested induced germination of P-cpe spores in the presence of bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.0). However, no significant spore germination was observed with bicarbonate (pH 7.0) alone, indicating that aa and bicarbonate are co-germinants for P-cpe spores. P-cpe strain F4969 gerKC spores did not germinate, and gerAA spores germinated extremely poorly as compared to wild-type and gerKA spores with aa-bicarbonate (pH 7.0) co-germinants. The germination defects in gerKC and gerAA spores were partially restored by complementing gerKC or gerAA spores with wild-type gerKC or gerAA, respectively. Collectively, this study identified aa-bicarbonate as a novel nutrient germinant for P-cpe spores and provided evidence that GerKC and GerAA play major roles in aa-bicarbonate induced germination. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citrange Fruit Extracts Alleviate Obesity-Associated Metabolic Disorder in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese C57BL/6 Mouse

PubMed Central

Lu, Yan; Xi, Wanpeng; Ding, Xiaobo; Fan, Shengjie; Zhang, Yu; Jiang, Dong; Li, Yiming; Huang, Cheng; Zhou, Zhiqin

2013-01-01

Obesity is becoming one of the global epidemics of the 21st century. In this study, the effects of citrange (Citrus sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata) fruit extracts in high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity mice were studied. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed respectively a chow diet (control), an HF diet, HF diet supplemented with 1% w/w citrange peel extract (CPE) or 1% w/w citrange flesh and seed extract (CFSE) for 8 weeks. Our results showed that both CPE and CFSE regulated the glucose metabolic disorders of obese mice. In CPE and CFSE-treated groups, the body weight gain, blood glucose, serum total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced relative to those in the HF group. To explore the mechanisms of action of CPE and CFSE on the metabolism of glucose and lipid, related genes’ expressions in liver were assayed. In liver tissue, the expression level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and its target genes were down-regulated by CPE and CFSE supplementation as revealed by qPCR tests. In addition, both CPE and CFSE decreased the expression level of liver X receptor (LXR) α and β, which are involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. Taken together, these results suggest that CPE and CFSE administration could ameliorate obesity and related metabolic disorders in HF diet-induced obesity mice probably through the inhibition of PPARγ and LXRs gene expressions. PMID:24317433

Alberta CancerBridges development of a care plan evaluation measure

PubMed Central

Giese-Davis, J.; Sisler, J.; Zhong, L.; Brandelli, Y.; McCormick, J.L.; Railton, C.; Shirt, L.; Lau, H.; Hao, D.; Chobanuk, J.; Walley, B.; Joy, A.A.; Taylor, A.; Carlson, L.

2018-01-01

Background No standardized measures specifically assess cancer survivors’ and healthcare providers’ experience of Survivor Care Plans (scps). We sought to develop two care plan evaluation (cpe) measures, one for survivors (cpe-s) and one for healthcare providers (cpe-p), examine initial psychometric qualities in Alberta, and assess generalizability in Manitoba, Canada. Methods We developed the initial measures using convenience samples of breast (n = 35) and head and neck (n = 18) survivors who received scps at the end of active cancer-centre treatment. After assessing Alberta’s scp concordance with Institute of Medicine (iom) recommendations using a published coding scheme, we examined psychometric qualities for the cpe-s and cpe-p. We examined generalizability in Manitoba, Canada, with colorectal survivors discharged to primary care providers for follow-up (n = 75). Results We demonstrated acceptable internal consistency for the cpe-s and cpe-p subscales and total score after eliminating one item per subscale for cpe-s, two for cpe-p, resulting in revised scales with four 7-item and 6-item subscales, respectively. Subscale scores correlated highly indicating that for each measure the total score may be the most reliable and valid. We provide initial cpe-s discriminant, convergent, and predictive validity using the total score. Using the Manitoba sample, initial psychometrics similarly indicated good generalizability across differences in tumour groups, scp, and location. Conclusions We recommend the revised cpe-s and cpe-p for further use and development. Studies documenting the creation and standardization of scp evaluations are few, and we recommend further development of patient experience measures to improve both clinical practice and the specificity of research questions. PMID:29507497

Clostridium perfringens: Comparative effects of heat and osmotic stress on non-enterotoxigenic and enterotoxigenic strains.

PubMed

Abbona, Cinthia Carolina; Stagnitta, Patricia Virginia

2016-06-01

Clostridium perfringens isolates associated with food poisoning carries a chromosomal cpe gene, while non-foodborne human gastrointestinal disease isolates carry a plasmid cpe gene. The enterotoxigenic strains tested produced vegetative cells and spores with significantly higher resistance than non-enterotoxigenic strains. These results suggest that the vegetative cells and spores have a competitive advantage over non-enterotoxigenic strains. However, no explanation has been provided for the significant associations between chromosomal cpe genotypes with the high resistance, which could explain the strong relationship between chromosomal cpe isolates and C. perfringens type A food poisoning. Here, we analyse the action of physical and chemical agent on non-enterotoxigenic and enterotoxigenic regional strains. And this study tested the relationship between the sensitivities of spores and their levels SASPs (small acid soluble proteins) production in the same strains examined. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mandatory continuing professional education in pharmacy: the Singapore experience.

PubMed

Ang, Hui-Gek; Pua, Yong-Hao; Subari, Nur Azah

2013-08-01

Mandatory Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for the renewal of pharmacists' practising certificate was implemented in Singapore in 2008 OBJECTIVE: To study pharmacists' perceptions and attitudes about the impact of mandatory CPE in Singapore. Singapore. Internet-based questionnaire survey, conducted between May and June 2011. Pharmacists' perceptions and attitudes toward mandatory CPE and the perceived difficulty in fulfilling the CPE requirements. The overall survey response rate was 52 % (840/1,609). Of the respondents, 32 % were non-practising, 49 % were practising in patient care areas, and 19 % were practising in non-patient care areas. More than half the pharmacists agreed that mandatory CPE (1) enhanced or increased their knowledge base and skills (70 %; 95 % CI 67-73 %), (2) motivated them to continually learn (64 %; 95 % CI, 60-67 %), and (3) motivated them to reflect on their professional practice or work (58 %; 95 % CI, 54-61 %). Mandatory CPE was not perceived to enhance or increase employability. Non-practising pharmacists appeared to have the greatest difficulty meeting the CPE requirements. In general, pharmacists value mandatory CPE more for positive professional reasons than for employability reasons. The survey results may serve as useful baseline data for future studies of pharmacists' perceptions and attitudes toward CPE in Singapore.

Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin: Action, Genetics, and Translational Applications

PubMed Central

Freedman, John C.; Shrestha, Archana; McClane, Bruce A.

2016-01-01

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) is responsible for causing the gastrointestinal symptoms of several C. perfringens food- and nonfood-borne human gastrointestinal diseases. The enterotoxin gene (cpe) is located on either the chromosome (for most C. perfringens type A food poisoning strains) or large conjugative plasmids (for the remaining type A food poisoning and most, if not all, other CPE-producing strains). In all CPE-positive strains, the cpe gene is strongly associated with insertion sequences that may help to assist its mobilization and spread. During disease, CPE is produced when C. perfringens sporulates in the intestines, a process involving several sporulation-specific alternative sigma factors. The action of CPE starts with its binding to claudin receptors to form a small complex; those small complexes then oligomerize to create a hexameric prepore on the membrane surface. Beta hairpin loops from the CPE molecules in the prepore assemble into a beta barrel that inserts into the membrane to form an active pore that enhances calcium influx, causing cell death. This cell death results in intestinal damage that causes fluid and electrolyte loss. CPE is now being explored for translational applications including cancer therapy/diagnosis, drug delivery, and vaccination. PMID:26999202

Didactic Lecture Versus Interactive Workshop for Continuing Pharmacy Education on Reproductive Health: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Javadi, Mohammadreza; Kargar, Alireza; Gholami, Kheirollah; Hadjibabaie, Molouk; Rashidian, Arash; Torkamandi, Hassan; Sarayani, Amir

2015-09-01

Pharmacists are routinely providing reproductive health counseling in community pharmacies, but studies have revealed significant deficits in their competencies. Therefore, continuing pharmacy education (CPE) could be utilized as a valuable modality to upgrade pharmacists' capabilities. A randomized controlled trial was designed to compare the efficacy of CPE meetings (lecture based vs. workshop based) on contraception and male sexual dysfunctions. Sixty pharmacists were recruited for each CPE meeting. Small group training using simulated patients was employed in the workshop-based CPE. Study outcomes were declarative/procedural knowledge, attitudes, and satisfaction of the participants. Data were collected pre-CPE, post-CPE, and 2 months afterward and were analyzed using repeated measure analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U test. Results showed that lecture-based CPE was more successful in improving pharmacists' knowledge post-CPE (p < .001). In contrast, a significant decrease was observed in the lecture-based group at follow-up (p = .002), whereas the workshop-based group maintained their knowledge over time (p = 1.00). Knowledge scores of both groups were significantly higher at follow-up in comparison with pre-CPE (p < .01). No significant differences were observed regarding satisfaction and attitudes scores between groups. In conclusion, an interactive workshop might not be superior to lecture-based training for improving pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes in a 1-day CPE meeting. © The Author(s) 2013.

Infection due to travel-related carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, a largely underestimated phenomenon in Belgium.

PubMed

Jans, B; D Huang, T-D; Bauraing, C; Berhin, C; Bogaerts, P; Deplano, A; Denis, O; Catry, B; Glupczynski, Y

2015-06-01

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are emerging worldwide, representing a major threat for public health. Early CPE detection is crucial in order to prevent infections and the development of reservoirs/outbreaks in hospitals. In 2008, most of the CPE strains reported in Belgium were imported from patients repatriated from abroad. Actually, this is no longer the case. A surveillance was set up in Belgian hospitals (2012) in order to explore the epidemiology and determinants of CPE, including the link with international travel/hospitalization. The present article describes travel-related CPE reported in Belgium. Different other potential sources for importation of CPE are discussed. Only 12% of all CPE cases reported in Belgium (2012-2013) were travel related (with/without hospitalization). This is undoubtedly an underestimation (missing travel data: 36%), considering the increasing tourism, the immigration from endemic countries, the growing number of foreign patients using scheduled medical care in Belgium, and the medical repatriations from foreign hospitals. The free movement of persons and services (European Union) contributes to an increase in foreign healthcare workers (HCW) in Belgian hospitals. Residents from nursing homes located at the country borders can be another potential source of dissemination of CPE between countries. Moreover, the high population density in Belgium can increase the risk for CPE-dissemination. Urban areas in Belgium may cumulate these potential risk factors for import/dissemination of CPE. Ideally, travel history data should be obtained from hospital hygiene teams, not from the microbiological laboratory. Patients who received medical care abroad (whatever the country) should be screened for CPE at admission.

Cloud Point Extraction for Electroanalysis: Anodic Stripping Voltammetry of Cadmium.

PubMed

Rusinek, Cory A; Bange, Adam; Papautsky, Ian; Heineman, William R

2015-06-16

Cloud point extraction (CPE) is a well-established technique for the preconcentration of hydrophobic species from water without the use of organic solvents. Subsequent analysis is then typically performed via atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), UV-vis spectroscopy, or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). However, the suitability of CPE for electroanalytical methods such as stripping voltammetry has not been reported. We demonstrate the use of CPE for electroanalysis using the determination of cadmium (Cd(2+)) by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). Rather than using the chelating agents which are commonly used in CPE to form a hydrophobic, extractable metal complex, we used iodide and sulfuric acid to neutralize the charge on Cd(2+) to form an extractable ion pair. This offers good selectivity for Cd(2+) as no interferences were observed from other heavy metal ions. Triton X-114 was chosen as the surfactant for the extraction because its cloud point temperature is near room temperature (22-25 °C). Bare glassy carbon (GC), bismuth-coated glassy carbon (Bi-GC), and mercury-coated glassy carbon (Hg-GC) electrodes were compared for the CPE-ASV. A detection limit for Cd(2+) of 1.7 nM (0.2 ppb) was obtained with the Hg-GC electrode. ASV with CPE gave a 20x decrease (4.0 ppb) in the detection limit compared to ASV without CPE. The suitability of this procedure for the analysis of tap and river water samples was demonstrated. This simple, versatile, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective extraction method is potentially applicable to a wide variety of transition metals and organic compounds that are amenable to detection by electroanalytical methods.

Sex determination based on amelogenin DNA by modified electrode with gold nanoparticle.

PubMed

Mazloum-Ardakani, Mohammad; Rajabzadeh, Nooshin; Benvidi, Ali; Heidari, Mohammad Mehdi

2013-12-15

We have developed a simple and renewable electrochemical biosensor based on carbon paste electrode (CPE) for the detection of DNA synthesis and hybridization. CPE was modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which are helpful for immobilization of thiolated bioreceptors. AuNPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of thiolated single-stranded DNA (SH-ssDNA) of the amelogenin gene was formed on CPE. The immobilization of the probe and its hybridization with the target DNA was optimized using different experimental conditions. The modified electrode was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The electrochemical response of ssDNA hybridization and DNA synthesis was measured using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) with methylene blue (MB) as an electroactive indicator. The new biosensor can distinguish between complementary and non-complementary strands of amelogenin ssDNA. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood and was detected based on changes in the MB reduction signal. These results demonstrated that the new biosensor could be used for sex determination. The proposed biosensor in this study could be used for detection and discrimination of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of amelogenin DNA. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Validation of the CNS Penetration-Effectiveness Rank for Quantifying Antiretroviral Penetration Into the Central Nervous System

PubMed Central

Letendre, Scott; Marquie-Beck, Jennifer; Capparelli, Edmund; Best, Brookie; Clifford, David; Collier, Ann C.; Gelman, Benjamin B.; McArthur, Justin C.; McCutchan, J. Allen; Morgello, Susan; Simpson, David; Grant, Igor; Ellis, Ronald J.

2009-01-01

Objective To evaluate whether penetration of a combination regimen into the central nervous system (CNS), as estimated by the CNS Penetration-Effectiveness (CPE) rank, is associated with lower cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) viral load. Design Data were analyzed from 467 participants who were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive and who reported antiretroviral (ARV) drug use. Individual ARV drugs were assigned a penetration rank of 0 (low), 0.5 (intermediate), or 1 (high) based on their chemical properties, concentrations in CSF, and/or effectiveness in the CNS in clinical studies. The CPE rank was calculated by summing the individual penetration ranks for each ARV in the regimen. Results The median CPE rank was 1.5 (interquartile range, 1–2). Lower CPE ranks correlated with higher CSF viral loads. Ranks less than 2 were associated with an 88% increase in the odds of detectable CSF viral load. In multivariate regression, lower CPE ranks were associated with detectable CSF viral loads even after adjusting for total number of ARV drugs, ARV drug adherence, plasma viral load, duration and type of the current regimen, and CD4 count. Conclusions Poorer penetration of ARV drugs into the CNS appears to allow continued HIV replication in the CNS as indicated by higher CSF HIV viral loads. Because inhibition of HIV replication in the CNS is probably critical in treating patients who have HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, ARV treatment strategies that account for CNS penetration should be considered in consensus treatment guidelines and validated in clinical studies. PMID:18195140

A Conceptual Physical Education Course and College Freshmen's Health-Related Fitness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Jingwen; Shangguan, Rulan; Keating, Xiaofen D.; Leitner, Jessica; Wu, Yigang

2017-01-01

Purpose: Conceptual physical education (CPE) classes have been widely offered to promote a healthy lifestyle in higher education settings. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of a CPE course on health-related fitness (HRF) levels among college freshmen. Design/methodology/approach: A pre- and post-test research design was used. In…

Results from the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program on Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae, 2010 to 2014

PubMed Central

Mataseje, Laura F.; Abdesselam, Kahina; Vachon, Julie; Mitchel, Robyn; Bryce, Elizabeth; Roscoe, Diane; Boyd, David A.; Embree, Joanne; Katz, Kevin; Kibsey, Pamela; Simor, Andrew E.; Taylor, Geoffrey; Turgeon, Nathalie; Langley, Joanne; Gravel, Denise; Amaratunga, Kanchana

2016-01-01

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are increasing globally; here we report on the investigation of CPE in Canada over a 5-year period. Participating acute care facilities across Canada submitted carbapenem-nonsusceptible Enterobacteriaceae from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014 to the National Microbiology Laboratory. All CPE were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibilities, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, multilocus sequence typing, and plasmid restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and had patient data collected using a standard questionnaire. The 5-year incidence rate of CPE was 0.09 per 10,000 patient days and 0.07 per 1,000 admissions. There were a total of 261 CPE isolated from 238 patients in 58 hospitals during the study period. blaKPC-3 (64.8%) and blaNDM-1 (17.6%) represented the highest proportion of carbapenemase genes detected in Canadian isolates. Patients who had a history of medical attention during international travel accounted for 21% of CPE cases. The hospital 30-day all-cause mortality rate for the 5-year surveillance period was 17.1 per 100 CPE cases. No significant increase in the occurrence of CPE was observed from 2010 to 2014. Nosocomial transmission of CPE, as well as international health care, is driving its persistence within Canada. PMID:27600052

Results from the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program on Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae, 2010 to 2014.

PubMed

Mataseje, Laura F; Abdesselam, Kahina; Vachon, Julie; Mitchel, Robyn; Bryce, Elizabeth; Roscoe, Diane; Boyd, David A; Embree, Joanne; Katz, Kevin; Kibsey, Pamela; Simor, Andrew E; Taylor, Geoffrey; Turgeon, Nathalie; Langley, Joanne; Gravel, Denise; Amaratunga, Kanchana; Mulvey, Michael R

2016-11-01

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are increasing globally; here we report on the investigation of CPE in Canada over a 5-year period. Participating acute care facilities across Canada submitted carbapenem-nonsusceptible Enterobacteriaceae from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014 to the National Microbiology Laboratory. All CPE were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibilities, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, multilocus sequence typing, and plasmid restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and had patient data collected using a standard questionnaire. The 5-year incidence rate of CPE was 0.09 per 10,000 patient days and 0.07 per 1,000 admissions. There were a total of 261 CPE isolated from 238 patients in 58 hospitals during the study period. bla KPC-3 (64.8%) and bla NDM-1 (17.6%) represented the highest proportion of carbapenemase genes detected in Canadian isolates. Patients who had a history of medical attention during international travel accounted for 21% of CPE cases. The hospital 30-day all-cause mortality rate for the 5-year surveillance period was 17.1 per 100 CPE cases. No significant increase in the occurrence of CPE was observed from 2010 to 2014. Nosocomial transmission of CPE, as well as international health care, is driving its persistence within Canada. © Crown copyright 2016.

Audit of the management of patients at high risk of carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae (CPE): Are we ready?

PubMed

Ratnayake, Lasantha; Harris, Amy; Ko, Doreen; Hawtin, Linda

2017-11-01

Incidence of carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in the UK is increasing. In 2013, Public Health England (PHE) published a toolkit to control spread of CPE within healthcare settings. To assess compliance to hospital CPE policy (adapted from PHE) in the identification, isolation and screening of suspected CPE patients. Admission booklets of 150 patients were evaluated to see whether the relevant section had been completed to identify high-risk CPE patients. Where necessary, patients were interviewed or their GPs were contacted to assess their CPE risk. Additionally, 28 patients screened for CPE were audited to assess compliance to screening and isolation. Only 23 patients out of 147 (15.6%) were risk assessed on admission. Risk status of 27 (18.4%) patients could not be assessed due to lack of data. Fifteen patients out of 28 (54%) screened for CPE were identified and isolated on admission. Ten out of 19 patients (53%) had three screens 48 h apart. This audit highlights difficulties in screening based on individual risk factors as the majority of patients were not screened on admission and documentation on isolation and screening was poor. More needs to be done to raise awareness of the requirements for routine assessment, isolation and screening.

Enhanced electrochemiluminescence sensor from tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) incorporated into MCM-41 and an ionic liquid-based carbon paste electrode.

PubMed

Li, Jing; Huang, Minghua; Liu, Xiaoqing; Wei, Hui; Xu, Yuanhong; Xu, Guobao; Wang, Erkang

2007-07-01

The electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) [Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)] ion-exchanged in the sulfonic-functionalized MCM-41 silicas was developed with tripropylamine (TPrA) as a co-reactant in a carbon paste electrode (CPE) using a room temperature ionic liquid (IL) as a binder. The sulfonic-functionalized silicas MCM-41 were used for preparing an ECL sensor by the electrostatic interactions between Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) cations and sulfonic acid groups. We used the IL as a binder to construct the CPE (IL-CPE) to replace the traditional binder of the CPE (T-CPE)--silicone oil. The results indicated that the MCM-41-modified IL-CPE had more open structures to allow faster diffusion of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) and that the ionic liquid also acted as a conducting bridge to connect TPrA with Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) sites immobilized in the electrode, resulting in a higher ECL intensity compared with the MCM-41-modified T-CPE. Herein, the detection limit for TPrA of the MCM-41-modified IL-CPE was 7.2 nM, which was two orders of magnitude lower than that observed at the T-CPE. When this new sensor was used in flow injection analysis (FIA), the MCM-41-modified IL-CPE ECL sensor also showed good reproducibility. Furthermore, the sensor could also be renewed easily by mechanical polishing whenever needed.

Active case finding for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a teaching hospital: prevalence and risk factors for colonization.

PubMed

Poole, K; George, R; Decraene, V; Shankar, K; Cawthorne, J; Savage, N; Welfare, W; Dodgson, A

2016-10-01

Over the past decade, the prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) has increased. Whilst basic infection prevention and control practices reduce the risk of transmission, cases of unrecognized carriage pose a potential risk of transmission. To estimate the prevalence of CPE and explore risk factors associated with colonization within a large teaching hospital with an established CPE outbreak. All inpatients that had not previously tested positive for CPE were offered testing. Demographic and hospital episode data were also collected, together with antibiotic and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use in the preceding 24h. This study identified 70 CPE-positive cases (26 newly identified and 44 previously known) and 592 CPE-negative cases, giving a combined prevalence of 11% [95% confidence interval (CI) 8-13]. Medication (antibiotic and PPI use), previous admission, ethnicity and length of stay were assessed as risk factors for colonization, and none were found to be independently associated with CPE colonization. Using logistic regression, age [odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.07] and antibiotic use (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.08-6.03) were the only risk factors significantly associated with CPE colonization. This study has added to the evidence base by estimating the prevalence of CPE among inpatients in an acute hospital with an established CPE outbreak. A case-finding exercise was feasible and identified a number of new cases. Despite a small sample size, increasing age and prescription of an antibiotic on the day of testing were significantly associated with CPE colonization. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Immunohistochemical expression and colocalization of somatostatin, carboxypeptidase-E and prohormone convertases 1 and 2 in rat brain.

PubMed

Billova, S; Galanopoulou, A S; Seidah, N G; Qiu, X; Kumar, U

2007-06-29

The processing of many peptides for their maturation in target tissue depends upon the presence of sorting receptor. Several previous studies have predicted that carboxypeptidase-E (CPE), prohormone convertase 1 (PC1) and prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) may function as sorting elements for somatostatin (SST) for its maturation and processing to appropriate targets. However, nothing is currently known about whether brain, neuronal culture or even endocrine cells express SST, CPE, PC1 and PC2 and exhibit colocalization. Accordingly, in the present study using peroxidase immunohistochemistry, double-labeled indirect immunofluorescence immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, we mapped the distributional pattern of SST, CPE, PC1 and PC2 in different rat brain regions. Additionally, we also determined the colocalization of SST with CPE, PC1 and PC2 as well as colocalization of CPE with PC1 and PC2. The localization of SST, CPE, PC1 and PC2 reveals a distinct and region specific distribution pattern in the rat brain. Using an indirect double-label immunofluorescence method we observed selective neuron specific colocalization in a region specific manner in cortex, striatum and hippocampus. These studies provide the first evidence for colocalization between SST, CPE, PC1 and PC2 as well as CPE with PC1 and PC2. SST in cerebral cortex colocalized in pyramidal and non-pyramidal neurons with CPE, PC1 and PC2. Most importantly, in striatum and hippocampus colocalization was mostly observed selectively and preferentially in interneurons. CPE is also colocalized with PC1 and PC2 in a region specific manner. The data presented here provide a new insight into the distribution and colocalization of SST, CPE, PC1 and PC2 in rat brain. Taken together, our data anticipate the possibility that CPE, PC1 and PC2 might be potential target for the maturation of SST.

Impact of primary care nursing workforce characteristics on the control of high-blood pressure: a multilevel analysis

PubMed Central

Parro-Moreno, Ana; Serrano-Gallardo, Pilar; Díaz-Holgado, Antonio; Aréjula-Torres, Jose L; Abraira, Victor; Santiago-Pérez, Isolina M; Morales-Asencio, Jose M

2015-01-01

Objective To determine the impact of Primary Health Care (PHC) nursing workforce characteristics and of the clinical practice environment (CPE) perceived by nurses on the control of high-blood pressure (HBP). Design Cross-sectional analytical study. Setting Administrative and clinical registries of hypertensive patients from PHC information systems and questionnaire from PHC nurses. Participants 76 797 hypertensive patients in two health zones within the Community of Madrid, North-West Zone (NWZ) with a higher socioeconomic situation and South-West Zone (SWZ) with a lower socioeconomic situation, and 442 reference nurses. Segmented analyses by area were made due to their different socioeconomic characteristics. Primary outcome measure: Poor HBP control (adequate figures below the value 140/90 mm Hg) associated with the characteristics of the nursing workforce and self-perceived CPE. Results The prevalence of poor HBP control, estimated by an empty multilevel model, was 33.5% (95% CI 31.5% to 35.6%). In the multilevel multivariate regression models, the perception of a more favourable CPE was associated with a reduction in poor control in NWZ men and SWZ women (OR=0.99 (95% CI 0.98 to 0.99)); the economic immigration conditions increased poor control in NWZ women (OR=1.53 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.89)) and in SWZ, both men (OR=1.89 (95% CI 1.43 to 2.51)) and women (OR=1.39 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.76)). In all four models, increasing the annual number of patient consultations was associated with a reduction in poor control (NWZ women: OR=0.98 (95% CI0.98 to 0.99); NWZ men: OR=0.98 (95% CI 0.97 to 0.99); SWZ women: OR=0.98 (95% CI 0.97 to 0.99); SWZ men: OR=0.99 (95% CI 0.97 to 0.99). Conclusions A CPE, perceived by PHC nurses as more favourable, and more patient–nurse consultations, contribute to better HBP control. Economic immigration condition is a risk factor for poor HBP control. Health policies oriented towards promoting positive environments for nursing practice are needed. PMID:26644122

Some components of the ``cocktail-party effect,'' as revealed when it fails

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Divenyi, Pierre L.; Gygi, Brian

2003-04-01

The precise way listeners cope with cocktail-party situations, i.e., understand speech in the midst of other, simultaneously ongoing conversations, has by-and-large remained a puzzle, despite research committed to studying the problem over the past half century. In contrast, it is widely acknowledged that the cocktail-party effect (CPE) deteriorates in aging. Our investigations during the last decade have assessed the deterioration of the CPE in elderly listeners and attempted to uncover specific auditory tasks, on which the performance of the same listeners will also exhibit a deficit. Correlated performance on CPE and such auditory tasks arguably signify that the tasks in question are necessary for perceptual segregation of the target speech and the background babble. We will present results on three tasks correlated with CPE performance. All three tasks require temporal processing-based perceptual segregation of specific non-speech stimuli (amplitude- and/or frequency-modulated sinusoidal complexes): discrimination of formant transition patterns, segregation of streams with different syllabic rhythms, and selective attention to AM or FM features in the designated stream. [Work supported by a grant from the National Institute on Aging and by the V.A. Medical Research.

Effect of cobalt doping level of ferrites in enhancing sensitivity of analytical performances of carbon paste electrode for simultaneous determination of catechol and hydroquinone.

PubMed

Lakić, Mladen; Vukadinović, Aleksandar; Kalcher, Kurt; Nikolić, Aleksandar S; Stanković, Dalibor M

2016-12-01

This work presents the simultaneous determination of catechol (CC) and hydroquinone (HQ), employing a modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) with ferrite nanomaterial. Ferrite nanomaterial was doped with different amount of cobalt and this was investigated toward simultaneous oxidation of CC and HQ. It was shown that this modification strongly increases electrochemical characteristics of the CPE. Also, electrocatalytic activity of such materials strongly depends on the level of substituted Co in the ferrite nanoparticles. The modified electrodes, labeled as CoFerrite/CPE, showed two pairs of well-defined redox peaks for the electrochemical processes of catechol and hydroquinone. Involving of ferrite material in the structure of CPE, cause increase in the potentials differences between redox couples of the investigated compounds, accompanied with increases in peaks currents. Several important parameters were optimized and calibration curves, with limits of detection (LOD) of 0.15 and 0.3µM for catechol and hydroquinone, respectively, were constructed by employing amperometric detection. Effect of possible interfering compounds was also studied, and proposed method was successfully applied for CC and HQ quantification in real samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mutagenesis of Dengue Virus Protein NS2A Revealed a Novel Domain Responsible for Virus-Induced Cytopathic Effect and Interactions between NS2A and NS2B Transmembrane Segments.

PubMed

Wu, Ren-Huang; Tsai, Ming-Han; Tsai, Kuen-Nan; Tian, Jia Ni; Wu, Jian-Sung; Wu, Su-Ying; Chern, Jyh-Haur; Chen, Chun-Hong; Yueh, Andrew

2017-06-15

The NS2A protein of dengue virus (DENV) has eight predicted transmembrane segments (pTMS1 to -8) and participates in RNA replication, virion assembly, and host antiviral response. However, the roles of specific amino acid residues within the pTMS regions of NS2A during the viral life cycle are not clear. Here, we explore the function of DENV NS2A by introducing a series of alanine substitutions into the N-terminal half (pTMS1 to -4) of the protein in the context of a DENV infectious clone or subgenomic replicon. Six NS2A mutants (NM5, -7, -9, and -17 to -19) around pTMS1 and -2 displayed a novel phenotype showing a >1,000-fold reduction in virus yield, an absence of plaque formation despite wild-type-like replicon activity, and infectious-virus-like particle yields. HEK-293 cells infected with the six NS2A mutant viruses failed to cause a virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) by MitoCapture staining, cell proliferation, and lactate dehydrogenase release assays. Sequencing analyses of pseudorevertant viruses derived from lethal-mutant viruses revealed two consensus reversion mutations, leucine to phenylalanine at codon 181 (L181F) within pTMS7 of NS2A and isoleucine to threonine at codon 114 (I114T) within NS2B. The introduction of an NS2A-L181F mutation into the lethal (NM15, -16, -25, and -33) and CPE-defective (NM7, -9, and -19) mutants substantially rescued virus infectivity and virus-induced CPE, respectively, whereas the NS2B-L114T mutation rescued the NM16, -25, and -33 mutants. In conclusion, the results revealed the essential roles of the N-terminal half of NS2A in RNA replication and virus-induced CPE. Intramolecular interactions between pTMSs of NS2A and intermolecular interactions between the NS2A and NS2B proteins were also implicated. IMPORTANCE The characterization of the N-terminal (current study) and C-terminal halves of DENV NS2A is the most comprehensive mutagenesis study to date to investigate the function of NS2A during the flaviviral life cycle. A novel region responsible for virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) within pTMS1 and -2 of DENV NS2A was identified. Revertant genetics studies implied unexpected relationships between various pTMSs of DENV NS2A and NS2B. These results provide comprehensive information regarding the functions of DENV NS2A and the specific amino acids and transmembrane segments responsible for these functions. The positions and properties of the rescuing mutations were also revealed, providing important clues regarding the manner in which intramolecular or intermolecular interactions between the pTMSs of NS2A and NS2B regulate virus replication, assembly/secretion, and virus-induced CPE. These results expand the understanding of flavivirus replication. The knowledge may also facilitate studies of pathogenesis and novel vaccine and antiflaviviral drug development. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Prolonged carriage and potential onward transmission of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Dutch travelers.

PubMed

van Hattem, Jarne M; Arcilla, Maris S; Bootsma, Martin Cj; van Genderen, Perry J; Goorhuis, Abraham; Grobusch, Martin P; Molhoek, Nicky; Oude Lashof, Astrid Ml; Schultsz, Constance; Stobberingh, Ellen E; Verbrugh, Henri A; de Jong, Menno D; Melles, Damian C; Penders, John

2016-07-01

The aim was to study acquisition and persistence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) among travelers. Stools from 2001 travelers and 215 nontraveling household members, collected before and immediately post-travel as well as 1, 3, 6 and 12 months upon return, were screened for CPE. Five travelers, all visiting Asia outside the Indian subcontinent, acquired CPE. One traveler persistently carried the same OXA-244 CPE up to 6 months post-travel. Three months after travel, her co-traveling spouse also became positive for this OXA-244 CPE strain, suggesting clonal transmission within this household. Acquisition of CPE is not restricted to travelers to the Indian subcontinent and/or to travelers seeking healthcare during travel and can persist up to at least 6 months post-travel.

Control of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae outbreaks in acute settings: an evidence review.

PubMed

French, C E; Coope, C; Conway, L; Higgins, J P T; McCulloch, J; Okoli, G; Patel, B C; Oliver, I

2017-01-01

In recent years, infections with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) have been increasing globally and present a major public health challenge. To review the international literature: (i) to describe CPE outbreaks in acute hospital settings globally; and (ii) to identify the control measures used during these outbreaks and report on their effectiveness. A systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, abstract lists for key conferences and reference lists of key reviews was undertaken, and information on unpublished outbreaks was sought for 2000-2015. Where relevant, risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A narrative synthesis of the evidence was conducted. Ninety-eight outbreaks were eligible. These occurred worldwide, with 53 reports from Europe. The number of cases (CPE infection or colonization) involved in outbreaks varied widely, from two to 803. In the vast majority of outbreaks, multi-component infection control measures were used, commonly including: patient screening; contact precautions (e.g. gowns, gloves); handwashing interventions; staff education or monitoring; enhanced environmental cleaning/decontamination; cohorting of patients and/or staff; and patient isolation. Seven studies were identified as providing the best-available evidence on the effectiveness of control measures. These demonstrated that CPE outbreaks can be controlled successfully using a range of appropriate, commonly used, infection control measures. However, risk of bias was considered relatively high for these studies. The findings indicate that CPE outbreaks can be controlled using combinations of existing measures. However, the quality of the evidence base is weak and further high-quality research is needed, particularly on the effectiveness of individual infection control measures. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In vitro anti-influenza viral activities of constituents from Caesalpinia sappan.

PubMed

Liu, Ai-Lin; Shu, Shi-Hui; Qin, Hai-Lin; Lee, Simon Ming Yuen; Wang, Yi-Tao; Du, Guan-Hua

2009-03-01

Six constituents with neuraminidase (NA) inhibitory activity, namely brazilein, brazilin, protosappanin A, 3-deoxysappanchalcone, sappanchalcone and rhamnetin, were isolated from the hearthwood of Caesalpinia sappan (Leguminosae). Their in vitro anti-influenza virus activities were evaluated with the cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction method. The results showed that 3-deoxysappanchalcone and sappanchalcone exhibited the highest activity against influenza virus (H3N2) with IC50 values of 1.06 and 2.06 microg/mL, respectively, in comparison to the positive control oseltamivir acid and ribavirin with IC50 values of 0.065 and 9.17 microg/mL, respectively.

Systemic Vulnerabilities in Customer-Premises Equipment (CPE) Routers

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-01

equipment (CPE),1 specifically small office/home office (SOHO) routers, has become ubiquitous. CPE routers are notorious for their web interface...and enabling remote management, although all settings controllable over the web -management interface can be manipulated. • 85% (11 of 13) of...specifically small office/home office (SOHO) routers— has become ubiquitous. CPE routers are notorious for their web interface vulnerabilities, old ver- sions

Complete Sequence Analysis and Antiviral Screening of Medicinal Plants for Human Coxsackievirus A16 Isolated in Korea

PubMed Central

Song, Jae-Hyoung; Park, Kwisung; Shim, Aeri; Kwon, Bo-Eun; Ahn, Jae-Hee; Choi, Young Jin; Kim, Jae Kyung; Yeo, Sang-Gu; Yoon, Kyungah; Ko, Hyun-Jeong

2015-01-01

Objectives Coxsackievirus A group 16 strain (CVA16) is one of the predominant causative agents of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Methods Using a specimen from a male patient with HFMD, we isolated and performed sequencing of the Korean CVA16 strain and compared it with a G10 reference strain. Also, we were investigated the effects of medicinal plant extract on the cytopathic effects (CPE) by CPE reduction assay against Korean CVA16. Results Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Korean CVA16 isolate belonged to cluster B-1 and was closely related to the strain PM-15765-00 isolated in Malaysia in 2000. The Korean CVA16 isolate showed 73.2% nucleotide identity to the G10 prototype strain and 98.7% nucleotide identity to PM-15765-00. Next, we assessed whether the Korean CVA16 isolate could be used for in vitro screening of antiviral agents to treat HFMD infection. Vero cells infected with the Korean CVA16 isolate showed a cytopathic effect 2 days after the infection, and the treatment of cells with Cornus officinalis, Acer triflorum, Pulsatilla koreana, and Clematis heracleifolia var. davidiana Hemsl extracts exhibited strong antiviral activity against CVA16. Conclusion Collectively, our work provides potential candidates for the development of vaccine and novel drugs to treat the CVA16 strain isolated from a Korean patient. PMID:25737832

Complete sequence analysis and antiviral screening of medicinal plants for human coxsackievirus a16 isolated in Korea.

PubMed

Song, Jae-Hyoung; Park, Kwisung; Shim, Aeri; Kwon, Bo-Eun; Ahn, Jae-Hee; Choi, Young Jin; Kim, Jae Kyung; Yeo, Sang-Gu; Yoon, Kyungah; Ko, Hyun-Jeong

2015-02-01

Coxsackievirus A group 16 strain (CVA16) is one of the predominant causative agents of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Using a specimen from a male patient with HFMD, we isolated and performed sequencing of the Korean CVA16 strain and compared it with a G10 reference strain. Also, we were investigated the effects of medicinal plant extract on the cytopathic effects (CPE) by CPE reduction assay against Korean CVA16. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Korean CVA16 isolate belonged to cluster B-1 and was closely related to the strain PM-15765-00 isolated in Malaysia in 2000. The Korean CVA16 isolate showed 73.2% nucleotide identity to the G10 prototype strain and 98.7% nucleotide identity to PM-15765-00. Next, we assessed whether the Korean CVA16 isolate could be used for in vitro screening of antiviral agents to treat HFMD infection. Vero cells infected with the Korean CVA16 isolate showed a cytopathic effect 2 days after the infection, and the treatment of cells with Cornus officinalis, Acer triflorum, Pulsatilla koreana, and Clematis heracleifolia var. davidiana Hemsl extracts exhibited strong antiviral activity against CVA16. Collectively, our work provides potential candidates for the development of vaccine and novel drugs to treat the CVA16 strain isolated from a Korean patient.

Cloud Point Extraction for Electroanalysis: Anodic Stripping Voltammetry of Cadmium

PubMed Central

Rusinek, Cory A.; Bange, Adam; Papautsky, Ian; Heineman, William R.

2016-01-01

Cloud point extraction (CPE) is a well-established technique for the pre-concentration of hydrophobic species from water without the use of organic solvents. Subsequent analysis is then typically performed via atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), UV-Vis spectroscopy, or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). However, the suitability of CPE for electroanalytical methods such as stripping voltammetry has not been reported. We demonstrate the use of CPE for electroanalysis using the determination of cadmium (Cd2+) by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) as a representative example. Rather than using the chelating agents which are commonly used in CPE to form a hydrophobic, extractable metal complex, we used iodide and sulfuric acid to neutralize the charge on Cd2+ to form an extractable ion pair. Triton X-114 was chosen as the surfactant for the extraction because its cloud point temperature is near room temperature (22–25° C). Bare glassy carbon (GC), bismuth-coated glassy carbon (Bi-GC), and mercury-coated glassy carbon (Hg-GC) electrodes were compared for the CPE-ASV. A detection limit for Cd2+ of 1.7 nM (0.2 ppb) was obtained with the Hg-GC electrode. Comparison of ASV analysis without CPE was also investigated and a 20x decrease (4.0 ppb) in the detection limit was observed. The suitability of this procedure for the analysis of tap and river water samples was also demonstrated. This simple, versatile, environmentally friendly and cost-effective extraction method is potentially applicable to a wide variety of transition metals and organic compounds that are amenable to detection by electroanalytical methods. PMID:25996561

Effect of Dark Chocolate Extracts on Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate-Induced Oxidative Burst in Leukocytes Isolated by Normo-Weight and Overweight/Obese Subjects

PubMed Central

Ioannone, Francesca; Sacchetti, Giampiero; Serafini, Mauro

2017-01-01

Oxidative and inflammatory stress represents a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in overweight and obese subjects. Between the different plant foods, chocolate has been shown to decrease CVD risk due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, as we recently showed in epidemiological studies, meta-analyses, and human trials, dietary antioxidants resulted more effective in subjects characterized by an ongoing oxidative stress, than in healthy people. Aim of this work was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of chocolate phenolic extract (CPE) on in vitro free radical production, stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), in leukocytes extracted from blood of normo-weight and overweight/obese subjects. Neutrophils from overweight/obese group had a significantly higher free radical production compared to the normo-weight group. In neutrophils, the lowest CPE concentration significantly reduced free radical production in overweight/obese group only, and higher CPE concentrations were effective in both groups. In monocytes, the CPE concentration that was significantly effective in reducing free radical production was lower in overweight/obese subjects than in normo-weight subjects. Chocolate polyphenol extracts inhibit oxidative burst in human neutrophils and monocytes with a higher efficiency in subjects characterized by an unphysiological oxidative/inflammatory stress, such as overweight and obese. Results of this study provide further evidence about a differential role of dietary antioxidant strictly related to the “stress” condition of the subjects. PMID:28649567

Effect of Dark Chocolate Extracts on Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate-Induced Oxidative Burst in Leukocytes Isolated by Normo-Weight and Overweight/Obese Subjects.

PubMed

Ioannone, Francesca; Sacchetti, Giampiero; Serafini, Mauro

2017-01-01

Oxidative and inflammatory stress represents a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in overweight and obese subjects. Between the different plant foods, chocolate has been shown to decrease CVD risk due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, as we recently showed in epidemiological studies, meta-analyses, and human trials, dietary antioxidants resulted more effective in subjects characterized by an ongoing oxidative stress, than in healthy people. Aim of this work was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of chocolate phenolic extract (CPE) on in vitro free radical production, stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), in leukocytes extracted from blood of normo-weight and overweight/obese subjects. Neutrophils from overweight/obese group had a significantly higher free radical production compared to the normo-weight group. In neutrophils, the lowest CPE concentration significantly reduced free radical production in overweight/obese group only, and higher CPE concentrations were effective in both groups. In monocytes, the CPE concentration that was significantly effective in reducing free radical production was lower in overweight/obese subjects than in normo-weight subjects. Chocolate polyphenol extracts inhibit oxidative burst in human neutrophils and monocytes with a higher efficiency in subjects characterized by an unphysiological oxidative/inflammatory stress, such as overweight and obese. Results of this study provide further evidence about a differential role of dietary antioxidant strictly related to the "stress" condition of the subjects.

Specific binding of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin fragment to Claudin-b and modulation of zebrafish epidermal barrier.

PubMed

Zhang, Jingjing; Ni, Chen; Yang, Zhenguo; Piontek, Anna; Chen, Huapu; Wang, Sijie; Fan, Yiming; Qin, Zhihai; Piontek, Joerg

2015-08-01

Claudins (Cldn) are the major components of tight junctions (TJs) sealing the paracellular cleft in tissue barriers of various organs. Zebrafish Cldnb, the homolog of mammalian Cldn4, is expressed at epithelial cell-cell contacts and is important for regulating epidermal permeability. The bacterial toxin Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) has been shown to bind to a subset of mammalian Cldns. In this study, we used the Cldn-binding C-terminal domain of CPE (194-319 amino acids, cCPE 194-319 ) to investigate its functional role in modulating zebrafish larval epidermal barriers. In vitro analyses show that cCPE 194-319 removed Cldn4 from epithelial cells and disrupted the monolayer tightness, which could be rescued by the removal of cCPE 194-319. Incubation of zebrafish larvae with cCPE 194-319 removed Cldnb specifically from the epidermal cell membrane. Dye diffusion analysis with 4-kDa fluorescent dextran indicated that the permeability of the epidermal barrier increased due to cCPE 194-319 incubation. Electron microscopic investigation revealed reversible loss of TJ integrity by Cldnb removal. Collectively, these results suggest that cCPE 194-319 could be used as a Cldnb modulator to transiently open the epidermal barrier in zebrafish. In addition, zebrafish might be used as an in vivo system to investigate the capability of cCPE to enhance drug delivery across tissue barriers. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Comparison of antioxidant, antimicrobial activities and chemical profiles of three coffee (Coffea arabica L.) pulp aqueous extracts.

PubMed

Duangjai, Acharaporn; Suphrom, Nungruthai; Wungrath, Jukkrit; Ontawong, Atcharaporn; Nuengchamnong, Nitra; Yosboonruang, Atchariya

2016-12-01

This study explored the bioactivities and nutrient compositions of coffee ( Coffea Arabica L.) pulp which was prepared in three different ways [Coffee Pulp Extracts (CPE) 1-3]. The coffee pulp was prepared in three different ways by distinct selecting and freezing processes. The nutritional values, polyphenol contents, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial properties of the coffee pulp as well as the characterization of the active ingredients by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS) were evaluated. The chemical profiles of three aqueous extracts were compared and characterized using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS. They showed slightly different nutrient compositions. The total phenolic content was highest in CPE1, and decreased in the following order: CPE1 > CPE2 > CPE3. Among the CPEs tested, CPE1 showed the most potent antioxidant activity with IC 50 18 μg/mL and 82 μg/mL by 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl assay, respectively. Chlorogenic acid and caffeine were the most prominent in CPE1 and it contained more compounds than the others. Moreover, CPE1 demonstrated antibacterial activity against both gram-positive ( Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis ) and gram-negative bacteria ( Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli ). These findings indicated that CPE1 has powerful nutrients with antioxidant and antibacterial properties-the potency of which is impacted by the preparation process.

Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin Interacts with Claudins via Electrostatic Attraction*

PubMed Central

Kimura, Jun; Abe, Hiroyuki; Kamitani, Shigeki; Toshima, Hirono; Fukui, Aya; Miyake, Masami; Kamata, Yoichi; Sugita-Konishi, Yoshiko; Yamamoto, Shigeki; Horiguchi, Yasuhiko

2010-01-01

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), a causative agent of food poisoning, is a pore-forming toxin disrupting the selective permeability of the plasma membrane of target cells, resulting in cell death. We previously identified claudin as the cell surface receptor for CPE. Claudin, a component of tight junctions, is a tetratransmembrane protein and constitutes a large family of more than 20 members, not all of which serve as the receptor for CPE. The mechanism by which the toxin distinguishes the sensitive claudins is unknown. In this study, we localized the region of claudin responsible for interaction with CPE to the C-terminal part of the second extracellular loop and found that the isoelectric point of this region in sensitive claudins was higher than insensitive claudins. Amino acid substitutions to lower the pI resulted in reduced sensitivity to CPE among sensitive claudins, whereas substitutions to raise the pI endowed CPE-insensitive claudins with sensitivity. The steric structure of the claudin-binding domain of CPE reveals an acidic cleft surrounded by Tyr306, Tyr310, Tyr312, and Leu315, which were reported to be essential for interaction with the sensitive claudins. These results imply that an electrostatic attraction between the basic claudin region and the acidic CPE cleft is involved in their interaction. PMID:19903817

The interaction of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin with receptor claudins

PubMed Central

Shrestha, Archana; Uzal, Francisco A.; McClane, Bruce A.

2016-01-01

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) has significant medical importance due to its involvement in several common human gastrointestinal diseases. This 35 kDa single polypeptide toxin consists of two domains: a C-terminal domain involved in receptor binding and an N-terminal domain involved in oligomerization, membrane insertion and pore formation. The action of CPE starts with its binding to receptors, which include certain members of the claudin tight junction protein family; bound CPE then forms a series of complexes, one of which is a pore that causes the calcium influx responsible for host cell death. Recent studies have revealed that CPE binding to claudin receptors involves interactions between the C-terminal CPE domain and both the 1st and 2nd extracellular loops (ECL-1 and ECL-2) of claudin receptors. Of particular importance for this binding is the docking of ECL-2 into a pocket present in the C-terminal domain of the toxin. This increased understanding of CPE interactions with claudin receptors is now fostering the development of receptor decoy therapeutics for CPE-mediated gastrointestinal disease, reagents for cancer therapy/diagnoses and enhancers of drug delivery. PMID:27090847

Salt-induced effects on natural and inverse DPPC lipid membranes: Molecular dynamics simulation.

PubMed

Rezaei Sani, Seyed Mojtaba; Akhavan, Mojdeh; Jalili, Seifollah

2018-08-01

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayer and its neutral inverse-phosphocholine equivalent (DPCPe) were performed to find salt-induced effects on their surface structure and the nature of ion-lipid interactions. We found that the area per lipid is not considerably affected by the inversion, but the deuterium order parameter of carbon atoms in the region of carbonyl carbons changes dramatically. MD simulations indicate that Ca 2+ ions can bind to the surface of both DPPC and DPCPe membranes, but K + ions do not bind to them. In the case of Na + , however, the ions can bind to natural lipids but not to the inverse ones. Also, our results demonstrate that the hydration level of CPe bilayers is substantially lower than PC bilayers and the averaged orientation of water dipoles in the region of CPe headgroups is effectively inverted compared to PC lipids. This might be important in the interaction of the bilayer with its biological environment. Furthermore, it was found for the CPe bilayers that the enhanced peaks of the electrostatic potential profiles shift further away from the bilayer center relative to those of PC bilayers. This behavior makes the penetration of cations into the bilayer more difficult and possibly explains the experimentally observed enhanced release rates of anionic compounds in the CPe membrane. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nitrate salts suppress sporulation and production of enterotoxin in Clostridium perfringens strain NCTC8239.

PubMed

Yasugi, Mayo; Otsuka, Keisuke; Miyake, Masami

2016-10-01

Clostridium perfringens type A is a common source of food-borne illness in humans. Ingested vegetative cells sporulate in the small intestinal tract and in the process produce C. perfringens enterotoxin (CPE). Although sporulation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of food-borne illness, the molecules triggering/inhibiting sporulation are still largely unknown. It has previously been reported by our group that sporulation is induced in C. perfringens strain NCTC8239 co-cultured with Caco-2 cells in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM). In contrast, an equivalent amount of spores was not observed when bacteria were co-cultured in Roswell Park Memorial Institute-1640 medium (RPMI). In the present study it was found that, when these two media are mixed, RPMI inhibits sporulation and CPE production induced in DMEM. When a component of RPMI was added to DMEM, it was found that calcium nitrate (Ca[NO 3 ] 2 ) significantly inhibits sporulation and CPE production. The number of spores increased when Ca(NO 3 ) 2 -deficient RPMI was used. The other nitrate salts significantly suppressed sporulation, whereas the calcium salts used did not. qPCR revealed that nitrate salts increased expression of bacterial nitrate/nitrite reductase. Furthermore, it was found that nitrite and nitric oxide suppress sporulation. In the sporulation stages, Ca(NO 3 ) 2 down-regulated the genes controlled by Spo0A, a master regulator of sporulation, but not spo0A itself. Collectively, these results indicate that nitrate salts suppress sporulation and CPE production by down-regulating Spo0A-regulated genes in C. perfringens strain NCTC8239. Nitrate reduction may be associated with inhibition of sporulation. © 2016 The Societies and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

In vivo efficiency of the collagen coated nanofibrous scaffold and their effect on growth factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines in wound healing.

PubMed

Ramanathan, Giriprasath; Muthukumar, Thangavelu; Tirichurapalli Sivagnanam, Uma

2017-11-05

Exploring the importance of nanofibrous scaffold with traditionally important medicine as a wound dressing material prevents infection and aids in faster healing of wounds. In the present study, the Collagen (COL) from the marine fish skin was extracted and employed for coating the Poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid) (P)-Gelatin (G) nanofibrous scaffold with a bioactive Coccinia grandis extract (CPE) fabricated through electrospinning. Further, the fabricated collagen coated nanofibrous scaffold (PG-CPE-COL) applied to the experimental wound of rats and the wound healing was analyzed with by physiochemical and biological techniques. The increased level of hydroxyproline, hexosamine and uronic acid was observed in PG-CPE-COL treated than the other groups. The CPE and collagen in the nanofibrous scaffold accelerates the wound healing and thereby reduced the inflammation caused by the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) in wound healing. The nanofibrous scaffold has influenced the expression of various growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF-β). In addition, the PG-CPE-COL nanofibrous scaffold increases the deposition of collagen synthesis and accelerates reepithelialization. Thus, the results suggest that the collagen coated nanofibrous scaffold with bioactive traditional medicine enhanced the faster healing of wound. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of selective medium for IMP-type carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in stool specimens.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Norihisa; Kawahara, Ryuji; Akeda, Yukihiro; Shanmugakani, Rathina Kumar; Yoshida, Hisao; Hagiya, Hideharu; Hara, Naohiro; Nishi, Isao; Yukawa, Satomi; Asada, Rumiko; Sasaki, Yumi; Maeda, Kazuhiro; Sakamoto, Noriko; Hamada, Shigeyuki; Tomono, Kazunori

2017-03-24

Identification of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in faecal specimens is challenging. This fact is particularly critical because low-level carbapenem-resistant organisms such as IMP-producing CPE are most prevalent in Japan. We developed a modified selective medium more suitable for IMP-type CPE. Fifteen reference CPE strains producing different types of β-lactamases were used to evaluate the commercially available CHROMagar KPC and chromID CARBA as well as the newly prepared MC-ECC medium (CHROMagar ECC supplemented with meropenem, cloxacillin, and ZnSO 4 ) and M-ECC medium (CHROMagar ECC supplemented with meropenem and ZnSO 4 ). A total of 1035 clinical samples were then examined to detect CPE using chromID CARBA and M-ECC medium. All tested strains producing NDM-, KPC-, and OXA-48-carbapenemases were successfully cultured in the media employed. Although most of the IMP-positive strains did not grow in CHROMagar KPC, chromID CARBA, or MC-ECC, all tested strains grew on M-ECC. When faecal samples were applied to the media, M-ECC medium allowed the best growth of IMP-type CPE with a significantly higher sensitivity (99.3%) than that of chromID CARBA (13.9%). M-ECC medium was determined as the most favourable selective medium for the detection of IMP-type CPE as well as other types of CPE.

Efficient isolation of human parainfluenza viruses 1 and 3 using MNT-1, a human malignant melanoma cell line system that exhibits an apparent cytopathic effect.

PubMed

Sato, Ko; Watanabe, Oshi; Ohmiya, Suguru; Chiba, Fumiko; Hayashi, Masahiro; Suzuki, Tamio; Kawakami, Kazuyoshi; Nishimura, Hidekazu

2016-11-01

Isolation of human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) serotypes 1 and 3 from clinical specimens is not very efficient because of the lack of a cell culture system capable of inducing CPE. In this study, the utility of a melanoma cell line, MNT-1, that allows HPIV growth and displays CPE was demonstrated. In particularly, the efficiency of isolating HPIV1 and HPIV3 using MNT-1 was greater than for cell lines conventionally used for HPIV isolation. Our demonstrated efficacy of HPIV1 and HPIV3 isolation with apparent CPE using the MNT-1 cell culture system has the potential to improve virus isolation from clinical specimens. © 2016 The Societies and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Emergence of anxiety-like behaviours in depressive-like Cpe(fat/fat) mice.

PubMed

Rodriguiz, Ramona M; Wilkins, John J; Creson, Thomas K; Biswas, Reeta; Berezniuk, Iryna; Fricker, Arun D; Fricker, Lloyd D; Wetsel, William C

2013-08-01

Cpe(fat/fat) mice have a point mutation in carboxypeptidase E (Cpe), an exopeptidase that removes C-terminal basic amino acids from intermediates to produce bioactive peptides. The mutation renders the enzyme inactive and unstable. The absence of Cpe activity in these mutants leads to abnormal processing of many peptides, with elevated levels of intermediates and greatly reduced levels of the mature peptides. Cpe(fat/fat) mice develop obesity, diabetes and infertility in adulthood. We examined whether anxiety- and/or depressive-like behaviours are also present. Anxiety-like responses are not evident in young Cpe(fat/fat) mice (∼60 d), but appear in older animals (>90 d). These behaviours are reversed by acute treatment with diazepam or fluoxetine. In contrast, increased immobilities in forced swim and tail suspension are evident in all age groups examined. These behaviours are reversed by acute administration of reboxetine. In comparison acute treatments with fluoxetine or bupropion are ineffective; however, immobility times are normalized with 2 wk treatment. These data demonstrate that Cpe(fat/fat) mice display depressive-like responses aged ∼60 d, whereas anxiety-like behaviours emerge ∼1 month later. In tail suspension, the reboxetine findings show that noradrenergic actions of antidepressants are intact in Cpe(fat/fat) mice. The ability of acute fluoxetine treatment to rescue anxiety-like while leaving depressive-like responses unaffected suggests that serotonin mechanisms underlying these behaviours are different. Since depressive-like responses in the Cpe(fat/fat) mice are rescued by 2 wk, but not acute, treatment with fluoxetine or bupropion, these mice may serve as a useful model that resembles human depression.

Increasing proportion of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and emergence of a MCR-1 producer through a multicentric study among hospital-based and private laboratories in Belgium from September to November 2015.

PubMed

Huang, Te Din; Bogaerts, Pierre; Berhin, Catherine; Hoebeke, Martin; Bauraing, Caroline; Glupczynski, Youri

2017-05-11

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) strains have been increasingly reported in Belgium. We aimed to determine the proportion of CPE among Enterobacteriaceae isolated from hospitalised patients and community outpatients in Belgium in 2015. For the hospitalised patients, the results were compared to a previous similar survey performed in the same hospitals in 2012. Twenty-four hospital-based and 10 private laboratories collected prospectively 200 non-duplicated Enterobacteriaceae isolates from clinical specimens. All isolates were screened locally by carbapenem disk diffusion using European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing methodology. Putative CPE strains with inhibition zone diameters below the screening breakpoints were referred centrally for confirmation of carbapenemase production. From September to November 2015, we found a proportion of clinical CPE of 0.55% (26/4,705) and of 0.60% (12/1,991) among hospitalised patients and among ambulatory outpatients respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae (26/38) and OXA-48-like carbapenemase (28/38) were the predominant species and enzyme among CPE. One OXA-48-producing Escherichia coli isolated from a hospital was found carrying plasmid-mediated MCR-1 colistin resistance. Compared with the 2012 survey, we found a significant increased proportion of clinical CPE (0.55% in 2015 vs 0.25% in 2012; p = 0.02) and an increased proportion of hospitals (13/24 in 2015 vs 8/24 in 2012) with at least one CPE detected. The study results confirmed the concerning spread of CPE including a colistin-resistant MCR-1 producer in hospitals and the establishment of CPE in the community in Belgium. This article is copyright of The Authors, 2017.

New Roles of Carboxypeptidase E in Endocrine and Neural Function and Cancer

PubMed Central

Cawley, Niamh X.; Wetsel, William C.; Murthy, Saravana R. K.; Park, Joshua J.; Pacak, Karel

2012-01-01

Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) or carboxypeptidase H was first discovered in 1982 as an enkephalin-convertase that cleaved a C-terminal basic residue from enkephalin precursors to generate enkephalin. Since then, CPE has been shown to be a multifunctional protein that subserves many essential nonenzymatic roles in the endocrine and nervous systems. Here, we review the phylogeny, structure, and function of CPE in hormone and neuropeptide sorting and vesicle transport for secretion, alternative splicing of the CPE transcript, and single nucleotide polymorphisms in humans. With this and the analysis of mutant and knockout mice, the data collectively support important roles for CPE in the modulation of metabolic and glucose homeostasis, bone remodeling, obesity, fertility, neuroprotection, stress, sexual behavior, mood and emotional responses, learning, and memory. Recently, a splice variant form of CPE has been found to be an inducer of tumor growth and metastasis and a prognostic biomarker for metastasis in endocrine and nonendocrine tumors. PMID:22402194

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin and Clostridium difficile toxin A/B do not play a role in acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome in dogs.

PubMed

Busch, K; Suchodolski, J S; Kühner, K A; Minamoto, Y; Steiner, J M; Mueller, R S; Hartmann, K; Unterer, S

2015-03-07

Although an association between clostridial pathogens and canine idiopathic acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome (AHDS) has been described, the relevance of those bacteria and their toxins remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between severity of clinical signs and presence of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) and Clostridium difficile toxin A/B (CDT A/B) in faeces of dogs with AHDS. Faecal samples of 54 dogs with idiopathic AHDS were tested by qualitative CPE and CDT A/B ELISA, and PCR was performed to detect enterotoxin genes of C. perfringens (cpe) and toxin B genes of C. difficile (cdt b). Prevalence of cdt b and CDT A/B in dogs with AHDS was 10/54 and 2/54 versus 3/23 and 0/23 in control dogs. Prevalence of cpe was 35/54 in affected versus 9/23 in control dogs. Prevalence of CPE in dogs with AHDS (13/54) was higher compared with control dogs (0/23). No significant difference was detected between CPE-positive and -negative and between cpe-positive and -negative dogs in severity of clinical signs, duration of hospitalisation, mortality rate and selected laboratory parameters. This study suggests that CPE and CDT A/B do not play a role in idiopathic AHDS, are not associated with clinical parameters in affected dogs and cannot be used to predict disease outcome. British Veterinary Association.

Impact of primary care nursing workforce characteristics on the control of high-blood pressure: a multilevel analysis.

PubMed

Parro-Moreno, Ana; Serrano-Gallardo, Pilar; Díaz-Holgado, Antonio; Aréjula-Torres, Jose L; Abraira, Victor; Santiago-Pérez, Isolina M; Morales-Asencio, Jose M

2015-12-07

To determine the impact of Primary Health Care (PHC) nursing workforce characteristics and of the clinical practice environment (CPE) perceived by nurses on the control of high-blood pressure (HBP). Cross-sectional analytical study. Administrative and clinical registries of hypertensive patients from PHC information systems and questionnaire from PHC nurses. 76,797 hypertensive patients in two health zones within the Community of Madrid, North-West Zone (NWZ) with a higher socioeconomic situation and South-West Zone (SWZ) with a lower socioeconomic situation, and 442 reference nurses. Segmented analyses by area were made due to their different socioeconomic characteristics. Poor HBP control (adequate figures below the value 140/90 mm Hg) associated with the characteristics of the nursing workforce and self-perceived CPE. The prevalence of poor HBP control, estimated by an empty multilevel model, was 33.5% (95% CI 31.5% to 35.6%). In the multilevel multivariate regression models, the perception of a more favourable CPE was associated with a reduction in poor control in NWZ men and SWZ women (OR=0.99 (95% CI 0.98 to 0.99)); the economic immigration conditions increased poor control in NWZ women (OR=1.53 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.89)) and in SWZ, both men (OR=1.89 (95% CI 1.43 to 2.51)) and women (OR=1.39 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.76)). In all four models, increasing the annual number of patient consultations was associated with a reduction in poor control (NWZ women: OR=0.98 (95% CI0.98 to 0.99); NWZ men: OR=0.98 (95% CI 0.97 to 0.99); SWZ women: OR=0.98 (95% CI 0.97 to 0.99); SWZ men: OR=0.99 (95% CI 0.97 to 0.99). A CPE, perceived by PHC nurses as more favourable, and more patient-nurse consultations, contribute to better HBP control. Economic immigration condition is a risk factor for poor HBP control. Health policies oriented towards promoting positive environments for nursing practice are needed. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 with CCC-NHC pincer nickel complexes.

PubMed

Cope, James D; Liyanage, Nalaka P; Kelley, Paul J; Denny, Jason A; Valente, Edward J; Webster, Charles Edwin; Delcamp, Jared H; Hollis, T Keith

2017-08-22

A CCC-NHC pincer Ni(ii)Cl complex was prepared according to the metallation/transmetallation methodology. It was fully characterized by electrochemical, NMR spectroscopic, theoretical, and X-ray crystallographic methods. The complex and its cation were evaluated for electrocatalytic reduction of CO 2 under a variety of conditions and found to provide some of the fastest catalytic rates and highest substrate selectivities (CO 2 vs. H + ) reported. Rates improved in the presence of water and, significantly, catalysis occurred at the first reduction potential, presumably at the Ni(i) state. Controlled potential electrolysis (CPE) was found to yield CO at 34% and formate at 47% Faradaic efficiency (FE).

Improvement of the cloud point extraction of uranyl ions by the addition of ionic liquids.

PubMed

Gao, Song; Sun, Taoxiang; Chen, Qingde; Shen, Xinghai

2013-12-15

The cloud point extraction (CPE) of uranyl ions by different kinds of extractants in Triton X-114 (TX-114) micellar solution was investigated upon the addition of ionic liquids (ILs) with various anions, i.e., bromide (Br(-)), tetrafluoroborate (BF4(-)), hexafluorophosphate (PF6(-)) and bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide (NTf2(-)). A significant increase of the extraction efficiency was found on the addition of NTf2(-) based ILs when using neutral extractant tri-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO), and the extraction efficiency kept high at both nearly neutral and high acidity. However, the CPE with acidic extractants, e.g., bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP) and 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) which are only effective at nearly neutral condition, was not improved by ILs. The results of zeta potential and (19)F NMR measurements indicated that the anion NTf2(-) penetrated into the TX-114 micelles and was enriched in the surfactant-rich phase during the CPE process. Meanwhile, NTf2(-) may act as a counterion in the CPE of UO2(2+) by TOPO. Furthermore, the addition of IL increased the separation factor of UO2(2+) and La(3+), which implied that in the micelle TOPO, NTf2(-) and NO3(-) established a soft template for UO2(2+). Therefore, the combination of CPE and IL provided a supramolecular recognition to concentrate UO2(2+) efficiently and selectively. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Impaired airway mucociliary function reduces antigen-specific IgA immune response to immunization with a claudin-4-targeting nasal vaccine in mice.

PubMed

Suzuki, Hidehiko; Nagatake, Takahiro; Nasu, Ayaka; Lan, Huangwenxian; Ikegami, Koji; Setou, Mitsutoshi; Hamazaki, Yoko; Kiyono, Hiroshi; Yagi, Kiyohito; Kondoh, Masuo; Kunisawa, Jun

2018-02-13

Vaccine delivery is an essential element for the development of mucosal vaccine, but it remains to be investigated how physical barriers such as mucus and cilia affect vaccine delivery efficacy. Previously, we reported that C-terminal fragment of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (C-CPE) targeted claudin-4, which is expressed by the epithelium associated with nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT), and could be effective as a nasal vaccine delivery. Mice lacking tubulin tyrosine ligase-like family, member 1 (Ttll1-KO mice) showed mucus accumulation in nasal cavity due to the impaired motility of respiratory cilia. Ttll1-KO mice nasally immunized with C-CPE fused to pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA-C-CPE) showed reduced PspA-specific nasal IgA responses, impaired germinal center formation, and decreased germinal center B-cells and follicular helper T cells in the NALT. Although there was no change in the expression of claudin-4 in the NALT epithelium in Ttll1-KO mice, the epithelium was covered by a dense mucus that prevented the binding of PspA-C-CPE to NALT. However, administration of expectorant N-acetylcysteine removed the mucus and rescued the PspA-specific nasal IgA response. These results show that the accumulation of mucus caused by impaired respiratory cilia function is an interfering factor in the C-CPE-based claudin-4-targeting nasal vaccine.

A Fast Strategy for Determination of Vitamin B9 in Food and Pharmaceutical Samples Using an Ionic Liquid-Modified Nanostructure Voltammetric Sensor

PubMed Central

Khaleghi, Fatemeh; Irai, Abolfazl Elyasi; Sadeghi, Roya; Gupta, Vinod Kumar; Wen, Yangping

2016-01-01

Vitamin B9 or folic acid is an important food supplement with wide clinical applications. Due to its importance and its side effects in pregnant women, fast determination of this vitamin is very important. In this study we present a new fast and sensitive voltammetric sensor for the analysis of trace levels of vitamin B9 using a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with 1,3-dipropylimidazolium bromide (1,3-DIBr) as a binder and ZnO/CNTs nanocomposite as a mediator. The electro-oxidation signal of vitamin B9 at the surface of the 1,3-DIBr/ZnO/CNTs/CPE electrode appeared at 800 mV, which was about 95 mV less positive compared to the corresponding unmodified CPE. The oxidation current of vitamin B9 by square wave voltammetry (SWV) increased linearly with its concentration in the range of 0.08–650 μM. The detection limit for vitamin B9 was 0.05 μM. Finally, the utility of the new 1,3-DIBr/ZnO/CNTs/CPE electrode was tested in the determination of vitamin B9 in food and pharmaceutical samples. PMID:27231909

Market segmentation and positioning: matching creativity with fiscal responsibility.

PubMed

Kiener, M E

1989-01-01

This paper describes an approach to continuing professional education (CPE) program development in nursing within a university environment that utilizes the concepts of market segmentation and positioning. Use of these strategies enables the academic CPE enterprise to move beyond traditional needs assessment practices to create more successful and better-managed CPE programs.

Impedance Analysis of Ovarian Cancer Cells upon Challenge with C-terminal Clostridium Perfringens Enterotoxin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, Geoffrey; Lo, Chun-Min

2007-03-01

Both in vitro and animal studies in breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers have shown that clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), which binds to CLDN4, may have an important therapeutic benefit, as it is rapidly cytotoxic in tissues overexpressing CLDN4. This study sought to evaluate the ability of C-terminal clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (C-CPE), a CLDN4-targetting molecule, to disrupt tight junction barrier function. Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) was used to measure both junctional resistance and average cell-substrate separation of ovarian cancer cell lines after exposure to C-CPE. A total of 14 ovarian cancer cell lines were used, and included cell lines derived from serous, mucinous, and clear cells. Our results showed that junctional resistance increases as CLDN4 expression increases. In addition, C-CPE is non-cytotoxic in ovarian cancer cells expressing CLDN4. However, exposure to C-CPE results in a significant (p<0.05) dose- and CLDN4-dependent decrease in junctional resistance and an increase in cell-substrate separation. Treatment of ovarian cancer cell lines with C-CPE disrupts tight junction barrier function.

Glacier discharge and climate variations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dominguez, M. Carmen; Rodriguez-Puebla, Concepcion; Encinas, Ascension H.; Visus, Isabel; Eraso, Adolfo

2010-05-01

Different studies account for the warming in the polar regions that consequently would affect Glacier Discharge (GD). Since changes in GD may cause large changes in sensible and latent heat fluxes, we ask about the relationships between GD and climate anomalies, which have not been quantified yet. In this study we apply different statistical methods such as correlation, Singular Spectral Analysis and Wavelet to compare the behaviour of GD data in two Experimental Pilot Catchments (CPE), one (CPE-KG-62°S) in the Antarctica and the other (CPE-KVIA-64°N) in the Arctic regions. Both CPE's are measuring sub- and endo-glacier drainage for recording of glacier melt water run-off. The CPE-KG-62°S is providing hourly GD time series since January 2002 in Collins glacier of the Maxwell Bay in King George Island (62°S, 58°W). The second one, CPE-KVIA-64°N, is providing hourly GD time series since September 2003 in the Kviarjökull glacier of the Vatnajökull ice cap in Iceland (64°N, 16°W). The soundings for these measurements are pressure sensors installed in the river of the selected catchments for the ice cap (CPE-KG-62°S) and in the river of the glacier for (CPE-KVIA-64°N). In each CPE, the calibration function between level and discharge has been adjusted, getting a very high correlation coefficient (0.99 for the first one and 0.95 for the second one), which let us devise a precise discharge law for the glacier. We obtained relationships between GD with atmospheric variables such as radiation, temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure and precipitation. We also found a negative response of GD to El Niño teleconnection index. The results are of great interest due to the GD impact on the climate system and in particular for sea level rise.

A Phenomenological Investigation of Pharmacists' Experiences, Motivation, and Preferences in the Context of Continuing Pharmacy Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ladymon, Laura Beth

2017-01-01

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe select Tennessee pharmacists' experiences, motivation, and preferences in the context of continuing pharmacy education (CPE). The pharmacists' experiences, motivation, and preferences related to CPE were generally defined as participating in CPE programming in a manner that meets the needs…

What Do Professional Conference Planners Consider the Most Important Elements for Continuing Professional Education Conference Planning?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Phillips, Virginia B.

2011-01-01

Many adults attend and rely on continuing professional education (CPE) throughout their careers, and CPE is big business for associations. One way associations deliver CPE is through educational conferences. While adult education theories and frameworks offer developmental and operational guidance and advice, there is little practice data to…

Oral Administration of Recombinant Saccharomyces boulardii Expressing Ovalbumin-CPE Fusion Protein Induces Antibody Response in Mice

PubMed Central

Bagherpour, Ghasem; Ghasemi, Hosnie; Zand, Bahare; Zarei, Najmeh; Roohvand, Farzin; Ardakani, Esmat M.; Azizi, Mohammad; Khalaj, Vahid

2018-01-01

Saccharomyces boulardii, a subspecies of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a well-known eukaryotic probiotic with many benefits for human health. In the present study, a recombinant strain of S. boulardii was prepared to use as a potential oral vaccine delivery vehicle. In this sense, a ura3 auxotroph strain of S. boulardii CNCM I-745 (known as S. cerevisiae HANSEN CBS 5926, Yomogi®) was generated using CRISPR/Cas9 methodology. Then a gene construct encoding a highly immunogenic protein, ovalbumin (OVA), was prepared and transformed into the ura3- S. boulardii. To facilitate the transport of the recombinant immunogen across the intestinal barrier, a claudin-targeting sequence from Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) was added to the C-terminus of the expression cassette. The recombinant S. boulardii strain expressing the OVA-CPE fusion protein was then administered orally to a group of mice, and serum IgG and fecal IgA levels were evaluated by ELISA. Our results demonstrated that anti-OVA IgG in serum significantly increased in test group (P < 0.001) compared to control groups (receiving wild type S. boulardii or PBS), and the fecal IgA titer was significantly higher in test group (P < 0.05) than control groups. In parallel, a recombinant S. boulardii strain expressing the similar construct lacking C-terminal CPE was also administered orally. The result showed an increased level of serum IgG in group receiving yeasts expressing the CPE negative construct compared to control groups; however, the fecal IgA levels did not increase significantly. In conclusion, our findings indicated that the yeast S. boulardii, as a delivery vehicle with possible immunomodulatory effects, and c-CPE, as a targeting tag, synergistically assist to stimulate systemic and local immunity. This proposed recombinant S. boulardii system might be useful in the expression of other antigenic peptides, making it as a promising tool for oral delivery of vaccines or therapeutic proteins. PMID:29706942

Oral Administration of Recombinant Saccharomyces boulardii Expressing Ovalbumin-CPE Fusion Protein Induces Antibody Response in Mice.

PubMed

Bagherpour, Ghasem; Ghasemi, Hosnie; Zand, Bahare; Zarei, Najmeh; Roohvand, Farzin; Ardakani, Esmat M; Azizi, Mohammad; Khalaj, Vahid

2018-01-01

Saccharomyces boulardii , a subspecies of Saccharomyces cerevisiae , is a well-known eukaryotic probiotic with many benefits for human health. In the present study, a recombinant strain of S. boulardii was prepared to use as a potential oral vaccine delivery vehicle. In this sense, a ura3 auxotroph strain of S. boulardii CNCM I-745 (known as S. cerevisiae HANSEN CBS 5926, Yomogi ® ) was generated using CRISPR/Cas9 methodology. Then a gene construct encoding a highly immunogenic protein, ovalbumin (OVA), was prepared and transformed into the ura3 - S. boulardii . To facilitate the transport of the recombinant immunogen across the intestinal barrier, a claudin-targeting sequence from Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) was added to the C-terminus of the expression cassette. The recombinant S. boulardii strain expressing the OVA-CPE fusion protein was then administered orally to a group of mice, and serum IgG and fecal IgA levels were evaluated by ELISA. Our results demonstrated that anti-OVA IgG in serum significantly increased in test group ( P < 0.001) compared to control groups (receiving wild type S. boulardii or PBS), and the fecal IgA titer was significantly higher in test group ( P < 0.05) than control groups. In parallel, a recombinant S. boulardii strain expressing the similar construct lacking C-terminal CPE was also administered orally. The result showed an increased level of serum IgG in group receiving yeasts expressing the CPE negative construct compared to control groups; however, the fecal IgA levels did not increase significantly. In conclusion, our findings indicated that the yeast S. boulardii , as a delivery vehicle with possible immunomodulatory effects, and c-CPE, as a targeting tag, synergistically assist to stimulate systemic and local immunity. This proposed recombinant S. boulardii system might be useful in the expression of other antigenic peptides, making it as a promising tool for oral delivery of vaccines or therapeutic proteins.

Case-based learning and simulation: useful tools to enhance nurses' education? Nonrandomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Raurell-Torredà, Marta; Olivet-Pujol, Josep; Romero-Collado, Àngel; Malagon-Aguilera, Maria Carmen; Patiño-Masó, Josefina; Baltasar-Bagué, Alícia

2015-01-01

To compare skills acquired by undergraduate nursing students enrolled in a medical-surgical course. To compare skills demonstrated by students with no previous clinical practice (undergraduates) and nurses with clinical experience enrolled in continuing professional education (CPE). In a nonrandomized clinical trial, 101 undergraduates enrolled in the "Adult Patients 1" course were assigned to the traditional lecture and discussion (n = 66) or lecture and discussion plus case-based learning (n = 35) arm of the study; 59 CPE nurses constituted a comparison group to assess the effects of previous clinical experience on learning outcomes. Scores on an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), using a human patient simulator and cases validated by the National League for Nursing, were compared for the undergraduate control and intervention groups, and for CPE nurses (Student's t test). Controls scored lower than the intervention group on patient assessment (6.3 ± 2.3 vs 7.5 ± 1.4, p = .04, mean difference, -1.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) -2.4 to -0.03]) but the intervention group did not differ from CPE nurses (7.5 ± 1.4 vs 8.8 ± 1.5, p = .06, mean difference, -1.3 [95% CI -2.6 to 0.04]). The CPE nurses committed more "rules-based errors" than did undergraduates, specifically patient identifications (77.2% vs 55%, p = .7) and checking allergies before administering medication (68.2% vs 60%, p = .1). The intervention group developed better patient assessment skills than the control group. Case-based learning helps to standardize the process, which can contribute to quality and consistency in practice: It is essential to correctly identify a problem in order to treat it. Clinical experience of CPE nurses was not associated with better adherence to safety protocols. Case-based learning improves the patient assessment skills of undergraduate nursing students, thereby preparing them for clinical practice. © 2014 Sigma Theta Tau International.

Abundance indices for determining the status of lake trout restoration in Michigan waters of Lake Superior

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hansen, Michael J.; Schorfhaar, Richard G.; Peck, James W.; Selgeby, James H.; Taylor, William W.

1995-01-01

Self-sustaining populations of lake trout Salvelinus namaycush have returned to most areas in Lake Superior, but progress toward achieving historic commercial yields has been difficult to measure because of unrecorded losses to predation by sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus and to fisheries. Consequently, we developed restoration targets (catch per effort, CPE; geometric mean number per kilometer of 114-mm stretch-meaure gill net during 1929-1943, when historic yields were sustained) from linear relationships between CPE in commercial and assessment fisheries in Michigan. Target CPEs for lake trout restoration were higher and less variable than the modern CPEs in all areas. Modern CPEs generally increased during the 1970s and early 1980s but declined during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Modern CPEs were highest in western Michigan from the Keweenaw Peninsula to Marquette (71 to 81% of target CPEs), but coefficients of variation (CV,SD/mean) of mean CPEs were 1.4 to 2.4 times greater than target CVs. Around Munising, the modern CPE was lower (41% of the target CPE), whereas the CV was 1.9 times greater than the target CV. Around Grand Marais, the modern CPE was lowest among all areas (17% of the target CPE), but the CV was nearly the same (1.1 times the target CV). In Whitefish Bay, the modern CPE was only 28% of the target CPE and the CV was 9.0 times greater, though the modern period was based on only the years 1979-1982 and 1984-1985. Further progress in restoration in most areas can be achieved only if fishery managers adequately protect existing stocks of wild fish from sea lamprey predation and fishery exploitation.

Efficient Detection of Carbapenemase Activity in Enterobacteriaceae by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry in Less Than 30 Minutes.

PubMed

Lasserre, Camille; De Saint Martin, Luc; Cuzon, Gaelle; Bogaerts, Pierre; Lamar, Estelle; Glupczynski, Youri; Naas, Thierry; Tandé, Didier

2015-07-01

The recognition of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) isolates is a major laboratory challenge, and their inappropriate or delayed detection may have negative impacts on patient management and on the implementation of infection control measures. We describe here a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF)-based method to detect carbapenemase activity in Enterobacteriaceae. After a 20-min incubation of the isolate with 0.5 mg/ml imipenem at 37°C, supernatants were analyzed by MALDI-TOF in order to identify peaks corresponding to imipenem (300 Da) and an imipenem metabolite (254 Da). A total of 223 strains, 77 CPE (OXA-48 variants, KPC, NDM, VIM, IMI, IMP, and NMC-A) and 146 non-CPE (cephalosporinases, extended-spectrum β-lactamases [ESBLs], and porin defects), were tested and used to calculate a ratio of imipenem hydrolysis: mass spectrometry [MS] ratio = metabolite/(imipenem + metabolite). An MS ratio cutoff was statistically determined to classify strains as carbapenemase producers (MS ratio of ≥0.82). We validated this method first by testing 30 of our 223 isolates (15 CPE and 15 non-CPE) 10 times to calculate an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC of 0.98), showing the excellent repeatability of the method. Second, 43 strains (25 CPE and 18 non-CPE) different from the 223 strains used to calculate the ratio cutoff were used as external controls and blind tested. They yielded sensitivity and specificity of 100%. The total cost per test is <0.10 U.S. dollars (USD). This easy-to-perform assay is time-saving, cost-efficient, and highly reliable and might be used in any routine laboratory, given the availability of mass spectrometry, to detect CPE. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Detection of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens in meat samples by using molecular methods.

PubMed

Kaneko, Ikuko; Miyamoto, Kazuaki; Mimura, Kanako; Yumine, Natsuko; Utsunomiya, Hirotoshi; Akimoto, Shigeru; McClane, Bruce A

2011-11-01

To prevent food-borne bacterial diseases and to trace bacterial contamination events to foods, microbial source tracking (MST) methods provide important epidemiological information. To apply molecular methods to MST, it is necessary not only to amplify bacterial cells to detection limit levels but also to prepare DNA with reduced inhibitory compounds and contamination. Isolates carrying the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin gene (cpe) on the chromosome or a plasmid rank among the most important food-borne pathogens. Previous surveys indicated that cpe-positive C. perfringens isolates are present in only ∼5% of nonoutbreak food samples and then only at low numbers, usually less than 3 cells/g. In this study, four molecular assays for the detection of cpe-positive C. perfringens isolates, i.e., ordinary PCR, nested PCR, real-time PCR, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), were developed and evaluated for their reliability using purified DNA. For use in the artificial contamination of meat samples, DNA templates were prepared by three different commercial DNA preparation kits. The four molecular assays always detected cpe when >10³ cells/g of cpe-positive C. perfringens were present, using any kit. Of three tested commercial DNA preparation kits, the InstaGene matrix kit appeared to be most suitable for the testing of a large number of samples. By using the InstaGene matrix kit, the four molecular assays efficiently detected cpe using DNA prepared from enrichment culture specimens of meat samples contaminated with low numbers of cpe-positive C. perfringens vegetative cells or spores. Overall, the current study developed molecular assay protocols for MST to detect the contamination of foods with low numbers of cells, and at a low frequency, of cpe-positive C. perfringens isolates.

Critically Engaging "Mutually Engaged Supervisory Processes": A Proposed Theory for CPE Supervisory Education.

PubMed

Fitchett, George; Altenbaumer, Mary L; Atta, Osofo Kwesi; Stowman, Sheryl Lyndes; Vlach, Kyle

2014-12-01

Revisions to the processes for training and certifying supervisors continue to be debated within the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). In 2012 Ragsdale and colleagues published, "Mutually engaged supervisory processes," a qualitative research study utilizing grounded theory based on interviews with 19 recently certified Associate CPE Supervisors, of nine components that facilitate the development of CPE supervisory education students. In this article we critically engage this theory and the research upon which it is based. We also reflect on three issues highlighted by the theory: personal transformation in CPE supervisory education, how CPE supervisory education students develop theoretical foundations for their work, and engaging multicultural issues in supervisory education. We conclude that this theory offers ACPE the possibility of using research to guide future modifications to its practice of Supervisory education. © 2014 Journal of Pastoral Care Publications Inc.

Antiviral activity of polymethoxylated flavones from "Guangchenpi", the edible and medicinal pericarps of citrus reticulata 'Chachi'.

PubMed

Xu, Jiao-Jiao; Wu, Xia; Li, Man-Mei; Li, Guo-Qiang; Yang, Yi-Ting; Luo, Hu-Jie; Huang, Wei-Huang; Chung, Hau Yin; Ye, Wen-Cai; Wang, Guo-Cai; Li, Yao-Lan

2014-03-12

The present study found that the supercritical fluid extract of "Guangchenpi" possessed in vitro antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Bioassay-guided isolation and identification of this extract led to obtain five active polymethoxylated flavones (1-5). Cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction assay exhibited that tangeretin (2) and nobiletin (3), two major polymethoxylated flavones in the extract, possessed better anti-RSV effect comparable to the positive control ribavirin. Plaque reduction assay revealed that tangeretin dose-dependently inhibited RSV-induced plaque formation on the HEp-2 cells. This polymethoxylated flavone mainly affected the intracellular replication of RSV, and it also could inhibit RSV entry into the HEp-2 cells. Further investigations with quantitative real-time PCR and confocal and Western blot assays indicated that tangeretin downregulated the expression of RSV phosphoprotein (P protein). Results suggest the potential application of the supercritical fluid extract of "Guangchenpi" and tangeretin in the treatment and the prevention of RSV infection.

Deterrents to Nurses' Participation in Continuing Professional Education as Perceived by Licensed Nurses in Oklahoma

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fahnestock, Annetta Bethene

2012-01-01

Little is known about the deterrents to licensed nurses' participation in continuing professional education (CPE) in Oklahoma, the licensed nurses' preferred method for obtaining CPE, and the ways in which employers support participation in CPE. A random sample of 78 licensed nurses in Oklahoma completed a 20 item questionnaire and a 40 item…

Extended polarization in 3rd order SCC-DFTB from chemical potential equilization

PubMed Central

Kaminski, Steve; Giese, Timothy J.; Gaus, Michael; York, Darrin M.; Elstner, Marcus

2012-01-01

In this work we augment the approximate density functional method SCC-DFTB (DFTB3) with the chemical potential equilization (CPE) approach in order to improve the performance for molecular electronic polarizabilities. The CPE method, originally implemented for NDDO type methods by Giese and York, has been shown to emend minimal basis methods wrt response properties significantly, and has been applied to SCC-DFTB recently. CPE allows to overcome this inherent limitation of minimal basis methods by supplying an additional response density. The systematic underestimation is thereby corrected quantitatively without the need to extend the atomic orbital basis, i.e. without increasing the overall computational cost significantly. Especially the dependency of polarizability as a function of molecular charge state was significantly improved from the CPE extension of DFTB3. The empirical parameters introduced by the CPE approach were optimized for 172 organic molecules in order to match the results from density functional methods (DFT) methods using large basis sets. However, the first order derivatives of molecular polarizabilities, as e.g. required to compute Raman activities, are not improved by the current CPE implementation, i.e. Raman spectra are not improved. PMID:22894819

Development and application of a multiplex PCR assay for detection of the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin-encoding genes cpe and becAB.

PubMed

Yonogi, Shinya; Kanki, Masashi; Ohnishi, Takahiro; Shiono, Masami; Iida, Tetsuya; Kumeda, Yuko

2016-08-01

Clostridium perfringens causes food-borne gastroenteritis following the consumption of contaminated food by producing C. perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) in the intestines. Recently, we reported a novel enterotoxin, binary enterotoxin of C. perfringens (BEC) in C. perfringens isolates, which caused two disease outbreaks in Japan. Consequently, in the event of food poisoning outbreaks caused by C. perfringens, it is now necessary to screen for both the cpe and becAB genes by diagnostic PCR. Here, we present a simple multiplex PCR method for simultaneous detection of cpe, becAB and a C. perfringens control locus, phospholipase C (plc). Applying this method, we investigated the prevalence of cpe- or becAB-carrying C. perfringens strains in human stool and bovine rectum swab samples. Using a total of 169 isolates, we found that the percentage of becAB-carrying strains was very small (0.59%), one-tenth that of cpe-carrying strains. The simple method presented in this study with high specificity and sensitivity to C. perfringens will be a useful tool to survey the global prevalence of becAB-carrying C. perfringens strains. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Current Continuing Professional Education Practice among Malaysian Nurses

PubMed Central

Chong, Mei Chan; Francis, Karen; Cooper, Simon; Abdullah, Khatijah Lim

2014-01-01

Nurses need to participate in CPE to update their knowledge and increase their competencies. This research was carried out to explore their current practice and the future general needs for CPE. This cross-sectional descriptive study involved registered nurses from government hospitals and health clinics from Peninsular Malaysia. Multistage cluster sampling was used to recruit 1000 nurses from four states of Malaysia. Self-explanatory questionnaires were used to collect the data, which were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Seven hundred and ninety-two nurses participated in this survey. Only 80% (562) of the nurses had engaged in CPE activities during the past 12 months. All attendance for the various activities was below 50%. Workshops were the most popular CPE activity (345, 43.6%) and tertiary education was the most unpopular activity (10, 1.3%). The respondents did perceive the importance of future CPE activities for career development. Mandatory continuing professional education (MCPE) is a key measure to ensure that nurses upgrade their knowledge and skills; however, it is recommended that policy makers and nurse leaders in the continuing professional development unit of health service facilities plan CPE activities to meet registered nurses' (RNs) needs and not simply organizational requirements. PMID:24523961

Phytochemical Characteristics, Free Radical Scavenging Activities, and Neuroprotection of Five Medicinal Plant Extracts

PubMed Central

Chang, Chia Lin; Lin, Che San; Lai, Guia Hung

2012-01-01

The objective of this study was to determine phytochemical characteristics, chemiluminescence antioxidant capacities, and neuroprotective effects on PC12 cells for methanol extracts of Spatholobus suberectus, Uncaria rhynchophylla, Alpinia officinarum, Drynaria fortunei, and Crataegus pinnatifida. The C. pinnatifida extract (CPE) afforded the greatest yield and total phenolic content. The S. suberectus extract (SSE) yielded the greatest total flavonoid content. The U. rhynchophylla extract (URE) produced the greatest total tannin content, and the A. officinarum extract (AOE) produced the greatest total triterpenoid content. The D. fortunei extract, assayed using horseradish peroxidase-luminol-hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and AOE using pyrogallol-luminol assay each exhibited better antioxidant activity than the L-ascorbic acid and 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid did. The CPE, SSE, and URE presented neurogrowth effects and neuroprotective activities on H2O2-induced PC12 cell death at 0.5–5.0 μg/mL. The CPE represents a promising medicinal plant source for the treatment of H2O2-induced neurodegenerative disease, because of its useful phytochemical characteristics. PMID:21845204

Development of Well-Preserved, Substrate-Versatile Latent Fingerprints by Aggregation-Induced Enhanced Emission-Active Conjugated Polyelectrolyte.

PubMed

Malik, Akhtar Hussain; Kalita, Anamika; Iyer, Parameswar Krishnan

2017-10-25

The development of highly efficient latent fingerprint (LFP) technology remains extremely vital for forensic and criminal investigations. In this contribution, a straightforward, rapid, and cost-effective method has been established for the quick development of well-preserved latent fingerprint on multiple substrates, including plastic, glass, aluminum foil, metallic surfaces, and so forth, without any additional treatment, based on aggregation-induced enhanced emission-active conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) 3,3'-((2-(4-(1,2-diphenyl-2-(p-tolyl)vinyl)phenyl)-7-(7-methylbenzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-yl)-9H-fluorene-9,9-diyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl))bis(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium) bromide, revealing clearly the third-level details (ridges, bifurcations, and pores) with high selectivity, high contrast, and no background interference even by blood stains, confirming the ability of the proposed technique for LFP detection with high resolution. The LFP development process was accomplished simply by immersing fingerprint-loaded substrate into the CPE solution for ∼1 min, followed by shaking off the residual polymer solution and then air drying. The CPE was readily transferred to the LFPs because of the strong electrostatic and hydrophobic interaction between the CPE molecules and the fingerprint components revealing distinct fluorescent images on various smooth nonporous surfaces.

Educating CPE supervisors: a grounded theory study.

PubMed

Ragsdale, Judith R; Holloway, Elizabeth L; Ivy, Steven S

2009-01-01

This qualitative study was designed to cull the wisdom of CPE supervisors doing especially competent supervisory education and to develop a theory of CPE supervisory education. Grounded theory methodology included interviewing 11 supervisors and coding the data to identify themes. Four primary dimensions emerged along with a reciprocal core dimension, Supervisory Wisdom, which refers to work the supervisors do in terms of their continuing growth and development.

Cinnamon polyphenols attenuate cell swelling and mitochondrial dysfunction following oxygen-glucose deprivation in glial cells.

PubMed

Panickar, Kiran S; Polansky, Marilyn M; Anderson, Richard A

2009-04-01

Astrocyte swelling is an integral component of cytotoxic brain edema in ischemic injury. While mechanisms underlying astrocyte swelling are likely multifactorial, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are hypothesized to contribute to such swelling. We investigated the protective effects of cinnamon polyphenol extract (CPE) that has anti-oxidant and insulin-potentiating effects on cell swelling and depolarization of the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) in ischemic injury. C6 glial cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and cell volume determined using the 3-O-methyl-[3H]-glucose method at 90 min after the end of OGD. When compared with controls, OGD increased cell volume by 34%. This increase was blocked by CPE or insulin but not by blockers of oxidative/nitrosative stress including vitamin E, resveratrol, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or uric acid. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a key component of ischemic injury, contributes to cell swelling. Changes in DeltaPsi(m) were assessed at the end of OGD with tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE), a potentiometric dye. OGD induced a 39% decline in DeltaPsi(m) and this decline was blocked by CPE as well as insulin. To test the involvement of the mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT), we used Cyclosporin A (CsA), an immunosuppressant and a blocker of the mPT pore. CsA blocked cell swelling and the decline in DeltaPsi(m) but FK506, an immunosuppressant that does not block the mPT, did not. Our results show that CPE reduces OGD-induced cell swelling as well as the decline in DeltaPsi(m) in cultures and some of its protective effects may be through inhibiting the mPT.

Structural elucidation of anti-metastatic rhamnogalacturonan II from the pectinase digest of citrus peels (Citrus unshiu).

PubMed

Park, Hye-Ryung; Park, Su Beom; Hong, Hee-Do; Suh, Hyung Joo; Shin, Kwang-Soon

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to characterize a polysaccharide found in citrus peels with an anti-metastatic property. CPE-II was purified by the pectinase digestion of citrus peels. During in vivo lung metastasis of Colon26-M3.1, administration of 10μg of CPE-II per mouse showed 81.3% inhibition of metastasis. CPE-II consists of 15 different monosaccharides and 22 different glycosyl linkages, characteristic of rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II). The primary structure was elucidated based on sugar composition, methylation analysis, oligosaccharide analysis, and sequencing using GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, and ESI-MS/MS analyses. Sequential degradation using partial acid hydrolysis indicated that CPE-II contained Rhap-(1→5)-Kdo, Araf-(1→5)-Dha, an AceA-containing nonasaccharide, and an uronic acid-rich oligosaccharide in addition to an α-(1→4)-galacturono-oligosaccharide main chain. The molecular weight of CPE-II was observed to decrease from 9 to 5kDa at a pH value of <2.0, as observed by HPSEC. Thus, we propose that the anti-metastatic CPE-II is primarily present as an RG-II dimer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of electrochemical - synthesized silver nanoparticles against poliovirus.

PubMed

Huy, Tran Quang; Hien Thanh, Nguyen Thi; Thuy, Nguyen Thanh; Chung, Pham Van; Hung, Pham Ngoc; Le, Anh-Tuan; Hong Hanh, Nguyen Thi

2017-03-01

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been proven to have noticeable cytotoxicity in vitro and antiviral activity against some types of enveloped viruses. This paper presents the cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of pure AgNPs synthesized by the electrochemical method, towards cell culture and poliovirus (a non-enveloped virus). Prepared AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Before incubation with poliovirus, different concentrations of AgNPs were added to human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell monolayers seeded in 96 well plates for testing their cytotoxicity. The in vitro cytotoxicity and anti-poliovirus activity of AgNPs were daily assessed for cytopathic effect (CPE) through inverted light microscopy. CPE in the tested wells was determined in comparison with those in wells of negative and positive control. Structure analysis showed that AgNPs were formed with a quasi-spherical shape with mean size about 7.1nm and high purity. No CPE of RD cells was seen in wells at the time point of 48h post-incubation with AgNPs at concentration up to 100ppm. The anti-poliovirus activity of AgNPs was determined at 3.13ppm corresponding to the viral concentration of 1TCID 50 (Tissue Culture Infective Dose) after 30min, and 10TCID 50 after 60min, the cell viability was found up to 98% at 48h post-infection, with no CPE found. Whereas, a strong CPE of RD cells was found at 48h post-infection with the mixture of AgNPs and poliovirus at concentration of 100TCID 50 , and in wells of positive controls. With mentioned advantages, electrochemical-synthesized AgNPs are promising candidate for advanced biomedical and disinfection applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Can cloud point-based enrichment, preservation, and detection methods help to bridge gaps in aquatic nanometrology?

PubMed

Duester, Lars; Fabricius, Anne-Lena; Jakobtorweihen, Sven; Philippe, Allan; Weigl, Florian; Wimmer, Andreas; Schuster, Michael; Nazar, Muhammad Faizan

2016-11-01

Coacervate-based techniques are intensively used in environmental analytical chemistry to enrich and extract different kinds of analytes. Most methods focus on the total content or the speciation of inorganic and organic substances. Size fractionation is less commonly addressed. Within coacervate-based techniques, cloud point extraction (CPE) is characterized by a phase separation of non-ionic surfactants dispersed in an aqueous solution when the respective cloud point temperature is exceeded. In this context, the feature article raises the following question: May CPE in future studies serve as a key tool (i) to enrich and extract nanoparticles (NPs) from complex environmental matrices prior to analyses and (ii) to preserve the colloidal status of unstable environmental samples? With respect to engineered NPs, a significant gap between environmental concentrations and size- and element-specific analytical capabilities is still visible. CPE may support efforts to overcome this "concentration gap" via the analyte enrichment. In addition, most environmental colloidal systems are known to be unstable, dynamic, and sensitive to changes of the environmental conditions during sampling and sample preparation. This delivers a so far unsolved "sample preparation dilemma" in the analytical process. The authors are of the opinion that CPE-based methods have the potential to preserve the colloidal status of these instable samples. Focusing on NPs, this feature article aims to support the discussion on the creation of a convention called the "CPE extractable fraction" by connecting current knowledge on CPE mechanisms and on available applications, via the uncertainties visible and modeling approaches available, with potential future benefits from CPE protocols.

Predicting crappie recruitment in Ohio reservoirs with spawning stock size, larval density, and chlorophyll concentrations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bunnell, David B.; Hale, R. Scott; Vanni, Michael J.; Stein, Roy A.

2006-01-01

Stock-recruit models typically use only spawning stock size as a predictor of recruitment to a fishery. In this paper, however, we used spawning stock size as well as larval density and key environmental variables to predict recruitment of white crappies Pomoxis annularis and black crappies P. nigromaculatus, a genus notorious for variable recruitment. We sampled adults and recruits from 11 Ohio reservoirs and larvae from 9 reservoirs during 1998-2001. We sampled chlorophyll as an index of reservoir productivity and obtained daily estimates of water elevation to determine the impact of hydrology on recruitment. Akaike's information criterion (AIC) revealed that Ricker and Beverton-Holt stock-recruit models that included chlorophyll best explained the variation in larval density and age-2 recruits. Specifically, spawning stock catch per effort (CPE) and chlorophyll explained 63-64% of the variation in larval density. In turn, larval density and chlorophyll explained 43-49% of the variation in age-2 recruit CPE. Finally, spawning stock CPE and chlorophyll were the best predictors of recruit CPE (i.e., 74-86%). Although larval density and recruitment increased with chlorophyll, neither was related to seasonal water elevation. Also, the AIC generally did not distinguish between Ricker and Beverton-Holt models. From these relationships, we concluded that crappie recruitment can be limited by spawning stock CPE and larval production when spawning stock sizes are low (i.e., CPE , 5 crappies/net-night). At higher levels of spawning stock sizes, spawning stock CPE and recruitment were less clearly related. To predict recruitment in Ohio reservoirs, managers should assess spawning stock CPE with trap nets and estimate chlorophyll concentrations. To increase crappie recruitment in reservoirs where recruitment is consistently poor, managers should use regulations to increase spawning stock size, which, in turn, should increase larval production and recruits to the fishery.

Assessment of extraction parameters on antioxidant capacity, polyphenol content, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate (ECG) and iriflophenone 3-C-β-glucoside of agarwood (Aquilaria crassna) young leaves.

PubMed

Tay, Pei Yin; Tan, Chin Ping; Abas, Faridah; Yim, Hip Seng; Ho, Chun Wai

2014-08-14

The effects of ethanol concentration (0%-100%, v/v), solid-to-solvent ratio (1:10-1:60, w/v) and extraction time (30-180 min) on the extraction of polyphenols from agarwood (Aquilaria crassna) were examined. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total flavanol (TF) assays and HPLC-DAD were used for the determination and quantification of polyphenols, flavanol gallates (epigallocatechin gallate--EGCG and epicatechin gallate--ECG) and a benzophenone (iriflophenone 3-C-β-glucoside) from the crude polyphenol extract (CPE) of A. crassna. 2,2'-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the CPE. Experimental results concluded that ethanol concentration and solid-to-solvent ratio had significant effects (p<0.05) on the yields of polyphenol and antioxidant capacity. Extraction time had an insignificant influence on the recovery of EGCG, ECG and iriflophenone 3-C-β-glucoside, as well as radical scavenging capacity from the CPE. The extraction parameters that exhibited maximum yields were 40% (v/v) ethanol, 1:60 (w/v) for 30 min where the TPC, TFC, TF, DPPH, EGCG, ECG and iriflophenone 3-C-β-glucoside levels achieved were 183.5 mg GAE/g DW, 249.0 mg QE/g DW, 4.9 mg CE/g DW, 93.7%, 29.1 mg EGCG/g DW, 44.3 mg ECG/g DW and 39.9 mg iriflophenone 3-C-β-glucoside/g DW respectively. The IC50 of the CPE was 24.6 mg/L.

Development and testing of methodology for evaluating the performance of multi-input/multi-output digital control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polotzky, Anthony S.; Wieseman, Carol; Hoadley, Sherwood Tiffany; Mukhopadhyay, Vivek

1990-01-01

The development of a controller performance evaluation (CPE) methodology for multiinput/multioutput digital control systems is described. The equations used to obtain the open-loop plant, controller transfer matrices, and return-difference matrices are given. Results of applying the CPE methodology to evaluate MIMO digital flutter suppression systems being tested on an active flexible wing wind-tunnel model are presented to demonstrate the CPE capability.

Characterization of Clostridium perfringens in the feces of adult horses and foals with acute enterocolitis

PubMed Central

Gohari, Iman Mehdizadeh; Arroyo, Luis; MacInnes, Janet I.; Timoney, John F.; Parreira, Valeria R.; Prescott, John F.

2014-01-01

Up to 60% of cases of equine colitis have no known cause. To improve understanding of the causes of acute colitis in horses, we hypothesized that Clostridium perfringens producing enterotoxin (CPE) and/or beta2 toxin (CPB2) are common and important causes of severe colitis in horses and/or that C. perfringens producing an as-yet-undescribed cytotoxin may also cause colitis in horses. Fecal samples from 55 horses (43 adults, 12 foals) with clinical evidence of colitis were evaluated by culture for the presence of Clostridium difficile, C. perfringens, and Salmonella. Feces were also examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for C. difficile A/B toxins and C. perfringens alpha toxin (CPA), beta2 toxin (CPB2), and enterotoxin (CPE). Five C. perfringens isolates per sample were genotyped for the following genes: cpa, cpb, cpb2 consensus, cpb2 atypical, cpe (enterotoxin), etx (epsilon toxin), itx (iota toxin), netB (necrotic enteritis toxin B), and tpeL (large C. perfringens cytotoxin). The supernatants of these isolates were also evaluated for toxicity for an equine cell line. All fecal samples were negative for Salmonella. Clostridium perfringens and C. difficile were isolated from 40% and 5.4% of samples, respectively. All fecal samples were negative for CPE. Clostridium perfringens CPA and CPB2 toxins were detected in 14.5% and 7.2% of fecal samples, respectively, all of which were culture-positive for C. perfringens. No isolates were cpe, etx, netB, or tpeL gene-positive. Atypical cpb2 and consensus cpb2 genes were identified in 15 (13.6%) and 4 (3.6%) of 110 isolates, respectively. All equine C. perfringens isolates showed far milder cytotoxicity effects than a CPB-producing positive control, although cpb2-positive isolates were slightly but significantly more cytotoxic than negative isolates. Based on this studied population, we were unable to confirm our hypothesis that CPE and CPB2-producing C. perfringens are common in horses with colitis in Ontario and we failed to identify cytotoxic activity in vitro in the type A isolates recovered. PMID:24396174

Characterization of Clostridium perfringens in the feces of adult horses and foals with acute enterocolitis.

PubMed

Gohari, Iman Mehdizadeh; Arroyo, Luis; Macinnes, Janet I; Timoney, John F; Parreira, Valeria R; Prescott, John F

2014-01-01

Up to 60% of cases of equine colitis have no known cause. To improve understanding of the causes of acute colitis in horses, we hypothesized that Clostridium perfringens producing enterotoxin (CPE) and/or beta2 toxin (CPB2) are common and important causes of severe colitis in horses and/or that C. perfringens producing an as-yet-undescribed cytotoxin may also cause colitis in horses. Fecal samples from 55 horses (43 adults, 12 foals) with clinical evidence of colitis were evaluated by culture for the presence of Clostridium difficile, C. perfringens, and Salmonella. Feces were also examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for C. difficile A/B toxins and C. perfringens alpha toxin (CPA), beta2 toxin (CPB2), and enterotoxin (CPE). Five C. perfringens isolates per sample were genotyped for the following genes: cpa, cpb, cpb2 consensus, cpb2 atypical, cpe (enterotoxin), etx (epsilon toxin), itx (iota toxin), netB (necrotic enteritis toxin B), and tpeL (large C. perfringens cytotoxin). The supernatants of these isolates were also evaluated for toxicity for an equine cell line. All fecal samples were negative for Salmonella. Clostridium perfringens and C. difficile were isolated from 40% and 5.4% of samples, respectively. All fecal samples were negative for CPE. Clostridium perfringens CPA and CPB2 toxins were detected in 14.5% and 7.2% of fecal samples, respectively, all of which were culture-positive for C. perfringens. No isolates were cpe, etx, netB, or tpeL gene-positive. Atypical cpb2 and consensus cpb2 genes were identified in 15 (13.6%) and 4 (3.6%) of 110 isolates, respectively. All equine C. perfringens isolates showed far milder cytotoxicity effects than a CPB-producing positive control, although cpb2-positive isolates were slightly but significantly more cytotoxic than negative isolates. Based on this studied population, we were unable to confirm our hypothesis that CPE and CPB2-producing C. perfringens are common in horses with colitis in Ontario and we failed to identify cytotoxic activity in vitro in the type A isolates recovered.

Induction of apoptosis in a flounder gill cell line by lymphocystis disease virus infection.

PubMed

Hu, G-B; Cong, R-S; Fan, T-J; Mei, X-G

2004-11-01

Lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV), a large icosahedral DNA virus classified to the iridovirus family, is the causative agent of lymphocystis, a disease which occurs in marine and freshwater fish species and is characterized by formation of papilloma-like lesions on the surface of the skin. In vitro, LCDV infection causes flounder gill cells, an adherent cell line, to exhibit an obvious cytopathic effect (CPE). In order to test whether apoptosis is responsible for the observed CPE, cells infected with LCDV at a multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.) of 5 PFU per cell were examined at various time intervals for the appearance of apoptotic signs. Nuclear fragmentation, DNA laddering and caspase activation were observed in the infected cells at the time (i.e. 10 days post-infection) when an intensive CPE was observed. These findings demonstrate that LCDV is capable of inducing apoptosis in vitro, which is different from the result of LCDV infection in vivo, and consequently suggest an intricate LCDV-host interaction.

Risk factors for fecal carriage of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae among intensive care unit patients from a tertiary care center in India.

PubMed

Mittal, Gajanand; Gaind, Rajni; Kumar, Deepak; Kaushik, Gaurav; Gupta, Kunj Bihari; Verma, P K; Deb, Monorama

2016-07-08

Resistance amongst the commensal flora is a serious threat because a very highly populated ecosystem like the gut, may at a later stage, be a source of extra intestinal infections, resistant strains may spread to other host or transfer genetic resistance element to other members of micro-biota including pathogens. This study was carried out to assess fecal colonization by carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) and associated risk factors among 100 patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). The phenotypic and molecular characterizations of CPE were also included. Colonization with CPE was observed in 6.6 % (8/122) controls. Among ICU patients, fecal carriage of CPE was significantly higher on day 4 (D4) (22 %) as compared to day 1 (D1) (11 %) (p value 0.002). The carbapenemase genes detected included OXA- 48, 181, KPC and NDM-1 with NDM-1 being the predominant carbapenemase in both ICU D1 and D4. Among the 50 CPE isolates, 8 (16 %) were susceptible to meropenem and imipenem (Minimum inhibitory concentration; MIC ≤ 1 mg/L) and all were susceptible to colistin (MIC range 0.125 - 1 mg/L) and tigecycline (MIC range 0.06- 1.5 mg/L). The risk factors associated with CPE carriage were duration of ICU stay, use of ventilator and aminoglycosides. Prior colonization with CPE could result in their influx and spread in ICU, challenging infection control measures. Exposure to ICU further increases risk of colonization with diverse carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Gut colonization with these strains may be a source of endogenous infection and horizontal transfer of these genes in future.

Molecular and epidemiological characterization of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Norway, 2007 to 2014.

PubMed

Samuelsen, Ørjan; Overballe-Petersen, Søren; Bjørnholt, Jørgen Vildershøj; Brisse, Sylvain; Doumith, Michel; Woodford, Neil; Hopkins, Katie L; Aasnæs, Bettina; Haldorsen, Bjørg; Sundsfjord, Arnfinn

2017-01-01

The prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is increasing worldwide. Here we present associated patient data and molecular, epidemiological and phenotypic characteristics of all CPE isolates in Norway from 2007 to 2014 confirmed at the Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance. All confirmed CPE isolates were characterized pheno- and genotypically, including by whole genome sequencing (WGS). Patient data were reviewed retrospectively. In total 59 CPE isolates were identified from 53 patients. Urine was the dominant clinical sample source (37%) and only 15% of the isolates were obtained from faecal screening. The majority of cases (62%) were directly associated with travel or hospitalization abroad, but both intra-hospital transmission and one inter-hospital outbreak were observed. The number of CPE cases/year was low (2-14 cases/year), but an increasing trend was observed. Klebsiella spp. (n = 38) and E. coli (n = 14) were the dominant species and blaKPC (n = 20), blaNDM (n = 19), blaOXA-48-like (n = 12) and blaVIM (n = 7) were the dominant carbapenemase gene families. The CPE isolates were genetically diverse except for K. pneumoniae where clonal group 258 associated with blaKPC dominated. All isolates were multidrug-resistant and a significant proportion (21%) were resistant to colistin. Interestingly, all blaOXA-48-like, and a large proportion of blaNDM-positive Klebsiella spp. (89%) and E. coli (83%) isolates were susceptible in vitro to mecillinam. Thus, mecillinam could have a role in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by OXA-48- or NDM-producing E. coli or K. pneumoniae. In conclusion, the impact of CPE in Norway is still limited and mainly associated with travel abroad, reflected in the diversity of clones and carbapenemase genes.

A cCPE-based xenon biosensor for magnetic resonance imaging of claudin-expressing cells.

PubMed

Piontek, Anna; Witte, Christopher; May Rose, Honor; Eichner, Miriam; Protze, Jonas; Krause, Gerd; Piontek, Jörg; Schröder, Leif

2017-06-01

The majority of malignant tumors originate from epithelial cells, and many of them are characterized by an overexpression of claudins (Cldns) and their mislocalization out of tight junctions. We utilized the C-terminal claudin-binding domain of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (cCPE), with its high affinity to specific members of the claudin family, as the targeting unit for a claudin-sensitive cancer biosensor. To overcome the poor sensitivity of conventional relaxivity-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, we utilized the superior sensitivity of xenon Hyper-CEST biosensors. We labeled cCPE for both xenon MRI and fluorescence detection. As one readout module, we employed a cryptophane (CrA) monoacid and, as the second, a fluorescein molecule. Both were conjugated separately to a biotin molecule via a polyethyleneglycol chemical spacer and later via avidin linked to GST-cCPE. Nontransfected HEK293 cells and HEK293 cells stably expressing Cldn4-FLAG were incubated with the cCPE-based biosensor. Fluorescence-based flow cytometry and xenon MRI demonstrated binding of the biosensor specifically to Cldn4-expressing cells. This study provides proof of concept for the use of cCPE as a carrier for diagnostic contrast agents, a novel approach for potential detection of Cldn3/-4-overexpressing tumors for noninvasive early cancer detection. © 2017 New York Academy of Sciences.

An investigation of the effects of antiretroviral central nervous system penetration effectiveness on procedural learning in HIV+ drug users.

PubMed

Wilson, Michael J; Martin-Engel, Lindsay; Vassileva, Jasmin; Gonzalez, Raul; Martin, Eileen M

2013-01-01

Treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) regimens with a high capacity to penetrate the blood-brain barrier has been associated with lower levels of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the central nervous system (CNS). This study examined neurocognitive performance among a sample of 118 HIV+ substance-dependent individuals (SDIs) and 310 HIV- SDIs. HIV+ participants were prescribed cART regimens with varying capacity to penetrate the CNS as indexed by the revised CNS Penetration Effectiveness (CPE) scale. Participants completed the Rotary Pursuit Task (RPT) and the Weather Prediction Task (WPT)-two measures of procedural learning (PL) with known sensitivity to HIV infection-and a control task of sustained attention. HIV+ SDIs prescribed cART with relatively high CNS penetrance performed significantly more poorly on both tasks than HIV- controls. Task performance of HIV+ SDIs prescribed cART with relatively low CNS penetrance did not differ significantly from either HIV- controls or the HIV+/high CPE group, although a trend toward lower RPT performance than that of HIV- participants was observed. Between-group differences were not seen on a control task of motor impulsivity (Immediate Memory Task), indicating that the observed deficits among HIV+/high CPE SDIs may have some specificity.

Efficient isolation of human metapneumovirus using MNT-1, a human malignant melanoma cell line with early and distinct cytopathic effects.

PubMed

Sato, Ko; Watanabe, Oshi; Ohmiya, Suguru; Chiba, Fumiko; Suzuki, Akira; Okamoto, Michiko; Younghuang, Jiang; Hata, Akihiro; Nonaka, Hiroyuki; Kitaoka, Setsuko; Nagai, Yukio; Kawamura, Kazuhisa; Hayashi, Masahiro; Kumaki, Satoru; Suzuki, Tamio; Kawakami, Kazuyoshi; Nishimura, Hidekazu

2017-11-01

Isolation of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) from clinical specimens is currently inefficient because of the lack of a cell culture system in which a distinct cytopathic effect (CPE) occurs. The cell lines LLC-MK2, Vero and Vero E6 are used for isolation of HMPV; however, the CPE in these cell lines is subtle and usually requires a long observation period and sometimes blind passages. Thus, a cell line in which an early and distinct CPE occurs following HMPV inoculation is highly desired by clinical virology laboratories. In this study, it was demonstrated that, in the human malignant melanoma cell line MNT-1, obvious syncytium formation occurs shortly after inoculation with HMPV-positive clinical specimens. In addition, the growth and efficiency of isolation of HMPV were greater using MNT-1 than using any other conventional cell line. Addition of this cell line to our routine viral isolation system for clinical specimens markedly enhanced isolation frequency, allowing isolation-based surveillance. MNT-1 has the potential to facilitate clinical and epidemiological studies of HMPV. © 2017 The Societies and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Impact of Pharmacists’ Participation in a Pharmacotherapy Follow-Up Program

PubMed Central

Dualde, Elena; Santonja, Francisco J.; Faus, Maria J.

2012-01-01

Objective. To evaluate the impact of a continuing pharmacy education (CPE) course on Spanish community pharmacists’ participation in a pharmacotherapy follow-up program. Design. Participation in a CPE course offered 4 times over a 4-year period via satellite teleconferencing was monitored and the data analyzed to determine the course’s impact on community pharmacists’ participation in a pharmacotherapy follow-up program. Assessment. Community pharmacists’ participation in the pharmaceutical care CPE course had a slightly positive impact on their participation in the pharmacotherapy follow-up program. In the best profiles, there was a probability of 7.3% that participants would participate in the pharmacotherapy follow-up program. Conclusions. Completion of pharmaceutical care CPE courses did not have a significant impact on pharmacists’ participation in a pharmacotherapy follow-up program. PMID:22438606

M cell-targeting strategy facilitates mucosal immune response and enhances protection against CVB3-induced viral myocarditis elicited by chitosan-DNA vaccine.

PubMed

Ye, Ting; Yue, Yan; Fan, Xiangmei; Dong, Chunsheng; Xu, Wei; Xiong, Sidong

2014-07-31

Efficient delivery of antigen to mucosal associated lymphoid tissue is a first and critical step for successful induction of mucosal immunity by vaccines. Considering its potential transcytotic capability, M cell has become a more and more attractive target for mucosal vaccines. In this research, we designed an M cell-targeting strategy by which mucosal delivery system chitosan (CS) was endowed with M cell-targeting ability via conjugating with a CPE30 peptide, C terminal 30 amino acids of clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), and then evaluated its immune-enhancing ability in the context of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-specific mucosal vaccine consisting of CS and a plasmid encoding CVB3 predominant antigen VP1. It had shown that similar to CS-pVP1, M cell-targeting CPE30-CS-pVP1 vaccine appeared a uniform spherical shape with about 300 nm diameter and +22 mV zeta potential, and could efficiently protect DNA from DNase I digestion. Mice were orally immunized with 4 doses of CPE30-CS-pVP1 containing 50 μg pVP1 at 2-week intervals and challenged with CVB3 4 weeks after the last immunization. Compared with CS-pVP1 vaccine, CPE30-CS-pVP1 vaccine had no obvious impact on CVB3-specific serum IgG level and splenic T cell immune responses, but significantly increased specific fecal SIgA level and augmented mucosal T cell immune responses. Consequently, much milder myocarditis and lower viral load were witnessed in CPE30-CS-pVP1 immunized group. The enhanced immunogenicity and immunoprotection were associated with the M cell-targeting ability of CPE30-CS-pVP1 which improved its mucosal uptake and transcytosis. Our findings indicated that CPE30-CS-pVP1 may represent a novel prophylactic vaccine against CVB3-induced myocarditis, and this M cell-targeting strategy indeed could be applied as a promising and universal platform for mucosal vaccine development. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of catch-and-release regulations on Brook Trout in Pennsylvania streams

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jason Detar,; Kristine, David; Wagner, Tyler; Greene, Tom

2014-01-01

In 2004, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission implemented catch-and-release (CR) regulations on headwater stream systems to determine if eliminating angler harvest would result in an increase in the number of adult (≥100 mm) or large (≥175 mm) Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis. Under the CR regulations, angling was permitted on a year-round basis, no Brook Trout could be harvested at any time, and there were no tackle restrictions. A before-after–control-impact design was used to evaluate the experimental regulations. Brook Trout populations were monitored in 16 treatment (CR regulations) and 7 control streams (statewide regulations) using backpack electrofishing gear periodically for up to 15 years (from 1990 to 2003 or 2004) before the implementation of the CR regulations and over a 7–8-year period (from 2004 or 2005 to 2011) after implementation. We used Poisson mixed models to evaluate whether electrofishing catch per effort (CPE; catch/100 m2) of adult (≥100 mm) or large (≥175 mm) Brook Trout increased in treatment streams as a result of implementing CR regulations. Brook Trout CPE varied among sites and among years, and there was no significant effect (increase or decrease) of CR regulations on the CPE of adult or large Brook Trout. Results of our evaluation suggest that CR regulations were not effective at improving the CPE of adult or large Brook Trout in Pennsylvania streams. Low angler use, high voluntary catch and release, and slow growth rates in infertile headwater streams are likely the primary reasons for the lack of response.

Immunogenic activity of the fish tapeworm Pterobothrium heteracanthum (Trypanorhyncha: Pterobothriidae) in BALB/c mice.

PubMed

Mattos, D P B G; Verícimo, M A; Lopes, L M S; São Clemente, S C

2015-03-01

The aim of this study was to verify the immunogenicity of Pterobothrium heteracanthum (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) crude protein extract (PH-CPE) in BALB/c mice. The parasites were obtained from Micropogonias furnieri (Osteichthyes: Sciaenidae). Groups of six mice were each immunized with 10, 50 or 100 μg of PH-CPE, on days 0 and 35. Both specific IgG and IgE responses were developed after immunization. The immunoblot assay revealed that specific IgG recognizes PH-CPE proteins with two molecular weight ranges, 60-75 and 30-40 kDa, and that IgE recognizes larger proteins over 120 kDa. This appears to be the first report on the immunogenicity of metacestodes within the Pterobothriidae and that PH-CPE is a potential inducer of a specific IgE response.

Reducing overlay sampling for APC-based correction per exposure by replacing measured data with computational prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noyes, Ben F.; Mokaberi, Babak; Oh, Jong Hun; Kim, Hyun Sik; Sung, Jun Ha; Kea, Marc

2016-03-01

One of the keys to successful mass production of sub-20nm nodes in the semiconductor industry is the development of an overlay correction strategy that can meet specifications, reduce the number of layers that require dedicated chuck overlay, and minimize measurement time. Three important aspects of this strategy are: correction per exposure (CPE), integrated metrology (IM), and the prioritization of automated correction over manual subrecipes. The first and third aspects are accomplished through an APC system that uses measurements from production lots to generate CPE corrections that are dynamically applied to future lots. The drawback of this method is that production overlay sampling must be extremely high in order to provide the system with enough data to generate CPE. That drawback makes IM particularly difficult because of the throughput impact that can be created on expensive bottleneck photolithography process tools. The goal is to realize the cycle time and feedback benefits of IM coupled with the enhanced overlay correction capability of automated CPE without impacting process tool throughput. This paper will discuss the development of a system that sends measured data with reduced sampling via an optimized layout to the exposure tool's computational modelling platform to predict and create "upsampled" overlay data in a customizable output layout that is compatible with the fab user CPE APC system. The result is dynamic CPE without the burden of extensive measurement time, which leads to increased utilization of IM.

A Wide Variety of Clostridium perfringens Type A Food-Borne Isolates That Carry a Chromosomal cpe Gene Belong to One Multilocus Sequence Typing Cluster

PubMed Central

Xiao, Yinghua; Wagendorp, Arjen; Moezelaar, Roy; Abee, Tjakko

2012-01-01

Of 98 suspected food-borne Clostridium perfringens isolates obtained from a nationwide survey by the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority in The Netherlands, 59 strains were identified as C. perfringens type A. Using PCR-based techniques, the cpe gene encoding enterotoxin was detected in eight isolates, showing a chromosomal location for seven isolates and a plasmid location for one isolate. Further characterization of these strains by using (GTG)5 fingerprint repetitive sequence-based PCR analysis distinguished C. perfringens from other sulfite-reducing clostridia but did not allow for differentiation between various types of C. perfringens strains. To characterize the C. perfringens strains further, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis was performed on eight housekeeping genes of both enterotoxic and non-cpe isolates, and the data were combined with a previous global survey covering strains associated with food poisoning, gas gangrene, and isolates from food or healthy individuals. This revealed that the chromosomal cpe strains (food strains and isolates from food poisoning cases) belong to a distinct cluster that is significantly distant from all the other cpe plasmid-carrying and cpe-negative strains. These results suggest that different groups of C. perfringens have undergone niche specialization and that a distinct group of food isolates has specific core genome sequences. Such findings have epidemiological and evolutionary significance. Better understanding of the origin and reservoir of enterotoxic C. perfringens may allow for improved control of this organism in foods. PMID:22865060

Impact of CT perfusion imaging on the assessment of peripheral chronic pulmonary thromboembolism: clinical experience in 62 patients.

PubMed

Le Faivre, Julien; Duhamel, Alain; Khung, Suonita; Faivre, Jean-Baptiste; Lamblin, Nicolas; Remy, Jacques; Remy-Jardin, Martine

2016-11-01

To evaluate the impact of CT perfusion imaging on the detection of peripheral chronic pulmonary embolisms (CPE). 62 patients underwent a dual-energy chest CT angiographic examination with (a) reconstruction of diagnostic and perfusion images; (b) enabling depiction of vascular features of peripheral CPE on diagnostic images and perfusion defects (20 segments/patient; total: 1240 segments examined). The interpretation of diagnostic images was of two types: (a) standard (i.e., based on cross-sectional images alone) or (b) detailed (i.e., based on cross-sectional images and MIPs). The segment-based analysis showed (a) 1179 segments analyzable on both imaging modalities and 61 segments rated as nonanalyzable on perfusion images; (b) the percentage of diseased segments was increased by 7.2 % when perfusion imaging was compared to the detailed reading of diagnostic images, and by 26.6 % when compared to the standard reading of images. At a patient level, the extent of peripheral CPE was higher on perfusion imaging, with a greater impact when compared to the standard reading of diagnostic images (number of patients with a greater number of diseased segments: n = 45; 72.6 % of the study population). Perfusion imaging allows recognition of a greater extent of peripheral CPE compared to diagnostic imaging. • Dual-energy computed tomography generates standard diagnostic imaging and lung perfusion analysis. • Depiction of CPE on central arteries relies on standard diagnostic imaging. • Detection of peripheral CPE is improved by perfusion imaging.

Imaging the Vascular and Metabolic Impact on Claudin-7, a Tight Junction Protein, in Transgenic Human Breast Cancer Models

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-06-01

intratumoral administration of CPE (10 ug) to xenograft tumors of T47D breast cancer cells in immunodeficient mice resulted in a significant reduction (p...prolongs the life of the mice by two fold. Slow release fonrmulations using polymer wafers, polymer beads and nanoparticles is ongoing to provide a... intramuscular injection of 1.5 mg/kg depo- 30 minutes. CLDN 3 and 4 protein was visualized using estradiol (Florida Infusion Co., Palm Harbor, FL

The coupling analysis between stock market indices based on permutation measures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Wenbin; Shang, Pengjian; Xia, Jianan; Yeh, Chien-Hung

2016-04-01

Many information-theoretic methods have been proposed for analyzing the coupling dependence between time series. And it is significant to quantify the correlation relationship between financial sequences since the financial market is a complex evolved dynamic system. Recently, we developed a new permutation-based entropy, called cross-permutation entropy (CPE), to detect the coupling structures between two synchronous time series. In this paper, we extend the CPE method to weighted cross-permutation entropy (WCPE), to address some of CPE's limitations, mainly its inability to differentiate between distinct patterns of a certain motif and the sensitivity of patterns close to the noise floor. It shows more stable and reliable results than CPE does when applied it to spiky data and AR(1) processes. Besides, we adapt the CPE method to infer the complexity of short-length time series by freely changing the time delay, and test it with Gaussian random series and random walks. The modified method shows the advantages in reducing deviations of entropy estimation compared with the conventional one. Finally, the weighted cross-permutation entropy of eight important stock indices from the world financial markets is investigated, and some useful and interesting empirical results are obtained.

Ceramide Phosphoethanolamine Biosynthesis in Drosophila Is Mediated by a Unique Ethanolamine Phosphotransferase in the Golgi Lumen♦

PubMed Central

Vacaru, Ana M.; van den Dikkenberg, Joep; Ternes, Philipp; Holthuis, Joost C. M.

2013-01-01

Sphingomyelin (SM) is a vital component of mammalian membranes, providing mechanical stability and a structural framework for plasma membrane organization. Its production involves the transfer of phosphocholine from phosphatidylcholine onto ceramide, a reaction catalyzed by SM synthase in the Golgi lumen. Drosophila lacks SM and instead synthesizes the SM analogue ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE) as the principal membrane sphingolipid. The corresponding CPE synthase shares mechanistic features with enzymes mediating phospholipid biosynthesis via the Kennedy pathway. Using a functional cloning strategy, we here identified a CDP-ethanolamine:ceramide ethanolamine phosphotransferase as the enzyme responsible for CPE production in Drosophila. CPE synthase constitutes a new branch within the CDP-alcohol phosphotransferase superfamily with homologues in Arthropoda (insects, spiders, mites, scorpions), Cnidaria (Hydra, sea anemones), and Mollusca (oysters) but not in most other animal phyla. The enzyme resides in the Golgi complex with its active site facing the lumen, contrary to the membrane topology of other CDP-alcohol phosphotransferases. Our findings open up an important new avenue to address the biological role of CPE, an enigmatic membrane constituent of a wide variety of invertebrate and marine organisms. PMID:23449981

Non-hard sphere thermodynamic perturbation theory.

PubMed

Zhou, Shiqi

2011-08-21

A non-hard sphere (HS) perturbation scheme, recently advanced by the present author, is elaborated for several technical matters, which are key mathematical details for implementation of the non-HS perturbation scheme in a coupling parameter expansion (CPE) thermodynamic perturbation framework. NVT-Monte Carlo simulation is carried out for a generalized Lennard-Jones (LJ) 2n-n potential to obtain routine thermodynamic quantities such as excess internal energy, pressure, excess chemical potential, excess Helmholtz free energy, and excess constant volume heat capacity. Then, these new simulation data, and available simulation data in literatures about a hard core attractive Yukawa fluid and a Sutherland fluid, are used to test the non-HS CPE 3rd-order thermodynamic perturbation theory (TPT) and give a comparison between the non-HS CPE 3rd-order TPT and other theoretical approaches. It is indicated that the non-HS CPE 3rd-order TPT is superior to other traditional TPT such as van der Waals/HS (vdW/HS), perturbation theory 2 (PT2)/HS, and vdW/Yukawa (vdW/Y) theory or analytical equation of state such as mean spherical approximation (MSA)-equation of state and is at least comparable to several currently the most accurate Ornstein-Zernike integral equation theories. It is discovered that three technical issues, i.e., opening up new bridge function approximation for the reference potential, choosing proper reference potential, and/or using proper thermodynamic route for calculation of f(ex-ref), chiefly decide the quality of the non-HS CPE TPT. Considering that the non-HS perturbation scheme applies for a wide variety of model fluids, and its implementation in the CPE thermodynamic perturbation framework is amenable to high-order truncation, the non-HS CPE 3rd-order or higher order TPT will be more promising once the above-mentioned three technological advances are established. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

Dominance of IMP-4-Producing Enterobacter cloacae among Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Australia

PubMed Central

Townell, Nicola; Nimmo, Graeme R.; George, Narelle M.; Robson, Jennifer; Vohra, Renu; Davis, Louise; Heney, Claire; Paterson, David L.

2015-01-01

The prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) has been increasing worldwide. blaIMP has been reported to be the predominant carbapenemase-encoding gene within Enterobacteriaceae in Australia. However, there are limited data currently available on CPE from Queensland, Australia. A total of 58 CPE isolates were isolated between July 2009 and March 2014 from Queensland hospitals. The clonality of isolates was determined by Diversilab repetitive sequence-based PCR. The isolates were investigated for the resistance mechanisms carbapenemase, extended-spectrum β-lactamase, and AmpC β-lactamase and for aminoglycoside resistance and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes by PCR. The plasmid types associated with carbapenemase-encoding genes were characterized. The majority of the CPE were Enterobacter cloacae (n = 29). The majority of Queensland CPE isolates were IMP producers and comprised 11 species (n = 48). Nine NDM-producing Enterobacteriaceae were identified. One NDM-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate coproduced OXA-48. One K. pneumoniae isolate was an OXA-181 producer. The incidence of IMP producers increased significantly in 2013. blaIMP-4 was found in all IMP-producing isolates. blaTEM, qnrB, and aacA4 were common among IMP-4 producers. The HI2 (67%) and L/M (21%) replicons were associated with blaIMP-4. All HI2 plasmids were of sequence type 1 (ST1). All but one of the NDM producers possessed blaCTX-M-15. The 16S rRNA methylase genes found among NDM producers were armA, rmtB, rmtC, and rmtF. The substantial increase in the prevalence of CPE in Queensland has been associated mainly with the emergence E. cloacae strains possessing HI2 plasmids carrying blaIMP-4 over the past 2 years. The importation of NDM producers and/or OXA-48-like producers in patients also contributed to the increased emergence of CPE. PMID:25918153

The protective effects of aqueous extract of Carica papaya seeds in paracetamol induced nephrotoxicity in male wistar rats.

PubMed

Naggayi, Madinah; Mukiibi, Nozmo; Iliya, Ezekiel

2015-06-01

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of drug induced nephrotoxicity. The study aimed to determine the nephroprotective and ameliorative effects of Carica papaya seed extract in paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. To carry out phytochemical screening of Carica papaya, measure serum urea, creatinine and uric acid and describe the histopathological status of the kidneys in the treated and untreated groups. Phytochemical screening of the extract was done. Thirty two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n= 8 in each group). Group A (control) animals received normal saline for seven days, group B (paracetamol group) received normal saline, and paracetamol single dose on the 8th day. Group C received Carica papaya extract (CPE) 500 mg/kg, and paracetamol on the 8th day, while group D, rats were pretreated with CPE 750 mg/kg/day,and paracetamol administration on the 8th day. Samples of kidney tissue were removed for histopathological examination. Screening of Carica papaya showed presence of nephroprotective pytochemicals. Paracetamol administration resulted in significant elevation of renal function markers. CPE ameliorated the effect of paracetamol by reducing the markers as well as reversing the paracetamol-induced changes in kidney architecture. Carica papaya contains nephroprotective phytochemicals and may be useful in preventing kidney damage induced by paracetamol.

MWCNT-ruthenium oxide composite paste electrode as non-enzymatic glucose sensor.

PubMed

Tehrani, Ramin M A; Ab Ghani, Sulaiman

2012-01-01

A non-enzymatic glucose sensor of multi-walled carbon nanotube-ruthenium oxide/composite paste electrode (MWCNT-RuO(2)/CPE) was developed. The electrode was characterized by using XRD, SEM, TEM and EIS. Meanwhile, cyclic voltammetry and amperometry were used to check on the performances of the MWCNT-RuO(2)/CPE towards glucose. The proposed electrode has displayed a synergistic effect of RuO(2) and MWCNT on the electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose in 3M NaOH. This was possible via the formation of transitions of two redox pairs, viz. Ru(VI)/Ru(IV) and Ru(VII)/Ru(VI). A linear range of 0.5-50mM glucose and a limit of detection of 33 μM glucose (S/N=3) were observed. There was no significant interference observable from the traditional interferences, viz. ascorbic acid and uric acid. Indeed, results so obtained have indicated that the developed MWCNT-RuO(2)/CPE would pave the way for a better future to glucose sensor development as its fabrication was without the use of any enzyme. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lack of Norovirus Replication and Histo-Blood Group Antigen Expression in 3-Dimensional Intestinal Epithelial Cells

PubMed Central

Radtke, Andrea L.; Lay, Margarita K.; Hjelm, Brooke E.; Bolick, Alice N.; Sarker, Shameema S.; Atmar, Robert L.; Kingsley, David H.; Arntzen, Charles J.; Estes, Mary K.; Nickerson, Cheryl A.

2013-01-01

Noroviruses (NoVs) are a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. An in vitro model for NoV replication remains elusive, making study of the virus difficult. A previous study, which used a 3-dimensional (3-D) intestinal model derived from INT-407 cells reported NoV replication and extensive cytopathic effects (CPE). Using the same 3-D model, but with highly purified Norwalk virus (NV), we attempted to replicate this study. Our results showed no evidence of NV replication by real-time PCR of viral RNA or by immunocytochemical detection of viral structural and nonstructural proteins. Immunocytochemical analysis of the 3-D cultures also showed no detectable presence of histo-blood group antigens that participate in NV binding and host tropism. To determine the potential cause of CPE observed in the previous study, we exposed 3-D cultures to lipopolysaccharide concentrations consistent with contaminated stool samples and observed morphologic features similar to CPE. We conclude that the 3-D INT-407 model does not support NV replication. PMID:23622517

Two types of death of poliovirus-infected cells: caspase involvement in the apoptosis but not cytopathic effect.

PubMed

Agol, V I; Belov, G A; Bienz, K; Egger, D; Kolesnikova, M S; Raikhlin, N T; Romanova, L I; Smirnova, E A; Tolskaya, E A

1998-12-20

The death of poliovirus-infected cells may occur in two forms: canonical cytopathic effect (CPE) (on productive infections) or apoptosis (when the viral reproduction is hindered by certain drugs or some other restrictive conditions). Morphological manifestations of the CPE and apoptosis, being distinct, share some traits (e.g., chromatin condensation and nuclear deformation). It was shown here that a permeable caspase inhibitor, benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-(OMe) fluoromethyl ketone (zVAD.fmk), prevented the development of the poliovirus-induced apoptosis on abortive infection. The apoptotic pathway could be dissected by an inhibitor of chymotrypsin-like serine proteases, N-tosyl-l-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone (TPCK), which prevented the cleavage of DNA to oligonucleosome-sized pieces and nuclear fragmentation but did not suppress cellular shrinkage, cytoplasmic blebbing, and partial chromatin condensation. These results demonstrate that caspase activation is involved in the execution phase of the viral apoptosis and suggest that a nuclear subset of the apoptotic program is under a separate control, involving a TPCK-sensitive event. Neither zVAD.fmk nor TPCK, at the concentrations affecting the apoptotic response, exerted appreciable influence on the virus growth or cellular pathological changes on productive infection, indicating that the pathways leading to the poliovirus-evoked CPE and apoptosis are different. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Effects of Extraction Methods on Phytochemicals of Rice Bran Oils Produced from Colored Rice.

PubMed

Mingyai, Sukanya; Srikaeo, Khongsak; Kettawan, Aikkarach; Singanusong, Riantong; Nakagawa, Kiyotaka; Kimura, Fumiko; Ito, Junya

2018-02-01

Rice bran oil (RBO) especially from colored rice is rich in phytochemicals and has become popular in food, cosmetic, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications owing to its offering health benefits. This study determined the contents of phytochemicals including oryzanols, phytosterols, tocopherols (Toc) and tocotrienols (T3) in RBOs extracted using different methods namely cold-press extraction (CPE), solvent extraction (SE) and supercritical CO 2 extraction (SC-CO 2 ). Two colored rice, Red Jasmine rice (RJM, red rice) and Hom-nin rice (HN, black rice), were studied in comparison with the popular Thai fragrant rice Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML 105, white rice). RBOs were found to be the rich source of oryzanols, phytosterols, Toc and T3. Rice varieties had a greater effect on the phytochemicals concentrations than extraction methods. HN rice showed the significantly highest concentration of all phytochemicals, followed by RJM and KDML 105 rice, indicating that colored rice contained high concentration of phytochemicals in the oil than non-colored rice. The RBO samples extracted by the CPE method had a greater concentration of the phytochemicals than those extracted by the SC-CO 2 and SE methods, respectively. In terms of phytochemical contents, HN rice extracted using CPE method was found to be the best.

Immunization with recombinant bivalent chimera r-Cpae confers protection against alpha toxin and enterotoxin of Clostridium perfringens type A in murine model.

PubMed

Shreya, Das; Uppalapati, Siva R; Kingston, Joseph J; Sripathy, Murali H; Batra, Harsh V

2015-05-01

Clostridium perfringens type A, an anaerobic pathogen is the most potent cause of soft tissue infections like gas gangrene and enteric diseases like food poisoning and enteritis. The disease manifestations are mediated via two important exotoxins, viz. myonecrotic alpha toxin (αC) and enterotoxin (CPE). In the present study, we synthesized a bivalent chimeric protein r-Cpae comprising C-terminal binding regions of αC and CPE using structural vaccinology rationale and assessed its protective efficacy against both alpha toxin (αC) and enterotoxin (CPE) respectively, in murine model. Active immunization of mice with r-Cpae generated high circulating serum IgG (systemic), significantly increased intestinal mucosal s-IgA antibody titres and resulted in substantial protection to the immunized animals (100% and 75% survival) with reduced tissue morbidity when administered with 5×LD(100) doses of αC (intramuscular) and CPE (intra-gastric gavage) respectively. Mouse RBCs and Caco-2 cells incubated with a mixture of anti-r-Cpae antibodies and αC and CPE respectively, illustrated significantly higher protection against the respective toxins. Passive immunization of mice with a similar mixture resulted in 91-100% survival at the end of the 15 days observation period while mice immunized with a concoction of sham sera and respective toxins died within 2-3 days. This work demonstrates the efficacy of the rationally designed r-Cpae chimeric protein as a potential sub unit vaccine candidate against αC and CPE of C. perfringens type A toxemia. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surveillance of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the Indian Ocean Region between January 2010 and December 2015.

PubMed

Holman, A M; Allyn, J; Miltgen, G; Lugagne, N; Traversier, N; Picot, S; Lignereux, A; Oudin, C; Belmonte, O; Allou, N

2017-09-01

The aim of this study was to trace the emergence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) on Reunion Island, a French overseas territory well suited for the surveillance of CPE emergence in patients from the entire Indian Ocean Region. This retrospective multicenter study was conducted on Reunion Island between 2010 and 2015. A total of 43 CPEs were isolated during the course of the study, in 36 patients (50% in the last year alone). Among these patients, 21 had a link with a foreign country (58%), mainly Mauritius (47.6%). Over the same period, CPEs were isolated from 13 of 1735 (0.7%) repatriated patients to Reunion Island from another country of the Indian Ocean Region. The incidence of isolation of CPEs in the repatriated patients treated in Mauritius was higher (9.2%) than in patients treated in Madagascar or the Comoros Islands (<1%, P<0.001). The most commonly isolated microorganism was Klebsiella pneumoniae (39.5%). The most frequently identified carbapenemase was NDM-1 (81.4%); 100% and 56% of the NDM-1 strains were susceptible to tigecycline and colistin, respectively. In-hospital mortality rate was higher in patients presenting with CPE infection than in patients without CPE infection (75% vs. 25%, P=0.04). As elsewhere in the world, the number of CPE cases on Reunion Island is on the rise. Most cases involve patients from Mauritius, which justifies screening and isolating CPE in patients from that country. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Enhanced performance of P(VDF-HFP)-based composite polymer electrolytes doped with organic-inorganic hybrid particles PMMA-ZrO2 for lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Wei; Wang, Zhiyan; Zhang, Yan; Fang, Rui; Yuan, Zun; Miao, Chang; Yan, Xuemin; Jiang, Yu

2018-04-01

To improve the ionic conductivity as well as enhance the mechanical strength of the gel polymer electrolyte, poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoroprolene) (P(VDF-HFP))-based composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) membranes doped with the organic-inorganic hybrid particles poly(methyl methacrylate) -ZrO2 (PMMA-ZrO2) are prepared by phase inversion method, in which PMMA is successfully grafted onto the surface of the homemade nano-ZrO2 particles via in situ polymerization confirmed by FT-IR. XRD and DSC patterns show adding PMMA-ZrO2 particles into P(VDF-HFP) can significantly decrease the crystallinity of the CPE membrane. The CPE membrane doped with 5 wt % PMMA-ZrO2 particles can not only present a homogeneous surface with abundant interconnected micro-pores, but maintain its initial shape after thermal exposure at 160 °C for 1 h, in which the ionic conductivity and lithium ion transference number at room temperature can reach to 3.59 × 10-3 S cm-1 and 0.41, respectively. The fitting results of the EIS plots indicate the doped PMMA-ZrO2 particles can significantly lower the interface resistance and promote lithium ions diffusion rate. The Li/CPE-sPZ/LiCoO2 and Li/CPE-sPZ/Graphite coin cells can deliver excellent rate and cycling performance. Those results suggest the P(VDF-HFP)-based CPE doped with 5 wt % PMMA-ZrO2 particles can become an exciting potential candidate as polymer electrolyte for the lithium ion battery.

Power and Thermal Technologies for Air and Space. Delivery Order 0003: Development of High-Performance Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Technology for Remote Base Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-08-01

In recent years, however, anode supported electrode conformations with thin film electrolytes have been heavily explored because they are capable ...further clarify relationship between interlayer morphology and cell performance will be a subject of a future study. Figure 2. SEM Images of SOFC...CPE B1B CPE B2B RB4B CPE B3B R1 R2 10 and R3, which also exhibited a constant slope over the test range, averaged 0.1 +/- 0.02 and 0.9 +/- 0.01

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of Clostridium perfringens isolates from Darmbrand cases in post-World War II Germany.

PubMed

Ma, Menglin; Li, Jihong; McClane, Bruce A

2012-12-01

Clostridium perfringens type C strains are the only non-type-A isolates that cause human disease. They are responsible for enteritis necroticans, which was termed Darmbrand when occurring in post-World War II Germany. Darmbrand strains were initially classified as type F because of their exceptional heat resistance but later identified as type C strains. Since only limited information exists regarding Darmbrand strains, this study genetically and phenotypically characterized seven 1940s era Darmbrand-associated strains. Results obtained indicated the following. (i) Five of these Darmbrand isolates belong to type C, carry beta-toxin (cpb) and enterotoxin (cpe) genes on large plasmids, and express both beta-toxin and enterotoxin. The other two isolates are cpe-negative type A. (ii) All seven isolates produce highly heat-resistant spores with D(100) values (the time that a culture must be kept at 100°C to reduce its viability by 90%) of 7 to 40 min. (iii) All of the isolates surveyed produce the same variant small acid-soluble protein 4 (Ssp4) made by type A food poisoning isolates with a chromosomal cpe gene that also produce extremely heat-resistant spores. (iv) The Darmbrand isolates share a genetic background with type A chromosomal-cpe-bearing isolates. Finally, it was shown that both the cpe and cpb genes can be mobilized in Darmbrand isolates. These results suggest that C. perfringens type A and C strains that cause human food-borne illness share a spore heat resistance mechanism that likely favors their survival in temperature-abused food. They also suggest possible evolutionary relationships between Darmbrand strains and type A strains carrying a chromosomal cpe gene.

Decision Support Tool for Early Differential Diagnosis of Acute Lung Injury and Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema in Medical Critically Ill Patients

PubMed Central

Shahjehan, Khurram; Li, Guangxi; Dhokarh, Rajanigandha; Kashyap, Rahul; Janish, Christopher; Alsara, Anas; Jaffe, Allan S.; Hubmayr, Rolf D.; Gajic, Ognjen

2012-01-01

Background: At the onset of acute hypoxic respiratory failure, critically ill patients with acute lung injury (ALI) may be difficult to distinguish from those with cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE). No single clinical parameter provides satisfying prediction. We hypothesized that a combination of those will facilitate early differential diagnosis. Methods: In a population-based retrospective development cohort, validated electronic surveillance identified critically ill adult patients with acute pulmonary edema. Recursive partitioning and logistic regression were used to develop a decision support tool based on routine clinical information to differentiate ALI from CPE. Performance of the score was validated in an independent cohort of referral patients. Blinded post hoc expert review served as gold standard. Results: Of 332 patients in a development cohort, expert reviewers (κ, 0.86) classified 156 as having ALI and 176 as having CPE. The validation cohort had 161 patients (ALI = 113, CPE = 48). The score was based on risk factors for ALI and CPE, age, alcohol abuse, chemotherapy, and peripheral oxygen saturation/Fio2 ratio. It demonstrated good discrimination (area under curve [AUC] = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.77-0.86) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow [HL] P = .16). Similar performance was obtained in the validation cohort (AUC = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72-0.88; HL P = .13). Conclusions: A simple decision support tool accurately classifies acute pulmonary edema, reserving advanced testing for a subset of patients in whom satisfying prediction cannot be made. This novel tool may facilitate early inclusion of patients with ALI and CPE into research studies as well as improve and rationalize clinical management and resource use. PMID:22030803

Development of an algorithm for phenotypic screening of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the routine laboratory.

PubMed

Robert, Jérôme; Pantel, Alix; Merens, Audrey; Meiller, Elodie; Lavigne, Jean-Philippe; Nicolas-Chanoine, Marie-Hélène

2017-01-17

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are difficult to identify among carbapenem non-susceptible Enterobacteriaceae (NSE). We designed phenotypic strategies giving priority to high sensitivity for screening putative CPE before further testing. Presence of carbapenemase-encoding genes in ertapenem NSE (MIC > 0.5 mg/l) consecutively isolated in 80 French laboratories between November 2011 and April 2012 was determined by the Check-MDR-CT103 array method. Using the Mueller-Hinton (MH) disk diffusion method, clinical diameter breakpoints of carbapenems other than ertapenem, piperazicillin+tazobactam, ticarcillin+clavulanate and cefepime as well as diameter cut-offs for these antibiotics and temocillin were evaluated alone or combined to determine their performances (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios) for identifying putative CPE among these ertapenem-NSE isolates. To increase the screening specificity, these antibiotics were also tested on cloxacillin-containing MH when carbapenem NSE isolates belonged to species producing chromosomal cephalosporinase (AmpC) but Escherichia coli. Out of the 349 ertapenem NSE, 52 (14.9%) were CPE, including 39 producing OXA-48 group carbapenemase, eight KPC and five MBL. A screening strategy based on the following diameter cut offs, ticarcillin+clavulanate <15 mm, temocillin <15 mm, meropenem or imipenem <22 mm, and cefepime <26 mm, showed 100% sensitivity and 68.1% specificity with the better likelihood ratios combination. The specificity increased when a diameter cut-off <32 mm for imipenem (76.1%) or meropenem (78.8%) further tested on cloxacillin-containing MH was added to the previous strategy for AmpC-producing isolates. The proposed strategies that allowed for increasing the likelihood of CPE among ertapenem-NSE isolates should be considered as a surrogate for carbapenemase production before further CPE confirmatory testing.

Prevalence and Molecular Characteristics of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae From Five Hospitals in Korea.

PubMed

Jeong, Seok Hoon; Kim, Han Sung; Kim, Jae Seok; Shin, Dong Hoon; Kim, Hyun Soo; Park, Min Jeong; Shin, Saeam; Hong, Jun Sung; Lee, Seung Soon; Song, Wonkeun

2016-11-01

The emergence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) represents a major clinical problem because these bacteria are resistant to most antibiotics. CPE remain relatively uncommon in Korea. We report the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and molecular epidemiology of CPE isolates collected from five university hospitals in Korea. Between January and December 2015, 393 non-duplicated isolates that were nonsusceptible to ertapenem were analyzed. Production of carbapenemase, extended-spectrum β-lactamase, and AmpC β-lactamase was determined by genotypic tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were determined by using an Etest. Clonality of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-2-producing and oxacillinase (OXA)-232-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Of the 393 isolates tested, 79 (20.1%) were CPE. Of these 79 isolates, 47 (59.5%) harbored the bla(OXA-232) gene while the remaining isolates carried genes bla(KPC-2) (n=27), bla(IMP-1) (n=4), and bla(NDM-1) (n=1). Among the 24 KPC-2 K. pneumoniae isolates from hospital B, 100% were resistant to carbapenems, 8% to colistin, and 0% to tigecycline. Among the 45 OXA-232 K. pneumoniae at hospital C, 95% were resistant to ertapenem, 68% to imipenem, 95% to meropenem, 10% to colistin, and 24% to tigecycline. PFGE analysis revealed a unique pattern for KPC-2 K. pneumoniae and identified 30 isolates belonging to the dominant pulsotypes (PT)1 and PT2 among 41 OXA-232 K. pneumoniae isolates. CPE strains are present in Korea, with the majority of K. pneumoniae isolates producing OXA-232 and KPC-2. The prevalence and predominant genotypes of CPE show hospital-specific differences.

Strong ion exchange in centrifugal partition extraction (SIX-CPE): effect of partition cell design and dimensions on purification process efficiency.

PubMed

Hamzaoui, Mahmoud; Hubert, Jane; Reynaud, Romain; Marchal, Luc; Foucault, Alain; Renault, Jean-Hugues

2012-07-20

The aim of this article was to evaluate the influence of the column design of a hydrostatic support-free liquid-liquid chromatography device on the process efficiency when the strong ion-exchange (SIX) development mode is used. The purification of p-hydroxybenzylglucosinolate (sinalbin) from a crude aqueous extract of white mustard seeds (Sinapis alba L.) was achieved on two types of devices: a centrifugal partition chromatograph (CPC) and a centrifugal partition extractor (CPE). They differ in the number, volume and geometry of their partition cells. The SIX-CPE process was evaluated in terms of productivity and sinalbin purification capability as compared to previously optimized SIX-CPC protocols that were carried out on columns of 200 mL and 5700 mL inner volume, respectively. The objective was to determine whether the decrease in partition cell number, the increase in their volume and the use of a "twin cell" design would induce a significant increase in productivity by applying higher mobile phase flow rate while maintaining a constant separation quality. 4.6g of sinalbin (92% recovery) were isolated from 25 g of a crude white mustard seed extract, in only 32 min and with a purity of 94.7%, thus corresponding to a productivity of 28 g per hour and per liter of column volume (g/h/LV(c)). Therefore, the SIX-CPE process demonstrates promising industrial technology transfer perspectives for the large-scale isolation of ionized natural products. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Suppression of injuries caused by a lytic RNA virus (mengovirus) and their uncoupling from viral reproduction by mutual cell/virus disarmament.

PubMed

Mikitas, Olga V; Ivin, Yuri Y; Golyshev, Sergey A; Povarova, Natalia V; Galkina, Svetlana I; Pletjushkina, Olga Y; Nadezhdina, Elena S; Gmyl, Anatoly P; Agol, Vadim I

2012-05-01

Viruses often elicit cell injury (cytopathic effect [CPE]), a major cause of viral diseases. CPE is usually considered to be a prerequisite for and/or consequence of efficient viral growth. Recently, we proposed that viral CPE may largely be due to host defensive and viral antidefensive activities. This study aimed to check the validity of this proposal by using as a model HeLa cells infected with mengovirus (MV). As we showed previously, infection of these cells with wild-type MV resulted in necrosis, whereas a mutant with incapacitated antidefensive ("security") viral leader (L) protein induced apoptosis. Here, we showed that several major morphological and biochemical signs of CPE (e.g., alterations in cellular and nuclear shape, plasma membrane, cytoskeleton, chromatin, and metabolic activity) in cells infected with L(-) mutants in the presence of an apoptosis inhibitor were strongly suppressed or delayed for long after completion of viral reproduction. These facts demonstrate that the efficient reproduction of a lytic virus may not directly require development of at least some pathological alterations normally accompanying infection. They also imply that L protein is involved in the control of many apparently unrelated functions. The results also suggest that the virus-activated program with competing necrotic and apoptotic branches is host encoded, with the choice between apoptosis and necrosis depending on a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic conditions. Implementation of this defensive suicidal program could be uncoupled from the viral reproduction. The possibility of such uncoupling has significant implications for the pathogenesis and treatment of viral diseases.

Suppression of Injuries Caused by a Lytic RNA Virus (Mengovirus) and Their Uncoupling from Viral Reproduction by Mutual Cell/Virus Disarmament

PubMed Central

Mikitas, Olga V.; Ivin, Yuri Y.; Golyshev, Sergey A.; Povarova, Natalia V.; Galkina, Svetlana I.; Pletjushkina, Olga Y.; Nadezhdina, Elena S.; Gmyl, Anatoly P.

2012-01-01

Viruses often elicit cell injury (cytopathic effect [CPE]), a major cause of viral diseases. CPE is usually considered to be a prerequisite for and/or consequence of efficient viral growth. Recently, we proposed that viral CPE may largely be due to host defensive and viral antidefensive activities. This study aimed to check the validity of this proposal by using as a model HeLa cells infected with mengovirus (MV). As we showed previously, infection of these cells with wild-type MV resulted in necrosis, whereas a mutant with incapacitated antidefensive (“security”) viral leader (L) protein induced apoptosis. Here, we showed that several major morphological and biochemical signs of CPE (e.g., alterations in cellular and nuclear shape, plasma membrane, cytoskeleton, chromatin, and metabolic activity) in cells infected with L− mutants in the presence of an apoptosis inhibitor were strongly suppressed or delayed for long after completion of viral reproduction. These facts demonstrate that the efficient reproduction of a lytic virus may not directly require development of at least some pathological alterations normally accompanying infection. They also imply that L protein is involved in the control of many apparently unrelated functions. The results also suggest that the virus-activated program with competing necrotic and apoptotic branches is host encoded, with the choice between apoptosis and necrosis depending on a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic conditions. Implementation of this defensive suicidal program could be uncoupled from the viral reproduction. The possibility of such uncoupling has significant implications for the pathogenesis and treatment of viral diseases. PMID:22438537

Application of graphene oxide/lanthanum-modified carbon paste electrode for the selective determination of dopamine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Fengying; Feng, Chenqi; Fu, Ning; Wu, Huihui; Jiang, Jibo; Han, Sheng

2015-12-01

A home-made carbon paste electrode (CPE) was reformed by graphene oxide (GO)/lanthanum (La) complexes, and a modified electrode, called GO-La/CPE, was fabricated for the selective determination of dopamine (DA) by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Several factors affecting the electrocatalytic performance of the modified sensor were investigated. Owning to the combination of GO and La ions, the GO-La/CPE sensor exhibited large surface area, well selectivity, good repeatability and stability in the oxidation reaction of DA. At optimal conditions, the response of the GO-La/CPE electrode for determining DA was linear in the region of 0.01-0.1 μM and 0.1-400.0 μM. The limit of detection was down to 0.32 nM (S/N = 3). In addition, this modified electrode was successfully applied to the detection of DA in real urine and serum samples by using standard adding method, showing its promising application in the electroanalysis of real samples.

A sensitive amplified sensor based on improved carbon paste electrode with 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and ZnO/CNTs nanocomposite for differential pulse voltammetric analysis of raloxifene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheraghi, Somaye; Taher, Mohammad Ali; Karimi-Maleh, Hassan

2017-10-01

In this work, we suggested a carbon paste electrode improved with 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (1-M-3-OITFB) and ZnO/CNTs nanocomposite (1-M-3-OITFB/ZnO/CNTs/CPE) for electrochemical determination of raloxifene (RXF) as a non-steroidal selective estrogen receptor regulator. The cyclic and differential pulse voltammetric methods were apply for investigation of RXF electrochemical response at a surface of 1-M-3-OITFB/ZnO/CNTs/CPE. Under the best experimental conditions, the 1-M-3-OITFB/ZnO/CNTs/CPE showed a wide linear dynamic range of 0.08 - 400.0 μM. We detected a detection limit of 0.04 μM for RXF analysis using differential pulse voltammetric method (DPV). The 1-M-3-OITFB/ZnO/CNTs/CPE showed high performance ability to RXF analysis in trace amounts on pharmaceutical and clinical preparations.

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: Risk factors for infection and impact of resistance on outcomes

PubMed Central

Mariappan, Shanthi; Sekar, Uma; Kamalanathan, Arunagiri

2017-01-01

Background: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) have increased in recent years leading to limitations of treatment options. The present study was undertaken to detect CPE, risk factors for acquiring them and their impact on clinical outcomes. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 111 clinically significant Enterobacteriaceae resistant to cephalosporins subclass III and exhibiting a positive modified Hodge test. Screening for carbapenemase production was done by phenotypic methods, and polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect genes encoding them. Retrospectively, the medical records of the patients were perused to assess risk factors for infections with CPE and their impact. The data collected were duration of hospital stay, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, use of invasive devices, mechanical ventilation, the presence of comorbidities, and antimicrobial therapy. The outcome was followed up. Univariate and multivariate analysis of the data were performed using SPSS software. Results: Carbapenemase-encoding genes were detected in 67 isolates. The genes detected were New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase, Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase, and oxacillinase-181.Although univariate analysis identified risk factors associated with acquiring CPE infections as ICU stay (P = 0.021), mechanical ventilation (P = 0.013), indwelling device (P = 0.011), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.036), usage of multiple antimicrobial agents (P = 0.007), administration of carbapenems (P = 0.042), presence of focal infection or sepsis (P = 0.013), and surgical interventions (P = 0.016), multivariate analysis revealed that all these factors were insignificant. Mortality rate was 56.7% in patients with CPE infections. By both univariate and multivariate analysis of impact of the variables on mortality in these patients, the significant factors were mechanical ventilation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.141, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.024–0.812) and presence of indwelling invasive device (OR: 8.034; 95% CI: 2.060–31.335). Conclusion: In this study, no specific factor was identified as an independent risk for acquisition of CPE infection. However, as it is evident by multivariate analysis, there is an increased risk of mortality in patients with CPE infections when they are ventilated and are supported by indwelling devices. PMID:28251105

Quality Assurance in Continuing Professional Education. An Analysis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tovey, Philip

Based on research conducted in and around universities in the United Kingdom, this book analyzes quality assurance in continuing professional education (CPE). An introduction provides a close look at the terms "quality,""quality assurance," and "CPE." Part I deals with context. Chapter 1 looks at theoretical…

Compact CPE: a full unit of clinical pastoral education in 27 days.

PubMed

Beverly, U H

1990-01-01

Details a four-week Basic Clinical Pastoral Education Unit. Gives a rationale for the abbreviated unit. Notes positive factors as well as limitations of such an educational experience and urges other CPE supervisors to try the compact approach. Critical responses follow the article.

Potentiometric determination of antihistaminic diphenhydramine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids using screen-printed electrode.

PubMed

Frag, Eman Y Z; Mohamed, Gehad G; El-Sayed, Wael G

2011-10-01

The performance characteristic of sensitive screen-printed (SPE) and carbon paste (CPE) electrodes was investigated for the determination of diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DPH) drug in pure, pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids. Different experimental conditions namely types of materials used to prepare the working electrode (plasticizer), titrant, pH, temperature and life time were studied. Under these conditions, the SPE shows the best performance than CPE with respect to total potential change and potential break at the end point. The SPE and CPE exhibit suitable response to DPH in a concentration range of 1.0.10(-2) to 1.0.10(-6) mol/L with a limit of detection 9.70.10(-7) and 9.80.10(-7) mol/L, respectively. The slope of the system was 55.2±1.0 and 54.7±1.0 mV/decade over pH range 3.0-8.0 and 3-7 for SPE and CPE, respectively. Selectivity coefficients for DPH relative to a numbers of potential interfering substances were investigated. The SPE and CPE show a fast response time of 10 and 16s and were used over a period of 2 months with a good reproducibility. The sensors were applied successfully to determine DPH in pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids. The results are compared with the official method. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pd-Cu/poly(o-Anisidine) nanocomposite as an efficient catalyst for formaldehyde oxidation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hosseini, Sayed Reza, E-mail: r.hosseini@umz.ac.ir; Raoof, Jahan-Bakhsh; Ghasemi, Shahram

Highlights: • o-Anisidine monomer was electro-polymerized at the pCPE surface in acid medium. • Palladium/copper NPs were prepared by galvanic replacement method at the POA/pCPE. • Pd-Cu NPs showed excellent electrocatalytic activity towards formaldehyde oxidation. • The bimetallic Pd-Cu NPs/POA nanocomposite showed satisfactory long-term stability. - Abstract: In this work, for the first time, the electrocatalytic oxidation of formaldehyde in 0.5 M sulfuric acid solution at spherical bimetallic palladium-copper nanoparticles (Pd-Cu NPs) deposited on the poly (o-Anisidine) film modified electrochemically pretreated carbon paste electrode (POA/pCPE) has been investigated. Highly porous POA film prepared by electropolymerization onto the pCPE was usedmore » as a potent support for deposition of the Pd-Cu NPs. The Pd-Cu NPs were prepared through spontaneous and irreversible reaction via galvanic replacement between Pd{sup II} ions and the Cu{sup 0} particles. The prepared Pd-Cu NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and electrochemical methods. The obtained results showed that the utilization of Cu nanoparticles and pretreatment technique enhances the electrocatalytic activity of the modified electrode towards formaldehyde oxidation. The influence of several parameters on formaldehyde oxidation as well as stability of the Pd-Cu/POA/pCPE has been investigated.« less

Sharing of carbapenemase-encoding plasmids between Enterobacteriaceae in UK sewage uncovered by MinION sequencing

PubMed Central

Blane, Beth; Coll, Francesc; Naydenova, Plamena; Hunt, Martin; Tracey, Alan; Hopkins, Katie L.; Brown, Nicholas M.; Woodford, Neil; Parkhill, Julian

2017-01-01

Dissemination of carbapenem resistance among pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria is a looming medical emergency. Efficient spread of resistance within and between bacterial species is facilitated by mobile genetic elements. We hypothesized that wastewater contributes to the dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), and studied this through a cross-sectional observational study of wastewater in the East of England. We isolated clinically relevant species of CPE in untreated and treated wastewater, confirming that waste treatment does not prevent release of CPE into the environment. We observed that CPE-positive plants were restricted to those in direct receipt of hospital waste, suggesting that hospital effluent may play a role in disseminating carbapenem resistance. We postulated that plasmids carrying carbapenemase genes were exchanged between bacterial hosts in sewage, and used short-read (Illumina) and long-read (MinION) technologies to characterize plasmids encoding resistance to antimicrobials and heavy metals. We demonstrated that different CPE species (Enterobacter kobei and Raoultella ornithinolytica) isolated from wastewater from the same treatment plant shared two plasmids of 63 and 280 kb. The former plasmid conferred resistance to carbapenems (blaOXA-48), and the latter to numerous drug classes and heavy metals. We also report the complete genome sequence for Enterobacter kobei. Small, portable sequencing instruments such as the MinION have the potential to improve the quality of information gathered on antimicrobial resistance in the environment. PMID:29026655

Relationships among rotational and conventional grazing systems, stream channels, and macroinvertebrates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Raymond, K.L.; Vondracek, B.

2011-01-01

Cattle grazing in riparian areas can reduce water quality, alter stream channel characteristics, and alter fish and macroinvertebrate assemblage structure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Services has recommended Rotational Grazing (RG) as an alternative management method on livestock and dairy operations to protect riparian areas and water quality. We evaluated 13 stream channel characteristics, benthic macroinvertebrate larvae (BML), and chironomid pupal exuviae (CPE) from 18 sites in the Upper Midwest of the United States in relation to RG and conventional grazing (CG). A Biotic Composite Score comprised of several macroinvertebrate metrics was developed for both the BML assemblage and the CPE assemblage. Multi-Response Permutation Procedures (MRPP) indicated a significant difference in stream channel characteristics between RG and CG. Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling indicated that RG sites were associated with more stable stream banks, higher quality aquatic habitat, lower soil compaction, and larger particles in the streambed. However, neither MRPP nor Mann-Whitney U tests demonstrated a difference in Biotic Composite Scores for BML or CPE along RG and CG sites. The BML and CPE metrics were significantly correlated, indicating that they were likely responding to similar variables among the study sites. Although stream channel characteristics appeared to respond to grazing management, BML and CPE may have responded to land use throughout the watershed, as well as local land use. ?? 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V. (outside the USA).

Application of dual-cloud point extraction for the trace levels of copper in serum of different viral hepatitis patients by flame atomic absorption spectrometry: A multivariate study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arain, Salma Aslam; Kazi, Tasneem G.; Afridi, Hassan Imran; Abbasi, Abdul Rasool; Panhwar, Abdul Haleem; Naeemullah; Shanker, Bhawani; Arain, Mohammad Balal

2014-12-01

An efficient, innovative preconcentration method, dual-cloud point extraction (d-CPE) has been developed for the extraction and preconcentration of copper (Cu2+) in serum samples of different viral hepatitis patients prior to couple with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The d-CPE procedure was based on forming complexes of elemental ions with complexing reagent 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN), and subsequent entrapping the complexes in nonionic surfactant (Triton X-114). Then the surfactant rich phase containing the metal complexes was treated with aqueous nitric acid solution, and metal ions were back extracted into the aqueous phase, as second cloud point extraction stage, and finally determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry using conventional nebulization. The multivariate strategy was applied to estimate the optimum values of experimental variables for the recovery of Cu2+ using d-CPE. In optimum experimental conditions, the limit of detection and the enrichment factor were 0.046 μg L-1 and 78, respectively. The validity and accuracy of proposed method were checked by analysis of Cu2+ in certified sample of serum (CRM) by d-CPE and conventional CPE procedure on same CRM. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of Cu2+ in serum samples of different viral hepatitis patients and healthy controls.

Maintaining Vitality: Pharmacists’ Continuing Professional Education Decision-Making in the Upper Midwest

PubMed Central

Henkel, Paul Jacob

2018-01-01

Continuing professional education (CPE) plays an important role in continuing professional development of pharmacists for providing quality pharmaceutical care but also to maintain professional and organizational vitality and meet changing community/population needs. The study objective was to describe and understand factors of importance in selection of CPE credit hours among Upper Midwest pharmacists. A cross-sectional study of licensed pharmacists (n = 1239) in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota included completion of a questionnaire on demographics and CPE decision-making. Factor analysis, t-test, and multivariate analyses were performed using Stata 10.1. Pharmacists placed greatest importance on maintaining licensure (mean = 2.72/3.00), personal interest (mean = 2.57), and self-improvement (mean = 2.42). Community/population need (mean = 1.83) was rated as slightly more important (p < 0.01) by retail/community pharmacists, females, and those with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree or pharmacy residency while business growth/development (mean = 1.33) was rated slightly more important (p < 0.01) by retail/community pharmacists. Despite findings that neither community/population need nor business development were among the most important factors in pharmacists’ CPE selection, there exists significant potential for pharmacists to utilize CPE to maintain professional and organizational vitality in the labor market, but more importantly to ensure continued provision of quality pharmaceutical care and patient education. PMID:29389850

Maintaining Vitality: Pharmacists' Continuing Professional Education Decision-Making in the Upper Midwest.

PubMed

Henkel, Paul Jacob; Marvanova, Marketa

2018-02-01

Continuing professional education (CPE) plays an important role in continuing professional development of pharmacists for providing quality pharmaceutical care but also to maintain professional and organizational vitality and meet changing community/population needs. The study objective was to describe and understand factors of importance in selection of CPE credit hours among Upper Midwest pharmacists. A cross-sectional study of licensed pharmacists ( n = 1239) in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota included completion of a questionnaire on demographics and CPE decision-making. Factor analysis, t -test, and multivariate analyses were performed using Stata 10.1. Pharmacists placed greatest importance on maintaining licensure (mean = 2.72/3.00), personal interest (mean = 2.57), and self-improvement (mean = 2.42). Community/population need (mean = 1.83) was rated as slightly more important ( p < 0.01) by retail/community pharmacists, females, and those with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree or pharmacy residency while business growth/development (mean = 1.33) was rated slightly more important ( p < 0.01) by retail/community pharmacists. Despite findings that neither community/population need nor business development were among the most important factors in pharmacists' CPE selection, there exists significant potential for pharmacists to utilize CPE to maintain professional and organizational vitality in the labor market, but more importantly to ensure continued provision of quality pharmaceutical care and patient education.

Cpe1786/IscR of Clostridium perfringens represses expression of genes involved in Fe-S cluster biogenesis.

PubMed

André, Gaelle; Haudecoeur, Elise; Courtois, Emmanuelle; Monot, Marc; Dupuy, Bruno; Rodionov, Dmitry A; Martin-Verstraete, Isabelle

2017-05-01

Cpe1786 of Clostridium perfringens is an Rrf2-type regulator containing the three-cysteine residues coordinating a Fe-S in IscR, the repressor controlling Fe-S homeostasis in enterobacteria. The cpe1786 gene formed an operon with iscSU involved in Fe-S biogenesis and tmrU. This operon was transcribed from a σ A -dependent promoter. We showed that in the heterologous host Bacillus subtilis, Cpe1786, renamed IscR Cp , negatively controlled its own transcription. We constructed an iscR mutant in C. perfringens. We then compared the expression profile of strain 13 and of the iscR mutant. IscR Cp controlled expression of genes involved in Fe-S biogenesis, in amino acid or sugar metabolisms, in fermentation pathways and in host compound utilization. We then demonstrated, using a ChIP-PCR experiment, that IscR Cp interacted with its promoter region in vivo in C. perfringens and with the promoter of cpe2093 encoding an amino acid ABC transporter. We utilized a comparative genomic approach to infer a candidate IscR binding motif and reconstruct IscR regulons in clostridia. We showed that point mutations in the conserved motif of 29 bp identified upstream of iscR decreased the cysteine-dependent repression of iscR mediated by IscR Cp . Copyright © 2016 Institut Pasteur. All rights reserved.

Effects of TiO2 and ZrO2 nanofillers in LiBOB based PVdF/PVC composite polymer electrolytes (CPE)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aravindan, V.; Vickraman, P.

2007-11-01

A novel type of lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB) synthesized by the solid-state reaction method has been presented. LiBOB composite polymer electrolytes (CPE) prepared with dispersions of TIO2/ZrO2with various concentrations into the host blend matrices of poly(vinylidenefluoride) (PVdF)-poly(vinylchloride) (PVC) are investigated by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and ac impedance measurements. The plasticizing agent selected for the present study is a mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC) for the phase separated morphology of the studied polymers. The impedance studies on CPE membranes identify that membranes, with 2.5 wt% of fillers, have enhanced conductivities of 5.43 × 10-4 S cm-1 and 4.38 × 10-4 S cm-1, respectively, for TiO2 and ZrO2 at ambient temperature. The XRD investigations confirm that the membranes with filler levels exceeding the limit of 2.5 wt% show a gradual increase in the degree of crystallinity, rendering them less conducting. The activation energy calculations also highlight variations in conductivities of all the membranes.

Construction of novel sensitive electrochemical sensor for electro-oxidation and determination of citalopram based on zinc oxide nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Ghaedi, Hamed; Afkhami, Abbas; Madrakian, Tayyebeh; Soltani-Felehgari, Farzaneh

2016-02-01

A new chemically modified carbon paste electrode (CMCPE) was applied to the simple, rapid, highly selective and sensitive determination of citalopram in human serum and pharmaceutical preparations using adsorptive square wave voltammetry (ASWV). The ZnO nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified CPE (ZnO-MWCNT/CPE) electrode was prepared by incorporation of the ZnO nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in carbon paste electrode. The limit of detection and the linear range were found to be 0.005 and 0.012 to 1.54μmolL(-1) of citalopram, respectively. The effects of potentially interfering substances on the determination of this compound were investigated and found that the electrode is highly selective. The proposed CMCPE was used to the determination of citalopram in human serum, urine and pharmaceutical samples. This reveals that ZnO-MWCNT/CPE shows excellent analytical performance for the determination of citalopram in terms of very low detection limit, high sensitivity, very good repeatability and reproducibility over other methods reported in the literature. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Evaluation of an integrated cell culture RT-PCR assay to detect and quantify infectious lymphocystis disease virus.

PubMed

Valverde, Estefania J; Borrego, Juan J; Castro, Dolores

2016-12-01

The lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV), a member of the Iridoviridae family, infects a wide range of fish species including gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.), the most important species cultured in the Mediterranean. LCDV is difficult to propagate in cell culture and does not produce clear and consistent cytopathic effects (CPE), especially in samples collected from subclinically infected fish. An integrated cell culture reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (ICC-RT-PCR) assay, followed by dot-blot hybridization of the RT-PCR products, was developed to improve the detection of infectious LCDV. The sensitivity of the ICC-RT-PCR assay, which can be performed in 7 d, was at least 100-fold higher than viral diagnosis obtained by CPE development. The developed assay thus allows the determination of infectious titres in samples with low viral loads, including those from asymptomatic carrier fish, in which no CPE was recorded after a 14-d incubation period. The ICC-RT-PCR assay enables rapid, specific and sensitive detection and quantification of infectious LCDV, and may be a valuable tool in the study of aspects of LCDV infection including transmission or epizootiology. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dynamic response analysis of structure under time-variant interval process model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Baizhan; Qin, Yuan; Yu, Dejie; Jiang, Chao

2016-10-01

Due to the aggressiveness of the environmental factor, the variation of the dynamic load, the degeneration of the material property and the wear of the machine surface, parameters related with the structure are distinctly time-variant. Typical model for time-variant uncertainties is the random process model which is constructed on the basis of a large number of samples. In this work, we propose a time-variant interval process model which can be effectively used to deal with time-variant uncertainties with limit information. And then two methods are presented for the dynamic response analysis of the structure under the time-variant interval process model. The first one is the direct Monte Carlo method (DMCM) whose computational burden is relative high. The second one is the Monte Carlo method based on the Chebyshev polynomial expansion (MCM-CPE) whose computational efficiency is high. In MCM-CPE, the dynamic response of the structure is approximated by the Chebyshev polynomials which can be efficiently calculated, and then the variational range of the dynamic response is estimated according to the samples yielded by the Monte Carlo method. To solve the dependency phenomenon of the interval operation, the affine arithmetic is integrated into the Chebyshev polynomial expansion. The computational effectiveness and efficiency of MCM-CPE is verified by two numerical examples, including a spring-mass-damper system and a shell structure.

Structure-activity relationship of chemical penetration enhancers in transdermal drug delivery.

PubMed

Kanikkannan, N; Kandimalla, K; Lamba, S S; Singh, M

2000-06-01

Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) is the administration of therapeutic agents through intact skin for systemic effect. TDD offers several advantages over the conventional dosage forms such as tablets, capsules and injections. Currently there are about eight drugs marketed as transdermal patches. Examples of such products include nitroglycerin (angina pectoris), clonidine (hypertension), scopolamine (motion sickness), nicotine (smoking cessation), fentanil (pain) and estradiol (estrogen deficiency). Since skin is an excellent barrier for drug transport, only potent drugs with appropriate physicochemical properties (low molecular weight, adequate solubility in aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, etc) are suitable candidates for transdermal delivery. Penetration enhancement technology is a challenging development that would increase significantly the number of drugs available for transdermal administration. The permeation of drugs through skin can be enhanced by physical methods such as iontophoresis (application of low level electric current) and phonophoresis (use of ultra sound energy) and by chemical penetration enhancers (CPE). In this review, we have discussed about the CPE which have been investigated for TDD. CPE are compounds that enhance the permeation of drugs across the skin. The CPE increase skin permeability by reversibly altering the physicochemical nature of the stratum corneum, the outer most layer of skin, to reduce its diffusional resistance. These compounds increase skin permeability also by increasing the partition coefficient of the drug into the skin and by increasing the thermodynamic activity of the drug in the vehicle. This review compiles the various CPE used for the enhancement of TDD, the mechanism of action of different chemical enhancers and the structure-activity relationship of selected and extensively studied enhancers such as fatty acids, fatty alcohols and terpenes. Based on the chemical structure of penetration enhancers (such as chain length, polarity, level of unsaturation and presence of some special groups such as ketones), the interaction between the stratum corneum and penetration enhancers may vary which will result in significant differences in penetration enhancement. Our review also discusses the various factors to be considered in the selection of an appropriate penetration enhancer for the development of transdermal delivery systems.

Institutionalizing Continuing Professional Education (CPE): Toward a Definition of the University Situation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Toombs, William; Lindsay, Carl A.

Issues related to the institutionalization of continuing professional education (CPE) within the university are considered. The components of marginality, the possible obstacles and incentives to institutionalization, and some of the support necessities are addressed, along with insights gained by a Pennsylvania State University effort to link the…

Student Perceptions of a Conceptual Physical Education Activity Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jenkins, Jayne M.; Jenkins, Patience; Collums, Ashley; Werhonig, Gary

2006-01-01

Conceptual physical education (CPE) courses are typically included in university course work to provide students knowledge and skills to engage in physical activity for life. The purpose of this study was to identify CPE course characteristics that contributed to positive and negative student perceptions. Participants included 157 undergraduates…

Novel [(biphenyloxy)propyl]isoxazole derivatives for inhibition of human rhinovirus 2 and coxsackievirus B3 replication.

PubMed

Makarov, Vadim A; Riabova, Olga B; Granik, Vladimir G; Wutzler, Peter; Schmidtke, Michaela

2005-04-01

During this study, novel biphenyl derivatives were synthesized and tested for antiviral activity. A new method based on the Suzuki coupling reaction has been established for the synthesis of these polysubstituted chain systems. In parallel with cytotoxicity, the antiviral activity of biphenyl derivatives has been determined in cytopathic effect (CPE)-inhibitory assays with the pleconaril-resistant coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) strain Nancy, human rhinovirus 2 (HRV-2) and 14 (HRV-14) and in plaque reduction assays with the pleconaril-sensitive human isolate CVB3 97-927 in HeLa cells. Based on the results from these investigations the selectivity index (SI) was determined as the ratio of the 50% cytotoxic concentration to the 50% inhibitory concentration. The new method based on the Suzuki coupling reaction includes the condensation of 2,6-dimethyl-4-bromophenol with pentyne chloride by means of potassium carbonate and potassium iodide in N-methylpyrrolidone-2 and yields 5-bromo-1,3-dimethyl-2-(4-pentynyloxy)benzene. Its condensation with methylacetaldoxime results in 3-methylisoxazole derivatives. The following reaction with different benzeneboronic acids by means of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)-palladium(0) finally yields the corresponding derivatives. Several of the novel synthesized derivatives demonstrated a good antiviral activity on CVB3 (SI > 2 to > 37.5) and a strong anti-HRV-2 activity (SI > 50 to > 200). In contrast, none of the compounds inhibited the HRV-14-induced CPE. These results indicate that [(biphenyloxy)propyl]isoxazole derivatives are potential inhibitors of HRV-2 and CVB3 replication, and make them promising agents for the specific treatment of these virus infections.

Effective in-service training design and delivery: evidence from an integrative literature review.

PubMed

Bluestone, Julia; Johnson, Peter; Fullerton, Judith; Carr, Catherine; Alderman, Jessica; BonTempo, James

2013-10-01

In-service training represents a significant financial investment for supporting continued competence of the health care workforce. An integrative review of the education and training literature was conducted to identify effective training approaches for health worker continuing professional education (CPE) and what evidence exists of outcomes derived from CPE. A literature review was conducted from multiple databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) between May and June 2011. The initial review of titles and abstracts produced 244 results. Articles selected for analysis after two quality reviews consisted of systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and programme evaluations published in peer-reviewed journals from 2000 to 2011 in the English language. The articles analysed included 37 systematic reviews and 32 RCTs. The research questions focused on the evidence supporting educational techniques, frequency, setting and media used to deliver instruction for continuing health professional education. The evidence suggests the use of multiple techniques that allow for interaction and enable learners to process and apply information. Case-based learning, clinical simulations, practice and feedback are identified as effective educational techniques. Didactic techniques that involve passive instruction, such as reading or lecture, have been found to have little or no impact on learning outcomes. Repetitive interventions, rather than single interventions, were shown to be superior for learning outcomes. Settings similar to the workplace improved skill acquisition and performance. Computer-based learning can be equally or more effective than live instruction and more cost efficient if effective techniques are used. Effective techniques can lead to improvements in knowledge and skill outcomes and clinical practice behaviours, but there is less evidence directly linking CPE to improved clinical outcomes. Very limited quality data are available from low- to middle-income countries. Educational techniques are critical to learning outcomes. Targeted, repetitive interventions can result in better learning outcomes. Setting should be selected to support relevant and realistic practice and increase efficiency. Media should be selected based on the potential to support effective educational techniques and efficiency of instruction. CPE can lead to improved learning outcomes if effective techniques are used. Limited data indicate that there may also be an effect on improving clinical practice behaviours. The research agenda calls for well-constructed evaluations of culturally appropriate combinations of technique, setting, frequency and media, developed for and tested among all levels of health workers in low- and middle-income countries.

Effective in-service training design and delivery: evidence from an integrative literature review

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background In-service training represents a significant financial investment for supporting continued competence of the health care workforce. An integrative review of the education and training literature was conducted to identify effective training approaches for health worker continuing professional education (CPE) and what evidence exists of outcomes derived from CPE. Methods A literature review was conducted from multiple databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) between May and June 2011. The initial review of titles and abstracts produced 244 results. Articles selected for analysis after two quality reviews consisted of systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and programme evaluations published in peer-reviewed journals from 2000 to 2011 in the English language. The articles analysed included 37 systematic reviews and 32 RCTs. The research questions focused on the evidence supporting educational techniques, frequency, setting and media used to deliver instruction for continuing health professional education. Results The evidence suggests the use of multiple techniques that allow for interaction and enable learners to process and apply information. Case-based learning, clinical simulations, practice and feedback are identified as effective educational techniques. Didactic techniques that involve passive instruction, such as reading or lecture, have been found to have little or no impact on learning outcomes. Repetitive interventions, rather than single interventions, were shown to be superior for learning outcomes. Settings similar to the workplace improved skill acquisition and performance. Computer-based learning can be equally or more effective than live instruction and more cost efficient if effective techniques are used. Effective techniques can lead to improvements in knowledge and skill outcomes and clinical practice behaviours, but there is less evidence directly linking CPE to improved clinical outcomes. Very limited quality data are available from low- to middle-income countries. Conclusions Educational techniques are critical to learning outcomes. Targeted, repetitive interventions can result in better learning outcomes. Setting should be selected to support relevant and realistic practice and increase efficiency. Media should be selected based on the potential to support effective educational techniques and efficiency of instruction. CPE can lead to improved learning outcomes if effective techniques are used. Limited data indicate that there may also be an effect on improving clinical practice behaviours. The research agenda calls for well-constructed evaluations of culturally appropriate combinations of technique, setting, frequency and media, developed for and tested among all levels of health workers in low- and middle-income countries. PMID:24083659

Comparison of Two Phenotypic Algorithms To Detect Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae

PubMed Central

Dortet, Laurent; Bernabeu, Sandrine; Gonzalez, Camille

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT A novel algorithm designed for the screening of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), based on faropenem and temocillin disks, was compared to that of the Committee of the Antibiogram of the French Society of Microbiology (CA-SFM), which is based on ticarcillin-clavulanate, imipenem, and temocillin disks. The two algorithms presented comparable negative predictive values (98.6% versus 97.5%) for CPE screening among carbapenem-nonsusceptible Enterobacteriaceae. However, since 46.2% (n = 49) of the CPE were correctly identified as OXA-48-like producers by the faropenem/temocillin-based algorithm, it significantly decreased the number of complementary tests needed (42.2% versus 62.6% with the CA-SFM algorithm). PMID:28607010

On charged particle equilibrium violation in external photon fields.

PubMed

Bouchard, Hugo; Seuntjens, Jan; Palmans, Hugo

2012-03-01

In a recent paper by Bouchard et al. [Med. Phys. 36(10), 4654-4663 (2009)], a theoretical model of quality correction factors for idealistic so-called plan-class specific reference (PCSR) fields was proposed. The reasoning was founded on the definition of PCSR fields made earlier by Alfonso et al. [Med. Phys. 35(11), 5179-5186 (2008)], requiring the beam to achieve charged particle equilibrium (CPE), in a time-averaged sense, in the reference medium. The relation obtained by Bouchard et al. was derived using Fano's theorem (1954) which states that if CPE is established in a given medium, the dose is independent of point-to-point density variations. A potential misconception on the achievability of the condition required by Fano (1954) might be responsible for false practical conclusions, both in the definition of PCSR fields as well as the theoretical model of quality correction factor. In this paper, the practical achievability of CPE in external beams is treated in detail. The fact that this condition is not achievable in single or composite deliveries is illustrated by an intuitive method and is also formally demonstrated. Fano's theorem is not applicable in external beam radiation dosimetry without (virtually) removing attenuation effects, and therefore, the relation conditionally defined by Bouchard et al. (2009) cannot be valid in practice. A definition of PCSR fields in the recent formalism for nonstandard beams proposed by Alfonso et al. (2008) should be modified, revising the criterion of CPE condition. The authors propose reconsidering the terminology used to describe standard and nonstandard beams. The authors argue that quality correction factors of intensity modulated radiation therapy PCSR fields (i.e., k(Q(pcsr),Q) (f(pcsr),f(ref) )) could be unity under ideal conditions, but it is concluded that further investigation is necessary to confirm that hypothesis.

Polymeric nanoparticle of copper(II)-4,4‧-dicyanamidobiphenyl ligand: Synthetic, spectral and structural aspect; application to electrochemical sensing of dopamine and ascorbic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiniforoshan, Hossein; Ensafi, Ali A.; Heydari-Bafrooei, Esmaeil; Khalesi, Sara Bahmanpour; Tabrizi, Leila

2015-08-01

In this research, new polymer of 4,4‧-dicyanamidobiphenyl (bpH2)-Cu(II) complex, [Cu(bp)(H2O)2]n, has been synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, UV-vis spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The spherical morphology of Cu nanoparticles was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image showed that the particle size dimensions of Cu nanoparticles were about 80 nm. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) results indicated that this polymer was thermally stable. Hence, the prepared polymer was used as a modifier for the electrochemical determination of dopamine (DA) and ascorbic acid (AA). Compared to the bare carbon paste electrode (CPE) and multiwall carbon paste electrode (CNTPE), bpCu modified CPE (bpCu-CPE) exhibits much higher electrocatalytic activities toward the oxidation of dopamine and ascorbic acid with an increase in peak currents and a decrease in oxidation overpotentials. The effects of scan rate, concentration and pH were also studied. Differential pulse voltammetry results show that DA and AA could be detected selectively and sensitively at bpCu-CPE with peak-to-peak separation of 200 mV. Relative standard deviations for AA and DA determinations were less than 2.5%, and the linear response ranges of the electrode were 0.05-30.0 μmol L-1 for AA and DA, respectively. The calculated detection limits were 0.02 and 0.04 μmol L-1 (S/N = 3) for AA and DA, respectively. In addition, the presented method was successfully applied for the simultaneous determination of DA and AA in urine and blood samples with reliable recovery.

Structure property relationships in various filled polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jiong

The toughness of impact modified poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) compounds was examined using a modified Charpy test. Increasing impact speed resulted in a quasi-brittle to ductile transition in all PVC compounds. In the quasi-brittle region, a PVC of 56,000 Mw fractured through a craze-like damage zone that could be described by a modified Dugdale model. Furthermore, the same molecular weight PVC modified with either 10 pph chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) or 10 pph methylmethacrylate-butadiene-styrene (MBS) impact modifier also conformed to the Dugdale model with the craze-like damage zone. It was found that CPE effectively improved the impact performance of PVC by shifting the quasi-brittle to ductile transition to a higher loading rate. Compared to CPE, MBS was found to be a better impact modifier and resulted in a higher quasi-brittle to ductile transition loading rate in the same PVC matrix. Fracture initiation toughness of all the materials was described by the Hayes-Williams modification of the Dugdale model. The intrinsic brittle fracture energy obtained by extrapolation to zero craze length was determined only by the PVC matrix and was independent of the impact modifier. However, the kinetics of craze growth, and hence the response to rapid loading, depended on the impact modifier. Increasing molecular weight of the PVC resin resulted in a more complex damage zone that was not amendable to the Dugdale analysis. A new in-situ infusion method was used to incorporate small amounts (ca. 1wt%) of metal and metal oxide particles into a polymer matrix. Nano-sized particles were observed by both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) transport properties of the infused materials were investigated using a dynamic diffusion approach in which both testing and purge gases can be controlled. It was discovered that trace amounts (ca. 2%) of hydrogen (H2) in the purge gas was sufficient to considerably reduce the O2 flux of FEP films infused with Palladium (Pd) nano-particles, up to two hundred fold decrease. In contrast, H2 has essentially no effect on the transport of CO2. The generality of the remarkable reduction in oxygen flux was also demonstrated with films of PP, LLDPE, PET, Nylon 6,6 infused with Pd nano-particles. This oxygen scavenging effect became more pronounced at lower oxygen concentrations. The catalytic role of Pd in the reaction of O2 and H2, and the enormous surface area provided by the dispersed nano-particles were responsible for this highly efficient oxygen scavenging effect. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Effect of illumination on the dielectrical properties of P3HT:PC70BM nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamza, Saidi; Mhamdi, Asya; Aloui, Walid; Bouazizi, Abdelaziz; Khirouni, Kamel

2017-05-01

In this work, the effects of light-generated carriers on the dielectric properties of the structure ITO/PEDOT: PSS/P3HT:PC70BM/Al were carried out. Impedance spectroscopy was performed at an applied bias equal to the open-circuit. From the real and imaginary part of the impedance, a dipolar relaxation type was observed, which decreased in the presence of light due to an increase in the electron mobility. The Cole-Cole diagram fit using a parallel model R-CPE equivalent circuit leads to the comparison of parallel resistances (R p) and capacitance (CPE) in dark and under illumination. The decrease of R p is related to the increases in the photo-generated charge carrier density. The increase in the capacitance is related to the enhancement of the P3HT/PCBM interface homogeneity.

Cytopathic effect of Human cosavirus (HCoSV) on primary cell cultures of human embryonic lung MRC5.

PubMed

Rezig, Dorra; Touzi, Henda; Meddeb, Zina; Triki, Henda

2014-10-01

Human cosaviruses (HCoSVs) are newly discovered viruses in Picornaviridae family. Until now, most published studies reported HCoSV detection using molecular techniques and genetic characterization of the virus. Nevertheless, no laboratory has yet reported the replication of these viruses in cultured cell lines. In the present work, the propagation of HCoSV strains isolated from human fecal specimens in MRC5 cell line and their induced cytopathic effects (CPE) was studied. The first sign of virus growth was observed 24-48h after inoculation. The cells rounded up and clumped together rapidly; empty areas became visible and, on the third day of CPE, a remarkable decrease in live cells was observed. This represents the first report on in vitro model of HCoSV replication which opens up opportunities for future investigations of these new viruses. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of dual-cloud point extraction for the trace levels of copper in serum of different viral hepatitis patients by flame atomic absorption spectrometry: a multivariate study.

PubMed

Arain, Salma Aslam; Kazi, Tasneem G; Afridi, Hassan Imran; Abbasi, Abdul Rasool; Panhwar, Abdul Haleem; Naeemullah; Shanker, Bhawani; Arain, Mohammad Balal

2014-12-10

An efficient, innovative preconcentration method, dual-cloud point extraction (d-CPE) has been developed for the extraction and preconcentration of copper (Cu(2+)) in serum samples of different viral hepatitis patients prior to couple with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The d-CPE procedure was based on forming complexes of elemental ions with complexing reagent 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN), and subsequent entrapping the complexes in nonionic surfactant (Triton X-114). Then the surfactant rich phase containing the metal complexes was treated with aqueous nitric acid solution, and metal ions were back extracted into the aqueous phase, as second cloud point extraction stage, and finally determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry using conventional nebulization. The multivariate strategy was applied to estimate the optimum values of experimental variables for the recovery of Cu(2+) using d-CPE. In optimum experimental conditions, the limit of detection and the enrichment factor were 0.046μgL(-1) and 78, respectively. The validity and accuracy of proposed method were checked by analysis of Cu(2+) in certified sample of serum (CRM) by d-CPE and conventional CPE procedure on same CRM. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of Cu(2+) in serum samples of different viral hepatitis patients and healthy controls. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prospective Multicenter Study of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae from 83 Hospitals in Spain Reveals High In Vitro Susceptibility to Colistin and Meropenem

PubMed Central

Ortega, Adriana; Bartolomé, Rosa; Bou, Germán; Conejo, Carmen; Fernández-Martínez, Marta; González-López, Juan José; Martínez-García, Laura; Martínez-Martínez, Luis; Merino, María; Miró, Elisenda; Mora, Marta; Oliver, Antonio; Pascual, Álvaro; Rodríguez-Baño, Jesús; Ruiz-Carrascoso, Guillermo; Ruiz-Garbajosa, Patricia; Zamorano, Laura; Bautista, Verónica; Pérez-Vázquez, María; Campos, José

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in Spain in 2013 by describing the prevalence, dissemination, and geographic distribution of CPE clones, and their population structure and antibiotic susceptibility. From February 2013 to May 2013, 83 hospitals (about 40,000 hospital beds) prospectively collected nonduplicate Enterobacteriaceae using the screening cutoff recommended by EUCAST. Carbapenemase characterization was performed by phenotypic methods and confirmed by PCR and sequencing. Multilocus sequencing types (MLST) were determined for Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. A total of 702 Enterobacteriaceae isolates met the inclusion criteria; 379 (54%) were CPE. OXA-48 (71.5%) and VIM-1 (25.3%) were the most frequent carbapenemases, and K. pneumoniae (74.4%), Enterobacter cloacae (10.3%), and E. coli (8.4%) were the species most affected. Susceptibility to colistin, amikacin, and meropenem was 95.5%, 81.3%, and 74.7%, respectively. The most prevalent sequence types (STs) were ST11 and ST405 for K. pneumoniae and ST131 for E. coli. Forty-five (54.1%) of the hospitals had at least one CPE case. For K. pneumoniae, ST11/OXA-48, ST15/OXA-48, ST405/OXA-48, and ST11/VIM-1 were detected in two or more Spanish provinces. ST11 isolates carried four carbapenemases (VIM-1, OXA-48, KPC-2, and OXA-245), but ST405 isolates carried OXA-48 only. A wide interregional spread of CPE in Spain was observed, mainly due to a few successful clones of OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae (e.g., ST11 and ST405). The dissemination of OXA-48-producing E. coli is a new finding of public health concern. According to the susceptibilities determined in vitro, most of the CPE (94.5%) had three or more options for antibiotic treatment. PMID:25824224

Multiwall carbon nanotubes chemically modified carbon paste electrodes for determination of gentamicin sulfate in pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids.

PubMed

Khalil, M M; Abed El-Aziz, G M

2016-02-01

This article focused on the construction and characteristics of novel and sensitive gentamicin carbon paste electrodes which are based on the incorporation of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) which improve the characteristics of the electrodes. The electrodes were constructed based on gentamicin-phosphotungstate (GNS-PTA) called CPE1, gentamicin-phosphomolybdate (GNS-PMA) called CPE2, GNS-PTA+ MWMCNTs called MWCPE1, and GNS-PMA+ MWMCNTs called MWCPE2. The constructed electrodes, at optimum paste composition, exhibited good Nernstian response for determination of gentamicin sulfate (GNS) over a linear concentration range from 2.5×10(-6) to 1×10(-2), 3.0×10(-6) to 1×10(-2), 4.9×10(-7) to 1×10(-2) and 5.0×10(-7) to 1×10(-2)molL(-1), with lower detection limit 1×10(-6), 1×10(-6), 1.9×10(-7) and 2.2×10(-7)molL(-1), and with slope values of 29.0±0.4, 29.2±0.7, 31.2±0.5 and 31.0±0.6mV/decade for CPE1, CPE2, MWCPE1 and MWCPE2, respectively. The response of electrodes is not affected by pH in the range 3-8 for CPE1 and CPE2 and in the range 2.5-8.5 for MWCPE1 and MWCPE2. The results showed fast dynamic response time (about 8-5s) and long lifetime (more than 2months) for all electrodes. The sensors showed high selectivity for gentamicin sulfate (GNS) with respect to a large number of interfering species. The constructed electrodes were successfully applied for determination of GNS in pure form, its pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids using standard addition and potentiometric titration methods with high accuracy and precision. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A proteomic approach to the analysis of the components of the phycobilisomes from two cyanobacteria with complementary chromatic adaptation: Fremyella diplosiphon UTEX B590 and Tolypothrix PCC 7601.

PubMed

Pérez-Gómez, Bertha; Mendoza-Hernández, Guillermo; Cabellos-Avelar, Tecilli; Leyva-Castillo, Lourdes Elizabeth; Gutiérrez-Cirlos, Emma Berta; Gómez-Lojero, Carlos

2012-10-01

Tolypothrix PCC 7601 and Fremyella diplosiphon UTEX B590 can produce two alternative phycobilisome (PBS) rods. PE-PBSs with one phycocyanin (PC) disk and multiple phycoerythrin (PE) disks are found in cells grown under green light (GL). PC-PBSs with only PC disks are obtained from cells grown under red light (RL). In this manuscript, we show the localization of the linker proteins and ferredoxin-NADP(+) oxidoreductase (FNR) in the PC-PBS and of PE-PBS rods using visible spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. PE-PBSs with different [PE]/[PC] ratios and PC-PBSs with different [PC]/[AP] (AP, allophycocyanin) ratios were isolated. CpeC was the primary rod linker protein found in the PBSs with a [PE]/[PC] ratio of 1.1, which indicates that this is the rod linker at the interphase PC-PE. CpeC and CpeD were identified in the PBSs with a [PE]/[PC] ratio of 1.6, which indicates that CpcD is the linker between the first and the second PE hexamers. Finally, CpeC, CpeD, and CpeE were found in the PBSs with a [PE]/[PC] ratio of 2.9, indicating the position of CpeE between the second and third PE moieties. CpcI2 was identified in the two PC-PBSs obtained from cells grown under RL, which indicates that CpcI2 is the linker between the first and second PC hexamers. CpcH2 was identified only in the PC-PBSs from Tolypothrix with a high [PC]/[AP] ratio of 1.92, which indicates that CpcH2 is the linker between the second and third PC hexamers. The PC-PBSs contained the rod cap protein L(R)(10) (CpcD), but this protein was absent in the PE-PBSs. PE-PBSs (lacking L(R)(10)) incorporated exogenous rFNR in a stoichiometry of up to five FNRs per PBS. A maximum of two FNRs per PBS were found in PC-PBSs (with L(R)(10)). These observations support the hypothesis that FNR binds at the distal ends of the PBS rods in the vacant site of CpcD L(R)(10). Finally, the molecular mass of the core membrane linker (L(CM)) was determined to be 102 kDa from a mass spectrometry analysis.

VISCOSITY AND BINDER COMPOSITION EFFECTS ON TYROSINASE-BASED CARBON PASTE ELECTRODE FOR DETECTION OF PHENOL AND CATECHOL

EPA Science Inventory

The systematic study of the effect of binder viscosity on the sensitivity of a tyrosinase-based carbon paste electrode (CPE) biosensor for phenol and catechol is reported. Silicon oil binders with similar (polydimethylsiloxane) chemical composition were used to represent a wid...

Activity Report: Peace Education in Liberia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vonhm Benda, Ebenezer Mainlehwon

2010-01-01

In March of 2009, the author decided to establish the Center for Peace Education (CPE) in Liberia solely dedicated to promoting a non-violent culture by imbuing students with the skills, knowledge, and attitude needed to peacefully coexist. To begin the process of building a culture of peace, in April of 2009, CPE conducted a baseline survey in 14…

Community College Student Transfer: Understanding Community College Students' Decisions about Transfer in Southeastern Kentucky

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mobelini, Deronda Collier

2012-01-01

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education's (CPE) "Stronger by Degrees" 2011-2015 Strategic Agenda points to additional causes for concern in the slower than projected increase in the rate of transfer from KCTCS colleges to four-year institutions (CPE, 2010). Therefore, it is important for KCTCS to develop a better understanding of…

A Descriptive Study of Mandatory Continuing Professional Education in an Emerging Field: A Prospectus on the Counseling Profession. Executive Summary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sattem, Linda Lee

A study analyzed the continuing professional education (CPE) requirements, practices, policies, evaluation measures, and perception of impact on practice and participants in the counseling profession. Research was conducted in 22 states with at least 5 years experience with their counselor licensing legislation requiring CPE. Other states were…

Building Up the Other Side of Sesame Street. Organizing and Administering Delivery of Off Campus Continuing Professional Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sarlos, Beatrice E.

Continuing professional education (CPE), defined as educational services offered to professionals (those who possess initial degrees required for practice) without the restrictions of traditional scheduling, credits, tuition, or instruction methods, is discussed. The importance of a uniform terminology to distinguish the specific area of CPE is…

Content Analysis of Conceptually Based Physical Education in Southeastern United States Universities and Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Suzanne Ellen; Greene, Leon; Satinsky, Sonya; Neuberger, John

2016-01-01

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to explore PE in higher education through the offering of traditional activity- and skills-based physical education (ASPE) and conceptually-based physical education (CPE) courses, and to conduct an exploratory content analysis on the CPE available to students in randomized colleges and universities in the…

Development and testing of controller performance evaluation methodology for multi-input/multi-output digital control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pototzky, Anthony; Wieseman, Carol; Hoadley, Sherwood Tiffany; Mukhopadhyay, Vivek

1991-01-01

Described here is the development and implementation of on-line, near real time controller performance evaluation (CPE) methods capability. Briefly discussed are the structure of data flow, the signal processing methods used to process the data, and the software developed to generate the transfer functions. This methodology is generic in nature and can be used in any type of multi-input/multi-output (MIMO) digital controller application, including digital flight control systems, digitally controlled spacecraft structures, and actively controlled wind tunnel models. Results of applying the CPE methodology to evaluate (in near real time) MIMO digital flutter suppression systems being tested on the Rockwell Active Flexible Wing (AFW) wind tunnel model are presented to demonstrate the CPE capability.

Inorganic/organic doped carbon aerogels as biosensing materials for the detection of hydrogen peroxide.

PubMed

Dong, Sheying; Li, Nan; Suo, Gaochao; Huang, Tinglin

2013-12-17

In this article, three different inorganic/organic doped carbon aerogel (CA) materials (Ni-CA, Pd-CA, and Ppy-CA) were, respectively, mixed with ionic liquid (IL) to form three stable composite films, which were used as enhanced elements for an integrated sensing platform to increase the surface area and to improve the electronic transmission rate. Subsequently, the effect of the materials performances such as adsorption, specific surface area and conductivity on electrochemistry for myoglobin (Mb) was discussed using N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Moreover, they could act as sensors toward the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with lower detection limits (1.68 μM, 1.02 μM, and 0.85 μM, for Ni-CA/IL/Mb-CPE, Pd-CA/IL/Mb-CPE, and Ppy-CA/IL/Mb-CPE, respectively) and smaller apparent Michaelis-Menten constants KM. The results indicated that the electroconductibility of the doped CA materials would become dominant, thus playing an important role in facilitating the electron transfer. Meanwhile, the synergetic effect with [BMIm]BF4 IL improved the capability of the composite inorganic/organic doped CA/IL matrix for protein immobilization. This work demonstrates the feasibility and the potential of a series of CA-based hybrid materials as biosensors, and further research and development are required to prepare other functional CAs and make them valuable for more extensive application in biosensing.

Voltammetric Determination of the Herbicide Linuron Using a Tricresyl Phosphate-Based Carbon Paste Electrode

PubMed Central

Đorđević, Jelena; Papp, Zsigmond; Guzsvány, Valéria; Švancara, Ivan; Trtić-Petrović, Tatjana; Purenović, Milovan; Vytřas, Karel

2012-01-01

This paper summarises the results of voltammetric studies on the herbicide 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methoxy-1-methylurea (Linuron), using a carbon paste electrode containing tricresyl phosphate (TCP-CPE) as liquid binder. The principal experimental conditions, such as the pH effect, investigated in Britton-Robinson buffer solutions (pH 2.0–7.0), the peak characteristics for the analyte of interest, or instrumental parameters for the differential pulse voltammetric mode were optimized for the method. As found out, the best electroanalytical performance of the TCP-CPE was achieved at pH 2.0, whereby the oxidation peak of Linuron appeared at ca. +1.3 V vs. SCE. The analytical procedure developed offers good linearity in the concentration range of 1.25–44.20 μg mL−1 (1.77 × 10−4–5.05 × 10−6 mol L−1), showing—for the first time—the applicability of the TCP-CPE for anodic oxidations in direct voltammetry (without accumulation). The method was then verified by determining Linuron in a spiked river water sample and a commercial formulation and the results obtained agreed well with those obtained by the reference HPLC/UV determination. PMID:22368461

Prevention of oral food allergy sensitization via skin application of food allergen in a mouse model.

PubMed

Li, W; Zhang, Z; Saxon, A; Zhang, K

2012-05-01

Treatment options for food allergy remain limited. Development of novel approaches for the prevention and/or treatment of severe peanut allergy and other food allergies is urgently needed. The objective of this study was to test whether skin application of food allergen can be used as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic intervention for food allergy. Balb/C mice were given 5 weekly cutaneous application of complete peanut extract (CPE) or ovalbumin (OVA) ranging from 10 to 1000 μg on the shaved back skin, followed by 5 weekly treatments with oral CPE or OVA plus cholera toxin to induce allergic reactivity to the food. At various time points, the immunologic responses and allergic clinical manifestations to allergens were examined. Skin application of a 10-1000 μg dose of CPE or OVA to structurally intact skin did not lead to allergic sensitization to peanut or OVA. Rather, cutaneous allergen application blocked, in a dose-dependent fashion, the subsequent induction of the oral sensitization including inhibiting oral sensitization-induced CPE-specific IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a production, suppressing the peanut anaphylaxis, and modulating the oral sensitization-promoted cytokine production. The cutaneous OVA application also resulted in similar results as seen with CPE application. Cutaneous application of intact skin with peanut or OVA can block the development of orally induced corresponding food allergies, suggesting that allergic tolerance to peanuts and OVA might be achieved via allergen cutaneous application. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Prevalence of Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin and dysbiosis in fecal samples of dogs with diarrhea.

PubMed

Minamoto, Yasushi; Dhanani, Naila; Markel, Melissa E; Steiner, Jörg M; Suchodolski, Jan S

2014-12-05

Clostridium perfringens has been suspected as an enteropathogen in dogs. However, its exact role in gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in dogs remains unknown. Recent studies suggest the importance of an altered intestinal microbiota in the activation of virulence factors of enteropathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between diarrhea, dysbiosis, and the presence of C. perfringens and its enterotoxin (CPE). Fecal samples were collected prospectively from 95 healthy control dogs and 104 dogs with GI disease and assessed for bacterial abundances and the presence of CPE using quantitative PCR and ELISA, respectively. C. perfringens was detected in all dogs. Potentially enterotoxigenic C. perfringens were detected in 33.7% (32/95) of healthy control dogs and 48.1% (50/104) diseased dogs, respectively. CPE was detected by ELISA in 1.0% (1/95) of control dogs and 16.3% (17/104) of diseased dogs. Abundances of Fusobacteria, Ruminococcaceae, Blautia, and Faecalibacterium were significantly decreased in diseased dogs, while abundances of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Escherichia coli were significantly increased compared to control dogs. The microbial dysbiosis was independent of the presence of the enterotoxigenic C. perfringens or CPE. In conclusion, the presence of CPE as well as fecal dysbiosis was associated with GI disease. However, the presence of C. perfringens was not indicative of GI disease in all cases of diarrhea, and the observed increased abundance of enterotoxigenic C. perfringens may be part of intestinal dysbiosis occurring in GI disease. The significance of an intestinal dysbiosis in dogs with GI disease deserves further attention. Published by Elsevier B.V.

An ultrasensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for determination of estrone 3-sulfate sodium salt based on molecularly imprinted polymer modified carbon paste electrode.

PubMed

Song, Han; Wang, Yuli; Zhang, Lu; Tian, Liping; Luo, Jun; Zhao, Na; Han, Yajie; Zhao, Feilang; Ying, Xue; Li, Yingchun

2017-11-01

A highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor based on carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) has been developed for the determination of estrone 3-sulfate sodium salt (ESS). MIPs were prepared in polar medium via bulk polymerization and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry was performed to the study preparation process and binding behavior of the MIP-modified CPE (MIP/CPE) toward ESS. The conditions for preparing MIPs and MIP/CPE as well as ESS detection were optimized. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the detection linear range for ESS is 4 × 10 -12 to 6 × 10 -9  M with a limit of detection of 1.18 × 10 -12  M (S/N = 3). In addition, the sensor exhibits high binding affinity toward ESS over its structural analogues with excellent repeatability and stability. The fabricated MIP/CPE was then successfully employed to detect ESS in pregnant mare urine (PMU) without any pretreatment, and the average recoveries were from 99.6 to 104.9% with relative standard deviation less than 3.0%. High-performance liquid chromatography was adopted as a reference to validate the established approach in detecting ESS and their results showed good agreement. The as-prepared sensor has high potential to be a decent tool for on-site determination of ESS in PMU in a fast and convenient manner. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Combating WMD Journal. Issue 2

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

can be conducted utilizing passive detectors such as thermoluminescent dosime- ters (TLDs) or optically stimulated luminescent ( OSL ) dosimeters ...reasonable estimate of the dose. The challenge in high-energy bremsstrahlung fields is that current (standard) dosimeters do not provide for CPE...above a few MeV. CPE can be obtained by placing tissue- equivalent material (such as a build- up cap) around the dosimeter . This Dosimetry Needs

Central Park East and Its Graduates: "Learning by Heart." The Series on School Reform.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bensman, David

This book describes New York City's Central Park East (CPE) Elementary School, which provides inner city children with the highest quality educators and pedagogy and is considered one of the most academically enriching U.S. schools. The book gives voice to young adults who emerged from poverty as a result of powerful experiences within CPE.…

Characterization of Piezoresistive PEDOT:PSS Pressure Sensors with Inter-Digitated and Cross-Point Electrode Structures

PubMed Central

Wang, Jer-Chyi; Karmakar, Rajat Subhra; Lu, Yu-Jen; Huang, Chiung-Yin; Wei, Kuo-Chen

2015-01-01

The piezoresistive characteristics of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) pressure sensors with inter-digitated (IDE) and cross-point electrode (CPE) structures have been investigated. A small variation of the resistance of the pressure sensors with IDE without bottom indium-tin-oxide (b-ITO) film and with CPE structures was observed owing to the single carrier-conducting pathway. For the IDE pressure sensors with b-ITO, the piezoresistive characteristics at low and high pressure were similar to those of the pressure sensors with IDE without b-ITO and with CPE structures, respectively, leading to increased piezoresistive pressure sensitivity as the PEDOT:PSS film thickness decreased. A maximum sensitivity of more than 42 kΩ/Pa was achieved. When the normal pressure was applied, the increased number of conducting points or the reduced distance between the PEDOT oligomers within the PEDOT:PSS film resulted in a decrease of the resistance. The piezoresistive pressure sensors with a single carrier-conducting pathway, i.e., IDE without b-ITO and CPE structures, exhibited a small relaxation time and a superior reversible operation, which can be advantageous for fast piezoresistive response applications. PMID:25569756

Characterization of piezoresistive PEDOT:PSS pressure sensors with inter-digitated and cross-point electrode structures.

PubMed

Wang, Jer-Chyi; Karmakar, Rajat Subhra; Lu, Yu-Jen; Huang, Chiung-Yin; Wei, Kuo-Chen

2015-01-05

The piezoresistive characteristics of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) pressure sensors with inter-digitated (IDE) and cross-point electrode (CPE) structures have been investigated. A small variation of the resistance of the pressure sensors with IDE without bottom indium-tin-oxide (b-ITO) film and with CPE structures was observed owing to the single carrier-conducting pathway. For the IDE pressure sensors with b-ITO, the piezoresistive characteristics at low and high pressure were similar to those of the pressure sensors with IDE without b-ITO and with CPE structures, respectively, leading to increased piezoresistive pressure sensitivity as the PEDOT:PSS film thickness decreased. A maximum sensitivity of more than 42 kΩ/Pa was achieved. When the normal pressure was applied, the increased number of conducting points or the reduced distance between the PEDOT oligomers within the PEDOT:PSS film resulted in a decrease of the resistance. The piezoresistive pressure sensors with a single carrier-conducting pathway, i.e., IDE without b-ITO and CPE structures, exhibited a small relaxation time and a superior reversible operation, which can be advantageous for fast piezoresistive response applications.

Schiff Base modified on CPE electrode and PCB gold electrode for selective determination of silver ion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leepheng, Piyawan; Suramitr, Songwut; Phromyothin, Darinee

2017-09-01

The schiff base was synthesized by 2,5-thiophenedicarboxaldehyde and 1,2,4-thiadiazole-3,5-diamine with condensation method. There was modified on carbon paste electrode (CPE) and Printed circuit board (PCB) gold electrode for determination silver ion. The schiff base modified electrodes was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The electrochemical study was reported by cyclic voltammetry method and impedance spectroscopy using modified electrode as working electrode, platinum wire and Ag/AgCl as counter electrode and reference electrode, respectively. The modified electrodes have suitable detection for Ag+. The determination of silver ions using the modified electrodes depended linearly on Ag+ concentration in the range 1×10-10 M to 1×10-7 M, with cyclic voltammetry sensitivity were 2.51×108 μAM-1 and 1.88×108 μAM-1 for PCB gold electrode and CPE electrode, respectively, limits of detection were 5.33×10-9 M and 1.99×10-8 M for PCB gold electrode and CPE electrode, respectively. The modified electrodes have high accuracy, inexpensive and can applied to detection Ag+ in real samples.

Physiologic and endocrinologic characterization of male sex-biased diabetes in C57BLKS/J mice congenic for the fat mutation at the carboxypeptidease E locus.

PubMed

Leiter, E H; Kintner, J; Flurkey, K; Beamer, W G; Naggert, J K

1999-02-01

The fat gene in mice represents a recessive mutation at the carboxypeptidase E (Cpe) locus. The mutant allele (Cpe(fat)) encodes a highly unstable enzyme and produces an obesity phenotype characterized by attenuated processing of prohormones such as proinsulin that require this exopeptidase for full maturation. This article presents a preliminary physiologic and endocrinologic characterization of the stock of C57BLKS/LtJ-Cpe(fat)/Cpe(fat) mice at the backcross generation (N10) currently distributed by The Jackson Laboratory. Although previously reported not to be diabetogenic at N5, an additional five backcrosses to the C57BLKS/J background resulted in a male-biased development of both obesity and diabetes. Major differences distinguishing this mutant stock from the phenotypes produced by either the diabetes (Lepr(db)) or obese (Lep(ob)) mutations on the same inbred strain background are lack of hyperphagia and hypercorticism, sensitivity of diabetic males to exogenous insulin, and a milder and male-biased diabetes syndrome that is not associated with widespread beta-cell necrosis and islet atrophy, and that often remits with age.

Beliefs of Certified Public Accountants toward Distance Education: A Statewide Georgia Survey.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perdue, Kathy J.; Valentine, Thomas

1998-01-01

Examines the beliefs of certified public accountants (CPAs) in the state of Georgia concerning the effectiveness of distance education in providing continuing professional education (CPE). Findings indicate that the CPAs believe distance education to be an effective mode of learning, and that necessary technological capabilities are available to…

Concentrations of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine in duodenum and pancreas as affected by the ratio of arginine to lysine and source of methionine in broilers under heat stress.

PubMed

Gonzalez-Esquerra, R; Leeson, S

2006-08-01

An experiment was designed to investigate the effect of Arg, Lys, Met, and environmental temperature on broiler performance and associated changes in duodenal and pancreatic polyamines. Two groups of 26-d-old Ross male broilers raised under thermoneutral (TN) conditions were reallocated to 4 rooms kept at heat stress (HS) or TN. Birds were fed equimolar amounts of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid (HMB) or DL-Met (DLM) at requirement levels with Arg:Lys at 0.95 or 1.40. Twelve replicates of 4 birds were offered each diet ad libitum. Body weight gain, efficiency of dietary CP accretion (CPE), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were ascertained from 26 to 33 d and from 34 to 47 d of age. One bird per cage was killed at 33 and 47 d, and samples of duodenum and pancreas were assayed for putrescine, spermidine, and spermine (Spm), together with estimates of duodenal villus height. From 26 to 33 d, birds fed HMB performed better than those fed DLM, but only at TN conditions. From 34 to 47 d, feeding HMB tended to optimize CPE when added to diets high in Arg. However, lower CPE was obtained when HMB was added to low-Arg diets, whereas birds fed DLM were unaffected by these treatments (P < 0.10). Methionine source, Arg:Lys, or both affected the concentrations of duodenal and pancreatic polyamines, with some changes correlating with performance variables during HS (P > 0.05). It was found that HS caused lower tissue spermidine (P < 0.001) and higher pancreatic Spm (P = 0.08) from 34 to 47 d. Putrescine concentrations were affected by diet and HS, depending on tissue and experimental period. Pancreatic Spm correlated negatively with changes in CPE influenced by Arg:Lys by Met source interaction in chronically heat-stressed birds. The possible association between polyamine metabolism and some of the effects of the Arg:Lys by Met source interaction observed in chronically stressed birds deserves further investigation.

Landfill Liners and Covers: Properties and Application to Army Landfills.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-06-01

polymers, TPE can be seamed by heat techniques. Materials such as thermoplastic EPDM and nitrile rubber /PVC blends are still being tested to determine their...such as polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), butyl rubber , ethylene propylene diene monomer ( EPDM ), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), and others...chlorosulfonated polyethy- lene (CSPE), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), butyl rubber , ethylene propylene S rubber ( EPDM ), neoprene, high-density polyethylene

Ammunition Cost Research Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-06-01

LIBRARY TECHNICAL REPORT Gerald W. Kalal Patrick J. Gannon COST ANALYSIS DIVISION (DRSAR-CPE) HEADQUARTERS, U.S. ARMY ARMAMENT COMMAND ROCK ISLAND... Kalal trick J. Gannon COST ANALYSIS DIVISION (DRSAR-CPE) HEADQUARTERS, U.S. ARMY ARMAMENT COMMAND ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS 61201 I UNCLASSIFIED...4. DESCRIPTIVE NOTES (Type ot report and Inclusive date») Technical Report 8- AU THOR(S> (flral name, middle Initial, laat name) Gerald W. Kalal

Fecal Carriage of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae: a Hidden Reservoir in Hospitalized and Nonhospitalized Patients

PubMed Central

Gijón, Desirèe; Curiao, Tânia; Baquero, Fernando; Coque, Teresa M.

2012-01-01

Fecal carriage of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) has not been extensively investigated, except in the cases of selected patients at risk, mostly during outbreaks. A total of 1,100 fecal samples randomly collected in our institution in two different periods in 2006 (n = 600) and 2009–2010 (n = 500) from hospitalized (26.8%) and nonhospitalized (73.2%) patients were screened for CPE. The first period coincided with an outbreak of VIM-1-producing Enterobacteriaceae, and the second one coincided with the emergence of KPC enzymes in our hospital. Diluted samples in saline were cultured in Luria-Bertani broth with 1 μg/ml imipenem and subcultured in MacConkey agar plates with 4 μg/ml ceftazidime. Growing colonies were screened for CPE (modified Hodge test and EDTA and boronic acid synergy tests). Carbapenemase genes, plasmids in which they are located, and clonal relatedness were determined. Individuals who exhibited fecal carriage of CPE (11/1,043, 1.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53 to 1.88) included 8 hospitalized (carriage rate, 2.9%; 95% CI, 1.24 to 5.55) and 3 nonhospitalized patients (carriage rate, 0.4%; 95% CI, 0.08 to 1.14), the latter being identified in 2009. Eighty-two percent of colonized patients were not infected with CPE. Isolates harboring blaVIM-1 with or without blaSHV-12 were identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 8; ST39, ST688, ST253, and ST163), Enterobacter cloacae (n = 3; two pulsed-field gel electrophoresis [PFGE] types), Escherichia coli (n = 2; ST155 and ST2441), and Citrobacter freundii (n = 1). Some of these lineages had previously been detected in our institution. The blaVIM-1 gene was a member of the class 1 integrons In110 (blaVIM-1-aacA4-aadA1) and In113 (blaVIM-1-aacA4-dhfrII) located on plasmids IncN (n = 11; 30 to 50 kb) and IncHI2 (n = 3; 300 kb), respectively. Dissemination of blaVIM-1 class-1 integrons within highly transferable plasmids in a polyclonal population has potentially contributed to the maintenance and spread of CPE. PMID:22403422

Potentiometric determination of ketotifen fumarate in pharmaceutical preparations and urine using carbon paste and PVC membrane selective electrodes.

PubMed

Frag, Eman Y Z; Mohamed, Gehad G; Khalil, Mohamed M; Hwehy, Mohammad M A

2011-01-01

This study compares between unmodified carbon paste (CPE; the paste has no ion pair) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane selective electrodes that were used in potentiometric determination of ketotifen fumarate (KTF), where sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) was used as titrant. The performance characteristics of these sensors were evaluated according to IUPAC recommendations which reveal a fast, stable, and linear response for KTF over the concentration range of 10(-7) to 10(-2) mol L(-1). The electrodes show Nernstian slope value of 52.51 ± 0.20 and 51.51 ± 0.25 mV decade(-1) for CPE and PVC membrane electrodes at 30°C, respectively. The potential is nearly stable over the pH range 3.0-6.0 and 2.0-7.0 for CPE and PVC membrane electrodes, respectively. Selectivity coefficient values towards different inorganic cations, sugars, and amino acids reflect high selectivity of the prepared electrodes. The electrodes responses at different temperatures were also studied, and long operational lifetime of 12 and 5 weeks for CPE and PVC membrane electrodes, respectively, were found. These are used for determination of ketotifen fumarate using potentiometric titration, calibration, and standard addition methods in pure samples, its pharmaceutical preparations (Zaditen tablets), and biological fluid (urine). The direct potentiometric determination of KTF using the proposed sensors gave recoveries % of 98.97 ± 0.53 and 98.62 ± 0.74 with RSD 1.42 and 0.63% for CPE and PVC membrane selective electrodes, respectively. Validation of the method shows suitability of the proposed sensors for use in quality control assessment of KTF. The obtained results were in a good agreement with those obtained using the reported spectrophotometric method.

Analysis of the 3’ untranslated regions of α-tubulin and S-crystallin mRNA and the identification of CPEB in dark- and light-adapted octopus retinas

PubMed Central

Kelly, Shannan; Yamamoto, Hideki

2008-01-01

Purpose We previously reported the differential expression and translation of mRNA and protein in dark- and light-adapted octopus retinas, which may result from cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE)–dependent mRNA masking and unmasking. Here we investigate the presence of CPEs in α-tubulin and S-crystallin mRNA and report the identification of cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein (CPEB) in light- and dark-adapted octopus retinas. Methods 3’-RACE and sequencing were used to isolate and analyze the 3’-UTRs of α-tubulin and S-crystallin mRNA. Total retinal protein isolated from light- and dark-adapted octopus retinas was subjected to western blot analysis followed by CPEB antibody detection, PEP-171 inhibition of CPEB, and dephosphorylation of CPEB. Results The following CPE-like sequence was detected in the 3’-UTR of isolated long S-crystallin mRNA variants: UUUAACA. No CPE or CPE-like sequences were detected in the 3’-UTRs of α-tubulin mRNA or of the short S-crystallin mRNA variants. Western blot analysis detected CPEB as two putative bands migrating between 60-80 kDa, while a third band migrated below 30 kDa in dark- and light-adapted retinas. Conclusions The detection of CPEB and the identification of the putative CPE-like sequences in the S-crystallin 3’-UTR suggest that CPEB may be involved in the activation of masked S-crystallin mRNA, but not in the regulation of α-tubulin mRNA, resulting in increased S-crystallin protein synthesis in dark-adapted octopus retinas. PMID:18682811

Potentiometric Determination of Ketotifen Fumarate in Pharmaceutical Preparations and Urine Using Carbon Paste and PVC Membrane Selective Electrodes

PubMed Central

Frag, Eman Y. Z.; Mohamed, Gehad G.; Khalil, Mohamed M.; Hwehy, Mohammad M. A.

2011-01-01

This study compares between unmodified carbon paste (CPE; the paste has no ion pair) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane selective electrodes that were used in potentiometric determination of ketotifen fumarate (KTF), where sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) was used as titrant. The performance characteristics of these sensors were evaluated according to IUPAC recommendations which reveal a fast, stable, and linear response for KTF over the concentration range of 10−7 to 10−2 mol L−1. The electrodes show Nernstian slope value of 52.51 ± 0.20 and 51.51 ± 0.25 mV decade−1 for CPE and PVC membrane electrodes at 30°C, respectively. The potential is nearly stable over the pH range 3.0–6.0 and 2.0–7.0 for CPE and PVC membrane electrodes, respectively. Selectivity coefficient values towards different inorganic cations, sugars, and amino acids reflect high selectivity of the prepared electrodes. The electrodes responses at different temperatures were also studied, and long operational lifetime of 12 and 5 weeks for CPE and PVC membrane electrodes, respectively, were found. These are used for determination of ketotifen fumarate using potentiometric titration, calibration, and standard addition methods in pure samples, its pharmaceutical preparations (Zaditen tablets), and biological fluid (urine). The direct potentiometric determination of KTF using the proposed sensors gave recoveries % of 98.97 ± 0.53 and 98.62 ± 0.74 with RSD 1.42 and 0.63% for CPE and PVC membrane selective electrodes, respectively. Validation of the method shows suitability of the proposed sensors for use in quality control assessment of KTF. The obtained results were in a good agreement with those obtained using the reported spectrophotometric method. PMID:22013443

Construction and performance characterization of screen printed and carbon paste ion selective electrodes for potentiometric determination of naphazoline hydrochloride in pharmaceutical preparations.

PubMed

Frag, Eman Y Z; Mohamed, Gehad G; El-Dien, F A Nour; Mohamed, Marwa E

2011-01-21

This paper describes the development of screen-printed (SPE) and carbon paste (CPE) sensors for the rapid and sensitive quantification of naphazoline hydrochloride (NPZ) in pharmaceutical formulations. This work compares the electroactivity of conventional carbon paste and screen-printed carbon paste electrodes towards potentiometric titration of NPZ. The repeatability and accuracy of measurements performed in the analysis of these pharmaceutical matrices using new screen printed sensors were evaluated. The influence of the electrode composition, conditioning time of the electrode and pH of the test solution, on the electrode performance were investigated. The drug electrode showed Nernstain responses in the concentration range from 1 × 10(-6) to 1 × 10(-2) mol L(-1) with slopes of 57.5 ± 1.3 and 55.9 ± 1.6 mV per decade for SPE and CPE, respectively, and was found to be very precise and usable within the pH range 3-8. These sensors exhibited a fast response time (about 3 s for both SPE and CPE, respectively), a low detection limit (3.5 × 10(-6) and 1.5 × 10(-6) M for SPE and CPE, respectively), a long lifetime (3 and 2 months for SPE and CPE, respectively) and good stability. The selectivity of the electrode toward a large number of inorganic cations, sugars and amino acids was tested. It was applied to potentiometric determination of NPZ in pure state and pharmaceutical preparation under batch conditions. The percentage recovery values for the assay of NPZ in tablets (relative standard deviations ≤0.3% for n = 4) were compared well with those obtained by the official method.

Evaluation of the BYG Carba Test, a New Electrochemical Assay for Rapid Laboratory Detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae

PubMed Central

Yunus, Sami; Massart, Marion; Huang, Te-Din; Glupczynski, Youri

2015-01-01

Accurate detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) constitutes a major laboratory diagnostic challenge. We evaluated an electrochemical technique (the BYG Carba test) which allows detection of CPE in less than 35 min. The BYG Carba test was first validated in triplicate against 57 collection isolates with previously characterized β-lactam resistance mechanisms (OXA-48, n = 12; KPC, n = 8; NDM, n = 8; VIM, n = 8; IMP, n = 3; GIM, n = 1; GES-6, n = 1; no carbapenemase, n = 16) and against a panel of 10 isolates obtained from the United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service (NEQAS). The test was then evaluated prospectively against 324 isolates referred to the national reference center for suspicion of CPE. The BYG Carba test results were compared with those obtained with the Carba NP test using multiplex PCR sequencing as the gold standard. Of the 57 collection and the 10 NEQAS isolates, all but one GES-6-producing isolate were correctly identified by the Carba BYG test. Among the 324 consecutive Enterobacteriaceae isolates tested prospectively, 146 were confirmed as noncarbapenemase producers by PCR while 178 harbored a carbapenemase gene (OXA-48, n = 117; KPC, n = 25; NDM, n = 23; and VIM, n = 13). Prospectively, in comparison with PCR results, the BYG Carba test displayed 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity versus 89% and 100%, respectively, for the Carba NP test. The BYG Carba test is a novel, rapid, and efficient assay based on an electro-active polymer biosensing technology discriminating between CPE and non-CPE. The precise electrochemical signal (electrochemical impedance variations) allows the establishment of real-time objective measurement and interpretation criteria which should facilitate the accreditation process of this technology. PMID:26637378

Comprehensive clinical and epidemiological assessment of colonisation and infection due to carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Spain.

PubMed

Palacios-Baena, Zaira R; Oteo, Jesús; Conejo, Carmen; Larrosa, M Nieves; Bou, Germán; Fernández-Martínez, Marta; González-López, Juan José; Pintado, Vicente; Martínez-Martínez, Luis; Merino, María; Pomar, Virginia; Mora-Rillo, Marta; Rivera, María Alba; Oliver, Antonio; Ruiz-Carrascoso, Guillermo; Ruiz-Garbajosa, Patricia; Zamorano, Laura; Bautista, Verónica; Ortega, Adriana; Morales, Isabel; Pascual, Álvaro; Campos, José; Rodríguez-Baño, Jesús

2016-02-01

Most available information on carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is usually associated with specific types of infection or patient or with descriptions of outbreaks. The aim of this study was to comprehensively analyse the clinical epidemiology, clinical features and outcomes of colonisation and infections due to CPE in Spain. A multicentre prospective cohort study was carried out in 34 Spanish hospitals from February to May 2013. All new patients testing positive for CPE in clinical samples were included. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of mortality. Overall, 245 cases were included. The most frequent organism was Klebsiella pneumoniae (74%) and the carbapenemases belonged to the OXA-48 (74%), metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) (24%) and KPC (2%) groups. Acquisition was nosocomial in 145 cases (60%) and healthcare-associated (HCA) in 91 (37%); 42% of the latter were nursing home residents, in whom OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae ST405 predominated. MBLs and OXA-48 predominated in ICU and medical patients, respectively. Overall, 67% of patients had infections. The most frequent infections identified in this study were urinary tract (43%) and skin structure (21%) infections, and 10% of infections were bacteraemic. Crude mortality was 20%. Inappropriate antibiotic therapy was independently associated with an increased risk of death (OR = 3.30; 95% CI: 1.34-8.11). We found some differences in the epidemiology of CPE depending on the type of carbapenemase produced. Although a low proportion of CPE infections were bacteraemic, active antibiotic therapy was a protective factor for reducing mortality. Copyright © 2015 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Critical Point Facility (CPE) Group in the Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The primary payload for Space Shuttle Mission STS-42, launched January 22, 1992, was the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 (IML-1), a pressurized manned Spacelab module. The goal of IML-1 was to explore in depth the complex effects of weightlessness of living organisms and materials processing. Around-the-clock research was performed on the human nervous system's adaptation to low gravity and effects of microgravity on other life forms such as shrimp eggs, lentil seedlings, fruit fly eggs, and bacteria. Materials processing experiments were also conducted, including crystal growth from a variety of substances such as enzymes, mercury iodide, and a virus. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) Spacelab Payload Operations Control Center (SL POCC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) was the air/ground communication channel used between the astronauts and ground control teams during the Spacelab missions. Featured is the Critical Point Facility (CPE) group in the SL POCC during STS-42, IML-1 mission.

Carboxypeptidase E Modulates Intestinal Immune Homeostasis and Protects against Experimental Colitis in Mice

PubMed Central

Pagel, René; Schröder, Torsten; Schlichting, Heidi; Hirose, Misa; Lemcke, Susanne; Klinger, Antje; König, Peter; Karsten, Christian M.; Büning, Jürgen; Lehnert, Hendrik; Fellermann, Klaus; Ibrahim, Saleh M.; Sina, Christian

2014-01-01

Enteroendocrine cells (EEC) produce neuropeptides, which are crucially involved in the maintenance of the intestinal barrier. Hence, EEC dysfunction is suggested to be involved in the complex pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is characterized by decreased intestinal barrier function. However, the underlying mechanisms for EEC dysfunction are not clear and suitable models for a better understanding are lacking. Here, we demonstrate that Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) is specifically expressed in EEC of the murine colon and ileum and that its deficiency is associated with reduced intestinal levels of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and Peptide YY (PYY), which are both produced by EEC. Moreover, cpe−/− mice exhibit an aggravated course of DSS-induced chronic colitis compared to wildtype littermates. In addition, we observed elevated mucosal IL-6 and KC transcript levels already at baseline conditions in cpe−/− mice. Moreover, supernatants obtained from isolated intestinal crypts of cpe−/− mice lead to increased IL-6 and KC expression in MODE-K cells in the presence of LPS. This effect was reversible by co-administration of recombinant NPY, suggesting a CPE mediated immunosuppressive effect in the intestines by influencing the processing of specific neuropeptides. In this context, the chemotaxis of bone marrow derived macrophages towards respective supernatants was enhanced. In conclusion, our data point to an anti-inflammatory role of CPE in the intestine by influencing local cytokine levels and thus regulating the migration of myeloid immune cells into the mucosa. These findings highlight the importance of EEC for intestinal homeostasis and propose EEC as potential therapeutic targets in IBD. PMID:25051500

Construction of a fusion protein carrying antigenic determinants of enteric clostridial toxins.

PubMed

Belyi, Iouri F; Varfolomeeva, Nina A

2003-08-29

Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens type A are infectious agents of enteric diseases. The main virulence factors of these microorganisms include toxins A and B of C. difficile (ToxA and ToxB) and enterotoxin of C. perfringens (Cpe). In this study genetic constructions have been created for the expression of ToxA, ToxB and Cpe fragments either as individual components or as a hybrid multidomain (ToxA-ToxB-Cpe) protein. Rabbit monospecific sera raised against individual peptides reacted with the chimeric product indicating that the corresponding antigenic determinants were correctly expressed on the hybrid molecule. Furthermore, mice immunized with the fusion protein produced antibodies specific to each of the three separate components. These data suggest that the constructed three-domain molecule could be used in future studies for development of a vaccine against enteric clostridial diseases.

Incidence of colonization and bloodstream infection with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in children receiving antineoplastic chemotherapy in Italy.

PubMed

Caselli, Desiree; Cesaro, Simone; Fagioli, Franca; Carraro, Francesca; Ziino, Ottavio; Zanazzo, Giulio; Meazza, Cristina; Colombini, Antonella; Castagnola, Elio

2016-02-01

Few data are available on the incidence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) infection or colonization in children receiving anticancer chemotherapy. We performed a nationwide survey among centers participating in the pediatric hematology-oncology cooperative study group (Associazione Italiana Ematologia Oncologia Pediatrica, AIEOP). During a 2-year observation period, we observed a threefold increase in the colonization rate, and a fourfold increase of bloodstream infection episodes, caused by CPE, with a 90-day mortality of 14%. This first nationwide Italian pediatric survey shows that the circulation of CPE strains in the pediatric hematology-oncology environment is increasing. Given the mortality rate, which is higher than for other bacterial strains, specific monitoring should be applied and the results should have implications for health-care practice in pediatric hematology-oncology.

Evaluating the power to detect temporal trends in fishery-independent time surveys: A case study based on gill nets set in the Ohio waters of Lake Erie for walleyes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wagner, Tyler; Vandergoot, Christopher S.; Tyson, Jeff

2011-01-01

Fishery-independent (FI) surveys provide critical information used for the sustainable management and conservation of fish populations. Because fisheries management often requires the effects of management actions to be evaluated and detected within a relatively short time frame, it is important that research be directed toward FI survey evaluation, especially with respect to the ability to detect temporal trends. Using annual FI gill-net survey data for Lake Erie walleyes Sander vitreus collected from 1978 to 2006 as a case study, our goals were to (1) highlight the usefulness of hierarchical models for estimating spatial and temporal sources of variation in catch per effort (CPE); (2) demonstrate how the resulting variance estimates can be used to examine the statistical power to detect temporal trends in CPE in relation to sample size, duration of sampling, and decisions regarding what data are most appropriate for analysis; and (3) discuss recommendations for evaluating FI surveys and analyzing the resulting data to support fisheries management. This case study illustrated that the statistical power to detect temporal trends was low over relatively short sampling periods (e.g., 5–10 years) unless the annual decline in CPE reached 10–20%. For example, if 50 sites were sampled each year, a 10% annual decline in CPE would not be detected with more than 0.80 power until 15 years of sampling, and a 5% annual decline would not be detected with more than 0.8 power for approximately 22 years. Because the evaluation of FI surveys is essential for ensuring that trends in fish populations can be detected over management-relevant time periods, we suggest using a meta-analysis–type approach across systems to quantify sources of spatial and temporal variation. This approach can be used to evaluate and identify sampling designs that increase the ability of managers to make inferences about trends in fish stocks.

Evaluating the power to detect temporal trends in fishery independent surveys: A case study based on Gillnets Set in the Ohio waters of Lake Erie for walleye

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wagner, Tyler; Vandergoot, Christopher S.; Tyson, Jeff

2009-01-01

Fishery-independent (FI) surveys provide critical information used for the sustainable management and conservation of fish populations. Because fisheries management often requires the effects of management actions to be evaluated and detected within a relatively short time frame, it is important that research be directed toward FI survey evaluation, especially with respect to the ability to detect temporal trends. Using annual FI gill-net survey data for Lake Erie walleyes Sander vitreus collected from 1978 to 2006 as a case study, our goals were to (1) highlight the usefulness of hierarchical models for estimating spatial and temporal sources of variation in catch per effort (CPE); (2) demonstrate how the resulting variance estimates can be used to examine the statistical power to detect temporal trends in CPE in relation to sample size, duration of sampling, and decisions regarding what data are most appropriate for analysis; and (3) discuss recommendations for evaluating FI surveys and analyzing the resulting data to support fisheries management. This case study illustrated that the statistical power to detect temporal trends was low over relatively short sampling periods (e.g., 5–10 years) unless the annual decline in CPE reached 10–20%. For example, if 50 sites were sampled each year, a 10% annual decline in CPE would not be detected with more than 0.80 power until 15 years of sampling, and a 5% annual decline would not be detected with more than 0.8 power for approximately 22 years. Because the evaluation of FI surveys is essential for ensuring that trends in fish populations can be detected over management-relevant time periods, we suggest using a meta-analysis–type approach across systems to quantify sources of spatial and temporal variation. This approach can be used to evaluate and identify sampling designs that increase the ability of managers to make inferences about trends in fish stocks.

Investigation of disorder and its effect on electrical transport in electrochemically doped polymer devices by current-voltage and impedance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman Khan, Motiur; Anjaneyulu, P.; Koteswara Rao, K. S. R.; Menon, R.

2017-03-01

We report on the analysis of temperature-dependent current-voltage characteristics and impedance measurements of electrochemically doped poly(3-methylthiophene) devices at different doping levels. The extent of doping is carefully tailored such that only the bulk-limited transport mechanism prevails. A transition from exponentially distributed trap-limited transport to trap-free space-charge-limited current is observed in current-voltage conduction upon increasing the doping. The obtained trap densities (3.2  ×  1016 cm-3 and 8.6  ×  1015 cm-3) and trap energies (31.7 meV and 16.6 meV) for different devices signify the variation in disorder with doping, which is later supported by impedance measurements. Impedance-frequency data for various devices can not be explained using the parallel resistance-capacitance (RC) model in the equivalent circuit. However, this was established by incorporating a constant phase element Q (CPE) instead of the capacitance parameter. It should be emphasized that low doping devices in particular are best simulated with two CPE elements, while the data related to other devices are fitted well with a single CPE element. It is also observed from evaluated circuit parameters that the spatial inhomogeneity and disorder are the cause of variability in different samples, which has an excellent correlation with the temperature-dependent current-voltage characteristics.

Effectiveness and Quality in Continuing Professional Education: A Critical Examination of the Interface between Policy and Practice in UK Universities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Day, Christopher; And Others

This 2-year study of the effectiveness and quality of continuing professional education (CPE) in the United Kingdom identified policy implementation issues resulting from recent government policies and economic imperatives which have given rise to a "new managerialism" which is changing the organizational culture of higher education…

Assessment of Alternatives for Upgrading Navy Solid Waste Disposal Sites. Volume 2.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-08-01

chloride (PVC), butyl rubber , Hypalon, ethylene propylene diene monomer ( EPDM ) , and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE). These materials have been used...September 1976): • Butyl rubber • Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) • Chlorosulfonate polyethylene (hypalon) • Ethylene propylene rubber ( EPDM ...CLASSIFICATION OF THIS » AGE r*T>«n D«a Eni.r.a) V • 1 . i , ... »*l«. • • ,.,. • ’in EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ASSESSMENT OF

The Impact of the Rate and Variety of Uses of Fixed and Mobile Broadband on the Progress of CPE: A Chartered Accountant's Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rawashdeh, Awni; Al-namlah, Lamia

2015-01-01

To examine the impact of the usage of fixed and mobile broadband on the progress of continuing professional education (CPE) from the perspective of chartered accountants in Saudi Arabia, an e-mail survey was conducted. A random sampling of chartered accountants in Saudi Arabia was investigated. This research was aimed to identify any correlation…

Self-association of plant wax components: a thermodynamic analysis.

PubMed

Casado, C G; Heredia, A

2001-01-01

Excess specific heat, C(p)()(E), of binary mixtures of selected components of plant cuticular waxes has been determined. This thermodynamic parameter gives an explanation of the special molecular arrangement in crystalline and amorphous zones of plant waxes. C(p)()(E) values indicate that hydrogen bonding between chains results in the formation of amorphous zones. Conclusions on the self-asembly process of plant waxes have been also made.

Standardization of RP-HPLC methods for the detection of the major peanut allergens Ara h 1, Ara h 2 and Ara h 3

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Crude peanut extract (CPE) was analyzed for three major allergens (Ara h 1, h 2, and h 3) using a C12 and a C18 column at two wavelengths (280 and 220 nm) and under different solvent conditions. HPLC profiles were compared for retention time, resolution, and peak heights. CPE samples were spiked wit...

Highly conductive and flexible nano-structured carbon-based polymer nanocomposites with improved electromagnetic-interference-shielding performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mondal, Subhadip; Ghosh, Sabyasachi; Ganguly, Sayan; Das, Poushali; Ravindren, Revathy; Sit, Subhashis; Chakraborty, Goutam; Das, Narayan Ch

2017-10-01

Widespread usage and development of electrical/electronic devices can create severe problems for various other devices and in our everyday lives due to harmful exposure to electromagnetic (EM) radiation. Herein, we report on the electromagnetic interference (EMI)-shielding performance of highly flexible and conductive chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)/carbon nanofiber (CNF) nanocomposites fabricated by a probe-sonication-assisted simple solution-mixing process. The dispersion of CNF nanofillers inside the CPE matrix has been studied by electron micrographs. This dispersion is reflected in the formation of continuous conductive networks at a low percolation-threshold value of 2.87 wt% and promising EMI-shielding performance of 41.5 dB for 25 wt% CNF in the X-band frequency (8.2-12.4 GHz). Such an intriguing performance mainly depends on the unique filler-filler or filler-polymer networks in CPE nanocomposites. In addition, the composite material displays a superior EMI efficiency of 47.5 dB for 2.0 mm thickness at 8.2 GHz. However, we have been encouraged by the promotion of highly flexible and lightweight CPE/CNF nanocomposite as a superior EMI shield, which can protect electronic devices against harm caused by EM radiation and offers an adaptable solution in advanced EMI-shield applications.

Quantifying temporal trends in fisheries abundance using Bayesian dynamic linear models: A case study of riverine Smallmouth Bass populations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schall, Megan K.; Blazer, Vicki S.; Lorantas, Robert M.; Smith, Geoffrey; Mullican, John E.; Keplinger, Brandon J.; Wagner, Tyler

2018-01-01

Detecting temporal changes in fish abundance is an essential component of fisheries management. Because of the need to understand short‐term and nonlinear changes in fish abundance, traditional linear models may not provide adequate information for management decisions. This study highlights the utility of Bayesian dynamic linear models (DLMs) as a tool for quantifying temporal dynamics in fish abundance. To achieve this goal, we quantified temporal trends of Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu catch per effort (CPE) from rivers in the mid‐Atlantic states, and we calculated annual probabilities of decline from the posterior distributions of annual rates of change in CPE. We were interested in annual declines because of recent concerns about fish health in portions of the study area. In general, periods of decline were greatest within the Susquehanna River basin, Pennsylvania. The declines in CPE began in the late 1990s—prior to observations of fish health problems—and began to stabilize toward the end of the time series (2011). In contrast, many of the other rivers investigated did not have the same magnitude or duration of decline in CPE. Bayesian DLMs provide information about annual changes in abundance that can inform management and are easily communicated with managers and stakeholders.

Cloud point extraction of vanadium in pharmaceutical formulations, dialysate and parenteral solutions using 8-hydroxyquinoline and nonionic surfactant.

PubMed

Khan, Sumaira; Kazi, Tasneem G; Baig, Jameel A; Kolachi, Nida F; Afridi, Hassan I; Wadhwa, Sham Kumar; Shah, Abdul Q; Kandhro, Ghulam A; Shah, Faheem

2010-10-15

A cloud point extraction (CPE) method has been developed for the determination of trace quantity of vanadium ions in pharmaceutical formulations (PF), dialysate (DS) and parenteral solutions (PS). The CPE of vanadium (V) using 8-hydroxyquinoline (oxine) as complexing reagent and mediated by nonionic surfactant (Triton X-114) was investigated. The parameters that affect the extraction efficiency of CPE, such as pH of sample solution, concentration of oxine and Triton X-114, equilibration temperature and time period for shaking were investigated in detail. The validity of CPE of V was checked by standard addition method in real samples. The extracted surfactant-rich phase was diluted with nitric acid in ethanol, prior to subjecting electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Under these conditions, the preconcentration of 50 mL sample solutions, allowed raising an enrichment factor of 125-fold. The lower limit of detection obtained under the optimal conditions was 42 ng/L. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of trace quantity of V in various pharmaceutical preparations with satisfactory results. The concentration ranges of V in PF, DS and PS samples were found in the range of 10.5-15.2, 0.65-1.32 and 1.76-6.93 microg/L, respectively. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Symmetry laws improve electronegativity equalization by orders of magnitude and call for a paradigm shift in conceptual density functional theory.

PubMed

von Szentpály, László

2015-03-05

The strict Wigner-Witmer symmetry constraints on chemical bonding are shown to determine the accuracy of electronegativity equalization (ENE) to a high degree. Bonding models employing the electronic chemical potential, μ, as the negative of the ground-state electronegativity, χ(GS), frequently collide with the Wigner-Witmer laws in molecule formation. The violations are presented as the root of the substantially disturbing lack of chemical potential equalization (CPE) in diatomic molecules. For the operational chemical potential, μ(op), the relative deviations from CPE fall between -31% ≤ δμ(op) ≤ +70%. Conceptual density functional theory (cDFT) cannot claim to have operationally (not to mention, rigorously) proven and unified the CPE and ENE principles. The solution to this limitation of cDFT and the symmetry violations is found in substituting μ(op) (i) by Mulliken's valence-state electronegativity, χ(M), for atoms and (ii) its new generalization, the valence-pair-affinity, α(VP), for diatomic molecules. Mulliken's χ(M) is equalized into the α(VP) of the bond, and the accuracy of ENE is orders of magnitude better than that of CPE using μ(op). A paradigm shift replacing the dominance of ground states by emphasizing valence states seems to be in order for conceptual DFT.

Planning in Dynamic and Uncertain Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-05-01

particular, General Electric’s (GE) Tachyon system [2]), and uses the communication software provided in the CPE (in particular, the Cronus and Knet...and gets back information about the world and replanning requests. "* We extended SIPE-2 to interact with GE’s Tachyon system in a loosely coupled...manner. Tachyon is able to process extended temporal constraints for SIPE-2 during planning. They communicate by using the Cronus system in the CPE

Claudins Overexpression in Ovarian Cancer: Potential Targets for Clostridium Perfringens Enterotoxin (CPE) Based Diagnosis and Therapy

PubMed Central

English, Diana P.; Santin, Alessandro D.

2013-01-01

Claudins are a family of tight junction proteins regulating paracellular permeability and cell polarity with different patterns of expression in benign and malignant human tissues. There are approximately 27 members of the claudin family identified to date with varying cell and tissue-specific expression. Claudins-3, -4 and -7 represent the most highly differentially expressed claudins in ovarian cancer. While their exact role in ovarian tumors is still being elucidated, these proteins are thought to be critical for ovarian cancer cell invasion/dissemination and resistance to chemotherapy. Claudin-3 and claudin-4 are the natural receptors for the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), a potent cytolytic toxin. These surface proteins may therefore represent attractive targets for the detection and treatment of chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer and other aggressive solid tumors overexpressing claudin-3 and -4 using CPE-based theranostic agents. PMID:23685873

An Integrative Professional Theory and Practice Paper: Personal Reflections from the Journey through Clinical Pastoral Education.

PubMed

McLean, Gillian

2015-12-01

CPE is an experience-based approach to learning spiritual care which combines clinical care with qualified supervision, in-class education and group reflection (CASC--http://www.spiritualcare.ca/). Through didactic seminars, group presentations and personal reading there is opportunity for the student to acquire, apply and integrate relevant theoretical information into their practice. Written for my CPE Specialist application, this paper describes how, through the course of advanced CPE education, I learn to utilize and integrate theory into my clinical work. Beginning with three strands--authenticity, listening and storytelling--I then discuss how the behavioural sciences and theology inform my practice. Focusing on empathy, I speak of the application of disclosure, the use of counter-transference as a diagnostic tool, and the place of therapeutic termination. Group theory, family systems theory, theological reflection, liturgical ministry, and multi-faith practices are considered. © The Author(s) 2015.

Evaluation of Caesalpinia pulcherrima Linn. for anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activities

PubMed Central

Sharma, Vivek; Rajani, G.P.

2011-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Linn.) Sw. for anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activities. Materials and Methods: Anti-inflammatory action of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of C. pulcherrima (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) (CPE and CPA) were evaluated by cotton pellet granuloma models. Pylorus ligation and aspirin induced ulcer models were employed for evaluating antiulcer activity for both the extracts. Ulcerogenic potential of CP was also evaluated. Result: The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of C. pulcherrima significantly decreased (P<0.01) the granuloma tissue development. CPE and CPA at both the doses exhibited significant (P<0.01) antiulcer activity by decreasing the ulcer score in both the ulcer models and it was not ulcerogenic. Conclusion: The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of C. pulcherrima (CPE and CPA) possess significant anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activities. PMID:21572651

The Epidemiology of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae: The Impact and Evolution of a Global Menace

PubMed Central

Weinstein, Robert A.

2017-01-01

Abstract Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a serious public health threat. Infections due to these organisms are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Mechanisms of drug resistance in gram-negative bacteria (GNB) are numerous; β-lactamase genes carried on mobile genetic elements are a key mechanism for the rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant GNB worldwide. Transmissible carbapenem-resistance in Enterobacteriaceae has been recognized for the last 2 decades, but global dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is a more recent problem that, once initiated, has been occurring at an alarming pace. In this article, we discuss the evolution of CRE, with a focus on the epidemiology of the CPE pandemic; review risk factors for colonization and infection with the most common transmissible CPE worldwide, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase–producing K. pneumoniae; and present strategies used to halt the striking spread of these deadly pathogens. PMID:28375512

A survey of perceived problems in orthodontic education in 23 European countries.

PubMed

Sieminska-Piekarczyk, B; Adamidis, J P; Eaton, K A; McDonald, J P; Seeholzer, H

2000-12-01

This paper reports on a survey of perceived problems in the provision of orthodontic education at the stages of undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing professional education (CPE) in 23 European countries in 1997. A questionnaire, together with an explanatory letter, was mailed to all members of the EUROQUAL II BIOMED project. Answers were validated during a meeting of project participants and by further correspondence, when necessary. The topics covered in the questionnaire were adequacy of funding, numbers of orthodontic teachers, availability of equipment, regulations, training centres, numbers of orthodontists, availability of books, journals, and information technology. Completed questionnaires were returned by orthodontists from all 23 countries. Respondents from seven countries did not answer all questions. Respondents reported a perceived almost universal lack of adequate funding for postgraduate orthodontic training (from 18 out of 20 countries) and, to a lesser extent, at undergraduate (13 out of 20 countries) and CPE levels (17 out of 21 countries). Respondents from 12 of the 20 countries reported adequate numbers of qualified teachers at undergraduate level, but only seven out of 18 at postgraduate level and eight out of 19 for CPE. Lack of suitable equipment was reported as a more frequent problem by central and eastern European countries (six out of 20 countries at undergraduate level, eight out of 20 countries at postgraduate level, and 12 out of 19 at CPE level). Too few or too many regulations were only perceived to be a problem by the respondent from one country out of 19 at undergraduate level, by seven out of 19 at postgraduate level, and by eight out of 16 at CPE level). Lack of training centres was more frequently reported as a problem by respondents from central and eastern European countries, but was generally not perceived as a problem by respondents from west European countries. Respondents from seven countries reported a lack of training centres for CPE. Respondents from six countries reported that they perceived there to be too many orthodontists at postgraduate level, from seven countries that there were an appropriate number, and from seven that there were too few. A lack of books, journals, and information technology was reported to be a problem by respondents from four out of 19 countries at undergraduate level, eight out of 20 at postgraduate level, and 10 out of 20 at CPE level. At both undergraduate and postgraduate level, the majority of respondents from central and eastern European countries reported problems with books, journals, and information technology. The results of the survey confirmed many anecdotal impressions and provided an extremely useful background against which to formulate quality guidelines for orthodontic education in Europe.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED CELL CULTURE/RT-PCR METHOD FOR THE DETECTION OF ENTEROVIRUS IN WATER

EPA Science Inventory

Virus contamination in environmental samples is believed to be underestimated due to the limitations in the methods available for detection. A major detection method is based upon the formation of cytopathic effect (CPE) in cell culture. The main limitations to this method are ...

Synergistic efficacy of salicylic acid with a penetration enhancer on human skin monitored by OCT and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Qingliang; Dai, Cuixia; Fan, Shanhui; Lv, Jing; Nie, Liming

2016-10-01

Salicylic acid (SA) has been frequently used as a facial chemical peeling agent (FCPA) in various cosmetics for facial rejuvenation and dermatological treatments in the clinic. However, there is a tradeoff between therapeutic effectiveness and possible adverse effects caused by this agent for cosmetologists. To optimize the cosmetic efficacy with minimal concentration, we proposed a chemical permeation enhancer (CPE) azone to synergistically work with SA on human skin in vivo. The optical properties of human skin after being treated with SA alone and SA combined with azone (SA@azone) were successively investigated by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Our results revealed that as the SA concentration increased, the light reflectance decreased and the absorption increased. We also found that SA@azone exhibited a synergistic effect on enhancing light penetration and OCT imaging depth. We demonstrated that the combination of DRS and OCT techniques could be used as a noninvasive, rapid and accurate measurement method to monitor the subtle changes of skin tissue after treatment with FCPA and CPE. The approach will greatly benefit the development of clinical cosmetic surgery, dermatosis diagnosis and therapeutic effect inspection in related biomedical studies.

Evaluating the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide vapour against foot-and-mouth disease virus within a BSL4 biosafety facility.

PubMed

Petit, B M; Almeida, F C; Uchiyama, T R; Lopes, F O C; Tino, K H; Chewins, J

2017-10-01

An evaluation was made of the efficacy of 35% hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in a biosafety facility. Biological indicators (BIs) were produced using three serotypes of FMDV, all with a titre of ≥10 6 TCID 50 per ml. Fifteen BIs of each serotype were distributed across five locations, throughout a 30-m 3 airlock chamber, producing a total of 45 BIs. Thirty-five percent HPV was generated and applied using a Bioquell vaporization module located in the centre of the chamber. After a dwell period of 40 min, the HPV was removed via the enclosures air handling system and the BIs were collected. The surfaces of the BIs were recovered into Glasgow's modified Eagle's medium (GMEM), cultivated in BHK21 Cl13 cell culture and analysed for evidence of cytopathic effect (CPE). No CPE was detected in any BI sample. Positive controls showed CPE. The experimentation shows that FMDV is susceptible to HPV decontamination and presents a potential alternative to formaldehyde. Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is an important pathogen in terms of biosafety due to its infectious nature and wide range of host animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. Outbreaks of FMDV can have a severe impact on livestock production, causing morbidity, mortality, reduced yields and trade embargoes. Laboratories studying FMDV must possess BSL4 robust bio-decontamination methods to prevent inadvertent release. Formaldehyde has been the primary agent for environmental decontamination, but its designation as a human carcinogen has led to a search for alternatives. This study shows 35% hydrogen peroxide vapour has the potential to be a rapid, effective, residue-free alternative. © 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Paleogeographic Control on Climate Sensitivity of the Cretaceous-Palaeogene-Eocene.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farnsworth, A.; Lunt, D. J.; Robinson, S.; O'Brien, C. L.; Pancost, R.

2016-12-01

Just how sensitive are warm climates of the past (Cretaceous-Eocene-Palaeogene (CPE)) to atmospheric carbon dioxide (pCO2) concentrations. We present an ensemble [1] of 21 climate model simulations spanning the CPE at both 560ppm and 1120ppm using state of the art paleogeographies (GETECH Plc. [1]), to ascertain how sensitive warm climates of the past are to pCO2. We find depending on the time period in the CPE, a doubling of pCO2results in a 2-3°C increase in SST and a 3-5°C increase in surface air temperature. We analyse the reasons behind the varying climate sensitivity, and the geographical distribution of warming, including some of the periods with regions of cooling (figure 1) and how this may help inform future climate change. Further to this we construct a model derived CO2 curve through the CPE based on avaliable proxy-data. Figure 1 - Mean surface annual surface temperature (°C) anomaly (4 x Pre-Industrial pCO2 (1120ppm) minus 2 x Pre-Industrial pCO2(560ppm)) in the Ypresian ( 52 Myr). [1] Lunt, D. J., Farnsworth, A., Loptson, C., Foster, G. L., Markwick, P., O'Brien, C. L., Pancost, R. D., Robinson, S. A., and Wrobel, N.: Palaeogeographic controls on climate and proxy interpretation, Clim. Past Discuss., 11, 5683-5725, doi:10.5194/cpd-11-5683-2015, 2015.

Sequential cloud-point extraction for toxicological screening analysis of medicaments in human plasma by high pressure liquid chromatography with diode array detector.

PubMed

Madej, Katarzyna; Persona, Karolina; Wandas, Monika; Gomółka, Ewa

2013-10-18

A complex extraction system with the use of cloud-point extraction technique (CPE) was developed for sequential isolation of basic and acidic/neutral medicaments from human plasma/serum, screened by HPLC/DAD method. Eight model drugs (paracetamol, promazine, chlorpromazine, amitriptyline, salicyclic acid, opipramol, alprazolam and carbamazepine) were chosen for the study of optimal CPE conditions. The CPE technique consists in partition of an aqueous sample with addition of a surfactant into two phases: micelle-rich phase with the isolated compounds and water phase containing a surfactant below the critical micellar concentration, mainly under influence of temperature change. The proposed extraction system consists of two chief steps: isolation of basic compounds (from pH 12) and then isolation of acidic/neutral compounds (from pH 6) using surfactant Triton X-114 as the extraction medium. Extraction recovery varied from 25.2 to 107.9% with intra-day and inter-day precision (RSD %) ranged 0.88-1087 and 5.32-17.96, respectively. The limits of detection for the studied medicaments at λ 254nm corresponded to therapeutic or low toxic plasma concentration levels. Usefulness of the proposed CPE-HPLC/DAD method for toxicological drug screening was tested via its application to analysis of two serum samples taken from patients suspected of drug overdosing. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Causes of declining survival of lake trout stocked in U.S. waters of Lake Superior in 1963-1986

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hansen, Michael J.; Ebener, Mark P.; Schorfhaar, Richard G.; Schram, Stephen T.; Schreiner, Donald R.; Selgeby, James H.; Taylor, William W.

1996-01-01

Survival of the 1963-1982 year-classes of stocked yearling lake trout Salvelinus namaycush declined significantly over time in Lake Superior. To investigate possible causes of this decline, a Ricker model of stock-recruitment was used to describe the catch per effort (CPE) of age-7 stocked lake trout in the Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin waters of Lake Superior as functions of the numbers of yearlings stocked 6 years earlier (an index of density dependence), the density (CPE) of wild adult lake trout (an index of predation), and large-mesh (a?Y 114-mm stretch-measure) gill-net fishing effort (an index of fishing mortality). Declining CPE of stocked lake trout in Michigan and Wisconsin was significantly associated with increasing large-mesh gillnet fishing effort. Declining CPE of stocked lake trout in Minnesota was significantly associated with increasing density of wild lake trout. Declining survival of stocked lake trout may therefore have been caused by increased mortality in large-mesh gill-net fisheries in Michigan and Wisconsin, and by predation by wild lake trout that recently recolonized the Minnesota area. We recommend that experimental management be pursued to determine the relative importance of large-mesh gillnet fishing effort and of predation by wild lake trout on the survival of stocked lake trout in U.S. waters of Lake Superior.

Retrospective use of next-generation sequencing reveals the presence of Enteroviruses in acute influenza-like illness respiratory samples collected in South/South-East Asia during 2010-2013.

PubMed

Rutvisuttinunt, Wiriya; Klungthong, Chonticha; Thaisomboonsuk, Butsaya; Chinnawirotpisan, Piyawan; Ajariyakhajorn, Chuanpis; Manasatienkij, Wudtichai; Phonpakobsin, Thipwipha; Lon, Chanthap; Saunders, David; Wangchuk, Sonam; Shrestha, Sanjaya K; Velasco, John Mark S; Alera, Maria Theresa P; Simasathien, Sriluck; Buddhari, Darunee; Jarman, Richard G; Macareo, Louis R; Yoon, In-Kyu; Fernandez, Stefan

2017-09-01

Emerging and re-emerging respiratory pathogens represent an increasing threat to public health. Etiological determination during outbreaks generally relies on clinical information, occasionally accompanied by traditional laboratory molecular or serological testing. Often, this limited testing leads to inconclusive findings. The Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS) collected 12,865 nasopharyngeal specimens from acute influenza-like illness (ILI) patients in five countries in South/South East Asia during 2010-2013. Three hundred and twenty-four samples which were found to be negative for influenza virus after screening with real-time RT-PCR and cell-based culture techniques demonstrated the potential for viral infection with evident cytopathic effect (CPE) in several cell lines. To assess whether whole genome next-generation sequencing (WG-NGS) together with conventional molecular assays can be used to reveal the etiology of influenza negative, but CPE positive specimens. The supernatant of these CPE positive cell cultures were grouped in 32 pools containing 2-26 supernatants per pool. Three WG-NGS runs were performed on these supernatant pools. Sequence reads were used to identify positive pools containing viral pathogens. Individual samples in the positive pools were confirmed by qRT-PCR, RT-PCR, PCR and Sanger sequencing from the CPE culture and original clinical specimens. WG-NGS was an effective way to expand pathogen identification in surveillance studies. This enabled the identification of a viral agent in 71.3% (231/324) of unidentified surveillance samples, including common respiratory pathogens (100/324; 30.9%): enterovirus (16/100; 16.0%), coxsackievirus (31/100; 31.0%), echovirus (22/100; 22.0%), human rhinovirus (3/100; 3%), enterovirus genus (2/100; 2.0%), influenza A (9/100; 9.0%), influenza B, (5/100; 5.0%), human parainfluenza (4/100; 4.0%), human adenovirus (3/100; 3.0%), human coronavirus (1/100; 1.0%), human metapneumovirus (2/100; 2.0%), and mumps virus (2/100; 2.0%), in addition to the non-respiratory pathogen herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) (172/324; 53.1%) and HSV-1 co-infection with respiratory viruses (41/324; 12.7%). Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of diarrhea and enteropathogens in racing sled dogs.

PubMed

McKenzie, E; Riehl, J; Banse, H; Kass, P H; Nelson, S; Marks, S L

2010-01-01

Diarrhea is highly prevalent in racing sled dogs, although the underlying causes are poorly understood. Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) and Clostridium difficile Toxin A and B are associated with diarrhea in racing sled dogs. One hundred and thirty-five sled dogs. Freshly voided feces were obtained from 55 dogs before racing and from 80 dogs after 400 miles of racing. Samples were visually scored for diarrhea, mucus, blood, and melena. CPE and C. difficile Toxin A and B were detected by ELISA. Samples were cultured for C. perfringens, C. difficile, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli O157; Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. were detected via immunofluorescence. Diarrhea occurred in 36% of dogs during racing, and hematochezia, fecal mucus or melena, or all 3 occurred in 57.5% of dogs. Salmonella was isolated from 78.2% of dogs before racing, and from 71.3% of dogs during racing. C. perfringens and C. difficile were isolated from 100 and 58.2% of dogs before racing, and from 95 and 36.3% of dogs during racing. Dogs were more likely to test positive for CPE during than before racing (18.8 versus 5.5%, P = .021); however, no enteropathogens or their respective toxins were significantly associated with hematochezia or diarrhea. Sled dogs participating in long distance racing have a high prevalence of diarrhea and hematochezia that is not associated with common enteropathogens. It is possible that diarrhea and hematochezia represent the effect of prolonged exercise on the gastrointestinal tract.

Inhibition of Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) replication by the putative DNA helicase gene of Autographa californica NPV.

PubMed Central

Kamita, S G; Maeda, S

1993-01-01

Coinfection of Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV) with Autographa californica NPV (AcNPV) in the BmNPV-permissive BmN cell line resulted in the complete inhibition of BmNPV replication. Coinfected BmN cells exhibited an atypical cytopathic effect (CPE) and synthesis of viral and host proteins was dramatically attenuated by 5 h postinfection (p.i.) and nearly completely blocked by 24 h p.i. Viral transcription, however, appeared to occur normally during both early (5-h-p.i.) and late (24-h-p.i.) stages of infection. Superinfection of BmN cells with AcNPV at 5 and 12 h post-BmNPV infection resulted in limited inhibition of BmNPV replication. BmN cells singly infected with AcNPV also showed similar CPE, premature inhibition of viral and host protein synthesis, and apparently normal viral transcription. BmNPV replication occurred normally following coinfection of BmNPV and eh2-AcNPV, an AcNPV mutant identical to AcNPV except for a 572-bp region in its putative DNA helicase gene originating from BmNPV (S. Maeda, S. G. Kamita, and A. Kondo, J. Virol. 67:6234-6238, 1993). Furthermore, atypical CPE and premature attenuation of host and viral protein synthesis were not observed. These results indicated that the inhibition of BmNPV replication was caused either directly or indirectly at the translational level by the putative AcNPV DNA helicase gene. Images PMID:7690422

Isolation of Canine parvovirus with a view to identify the prevalent serotype on the basis of partial sequence analysis.

PubMed

Kaur, Gurpreet; Chandra, Mudit; Dwivedi, P N; Sharma, N S

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to isolate Canine parvovirus (CPV) from suspected dogs on madin darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line and its confirmation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR (NPCR). Further, VP2 gene of the CPV isolates was amplified and sequenced to determine prevailing antigenic type. A total of 60 rectal swabs were collected from dogs showing signs of gastroenteritis, processed and subjected to isolation in MDCK cell line. The samples showing cytopathic effects (CPE) were confirmed by PCR and NPCR. These samples were subjected to PCR for amplification of VP2 gene of CPV, sequenced and analyzed to study the prevailing antigenic types of CPV. Out of the 60 samples subjected to isolation in MDCK cell line five samples showed CPE in the form of rounding of cells, clumping of cells and finally detachment of the cells. When these samples and the two commercially available vaccines were subjected to PCR for amplification of VP2 gene, a 1710 bp product was amplified. The sequence analysis revealed that the vaccines belonged to the CPV-2 type and the samples were of CPV-2b type. It can be concluded from the present study that out of a total of 60 samples 5 samples exhibited CPE as observed in MDCK cell line. Sequence analysis of the VP2 gene among the samples and vaccine strains revealed that samples belonged to CPV-2b type and vaccines belonging to CPV-2.

CodY Promotes Sporulation and Enterotoxin Production by Clostridium perfringens Type A Strain SM101.

PubMed

Li, Jihong; Freedman, John C; Evans, Daniel R; McClane, Bruce A

2017-03-01

Clostridium perfringens type D strains cause enterotoxemia and enteritis in livestock via epsilon toxin production. In type D strain CN3718, CodY was previously shown to increase the level of epsilon toxin production and repress sporulation. C. perfringens type A strains producing C. perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) cause human food poisoning and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Sporulation is critical for C. perfringens type A food poisoning since spores contribute to transmission and resistance in the harsh food environment and sporulation is essential for CPE production. Therefore, the current study asked whether CodY also regulates sporulation and CPE production in SM101, a derivative of C. perfringens type A food-poisoning strain NCTC8798. An isogenic codY -null mutant of SM101 showed decreased levels of spore formation, along with lower levels of CPE production. A complemented strain recovered wild-type levels of both sporulation and CPE production. When this result was coupled with the earlier results obtained with CN3718, it became apparent that CodY regulation of sporulation varies among different C. perfringens strains. Results from quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR analysis clearly demonstrated that, during sporulation, codY transcript levels remained high in SM101 but rapidly declined in CN3718. In addition, abrB gene expression patterns varied significantly between codY -null mutants of SM101 and CN3718. Compared to the levels in their wild-type parents, the level of abrB gene expression decreased in the CN3718 codY -null mutant strain but significantly increased in the SM101 codY -null mutant strain, demonstrating CodY-dependent regulation differences in abrB expression between these two strains. This difference appears to be important since overexpression of the abrB gene in SM101 reduced the levels of sporulation and enterotoxin production, supporting the involvement of AbrB repression in regulating C. perfringens sporulation. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

CodY Promotes Sporulation and Enterotoxin Production by Clostridium perfringens Type A Strain SM101

PubMed Central

Li, Jihong; Freedman, John C.; Evans, Daniel R.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Clostridium perfringens type D strains cause enterotoxemia and enteritis in livestock via epsilon toxin production. In type D strain CN3718, CodY was previously shown to increase the level of epsilon toxin production and repress sporulation. C. perfringens type A strains producing C. perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) cause human food poisoning and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Sporulation is critical for C. perfringens type A food poisoning since spores contribute to transmission and resistance in the harsh food environment and sporulation is essential for CPE production. Therefore, the current study asked whether CodY also regulates sporulation and CPE production in SM101, a derivative of C. perfringens type A food-poisoning strain NCTC8798. An isogenic codY-null mutant of SM101 showed decreased levels of spore formation, along with lower levels of CPE production. A complemented strain recovered wild-type levels of both sporulation and CPE production. When this result was coupled with the earlier results obtained with CN3718, it became apparent that CodY regulation of sporulation varies among different C. perfringens strains. Results from quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR analysis clearly demonstrated that, during sporulation, codY transcript levels remained high in SM101 but rapidly declined in CN3718. In addition, abrB gene expression patterns varied significantly between codY-null mutants of SM101 and CN3718. Compared to the levels in their wild-type parents, the level of abrB gene expression decreased in the CN3718 codY-null mutant strain but significantly increased in the SM101 codY-null mutant strain, demonstrating CodY-dependent regulation differences in abrB expression between these two strains. This difference appears to be important since overexpression of the abrB gene in SM101 reduced the levels of sporulation and enterotoxin production, supporting the involvement of AbrB repression in regulating C. perfringens sporulation. PMID:28052992

Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Reduces Osteolysis Incidence and Wear-Related Reoperation Rate in Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty Compared With Conventional Polyethylene at a Mean 12-Year Follow-Up.

PubMed

Tsukamoto, Manabu; Mori, Toshiharu; Ohnishi, Hideo; Uchida, Soshi; Sakai, Akinori

2017-12-01

A number of studies on total hip arthroplasty have compared highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) with conventional polyethylene (CPE) liners beyond 10 years. However, the impact of HXLPE on the wear-related reoperation rate is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical advantage of using a single manufacturer's HXLPE in terms of reducing the reoperation rate. The study was a follow-up retrospective cohort study over a mean of 12 years that examined patients aged 45-70 years with cementless total hip arthroplasty using a 26-mm-diameter cobalt-chromium head. Sixty-seven patients (79 hips; HXLPE group = 41 hips, CPE group = 38 hips) were evaluated for a minimum 10-year follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed, with wear-related reoperations and radiographic osteolysis serving as the end points. The polyethylene wear rate was also assessed. The mean 12-year follow-up rates of survivorship that were evaluated using wear-related reoperations as the end point were 100% and 91.4% in the HXLPE and CPE groups, respectively (P = .007), and the mean 12-year follow-up rates of survivorship with osteolysis as the end point were 100% and 36.2%, respectively (P < .001). Compared with the CPE group, the HXLPE group presented a significantly reduced wear rate (HXLPE group, 0.035 mm/y; CPE group, 0.118 mm/y). A unique strength of this study is that we assessed a single manufacturer's HXLPE while keeping most other implant parameters uniform. This study reveals the clinical advantage of using a single manufacturer's HXLPE in terms of a reduced wear-related reoperation rate at a mean 12-year follow-up. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Clinical and histopathological features of adenomas of the ciliary pigment epithelium.

PubMed

Chang, Ying; Wei, Wen Bin; Shi, Ji Tong; Xian, Jun Fang; Yang, Wen Li; Xu, Xiao Lin; Bai, Hai Xia; Li, Bin; Jonas, Jost B

2016-11-01

Adenomas of the ciliary pigment epithelium (CPE) are rare benign tumours which have mainly to be differentiated from malignant ciliary body melanomas. Here we report on a consecutive series of patients with CPE adenomas and describe their characteristics. The retrospective hospital-based case series study included all patients who were consecutively operated for CPE adenomas. Of the 110 patients treated for ciliary body tumours, five patients (4.5%) had a CPE adenoma. Mean age was 59.0 ± 9.9 years (range: 46-72 years). Mean tumour apical thickness was 6.6 ± 1.7 mm. Tumour colour was mostly homogenously brown to black, and the tumour surface was smooth. The tumour masses pushed the iris tissue forward without infiltrating iris or anterior chamber angle. Sonography revealed an irregular echogram with sharp lesion borders and signs of blood flow in Color Doppler flow imaging. Ultrasonographic biomicroscopy demonstrated medium-low internal reflectivity and acoustic attenuation. In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the tumours as compared to brain were hyperintense on T1-weighted images and hypointense on T2-weighted images. Tumour tissue consisted of cords and nests of pigment epithelium cells separated by septa of vascularized fibrous connective tissue, leading to a pseudo-glandular appearance. The melanin granules in the cytoplasm were large and mostly spherical in shape. In four patients, the tumours were hyperpigmented. Tumour cells were large with round or oval nuclei and clearly detectable nucleoli. These clinical characteristics of CPE adenomas, such as homogenous dark brown colour, smooth surface, iris dislocation and anterior chamber angle narrowing but no iris infiltration, segmental cataract, pigment dispersion, and, as compared to brain tissue, hypointensity and, as compared to extraocular muscles or lacrimal gland, hyperintensity on T2-weighted MRI images, may be helpful for the differentiation from ciliary body malignant melanomas. © 2016 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Lake trout status in the main basin of Lake Huron, 1973-2010

USGS Publications Warehouse

He, Ji X.; Ebener, Mark P.; Riley, Stephen C.; Cottrill, Adam; Kowalski, Adam; Koproski, Scott; Mohr, Lloyd; Johnson, James E.

2012-01-01

We developed indices of lake trout Salvelinus namaycush status in the main basin of Lake Huron (1973-2010) to understand increases in the relative abundance of wild year-classes during 1995-2010. Sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus wounds per 100 lake trout declined from 23.63 in 2000 to 5.86-10.64 in 2002-2010. The average age-7 lake trout catch per effort per recruitment (CPE/R; fish•305mof gill net-1•million stocked yearlings-1) increased from 0.56 for the 1973-1990 year-classes to 0.92 for the 1991-2001 year-classes. Total CPE (fish/305 m of gill net) declined from 16.4 fish in 1996 to 4.1 fish in 2010, but the percentage of age-5 and younger lake trout steadily decreased from more than 70% before 1996 to less than 10% by 2009. The modal age in gill-net catches increased from age 5 before 1996 to age 7 by 2005. The average adult CPE increased from 2.8 fish/305 m of gill net during 1978-1995 to 5.34 fish/305 m of gill net during 1996-2010. The 1995-2010 year-classes of wild fish weremore abundant than previous year-classes and were associated with the relatively high adult abundance during 1996-2010. Until the 2002 year-class, there was no decline in age-7 CPE/R; until 2008, there was no decline in adult CPE. Low survival of the 2002 and 2003 year-classes of stocked fish was related to the event of alewife Alosa pseudoharengus population collapse in 2003-2004. Lake trout in the main basin of Lake Huron are undergoing a transition from a hatchery stock to a wild stock, accompanied by an increased uncertainty in delayed recruitment. Future management should pay more attention to the protection of wild recruitment and the abundance of the spawning stock.

Influence of membrane fouling reducers (MFRs) on filterability of disperse mixed liquor of jet loop bioreactors.

PubMed

Koseoglu-Imer, Derya Yuksel; Dizge, Nadir; Karagunduz, Ahmet; Keskinler, Bulent

2011-07-01

The effects of membrane fouling reducers (MFRs) (the cationic polyelectrolyte (CPE) and FeCI(3)) on membrane fouling were studied in a lab-scale jet loop submerged membrane bioreactor (JL-SMBR) system. The optimum dosages of MFRs (CPE dosage=20 mg g(-1)MLSS, FeCI(3) dosage=14 mg g(-1)MLSS) were continuously fed to JL-SMBR system. The soluble and bound EPS concentrations as well as MLSS concentration in the mixed liquor of JL-SMBR were not changed substantially by the addition of MFRs. However, significant differences were observed in particle size and relative hydrophobicity. Filtration tests were performed by using different membrane types (polycarbonate (PC) and nitrocellulose mixed ester (ME)) and various pore sizes (0.45-0.22-0.1 μm). The steady state fluxes (J(ss)) of membranes increased at all membranes after MFRs addition to JL-SMBR. The filtration results showed that MFRs addition was an effective approach in terms of improvement in filtration performance for both membrane types. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

CONJUGATED POLYMERS AND POLYELECTROLYTES IN SOLAR PHOTOCONVERSION, Final Technical Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schanze, Kirk S

2014-08-05

This DOE-supported program investigated the fundamental properties of conjugated polyelectrolytes, with emphasis placed on studies of excited state energy transport, self-assembly into conjugated polyelectroyte (CPE) based films and colloids, and exciton transport and charge injection in CPE films constructed atop wide bandgap semiconductors. In the most recent grant period we have also extended efforts to examine the properties of low-bandgap donor-acceptor conjugated polyelectrolytes that feature strong visible light absorption and the ability to adsorb to metal-oxide interfaces.

Clinical pastoral education as professional training: some entrance, curriculum and assessment implications.

PubMed

Little, N Keith

2010-01-01

Clinical Pastoral Education is professional training for pastoral care. This paper compares CPE against the professional training model. While limiting the discussion to Christian pastoral care, the professional education model suggests a clarification of the trainee's theological and other entry requirements for a basic unit, a more thoughtful provision of information during CPE training, a careful attention to group membership and an appropriate integration with the theological curriculum. It also suggests more specific competency standards and more reliable, valid and objective assessment methods.

Comparative evaluation of a new commercial media, the CHROMAgar™ mSuperCARBA™, for the detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

PubMed

Amar, Ma'ayan; Shalom, Ohad; Adler, Amos

2017-05-01

A new chromogenic-based medium (mSuperCARBA™) was tested for screening carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). mSuperCARBA™ was more sensitive (83%) in detecting CPE isolates (n=69, including KPC, NDM, OXA-48, VIM, and IMI) compared with CHROMAgar™-KPC (65%) and MacConkey agar with Imipenem (69%) with comparable specificity for non carbapenemase-producing, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (n=29). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Improved self-healing of polyethylene/carbon black nanocomposites by their shape memory effect.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaoyan; Zhao, Jun; Chen, Min; Ma, Lan; Zhao, Xiaodong; Dang, Zhi-Min; Wang, Zhenwen

2013-02-07

In this work, the improved self-healing of cross-linked polyethylene (PE) (cPE)/carbon black (CB) nanocomposites by their shape memory effect (SME) is investigated. CB nanoparticles are found to be homogeneously dispersed in the PE matrix and significantly increase the strength of the materials. Compared with the breaking of linear PE (lPE) at the melting temperature (T(m)), the cPE and cPE/CB nanocomposites still have high strength above T(m) due to the formation of networks. The cPE and cPE/CB nanocomposites show both high strain fixity ratio (R(f)) and high strain recovery ratio (R(r)). Crystallization-induced elongation is observed for all the prepared shape memory polymer (SMP) materials and the effect becomes less remarkable with increasing volume fraction of CB nanoparticles (v(CB)). The scratch self-healing tests show that the cross-linking of PE matrix, the addition of CB nanoparticles, and the previous stretching in the direction perpendicular to the scratch favor the closure of the scratch and its complete healing. This SME-aided self-healing could have potential applications in diverse fields such as coating and structure materials.

Voltammetric sensor for buzepide methiodide determination based on TiO2 nanoparticle-modified carbon paste electrode.

PubMed

Kalanur, Shankara S; Seetharamappa, Jaldappagari; Prashanth, S N

2010-07-01

In this work, we have prepared nano-material modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) for the sensing of an antidepressant, buzepide methiodide (BZP) by incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles in carbon paste matrix. Electrochemical studies indicated that the TiO2 nanoparticles efficiently increased the electron transfer kinetics between drug and the electrode. Compared with the nonmodified CPE, the TiO2-modified CPE greatly enhances the oxidation signal of BZP with negative shift in peak potential. Based on this, we have proposed a sensitive, rapid and convenient electrochemical method for the determination of BZP. Under the optimized conditions, the oxidation peak current of BZP is found to be proportional to its concentration in the range of 5 x 10(-8) to 5 x 10(-5)M with a detection limit of 8.2 x 10(-9)M. Finally, this sensing method was successfully applied for the determination of BZP in human blood serum and urine samples with good recoveries. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Amperometric Sensor for Detection of Chloride Ions.

PubMed

Trnkova, Libuse; Adam, Vojtech; Hubalek, Jaromir; Babula, Petr; Kizek, Rene

2008-09-15

Chloride ion sensing is important in many fields such as clinical diagnosis, environmental monitoring and industrial applications. We have measured chloride ions at a carbon paste electrode (CPE) and at a CPE modified with solid AgNO₃, a solution of AgNO₃ and/or solid silver particles. Detection limits (3 S/N) for chloride ions were 100 μM, 100 μM and 10 μM for solid AgNO₃, solution of AgNO₃ and/or solid silver particles, respectively. The CPE modified with silver particles is the most sensitive to the presence chloride ions. After that we approached to the miniaturization of the whole electrochemical instrument. Measurements were carried out on miniaturized instrument consisting of a potentiostat with dimensions 35 × 166 × 125 mm, screen printed electrodes, a peristaltic pump and a PC with control software. Under the most suitable experimental conditions (Britton-Robinson buffer, pH 1.8 and working electrode potential 550 mV) we estimated the limit of detection (3 S/N) as 500 nM.

The Epidemiology of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae: The Impact and Evolution of a Global Menace.

PubMed

Logan, Latania K; Weinstein, Robert A

2017-02-15

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a serious public health threat. Infections due to these organisms are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Mechanisms of drug resistance in gram-negative bacteria (GNB) are numerous; β-lactamase genes carried on mobile genetic elements are a key mechanism for the rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant GNB worldwide. Transmissible carbapenem-resistance in Enterobacteriaceae has been recognized for the last 2 decades, but global dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is a more recent problem that, once initiated, has been occurring at an alarming pace. In this article, we discuss the evolution of CRE, with a focus on the epidemiology of the CPE pandemic; review risk factors for colonization and infection with the most common transmissible CPE worldwide, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae; and present strategies used to halt the striking spread of these deadly pathogens. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

SU-E-T-297: Dosimetric Assessment of An Air-Filled Balloon Applicator in HDR Vaginal Cuff Brachytherapy Using the Monte Carlo Method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jiang, H; Lee, Y; Pokhrel, D

2015-06-15

Purpose: As an alternative to cylindrical applicators, air inflated balloon applicators have been introduced into HDR vaginal cuff brachytherapy treatment to achieve sufficient dose to vagina mucosa as well as to spare rectum and bladder. In general, TG43 formulae based treatment planning systems do not take into account tissue inhomogeneity, and air in the balloon applicator can cause higher delivered dose to mucosa than treatment plan reported. We investigated dosimetric effect of air in balloon applicator using the Monte Carlo method. Methods: The thirteen-catheter Capri applicator with a Nucletron Ir-192 seed was modeled for various balloon diameters (2cm to 3.5cm)more » using the MCNP Monte Carlo code. Ir-192 seed was placed in both central and peripheral catheters to replicate real patient situations. Existence of charged particle equilibrium (CPE) with air balloon was evaluated by comparing kerma and dose at various distances (1mm to 70mm) from surface of air-filled applicator. Also mucosa dose by an air-filled applicator was compared with by a water-filled applicator to evaluate dosimetry accuracy of planning system without tissue inhomogeneity correction. Results: Beyond 1mm from air/tissue interface, the difference between kerma and dose was within 2%. CPE (or transient CPE) condition was deemed existent, and in this region no electron transport was necessary in Monte Carlo simulations. At 1mm or less, the deviation of dose from kerma became more apparent. Increase of dose to mucosa depended on diameter of air balloon. The increment of dose to mucosa was 2.5% and 4.3% on average for 2cm and 3.5cm applicators, respectively. Conclusion: After introduction of air balloon applicator, CPE fails only at the proximity of air/tissue interface. Although dose to mucosa is increased, there is no significant dosimetric difference (<5%) between air and water filled applicators. Tissue inhomogeneity correction is not necessary for air-filled applicators.« less

Lack of evidence for contact sensitization by Pfiesteria extract.

PubMed

Patterson, Rachel M; Noga, Edward; Germolec, Dori

2007-07-01

Members of the estuarine dinoflagellate genus Pfiesteria are reported to have been responsible for massive fish kills in the southeastern United States. Some reports suggest that exposure to waters having Pfiesteria blooms or occupation-related exposure might result in Pfiesteria-induced dermal irritation and inflammation. Although the toxin has not been isolated and purified, the original data suggested both hydrophilic and hydrophobic toxic components. Some investigators propose that dermonecrotic properties are associated with a hydrophobic fraction. A bioactive C18-bound putative toxin (CPE) extracted from Pfiesteria-laden aquarium water during active fish-killing conditions was examined in the present study to evaluate its potential to produce inflammation and dermal sensitization and to determine whether the inflammation and dermatitis reported in early human exposure studies were allergic or irritant in nature. This fraction was cytotoxic to mouse Neuro-2A cells and primary human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. Balb/C mice exposed to 50-200% CPE by skin painting exhibited a 6-10% increase in ear swelling relative to vehicle-treated mice in a primary irritancy assay. There was no increase in lymph node cell proliferation as measured using the local lymph node assay. Exposure to CPE in culture up-regulated interleukin-8 in NHEK, whereas granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor and tumor necrosis factor alpha were only minimally altered. This study suggests that CPE is cytotoxic to keratinocytes in culture at high concentrations and that it induces mild, localized irritation but not dermal sensitization.

76 FR 4838 - Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-27

... facilitate the efficient and effective distribution of equipment for use by people who are deaf-blind. (4... equipment (specialized CPE) to people who are deaf-blind. The goal of this NDBEDP is to make.../policy . To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print...

A Six-Year Study of the Effects of a Remedial Course in the Chemistry Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bentley, Andrea B.; Gellene, Gregory I.

2005-01-01

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at Texas Tech University (TTU) administered an in-house written chemistry placement examination (CPE) to determine whether students were prepared for Chem 1307, or whether a remedial course, Chem 1301, was required. The results indicate that the placement remediation program as implemented at TTU is…

Separation and recycling of nanoparticles using cloud point extraction with non-ionic surfactant mixtures.

PubMed

Nazar, Muhammad Faizan; Shah, Syed Sakhawat; Eastoe, Julian; Khan, Asad Muhammad; Shah, Afzal

2011-11-15

A viable cost-effective approach employing mixtures of non-ionic surfactants Triton X-114/Triton X-100 (TX-114/TX-100), and subsequent cloud point extraction (CPE), has been utilized to concentrate and recycle inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) in aqueous media. Gold Au- and palladium Pd-NPs have been pre-synthesized in aqueous phases and stabilized by sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (MES) ligands, then dispersed in aqueous non-ionic surfactant mixtures. Heating the NP-micellar systems induced cloud point phase separations, resulting in concentration of the NPs in lower phases after the transition. For the Au-NPs UV/vis absorption has been used to quantify the recovery and recycle efficiency after five repeated CPE cycles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to investigate NP size, shape, and stability. The results showed that NPs are preserved after the recovery processes, but highlight a potential limitation, in that further particle growth can occur in the condensed phases. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Engineering and Development Support of General Decon Technology for the U.S. Army’s Installation Restoration Program. Task 7. Literature Search & Evaluation of Compatibility Testing of Waste Containment Barrier Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-03-01

plyethylene PVC landfill- HypalonM PE, CPE, neoprene, EPDM ,* bentqcnite ethylene propylene rubber elasticized polvoleiin 20. A94V C? (Coit" an 0*V" aid...materials include Hyralon®, butyl rubber , EPDM , CPE, neo- prene, polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC8 and elasticized polyolefin. With all of these...and animal and vegetable fats and oils (Geswein, 1975). EPDM , or etiylene propylene rubber , is a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a small amount

Skylab SO71/SO72 circadian periodicity experiment. [experimental design and checkout of hardware

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fairchild, M. K.; Hartmann, R. A.

1973-01-01

The circadian rhythm hardware activities from 1965 through 1973 are considered. A brief history of the programs leading to the development of the combined Skylab SO71/SO72 Circadian Periodicity Experiment (CPE) is given. SO71 is the Skylab experiment number designating the pocket mouse circadian experiment, and SO72 designates the vinegar gnat circadian experiment. Final design modifications and checkout of the CPE, integration testing with the Apollo service module CSM 117 and the launch preparation and support tasks at Kennedy Space Center are reported.

Synergism between Oncogenic Human Herpes Viruses and Carcinogenic Chemical

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-04-01

Viral CPE Chemical CPE Obtained per 10 cells Cell Controlsa 0 0 Yes 0 Virus Controls-b 44+ 0 Yes 10 Virus + NDMA 0.5 pIl/ml 4 0 Yes 8 0.1 al/ml + 0...Yes 11 0.05 i•I/ml +++ 0 Yes 8 0.01 1I/ml +++ 0 Yes 4 NDMA ControlsS 0.5 ijI/ml 0 0 Yes 0 0.1 IL/ml 0 0 Yes 0 0.051IA/ml 0 0 Yes 0 0.01 Pl/ml 0 0 Yes 0

Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Yunnan Province, China.

PubMed

Rui, Zheng; Dehua, Liu; Hua, Niu; Yue, Feng; Yunmin, Xu; Jianhua, Li; Xueshan, Xia

2016-11-22

Among 144 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains isolated from 4 hospitals in Yunnan province, 113 were identified as carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). Bla KPC-2 (99/113, 87.6%) was the most common carbapenemase gene and Klebsiella pneumoniae (100/113, 88.5%) was the most common species. Bla NDM-1 (11/113, 9.7%), bla IMP-4 (10/113, 8.8%), and bla IMP-1 (1/113, 0.9%) genes were also detected. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase genes were common in CPE, and the SHV- and CTX-M-types were predominant.

Naringin promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells by up-regulating Foxc2 expression via the IHH signaling pathway

PubMed Central

Lin, Fei-xiang; Du, Shi-xin; Liu, De-zhong; Hu, Qin-xiao; Yu, Guo-yong; Wu, Chu-cheng; Zheng, Gui-zhou; Xie, Da; Li, Xue-dong; Chang, Bo

2016-01-01

Naringin is an active compound extracted from Rhizoma Drynariae, and studies have revealed that naringin can promote proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). In this study, we explored whether naringin could promote osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by upregulating Foxc2 expression via the Indian hedgehog (IHH) signaling pathway. BMSCs were cultured in basal medium, basal medium with naringin, osteogenic induction medium, osteogenic induction medium with naringin and osteogenic induction medium with naringin in the presence of the IHH inhibitor cyclopamine (CPE). We examined cell proliferation by using a WST-8 assay, and differentiation by Alizarin Red S staining (for mineralization) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. In addition, we detected core-binding factor α1 (Cbfα1), osteocalcin (OCN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARγ2) and Foxc2 expression by using RT-PCR. We also determined Foxc2 and IHH protein levels by western blotting. Naringin increased the mineralization of BMSCs, as shown by Alizarin red S assays, and induced ALP activity. In addition, naringin significantly increased the mRNA levels of Foxc2, Cbfα1, OCN, and BSP, while decreasing PPARγ2 mRNA levels. Furthermore, the IHH inhibitor CPE inhibited the osteogenesis-potentiating effects of naringin. Naringin increased Foxc2 and stimulated the activation of IHH, as evidenced by increased expression of proteins that were inhibited by CPE. Our findings indicate that naringin promotes osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by up-regulating Foxc2 expression via the IHH signaling pathway. PMID:27904711

Naringin promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells by up-regulating Foxc2 expression via the IHH signaling pathway.

PubMed

Lin, Fei-Xiang; Du, Shi-Xin; Liu, De-Zhong; Hu, Qin-Xiao; Yu, Guo-Yong; Wu, Chu-Cheng; Zheng, Gui-Zhou; Xie, Da; Li, Xue-Dong; Chang, Bo

2016-01-01

Naringin is an active compound extracted from Rhizoma Drynariae, and studies have revealed that naringin can promote proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). In this study, we explored whether naringin could promote osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by upregulating Foxc2 expression via the Indian hedgehog (IHH) signaling pathway. BMSCs were cultured in basal medium, basal medium with naringin, osteogenic induction medium, osteogenic induction medium with naringin and osteogenic induction medium with naringin in the presence of the IHH inhibitor cyclopamine (CPE). We examined cell proliferation by using a WST-8 assay, and differentiation by Alizarin Red S staining (for mineralization) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. In addition, we detected core-binding factor α1 (Cbfα1), osteocalcin (OCN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARγ2) and Foxc2 expression by using RT-PCR. We also determined Foxc2 and IHH protein levels by western blotting. Naringin increased the mineralization of BMSCs, as shown by Alizarin red S assays, and induced ALP activity. In addition, naringin significantly increased the mRNA levels of Foxc2, Cbfα1, OCN, and BSP, while decreasing PPARγ2 mRNA levels. Furthermore, the IHH inhibitor CPE inhibited the osteogenesis-potentiating effects of naringin. Naringin increased Foxc2 and stimulated the activation of IHH, as evidenced by increased expression of proteins that were inhibited by CPE. Our findings indicate that naringin promotes osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by up-regulating Foxc2 expression via the IHH signaling pathway.

Isolation of Canine parvovirus with a view to identify the prevalent serotype on the basis of partial sequence analysis

PubMed Central

Kaur, Gurpreet; Chandra, Mudit; Dwivedi, P. N.; Sharma, N. S.

2015-01-01

Aim: The aim of this study was to isolate Canine parvovirus (CPV) from suspected dogs on madin darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line and its confirmation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR (NPCR). Further, VP2 gene of the CPV isolates was amplified and sequenced to determine prevailing antigenic type. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 rectal swabs were collected from dogs showing signs of gastroenteritis, processed and subjected to isolation in MDCK cell line. The samples showing cytopathic effects (CPE) were confirmed by PCR and NPCR. These samples were subjected to PCR for amplification of VP2 gene of CPV, sequenced and analyzed to study the prevailing antigenic types of CPV. Results: Out of the 60 samples subjected to isolation in MDCK cell line five samples showed CPE in the form of rounding of cells, clumping of cells and finally detachment of the cells. When these samples and the two commercially available vaccines were subjected to PCR for amplification of VP2 gene, a 1710 bp product was amplified. The sequence analysis revealed that the vaccines belonged to the CPV-2 type and the samples were of CPV-2b type. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the present study that out of a total of 60 samples 5 samples exhibited CPE as observed in MDCK cell line. Sequence analysis of the VP2 gene among the samples and vaccine strains revealed that samples belonged to CPV-2b type and vaccines belonging to CPV-2. PMID:27046996

Cultivation and partial characterization of spiroplasmas in cell cultures.

PubMed Central

Steiner, T; McGarrity, G J; Phillips, D M

1982-01-01

Spiroplasmas were propagated in the Drosophila melanogaster cell line Dm-1. Spiroplasma citri and unidentified strains (corn shunt organism, 277F [tick isolate], powder puff, BNR-1, honey bee, and OBMG) grew to 10(8) to 10(9) colony-forming units per ml and could be passaged. Cytopathic effect (CPE) varied with the infecting spiroplasma. The honey bee isolate killed Dm-1 within 2 to 4 days and produced CPE in four mammalian cells tested. At 25 degrees C, suckling mouse cataract agent produced no CPE in Dm-1 cells. Dm-1 cells did not support growth of the spiroplasmal sex ratio organism. Spiroplasmas could be detected in the cell cultures by agar inoculation, dark-field microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and DNA fluorescent staining. The uridine phosphorylase test showed significant levels of conversion of [14C]uridine to [14C]uracil for all but some plant isolates: S. citri, corn shunt organism, lettuce, cactus, and powder puff strains, the first mycoplasmas to lack the enzyme. Primary isolations of corn shunt organism from infected corn plants were made in Dm-1 and I-XII cultures. The course of corn stunt organism infection of Dm-1 was monitored for three passages. The use of agarose and Dienes staining of the colonies improved growth and colony counting of corn stunt organism. The number of viable infected DM-1 cells decreased from 1.2 x 10(7) at passage 1 to 7.0 x 10(6) at passage 2 and 3 x 10(5) at passage 3. Images PMID:6797950

Practice and research in Australian massage therapy: a national workforce survey

PubMed Central

Wardle, Jonathan L.; Barnett, Rebecca; Adams, Jon

2015-01-01

Background Massage is the largest complementary medicine profession in Australia, in terms of public utilisation, practitioner distribution, and number of practitioners, and is being increasingly integrated into the Australian health care system. However, despite the increasing importance of massage therapists in Australian health care delivery, or the increased practice and education obligations this may entail, there has been little exploration of practice, research, and education characteristics of the Australian massage therapist workforce. Purpose To identify practice, research, and education characteristics among the Australian massage therapist workforce. Settings The Australian massage therapy profession. Participants 301 randomly selected members of the Association of Massage Therapists (Australia). Research Design A 15-item, cross-sectional telephone survey. Main Outcomes Measures Massage therapists’ demographic information, practice characteristics, and education and research characteristics. Results Most respondents (73.8%) worked 20 hours per week or less practising massage, nearly half of all respondents (46.8%) treated fewer than 10 massage clients per week, and over three-quarters (81.7%) of respondents were self-employed. Massage therapy was the sole source of income for just over half (55.0%) of the study respondents. Only 5.7% of respondents earned over the average wage ($50,000) through their massage activities. Nearly half of all respondents (43.3%) reported regularly exceeding their continuing professional education (CPE) quota mandated by their professional association. However, 21.1% reported struggling to achieve their CPE quota each year. Over one-third of respondents (35.6%) were not interested in acquiring further CPE points beyond minimum requirements. Respondents were significantly more likely to have an active approach to research if they had higher income (p = .015). Multivariate analysis showed factors associated with access to CPE to be the only significant predictors for increased CPE. Conclusions The massage profession in Australia remains largely part-time and practitioners earn less than the average Australian wage. The factors that underlie research and education involvement appear to be highly individualised and, therefore, policies targeting specific groups may be arbitrary and ineffective. PMID:26082824

Comparison of two fabricated aptasensors based on modified carbon paste/oleic acid and magnetic bar carbon paste/Fe3O4@oleic acid nanoparticle electrodes for tetracycline detection.

PubMed

Jahanbani, Shahriar; Benvidi, Ali

2016-11-15

In this research, we have improved two aptasensors based on a modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) with oleic acid (OA), and a magnetic bar carbon paste electrode (MBCPE) with Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles and oleic acid (OA). After the immobilization process of anti-TET at the electrode surfaces, the aptasensors were named CPE/OA/anti-TET and MBCPE/Fe3O4NPs/OA/anti-TET respectively. In this paper, the detection of tetracycline is compared using CPE/OA/anti-TET and MBCPE/Fe3O4NPs/OA/anti-TET aptasensors. These modified electrodes were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), UV-vis spectroscopy, and voltammetric methods. The linear range and the detection limit for TET with the CPE/OA/anti-TET aptasensor were found to be 1.0×10(-12)-1.0×10(-7)M and 3.0×10(-13)M respectively by EIS method. The linear range and the detection limit for TET with the CPE/OA/anti-TET aptasensor were found to be 1.0×10(-10)-1.0×10(-7)M with a limit of detection of 2.9×10(-11)M using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique. The MBCPE/Fe3O4NPs/OA/anti-TET aptasensor was used for determination of TET, and a liner range of 1.0×10(-14)-1.0×10(-6)M with a detection limit of 3.8×10(-15)M was obtained by EIS method. Also, the linear range and detection limit of 1.0×10(-12)-1.0×10(-6)M and 3.1×10(-13)M respectively, were obtained for MBCPE/Fe3O4NPs/OA/anti-TET aptasensor using DPV. The proposed aptasensors were applied for determination of tetracycline in some real samples such as drug, milk, honey and blood serum samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of trace uranium by resonance fluorescence method coupled with photo-catalytic technology and dual cloud point extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiekang; Li, Guirong; Han, Qian

2016-12-01

In this paper, two kinds of salophens (Sal) with different solubilities, Sal1 and Sal2, have been respectively synthesized, and they all can combine with uranyl to form stable complexes: [UO22 +-Sal1] and [UO22 +-Sal2]. Among them, [UO22 +-Sal1] was used as ligand to extract uranium in complex samples by dual cloud point extraction (dCPE), and [UO22 +-Sal2] was used as catalyst for the determination of uranium by photocatalytic resonance fluorescence (RF) method. The photocatalytic characteristic of [UO22 +-Sal2] on the oxidized pyronine Y (PRY) by potassium bromate which leads to the decrease of RF intensity of PRY were studied. The reduced value of RF intensity of reaction system (ΔF) is in proportional to the concentration of uranium (c), and a novel photo-catalytic RF method was developed for the determination of trace uranium (VI) after dCPE. The combination of photo-catalytic RF techniques and dCPE procedure endows the presented methods with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Under optimal conditions, the linear calibration curves range for 0.067 to 6.57 ng mL- 1, the linear regression equation was ΔF = 438.0 c (ng mL- 1) + 175.6 with the correlation coefficient r = 0.9981. The limit of detection was 0.066 ng mL- 1. The proposed method was successfully applied for the separation and determination of uranium in real samples with the recoveries of 95.0-103.5%. The mechanisms of the indicator reaction and dCPE are discussed.

Lack of Evidence for Contact Sensitization by Pfiesteria Extract

PubMed Central

Patterson, Rachel M.; Noga, Edward; Germolec, Dori

2007-01-01

Background Members of the estuarine dinoflagellate genus Pfiesteria are reported to have been responsible for massive fish kills in the southeastern United States. Some reports suggest that exposure to waters having Pfiesteria blooms or occupation-related exposure might result in Pfiesteria-induced dermal irritation and inflammation. Although the toxin has not been isolated and purified, the original data suggested both hydrophilic and hydrophobic toxic components. Some investigators propose that dermonecrotic properties are associated with a hydrophobic fraction. Objectives A bioactive C18-bound putative toxin (CPE) extracted from Pfiesteria-laden aquarium water during active fish-killing conditions was examined in the present study to evaluate its potential to produce inflammation and dermal sensitization and to determine whether the inflammation and dermatitis reported in early human exposure studies were allergic or irritant in nature. Results This fraction was cytotoxic to mouse Neuro-2A cells and primary human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. Balb/C mice exposed to 50–200% CPE by skin painting exhibited a 6–10% increase in ear swelling relative to vehicle-treated mice in a primary irritancy assay. There was no increase in lymph node cell proliferation as measured using the local lymph node assay. Exposure to CPE in culture up-regulated interleukin-8 in NHEK, whereas granulocyte macrophage–colony-stimulating factor and tumor necrosis factor α were only minimally altered. Conclusions This study suggests that CPE is cytotoxic to keratinocytes in culture at high concentrations and that it induces mild, localized irritation but not dermal sensitization. PMID:17637917

Voltammetric Determination of Anethole on La2O3/CPE and BDDE

PubMed Central

Dziubaniuk, Małgorzata

2018-01-01

In this work, DPV determination of anethole was presented using various carbon, two-diameter (1.5 and 3 mm) electrodes, that is, BDD, GC, CP, and CP doped by La2O3 and CeO2 nanoparticles. La2O3/CPE to our best knowledge was proposed first time. Cyclic voltammograms confirmed totally irreversible electrode electrooxidation process, controlled by diffusion, in which two electrons take part. The most satisfactory sensitivity 0.885 ± 0.016 µA/mg L−1 in 0.1 mol L−1 acetate buffer was obtained for La2O3/CPE with the correlation coefficient r of 0.9993, while for BDDE it was 0.135 ± 0.003 µA/mg L−1 with r of 0.9990. The lowest detection limit of 0.004 mg L−1 was reached on La2O3/CPE (3 mm), what may be compared with the most sensitive conjugate methods, but in the proposed approach, no sample preparation and analyte separation was needed. Anethole was successfully determined in specially prepared ethanol extracts of herbal mixtures of various compositions, which imitated real products. The proposed procedure was verified in analysis of commercial products, that is, anise essential oil, which contains a large concentration of anethole, and in alcohol drinks like Metaxa, Ouzo, and Rakija, in which the considered analyte occurs on trace levels. Structure and properties of the considered nanopowders and graphite pastes were investigated by EDX, SEM, and EIS. PMID:29675284

Electrochemical Sensor Based on Rh(III) Ion-Imprinted Polymer as a New Modifying Agent for Rhodium Determination.

PubMed

Bai, Huiping; Xiong, Caiyun; Wang, Chunqiong; Liu, Peng; Dong, Su; Cao, Qiue

2018-05-01

A rhodium (III) ion carbon paste electrode (CPE) based on an ion imprinted polymer (IIP) as a new modifying agent has been prepared and studied. Rh(III) ion imprinted polymer was synthesized by copolymerization of acrylamide-Rh(III) complex and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate according to the precipitation polymerization. Acrylamide acted as both functional monomer and complexing agent to create selective coordination sites in a cross-linked polymer. The ion imprinted carbon paste electrode (IIP-CPE) was prepared by mixing rhodium IIP-nanoparticles and graphite powder in n-eicosane as an adhesive and then embedding them in a Teflon tube. Amperometric i-t curve method was applied as the determination technique. Several parameters, including the functional monomer, molar ratio of template, monomer and cross-linking agent, the amounts of IIP, the applied potential, the buffer solution and pH have been studied. According to the results, IIP-CPE showed a considerably higher response in comparison with the electrode embedded with non-imprinted polymer (NIP), indicating the formation of suitable recognition sites in the IIP structure during the polymerization stage. The introduced electrode showed a linear range of 1.00×10-8~3.0×10-5 mol·L-1 and detection limit of 6.0 nmol L-1 (S/N = 3). The IIP-CPE was successfully applied for the trace rhodium determination in catalyst and plant samples with RSD of less than 3.3% (n = 5) and recoveries in the range of 95.5~102.5%.

Soil-modified carbon paste electrode: a useful tool in environmental assessment of heavy metal ion binding interactions.

PubMed

Svegl, I G; Ogorevc, B

2000-08-01

Carbon paste electrodes (CPEs) modified with different soils in their native form were prepared to create a soil-like solid phase suitable for application in studies of heavy metal ion uptake and binding interactions. The preparation of CPEs modified with five different soils was examined and their heavy metal ion uptake behavior investigated using a model Cu(II) aqueous solution. Metal ions were accumulated under open circuit conditions and were determined after a medium exchange using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry, applying preelectrolysis at -0.7 V. The soil-modified CPE accumulation behavior, including the linearity of the current response versus Cu(II) concentration, the influence of the pH on the solution, and the uptake kinetics, was thoroughly investigated. The correlation between the soil-modified CPE uptake capability and the standard soil parameters, such as ion exchange capacity, soil pH, organic matter and clay content, were evaluated for all five examined soils. The influence of selected endogenous cations (K(I), Ca(II), Fe(III)) on the transfer of Cu(II) ions from a solution to the simulated soil solid phase was examined and is discussed. Preliminary examinations of the soil-modified CPE uptake behavior with some exogenous heavy metal ions of strong environmental interest (Pb(II), Hg(II), Cd(II) and Ag(I)) are also presented. This work demonstrates some attractive possibilities for the application of a soil-modified CPE in studying soil-heavy metal ion binding interactions, with a further potential use as a new environmental sensor appropriate for fist on-site testing of polluted soils.

Characteristics of highly cross-linked polyethylene wear debris in vivo

PubMed Central

Baxter, Ryan M.; MacDonald, Daniel W.; Kurtz, Steven M.; Steinbeck, Marla J.

2014-01-01

Despite the widespread implementation of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liners to reduce the clinical incidence of osteolysis, it is not known if the improved wear resistance will outweigh the inflammatory potential of HXLPE wear debris generated in vivo. Thus, we asked: What are the differences in size, shape, number, and biological activity of polyethylene wear particles obtained from primary total hip arthroplasty revision surgery of conventional polyethylene (CPE) versus remelted or annealed HXLPE liners? Pseudocapsular tissue samples were collected from revision surgery of CPE and HXLPE (annealed and remelted) liners, and digested using nitric acid. The isolated polyethylene wear particles were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Tissues from both HXLPE cohorts contained an increased percentage of submicron particles compared to the CPE cohort. However, the total number of particles was lower for both HXLPE cohorts, as a result there was no significant difference in the volume fraction distribution and specific biological activity (SBA; the relative biological activity per unit volume) between cohorts. In contrast, based on the decreased size and number of HXLPE wear debris there was a significant decrease in total particle volume (mm3/g of tissue). Accordingly, when the SBA was normalized by total particle volume (mm3/gm tissue) or by component wear volume rate (mm3/year), functional biological activity of the HXLPE wear debris was significantly decreased compared to the CPE cohort. Indications for this study are that the osteolytic potential of wear debris generated by HXLPE liners in vivo is significantly reduced by improvements in polyethylene wear resistance. PMID:23436587

Effect of paternal blue catfish strain effects on hatchery fry production and performance of channel catfish X blue catfish F1 hybrid fry production and fingerling performance under commercial conditions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Four hundred four-year old mature Gold Kist strain channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus were induced to spawn with 10 mg common carp pituitary extract (CPE) /kg BW in 8 spawning trials. The stripped eggs were fertilized with sperm of either D&B or Rio Grande blue catfish, I.furcatus to produce D&B ...

Nanoporous adsorption effect on altering Li+ diffusion pathway by a highly ordered porous electrolyte additive for high rate all-solid-state lithium metal batteries.

PubMed

Li, Wenwen; Zhang, Sanpei; Wang, Bangrun; Gu, Sui; Xu, Dong; Wang, Jianing; Chen, Chunhua; Wen, Zhaoyin

2018-06-19

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have shown extraordinary promise for all-solid-state lithium metal batteries with high energy density and flexibility but are mainly limited by the low ionic conductivity and their poor stability with lithium metal anode. In this work, we propose a highly ordered porous electrolyte additive derived from SSZ-13 for high-rate all-solid-state lithium metal batteries. The nanoporous adsorption effect provided by the highly ordered porous nanoparticles in the poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) electrolyte are found to significantly improve the Li + conductivity (1.91×10 -3 S cm -1 at 60°C, 4.43×10 -5 S cm -1 at 20°C) and widen the electrochemical stability window to 4.7 V vs Li + /Li. Meanwhile, the designed PEO-based electrolyte demonstrates enhanced stability with the lithium metal anode. Through systematically increasing Li + diffusion, widening the electrochemical stability window and enhancing the stability of the SSZ-CPE electrolyte, the LiFePO4/SSZ-CPE/Li cell is optimized to deliver high-rate capability and stable cycling performance, which demonstrates great potential for all-solid-state energy storage application.

Characterization of the Rana grylio virus 3{beta}-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and its novel role in suppressing virus-induced cytopathic effect

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun Wei; Huang Youhua; Zhao Zhe

2006-12-08

The 3{beta}-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3{beta}-HSD) isoenzymes play a key role in cellular steroid hormone synthesis. Here, a 3{beta}-HSD gene homolog was cloned from Rana grylio virus (RGV), a member of family Iridoviridae. RGV 3{beta}-HSD gene has 1068 bp, encoding a 355 aa predicted protein. Transcription analyses showed that RGV 3{beta}-HSD gene was transcribed immediate-early during infection from an initiation site 19 nucleotides upstream of the translation start site. Confocal microscopy revealed that the 3{beta}-HSD-EGFP fusion protein was exclusively colocalized with the mitochondria marker (pDsRed2-Mito) in EPC cells. Upon morphological observation and MTT assay, it was revealed that overexpression of RGV 3{beta}-HSDmore » in EPC cells could apparently suppress RGV-induced cytopathic effect (CPE). The present studies indicate that the RGV immediate-early 3{beta}-HSD gene encodes a mitochondria-localized protein, which has a novel role in suppressing virus-induced CPE. All these suggest that RGV 3{beta}-HSD might be a protein involved in host-virus interaction.« less

Application of novel Ni(II) complex and ZrO2 nanoparticle as mediators for electrocatalytic determination of N-acetylcysteine in drug samples.

PubMed

Karimi-Maleh, Hassan; Salehi, Mehdi; Faghani, Fatemeh

2017-10-01

The electrooxidation of N-acetylcysteine (N-AC) was studied by a novel Ni(II) complex modified ZrO 2 nanoparticle carbon paste electrode [Ni(II)/ZrO 2 /NPs/CPE] using voltammetric methods. The results showed that Ni(II)/ZrO 2 /NPs/CPE had high electrocatalytic activity for the electrooxidation of N-AC in aqueous buffer solution (pH = 7.0). The electrocatalytic oxidation peak currents increase linearly with N-AC concentrations over the concentration ranges of 0.05-600μM using square wave voltammetric methods. The detection limit for N-AC was equal to 0.009μM. The catalytic reaction rate constant, k h , was calculated (7.01 × 10 2  M -1  s -1 ) using the chronoamperometry method. Finally, Ni(II)/ZrO 2 /NPs/CPE was also examined as an ultrasensitive electrochemical sensor for the determination of N-AC in real samples such as tablet and urine. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Amperometric Sensor for Detection of Chloride Ions†

PubMed Central

Trnkova, Libuse; Adam, Vojtech; Hubalek, Jaromir; Babula, Petr; Kizek, Rene

2008-01-01

Chloride ion sensing is important in many fields such as clinical diagnosis, environmental monitoring and industrial applications. We have measured chloride ions at a carbon paste electrode (CPE) and at a CPE modified with solid AgNO3, a solution of AgNO3 and/or solid silver particles. Detection limits (3 S/N) for chloride ions were 100 μM, 100 μM and 10 μM for solid AgNO3, solution of AgNO3 and/or solid silver particles, respectively. The CPE modified with silver particles is the most sensitive to the presence chloride ions. After that we approached to the miniaturization of the whole electrochemical instrument. Measurements were carried out on miniaturized instrument consisting of a potentiostat with dimensions 35 × 166 × 125 mm, screen printed electrodes, a peristaltic pump and a PC with control software. Under the most suitable experimental conditions (Britton-Robinson buffer, pH 1.8 and working electrode potential 550 mV) we estimated the limit of detection (3 S/N) as 500 nM. PMID:27873832

Anodic stripping voltammetry with carbon paste electrodes for rapid Ag(I) and Cu(II) determinations.

PubMed

Labar, C; Lamberts, L

1997-05-01

The simultaneous determination of silver(I) and copper(II) is realized for the routine analysis of trace levels of these elements by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) at the carbon paste electrode (CPE). The electrochemical response is studied in 14 different supporting electrolytes, ranging from acidic solutions (pH 0.1) to neutral and basic (pH 9.7) media, and the parameters governing electrodeposition and stripping steps are characterized for each medium by the use of pseudo-voltammograms. Comparison between different modes of matter transport mechanisms is also given. The dynamic range of the method is 0.05 to 150 mug 1(-1) Ag(I) in the majority of the media studied and can be extended to 400 mug l(-1) in selected media, with a general reproducibility in the +/- 2% range for five replicate measurements. The total analysis time lies between approximately 30 s and 10 min. Activation of the CPE surface has been studied, but this pretreatment is demonstrated to be unfavourable and is replaced by a simpler unique 'cleaning' procedure of dipping the CPE in diluted nitric acid.

Mixed micelle cloud point-magnetic dispersive μ-solid phase extraction of doxazosin and alfuzosin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Nannan; Wu, Hao; Chang, Yafen; Guo, Xiaozhen; Zhang, Lizhen; Du, Liming; Fu, Yunlong

2015-01-01

Mixed micelle cloud point extraction (MM-CPE) combined with magnetic dispersive μ-solid phase extraction (MD-μ-SPE) has been developed as a new approach for the extraction of doxazosin (DOX) and alfuzosin (ALF) prior to fluorescence analysis. The mixed micelle anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate and non-ionic polyoxyethylene(7.5)nonylphenylether was used as the extraction solvent in MM-CPE, and diatomite bonding Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were used as the adsorbent in MD-μ-SPE. The method was based on MM-CPE of DOX and ALF in the surfactant-rich phase. Magnetic materials were used to retrieve the surfactant-rich phase, which easily separated from the aqueous phase under magnetic field. At optimum conditions, a linear relationship between DOX and ALF was obtained in the range of 5-300 ng mL-1, and the limits of detection were 0.21 and 0.16 ng mL-1, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of the drugs in pharmaceutical preparations, urine samples, and plasma samples.

Investigation of cloud point extraction for the analysis of metallic nanoparticles in a soil matrix

PubMed Central

Hadri, Hind El; Hackley, Vincent A.

2017-01-01

The characterization of manufactured nanoparticles (MNPs) in environmental samples is necessary to assess their behavior, fate and potential toxicity. Several techniques are available, but the limit of detection (LOD) is often too high for environmentally relevant concentrations. Therefore, pre-concentration of MNPs is an important component in the sample preparation step, in order to apply analytical tools with a LOD higher than the ng kg−1 level. The objective of this study was to explore cloud point extraction (CPE) as a viable method to pre-concentrate gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), as a model MNP, spiked into a soil extract matrix. To that end, different extraction conditions and surface coatings were evaluated in a simple matrix. The CPE method was then applied to soil extract samples spiked with AuNPs. Total gold, determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following acid digestion, yielded a recovery greater than 90 %. The first known application of single particle ICP-MS and asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation to evaluate the preservation of the AuNP physical state following CPE extraction is demonstrated. PMID:28507763

Highly efficient micellar extraction of toxic picric acid into novel ionic liquid: Effect of parameters, solubilization isotherm, evaluation of thermodynamics and design parameters.

PubMed

Bhatt, Darshak R; Maheria, Kalpana C; Parikh, Jigisha K

2015-12-30

A simple and new approach in cloud point extraction (CPE) method was developed for removal of picric acid (PA) by the addition of N,N,N,N',N',N'-hexaethyl-ethane-1,2-diammonium dibromide ionic liquid (IL) in non-ionic surfactant Triton X-114 (TX-114). A significant increase in extraction efficiency was found upon the addition of dicationic ionic liquid (DIL) at both nearly neutral and high acidic pH. The effects of different operating parameters such as pH, temperature, time, concentration of surfactant, PA and DIL on extraction of PA were investigated and optimum conditions were established. The extraction mechanism was also proposed. A developed Langmuir isotherm was used to compute the feed surfactant concentration required for the removal of PA up to an extraction efficiency of 90%. The effects of temperature and concentration of surfactant on various thermodynamic parameters were examined. It was found that the values of ΔG° increased with temperature and decreased with surfactant concentration. The values of ΔH° and ΔS° increased with surfactant concentration. The developed approach for DIL mediated CPE has proved to be an efficient and green route for extraction of PA from water sample. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Teaching Health Care Providers To Provide Spiritual Care: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Trevino, Kelly M.; Cadge, Wendy; Balboni, Michael J.; Thiel, Mary Martha; Fitchett, George; Gallivan, Kathleen; VanderWeele, Tyler; Balboni, Tracy A.

2015-01-01

Abstract Background: Health care providers' lack of education on spiritual care is a significant barrier to the integration of spiritual care into health care services. Objective: The study objective was to describe the training program, Clinical Pastoral Education for Healthcare Providers (CPE-HP) and evaluate its impact on providers' spiritual care skills. Methods: Fifty CPE-HP participants completed self-report surveys at baseline and posttraining measuring frequency of and confidence in providing religious/spiritual (R/S) care. Four domains were assessed: (1) ability and (2) frequency of R/S care provision; (3) comfort using religious language; and (4) confidence in providing R/S care. Results: At baseline, participants rated their ability to provide R/S care and comfort with religious language as “fair.” In the previous two weeks, they reported approximately two R/S patient conversations, initiated R/S conversations less than twice, and prayed with patients less than once. Posttraining participants' reported ability to provide spiritual care increased by 33% (p<0.001). Their comfort using religious language improved by 29% (p<0.001), and frequency of R/S care increased 75% (p<0.001). Participants reported having 61% more (p<0.001) R/S conversations and more frequent prayer with patients (95% increase; p<0.001). Confidence in providing spiritual care improved by 36% overall, by 20% (p<0.001) with religiously concordant patients, and by 43% (p<0.001) with religiously discordant patients. Conclusions: This study suggests that CPE-HP is an effective approach for training health care providers in spiritual care. Dissemination of this training may improve integration of spiritual care into health care, thereby strengthening comprehensive patient-centered care. PMID:25871494

Impacts of varying light regimes on phycobiliproteins of Nostoc sp. HKAR-2 and Nostoc sp. HKAR-11 isolated from diverse habitats.

PubMed

Kannaujiya, Vinod K; Sinha, Rajeshwar P

2015-11-01

The adaptability of cyanobacteria in diverse habitats is an important factor to withstand harsh conditions. In the present investigation, the impacts of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR; 400-700 nm), ultraviolet-B (UV-B; 280-315 nm), and PAR + UV-B radiations on two cyanobacteria viz., Nostoc sp. HKAR-2 and Nostoc sp. HKAR-11 inhabiting diverse habitats such as hot springs and rice fields, respectively, were studied. Cell viability was about 14 % in Nostoc sp. HKAR-2 and <10 % in Nostoc sp. HKAR-11 after 48 h of UV-B exposure. PAR had negligible negative impact on the survival of both cyanobacteria. The continuous exposure of UV-B and PAR + UV-B showed rapid uncoupling, bleaching, fragmentation, and degradation in both phycocyanin (C-PC) and phycoerythrin (C-PE) subunits of phycobiliproteins (PBPs). Remarkable bleaching effect of C-PE and C-PC was not only observed with UV-B or PAR + UV-B radiation, but longer period (24-48 h) of exposure with PAR alone also showed noticeable negative impact. The C-PE and C-PC subunits of the rice field isolate Nostoc sp. HKAR-11 were severely damaged in comparison to the hot spring isolate Nostoc sp. HKAR-2 with rapid wavelength shifting toward shorter wavelengths denoting the bleaching of both the accessory light harvesting pigments. The results indicate that PBPs of the hot spring isolate Nostoc sp. HKAR-2 were more stable under various light regimes in comparison to the rice field isolate Nostoc sp. HKAR-11 that could serve as a good source of valuable pigments to be used in various biomedical and biotechnological applications.

The poly(rC)-binding protein αCP2 is a noncanonical factor in X. laevis cytoplasmic polyadenylation

PubMed Central

Vishnu, Melanie R.; Sumaroka, Marina; Klein, Peter S.; Liebhaber, Stephen A.

2011-01-01

Post-transcriptional control of mRNA stability and translation is central to multiple developmental pathways. This control can be linked to cytoplasmic polyadenylation in certain settings. In maturing Xenopus oocytes, specific mRNAs are targeted for polyadenylation via recruitment of the Cytoplasmic Polyadenylation Element (CPE) binding protein (CPEB) to CPE(s) within the 3′ UTR. Cytoplasmic polyadenylation is also critical to early embryonic events, although corresponding determinants are less defined. Here, we demonstrate that the Xenopus ortholog of the poly(rC) binding protein αCP2 can recruit cytoplasmic poly(A) polymerase activity to mRNAs in Xenopus post-fertilization embryos, and that this recruitment relies on cis sequences recognized by αCP2. We find that the hα-globin 3′ UTR, a validated mammalian αCP2 target, constitutes an effective target for cytoplasmic polyadenylation in Xenopus embryos, but not during Xenopus oocyte maturation. We further demonstrate that the cytoplasmic polyadenylation activity is dependent on the action of the C-rich αCP-binding site in conjunction with the adjacent AAUAAA. Consistent with its ability to target mRNA for poly(A) addition, we find that XαCP2 associates with core components of the Xenopus cytoplasmic polyadenylation complex, including the cytoplasmic poly(A) polymerase XGLD2. Furthermore, we observe that the C-rich αCP-binding site can robustly enhance the activity of a weak canonical oocyte maturation CPE in early embryos, possibly via a direct interaction between XαCP2 and CPEB1. These studies establish XαCP2 as a novel cytoplasmic polyadenylation trans factor, indicate that C-rich sequences can function as noncanonical cytoplasmic polyadenylation elements, and expand our understanding of the complexities underlying cytoplasmic polyadenylation in specific developmental settings. PMID:21444632

Cloud-point extraction of green-polymers from Cupriavidus necator lysate using thermoseparating-based aqueous two-phase extraction.

PubMed

Leong, Yoong Kit; Lan, John Chi-Wei; Loh, Hwei-San; Ling, Tau Chuan; Ooi, Chien Wei; Show, Pau Loke

2017-03-01

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a class of renewable and biodegradable green polymers, have gained attraction as a potential substitute for the conventional plastics due to the increasing concern towards environmental pollution as well as the rapidly depleting petroleum reserve. Nevertheless, the high cost of downstream processing of PHA has been a bottleneck for the wide adoption of PHAs. Among the options of PHAs recovery techniques, aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) outshines the others by having the advantages of providing a mild environment for bioseparation, being green and non-toxic, the capability to handle a large operating volume and easily scaled-up. Utilizing unique properties of thermo-responsive polymer which has decreasing solubility in its aqueous solution as the temperature rises, cloud point extraction (CPE) is an ATPE technique that allows its phase-forming component to be recycled and reused. A thorough literature review has shown that this is the first time isolation and recovery of PHAs from Cupriavidus necator H16 via CPE was reported. The optimum condition for PHAs extraction (recovery yield of 94.8% and purification factor of 1.42 fold) was achieved under the conditions of 20 wt/wt % ethylene oxide-propylene oxide (EOPO) with molecular weight of 3900 g/mol and 10 mM of sodium chloride addition at thermoseparating temperature of 60°C with crude feedstock limit of 37.5 wt/wt %. Recycling and reutilization of EOPO 3900 can be done at least twice with satisfying yield and PF. CPE has been demonstrated as an effective technique for the extraction of PHAs from microbial crude culture. Copyright © 2016 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Biological characteristics of genetic variants of Urabe AM9 mumps vaccine virus.

PubMed

Wright, K E; Dimock, K; Brown, E G

2000-03-01

The Urabe AM9 mumps vaccine is composed of a mixture of variants distinguishable by a difference at nucleotide (nt) 1081 of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) gene (Brown, E.G., Dimock, K., Wright, K.E., 1996. The Urabe AM9 mumps vaccine is a mixture of viruses differing at amino acid (aa) 335 of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase gene with one form associated with disease. J. Infect. Dis. 174, 619-622.). Further genetic and biological variation was detected in plaque purified viruses from the Urabe AM9 vaccine by examining the HN gene sequence, plaque morphology, cytopathic effects and growth in Vero cells, and temperature sensitivity (ts). Infection of Vero cells with plaque purified viruses with a G at nt 1081 of the HN gene produced large, clear plaques, caused significant CPE early after infection but yielded lower titres of virus than other purified viruses. None of these viruses were ts. In contrast, half of the plaque purified viruses with an A at nt 1081 were sensitive to a temperature of 39.5 degrees C. These viruses produced small plaques, caused significant CPE and grew to low titres. Two ts viruses possessed a unique aa substitution at aa 468 of HN. The remaining A(1081) viruses were not ts, produced large plaques but little CPE, and grew to titres 10-fold higher than the G(1081) viruses. Isolates of Urabe AM9 associated with post-vaccination illness were similar to these non-ts A(1081) viruses, but could be further sub-divided into two groups on the basis of a difference at aa 464 of HN. The post-vaccination isolates may represent insufficiently attenuated components of the vaccine, while the G(1081) and ts subset of A(1081) viruses may be more fully attenuated.

Cold column trapping-cloud point extraction coupled to high performance liquid chromatography for preconcentration and determination of curcumin in human urine.

PubMed

Rahimi, Marzieh; Hashemi, Payman; Nazari, Fariba

2014-05-15

A cold column trapping-cloud point extraction (CCT-CPE) method coupled to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed for preconcentration and determination of curcumin in human urine. A nonionic surfactant, Triton X-100, was used as the extraction medium. In the proposed method, a low surfactant concentration of 0.4% v/v and a short heating time of only 2min at 70°C were sufficient for quantitative extraction of the analyte. For the separation of the extraction phase, the resulted cloudy solution was passed through a packed trapping column that was cooled to 0 °C. The temperature of the CCT column was then increased to 25°C and the surfactant rich phase was desorbed with 400μL ethanol to be directly injected into HPLC for the analysis. The effects of different variables such as pH, surfactant concentration, cloud point temperature and time were investigated and optimum conditions were established by a central composite design (response surface) method. A limit of detection of 0.066mgL(-1) curcumin and a linear range of 0.22-100mgL(-1) with a determination coefficient of 0.9998 were obtained for the method. The average recovery and relative standard deviation for six replicated analysis were 101.0% and 2.77%, respectively. The CCT-CPE technique was faster than a conventional CPE method requiring a lower concentration of the surfactant and lower temperatures with no need for the centrifugation. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of curcumin in human urine samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Physical Mechanism to Explain the Delivery of Chemical Penetration Enhancers into Skin during Transdermal Sonophoresis - Insight into the Observed Synergism

PubMed Central

Polat, Baris E.; Deen, William M.; Langer, Robert; Blankschtein, Daniel

2011-01-01

The synergism between low-frequency sonophoresis (LFS) and chemical penetration enhancers (CPEs), especially surfactants, in transdermal enhancement has been investigated extensively since this phenomenon was first observed over a decade ago. In spite of the identifying that the origin of this synergism is the increased penetration and subsequent dispersion of CPEs in the skin in response to LFS treatment, to date, no mechanism has been directly proposed to explain how LFS induces the observed increased transport of CPEs. In this study, we propose a plausible physical mechanism by which the transport of all CPEs is expected to have significantly increased flux into the localized-transport regions (LTRs) of LFS-treated skin. Specifically, the collapse of acoustic cavitation microjets within LTRs induces a convective flux. In addition, because amphiphilic molecules preferentially adsorb onto the gas/water interface of cavitation bubbles, amphiphiles have an additional adsorptive flux. In this sense, the cavitation bubbles effectively act as carriers for amphiphilic molecules, delivering surfactants directly into the skin when they collapse at the skin surface as cavitation microjets. The flux equations derived for CPE delivery into the LTRs and non-LTRs during LFS treatment, compared to that for untreated skin, explain why the transport of all CPEs, and to an even greater extent amphiphilic CPEs, is increased during LFS treatment. The flux model is tested with a non-amphiphilic CPE (propylene glycol) and both nonionic and ionic amphiphilic CPEs (octyl glucoside and sodium lauryl sulfate, respectively), by measuring the flux of each CPE into untreated skin and the LTRs and non-LTRs of LFS-treated skin. The resulting data shows very good agreement with the proposed flux model. PMID:22100440

Embryonated chicken eggs as an alternative model for mixed Clostridium perfringens and Eimeria tenella infection in chickens.

PubMed

Alnassan, Alaa Aldin; Shehata, Awad Ali; Kotsch, Marianne; Lendner, Matthias; Daugschies, Arwid; Bangoura, Berit

2013-06-01

The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chicken embryo eggs is a suitable model for viral and bacterial infections. In the present study, a new approach for testing the pathogenesis and virulence of Clostridium perfringens and Eimeria tenella dual infections as a model using the CAM of embryonated chicken eggs was developed. For this purpose, 24 specific pathogen-free (SPF) embryonated chicken eggs were divided into four groups (n = 6) and designated group E, group CP, group CPE, and NC. Sporozoites of E. tenella (20,000 sporozoites) were inoculated into 10-day-old embryonated SPF chicken eggs (groups E and CPE) via allantoic sac route. At 15-day-old, eggs of groups CP and CPE were infected with 10 (4)  cfu C. perfringens via the same route. Assessment of pathogenicity was assessed using gross and histopathological lesions. Embryo mortality reached 17 % after mono-infection with C. perfringens and/or E. tenella and 50 % in the mixed-infected group. Lesions in the CAMs were most numerous and most severe in co-infected eggs (group CPE), reaching the maximum score of 3 in 50 % of the inoculated eggs (P < 0.01). In Eimeria spp.-infected eggs (group E), lesions of score were between 1 and 2. Mono-infection with C. perfringens did not lead to a significant occurrence of lesions. Histopathological investigations of the CAM revealed clusters of Gram-positive bacteria, infiltration with leukocytes, lymphocytes, and developmental stages of E. tenella in the co-infected group. These data suggest that embryonated eggs could be an in ovo model for studying the pathogenesis of mixed infection with Eimeria and C. perfringens.

Prevalence of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from German pig-fattening farms during the years 2011-2013.

PubMed

Roschanski, Nicole; Friese, Anika; von Salviati-Claudius, Christina; Hering, Johanna; Kaesbohrer, Annemarie; Kreienbrock, Lothar; Roesler, Uwe

2017-02-01

Since recently Enterobacteriaceae carrying bla VIM-1 genes have been isolated in German animal husbandries, the monitoring of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in livestock became a major topic within the European Union. Nevertheless, due to missing surveillance studies the worldwide situation in livestock and livestock associated surroundings might still be underestimated. The here described study provides an overview of the CPE-prevalence in German pig-fattening farms during the years 2011-2013 (period when previously described bla VIM-1 findings occurred on pig-fattening farms (Efsa, 2011; Fischer et al., 2012, 2013a)). Therefore, a collection of 238 bacterial anacultures derived from pooled faeces and boot swab samples, collected in a cross-sectional study including 58 pig-fattening farms throughout Germany, were investigated. The bacteria were selected on MacConkey agar plates containing 0.125μg/ml meropenem. Enterobacteriaceae which were able to grow on these plates were further investigated for the presence of carbapenemase genes. Out of eight CPE-suspicious strains, two Escherichia (E.) coli strains-deriving from the same farm-contained the carbapenemase gene bla VIM-1 . For the remaining six Enterobacteriaceae it seems to be likely that they possess other resistance mechanisms, leading to reduced carbapenem susceptibility. Based on the obtained results, the overall CPE prevalence for German pig-fattening farms, sampled during the years 2011-2013 was 1.7%; 95% CI: 0-10. However, as it is of great importance to prevent a further spread of these bacteria between farms and livestock populations as well as their introduction into the food chain, an understanding of their routes of introduction and spread in combination with intensified monitoring programs are considered necessary. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of trace uranium by resonance fluorescence method coupled with photo-catalytic technology and dual cloud point extraction.

PubMed

Li, Jiekang; Li, Guirong; Han, Qian

2016-12-05

In this paper, two kinds of salophens (Sal) with different solubilities, Sal1 and Sal2, have been respectively synthesized, and they all can combine with uranyl to form stable complexes: [UO2(2+)-Sal1] and [UO2(2+)-Sal2]. Among them, [UO2(2+)-Sal1] was used as ligand to extract uranium in complex samples by dual cloud point extraction (dCPE), and [UO2(2+)-Sal2] was used as catalyst for the determination of uranium by photocatalytic resonance fluorescence (RF) method. The photocatalytic characteristic of [UO2(2+)-Sal2] on the oxidized pyronine Y (PRY) by potassium bromate which leads to the decrease of RF intensity of PRY were studied. The reduced value of RF intensity of reaction system (ΔF) is in proportional to the concentration of uranium (c), and a novel photo-catalytic RF method was developed for the determination of trace uranium (VI) after dCPE. The combination of photo-catalytic RF techniques and dCPE procedure endows the presented methods with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Under optimal conditions, the linear calibration curves range for 0.067 to 6.57ngmL(-1), the linear regression equation was ΔF=438.0 c (ngmL(-1))+175.6 with the correlation coefficient r=0.9981. The limit of detection was 0.066ngmL(-1). The proposed method was successfully applied for the separation and determination of uranium in real samples with the recoveries of 95.0-103.5%. The mechanisms of the indicator reaction and dCPE are discussed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Use of Ancillary Carbapenemase Tests To Improve Specificity of Phenotypic Definitions for Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae.

PubMed

Miller, Shelley A; Hindler, Janet A; Chengcuenca, Angelo; Humphries, Romney M

2017-06-01

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are a significant threat to public health. In 2015, CDC revised the surveillance definition for CPE to include all Enterobacteriaceae resistant to any carbapenem tested. However, this definition is associated with poor specificity. We evaluated the performance of this definition, compared to carbapenemase PCR, for a collection of 125 Enterobacteriaceae We also investigated the impact of ancillary testing for carbapenemase of isolates that met the CDC CPE surveillance definition. The two ancillary tests evaluated were the Xpert Carba-R assay, a molecular test, and the carbapenem inactivation method (CIM). Two variables were evaluated for the CIM: suspension of organisms in double-distilled water (ddH 2 O) versus tryptic soy broth (TSB) to incubate disks, and incubation of plates for 6 h versus 18 to 20 h. The sensitivity and specificity of the Carba-R assay were 100% compared to the results of in-house PCR. The sensitivities of the CIM performed with TSB were 94.6% when read at 6 h and 97.7% when read at 18 to 20 h; the sensitivities with ddH 2 O were 88.0% when read at 6 h and 93.0% when incubated for 18 to 20 h. The specificity was 100% for all variables tested. Without ancillary testing, the sensitivity of the CDC definition was 98.9% for CPE, and the specificity was 6.1%. Testing isolates that screened positive by the CDC definition with the Xpert Carba-R did not change the sensitivity, and it improved the specificity to 100%. Similarly, the use of the CIM (TSB and 18 to 20 h of incubation) to confirm screen-positive isolates resulted in a sensitivity of 95.6% and specificity of 100%. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

A simple ultrasensitive electrochemical sensor for simultaneous determination of gallic acid and uric acid in human urine and fruit juices based on zirconia-choline chloride-gold nanoparticles-modified carbon paste electrode.

PubMed

Shahamirifard, Seyed Alireza; Ghaedi, Mehrorang; Razmi, Zahra; Hajati, Shaaker

2018-08-30

The determination of gallic acid (GA) and uric acid (UA) is essential due to their biological properties. Numerous methods have been reported for the analysis of GA and UA in various real samples. However, the development of a simple, rapid and practical sensor still remains a great challenge. Here, a carbon paste electrode (CPE) was modified by nanocomposite containing zirconia nanoparticles (ZrO 2 NPs), Choline chloride (ChCl) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to construct ZrO 2 -ChCl-AuNPs/CPE as electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous electro-oxidation of GA and UA. Characterization was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The modified electrode was investigated by different methods including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Kinetic parameters such as charge transfer coefficient, standard heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant and other parameters were calculated via voltammetry techniques. Differential pulse voltammetry was used for simultaneous determination of GA and UA applying the ZrO 2 -ChCl-AuNPs/CPE electrode. At the optimum conditions, this sensor showed a linear response in the ranges 0.22- 55 and 0.12-55 µM for GA and UA, respectively. In addition, low detection limits of 25 and 15 nM were obtained for GA and UA, respectively. Furthermore, ZrO 2 -ChCl-AuNPs/CPE was successfully applied for the independent determination of GA in green tea and fruit juice as well as the simultaneous determination of GA and UA in human urine samples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enterovirus strain and type-specific differences in growth kinetics and virus-induced cell destruction in human pancreatic duct epithelial HPDE cells.

PubMed

Smura, Teemu; Natri, Olli; Ylipaasto, Petri; Hellman, Marika; Al-Hello, Haider; Piemonti, Lorenzo; Roivainen, Merja

2015-12-02

Enterovirus infections have been suspected to be involved in the development of type 1 diabetes. However, the pathogenetic mechanism of enterovirus-induced type 1 diabetes is not known. Pancreatic ductal cells are closely associated with pancreatic islets. Therefore, enterovirus infections in ductal cells may also affect beta-cells and be involved in the induction of type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of different enterovirus strains to infect, replicate and produce cytopathic effect in human pancreatic ductal cells. Furthermore, the viral factors that affect these capabilities were studied. The pancreatic ductal cells were highly susceptible to enterovirus infections. Both viral growth and cytolysis were detected for several enterovirus serotypes. However, the viral growth and capability to induce cytopathic effect (cpe) did not correlate completely. Some of the virus strains replicated in ductal cells without apparent cpe. Furthermore, there were strain-specific differences in the growth kinetics and the ability to cause cpe within some serotypes. Viral adaptation experiments were carried out to study the potential genetic determinants behind these phenotypic differences. The blind-passage of non-lytic CV-B6-Schmitt strain in HPDE-cells resulted in lytic phenotype and increased progeny production. This was associated with the substitution of a single amino acid (K257E) in the virus capsid protein VP1 and the viral ability to use decay accelerating factor (DAF) as a receptor. This study demonstrates considerable plasticity in the cell tropism, receptor usage and cytolytic properties of enteroviruses and underlines the strong effect of single or few amino acid substitutions in cell tropism and lytic capabilities of a given enterovirus. Since ductal cells are anatomically close to pancreatic islets, the capability of enteroviruses to infect and destroy pancreatic ductal cells may also implicate in respect to enterovirus induced type 1 diabetes. In addition, the capability for rapid adaptation to different cell types suggests that, on occasion, enterovirus strains with different pathogenetic properties may arise from less pathogenic ancestors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Antivirus effect of polysaccharides of brewer yeast in vitro].

PubMed

Li, F; Shi, Y; Guan, X; Zhang, S; Tian, T

1998-03-01

The antivirus effect of polysaccharides of brewer yeast from yeast mud on 13 kinds of viruses including DNA and RNA virus along with their mechanisms were studied. The result showed that this effect was remarkable on the infections with poliovirus III, adenovirus III, ECHO6 virus, enterovirus 71, vesicular stomatitis virus, herpesvirus I, II, coxsackie A16 virus and coxsackie B3 virus. The polysaccharides of brewer yeast could also inhibit the development of cytopathic effect(CPE) and protect cultural cells from being infected with the above viruses.

The effects of three absorption-modifying critical excipients on the in vivo intestinal absorption of six model compounds in rats and dogs.

PubMed

David, Dahlgren; Carl, Roos; Pernilla, Johansson; Christer, Tannergren; Anders, Lundqvist; Peter, Langguth; Markus, Sjöblom; Erik, Sjögren; Hans, Lennernäs

2018-05-11

Pharmaceutical excipients that may affect gastrointestinal (GI) drug absorption are called critical pharmaceutical excipients (CPEs), or absorption-modifying excipients (AMEs) if they act by altering the integrity of the intestinal epithelial cell membrane. Some of these excipients increase intestinal permeability, and subsequently the absorption and bioavailability of the drug. This could have implications for both the assessment of bioequivalence and the efficacy of the absorption-enhancing drug delivery system. The absorption-enhancing effects of AMEs/CPEs with different mechanisms (chitosan, sodium caprate, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)) have previously been evaluated in the rat single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) model. However, it remains unclear whether these SPIP data are predictive in a more in vivo like model. The same excipients were in this study evaluated in rat and dog intraintestinal bolus models. SDS and chitosan did exert an absorption-enhancing effect in both bolus models, but the effect was substantially lower than those observed in the rat SPIP model. This illustrates the complexity of the AME/CPE effects, and indicates that additional GI physiological factors need to be considered in their evaluation. We therefore recommend that AME/CPE evaluations obtained in transit-independent, preclinical permeability models (e.g. Ussing, SPIP) should be verified in animal models better able to predict in vivo relevant GI effects, at multiple excipient concentrations. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Sensitive voltammetric determination of lead released from ceramic dishes by using of bismuth nanostructures anchored on biochar.

PubMed

Agustini, Deonir; Mangrich, Antonio Salvio; Bergamini, Márcio F; Marcolino-Junior, Luiz Humberto

2015-09-01

A simple and sensitive electroanalytical method was developed for determination of nanomolar levels of Pb(II) based on the voltammetric stripping response at a carbon paste electrode modified with biochar (a special charcoal) and bismuth nanostructures (nBi-BchCPE). The proposed methodology was based on spontaneous interactions between the highly functionalized biochar surface and Pb(II) ions followed by reduction of these ions into bismuth nanodots which promote an improvement on the stripping anodic current. The experimental procedure could be summarized in three steps: including an open circuit pre-concentration, reduction of accumulated lead ions at the electrode surface and stripping step under differential pulse voltammetric conditions (DPAdSV). SEM images revealed dimensions of bismuth nanodots ranging from 20 nm to 70 nm. The effects of main parameters related to biochar, bismuth and operational parameters were examined in detail. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed sensor has exhibited linear range from 5.0 to 1000 nmol L(-1) and detection limit of 1.41 nmol L(-1) for Pb(II). The optimized method was successfully applied for determination of Pb(II) released from overglaze-decorated ceramic dishes. Results obtained were compared with those given by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and they are in agreement at 99% of confidence level. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A new method of UA_CPE coupled with spectrophotometry for the faster and cost-effective detection of proline in fruit juice, honey, and wine.

PubMed

Dağdeviren, Semahat; Altunay, Nail; Sayman, Yasin; Gürkan, Ramazan

2018-07-30

The study developed a new method for proline detection in honey, wine and fruit juice using ultrasound assisted-cloud point extraction (UA-CPE) and spectrophotometry. Initially, a quaternary complex was built, containing proline, histamine, Cu(II), and fluorescein at pH 5.5. Samples were treated with ethanol-water mixture before extraction and preconcentration, using an ultrasonic bath for 10 min at 40 °C (40 kHz, 300 W). After the optimization of variables affecting extraction efficiency, good linearity was obtained between 15 and 600 µg L -1 with sensitivity enhancement factor of 105. The limits of detection and quantification were 5.7 and 19.0 µg L -1 , respectively. The recovery percentage and relative standard deviations (RSD %) were between 95.3 and 103.3%, and 2.5 and 4.2%, respectively. The accuracy of the method was verified by the analysis of a standard reference material (SRM 2389a). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In vivo evaluation of the antiviral activity of Cajanus cajan on measles virus.

PubMed

Nwodo, U U; Ngene, A A; Iroegbu, C U; Onyedikachi, O A L; Chigor, V N; Okoh, A I

2011-09-01

Cajanus cajan, a tropical shrub, serves as source of food and traditional medicines. The evaluation of aqueous and ethanol extracts for activity against measles virus and toxicity to embryonated chicken eggs was carried out in this study. In vivo and in vitro assay techniques using embryonated chicken eggs and tissue culture (Hep-2 cell lines) as media for both virus cultivation and anti-virus assay showed that a hot-water extract yielded higher activity against measles virus. The hot-water extract of the stem yielded a Log(2) titre of 0.1 for the in vivo assay and an inhibition of cytopathic effect (CPE) in Hep-2 cells by 100% for the in vitro assay. At all concentrations of the extracts, there was a lowering of virus concentration (p = 0.05), indicated by hemagglutination (HA) titration, which is the advantage of HA titration over the tissue culture technique using CPE. This study validates embryonated chicken eggs as suitable media for anti-virus assay and the use of C. cajan in the treatment of some diseases of viral origin.

Treatment of infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Baño, Jesús; Cisneros, José Miguel; Gudiol, Carlota; Martínez, José Antonio

2014-12-01

Treatment of infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is currently one of the most important challenges of infectious diseases. The available information is based on in vitro studies, some animal model data and a few case studies and retrospective cohorts; appropriate data are lacking or are very scarce for some old antibiotics that are still occasionally used. Because of the heterogeneity in clinical situations, in specific carbapenemases and in the susceptibility of isolates, individualized treatment decisions must usually be made. Here we review the different antibiotics that might be useful for treating infections caused by CPE. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Peptidomics of Cpefat/fat mouse brain regions: Implications for neuropeptide processing

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xin; Che, Fa-Yun; Berezniuk, Iryna; Sonmez, Kemal; Toll, Lawrence; Fricker, Lloyd D.

2009-01-01

SUMMARY Quantitative peptidomics was used to compare levels of peptides in wild type and Cpefat/fat mice, which lack carboxypeptidase E (CPE) activity due to a point mutation. Six different brain regions were analyzed: amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, striatum, and thalamus. Altogether, 111 neuropeptides or other peptides derived from secretory pathway proteins were identified in wild type mouse brain extracts by tandem mass spectrometry, and another 47 peptides were tentatively identified based on mass and other criteria. Most secretory pathway peptides were much lower in Cpefat/fat mouse brain, relative to wild type mouse brain, indicating that CPE plays a major role in their biosynthesis. Other peptides were only partially reduced in the Cpefat/fat mice, indicating that another enzyme (presumably carboxypeptidase D) contributes to their biosynthesis. Approximately 10% of the secretory pathway peptides were present in the Cpefat/fat mouse brain at levels similar to those in wild type mouse brain. Many peptides were greatly elevated in the Cpefat/fat mice; these peptide processing intermediates with C-terminal Lys and/or Arg were generally not detectable in wild type mice. Taken together, these results indicate that CPE contributes, either directly or indirectly, to the production of the majority of neuropeptides. PMID:19014391

The Carnian (Late Triassic) carbon isotope excursion: new insights from the terrestrial realm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Charlotte; Kürschner, Wolfram; Peterse, Francien; Baranyi, Viktoria; Reichart, Gert-Jan

2016-04-01

The geological record contains evidence for numerous pronounced perturbations in the global carbon cycle, some of which are associated with eruptions from large igneous provinces (LIP), and consequently, ocean acidification and mass extinction. In the Carnian (Late Triassic), evidence from sedimentology and fossil pollen points to a significant change in climate, resulting in biotic turnover: during a period termed the 'Carnian Pluvial Event' (CPE). Additionally, during the Carnian, large volumes of flood basalts were erupted from the Wrangellia LIP (western North America). Evidence from the marine realm suggests a fundamental relationship between the CPE, a global 'wet' period, and the injection of light carbon into the atmosphere from the LIP. Here we provide the first evidence from the terrestrial realm of a significant negative δ13C excursion through the CPE recorded in the sedimentary archive of the Wiscombe Park Borehole, Devon (UK). Both total organic matter and plant leaf waxes reflect a gradual carbon isotope excursion of ~-5‰ during this time interval. Our data provides evidence for the global nature of this isotope excursion, supporting the hypothesis that the excursion was likely the result of an injection of light carbon into the atmosphere from the Wrangellia LIP.

Toxinotyping of Clostridium perfringens fecal isolates of reintroduced Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) in China.

PubMed

Qiu, Huiling; Chen, Fu; Leng, Xinyan; Fei, Rongmei; Wang, Libo

2014-10-01

Clostridium perfringens is an important pathogen causing sudden death syndrome, necrotic enteritis, and gas gangrene in ruminants, especially some deer species. Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) is one of the world's rare species and is an endangered and protected species in China. Some Père David's deer in the Chinese Shishou Père David's Deer Preserve died due to C. perfringens infection. We investigated the toxin types and C. perfringens enterotoxin-positive (cpe(+)) strains of isolated C. perfringens in Père David's deer in China. We collected 155 fecal samples from the Beijing Nanhaizi Père David's Deer Park and the Jiangsu Dafeng Père David's Deer National Nature Reserve between July 2010 and July 2011. Bacteria isolated using blood agar and mannitol agar plates were identified by Gram staining and nested PCR for 16S rRNA. We isolated C. perfringens from 41 fecal samples and used PCR amplification of five toxin genes to identify the toxinotypes and the cpe(+) strains of C. perfringens. Twenty-one isolates were type A, 15 were type E, and five were type D. Fifteen isolates were cpe(+) strains, including eight that were type A and seven that were type E.

[Prediction of cardiac function deviations (ECG data) in the course of permanent cosmonaut's monitoring starting from selection till return to earth after short-duration space flight].

PubMed

Kotovskaia, A R; Koloteva, M I; Luk'ianiuk, V Iu; Stepanova, G P; Filatova, L M; Buĭlov, S P; Zhernavkov, A F; Kondratiuk, L L

2007-01-01

Analyzed were deviations in cardiac function in 29 cosmonauts with previous aviation and other occupations ranging of 29 to 61 y.o. who made 8- to 30-day space flights (totai number of flights = 34) between 1982 and 2006. The deviations were identified in ECG records collected during clinical selection, clinical physiological examination (CPE) before flight, insertion and deorbit in transport vehicles, and post-flight CPE. Based on the analysis, the cosmonauts were distributed into three groups. The first group (55.2% of the cosmonauts) did not exhibit noticeable shifts and unfavorable trends in ECG at any time of the period of observation. The second group (34.5%) showed some deviations during selection and pre-flight CPE that became more apparent in the period of deorbit and were still present in post-flight ECG records. The third group (10.3%) displayed health-threatening deviations in cardiac function during deorbit. These findings give start to important investigations with the purpose to define permissible medical risks and ensuing establishment and perfection of medical criteria for candidates to cosmonauts with certain health problems.

Isolation, molecular characterization and prevalence of Clostridium perfringens in sheep and goats of Kashmir Himalayas, India

PubMed Central

Nazki, Salik; Wani, Shakil A.; Parveen, Rafia; Ahangar, Showkat A.; Kashoo, Zahid A.; Hamid, Syed; Dar, Zahoor A.; Dar, Tanveer A.; Dar, Pervaiz A.

2017-01-01

Aim: The study was conducted to report the occurrence of the Clostridium perfringens in sheep and goats of the Kashmir valley for the 1st time and to characterize them molecularly with respect to toxin genes to determine the prevalence of the various toxinotypes. Materials and Methods: A total of 177 samples (152 from sheep and 25 from goats) collected from healthy, diarrheic animals, and morbid material of animals suspected to have died of enterotoxaemia were screened for C. perfringens toxinotypes. The presumptive positive isolates were confirmed using 16S rRNA gene-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All the confirmed isolates were screened for six toxin genes, namely; cpa, cpb, etx, cpi, cpb2, and cpe using a multiplex PCR. Results: The PCR amplification of 16S rRNA gene revealed that out of 177 samples collected, 125 (70.62%) were found positive for C. perfringens, of which 110 (72.36%) were from sheep and 15 (60%) were from goats. The highest prevalence of C. perfringens toxinotype D was observed in lambs (56.16%) and kids (46.16%) followed by 3.84% in adult sheep while it was absent in samples obtained from adult goats. The multiplex PCR revealed that 67 (60.90%) isolates from sheep and 8 (53.33%) isolates from goats belonged to toxinotype A, while 43 (39.09%) isolates from sheep and 7 (46.66%) isolates from goats were detected as toxinotype D. None of the isolates was found to be toxinotype B, C, or E. All the C. perfringens toxinotype A isolates from sheep were negative for both cpb2 and cpe genes, however, 27.90% toxinotype D isolates from sheep carried cpb2 gene, and 6.97% possessed cpe gene. In contrast, 12.50% C. perfringens toxinotype A isolates from goats harbored cpb2 and cpe genes while 14.28% isolates belonging to toxinotype D carried cpb2 and cpe genes, respectively. Conclusion: The high prevalence of C. perfringens was observed, even in day-old lambs. The toxinotypes A and D are prevalent in both sheep and goats. The severity of disease and mortality may be associated with the presence of minor toxins in both the detected toxinotypes. PMID:29391693

Low-Cost, High-Performance Hall Thruster Support System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hesterman, Bryce

2015-01-01

Colorado Power Electronics (CPE) has built an innovative modular PPU for Hall thrusters, including discharge, magnet, heater and keeper supplies, and an interface module. This high-performance PPU offers resonant circuit topologies, magnetics design, modularity, and a stable and sustained operation during severe Hall effect thruster current oscillations. Laboratory testing has demonstrated discharge module efficiency of 96 percent, which is considerably higher than current state of the art.

Species selective preconcentration and quantification of gold nanoparticles using cloud point extraction and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

Hartmann, Georg; Schuster, Michael

2013-01-25

The determination of metallic nanoparticles in environmental samples requires sample pretreatment that ideally combines pre-concentration and species selectivity. With cloud point extraction (CPE) using the surfactant Triton X-114 we present a simple and cost effective separation technique that meets both criteria. Effective separation of ionic gold species and Au nanoparticles (Au-NPs) is achieved by using sodium thiosulphate as a complexing agent. The extraction efficiency for Au-NP ranged from 1.01 ± 0.06 (particle size 2 nm) to 0.52 ± 0.16 (particle size 150 nm). An enrichment factor of 80 and a low limit of detection of 5 ng L(-1) is achieved using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ET-AAS) for quantification. TEM measurements showed that the particle size is not affected by the CPE process. Natural organic matter (NOM) is tolerated up to a concentration of 10 mg L(-1). The precision of the method expressed as the standard deviation of 12 replicates at an Au-NP concentration of 100 ng L(-1) is 9.5%. A relation between particle concentration and the extraction efficiency was not observed. Spiking experiments showed a recovery higher than 91% for environmental water samples. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles for the Amplified Detection of Nitro-explosive Picric Acid on Multiple Platforms.

PubMed

Malik, Akhtar Hussain; Hussain, Sameer; Kalita, Anamika; Iyer, Parameswar Krishnan

2015-12-09

Spontaneously formed conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) or polymer dots displayed remarkable fluorescence response toward nitroexplosive-picric acid (PA) in multiple environments including 100% aqueous media, solid support using portable paper strips and vapor phase detection via two terminal device. This new cationic conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) poly(3,3'-((2-phenyl-9H-fluorene-9,9-diyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl))bis(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium)bromide) (PFMI) was synthesized by Suzuki coupling polymerization followed by post functionalization method without employing any hectic purification technique. Highest quenching constant value (K(sv)) of 1.12 × 10(8) M(-1) and a very low detection limit of 30.9 pM/7.07 ppt were obtained exclusively for PA in 100% aqueous environment which is rare and unique for any CPE/CPNs. Contact mode detection of PA was also performed using simple, cost-effective and portable fluorescent paper strips for achieving on-site detection. Furthermore, the two terminal sensor device fabricated with nanoparticles of PFMI (PFMI-NPs) provides an exceptional and unprecedented platform for the vapor mode detection of PA under ambient conditions. The mechanism for the ultrasensitivity of PFMI-NPs probe to detect PA is attributed to the "molecular-wire effect", electrostatic interaction, photoinduced electron transfer (PET), and possible resonance energy transfer (RET).

Central nervous system penetration effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs and neuropsychological impairment in the Ontario HIV Treatment Network Cohort Study.

PubMed

Carvalhal, Adriana; Gill, M John; Letendre, Scott L; Rachlis, Anita; Bekele, Tsegaye; Raboud, Janet; Burchell, Ann; Rourke, Sean B

2016-06-01

Since the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), the incidence of severe HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment has declined significantly, whereas the prevalence of the milder forms has increased. Studies suggest that better distribution of cART drugs into the CNS may be important in reducing viral replication in the CNS and in reducing HIV-related brain injury. Correlates of neuropsychological (NP) performance were determined in 417 participants of the Ontario HIV Treatment Cohort Study (OCS). All participants were on three cART drugs for at least 90 days prior to assessment. Multiple logistic and linear regression methods were used. Most participants were Caucasian men with mean age of 47 years. About two thirds had a nadir CD4+ T-cell count below 200 cells/μL and 92 % had an undetectable plasma HIV viral load. The median CNS penetration effectiveness (CPE) score was 7. Sixty percent of participants had neuropsychological impairment. Higher CPE values significantly correlated with lower prevalence of impairment in bivariate and multivariate analyses. In this cross-sectional analysis of HIV+ adults who had a low prevalence of comorbidities and were taking three-drug cART regimens, greater estimated distribution of cART drugs into the CNS was associated with better NP performance.

Inactivation of Influenza A virus, Adenovirus, and Cytomegalovirus with PAXgene tissue fixative and formalin.

PubMed

Kap, Marcel; Arron, Georgina I; Loibner, M; Hausleitner, Anja; Siaulyte, Gintare; Zatloukal, Kurt; Murk, Jean-Luc; Riegman, Peter

2013-08-01

Formalin fixation is known to inactivate most viruses in a vaccine production context, but nothing is published about virus activity in tissues treated with alternative, non-crosslinking fixatives. We used a model assay based on cell culture to test formalin and PAXgene Tissue fixative for their virus-inactivating abilities. MDCK, A549, and MRC-5 cells were infected with Influenza A virus, Adenovirus, and Cytomegalovirus, respectively. When 75% of the cells showed a cytopathic effect (CPE), the cells were harvested and incubated for 15 min, or 1, 3, 6, or 24 hours, with PBS (positive control), 4% formalin, or PAXgene Tissue Fix. The cells were disrupted and the released virus was used to infect fresh MDCK, A549, and MRC-5 cells cultured on cover slips in 24-well plates. The viral cultures were monitored for CPE and by immunocytochemistry (ICC) to record viral replication and infectivity. Inactivation of Adenovirus by formalin occurred after 3 h, while Influenza A virus as well as Cytomegalovirus were inactivated by formalin after 15 min. All three virus strains were inactivated by PAXgene Tissue fixative after 15 min. We conclude that PAXgene Tissue fixative is at least as effective as formalin in inactivating infectivity of Influenza A virus, Adenovirus, and Cytomegalovirus.

Reversible Opening of Intercellular Junctions of Intestinal Epithelial and Brain Endothelial Cells With Tight Junction Modulator Peptides.

PubMed

Bocsik, Alexandra; Walter, Fruzsina R; Gyebrovszki, Andrea; Fülöp, Lívia; Blasig, Ingolf; Dabrowski, Sebastian; Ötvös, Ferenc; Tóth, András; Rákhely, Gábor; Veszelka, Szilvia; Vastag, Monika; Szabó-Révész, Piroska; Deli, Mária A

2016-02-01

The intercellular junctions restrict the free passage of hydrophilic compounds through the paracellular clefts. Reversible opening of the tight junctions of biological barriers is investigated as one of the ways to increase drug delivery to the systemic circulation or the central nervous system. Six peptides, ADT-6, HAV-6, C-CPE, 7-mer (FDFWITP, PN-78), AT-1002, and PN-159, acting on different integral membrane and linker junctional proteins were tested on Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cell line and a coculture model of the blood-brain barrier. All peptides tested in nontoxic concentrations showed a reversible tight junctions modulating effect and were effective to open the paracellular pathway for the marker molecules fluorescein and albumin. The change in the structure of cell-cell junctions was verified by immunostaining for occludin, claudin-4,-5, ZO-1, β-catenin, and E-cadherin. Expression levels of occludin and claudins were measured in both models. We could demonstrate a selectivity of C-CPE, ADT-6, and HAV-6 peptides for epithelial cells and 7-mer and AT-1002 peptides for brain endothelial cells. PN-159 was the most effective modulator of junctional permeability in both models possibly acting via claudin-1 and -5. Our results indicate that these peptides can be effectively and selectively used as potential pharmaceutical excipients to improve drug delivery across biological barriers. Copyright © 2016 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New polynuclear manganese clusters from the use of the hydrophobic carboxylate ligand 2,2-dimethylbutyrate.

PubMed

Chakov, Nicole E; Zakharov, Lev N; Rheingold, Arnold L; Abboud, Khalil A; Christou, George

2005-06-27

The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties are reported of [Mn12O12(O2CPe(t))16(MeOH)4] (4), [Mn6O2(O2CH2)(O2CPe(t))11(HO2CPe(t))2(O2CMe)] (5), [Mn9O6(OH)(CO3)(O2CPe(t))12(H2O)2] (6), and [Mn4O2(O2CPe(t))6(bpy)2] (7, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine), where Pe(t) = tert-pentyl (Pe(t)CO2H = 2,2-dimethylbutyric acid). These complexes were all prepared from reactions of [Mn12O12(O2CPe(t))16(H2O)4] (3) in CH2Cl2. Complex 4 x 2MeCN crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 and contains a central [Mn(IV)4O4] cubane core that is surrounded by a nonplanar ring of eight alternating Mn(III) and eight mu3-O(2-) ions. This is only the third Mn12 complex in which the four bound water molecules have been replaced by other ligands, in this case MeOH. Complex 5 x (1/2)CH2Cl2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c and contains two [Mn3(mu3-O)]7+ units linked at two of their apexes by two Pe(t)CO2(-) ligands and one mu4-CH2O2(2-) bridge. The complex is a new structural type in Mn chemistry, and also contains only the third example of a gem-diolate unit bridging four metal ions. Complex 6 x H2O x Pe(t)CO2H crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmc2(1) and possesses a [Mn(III)9(mu3-O)6(mu-OH)(mu3-CO3)]12+ core. The molecule contains a mu3-CO3(2-) ion, the first example in a discrete Mn complex. Complex 7 x 2H2O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c and contains a known [Mn(III)2Mn(II)2(mu3-O)2]6+ core that can be considered as two edge-sharing, triangular [Mn3O] units. Additionally, the synthesis and magnetic properties of a new enneanuclear cluster of formula [Mn9O7(O2CCH2Bu(t))13(THF)2] (8, THF = tetrahydrofuran) are reported. The molecule was obtained by the reaction of [Mn12O12(O2CCH2Bu(t))16(H2O)4] (2) with THF. Complexes 2 and 4 display quasireversible redox couples when examined by cyclic voltammetry in CH2Cl2; oxidations are observed at -0.07 V (2) and -0.21 V (4) vs ferrocene. The magnetic properties of complexes 4-8 have been studied by direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) magnetic susceptibility techniques. The ground-state spin of 4 was established by magnetization measurements in the 1.80-4.00 K and 0.5-7 T ranges. Fitting of the reduced magnetization data by full matrix diagonalization, incorporating a full powder average and including only axial anisotropy, gave S = 10, g = 2.0(1), and D = -0.39(10) cm(-1). The complex exhibits two frequency-dependent out-of-phase AC susceptibility signals (chi(M)'') indicative of slow magnetization relaxation. An Arrhenius plot obtained from chi(M)'' vs T data gave an effective energy barrier to relaxation (U(eff)) of 62 and 35 K for the slower and faster relaxing species, respectively. These studies suggest that complex 4 is a single-molecule magnet (SMM). DC susceptibility studies on complexes 5-8 display overall antiferromagnetic behavior and indicate ground-state spin values of S < or = 2. AC susceptibility studies at < 10 K confirm these small values and indicate the population of low-lying excited states even at these low temperatures. This supports the small ground-state spin values to be due to spin frustration effects.

Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Spain in 2012

PubMed Central

Saez, David; Bautista, Verónica; Fernández-Romero, Sara; Hernández-Molina, Juan Manuel; Pérez-Vázquez, María; Aracil, Belén; Campos, José

2013-01-01

We report the epidemiological impact of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in Spain in 2012. Of the 237 carbapenemases detected, 163 were from the OXA-48 group, 60 were from VIM-1, 8 were from KPC-2, 5 were from IMP, and 1 was from NDM-1. Interhospital spread of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was due to a limited number of multilocus sequence types (MLST) and carbapenemase types, including ST15–VIM-1, ST11–OXA-48, ST405–OXA-48, ST101–KPC-2, and ST11–VIM-1. The number of CPE cases in Spain has increased sharply in recent years, due mainly to the emergence of OXA-48. PMID:24041898

On the correct choice of equivalent circuit for fitting bulk impedance data of ionic/electronic conductors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hernández, Miguel A.; Masó, Nahum; West, Anthony R.

Bulk conductivity data of ionically and electronically conducting solid electrolytes and electronic ceramics invariably show a frequency dependence that cannot be modelled by a single-valued resistor. To model this, common practice is to add a constant phase element (CPE) in parallel with the bulk resistance. To fit experimental data on a wide variety of materials, however, it is also essential to include the limiting, high frequency permittivity of the material in the equivalent circuit. Failure to do so can lead to incorrect values for the sample resistance and CPE parameters and to an inappropriate circuit for materials that are electricallymore » heterogeneous.« less

Estimating demand for alternatives to cigarettes with online purchase tasks.

PubMed

O'Connor, Richard J; June, Kristie M; Bansal-Travers, Maansi; Rousu, Matthew C; Thrasher, James F; Hyland, Andrew; Cummings, K Michael

2014-01-01

To explore how advertising affects demand for cigarettes and potential substitutes, including snus, dissolvable tobacco, and medicinal nicotine. A Web-based experiment randomized 1062 smokers to see advertisements for alternative nicotine products or soft drinks, then complete a series of purchase tasks, which were used to estimate demand elasticity, peak consumption, and cross-price elasticity (CPE) for tobacco products. Lower demand elasticity and greater peak consumption were seen for cigarettes compared to all alternative products (p < .05). CPE did not differ across the alternative products (p ≤ .03). Seeing relevant advertisements was not significantly related to demand. These findings suggest significantly lower demand for alternative nicotine sources among smokers than previously revealed.

The Toronto outcome measure for craniofacial prosthetics: reliability and validity of a condition-specific quality-of-life instrument.

PubMed

Anderson, James D; Johnston, Dennis A; Haugh, Gil S; Kiat-Amnuay, Sudarat; Gettleman, Lawrence

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to refine the Toronto Outcome Measure for Craniofacial Prosthetics (TOMCP), present evidence for its reliability and validity, and use the instrument to explore differences in quality of life between prostheses made with chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) (experimental) and silicone (control). As part of a multicenter prospective controlled randomized double-blind single-crossover clinical trial of the two materials, the TOMCP was administered at the start and end of two 4-month study arms, during which 42 patients wore prostheses made from one material then the other. Reliability was assessed at the crossover. To determine validity of the TOMCP, the Linear Analogue Self-Assessment (LASA-12) and the Short-Form 8 (SF-8) were also administered with the TOMCP. The TOMCP was reduced by removing items that were unreliable, had poorly distributed answers, showed increased internal consistency after their removal, or were too highly correlated with more than one other item. The tests of reliability and validity were then repeated. Finally, the reduced instrument was used to test for differences in quality of life between prostheses made of the two materials. The item reduction tactics pared the 52-item instrument down to 27 items. The correlations of both TOMCP versions with the LASA-12 and the SF-8 were found to be statistically significant, providing evidence of the validity of the TOMCP. The instrument revealed significantly better quality of life with silicone rather than CPE prostheses. Both versions of the TOMCP were found to be reliable and valid. The instrument was able to show differences in quality of life between two materials.

AFRRI Reports, Third-Fourth Quarters

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-02-01

structural changes de- induce CPEs, and CPE was blocked by amantadine. N- scribed here for the effect of IV on J774.1 cells were Acetylcysteine and pyrrolidine...assayed. Inhibitors were N- acetylcysteine (NAC, 50 mM), pyrrolidine block CPEs (data not shown). dithiocarbamate (PDTC, 100 mM), deferoximine nesyiate (DEF...thyroid axis (34-39), partly due to suppression of TRH gene expression in the hypothala- mus (39). This inhibition may account for the depression of

Option on Examination Subjects and Its Effects on Teaching and Learning Process in Primary Schools in Kenya. African Studies in Curriculum Development & Evaluation No. 95.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lumallas, Jack E. S.

At the end of the seventh grade, students in Kenya are required to take the Certificate of Primary Education Examination (CPE), which is used as a selection instrument to determine whether students will be allowed to continue an academic course of education at the secondary school level. While the full range of subjects in the primary school…

Targeting Paclitaxel-Loaded Nanoparticles to Ovarian Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-01

group can react with alkyne functionality ( click chemistry ) being widely used for conjugation purpose by several groups. As reported in the annual... peptide As we began to appreciate that the chemistry of linking Lyp-1 to Nexil was going to be more difficult than anticipated, we turned substantial...Nexil we were unable to show improved efficacy in a lung cancer mode. We have shown that the CPE peptide effectively targets the toxin gelonin to human

Comparison of two commercial carbapenemase gene confirmatory assays in multiresistant Enterobacteriaceae and Acinetobacter baumannii-complex.

PubMed

Rösner, Stephan; Gehlweiler, Kevin; Küsters, Uta; Kolbert, Mathias; Hübner, Kirsten; Pfennigwerth, Niels; Mack, Dietrich

2018-01-01

Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB) producing carbapenemases are increasing at an alarming speed. Rapid confirmation of carbapenemase type will be an important diagnostic step in clinical microbiology laboratories not only to reduce the risk of transmissions but also for optimising antibiotic therapy in the future. We compared diagnostic reliability of two commercially available molecular assays (Check-Direct CPE vs. AID line probe assay) for detection and typing of carbapenemase genes in 80 well-characterized isolates of MDR-GNB. Respective strains were isolated in various clinical specimens at our clinical microbiology laboratory. The reference standard included confirmation of carbapenemase-production at the molecular level at the German National Reference Laboratory for Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany). 53 Enterobacteriaceae and 27 members of the A. baumannii-complex were used in this study. The tested assays appeared highly reliable to confirm carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) with respective sensitivities of 97.7%, but are currently unsuitable for analysis of members of the A. baumannii-complex. Both assays are easy to perform and rapid tools for confirmation and typing of the most common carbapenemase genes in Enterobacteriaceae. Implementation should be possible for any clinical microbiology laboratory with Check-Direct CPE being easier to handle and having less technological requirements.

Evaluation and Comparison of Three Types of Spray Dried Coprocessed Excipient Avicel® for Direct Compression

PubMed Central

Solný, Tomaš

2018-01-01

As coprocessed excipients (CPE) gain a lot of focus recently, this article compares three commercially available CPE of Avicel brand, namely, CE 15, DG, and HFE 102. Comparison is based on measured physical properties of coprocessed mixtures, respectively, flow properties, pycnometric density, mean particle size, specific surface area, moisture content, hygroscopicity, solubility, pH leaching, electrostatic charge, SEM images, and DSC. Tablets were made employing three pressure sets. Viscoelastic properties and ejection force were assessed during compression, as well as pycnometric density, mass uniformity, height, tensile strength, friability, disintegration, and wetting times. Avicel CE 15 is of mid-range flow properties, contains mid-size and nonspherical particles, and has high hygroscopicity, growing negative charge, best lubricity, lowest tensile strength, and mid-long disintegration times. Avicel DG possesses the worst flow properties, small asymmetrical particles, lowest hygroscopicity, stable charge, intermediate lubricity, and tensile strength and exhibits fast disintegration of tablets. Finally, Avicel HFE 102 has the best flow properties, large symmetrical particles, and middle hygroscopicity and its charge fluctuates throughout blending. It also exhibits inferior lubricity, the highest tensile strength, and slow disintegration of tablets. Generally, it is impossible to select the best CPE, as their different properties fit versatile needs of countless manufacturers and final products. PMID:29850496

Faecal carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing enterobacteria among soldiers at admission in a French military hospital after aeromedical evacuation from overseas.

PubMed

Janvier, F; Delacour, H; Tessé, S; Larréché, S; Sanmartin, N; Ollat, D; Rapp, C; Mérens, A

2014-10-01

The aim of this study was to assess the faecal carriage of carbapenemase-producing enterobacteria (CPE) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing enterobacteria among soldiers at admission in a French military hospital after aeromedical evacuation from overseas. During a period of 1 year, 83 rectal swabs collected in French soldiers at admission were screened for multidrug-resistant enterobacteria with a chromogenic medium. ESBL detection was performed with the double-disc synergy test in the absence or presence of cloxacillin. The genotypic characterisation of resistance mechanisms, sequence typing and phylotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing with bacterial DNA extracted from isolates. No CPE was detected. Eleven ESBL Escherichia coli isolates belonging to four phylogenetic groups were detected, including ten CTX-M-15 and one CTX-M-14. The overall gut colonisation with ESBL-producing bacteria (13.25 %) was 6-fold higher than that reported in soldiers in the suburbs of Paris in 2009. ESBL faecal carriage was particularly high (34.48 %) in soldiers repatriated from Afghanistan (risk ratio = 18.62; p = 0.0001). This study highlights the importance of systematic additional contact precautions and CPE/ESBL screening in soldiers repatriated from overseas in French hospitals.

NADH Electrooxidation Using Bis(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione) (2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II)-Exchanged Zirconium Phosphate Modified Carbon Paste Electrodes

PubMed Central

Santiago, Mitk’El B.; Vélez, Meredith M.; Borrero, Solmarie; Díaz, Agustín; Casillas, Craig A.; Hofmann, Cristina; Guadalupe, Ana R.; Colón, Jorge L.

2007-01-01

We present a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified using the electron mediator bis(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione) (2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ([Ru(phend)2bpy]2+) exchanged into the inorganic layered material zirconium phosphate (ZrP). X-Ray powder diffraction showed that the interlayer distance of ZrP increases upon [Ru(phend)2bpy]2+ intercalation from 10.3 Å to 14.2 Å. The UV-vis and IR spectroscopies results showed the characteristic peaks expected for [Ru(phend)2bpy]2+. The UV-vis spectrophotometric results indicate that the [Ru(phend)2bpy]2+ concentration inside the ZrP layers increased as a function of the loading level. The exchanged [Ru(phend)2bpy]2+ exhibited luminescence even at low concentration. Modified CPEs were constructed and analyzed using cyclic voltammetry. The intercalated mediator remained electroactive within the layers (E°′ = −38.5 mV vs. Ag/AgCl, 3.5 M NaCl) and electrocatalysis of NADH oxidation was observed. The kinetics of the modified CPE shows a Michaelis –Menten behavior. This CPE was used for the oxidation of NADH in the presence of Bakers’ yeast alcohol dehydrogenase. A calibration plot for ethanol is presented. PMID:18516242

NetF-producing Clostridium perfringens: Clonality and plasmid pathogenicity loci analysis.

PubMed

Mehdizadeh Gohari, Iman; Kropinski, Andrew M; Weese, Scott J; Whitehead, Ashley E; Parreira, Valeria R; Boerlin, Patrick; Prescott, John F

2017-04-01

Clostridium perfringens is an important cause of foal necrotizing enteritis and canine acute hemorrhagic diarrhea. A major virulence determinant of the strains associated with these diseases appears to be a beta-sheet pore-forming toxin, NetF, encoded within a pathogenicity locus (NetF locus) on a large tcp-conjugative plasmid. Strains producing NetF also produce the putative toxin NetE, encoded within the same pathogenicity locus, as well as CPE enterotoxin and CPB2 on a second plasmid, and sometimes the putative toxin NetG within a pathogenicity locus (NetG locus) on another separate large conjugative plasmid. Previous genome sequences of two netF-positive C. perfringens showed that they both shared three similar plasmids, including the NetF/NetE and CPE/CPB2 toxins-encoding plasmids mentioned above and a putative bacteriocin-encoding plasmid. The main purpose of this study was to determine whether all NetF-producing strains share this common plasmid profile and whether their distinct NetF and CPE pathogenicity loci are conserved. To answer this question, 15 equine and 15 canine netF-positive isolates of C. perfringens were sequenced using Illumina Hiseq2000 technology. In addition, the clonal relationships among the NetF-producing strains were evaluated by core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). The data obtained showed that all NetF-producing strains have a common plasmid profile and that the defined pathogenicity loci on the plasmids are conserved in all these strains. cgMLST analysis showed that the NetF-producing C. perfringens strains belong to two distinct clonal complexes. The pNetG plasmid was absent from isolates of one of the clonal complexes, and there were minor but consistent differences in the NetF/NetE and CPE/CPB2 plasmids between the two clonal complexes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High prevalence of Salmonella and IMP-4-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the silver gull on Five Islands, Australia.

PubMed

Dolejska, Monika; Masarikova, Martina; Dobiasova, Hana; Jamborova, Ivana; Karpiskova, Renata; Havlicek, Martin; Carlile, Nicholas; Priddel, David; Cizek, Alois; Literak, Ivan

2016-01-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the silver gull as an indicator of environmental contamination by salmonellae and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in south-east Australia. A total of 504 cloacal samples were collected from gull chicks at three nesting colonies in New South Wales, Australia [White Bay (n = 144), Five Islands (n = 200) and Montague Island (n = 160)] and were examined for salmonellae and CPE. Isolates were tested for carbapenemase genes and susceptibility to 14 antibiotics. Clonality was determined by PFGE and MLST. Genetic context and conjugative transfer of the carbapenemase gene were determined. A total of 120 CPE of 10 species, mainly Escherichia coli (n = 85), carrying the gene blaIMP-4, blaIMP-38 or blaIMP-26 were obtained from 80 (40%) gulls from Five Islands. Thirty percent of birds from this colony were colonized by salmonellae. Most isolates contained the gene within a class 1 integron showing a blaIMP-4-qacG-aacA4-catB3 array. The blaIMP gene was carried by conjugative plasmids of variable sizes (80-400 kb) and diverse replicons, including HI2-N (n = 30), HI2 (11), A/C (17), A/C-Y (2), L/M (5), I1 (1) and non-typeable (6). Despite the overall high genetic variability, common clones and plasmid types were shared by different birds and bacterial isolates, respectively. Our data demonstrate a large-scale transmission of carbapenemase-producing bacteria into wildlife, likely as a result of the feeding habits of the birds at a local waste depot. The isolates from gulls showed significant similarities with clinical isolates from Australia, suggesting the human origin of the isolates. The sources of CPE for gulls on Five Islands should be explored and proper measures applied to stop the transmission into the environment. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

Isolation of Chandipura virus (Vesiculovirus: Rhabdoviridae) from Sergentomyia species of sandflies from Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

PubMed

Sudeep, A B; Bondre, V P; Gurav, Y K; Gokhale, M D; Sapkal, G N; Mavale, M S; George, R P; Mishra, A C

2014-05-01

An outbreak of acute encephalitis syndrome was reported from Vidarbha region of Maharashtra s0 tate, India, during July 2012. Anti-IgM antibodies against Chandipura virus (CHPV) were detected in clinical samples. Sandfly collections were done to determine their role in CHPV transmission. Twenty nine pools of Sergentomyia spp. comprising 625 specimens were processed for virus isolation in Vero E6 cell line. Diagnostic RT-PCR targeting N-gene was carried out with the sample that showed cytopathic effects (CPE). The PCR product was sequenced, analysed and the sequences were deposited in Genbank database. CPE in Vero E6 cell line infected with three pools was detected at 48 h post infection. However, virus could be isolated only from one pool. RT-PCR studies demonstrated 527 nucleotide product that confirmed the agent as CHPV. Sequence analysis of the new isolate showed difference in 10-12 nucleotides in comparison to earlier isolates. This is perhaps the first isolation of CHPV from Sergentomyia spp. in India and virus isolation during transmission season suggests their probable role in CHPV transmission. Further studies need to be done to confirm the precise role of Sargentomyia spp. in CHPV transmission.

Dual cloud point extraction coupled with hydrodynamic-electrokinetic two-step injection followed by micellar electrokinetic chromatography for simultaneous determination of trace phenolic estrogens in water samples.

PubMed

Wen, Yingying; Li, Jinhua; Liu, Junshen; Lu, Wenhui; Ma, Jiping; Chen, Lingxin

2013-07-01

A dual cloud point extraction (dCPE) off-line enrichment procedure coupled with a hydrodynamic-electrokinetic two-step injection online enrichment technique was successfully developed for simultaneous preconcentration of trace phenolic estrogens (hexestrol, dienestrol, and diethylstilbestrol) in water samples followed by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) analysis. Several parameters affecting the extraction and online injection conditions were optimized. Under optimal dCPE-two-step injection-MEKC conditions, detection limits of 7.9-8.9 ng/mL and good linearity in the range from 0.05 to 5 μg/mL with correlation coefficients R(2) ≥ 0.9990 were achieved. Satisfactory recoveries ranging from 83 to 108% were obtained with lake and tap water spiked at 0.1 and 0.5 μg/mL, respectively, with relative standard deviations (n = 6) of 1.3-3.1%. This method was demonstrated to be convenient, rapid, cost-effective, and environmentally benign, and could be used as an alternative to existing methods for analyzing trace residues of phenolic estrogens in water samples.

Mechanisms of Action and Cell Death Associated with Clostridium perfringens Toxins.

PubMed

Navarro, Mauricio A; McClane, Bruce A; Uzal, Francisco A

2018-05-22

Clostridium perfringens uses its large arsenal of protein toxins to produce histotoxic, neurologic and intestinal infections in humans and animals. The major toxins involved in diseases are alpha (CPA), beta (CPB), epsilon (ETX), iota (ITX), enterotoxin (CPE), and necrotic B-like (NetB) toxins. CPA is the main virulence factor involved in gas gangrene in humans, whereas its role in animal diseases is limited and controversial. CPB is responsible for necrotizing enteritis and enterotoxemia, mostly in neonatal individuals of many animal species, including humans. ETX is the main toxin involved in enterotoxemia of sheep and goats. ITX has been implicated in cases of enteritis in rabbits and other animal species; however, its specific role in causing disease has not been proved. CPE is responsible for human food-poisoning and non-foodborne C. perfringens -mediated diarrhea. NetB is the cause of necrotic enteritis in chickens. In most cases, host⁻toxin interaction starts on the plasma membrane of target cells via specific receptors, resulting in the activation of intracellular pathways with a variety of effects, commonly including cell death. In general, the molecular mechanisms of cell death associated with C. perfringens toxins involve features of apoptosis, necrosis and/or necroptosis.

Mechanisms of Action and Cell Death Associated with Clostridium perfringens Toxins

PubMed Central

Navarro, Mauricio A.; Uzal, Francisco A.

2018-01-01

Clostridium perfringens uses its large arsenal of protein toxins to produce histotoxic, neurologic and intestinal infections in humans and animals. The major toxins involved in diseases are alpha (CPA), beta (CPB), epsilon (ETX), iota (ITX), enterotoxin (CPE), and necrotic B-like (NetB) toxins. CPA is the main virulence factor involved in gas gangrene in humans, whereas its role in animal diseases is limited and controversial. CPB is responsible for necrotizing enteritis and enterotoxemia, mostly in neonatal individuals of many animal species, including humans. ETX is the main toxin involved in enterotoxemia of sheep and goats. ITX has been implicated in cases of enteritis in rabbits and other animal species; however, its specific role in causing disease has not been proved. CPE is responsible for human food-poisoning and non-foodborne C. perfringens-mediated diarrhea. NetB is the cause of necrotic enteritis in chickens. In most cases, host–toxin interaction starts on the plasma membrane of target cells via specific receptors, resulting in the activation of intracellular pathways with a variety of effects, commonly including cell death. In general, the molecular mechanisms of cell death associated with C. perfringens toxins involve features of apoptosis, necrosis and/or necroptosis. PMID:29786671

Cultural concepts of distress and psychiatric disorders: literature review and research recommendations for global mental health epidemiology

PubMed Central

Kohrt, Brandon A; Rasmussen, Andrew; Kaiser, Bonnie N; Haroz, Emily E; Maharjan, Sujen M; Mutamba, Byamah B; de Jong, Joop TVM; Hinton, Devon E

2014-01-01

Background Burgeoning global mental health endeavors have renewed debates about cultural applicability of psychiatric categories. This study’s goal is to review strengths and limitations of literature comparing psychiatric categories with cultural concepts of distress (CCD) such as cultural syndromes, culture-bound syndromes, and idioms of distress. Methods The Systematic Assessment of Quality in Observational Research (SAQOR) was adapted based on cultural psychiatry principles to develop a Cultural Psychiatry Epidemiology version (SAQOR-CPE), which was used to rate quality of quantitative studies comparing CCD and psychiatric categories. A meta-analysis was performed for each psychiatric category. Results Forty-five studies met inclusion criteria, with 18 782 unique participants. Primary objectives of the studies included comparing CCD and psychiatric disorders (51%), assessing risk factors for CCD (18%) and instrument validation (16%). Only 27% of studies met SAQOR-CPE criteria for medium quality, with the remainder low or very low quality. Only 29% of studies employed representative samples, 53% used validated outcome measures, 44% included function assessments and 44% controlled for confounding. Meta-analyses for anxiety, depression, PTSD and somatization revealed high heterogeneity (I2 > 75%). Only general psychological distress had low heterogeneity (I2 = 8%) with a summary effect odds ratio of 5.39 (95% CI 4.71-6.17). Associations between CCD and psychiatric disorders were influenced by methodological issues, such as validation designs (β = 16.27, 95%CI 12.75-19.79) and use of CCD multi-item checklists (β = 6.10, 95%CI 1.89-10.31). Higher quality studies demonstrated weaker associations of CCD and psychiatric disorders. Conclusions Cultural concepts of distress are not inherently unamenable to epidemiological study. However, poor study quality impedes conceptual advancement and service application. With improved study design and reporting using guidelines such as the SAQOR-CPE, CCD research can enhance detection of mental health problems, reduce cultural biases in diagnostic criteria and increase cultural salience of intervention trial outcomes. PMID:24366490

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Obese Hospitalized Patients: A Single Center Experience

PubMed Central

Sharma, Sunil; Mather, Paul J.; Efird, Jimmy T.; Kahn, Daron; Shiue, Kristin Y.; Cheema, Mohammed; Malloy, Raymond; Quan, Stuart F.

2015-01-01

Study Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an important health problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This condition often is underrecognized in hospitalized patients. The aim of this study was to conduct a clinical pathway evaluation (CPE) among obese patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital. We also assessed oxygen desaturation index (ODI, measured by overnight pulse oximetry) as a potential low-cost screening tool for identifying OSA. Methods: This was a prospective study of 754 patients admitted to an academic medical center between February 2013 and February 2014. Consecutive obese patients (body mass index ≥ 30) admitted to the hospital (medical services) were screened and evaluated for OSA with the snoring, tiredness during daytime, observed apnea, high blood pressure (STOP) questionnaire. The admitting team was advised to perform follow-up evaluation, including polysomnography, if the test was positive. Results: A total of 636 patients were classified as high risk and 118 as low risk for OSA. Within 4 w of discharge, 149 patients underwent polysomnography, and of these, 87% (129) were shown to have OSA. An optimal screening cutoff point for OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 10/h) was determined to be ODI ≥ 10/h [Matthews correlation coefficient = 0.36, 95% confidence interval = 0.24–0.47]. Significantly more hospitalized patients were identified and underwent polysomnography compared with the year prior to introduction of the CPE. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the CPE increased the identification of OSA in this population. Furthermore, ODI derived from overnight pulse oximetry may be a cost-effective strategy to screen for OSA in hospitalized patients. Citation: Sharma S, Mather PJ, Efird JT, Kahn D, Shiue KY, Cheema M, Malloy R, Quan SF. Obstructive sleep apnea in obese hospitalized patients: a single center experience. J Clin Sleep Med 2015;11(7):717–723. PMID:25766715

Facile electrochemical pretreatment of multiwalled carbon nanotube - Polydimethylsiloxane paste electrode for enhanced detection of dopamine and uric acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buenaventura, Angelo Gabriel E.; Yago, Allan Christopher C.

2018-05-01

A facile electrochemical pretreatment via anodization was done on Carbon Paste Electrodes (CPEs) composed of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) binder to produce `anodized' CPEs (ACPE). Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) technique was used to anodize the CPEs. The anodization step, performed in various solutions (0.2 M NaOH(aq), 0.06 M BR Buffer at pH 7.0, and 0.2 M HNO3(aq)), were found to enhance the electrochemical properties of the ACPEs compared to non-anodized CPE. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements revealed a significantly lower charge transfer resistance (Rct) for the ACPEs (4.01-6.25 kΩ) as compared to CPE (25.9 kΩ). Comparison of the reversibility analysis for Fe(CN)63-/4- redox couple showed that the ACPEs have peak current ratio (Ia/Ic) at range of 0.97-1.10 while 1.92 for the CPE; this result indicated better electrochemical reversible behaviors for Fe(CN)63-/4- redox couple using the ACPEs. CV Anodization process was further optimized by varying solution and CV parameters (i.e. pH, composition, number of cycles, and potential range), and the resulting optimized ACPE was used for enhanced detection of Dopamine (DA) and Uric Acid (UA) in the presence of excess Ascorbic Acid (AA). Employing Differential Pulse Voltammetry technique, enhanced voltammetric signal for DA and significant peak separation between DA and UA was obtained. The anodic peak currents for the oxidation of DA and UA appeared at 0.263V and 0.414 V, respectively, and it was observed to be linearly increasing with increasing concentrations of biomolecules (25-100 µM). The detection limit was determined to be 3.86 µM for DA and 5.61 µM for UA. This study showed a quick and cost-effective pretreatment for CPEs based on MWCNT-PDMS composite which lead to significant enhancement on its electrochemical properties.

Estimating Demand for Alternatives to Cigarettes With Online Purchase Tasks

PubMed Central

O’Connor, Richard J.; June, Kristie M.; Bansal-Travers, Maansi; Rousu, Matthew C.; Thrasher, James F.; Hyland, Andrew; Cummings, K. Michael

2013-01-01

Objectives This study explored how advertising affects demand for cigarettes and potential substitutes, including snus, dissolvable tobacco, and medicinal nicotine. Methods A web-based experiment randomized 1062 smokers to see advertisements for alternative nicotine products or soft drinks, then complete a series of purchase tasks, which were used to estimate demand elasticity, peak consumption, and cross-price elasticity (CPE) for tobacco products. Results Lower demand elasticity and greater peak consumption were seen for cigarettes compared to all alternative products (p < .05). CPE did not differ across the alternative products (p ≤ .03). Seeing relevant advertisements was not significantly related to demand. Conclusions These findings suggest significantly lower demand for alternative nicotine sources among smokers than previously revealed. PMID:24034685

Radiation and Health: A Workshop for Science Educators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krieger, Kenneth

2010-03-01

This workshop covers nuclear science and technology topics suitable for science teachers to use in grade 4-12 classes. Subjects included are Fundamentals of Radiation, Exposure to natural and man- made Radiation, Cellular Biology and Radiation Effects, Radioactive Waste Management, Health Physics and Radiation Physics, and Career possibilities in Nuclear Technology. Schools of participants will receive a working Geiger Counter. Workshop presenter is a TEA-approved CPE Provider. Limited to 20 participants - 3 hours - Cost 2.00

Immobilization of metallothionein to carbon paste electrode surface via anti-MT antibodies and its use for biosensing of silver.

PubMed

Trnkova, Libuse; Krizkova, Sona; Adam, Vojtech; Hubalek, Jaromir; Kizek, Rene

2011-01-15

In this paper, heavy metal biosensor based on immobilization of metallothionein (MT) to the surface of carbon paste electrode (CPE) via anti-MT-antibodies is reported. First, the evaluation of MT electroactivity was done. The attention was focused on the capturing of MT to the CPE surface. Antibodies incorporated and mixed into carbon paste were stable; even after two weeks the observed changes in signal height were lower than 5%. Further, the interaction of MT with polyclonal chicken antibodies incorporated in carbon paste electrode was determined by square-wave voltammetry. In the voltammogram, two signals--labelled as cys(MT) and W(a)--were observed. The cys(MT) corresponded to -SH moieties of MT and W(a) corresponded to tryptophan residues of chicken antibodies. Time of interaction (300 s) and MT concentration (125 μg/ml) were optimized to suggest a silver(I) ions biosensor. Biosensor (CPE modified with anti-MT antibody) prepared under the optimized conditions was then used for silver(I) ions detection. The detection limit (3 S/N) for silver(I) ions was estimated as 0.5 nM. The proposed biosensor was tested by detection spiking of silver(I) ions in various water samples (from very pure distilled water to rainwater). Recoveries varied from 74 to 104%. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Freshwater Suspended Sediments and Sewage Are Reservoirs for Enterotoxin-Positive Clostridium perfringens▿

PubMed Central

Mueller-Spitz, Sabrina R.; Stewart, Lisa B.; Klump, J. Val; McLellan, Sandra L.

2010-01-01

The release of fecal pollution into surface waters may create environmental reservoirs of feces-derived microorganisms, including pathogens. Clostridium perfringens is a commonly used fecal indicator that represents a human pathogen. The pathogenicity of this bacterium is associated with its expression of multiple toxins; however, the prevalence of C. perfringens with various toxin genes in aquatic environments is not well characterized. In this study, C. perfringens spores were used to measure the distribution of fecal pollution associated with suspended sediments in the nearshore waters of Lake Michigan. Particle-associated C. perfringens levels were greatest adjacent to the Milwaukee harbor and diminished in the nearshore waters. Species-specific PCR and toxin gene profiles identified 174 isolates collected from the suspended sediments, surface water, and sewage influent as C. perfringens type A. Regardless of the isolation source, the beta2 and enterotoxin genes were common among isolates. The suspended sediments yielded the highest frequency of cpe-carrying C. perfringens (61%) compared to sewage (38%). Gene arrangement of enterotoxin was investigated using PCR to target known insertion sequences associated with this gene. Amplification products were detected in only 9 of 90 strains, which suggests there is greater variability in cpe gene arrangement than previously described. This work presents evidence that freshwater suspended sediments and sewage influent are reservoirs for potentially pathogenic cpe-carrying C. perfringens spores. PMID:20581181

Paying for Cures: How Can We Afford It? Managed Care Pharmacy Stakeholder Perceptions of Policy Options to Address Affordability of Prescription Drugs.

PubMed

Yeung, Kai; Suh, Kangho; Basu, Anirban; Garrison, Louis P; Bansal, Aasthaa; Carlson, Josh J

2017-10-01

High-priced medications with curative potential, such as the newer hepatitis C therapies, have contributed to the recent growth in pharmaceutical expenditure. Despite the obvious benefits, health care decision makers are just beginning to grapple with questions of how to value and pay for curative therapies that may feature large upfront cost, followed by health benefits that are reaped over a patient's lifespan. Alternative policy options have been proposed to promote high value and financially sustainable use of these therapies. It is unclear which policy options would be most acceptable to health care payer and biomedical manufacturer stakeholders. To (a) briefly review pharmaceutical policy options to address health system affordability and (b) assess the acceptability of alternative policy options to health care payers and biomedical manufacturers before and after an Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) continuing pharmacy education (CPE) session. We searched MEDLINE and Cochran databases for pharmaceutical policy options addressing affordability. With input from a focus group of managed care professionals, we developed CPE session content and an 8-question survey focusing on the most promising policy options. We fielded the survey before and after the CPE session, which occurred as part of the 2016 AMCP Annual Meeting. We first conducted a chi-squared goodness-of-fit test to assess response distributions. Next, we tested how responses differed before and after by using an ordered logit and a multinomial logit to model Likert scale and unordered responses, respectively. Although risk-sharing payments over time remained the most favorable choice before (37%) and after (35%) the CPE session, this choice was closely followed by HealthCoin after the session, which increased in favorability from 4% to 33% of responses (P = 0.001). About half of the respondents (54%) indicated that legislative change is the most significant barrier to the implementation of any policy. As high-cost curative drugs reach the market, managed care stakeholders need information from a balanced education source regarding alternative policies to address affordability. We found that after the AMCP CPE session, risk-sharing payments over time and HealthCoin were the most favorable options. No funding was provided for this research. Carlson reports consulting fees from Genentech, Pfizer, and Seattle Genetics. The other authors have nothing to disclose. Study concept and design were contributed by Yeung, Garrison, and Carlson. Yeung collected the data, which were interpreted by Yeung and Basu. The manuscript was written by Yeung, Suh, and Bansal and revised by Yeung. A portion of this research was presented at the Academy of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy Annual Meeting as a continuing education session entitled "Paying for Cures: How Can We Afford It?" on April 20, 2016, in San Francisco, California.

Characterization and analysis of the cotton cyclopropane fatty acid synthase family and their contribution to cyclopropane fatty acid synthesis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu X. H.; Shanklin J.; Rawat, R.

Cyclopropane fatty acids (CPA) have been found in certain gymnosperms, Malvales, Litchi and other Sapindales. The presence of their unique strained ring structures confers physical and chemical properties characteristic of unsaturated fatty acids with the oxidative stability displayed by saturated fatty acids making them of considerable industrial interest. While cyclopropenoid fatty acids (CPE) are well-known inhibitors of fatty acid desaturation in animals, CPE can also inhibit the stearoyl-CoA desaturase and interfere with the maturation and reproduction of some insect species suggesting that in addition to their traditional role as storage lipids, CPE can contribute to the protection of plants frommore » herbivory. Three genes encoding cyclopropane synthase homologues GhCPS1, GhCPS2 and GhCPS3 were identified in cotton. Determination of gene transcript abundance revealed differences among the expression of GhCPS1, 2 and 3 showing high, intermediate and low levels, respectively, of transcripts in roots and stems; whereas GhCPS1 and 2 are both expressed at low levels in seeds. Analyses of fatty acid composition in different tissues indicate that the expression patterns of GhCPS1 and 2 correlate with cyclic fatty acid (CFA) distribution. Deletion of the N-terminal oxidase domain lowered GhCPS's ability to produce cyclopropane fatty acid by approximately 70%. GhCPS1 and 2, but not 3 resulted in the production of cyclopropane fatty acids upon heterologous expression in yeast, tobacco BY2 cell and Arabidopsis seed. In cotton GhCPS1 and 2 gene expression correlates with the total CFA content in roots, stems and seeds. That GhCPS1 and 2 are expressed at a similar level in seed suggests both of them can be considered potential targets for gene silencing to reduce undesirable seed CPE accumulation. Because GhCPS1 is more active in yeast than the published Sterculia CPS and shows similar activity when expressed in model plant systems, it represents a strong candidate gene for CFA accumulation via heterologous expression in production plants.« less

Proanthocyanidins Modulate MicroRNA Expression in Human HepG2 Cells

PubMed Central

Arola-Arnal, Anna; Bladé, Cinta

2011-01-01

Mi(cro)RNAs are small non-coding RNAs of 18-25 nucleotides in length that modulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. These RNAs have been shown to be involved in a several biological processes, human diseases and metabolic disorders. Proanthocyanidins, which are the most abundant polyphenol class in the human diet, have positive health effects on a variety of metabolic disorders such as inflammation, obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance. The present study aimed to evaluate whether proanthocyanidin-rich natural extracts modulate miRNA expression. Using microarray analysis and Q-PCR, we investigated miRNA expression in HepG2 cells treated with proanthocyanidins. Our results showed that when HepG2 cells were treated with grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), cocoa proanthocyanidin extract (CPE) or pure epigallocatechin gallate isolated from green tea (EGCG), fifteen, six and five differentially expressed miRNAs, respectively, were identified out of 904 mRNAs. Specifically, miR-30b* was downregulated by the three treatments, and treatment with GSPE or CPE upregulated miR-1224-3p, miR-197 and miR-532-3p. Therefore, these results provide evidence of the capacity of dietary proanthocyanidins to influence microRNA expression, suggesting a new mechanism of action of proanthocyanidins. PMID:21998738

Competing Death Programs in Poliovirus-Infected Cells: Commitment Switch in the Middle of the Infectious Cycle

PubMed Central

Agol, Vadim I.; Belov, George A.; Bienz, Kurt; Egger, Denise; Kolesnikova, Marina S.; Romanova, Lyudmila I.; Sladkova, Larissa V.; Tolskaya, Elena A.

2000-01-01

Productive poliovirus infection of HeLa cells leads to the canonical cytopathic effect (CPE), whereas certain types of abortive infection result in apoptosis. To define the time course of commitment to the different types of poliovirus-induced death, inhibitors of viral replication (guanidine HCl) or translation (cycloheximide) were added at different times postinfection (p.i.). Early in the infection (during the first ∼2 h p.i.), predominantly proapoptotic viral function was expressed, rendering the cells committed to apoptosis, which developed several hours after viral expression was arrested. In the middle of infection, concomitantly with the onset of fast generation of viral progeny, the implementation of the viral apoptotic program was abruptly interrupted. In particular, activation of an Asp-Glu-Val-Asp (DEVD)-specific caspase(s) occurring in the apoptosis-committed cells was prevented by the ongoing productive infection. Simultaneously, the cells retaining normal or nearly normal morphology became committed to CPE, which eventually developed regardless of whether or not further viral expression was allowed to proceed. The implementation of the poliovirus-induced apoptotic program was suppressed in HeLa cells overexpressing the Bcl-2 protein, indicating that the fate of poliovirus-infected cells depends on the balance of host and viral pro- and antiapoptotic factors. PMID:10823859

Chandipura virus growth kinetics in vertebrate cell lines, insect cell lines & embryonated eggs.

PubMed

Jadi, R S; Sudeep, A B; Kumar, Satyendra; Arankalle, V A; Mishra, A C

2010-08-01

Since not much information on Chandipura virus is available, an attempt was made to study the growth kinetics of the virus in certain vertebrate, invertebrate cell lines and embryonated chicken eggs. Comparative study of Chandipura virus (CHPV) growth kinetics in three vertebrate cell lines [Vero E6, Rhabdo myosarcoma (RD), Porcine stable kidney (PS) cell lines], two insect cell lines [Aedes aegypti (AA) and Phlebotomus papatasi (PP-9) cell lines] and embryonated pathogen free chicken eggs was conducted, by tissue culture infective dose 50 per cent (TCID(50)) and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). All the cell lines and embryonated egg supported the growth of CHPV and yielded high virus titre. The vertebrate cell lines showed distinct cytopathic effect (CPE) within 4-6 h post infection (PI), while no CPE was observed in insect cell lines. PP-9 cell line was the most sensitive system to CHPV as viral antigen could be detected at 1 h PI by IFA. Our results demonstrated that all the systems were susceptible to CHPV and achieved high yield of virus. However, the PP-9 cell line had an edge over the others due to its high sensitivity to the virus which might be useful for detection and isolation of the virus during epidemics.

The effect of clay catalyst on the chemical composition of bio-oil obtained by co-pyrolysis of cellulose and polyethylene.

PubMed

Solak, Agnieszka; Rutkowski, Piotr

2014-02-01

Cellulose/polyethylene (CPE) mixture 3:1, w/w with and without three clay catalysts (K10 - montmorillonite K10, KSF - montmorillonite KSF, B - Bentonite) addition were subjected to pyrolysis at temperatures 400, 450 and 500°C with heating rate of 100°C/s to produce bio-oil with high yield. The pyrolytic oil yield was in the range of 41.3-79.5 wt% depending on the temperature, the type and the amount of catalyst. The non-catalytic fast pyrolysis at 500°C gives the highest yield of bio-oil (79.5 wt%). The higher temperature of catalytic pyrolysis of cellulose/polyethylene mixture the higher yield of bio-oil is. Contrarily, increasing amount of montmorillonite results in significant, almost linear decrease in bio-oil yield followed by a significant increase of gas yield. The addition of clay catalysts to CPE mixture has a various influence on the distribution of bio-oil components. The addition of montmorillonite K10 to cellulose/polyethylene mixture promotes the deepest conversion of polyethylene and cellulose. Additionally, more saturated than unsaturated hydrocarbons are present in resultant bio-oils. The proportion of liquid hydrocarbons is the highest when a montmorillonite K10 is acting as a catalyst. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Beta-lactamases in Enterobacteriaceae infections in children.

PubMed

Moxon, Christopher Alan; Paulus, Stéphane

2016-07-05

Multi-drug resistance in Gram negative bacteria, particularly in Enterobacteriaceae, is a major clinical and public health challenge. The main mechanism of resistance in Enterobacteriaceae is linked to the production of beta-lactamase hydrolysing enzymes such as extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), AmpC beta-lactamases and carbapenemases (Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE)). ESBL and CPE resistance genes are located on plasmids, which can be transmitted between Enterobacteriaceae, facilitating their spread in hospitals and communities. These plasmids usually harbour multiple additional co-resistance genes, including to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones, making these infections challenging to treat. Asymptomatic carriage in healthy children as well as community acquired infections are increasingly reported, particularly with ESBL. Therapeutic options are limited and previously little used antimicrobials such as fosfomycin and colistin have been re-introduced in clinical practice. Paediatric experience with these agents is limited hence there is a need to further examine their clinical efficacy, dosage and toxicity in children. Antimicrobial stewardship along with strict infection prevention and control practices need to be adopted widely in order to preserve currently available antimicrobials. The future development of novel agents effective against beta-lactamases producers and their applicability in children is urgently needed to address the challenge of multi-resistant Gram negative infections. Copyright © 2016 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Infection and propagation of lymphocystis virus isolated from the cultured flounder Paralichthys olivaceus in grass carp cell lines.

PubMed

Zhang, Qi-Ya; Ruan, Hong-Mei; Li, Zhen-Qiu; Yuan, Xiu-Ping; Gui, Jian-Fang

2003-12-03

The causative agent of lymphocystis disease that frequently occurs in cultured flounder Paralichthys olivaceus in China is lymphocystis virus (LV). In this study, 13 fish cell lines were tested for their susceptibility to LV. Of these, 2 cell lines derived from the freshwater grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idellus proved susceptible to the LV, and 1 cell line, GCO (grass carp ovary), was therefore used to replicate and propagate the virus. An obvious cytopathic effect (CPE) was first observed in cell monolayers at 1 d post-inoculation, and at 3 d this had extended to about 75% of the cell monolayer. However, no further CPE extension was observed after 4 d. Cytopathic characteristics induced by the LV were detected by Giemsa staining and fluorescence microscopic observation with Hoechst 33258 staining. The propagated virus particles were also observed by electron microscopy. Ultrastructure analysis revealed several distinct cellular changes, such as chromatin compaction and margination, vesicle formation, cell-surface convolution, nuclear fragmentation and the occurrence of characteristic 'blebs' and cell fusion. This study provides a detailed report of LV infection and propagation in a freshwater fish cell line, and presents direct electron microscopy evidence for propagation of the virus in infected cells. A possible process by which the CPEs are controlled is suggested.

Sensitive detection of cyclophosphamide using DNA-modified carbon paste, pencil graphite and hanging mercury drop electrodes.

PubMed

Palaska, P; Aritzoglou, E; Girousi, S

2007-05-15

The interaction of cyclophosphamide (CP) with calf thymus double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and thermally denatured single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) immobilized at the carbon paste (CPE) and pencil graphite electrodes (PGE), was studied electrochemically based on oxidation signals of guanine and adenine using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). As a result of the interaction of CP with DNA, the voltammetric signals of guanine and adenine increased in the case of dsDNA while a slight increase was observed in ssDNA. The effect of experimental parameters such as the interaction time between CP and DNA forms and the concentration of CP, were studied using DPV with CPE and PGE. Additionally, reproducibility and detection limits were determined using both electrodes. A comparison of the analytical performance between CPE and PGE was done. Our results showed that these two different DNA biosensors could be used for the sensitive, rapid and cost effective detection of CP itself as well as of CP-DNA interaction. Furthermore, the interaction of CP with dsDNA and ssDNA was studied in solution and at the electrode surface by means of alternating current voltammetry (ACV) in 0.3M NaCl and 50mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 8.5) supporting electrolyte, using a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) as working electrode. The conclusions of this study were mainly based on tensammetric peaks I (at -1.183V) and II (-1.419V) of DNA. This study involved the interaction of CP with surface-confined and solution phase DNA where experimental parameters, such as the concentration of CP and the interaction time, were studied. By increasing the concentration of CP, an increase of peak II was observed in both ds and ssDNA, while an increase of peak I was observed only in the case of dsDNA. An overall conclusion of the study using HMDE was that the interaction of CP with surface-confined DNA significantly differed from that with solution phase DNA. The increase of peaks I and II was lower in the case of interaction of CP with surface-confined DNA, probably due to steric positioning of DNA at the electrode surface.

[Laboratory diagnosis of genital herpes--direct immunofluorescence method].

PubMed

Majewska, Anna; Romejko-Wolniewicz, Ewa; Zareba-Szczudlik, Julia; Kilijańczyk, Marek; Gajewska, Małgorzata; Młynarczyk, Grazyna

2013-07-01

Aim of the study was to determine clinical usefulness of direct immunofluorescence method in the laboratory diagnosis of genital herpes in women. Overall 187 anogenital swabs were collected from 120 women. Using a dacron-tipped applicator 83 swabs were collected from women suspected of genital herpes and 104 from patients with no signs of genital infection. All samples were tested using cell culture (Vero cell line) and then direct immunofluorescence method (DIF) for the identification of antigens of herpes simplex viruses: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Characteristic cytopathic effect (CPE), indicative of alphaherpesvirus infection, was observed in 43.4% of cultures with clinical specimens collected from women with suspected genital herpes and in 29.8% of cultures of clinical specimens taken from patients with no clinical symptoms of genital herpes. Herpes simplex viruses were determined in 73 samples by direct immunofluorescence method after amplification of the virus in cell culture. The DIF test confirmed the diagnosis based on the microscopic CPE observation in 85%. In 15% of samples (taken from pregnant women without clinical signs of infection) we reported positive immunofluorescence in the absence of CPE. The frequency of antigen detection was statistically significantly higher in samples that were positive by culture study (chi-square test with Yates's correction, p < 0.01). This method proved to be highly sensitive (97%) in women with clinically suspected infection. High negative predictive value (99%) proves the clinical utility of the DIF in these group of patients. In asymptomatic infections, viral antigens were detected most frequently in the swabs from the cervical canal, and in cases of suspected genital herpes in swabs taken from the vestibule of the vagina and the vulva. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of detection of Herpes Simplex Virus antigens in specimens from different parts of the genital tract in both groups of women (chi-square test, p > 0.05). In our study HHV-1 was the main causative agent of genital herpes. The growing worldwide prevalence of genital herpes, challenges with the clinical diagnosis, and availability of effective antiviral therapy are the main reasons for a growing interest in rapid, proper laboratory diagnosis of infected patients. Optimal testing diagnostic algorithm depends on patient population, clinical circumstances and availability. Our results indicated that combination of laboratory tests may help to establish the diagnosis if genital herpes is suspected but there are no typical signs.

Sorting of Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Polar Solvents with an Amphiphilic Conjugated Polymer Provides General Guidelines for Enrichment.

PubMed

Ouyang, Jianying; Ding, Jianfu; Lefebvre, Jacques; Li, Zhao; Guo, Chang; Kell, Arnold J; Malenfant, Patrick R L

2018-02-27

Conjugated polymer extraction (CPE) has been shown to be a highly effective method to isolate high-purity semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (sc-SWCNTs). In both literature reports and industrial manufacturing, this method has enabled enrichment of sc-SWCNTs with high purity (≥99.9%). High selectivity is typically obtained in nonpolar aromatic solvents, yet polar solvents may provide process improvements in terms of yield, purity and efficiency. Using an amphiphilic fluorene-alt-pyridine conjugated copolymer with hydrophilic side chains, we have investigated the enrichment of sc-SWCNTs in polar solvents. Various conditions such as polymer/SWCNT ratio, solvent polarity, solvent dielectric constant as well as polymer solubility and SWCNT dispersibility were explored in order to optimize the purity and yield of the enriched product. Herein, we provide insights on CPE by demonstrating that a conjugated polymer having a hydrophobic backbone and hydrophilic oligo(ethylene oxide) side chains provides near full recovery (95%) of sc-SWCNTs using a multiextraction protocol. High purity is also obtained, and differences in chiral selectivity compared to analogous hydrophobic systems were confirmed by optical absorption and Raman spectroscopy as well as photoluminescence excitation mapping. Taking into consideration the solvent dielectric constant, polarity index as well as polymer solubility and SWCNT dispersibility provides a better understanding of structure-property effects on sc-SWCNT enrichment. The resulting hydrophilic SWCNT dispersions demonstrate long-term colloidal stability, making them suitable for ink formulation and high-performance thin-film transistors fabrication.

A Flow Cytometry-Based Assay for Quantifying Non-Plaque Forming Strains of Yellow Fever Virus

PubMed Central

Hammarlund, Erika; Amanna, Ian J.; Dubois, Melissa E.; Barron, Alex; Engelmann, Flora; Messaoudi, Ilhem; Slifka, Mark K.

2012-01-01

Primary clinical isolates of yellow fever virus can be difficult to quantitate by standard in vitro methods because they may not form discernable plaques or induce a measurable cytopathic effect (CPE) on cell monolayers. In our hands, the Dakar strain of yellow fever virus (YFV-Dakar) could not be measured by plaque assay (PA), focus-forming assay (FFA), or by measurement of CPE. For these reasons, we developed a YFV-specific monoclonal antibody (3A8.B6) and used it to optimize a highly sensitive flow cytometry-based tissue culture limiting dilution assay (TC-LDA) to measure levels of infectious virus. The TC-LDA was performed by incubating serial dilutions of virus in replicate wells of C6/36 cells and stained intracellularly for virus with MAb 3A8.B6. Using this approach, we could reproducibly quantitate YFV-Dakar in tissue culture supernatants as well as from the serum of viremic rhesus macaques experimentally infected with YFV-Dakar. Moreover, the TC-LDA approach was >10-fold more sensitive than standard plaque assay for quantitating typical plaque-forming strains of YFV including YFV-17D and YFV-FNV (French neurotropic vaccine). Together, these results indicate that the TC-LDA technique is effective for quantitating both plaque-forming and non-plaque-forming strains of yellow fever virus, and this methodology may be readily adapted for the study and quantitation of other non-plaque-forming viruses. PMID:23028428

A flow cytometry-based assay for quantifying non-plaque forming strains of yellow fever virus.

PubMed

Hammarlund, Erika; Amanna, Ian J; Dubois, Melissa E; Barron, Alex; Engelmann, Flora; Messaoudi, Ilhem; Slifka, Mark K

2012-01-01

Primary clinical isolates of yellow fever virus can be difficult to quantitate by standard in vitro methods because they may not form discernable plaques or induce a measurable cytopathic effect (CPE) on cell monolayers. In our hands, the Dakar strain of yellow fever virus (YFV-Dakar) could not be measured by plaque assay (PA), focus-forming assay (FFA), or by measurement of CPE. For these reasons, we developed a YFV-specific monoclonal antibody (3A8.B6) and used it to optimize a highly sensitive flow cytometry-based tissue culture limiting dilution assay (TC-LDA) to measure levels of infectious virus. The TC-LDA was performed by incubating serial dilutions of virus in replicate wells of C6/36 cells and stained intracellularly for virus with MAb 3A8.B6. Using this approach, we could reproducibly quantitate YFV-Dakar in tissue culture supernatants as well as from the serum of viremic rhesus macaques experimentally infected with YFV-Dakar. Moreover, the TC-LDA approach was >10-fold more sensitive than standard plaque assay for quantitating typical plaque-forming strains of YFV including YFV-17D and YFV-FNV (French neurotropic vaccine). Together, these results indicate that the TC-LDA technique is effective for quantitating both plaque-forming and non-plaque-forming strains of yellow fever virus, and this methodology may be readily adapted for the study and quantitation of other non-plaque-forming viruses.

Community pharmacists' knowledge of and attitudes toward oral chemotherapy.

PubMed

O'Bryant, Cindy L; Crandell, Brian C

2008-01-01

To assess community pharmacists' attitude toward and knowledge of oral chemotherapy (OC) in terms of drug indications, general dosing principles, drug interactions, adverse effects, and special handling precautions. Descriptive, nonexperimental, cross-sectional survey. Colorado, Kansas, and the southeastern United States in May and June 2005. 1,080 pharmacists in four divisions of a large community pharmacy chain. Web-based survey. Pharmacist knowledge of and attitude toward OC. 243 surveys were returned (response rate 22.5%). Overall, pharmacists answered 49.7% of knowledge questions correctly. Pharmacists were most knowledgeable about general dosing principles (69%) and least knowledgeable about adverse effects (45%) and special handling (25%) of OC. Higher scores were seen for pharmacists who dispensed a greater number of OC prescriptions. Percentages of correct responses did not vary based on years of experience or number of OC continuing pharmacy education (CPE) programs attended. On a Likert-type scale of 1 (low) to 5 (high), the average comfort in dispensing OC was 2.4. On average, pharmacists indicated that knowing about OC was important to their practice (3.7) and expressed interest in participating in additional CPE programs on OC (4.2). Of respondents, 94.7% indicated that their pharmacy did not have a counting tray devoted to cytotoxic drugs. This survey identified several areas in which pharmacists' knowledge of OC could be enhanced. Handling of OC is an area of important need, given the low number of pharmacists reporting separate counting trays for cytotoxic drugs.

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: a 2-year surveillance in a hospital in Iaşi, Romania.

PubMed

Braun, Sascha D; Dorneanu, Olivia S; Vremeră, Teodora; Reißig, Annett; Monecke, Stefan; Ehricht, Ralf

2016-01-01

Limited information is currently available about the prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in Romania. Routine tests of 1,993 clinical isolates at a hospital in Iaşi yielded 46 isolates that were resistant to carbapenems. All 46 isolates were phenotypically and genotypically analyzed using VITEK-2 and DNA microarray-based assays. Isolates were assigned to Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae. For 39 isolates, carbapenem resistance was confirmed and 37 harbored at least one carbapenem resistance gene. Two isolates were probably resistant due to AmpC β-lactamases in combination with a porin loss. The overall concordance between detected phenotype and genotype was 95%. Our data show that carbapenemase-producing isolates with different underlying resistance mechanisms are still rare in Iaşi, but the global rise of CPE warrants intensified surveillance.

Cloud-point extraction and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography for the determination of synthetic phenolic antioxidants in edible oils.

PubMed

Chen, Miao; Xia, Qinghai; Liu, Mousheng; Yang, Yaling

2011-01-01

A cloud-point extraction (CPE) method using Triton X-114 (TX-114) nonionic surfactant was developed for the extraction and preconcentration of propyl gallate (PG), tertiary butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) from edible oils. The optimum conditions of CPE were 2.5% (v/v) TX-114, 0.5% (w/v) NaCl and 40 min equilibration time at 50 °C. The surfactant-rich phase was then analyzed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection at 280 nm, using a gradient mobile phase consisting of methanol and 1.5% (v/v) acetic acid. Under the studied conditions, 4 synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) were successfully separated within 24 min. The limits of detection (LOD) were 1.9 ng mL(-1) for PG, 11 ng mL(-1) for TBHQ, 2.3 ng mL(-1) for BHA, and 5.9 ng mL(-1) for BHT. Recoveries of the SPAs spiked into edible oil were in the range 81% to 88%. The CPE method was shown to be potentially useful for the preconcentration of the target analytes, with a preconcentration factor of 14. Moreover, the method is simple, has high sensitivity, consumes much less solvent than traditional methods, and is environment-friendly. Practical Application: The method established in this article uses less organic solvent to extract SPAs from edible oils; it is simple, highly sensitive and results in no pollution to the environment.

Highly sensitive and selective determination of methylergometrine maleate using carbon nanofibers/silver nanoparticles composite modified carbon paste electrode.

PubMed

Kalambate, Pramod K; Rawool, Chaitali R; Karna, Shashi P; Srivastava, Ashwini K

2016-12-01

A highly sensitive and selective voltammetric method for determination of Methylergometrine maleate (MM) in pharmaceutical formulations, urine and blood serum samples has been developed based on enhanced electrochemical response of MM at carbon nanofibers and silver nanoparticles modified carbon paste electrode (CNF-AgNP-CPE). The electrode material was characterized by various techniques viz., X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic response of MM at CNF-AgNP-CPE was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under optimized conditions, the proposed sensor exhibits excellent electrochemical response towards MM. The DPV study shows greatly enhanced electrochemical signal for MM at CNF-AgNP-CPE lending high sensitivity to the proposed sensor for MM detection. The peak (Ip) current for MM is found to be rectilinear in the range 4.0×10(-8)-2.0×10(-5)M with a detection limit of 7.1×10(-9)M using DPV. The feasibility of the proposed sensor in analytical applications was investigated by conducting experiments on commercial pharmaceutical formulations, human urine and blood serum samples, which yielded satisfactory recoveries of MM. The proposed electrochemical sensor offers high sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility and practical utility. We recommend it as an authentic and productive electrochemical sensor for successful determination of MM. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Porphyran-capped gold nanoparticles modified carbon paste electrode: a simple and efficient electrochemical sensor for the sensitive determination of 5-fluorouracil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lima, Dhésmon; Calaça, Giselle Nathaly; Viana, Adriano Gonçalves; Pessôa, Christiana Andrade

2018-01-01

The application of carbon paste electrodes modified with porphyran-capped gold nanoparticles (CPE/AuNps-PFR) to detect an important anticancer drug, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), is described. Gold nanoparticles (AuNps) were synthesized through a green one-pot route, by using porphyran (PFR) (a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from red seaweed) as reducing and stabilizing agent. The reaction temperature and the concentrations of AuCl4- and PFR for AuNps-PFR synthesis were optimized by using a 23 full factorial design with central point assayed in triplicate. The smallest particle size (128.7 nm, obtained by DLS) was achieved by employing a temperature of 70 °C and AuCl4- and PFR concentrations equal to 2.5 mmol L-1 and 0.25 mg mL-1, respectively. The AuNps-PFR nanocomposite was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, DLS, TEM, XRD and zeta potential, which proved that PFR was effective at reducing and capping the AuNps. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) experiments showed that the nanocomposite could enhance the electrochemical performance of the electrodes, as a consequence of the high conductivity and large surface area presented by the AuNps. The CPE/AuNps-PFR was able to electrocatalyze the oxidation of 5-FU by CV and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). A linear relationship between the DPV peak currents and 5-FU concentration was verified in the range from 29.9 to 234 μmol L-1 in 0.04 mol L-1 BR buffer solution pH 8.0. Detection and quantification limits were found to be 0.66 and 2.22 μmol L-1, respectively. Besides the good sensitivity, CPE/AuNps-PFR showed reproducibility and did not suffer significant interference from potentially electroative biological compounds. The good analytical performance of the modified electrode was confirmed for determining 5-FU in pharmaceutical formulations, with good percent recoveries (ranging from 96.6 to 101.4%) and an acceptable relative standard deviation (RSD = 2.80%).

Isolation and Characterization of Viruses from the Kidneys of Rana pipiens with Renal Adenocarcinoma Before and After Passage in the Red Eft (Triturus viridescens)

PubMed Central

Clark, H. Fred; Brennan, James C.; Zeigel, Robert F.; Karzon, David T.

1968-01-01

Viruses were isolated from kidneys of normal and renal tumor-bearing Vermont Rana pipiens after subinoculation into red eft newts (Triturus viridescens). Organs of efts inoculated with viable cell suspensions from four of seven tumor-bearing kidneys yielded virus (LT-1, -2, -3, -4) when inoculated into TH-1 (Terrapene heart) cell culture. One tumor-bearing kidney also yielded virus (L-4) by direct inoculation into TH-1 cells. An additional isolate (L-5) was obtained from 1 of 52 normal Vermont frog kidneys inoculated directly into TH-1 cells. LT-1 was propagated with cytopathic effect (CPE) in each of 38 cell types tested, of fish, amphibian, reptilian, avian, and mammalian origin, at 23 or 30 C. LT-1 through LT-4, L-4 and L-5, and FV-1 through FV-3 each induced similar CPE in all cells tested. LT-2, however, induced CPE that progressed at a slower rate than that caused by the other isolates and produced smaller plaques (<0.8 mm) under starch gel overlay. Each of the viruses replicated to high titer in embryonated eggs incubated at 30 C. The viruses also grew in efts and adult newts, but not in bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpoles or adult leopard frogs. Tumor induction in adult leopard frogs inoculated with LT-1 was not demonstrated. Electron microscopic observations of LT-1 and LT-2 viruses revealed cytoplasmic particles, hexagonal in cross section, approximately 120 to 140 mμ in diameter, containing a dense nucleoid. LT-1 and LT-2 viruses were indistinguishable from FV-1 and Tipula iridescent virus. LT-1 was presumed to be a deoxyribonucleic acid virus on the basis of 5-bromodeoxyuridine inhibition. The isolates were ether-sensitive. On the basis of biological, physicochemical, and antigenic similarities, LT-1 through LT-4, L-4, L-5, FV-1 through FV-3, and isolates recently recovered from the bullfrog and the newt may represent strains of the same amphibian cytoplasmic virus. Images PMID:4972302

High spatiotemporal variability in meiofaunal assemblages in Blanes Canyon (NW Mediterranean) subject to anthropogenic and natural disturbances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Román, Sara; Vanreusel, Ann; Romano, Chiara; Ingels, Jeroen; Puig, Pere; Company, Joan B.; Martin, Daniel

2016-11-01

We investigated the natural and anthropogenic drivers controlling the spatiotemporal distribution of the meiofauna in the submarine Blanes Canyon, and its adjacent western slope (NW Mediterranean margin of the Iberian Peninsula). We analyzed the relationships between the main sedimentary environmental variables (i.e. grain size, Chl-a, Chl-a: phaeopigments, CPE, organic carbon and total nitrogen) and the density and structure of the meiofaunal assemblages along a bathymetric gradient (from 500 to 2000 m depth) in spring and autumn of 2012 and 2013. Twenty-one and 16 major taxa were identified for respectively the canyon and slope, where the assemblages were always dominated by nematodes. The gradual decreasing meiofaunal densities with increasing depth at the slope showed little variability among stations and corresponded with a uniform pattern of food availability. The canyon was environmentally much more variable and sediments contained greater amounts of food resources (Chl-a and CPE) throughout, leading not only to increased meiofaunal densities compared to the slope, but also different assemblages in terms of composition and structure. This variability in the canyon is only partly explained by seasonal food inputs. The high densities found at 900 m and 1200 m depth coincided with significant increases in food availability compared to shallower and deeper stations in the canyon. Our results suggest that the disruption in expected bathymetric decrease in densities at 900-1200 m water depth coincided with noticeable changes in the environmental variables typical for disturbance and deposition events (e.g., higher sand content and CPE), evoking the hypothesis of an anthropogenic effect at these depths in the canyon. The increased downward particle fluxes at 900-1200 m depth caused by bottom trawling along canyon flanks, as reported in previous studies, support our hypothesis and allude to a substantial anthropogenic factor influencing benthic assemblages at these depths. The possible relationships of the observed patterns and some major natural environmental (e.g., surface productivity or dense shelf water cascading) and anthropogenic (e.g. the lateral advection and downward transport of food-enriched sediments resuspended by the daily canyon-flank trawling activities) drivers are discussed.

Analysis of neutralizing antibodies to therapeutic interferon-beta in multiple sclerosis patients: a comparison of three methods in a large Australasian cohort.

PubMed

McKay, Fiona; Schibeci, Stephen; Heard, Robert; Stewart, Graeme; Booth, David

2006-03-20

Persistent high-titre neutralizing antibodies (NAB) to therapeutic interferon-beta(IFNbeta)in multiple sclerosis patients reduce therapeutic efficacy. Difficulties in standardization of cell-based bioactivity assays have hindered interlaboratory comparison of NAB titres and the determination of a clinically relevant definition of seropositivity. We determined NAB status in Australasian multiple sclerosis patients receiving IFNbetausing both the antiviral cytopathic effect (CPE) assay (n = 227) and the more specific ELISA for the type I interferon-inducible MxA protein (n = 350). While the log(10) titres determined in the two assays were highly correlated (p < 0.0001; r = 0.967) with similar distributions, the MxA assay was more sensitive, detecting lower concentrations of NAB than the CPE assay. The range of titres determined in the CPE assay was 10 to >7290; and 9 to 53,700 in the MxA assay, with ranked titre distribution highlighting the arbitrary nature of currently accepted definitions of NAB seropositivity. Bioactivity of injected IFNbetawas significantly reduced in NAB-positive patients (p = 0.006; NAB MxA titres = 184 to 5340) compared to NAB-negative patients as assessed ex vivo using real-time RT-PCR analysis of MxA gene induction. The range of MxA mRNA levels in healthy controls was remarkably consistent with previously published results, regardless of the assay standardization method [Gilli, F., Sala, A., Marnetto, F., Lindberg, R.L., Leppert, D. and Bertolotto, A. (2003) Comparison of IFNbeta bioavailability evaluations by MxA mRNA using two independent quantification methods. Abstract, ECTRIMS Meeting, Milan, Italy; Pachner, A., Narayan, K., Price, N., Hurd, M. and Dail, D. (2003a) MxA Gene Expression Analysis as an Interferon-beta Bioactivity Measurement in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and the Identification of Antibody-Mediated Decreased Bioactivity. Mol. Diagn. 7, 17-25]. Assessment of IFNbetaresponse ex vivo accounts for both circulating factors and the cellular response to IFNbeta, and the data support the development of the MxA gene induction assay for the routine screening of patients receiving IFNbeta.

Electrochemical detection of phenolic estrogenic compounds at clay modified carbon paste electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belkamssa, N.; Ouattara, L.; Kawachi, A.; Tsujimura, M.; Isoda, H.; Chtaini, A.; Ksibi, M.

2015-04-01

A simple and sensitive electroanalytical method was developed to determine the Endocrine Disrupting chemical 4-tert-octylphenol on clay modified carbon paste electrode (Clay/CPE). The electrochemical response of the proposed electrode was studied by means of cyclic and square wave voltammetry. It has found that the oxidation of 4-tert-octylphenol on the clay/CPE displayed a well-defined oxidation peak. Under these optimal conditions, a linear relation between concentrations of 4-tert-octylphenol current response was obtained over range of 7.26×10-6 to 3.87×10-7 with a detection and quantification limit of 9.2×10-7 M and 3.06×10-6 M, respectively. The correlation coefficient is 0.9963. The modified electrode showed suitable sensitivity, high stability and an accurate detection of 4-tert-octylphenol. The modified electrode also relevant suitable selectivity for various phenolic estrogenic compounds.

Voltammetric analysis of ceftazidime after preconcentration at various mercury and carbon electrodes: application to sub-ppb level determination in urine samples.

PubMed

El-Maali, N A

2000-04-28

The electrochemical behavior of ceftazidime (CFZ) at four different kinds of electrodes viz. static mercury drop electrode (SMDE), controlled growth mercury electrode (CGME), glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and carbon paste electrode (CPE) has been presented. Optimal operational parameters have been selected for the drug preconcentration and determination in aqueous medium. Down to 2x10(-10) M CFZ is achieved as detection limit at the CGME. Modification of the CPE with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) enhances both the sensitivity and selectivity for the drug accumulation and, therefore, its determination at very low levels. Application of the proposed method for CFZ analysis in spiked urine samples or those taken after metabolism has been easily assessed. Down to 1x10(-9) M CFZ (0.695 ng ml(-1)) could be easily achieved in such samples.

Formononetin inhibits enterovirus 71 replication by regulating COX- 2/PGE₂ expression.

PubMed

Wang, Huiqiang; Zhang, Dajun; Ge, Miao; Li, Zhuorong; Jiang, Jiandong; Li, Yuhuan

2015-03-01

The activation of ERK, p38 and JNK signal cascade in host cells has been demonstrated to up-regulate of enterovirus 71 (EV71)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/ prostaglandins E2 (PGE₂) expression which is essential for viral replication. So, we want to know whether a compound can inhibit EV71 infection by suppressing COX-2/PGE₂ expression. The antiviral effect of formononetin was determined by cytopathic effect (CPE) assay and the time course assays. The influence of formononetin for EV71 replication was determined by immunofluorescence assay, western blotting assay and qRT-PCR assay. The mechanism of the antiviral activity of formononetin was determined by western blotting assay and ELISA assay. Formononetin could reduce EV71 RNA and protein synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. The time course assays showed that formononetin displayed significant antiviral activity both before (24 or 12 h) and after (0-6 h) EV71 inoculation in SK-N-SH cells. Formononetin was also able to prevent EV71-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) and suppress the activation of ERK, p38 and JNK signal pathways. Furthermore, formononetin could suppress the EV71-induced COX-2/PGE₂ expression. Also, formononetin exhibited similar antiviral activities against other members of Picornaviridae including coxsackievirus B2 (CVB2), coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) and coxsackievirus B6 (CVB6). Formononetin could inhibit EV71-induced COX-2 expression and PGE₂ production via MAPKs pathway including ERK, p38 and JNK. Formononetin exhibited antiviral activities against some members of Picornaviridae. These findings suggest that formononetin could be a potential lead or supplement for the development of new anti-EV71 agents in the future.

Inter-hospital outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae producing KPC-2 carbapenemase in Ireland.

PubMed

Morris, Dearbháile; Boyle, Fiona; Morris, Carol; Condon, Iris; Delannoy-Vieillard, Anne-Sophie; Power, Lorraine; Khan, Aliya; Morris-Downes, Margaret; Finnegan, Cathriona; Powell, James; Monahan, Regina; Burns, Karen; O'Connell, Nuala; Boyle, Liz; O'Gorman, Alan; Humphreys, Hilary; Brisse, Sylvain; Turton, Jane; Woodford, Neil; Cormican, Martin

2012-10-01

To describe an outbreak of KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae with inter-hospital spread and measures taken to control transmission. Between January and March 2011, 13 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from nine patients at hospital A and two patients at hospital B. Meropenem, imipenem and ertapenem MICs were determined by Etest, carbapenemase production was confirmed by the modified Hodge method and by a disc synergy test, and confirmed carbapenemase producers were tested for the presence of carbapenemase-encoding genes by PCR. PFGE, plasmid analysis, multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis were performed on all or a subset of isolates. Meropenem, imipenem and ertapenem MICs were 4 to >32, 8-32 and >16 mg/L, respectively. PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of bla(KPC-2). PFGE identified four distinguishable (≥88%) pulsed-field profiles (PFPs). Isolates distinguishable by PFGE had identical MLVA profiles, and MLST analysis indicated all isolates belonged to the ST258 clone. Stringent infection prevention and control measures were implemented. Over a period of almost 8 months no further carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) were isolated. However, KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae was detected in two further patients in hospital A in August (PFP indistinguishable from previous isolates) and October 2011 (PFP similar to but distinguishable from previous isolates). Stringent infection prevention and control measures help contain CPE in the healthcare setting; however, in the case of hospital A, where CPE appears to be established in the population served, it may be virtually impossible to achieve eradication or avoid reintroduction into the hospital.

Self-assembled nanoparticles based on PEGylated conjugated polyelectrolyte and drug molecules for image-guided drug delivery and photodynamic therapy.

PubMed

Yuan, Youyong; Liu, Bin

2014-09-10

A drug delivery system based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafted conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) has been developed to serve as a polymeric photosensitizer and drug carrier for combined photodynamic and chemotherapy. The amphiphilic brush copolymer can self-assemble into micellar nanopaticles (NPs) in aqueous media with hydrophobic conjugated polyelectrolyte backbone as the core and hydrophilic PEG as the shell. The NPs have an average diameter of about 100 nm, with the absorption and emission maxima at 502 and 598 nm, respectively, making them suitable for bioimaging applications. Moreover, the CPE itself can serve as a photosensitizer, which makes the NPs not only a carrier for drug but also a photosensitizing unit for photodynamic therapy, resulting in the combination of chemo- and photodynamic therapy for cancer. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value for the combination therapy to U87-MG cells is 12.7 μg mL(-1), which is much lower than that for the solely photodynamic therapy (25.5 μg mL(-1)) or chemotherapy (132.8 μg mL(-1)). To improve the tumor specificity of the system, cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (cRGD) tripeptide as the receptor to integrin αvβ3 overexpressed cancer cells was further incorporated to the surface of the NPs. The delivery system based on PEGylated CPE is easy to fabricate, which integrates the merits of targeted cancer cell image, chemotherapeutic drug delivery, and photodynamic therapy, making it promising for cancer treatment.

Surface treatment influences electrochemical stability of cpTi exposed to mouthwashes.

PubMed

Beline, Thamara; Garcia, Camila S; Ogawa, Erika S; Marques, Isabella S V; Matos, Adaias O; Sukotjo, Cortino; Mathew, Mathew T; Mesquita, Marcelo F; Consani, Rafael X; Barão, Valentim A R

2016-02-01

The role of surface treatment on the electrochemical behavior of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) exposed to mouthwashes was tested. Seventy-five disks were divided into 15 groups according to surface treatment (machined, sand blasted with Al2O3, and acid etched) and electrolyte solution (artificial saliva — control, 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride, 0.2% sodium fluoride, and 1.5% hydrogen peroxide) (n = 5). Open-circuit-potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were conducted at baseline and after 7 and 14 days of immersion in each solution. Potentiodynamic test and total weight loss of disks were performed after 14 days of immersion. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, white light interferometry and profilometry were conducted for surface characterization before and after the electrochemical tests. Sandblasting promoted the lowest polarization resistance (Rp) (P b .0001) and the highest capacitance (CPE) (P b .006), corrosion current density (Icorr) and corrosion rate (P b .0001). In contrast, acid etching increased Rp and reduced CPE, independent to the mouthwash; while hydrogen peroxide reduced Rp (P b .008) and increased Icorr and corrosion rate (P b .0001). The highest CPE values were found for hydrogen peroxide and 0.2% sodium fluoride. Immersion for longer period improved the electrochemical stability of cpTi (P b .05). In conclusion, acid etching enhanced the electrochemical stability of cpTi. Hydrogen peroxide and sodium fluoride reduced the resistance to corrosion of cpTi, independent to the surface treatment. Chlorhexidine gluconate and cetylpyridinium chloride did not alter the corrosive behavior of cpTi.

Quasi-solid state rechargeable Na-CO2 batteries with reduced graphene oxide Na anodes.

PubMed

Hu, Xiaofei; Li, Zifan; Zhao, Yaran; Sun, Jianchao; Zhao, Qing; Wang, Jianbin; Tao, Zhanliang; Chen, Jun

2017-02-01

Na-CO 2 batteries using earth-abundant Na and greenhouse gas CO 2 are promising tools for mobile and stationary energy storage, but they still pose safety risks from leakage of liquid electrolyte and instability of the Na metal anode. These issues result in extremely harsh operating conditions of Na-CO 2 batteries and increase the difficulty of scaling up this technology. We report the development of quasi-solid state Na-CO 2 batteries with high safety using composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) Na anodes. The CPE of PVDF-HFP [poly(vinylidene fluoride- co -hexafluoropropylene)]-4% SiO 2 /NaClO 4 -TEGDME (tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether) has high ion conductivity (1.0 mS cm -1 ), robust toughness, a nonflammable matrix, and strong electrolyte-locking ability. In addition, the rGO-Na anode presents fast and nondendritic Na + plating/stripping (5.7 to 16.5 mA cm -2 ). The improved kinetics and safety enable the constructed rGO-Na/CPE/CO 2 batteries to successfully cycle in wide CO 2 partial pressure window (5 to 100%, simulated car exhaust) and especially to run for 400 cycles at 500 mA g -1 with a fixed capacity of 1000 mA·hour g -1 in pure CO 2 . Furthermore, we scaled up the reversible capacity to 1.1 A·hour in pouch-type batteries (20 × 20 cm, 10 g, 232 Wh kg -1 ). This study makes quasi-solid state Na-CO 2 batteries an attractive prospect.

Quasi–solid state rechargeable Na-CO2 batteries with reduced graphene oxide Na anodes

PubMed Central

Hu, Xiaofei; Li, Zifan; Zhao, Yaran; Sun, Jianchao; Zhao, Qing; Wang, Jianbin; Tao, Zhanliang; Chen, Jun

2017-01-01

Na-CO2 batteries using earth-abundant Na and greenhouse gas CO2 are promising tools for mobile and stationary energy storage, but they still pose safety risks from leakage of liquid electrolyte and instability of the Na metal anode. These issues result in extremely harsh operating conditions of Na-CO2 batteries and increase the difficulty of scaling up this technology. We report the development of quasi–solid state Na-CO2 batteries with high safety using composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) Na anodes. The CPE of PVDF-HFP [poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)]–4% SiO2/NaClO4–TEGDME (tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether) has high ion conductivity (1.0 mS cm−1), robust toughness, a nonflammable matrix, and strong electrolyte-locking ability. In addition, the rGO-Na anode presents fast and nondendritic Na+ plating/stripping (5.7 to 16.5 mA cm−2). The improved kinetics and safety enable the constructed rGO-Na/CPE/CO2 batteries to successfully cycle in wide CO2 partial pressure window (5 to 100%, simulated car exhaust) and especially to run for 400 cycles at 500 mA g−1 with a fixed capacity of 1000 mA·hour g−1 in pure CO2. Furthermore, we scaled up the reversible capacity to 1.1 A·hour in pouch-type batteries (20 × 20 cm, 10 g, 232 Wh kg−1). This study makes quasi–solid state Na-CO2 batteries an attractive prospect. PMID:28164158

Detection and characterization of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in wounded Syrian patients admitted to hospitals in northern Israel.

PubMed

Lerner, A; Solter, E; Rachi, E; Adler, A; Rechnitzer, H; Miron, D; Krupnick, L; Sela, S; Aga, E; Ziv, Y; Peretz, A; Labay, K; Rahav, G; Geffen, Y; Hussein, K; Eluk, O; Carmeli, Y; Schwaber, M J

2016-01-01

Since 2013, four hospitals in northern Israel have been providing care for Syrian nationals, primarily those wounded in the ongoing civil war. We analyzed carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) isolates obtained from these patients. Isolate identification was performed using the VITEK 2 system. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for the presence of bla KPC, bla NDM, and bla OXA-48. Susceptibility testing and genotyping were performed on selected isolates. During the study period, 595 Syrian patients were hospitalized, most of them young men. Thirty-two confirmed CPE isolates were grown from cultures taken from 30 patients. All but five isolates were identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. Nineteen isolates produced NDM and 13 produced OXA-48. Among a further 29 isolates tested, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) showed that ST278 and ST38 were the major sequence types among the NDM-producing K. pneumoniae and OXA-48-producing E. coli isolates, respectively. Most were resistant to all three carbapenems in use in Israel and to gentamicin, but susceptible to colistin and fosfomycin. The source for bacterial acquisition could not be determined; however, some patients admitted to different medical centers were found to carry the same sequence type. CPE containing bla NDM and bla OXA-48 were prevalent among Syrian wounded hospitalized patients in northern Israel. The finding of the same sequence type among patients at different medical centers implies a common, prehospital source for these patients. These findings have implications for public health throughout the region.

Cloud point extraction coupled with microwave-assisted back-extraction (CPE-MABE) for determination of Eszopiclone (Z-drug) using UV-Visible, HPLC and mass spectroscopic (MS) techniques: Spiked and in vivo analysis.

PubMed

Kori, Shivpoojan; Parmar, Ankush; Goyal, Jony; Sharma, Shweta

2018-02-01

A procedure for the determination of Eszopiclone (ESZ) from complex matrices i.e. in vitro (spiked matrices), as well as in vivo (mice model) was developed using cloud point extraction coupled with microwave-assisted back-extraction (CPE-MABE). Analytical measurements have been carried using UV-Visible, HPLC and MS techniques. The proposed method has been validated according to ICH guidelines and legitimate reproducible and reliability of protocol is assessed through intraday and inter-day precision <3.61% and <4.70%, respectively. Limit of detection has been obtained as 0.083μg/mL and 0.472μg/mL respectively, for HPLC and UV-Visible techniques, corresponding to assessed linearity range. The coaservate phase in CPE was back extracted under microwaves exposure, with isooctane at pre-concentration factor ~50 when 5mL of sample solution was pre-concentrated to 0.1mL. Under optimized conditions i.e. Aqueous-Triton X-114 4% (w/v), pH4.0, NaCl 4% (w/v) and equilibrium temperature of 45°C for 20min, average extraction recovery has been obtained between 89.8 and 99.2% and 84.0-99.2% from UV-Visible and HPLC analysis, respectively. The method has been successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic estimation (post intraperitoneal administration) of ESZ in mice. MS analysis precisely depicted the presence of active N‑desmethyl zopiclone in impales as well as in mice plasma. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

First report of piscine nodavirus infecting wild winter flounder Pleuronectes americanus in Passamaquoddy Bay, New Brunswick, Canada.

PubMed

Barke, Duane E; MacKinnon, Ann-Margaret; Boston, Linda; Burt, Michael D B; Cone, David K; Speare, David J; Griffiths, Steve; Cook, Marcia; Ritchie, Rachael; Olivier, Gilles

2002-05-10

Piscine nodaviruses (Betanodaviridae) are frequently reported from a variety of cultured and wild finfishes. These non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA virions cause viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER), also known as viral nervous necrosis (VNN) or fish encephalitis. Recently, nodavirus infections have posed serious problems for larval and juvenile cultured halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus in Norway and Scotland. To date, no such viruses have been described from any cultured or wild pleuronectid in Atlantic Canada. Obviously, there exists a need to survey wild populations of pleuronectids to assess the risk of potential transfer of nodavirus from wild to caged fishes. This paper presents the results of monthly surveys (April 2000 to March 2001) of viruses from wild winter flounder Pleuronectes americanus collected from Passamaquoddy Bay, New Brunswick, Canada. Tissue samples from wild flounder were screened initially on commercial cell lines (EPC, SSN-1, SHK and CHSE-214) for any evidence of cytopathic effect (CPE). After confirmation of CPE, nodavirus identification was achieved using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. We detected nodavirus from only 1 out of 440 flounder (0.23%) examined. This is the first report of piscine nodavirus isolated from wild winter flounder in Atlantic Canada, and although this prevalence may seem low, we discuss the implications of this finding for Canada's emerging halibut aquaculture industry.

Development of a cloud point extraction and spectrophotometry-based microplate method for the determination of nitrite in human urine and blood.

PubMed

Zhao, Jiao; Lu, Yunhui; Fan, Chongyang; Wang, Jun; Yang, Yaling

2015-02-05

A novel and simple method for the sensitive determination of trace amounts of nitrite in human urine and blood has been developed by combination of cloud point extraction (CPE) and microplate assay. The method is based on the Griess reaction and the reaction product is extracted into nonionic surfactant Triton-X114 using CPE technique. In this study, decolorization treatment of urine and blood was applied to overcome the interference of matrix and enhance the sensitivity of nitrite detection. Multi-sample can be simultaneously detected thanks to a 96-well microplate technique. The effects of different operating parameters such as type of decolorizing agent, concentration of surfactant (Triton X-114), addition of (NH4)2SO4, extraction temperature and time, interfering elements were studied and optimum conditions were obtained. Under the optimum conditions, a linear calibration graph was obtained in the range of 10-400 ng mL(-1) of nitrite with limit of detection (LOD) of 2.5 ng mL(-1). The relative standard deviation (RSD) for determination of 100 ng mL(-1) of nitrite was 2.80%. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of nitrite in the urine and blood samples with recoveries of 92.6-101.2%. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Silica-Aerogel-Reinforced Composite Polymer Electrolyte with High Ionic Conductivity and High Modulus.

PubMed

Lin, Dingchang; Yuen, Pak Yan; Liu, Yayuan; Liu, Wei; Liu, Nian; Dauskardt, Reinhold H; Cui, Yi

2018-06-25

High-energy all-solid-state lithium (Li) batteries have great potential as next-generation energy-storage devices. Among all choices of electrolytes, polymer-based systems have attracted widespread attention due to their low density, low cost, and excellent processability. However, they are generally mechanically too weak to effectively suppress Li dendrites and have lower ionic conductivity for reasonable kinetics at ambient temperature. Herein, an ultrastrong reinforced composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) is successfully designed and fabricated by introducing a stiff mesoporous SiO 2 aerogel as the backbone for a polymer-based electrolyte. The interconnected SiO 2 aerogel not only performs as a strong backbone strengthening the whole composite, but also offers large and continuous surfaces for strong anion adsorption, which produces a highly conductive pathway across the composite. As a consequence, a high modulus of ≈0.43 GPa and high ionic conductivity of ≈0.6 mS cm -1 at 30 °C are simultaneously achieved. Furthermore, LiFePO 4 -Li full cells with good cyclability and rate capability at ambient temperature are obtained. Full cells with cathode capacity up to 2.1 mAh cm -2 are also demonstrated. The aerogel-reinforced CPE represents a new design principle for solid-state electrolytes and offers opportunities for future all-solid-state Li batteries. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

[Genetic polymorphisms of 21 non-CODIS STR loci].

PubMed

Shao, Wei-bo; Zhang, Su-hua; Li, Li

2011-02-01

To investigate genetic polymorphisms of 21 non-CODIS STR loci in Han population from the east of China and to explore their forensic application value. Twenty-one non-CODIS STR loci, were amplified with AGCU 21+1 STR kit and DNA samples were obtained from 225 unrelated individuals of the Han population from the east of China. The PCR products were analyzed with 3130 Genetic Analyzer and genotyped with GeneMapper ID v3.2 software. The genetic data were statistically analyzed with PowerStats v12.xls and Cervus 2.0 software. The distributions of 21 non-CODIS STR loci satisfied the Hardy-Weinberg equilibration. The heterozygosity (H) distributions were 0.596-0.804, the discrimination power (DP) were 0.764-0.948, the probability of exclusion of duo-testing (PEduo) were 0.176-0.492, the probability of exclusion of trios-testing (PEtrio) were 0.334-0.663, and the polymorphic information content (PIC) were 0.522-0.807. The cumulative probability of exclusion (CPE) of duo-testing was 0.999707, the CPE of trios-testing was 0.9999994, and the cumulated discrimination power (CDP) was 0.99999999999999999994. Twenty-one non-CODIS STR loci are highly polymorphic. They can be effectively used in personal identification and paternity testing in trios cases. They can also be used as supplement in the difficult cases of diad paternity testing.

Ultrasonically Modified Amended-Cloud Point Extraction for Simultaneous Pre-Concentration of Neonicotinoid Insecticide Residues.

PubMed

Kachangoon, Rawikan; Vichapong, Jitlada; Burakham, Rodjana; Santaladchaiyakit, Yanawath; Srijaranai, Supalax

2018-05-12

An effective pre-concentration method, namely amended-cloud point extraction (CPE), has been developed for the extraction and pre-concentration of neonicotinoid insecticide residues. The studied analytes including clothianidin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam and thiacloprid were chosen as a model compound. The amended-CPE procedure included two cloud point processes. Triton™ X-114 was used to extract neonicotinoid residues into the surfactant-rich phase and then the analytes were transferred into an alkaline solution with the help of ultrasound energy. The extracts were then analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a monolithic column. Several factors influencing the extraction efficiency were studied such as kind and concentration of surfactant, type and content of salts, kind and concentration of back extraction agent, and incubation temperature and time. Enrichment factors (EFs) were found in the range of 20⁻333 folds. The limits of detection of the studied neonicotinoids were in the range of 0.0003⁻0.002 µg mL −1 which are below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the European Union (EU). Good repeatability was obtained with relative standard deviations lower than 1.92% and 4.54% for retention time ( t R ) and peak area, respectively. The developed extraction method was successfully applied for the analysis of water samples. No detectable residues of neonicotinoids in the studied samples were found.

Adaptation and Molecular Characterization of Two Malaysian Very Virulent Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Isolates Adapted in BGM-70 Cell Line

PubMed Central

Lawal, Nafi'u; Arshad, Siti Suri

2017-01-01

Two Malaysian very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) strains UPM0081 and UPM190 (also known as UPMB00/81 and UPM04/190, respectively) isolated from local IBD outbreaks were serially passaged 12 times (EP12) in specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken embryonated eggs (CEE) by chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) route. The EP12 isolate was further adapted and serially propagated in BGM-70 cell line up to 20 passages (P20). Characteristic cytopathic effects (CPEs) were subtly observed at P1 in both isolates 72 hours postinoculation (pi). The CPE became prominent at P5 with cell rounding, cytoplasmic vacuoles, granulation, and detachment from flask starting from day 3 pi, up to 7 days pi with titers of 109.50 TCID50/mL and log109.80 TCID50/mL for UPM0081 and UPM190, respectively. The CPE became subtle at P17 and disappeared by P18 and P19 for UPM0081 and UPM190, respectively. However, the presence of IBDV was confirmed by immunoperoxidase, immunofluorescence, and RT-PCR techniques. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these two isolates were of the vvIBDV. It appears that a single mutation of UPM190 and UPM0081 IBDV isolates at D279N could facilitate vvIBDV strain adaptability in CEE and BGM-70 cultures. PMID:29230245

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

EPA Science Inventory

Over the past two decades an environmental conference series has emerged in Poland to become one of the premier forums on the chemical aspects of environmental protection. The forum is called Chemistry for the Protection of the Environment CPE). The first conference of this serie...

A highly sensitive and versatile virus titration assay in the 96-well microplate format.

PubMed

Borisevich, V; Nistler, R; Hudman, D; Yamshchikov, G; Seregin, A; Yamshchikov, V

2008-02-01

This report describes a fast, reproducible, inexpensive and convenient assay system for virus titration in the 96-well format. The micromethod substantially increases assay throughput and improves the data reproducibility. A highly simplified variant of virus quantification is based on immunohistochemical detection of virus amplification foci obtained without use of agarose or semisolid overlays. It can be incorporated into several types of routine virological assays successfully replacing the laborious and time-consuming conventional methods based on plaque formation under semisolid overlays. The method does not depend on the development of CPE and can be accommodated to assay viruses with substantial differences in growth properties. The use of enhanced immunohistochemical detection enabled a five- to six-fold reduction of the total assay time. The micromethod was specifically developed to take advantage of multichannel pipettor use to simplify handling of a large number of samples. The method performs well with an inexpensive low-power binocular, thus offering a routine assay system usable outside of specialized laboratory setting, such as for testing of clinical or field samples. When used in focus reduction-neutralization tests (FRNT), the method accommodates very small volumes of immune serum, which is often a decisive factor in experiments involving small rodent models.

Discovery of methylsulfonyl indazoles as potent and orally active respiratory syncytial Virus(RSV) fusion inhibitors.

PubMed

Feng, Song; Li, Chao; Chen, Dongdong; Zheng, Xiufang; Yun, Hongying; Gao, Lu; Shen, Hong C

2017-09-29

Recently we described a novel class of imidazopyridine compounds that showed exceptional anti-RSV potency in cell culture. However, unfavorable pharmacokinetic (PK) properties and glutathione (GSH) adduct liabilities impeded their further development. In a bid to address the PK and early safety concerns, a small compound library consisting of dozens of scaffold-hopping analogues was designed and synthesized for RSV CPE assay screening, which led to the identification of a new chemical starting point: methylsulfonyl indole compound 8. In this paper, we report the discovery and optimization of a series of methylsulfonyl indazoles as potent RSV fusion inhibitors. In particular, compound 47 was orally efficacious in a RSV mouse model, with 1.6 log unit viral load reduction at 25 mg/kg BID upon oral dosing. The results may have broad implications for the design of new RSV fusion inhibitors, and demonstrate the potential for developing novel therapies for RSV infection. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Comparing Political Experiences (CPE).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gillespie, Judith A.; Patrick, John J.

The rationale, goals, curriculum components, instructional strategies, and curriculum development process of a two-semester, secondary-level political science course, "Comparing Political Experiences," are described in this paper. Developed as part of the High School Political Science Curriculum Project at Indiana University, the major…

47 CFR 9.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL INTERCONNECTED VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL SERVICES § 9.3... VoIP service. An interconnected Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service is a service that: (1... location; (3) Requires Internet protocol-compatible customer premises equipment (CPE); and (4) Permits...

47 CFR 9.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL INTERCONNECTED VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL SERVICES § 9.3... VoIP service. An interconnected Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service is a service that: (1... location; (3) Requires Internet protocol-compatible customer premises equipment (CPE); and (4) Permits...

47 CFR 9.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION GENERAL INTERCONNECTED VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL SERVICES § 9.3... VoIP service. An interconnected Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service is a service that: (1... location; (3) Requires Internet protocol-compatible customer premises equipment (CPE); and (4) Permits...

47 CFR 32.2311 - Station apparatus.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) COMMON CARRIER SERVICES UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS..., Operator systems, or Account 2341, Large Private Branch Exchanges, as appropriate. (e) Station apparatus... from this account and included in Account 1220, Inventories. (h) Embedded CPE is that equipment or...

47 CFR 32.2311 - Station apparatus.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) COMMON CARRIER SERVICES UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS..., Operator systems, or Account 2341, Large Private Branch Exchanges, as appropriate. (e) Station apparatus... from this account and included in Account 1220, Inventories. (h) Embedded CPE is that equipment or...

47 CFR 32.2311 - Station apparatus.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) COMMON CARRIER SERVICES UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS..., Operator systems, or Account 2341, Large Private Branch Exchanges, as appropriate. (e) Station apparatus... from this account and included in Account 1220, Inventories. (h) Embedded CPE is that equipment or...

Antiviral screening of forty-two Egyptian medicinal plants.

PubMed

Soltan, Maha Mohamed; Zaki, Adel Kamal

2009-10-29

Egyptian medicinal plants are well known by their diverse uses in traditional folk medicine to cure various ailments including infectious diseases. Forty-two Egyptian medicinal plant species were selected from local market and were subjected to antiviral screening bioassay to investigate and to evaluate their biological activities. Hydro-alcoholic extracts of each species were separately prepared and tested against three viruses: herpes simplex-1 virus (HSV), poliomyelitis-1 virus (POLIO) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). The antiviral activity were determined by means of the end point titration technique (EPTT) that depends on the ability of plant extract dilutions to inhibit the produced cytopathogenic effect (CPE) and expressed as reduction factor (Rf) of the viral titer. Achillea fragrantissima, Jasonia montana and Globularia arabica are found to have antiviral activity against POLIO in a concentration dependent manner at complete non-toxic concentration range 10-100 microg/ml (Rf 10(6)), 10-100 microg/ml (Rf 10(5)) and 50-100 microg/ml (Rf 10(4)), respectively while Tanacetum sinaicum are found to have moderate antiviral activity against POLIO at concentration of 50-100 microg/ml (Rf 10(2)). Ephedra alata and Moringa peregrina are found to have antiviral activity against HSV (Rf 10(4)). Also, the results revealed that Capparis sinaica, Tamarix nilotica and Cyperus rotundus are found to have virucidal effect against HSV. All the forty-two plant species are found to have no reliable antiviral activity against VSV. The specific indications claimed by the traditional healers are confirmed by antiviral test.

Learning and Context: Connections in Continuing Professional Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daley, Barbara J.

A qualitative interpretivist study analyzed interrelationships among professional practice, knowledge gained in continuing professional education (CPE) programs, and context of employment. Eighty semi-structured, tape-recorded interviews were conducted with social workers, lawyers, adult educators, and nurses who had attended continuing education…

Maternal antibody, vaccination and reproductive failure in dogs with parvovirus infection.

PubMed

Gooding, G E; Robinson, W F

1982-12-01

The maternal antibody (MAb) titre to canine parvovirus (CPV) was determined on consecutive serums from 39 puppies in 7 litters. Vaccination with inactivated CPV was performed at a variety of ages and the response of the puppies determined. Transfer of MAb was demonstrated in 71% (5/7) of the litters and persisted for up to 10 weeks in some litters. MAb titres of greater than 20 precluded a vaccination response by puppies. Sixty- one per cent (8/13) of puppies responded to vaccination when the MAb titre was less than 20. However, no anamestic response occurred and in some cases a decrease in antibody titre was observed following a second vaccination. During an outbreak of canine parvovirus enteritis (CPE) in the kennel, 33 puppies developed clinical signs of enteritis. Of these puppies 85% (28) had MAb titres of less than 80 at the onset of clinical signs. Fifty per cent (4/8) of the puppies which responded to vaccination developed CPE, whereas 100% (5/5) of those that did not respond to vaccination developed CPE. The results indicate that MAb may persist for up to 10 weeks and puppies with MAb in the titre range greater than 20 to less than 80 do not respond to vaccination but are still susceptible to infection. It is also apparent that a significant minority of puppies with MAb less than 20 do not respond to vaccination. An examination of the breeding records of the kennel for the 7 year period 1973-1981 demonstrated a sudden decrease in reproductive efficiency during and subsequent to 1978. This coincided with the recognition of cases of CPV infection in the kennel. It is suggested that further investigation is required into the possible role of CPV in reproductive failure.

Permeation Resistance of Chlorinated Polyethylene Against Hydrazine Fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waller, J. M.; Williams, J. H.

1999-01-01

The permeation resistance of chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) used in chemical protective clothing against the aerospace fuels hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine (MMH), and uns-dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) was determined by measuring breakthrough times and time-averaged vapor transmission rates using an ASTM F 739 permeation cell. Two exposure scenarios were simulated: a 2 hour (h) fuel vapor exposure, and a liquid fuel "splash" followed by a 2 h vapor exposure. To simulate internal suit pressure during operation, a positive differential pressure of 0.3 in. water (75 Pa) on the collection side of the permeation apparatus was used. Breakthrough was observed after exposure to liquid MMH, and to vapor and liquid UDMH. No breakthrough was observed after exposure to vapor and liquid hydrazine, or vapor MMH. A model was then used to calculate propellant concentrations inside a totally encapsulating chemical protective suit based on the ASTM permeation data obtained in the present study. Concentrations were calculated under conditions of fixed vapor transmission rate, variable breathing air flow rate, and variable splash exposure area. Calculations showed that the maximum allowable permeation rates of hydrazine fuels through CPE were of the order of 0.05 to 0.08 ng sq cm/min for encapsulating suits with low breathing air flow rates (of the order of 5 scfm or 140 L/min). Above these permeation rates, the 10 parts per billion (ppb) threshold limit value time - weighted average could be exceeded for chemical protective suits having a CPE torso. To evaluate suit performance at ppb level concentrations, use of a sensitive analytical method such as cation exchange high performance liquid chromatography with amperometric detection was found to be essential.

Improving intermolecular interactions in DFTB3 using extended polarization from chemical-potential equalization

PubMed Central

Christensen, Anders S.; Elstner, Marcus; Cui, Qiang

2015-01-01

Semi-empirical quantum mechanical methods traditionally expand the electron density in a minimal, valence-only electron basis set. The minimal-basis approximation causes molecular polarization to be underestimated, and hence intermolecular interaction energies are also underestimated, especially for intermolecular interactions involving charged species. In this work, the third-order self-consistent charge density functional tight-binding method (DFTB3) is augmented with an auxiliary response density using the chemical-potential equalization (CPE) method and an empirical dispersion correction (D3). The parameters in the CPE and D3 models are fitted to high-level CCSD(T) reference interaction energies for a broad range of chemical species, as well as dipole moments calculated at the DFT level; the impact of including polarizabilities of molecules in the parameterization is also considered. Parameters for the elements H, C, N, O, and S are presented. The Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) interaction energy is improved from 6.07 kcal/mol to 1.49 kcal/mol for interactions with one charged species, whereas the RMSD is improved from 5.60 kcal/mol to 1.73 for a set of 9 salt bridges, compared to uncorrected DFTB3. For large water clusters and complexes that are dominated by dispersion interactions, the already satisfactory performance of the DFTB3-D3 model is retained; polarizabilities of neutral molecules are also notably improved. Overall, the CPE extension of DFTB3-D3 provides a more balanced description of different types of non-covalent interactions than Neglect of Diatomic Differential Overlap type of semi-empirical methods (e.g., PM6-D3H4) and PBE-D3 with modest basis sets. PMID:26328834

Improving intermolecular interactions in DFTB3 using extended polarization from chemical-potential equalization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Christensen, Anders S., E-mail: andersx@chem.wisc.edu, E-mail: cui@chem.wisc.edu; Cui, Qiang, E-mail: andersx@chem.wisc.edu, E-mail: cui@chem.wisc.edu; Elstner, Marcus

Semi-empirical quantum mechanical methods traditionally expand the electron density in a minimal, valence-only electron basis set. The minimal-basis approximation causes molecular polarization to be underestimated, and hence intermolecular interaction energies are also underestimated, especially for intermolecular interactions involving charged species. In this work, the third-order self-consistent charge density functional tight-binding method (DFTB3) is augmented with an auxiliary response density using the chemical-potential equalization (CPE) method and an empirical dispersion correction (D3). The parameters in the CPE and D3 models are fitted to high-level CCSD(T) reference interaction energies for a broad range of chemical species, as well as dipole moments calculatedmore » at the DFT level; the impact of including polarizabilities of molecules in the parameterization is also considered. Parameters for the elements H, C, N, O, and S are presented. The Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) interaction energy is improved from 6.07 kcal/mol to 1.49 kcal/mol for interactions with one charged species, whereas the RMSD is improved from 5.60 kcal/mol to 1.73 for a set of 9 salt bridges, compared to uncorrected DFTB3. For large water clusters and complexes that are dominated by dispersion interactions, the already satisfactory performance of the DFTB3-D3 model is retained; polarizabilities of neutral molecules are also notably improved. Overall, the CPE extension of DFTB3-D3 provides a more balanced description of different types of non-covalent interactions than Neglect of Diatomic Differential Overlap type of semi-empirical methods (e.g., PM6-D3H4) and PBE-D3 with modest basis sets.« less

Preconcentration and determination of vanadium and molybdenum in milk, vegetables and foodstuffs by ultrasonic-thermostatic-assisted cloud point extraction coupled to flame atomic absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

Gürkan, Ramazan; Korkmaz, Sema; Altunay, Nail

2016-08-01

A new ultrasonic-thermostatic-assisted cloud point extraction procedure (UTA-CPE) was developed for preconcentration at the trace levels of vanadium (V) and molybdenum (Mo) in milk, vegetables and foodstuffs prior to determination via flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The method is based on the ion-association of stable anionic oxalate complexes of V(V) and Mo(VI) with [9-(diethylamino)benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-ylidene]azanium; sulfate (Nile blue A) at pH 4.5, and then extraction of the formed ion-association complexes into micellar phase of polyoxyethylene(7.5)nonylphenyl ether (PONPE 7.5). The UTA-CPE is greatly simplified and accelerated compared to traditional cloud point extraction (CPE). The analytical parameters optimized are solution pH, the concentrations of complexing reagents (oxalate and Nile blue A), the PONPE 7.5 concentration, electrolyte concentration, sample volume, temperature and ultrasonic power. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curves for Mo(VI) and V(V) are obtained in the concentration range of 3-340µgL(-1) and 5-250µgL(-1) with high sensitivity enhancement factors (EFs) of 145 and 115, respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) for Mo(VI) and V(V) are 0.86 and 1.55µgL(-1), respectively. The proposed method demonstrated good performances such as relative standard deviations (as RSD %) (≤3.5%) and spiked recoveries (95.7-102.3%). The accuracy of the method was assessed by analysis of two standard reference materials (SRMs) and recoveries of spiked solutions. The method was successfully applied into the determination of trace amounts of Mo(VI) and V(V) in milk, vegetables and foodstuffs with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Risk factors for acquisition of OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumonia among contact patients: a multicentre study.

PubMed

Hilliquin, D; Le Guern, R; Thepot Seegers, V; Neulier, C; Lomont, A; Marie, V; Legeay, C; Merrer, J; Lepelletier, D; Rogues, A M; Grandbastien, B; Lucet, J C; Zahar, J R

2018-03-01

Cohorting carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) carriers during hospitalization limits in-hospital spreading. To identify risk factors for CPE acquisition among contacts of an index patient in non-cohorted populations. A multicentre retrospective matched case-control study was conducted in five hospitals. Each contact patient (case) who acquired Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP)-OXA-48 from an index patient was compared to three contact (controls) with the same index patients matched with hospitalization in the same unit and similar exposure times. Fifty-one secondary cases and 131 controls were included. By univariate analysis, exposure time (odds ratio: 1.06; 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.1; P = 0.006), concomitant infection at admission (3.23; 1.42-7.35; P = 0.005), antimicrobial therapy within the last month before hospitalization (2.88; 1.34-6.2; P = 0.007), antimicrobial therapy during the exposure time (5.36; 2.28-12.6; P < 0.001), use of at least one invasive procedure (2.99; 1.25-7.15; P = 0.014), number of invasive procedures (1.52; 1.05-2.19; P = 0.025), and geographical proximity (2.84; 1.15-7.00; P = 0.023) were associated with CPE acquisition. By multivariate analysis, antimicrobial therapy during the exposure time (odds ratio: 6.36; 95% confidence interval: 2.46-16.44; P < 0.001), at least one invasive procedure (2.92; 1.04-8.17; P = 0.041), and geographical proximity (3.69; 1.15-11.86; P = 0.028) were associated with acquisition. In this study, geographical proximity, invasive procedure, and antimicrobial therapy during exposure time were significantly associated with KP-OXA-48 acquisition. Copyright © 2017 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cutaneous exposure to clinically-relevant pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) proteins promote TH2-dependent sensitization and IgE-mediated anaphylaxis in Balb/c mice.

PubMed

Kumar Gupta, Rinkesh; Kumar, Sandeep; Gupta, Kriti; Sharma, Akanksha; Roy, Ruchi; Kumar Verma, Alok; Chaudhari, Bhushan P; Das, Mukul; Ahmad Ansari, Irfan; Dwivedi, Premendra D

2016-11-01

Epicutaneous (EC) sensitization to food allergens may occur when the skin has been lightly damaged. The study here tested whether cutaneous exposure to pigeon pea protein(s) may cause allergic sensitization. BALB/c mice were either orally gavaged or epicutaneously sensitized by repeated application of pigeon pea crude protein extract (CPE) on undamaged areas of skin without any adjuvant; afterwards, both groups were orally challenged with the pigeon pea CPE. Anaphylactic symptoms along with measures of body temperature, MCPT-1, TSLP, pigeon pea-specific IgE and IgG 1 , myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, T H 2 cytokines, T H 2 transcription factors (TFs) and filaggrin expression were determined. Mast cell staining, eosinophil levels and histopathological analysis of the skin and intestines were also performed. In the epicutaneously-sensitized mice, elevated levels of specific IgE and IgG 1 , as well as of MCPT-1, TSLP, T H 2 cytokines and TFs, higher anaphylactic scores and histological changes in the skin and intestine were indicative of sensitization ability via both routes in the pigeon pea CPE-treated hosts. Elevated levels of mast cells were observed in both the skin and intestine; increased levels of eosinophils and MPO activity were noted only in the skin. Decreased levels of filaggrin in skin may have played a key role in the skin barrier dysfunction, increasing the chances of sensitization. Therefore, the experimental data support the hypothesis that in addition to oral exposure, skin exposure to food allergens can promote T H 2-dependent sensitization, IgE-mediated anaphylaxis and intestinal changes after oral challenge. Based on this, an avoidance of cutaneous exposures to allergens might prevent development of food anaphylaxis.

Cinnamon polyphenol extract regulates tristetraprolin and related gene expression in mouse adipocytes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) has been widely used in spices, flavoring agents, and preservatives. Cinnamon polyphenol extract (CPE) may be important in the alleviation of chronic diseases, but the molecular evidence is not substantial. Tristetraprolin (TTP) family proteins have anti-inflammatory ef...

76 FR 26641 - Relay Services for Deaf-Blind Individuals

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-09

... this document, the Commission adopts rules to establish the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution... premises equipment (CPE) to low- income individuals who are deaf-blind. For these purposes, this new... (TRS) Fund. The equipment distributed under the NDBEDP pilot program will make telecommunications...

47 CFR 32.2341 - Large private branch exchanges.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES Instructions for Balance Sheet Accounts § 32... cost of installation, of multiple manual private branch exchanges and of dial system private branch...) Embedded CPE is that equipment or inventory which is tariffed or otherwise subject to the jurisdictional...

47 CFR 32.2341 - Large private branch exchanges.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES Instructions for Balance Sheet Accounts § 32... cost of installation, of multiple manual private branch exchanges and of dial system private branch...) Embedded CPE is that equipment or inventory which is tariffed or otherwise subject to the jurisdictional...

47 CFR 32.2341 - Large private branch exchanges.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES Instructions for Balance Sheet Accounts § 32... cost of installation, of multiple manual private branch exchanges and of dial system private branch...) Embedded CPE is that equipment or inventory which is tariffed or otherwise subject to the jurisdictional...

47 CFR 32.2341 - Large private branch exchanges.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... UNIFORM SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES Instructions for Balance Sheet Accounts § 32... cost of installation, of multiple manual private branch exchanges and of dial system private branch...) Embedded CPE is that equipment or inventory which is tariffed or otherwise subject to the jurisdictional...

Synthesis and application of ion imprinting polymer coated magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes for selective adsorption of nickel ion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Junnan; Shang, Hongzhou; Zhang, Xing; Sun, Xiaoran

2018-01-01

A novel nickel ion imprinted polymers (IIPs) based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized inverse emulsion system, using chitosan(CS) and acrylic acid as the functional monomers, Ni (II) as the template, and N' N-methylene bis-acrylamide as the cross-linker. The chemical structure and morphological feature of the IIPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The studies indicated that the gel layer was well grafted on the surface of MWCNTs. Studies on the adsorption ability of the IIPs, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, demonstrated that IIPs possessed excellent adsorption and selective ability towards Ni (II), fitting to pseudo second-order kinetic isotherms and with a maximum capacity of 19.86 mg/g, and selectivity factor of 13.09 and 4.42. The electrochemical performance of ion imprinting carbon paste electrode (CPE/IIPs) was characterized by Cyclic voltammetry (CV). Studies have shown that CPE/IIPs showed excellent electrochemical performance.

All-solid-state lithium organic battery with composite polymer electrolyte and pillar[5]quinone cathode.

PubMed

Zhu, Zhiqiang; Hong, Meiling; Guo, Dongsheng; Shi, Jifu; Tao, Zhanliang; Chen, Jun

2014-11-26

The cathode capacity of common lithium ion batteries (LIBs) using inorganic electrodes and liquid electrolytes must be further improved. Alternatively, all-solid-state lithium batteries comprising the electrode of organic compounds can offer much higher capacity. Herein, we successfully fabricated an all-solid-state lithium battery based on organic pillar[5]quinone (C35H20O10) cathode and composite polymer electrolyte (CPE). The poly(methacrylate) (PMA)/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-LiClO4-3 wt % SiO2 CPE has an optimum ionic conductivity of 0.26 mS cm(-1) at room temperature. Furthermore, pillar[5]quinine cathode in all-solid-state battery rendered an average operation voltage of ∼2.6 V and a high initial capacity of 418 mAh g(-1) with a stable cyclability (94.7% capacity retention after 50 cycles at 0.2C rate) through the reversible redox reactions of enolate/quinonid carbonyl groups, showing favorable prospect for the device application with high capacity.

Membrane perturbation activity of cationic phenylene ethynylene oligomers and polymers: selectivity against model bacterial and mammalian membranes.

PubMed

Wang, Ying; Tang, Yanli; Zhou, Zhijun; Ji, Eunkyung; Lopez, Gabriel P; Chi, Eva Y; Schanze, Kirk S; Whitten, David G

2010-08-03

Poly(phenylene ethyneylene) (PPE)-based cationic conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) and cationic phenylene ethynylene oligomers (OPEs) exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and their main target is believed to be the cell membrane. To understand better how these antimicrobial molecules interact with membranes, a series of PPE-based CPEs and OPEs with different side chains were studied. Large unilamellar vesicles with lipid compositions mimicking those of mammalian or bacterial membranes were used as model membranes. Among the CPEs and OPEs tested, the anionic CPE, PPE-SO(3)(2-) and the smallest cationic OPE-1 are inactive against all vesicles. Other cationic CPEs and OPEs show significant membrane perturbation ability against bacterial membrane mimics but are inactive against a mammalian cell membrane mimic with the exception of PPE-DABCO and two end-only-functionalized OPEs, which also disrupted a mammalian cell membrane mimic. The results suggest that the phospholipid composition of vesicles dominates the interaction of CPE and OPE with lipid membranes.

Survey of continuing professional education within nursing homes.

PubMed

Aoki, Yumie; Davies, Sue

This article reports a survey of qualified nurses employed in nursing homes in a large city in the north of England. The aim of the study was to describe nurses' experiences and perceptions of continuing professional education (CPE), and their views on the development of their knowledge and skills through formal and informal education. Findings revealed that nurses in nursing homes perceived the value of educational programmes but had limited opportunities to attend formal education programmes. They faced a number of barriers and challenges in accessing formal education. Various informal ways of learning were used, including reading professional journals, watching videotapes and television programmes and accessing the Internet. However, respondents appeared not to use fully opportunities for sharing knowledge with colleagues. Although this study is based on a small sample, the findings support those of other studies in this field. Collectively, these studies suggest an urgent need to develop a range of approaches to CPE within care homes, both formal and informal, if the standards outlined within recent policy initiatives are to be achieved.

Smart bi-metallic perovskite nanofibers as selective and reusable sensors of nano-level concentrations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

PubMed

Mohamed, Mona A; Hasan, Menna M; Abdullah, Ibrahim H; Abdellah, Ahmed M; Yehia, Ali M; Ahmed, Nashaat; Abbas, Walaa; Allam, Nageh K

2018-08-01

A strategy for trace-level carbon-based electrochemical sensors is investigated via exploring the interesting properties of BaNb 2 O 6 nanofibers (NFs). Utilizing adsorptive stripping square wave voltammetry (ASSWV), an electrochemical sensing platform was developed based on BaNb 2 O 6 nanofibers-modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) for the sensitive detection of lornoxicam (LOR). Different techniques were used to characterize the fabricated BaNb 2 O 6 perovskite NFs. The obtained data show the feasibility to electro-oxidize LOR and paracetamol (PAR) on the surface of the fabricated sensor. The amount of nanofiber and testing conditions were optimized using response surface methodology and ASSWV technique. The optimized BaNb 2 O 6 /CPE sensor exhibits low detection limit of 6.39 × 10 -10 mol L -1 , even in the presence of the co-formulated drug paracetamol (PAR). The sensor was successfully applied for biological applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Clostridium Perfringens Toxins Involved in Mammalian Veterinary Diseases

PubMed Central

Uzal, F. A.; Vidal, J. E.; McClane, B. A.; Gurjar, A. A.

2013-01-01

Clostridium perfringens is a gram-positive anaerobic rod that is classified into 5 toxinotypes (A, B, C, D, and E) according to the production of 4 major toxins, namely alpha (CPA), beta (CPB), epsilon (ETX) and iota (ITX). However, this microorganism can produce up to 16 toxins in various combinations, including lethal toxins such as perfringolysin O (PFO), enterotoxin (CPE), and beta2 toxin (CPB2). Most diseases caused by this microorganism are mediated by one or more of these toxins. The role of CPA in intestinal disease of mammals is controversial and poorly documented, but there is no doubt that this toxin is essential in the production of gas gangrene of humans and several animal species. CPB produced by C. perfringens types B and C is responsible for necrotizing enteritis and enterotoxemia mainly in neonatal individuals of several animal species. ETX produced by C. perfringens type D is responsible for clinical signs and lesions of enterotoxemia, a predominantly neurological disease of sheep and goats. The role of ITX in disease of animals is poorly understood, although it is usually assumed that the pathogenesis of intestinal diseases produced by C. perfringens type E is mediated by this toxin. CPB2, a necrotizing and lethal toxin that can be produced by all types of C. perfringens, has been blamed for disease in many animal species, but little information is currently available to sustain or rule out this claim. CPE is an important virulence factor for C. perfringens type A gastrointestinal disease in humans and dogs; however, the data implicating CPE in other animal diseases remains ambiguous. PFO does not seem to play a direct role as the main virulence factor for animal diseases, but it may have a synergistic role with CPA-mediated gangrene and ETX-mediated enterotoxemia. The recent improvement of animal models for C. perfringens infection and the use of toxin gene knock-out mutants have demonstrated the specific pathogenic role of several toxins of C. perfringens in animal disease. These research tools are helping us to establish the role of each C. perfringens toxin in animal disease, to investigate the in vivo mechanism of action of these toxins, and to develop more effective vaccines against diseases produced by these microorganisms. PMID:24511335

Antiretroviral monocyte efficacy score linked to cognitive impairment in HIV.

PubMed

Shikuma, Cecilia M; Nakamoto, Beau; Shiramizu, Bruce; Liang, Chin-Yuan; DeGruttola, Victor; Bennett, Kara; Paul, Robert; Kallianpur, Kalpana; Chow, Dominic; Gavegnano, Christina; Hurwitz, Selwyn J; Schinazi, Raymond F; Valcour, Victor G

2012-01-01

Monocytes transmigrating to the brain play a central role in HIV neuropathology. We hypothesized that the continued existence of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) despite potent antiretroviral (ARV) therapy is mediated by the inability of such therapy to control this monocyte/macrophage reservoir. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were conducted within a prospectively enrolled cohort. We devised a monocyte efficacy (ME) score based on the anticipated effectiveness of ARV medications against monocytes/macrophages using published macrophage in vitro drug efficacy data. We examined, within an HIV neurocognitive database, its association with composite neuropsychological test scores (NPZ8) and clinical cognitive diagnoses among subjects on stable ARV medications unchanged for >6 months prior to assessment. Among 139 subjects on ARV therapy, higher ME score correlated with better NPZ8 performance (r=0.23, P<0.01), whereas a score devised to quantify expected penetration effectiveness of ARVs into the brain (CPE score) did not (r=0.12, P=0.15). In an adjusted model (adjusted r(2)=0.12), ME score (β=0.003, P=0.02), CD4(+) T-cell nadir (β=0.001, P<0.01) and gender (β=-0.456, P=0.02) were associated with NPZ8, whereas CPE score was not (β=0.003, P=0.94). A higher ME score was associated with better clinical cognitive status (P<0.01). With a range of 12.5-433.0 units, a 100-unit increase in ME score resulted in a 10.6-fold decrease in the odds of a dementia diagnosis compared with normal cognition (P=0.01). ARV efficacy against monocytes/macrophages correlates with cognitive function in HIV-infected individuals on ARV therapy within this cohort. If validated, efficacy against monocytes/macrophages may provide a new target to improve HIV NCI.

Yaba Tumor Poxvirus Synthesis In Vitro I. Cytopathological, Histochemical, and Immunofluorescent Studies

PubMed Central

Yohn, David S.; Haendiges, Victoria A.; Grace, James T.

1966-01-01

Yohn, David S. (Roswell Park Memorial Institute, Buffalo, N.Y.), Victoria A. Haendiges, and James T. Grace, Jr. Yaba tumor poxvirus synthesis in vitro. I. Cytopathological, histochemical, and immunofluorescent studies. J. Bacteriol. 91:1977–1985. 1966.—Yaba tumor poxvirus synthesis in BSC-1 cell culture was followed sequentially with light microscopy, immunofluorescent microscopy, and various histochemical stains. The first evidence of infection was detected at 24 hr when nucleoli became hypertrophic, reflecting enhanced ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis. At 36 hr, deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis was detected in the cytoplasm. This was immediately followed by or associated with antigen synthesis at paranuclear sites and enhanced RNA synthesis in the cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic inclusions were readily apparent at 4 days in initially infected cells. Contiguous spread of virus was judged to have occurred around the third day of infection. The time required to complete the synthetic cycle from time of infection to production of infectious progeny was estimated to be of the order of 60 hr. This cycle is 6 to 10 times longer than for vaccinia virus. By light microscopy, cytopathic effects (CPE) were detectable in 5 days in heavily infected cultures. With 100 units or less of infectious virus, CPE was not readily detected until the 10th to 14th day. At this time, focal areas of infection classified either as microtumors or microplaques were present. Secondary foci appeared during the 4th week of incubation. Images PMID:4287080

Nootropic, anxiolytic and CNS-depressant studies on different plant sources of shankhpushpi.

PubMed

Malik, Jai; Karan, Maninder; Vasisht, Karan

2011-12-01

Shankhpushpi, a well-known drug in Ayurveda, is extensively used for different central nervous system (CNS) effects especially memory enhancement. Different plants are used under the name shankhpushpi in different regions of India, leading to an uncertainty regarding its true source. Plants commonly used under the name shankhpushpi are: Convolvulus pluricaulis Chois., Evolvulus alsinoides Linn., both from Convolvulaceae, and Clitoria ternatea Linn. (Leguminosae). To find out the true source of shankhpushpi by evaluating and comparing memory-enhancing activity of the three above mentioned plants. Anxiolytic, antidepressant and CNS-depressant activities of these three plants were also compared and evaluated. The nootropic activity of the aqueous methanol extract of each plant was tested using elevated plus-maze (EPM) and step-down models. Anxiolytic, antidepressant and CNS-depressant studies were evaluated using EPM, Porsolt?s swim despair and actophotometer models, respectively. C. pluricaulis extract (CPE) at a dose of 100 mg/kg, p.o. showed maximum nootropic and anxiolytic activity (p < 0.001). E. alsinoides extract (EAE) and C. ternatea extract (CTE) showed maximum memory-enhancing and anxiolytic activity (p < 0.001) at 200 and 100?mg/kg, respectively. Amongst the three plants, EAE and CTE showed significant (p < 0.05), while CPE did not exhibit any antidepressant activity. All the three plants showed CNS-depressant action at higher dose levels. The above results showed all the three plants possess nootropic, anxiolytic and CNS-depressant activity. The results of memory-enhancing activity suggest C. pluricaulis to be used as true source of shankhpushpi.

Fleet dynamics of the commercial lake trout fishery in Michigan waters of Lake Superior during 1929-1961

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilberg, Michael J.; Bronte, Charles R.; Hansen, Michael J.

2004-01-01

Understanding fishing fleet dynamics is important when using fishery dependent data to infer the status of fish stocks. We analyzed data from mandatory catch reports from the commercial lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) fishery in Michigan waters of Lake Superior during 1929-1961, a period when lake trout populations collapsed through the combined effects of overfishing and sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) predation. The number of full-time fishermen increased during 1933-1943 and then decreased during 1943-1957. Addition of new fishermen was related to past yield, market prices, World War II draft exemptions, and lost fishing opportunities in Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Loss of existing fishermen was related to declining lake trout density. Large mesh (a?Y 114-mm stretch-measure) gill net effort increased during 1929-1951 because fishermen fished more net inshore as lake trout density declined, even though catch per effort (CPE) was often higher in deeper waters. The most common gill net mesh size increased from 114-mm to 120-mm stretch-measure during 1929-1957, as lake trout growth increased. More effort was fished inshore than offshore and the amount of inshore effort was less variable over time than offshore effort. Relatively stable yield was maintained by increasing gill net effort and by moving some effort to better grounds. Because fishing-up caused yield and CPE to remain high despite declining lake trout abundance, caution must be used when basing goals for lake trout restoration on historical fishery indices.

Survey of the Former Nike Sites Located at North Smithfield, Foster and Coventry, Rhode Island.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-06-01

82179 )~ I; -. / Z:-I. Vx~J S’ \\rleW’ all % . ~ - ~ ’ ’/, 1C I)0 ’.Cpe ldl’ ~ . __ _P:’N ~ j~P / ~ -.- ~ C LLG? *󈨟 ~ - II ~~~11 ell\\ ~ Ig~A Lu coran B

Small benthic size classes along the N.W. European Continental Margin: spatial and temporal variability in activity and biomass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pfannkuche, O.; Soltwedel, T.

1998-12-01

In the context of the European OMEX Programme this investigation focused on gradients in the biomass and activity of the small benthic size spectrum along a transect across the Goban Spur from the outer Celtic Sea into Porcupine Abyssal Plain. The effects of food pulses (seasonal, episodic) on this part of the benthic size spectrum were investigated. Sediments sampled during eight expeditions at different seasons covering a range from 200 m to 4800 m water depth were assayed with biochemical bulk measurements: determinations of chloroplastic pigment equivalents (CPE), the sum of chlorophyll a and its breakdown products, provide information concerning the input of phytodetrital matter to the seafloor; phospholipids were analyzed to estimate the total biomass of small benthic organisms (including bacteria, fungi, flagellata, protozoa and small metazoan meiofauna). A new term `small size class biomass' (SSCB) is introduced for the biomass of the smallest size classes of sediment-inhabiting organisms; the reduction of fluorescein-di-acetate (FDA) was determined to evaluate the potential activity of ester-cleaving bacterial exoenzymes in the sediment samples. At all stations benthic biomass was predominantly composed of the small size spectrum (90% on the shelf; 97-98% in the bathyal and abyssal parts of the transect). Small size class biomass (integrated over a 10 cm sediment column) ranged from 8 g C m -2 on the shelf to 2.1 g C m -2 on the adjacent Porcupine Abyssal Plain, exponentially decreasing with increasing water depth. However, a correlation between water depth and SSCB, macrofauna biomass as well as metazoan meiofauna biomass exhibited a significantly flatter slope for the small size classes in comparison to the larger organisms. CPE values indicated a pronounced seasonal cycle on the shelf and upper slope with twin peaks of phytodetrital deposition in mid spring and late summer. The deeper stations seem to receive a single annual flux maximum in late summer. SSCB and heterotrophic activity are significantly correlated to the amount of sediment-bound pigments. Seasonality in pigment concentrations is clearly followed by SSCB and activity. In contrast to macro- and megafauna which integrate over larger periods (months/years), the small benthic size classes, namely bacteria and foraminifera, proved to be the most reactive potential of the benthic communities to any perturbations on short time scales (days/weeks). The small size classes, therefore, occupy a key role in early diagenetic processes.

Antiviral active peptide from oyster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Mingyong; Cui, Wenxuan; Zhao, Yuanhui; Liu, Zunying; Dong, Shiyuan; Guo, Yao

2008-08-01

An active peptide against herpes virus was isolated from the enzymic hydrolysate of oyster ( Crassostrea gigas) and purified with the definite direction hydrolysis technique in the order of alcalase and bromelin. The hydrolysate was fractioned into four ranges of molecular weight (>10 kDa, 10 5 kDa, 5 1 kDa and <1 kDa) using ultrafiltration membranes and dialysis. The fraction of 10 5 kDa was purified using consecutive chromatographic methods including DEAE Sephadex A-25 column, Sephadex G-25 column, and high performance liquid chromatogram (HPLC) by activity-guided isolation. The antiviral effect of the obtained peptide on herpetic virus was investigated in Vero cells by observing cytopathic effect (CPE). The result shows that the peptide has high inhibitory activity on herpetic virus.

Continuing Professional Education for Licensed Accountants in Tennessee

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lucas, Brian J.

2017-01-01

Accounting is a professional occupation that is continually evolving and requires a dedication to continuing education to meet the legal demands of new regulations and to maintain professional competency. Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is required by state boards for certified public accountants (CPA) to meet these requirements and to…

DETERMINATION OF PHENOLS IN ENVIRONMENTALLY RELEVANT MATRICES WITH THE USE OF LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY WITH AN ENZYME ELECTRODE DETECTOR

EPA Science Inventory

A simple and rapid assay using HPLC with a tyrosinase-containing carbon paste electrode (Tyr-CPE) detector is demonstrated for the detection of phenol, p-cresol, p-methoxyphenol, and p-chlorophenol in environmental matrices. These compounds were measured in contaminated aqueous...

Holistic Development of Computer Engineering Curricula Using Y-Chart Methodology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rashid, Muhammad; Tasadduq, Imran A.

2014-01-01

The exponential growth of advancing technologies is pushing curriculum designers in computer engineering (CpE) education to compress more and more content into the typical 4-year program, without necessarily paying much attention to the cohesiveness of those contents. The result has been highly fragmented curricula consisting of various…

47 CFR 27.50 - Power limits and duty cycle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... supporting frequency division duplex (FDD) mobile and portable operations are restricted to transmitting in... duty cycle must not exceed 38 percent; for WCS CPE using FDD technology, the duty cycle must not exceed... stations using frequency division duplex (FDD) technology, the duty cycle must not exceed 12.5 percent in...

47 CFR 27.50 - Power limits and duty cycle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... supporting frequency division duplex (FDD) mobile and portable operations are restricted to transmitting in... duty cycle must not exceed 38 percent; for WCS CPE using FDD technology, the duty cycle must not exceed... stations using frequency division duplex (FDD) technology, the duty cycle must not exceed 12.5 percent in...

Comparison of the responses of different recombinant fish type I interferons against betanodavirus infection in grouper.

PubMed

Kuo, Hsiang-Ping; Chung, Chia-Ling; Hung, Yu-Fang; Lai, Yu-Shen; Chiou, Pinwen P; Lu, Ming-Wei; Kong, Zwe-Ling

2016-02-01

The nervous necrosis virus (NNV) is an aquatic virus that can infect more than 30 species including the grouper, which is a valuable fish species in Taiwan. NNV causes up to 90-100% mortality in the aquaculture industry. Interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines that stimulate the expression of numerous proteins to protect the host against viruses and possess very unique specific characteristics in fish. The cross-reactivity of heterologous IFNs on grouper cells and larvae has not been well-studied to date. To evaluate and compare the anti-NNV effect of different fish IFNs in grouper, we successfully synthesized, subcloned, expressed and purified several fish type I IFNs in the present study: grouper (gIFN), salmon (sIFN), seabass (sbIFN) and tilapia (tpIFN). The gIFN and sIFN proteins up-regulated myxovirus resistance protein (Mx) gene expression in grouper kidney (GK) cells, but similar effects were not observed for sbIFN and tpIFN. Following co- and pre-treatment with the 4 types of IFNs with NNV infection in GK cells, sIFN exhibited the strongest antiviral ability to suppress NNV gene replication (especially at 24 h) and significantly reduced the cytopathic effect (CPE) at 72 h, followed by gIFN. Unsurprisingly, sbIFN and tpIFN had no significant effect on CPE but slightly suppressed NNV gene replication. The cytotoxicity of these four fish IFNs on GK cells was also examined for the first time. In the in vivo test, we confirmed that gIFN and sIFN had a significant protective effect against NNV when administered by intraperitoneal (IP) injection and the oral route in Malabar grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus) larvae. This study compared the protective effects of IFNs from various fish species against NNV and demonstrated crosstalk between sIFN and grouper cells for the first time. These results provide information concerning the efficacy of fish IFNs for possible therapeutic applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Non-aqueous phase cold vapor generation and determination of trace cadmium by atomic fluorescence spectrometry.

PubMed

Lei, Zirong; Chen, Luqiong; Hu, Kan; Yang, Shengchun; Wen, Xiaodong

2018-06-05

Cold vapor generation (CVG) of cadmium was firstly accomplished in non-aqueous media by using solid reductant of potassium borohydride (KBH 4 ) as a derivation reagent. The mixture of surfactant Triton X-114 micelle and octanol was innovatively used as the non-aqueous media for the CVG and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) was used for the elemental determination. The analyte ions were firstly extracted into the non-aqueous media from the bulk aqueous phase of analyte/sample solution via a novelly established ultrasound-assisted rapidly synergistic cloud point extraction (UARS-CPE) process and then directly mixed with the solid redcutant KBH 4 to generate volatile elemental state cadmium in a specially designed reactor, which was then rapidly transported to a commercial atomic fluorescence spectrometer for detection. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) for cadmium was 0.004 μg L -1 . Compared to conventional hydride generation (HG)-AFS, the efficiency of non-aqueous phase CVG and the analytical performance of the developed system was considerably improved. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Graphene-Immobilized fac-Re(bipy)(CO)3Cl for Syngas Generation from Carbon Dioxide.

PubMed

Zhou, Xin; Micheroni, Daniel; Lin, Zekai; Poon, Christopher; Li, Zhong; Lin, Wenbin

2016-02-17

We report the synthesis of fac-M(4-amino-bipy)(CO)3X (M = Mn and X = Br or M = Re and X = Cl, with bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine), their immobilization on graphene oxide (GrO) via diazonium grafting, and the use of Re-functionalized GrO for electrocatalytic syngas production. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, and electrocatalysis indicated successful grafting of the Re catalyst onto GrO. Re-functionalized GrO was then deposited onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for CO2 reduction. Investigation of the Re-functionalized GCE for syngas production was performed in a CO2-saturated acetonitrile solution with 3.1 M H2O as the proton source and 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate (TBAPF6) as the supporting electrolyte. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), controlled potential electrolysis (CPE), and gas chromatography (GC) were employed to determine its CO2-to-CO conversion performance. The Re catalyst shows a turnover frequency (TOF) for generating CO up to 4.44 s(-1) with a CO/H2 ratio of 7:5.

N-Consecutive-Phase Encoder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Divsalar, Dariush; Lee, Ho-Kyoung; Weber, Charles

1995-01-01

N-consecutive-phase encoder (NCPE) is conceptual encoder for generating alphabet of N consecutive full-response continuous-phase-modulation (CPM) signals. Enables use of binary preencoder of higher rate than used with simple continuous-phase encoder (CPE). NCPE makes possible to achieve power efficiencies and bandwidth efficiencies greater than conventional trellis coders with continuous-phase frequency-shift keying (CPFSK).

Learning Experiences and Gains from Continuing Professional Education and Their Applicability to Work for Japanese Government Officials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Noda, Ayaka; Kim, Mikyong Minsun

2014-01-01

This study aims to understand the perceived learning experiences and gains for Japanese government officials from US and Japanese graduate and professional schools, and how applicable their continuing professional education (CPE) is to professional performance. Interview participants were drawn from long-term overseas and domestic fellowship…

Evaluation Models for Continuing Education Program Efficacy: How Does Athletic Training Continuing Education Measure up?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doherty-Restrepo, Jennifer L.; Hughes, Brian J.; Del Rossi, Gianluca; Pitney, William A.

2009-01-01

Objective: Although continuing education is required for athletic trainers (AT) to maintain their Board of Certification credential, little is known regarding its efficacy for advancing knowledge and improving patient care. Continuing professional education (CPE) is designed to provide professionals with important practical learning opportunities.…

47 CFR 27.50 - Power limits and duty cycle.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Power limits and duty cycle. 27.50 Section 27... MISCELLANEOUS WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Technical Standards § 27.50 Power limits and duty cycle. (a) The... duty cycle must not exceed 38 percent; for WCS CPE using FDD technology, the duty cycle must not exceed...

Life Affirming Work and Social Justice. Symposium.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

2002

This document contains three papers from a symposium on life-affirming work and social justice that was conducted as part of a conference on human resource development (HRD). "Doing Good or Doing Well? A Counter-story of Continuing Professional Education (CPE)" (Laurel Jeris, Linda Armacost) reports on an exploratory study in which a…

A Pilot Study of Collective Parent Engagement and Children's Academic Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alameda-Lawson, Tania

2014-01-01

Parent involvement (PI) programs typically represent an important improvement strategy for schools serving low-income children of color. This pilot study offers an alternative to conventional PI approaches, collective parent engagement (CPE). The study relied on a post hoc, quasiexperimental design, and data were collected from 32 low-income,…

Enterobacter cloacae complex isolated from shrimps from Vietnam encoding blaIMI-1, resistant to carbapenems but not cephalosporins.

PubMed

Brouwer, Michael S M; Rapallini, Michel; Geurts, Yvon; Harders, Frank; Bossers, Alex; Mevius, Dik J; Wit, Ben; Veldman, Kees T

2018-04-23

In August of 2017, a batch of Penaeus monodon (Asian tiger shrimp) and Penaues vannamei (White leg shrimp), originating from fish farms in Vietnam, were screened for the presence of carbapenamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE).…. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

Micelle-mediated extraction and cloud point preconcentration for the analysis of aesculin and aesculetin in Cortex fraxini by HPLC.

PubMed

Shi, Zhihong; Zhu, Xiaomin; Zhang, Hongyi

2007-08-15

In this paper, a micelle-mediated extraction and cloud point preconcentration method was developed for the determination of less hydrophobic compounds aesculin and aesculetin in Cortex fraxini by HPLC. Non-ionic surfactant oligoethylene glycol monoalkyl ether (Genapol X-080) was employed as the extraction solvent. Various experimental conditions were investigated to optimize the extraction process. Under optimum conditions, i.e. 5% Genapol X-080 (w/v), pH 1.0, liquid/solid ratio of 400:1 (ml/g), ultrasonic-assisted extraction for 30 min, the extraction yield reached the highest value. For the preconcentration of aesculin and aesculetin by cloud point extraction (CPE), the solution was incubated in a thermostatic water bath at 55 degrees C for 30 min, and 20% NaCl (w/v) was added to the solution to facilitate the phase separation and increase the preconcentration factor during the CPE process. Compared with methanol, which was used in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2005 edition) for the extraction of C. fraxini, the extraction efficiency of 5% Genapol X-080 reached higher value.

Prevalence of netF-positive Clostridium perfringens in foals in southwestern Ontario.

PubMed

Finley, Abigail; Gohari, Iman Mehdizadeh; Parreira, Valeria R; Abrahams, Miranda; Staempfli, Henry R; Prescott, John F

2016-07-01

NetF-producing Clostridium perfringens have recently been identified as a cause of necrotizing enteritis in neonatal foals, but little is known about its prevalence in clinically normal foals. Foals (n = 88) ranging in age from < 1 wk to 2 to 4 mo (median age 2 to 4 wk) on 8 horse-breeding farms in Ontario were examined on 1 or 2 occasions for the presence of C. perfringens. Of the foals that tested positive, 5 isolates (n = 675) were examined for the netF and enterotoxin (cpe) genes. Colonization by C. perfringens was most marked in foals < 1 wk of age [4.85 ± 2.70 log10 colony-forming units (CFU)] and declined markedly over time (1.23 ± 1.06 log10 CFU at 1 to 2 mo of age). Only 2 isolates possessed the cpe gene and none possessed netF. We concluded that netF-positive C. perfringens does not colonize young foals with any detectable frequency in Ontario and this organism is not likely to be adapted to the intestine of the horse.

Prevalence of netF-positive Clostridium perfringens in foals in southwestern Ontario

PubMed Central

Finley, Abigail; Gohari, Iman Mehdizadeh; Parreira, Valeria R.; Abrahams, Miranda; Staempfli, Henry R.; Prescott, John F.

2016-01-01

NetF-producing Clostridium perfringens have recently been identified as a cause of necrotizing enteritis in neonatal foals, but little is known about its prevalence in clinically normal foals. Foals (n = 88) ranging in age from < 1 wk to 2 to 4 mo (median age 2 to 4 wk) on 8 horse-breeding farms in Ontario were examined on 1 or 2 occasions for the presence of C. perfringens. Of the foals that tested positive, 5 isolates (n = 675) were examined for the netF and enterotoxin (cpe) genes. Colonization by C. perfringens was most marked in foals < 1 wk of age [4.85 ± 2.70 log10 colony-forming units (CFU)] and declined markedly over time (1.23 ± 1.06 log10 CFU at 1 to 2 mo of age). Only 2 isolates possessed the cpe gene and none possessed netF. We concluded that netF-positive C. perfringens does not colonize young foals with any detectable frequency in Ontario and this organism is not likely to be adapted to the intestine of the horse. PMID:27408339

Proposal of DCS-OFDM-PON upstream transmission with intensity modulator and collective self-coherent detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jing; Yang, Heming; Zhao, Difu; Qiu, Kun

2016-07-01

We introduce digital coherent superposition (DCS) into optical access network and propose a DCS-OFDM-PON upstream transmission scheme using intensity modulator and collective self-coherent detection. The generated OFDM signal is real based on Hermitian symmetry, which can be used to estimate the common phase error (CPE) by complex conjugate subcarrier pairs without any pilots. In simulation, we transmit an aggregated 40 Gb/s optical OFDM signal from two ONUs. The transmission performance with DCS is slightly better after 25 km transmission without relative transmission time delay. The fiber distance for different ONUs to RN are not same in general and there is relative transmission time delay between ONUs, which causes inter-carrier-interference (ICI) power increasing and degrades the transmission performance. The DCS can mitigate the ICI power and the DCS-OFDM-PON upstream transmission outperforms the conventional OFDM-PON. The CPE estimation is by using two pairs of complex conjugate subcarriers without redundancy. The power variation can be 9 dB in DCS-OFDM-PON, which is enough to tolerate several kilometers fiber length difference between the ONUs.

Non-chromatographic speciation of chromium at sub-ppb levels using cloud point extraction in the presence of unmodified silver nanoparticles.

PubMed

López-García, Ignacio; Vicente-Martínez, Yesica; Hernández-Córdoba, Manuel

2015-01-01

The cloud point extraction (CPE) of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by Triton X-114 allows chromium (III) ions to be transferred to the surfactant-rich phase, where they can be measured by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Using 20 mL sample and 50 μL Triton X-114 (30% w/v), the enrichment factor was 1150, and calibration graphs were obtained in the 5-100 ng L(-1) chromium range in the presence of 5 µg L(-1) AgNPs. Speciation of trivalent and hexavalent chromium was achieved by carrying out two CPE experiments, one of them in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetate. While in the first experiment, in absence of the complexing agent, the concentration of total chromium was obtained, the analytical signal measured in the presence of this chemical allowed the chromium (VI) concentration to be measured, being that of chromium (III) calculated by difference. The reliability of the procedure was verified by using three standard reference materials before applying to water, beer and wine samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Flexible Li-CO2 Batteries with Liquid-Free Electrolyte.

PubMed

Hu, Xiaofei; Li, Zifan; Chen, Jun

2017-05-15

Developing flexible Li-CO 2 batteries is a promising approach to reuse CO 2 and simultaneously supply energy to wearable electronics. However, all reported Li-CO 2 batteries use liquid electrolyte and lack robust electrolyte/electrodes structure, not providing the safety and flexibility required. Herein we demonstrate flexible liquid-free Li-CO 2 batteries based on poly(methacrylate)/poly(ethylene glycol)-LiClO 4 -3 wt %SiO 2 composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) cathodes. The CPE (7.14×10 -2  mS cm -1 ) incorporates with porous CNTs cathodes, displaying stable structure and small interface resistance. The batteries run for 100 cycles with controlled capacity of 1000 mAh g -1 . Moreover, pouch-type flexible batteries exhibit large reversible capacity of 993.3 mAh, high energy density of 521 Wh kg -1 , and long operation time of 220 h at different degrees of bending (0-360°) at 55 °C. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

[Carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriae: epidemiology, strategies to control their spread and issues].

PubMed

Lepelletier, D; Batard, E; Berthelot, P; Zahar, J-R; Lucet, J-C; Fournier, S; Jarlier, V; Grandbastien, B

2015-07-01

The increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics has become a major public health concern bringing the threat of therapeutic impasses. In this context, control of the spread of highly-resistant bacteria emerging antibiotics (BHRe), such as glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (VRE) and Enterobacteriaceae producing carbapenemases (CPE), is based on a dual strategy of reducing the prescription of antibiotics to limit the pressure selection and preventing the spread from carriers. Prevention strategy is based on three different levels such as standard precautions for all patients with a particular focus on the management of excreta, and additional precautions for BHRe carriers. What makes it difficult is that carriage is usually completely asymptomatic, enterobacteria and enterococci are normal commensal of gut microbiota. Explosive dissemination of Enterobacteriaceae producing extended spectrum beta-lactamases in hospital and community heralds the emergence of CPE whose import by patients with a history of hospitalization in abroad may be the main source of spread in France. Copyright © 2015 Société nationale française de médecine interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

A Newly Designed Composite Gel Polymer Electrolyte Based on Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride-Hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) for Enhanced Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

PubMed

Xia, Yan; Wang, Xiuli; Xia, Xinhui; Xu, Ruochen; Zhang, Shengzhao; Wu, Jianbo; Liang, Yanfei; Gu, Changdong; Tu, Jiangping

2017-10-26

Developing high-performance solid-state electrolytes is crucial for the innovation of next-generation lithium-sulfur batteries. Herein, a facile method for preparation of a novel gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) based on poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) is reported. Furthermore, Li 1.5 Al 0.5 Ti 1.5 (PO 4 ) 3 (LATP) nanoparticles as the active fillers are uniformly embedded into the GPE to form the final PVDF-HFP/LATP composite gel polymer electrolyte (CPE). Impressively, the obtained CPE demonstrates a high lithium ion transference number of 0.51 and improved electrochemical stability as compared to commercial liquid electrolyte. In addition, the assembled solid-sate Li-S battery with the composite gel polymer electrolyte membrane presents a high initial capacity of 918 mAh g -1 at 0.05 C, and better cycle performance than the counterparts with liquid electrolyte. Our designed PVDF-HFP/LATP composite can be a promising electrolyte for next-generation solid-state batteries with high cycling stability. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

In vitro corrosion study by EIS of a nickel-free stainless steel for orthopaedic applications.

PubMed

Rondelli, G; Torricelli, P; Fini, M; Giardino, R

2005-03-01

The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique was used for the study of the electrochemical behaviour of Ni-free austenitic stainless steel for orthopaedic applications. Experiments were carried out using four different test solutions: (i) phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), (ii) minimum essential medium (MEM), (iii) MEM + 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), (iv) MEM + 10% fetal calf serum + L929 fibroblast cell line (Cell). Bode-phase spectra showed the presence of two maxima and were fitted with an equivalent circuit characterized by two parallel combinations (Resistance, Constant Phase Element). The (R(1), CPE(1)) branch was assigned to the inner compact passive film and the (R(2), CPE(2)) branch to the external porous film. The resistance of the inner film R(1), here directly related to the material's uniform corrosion resistance, raised with the immersion time and increased in the following order: PBS

Declining survival of lake trout stocked during 1963-1986 in U.S. waters of Lake Superior

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hansen, Michael J.; Ebener, Mark P.; Schorfhaar, Richard G.; Schram, Stephen T.; Schreiner, Donald R.; Selgeby, James H.

1994-01-01

The average catch per effort (CPE) values for the 1963–1982 year-classes of stocked lake trout Salvelinus namaycush caught at age 7 in gill nets and for the 1976–1986 year-classes caught at ages 2–4 in trawls declined significantly in U.S. waters of Lake Superior. The declines in CPE were not explained by reduced stocking, but rather by significant declines in survival indices of the year-classes of stocked lake trout. Increases in mortality occurred in year-classes before the fish reached ages 2–4, before they were recruited into the sport and commercial fisheries, and before they reached sizes vulnerable to sea lamprey predation. We conclude that declining abundance of stocked lake trout resulted from increased mortality, which may have been caused by competition, predation, or by a combination of these and other factors. Restoration of lake trout in Lake Superior may now depend on prudent management of naturally reproducing stocks rather than on stocking of hatchery-reared fish.

Determination of total selenium in food samples by d-CPE and HG-AFS.

PubMed

Wang, Mei; Zhong, Yizhou; Qin, Jinpeng; Zhang, Zehua; Li, Shan; Yang, Bingyi

2017-07-15

A dual-cloud point extraction (d-CPE) procedure was developed for the simultaneous preconcentration and determination of trace level Se in food samples by hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS). The Se(IV) was complexed with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC) in a Triton X-114 surfactant-rich phase, which was then treated with a mixture of 16% (v/v) HCl and 20% (v/v) H 2 O 2 . This converted the Se(IV)-APDC into free Se(IV), which was back extracted into an aqueous phase at the second cloud point extraction stage. This aqueous phase was analyzed directly by HG-AFS. Optimization of the experimental conditions gave a limit of detection of 0.023μgL -1 with an enhancement factor of 11.8 when 50mL of sample solution was preconcentrated to 3mL. The relative standard deviation was 4.04% (c=6.0μgL -1 , n=10). The proposed method was applied to determine the Se contents in twelve food samples with satisfactory recoveries of 95.6-105.2%. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of a walleye spleen stromal cell line sensitive to viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV IVb) and to protection by synthetic dsRNA.

PubMed

Vo, Nguyen T K; Bender, Aaron W; Ammendolia, Dustin A; Lumsden, John S; Dixon, Brian; Bols, Niels C

2015-07-01

A cell line, WE-spleen6, has been developed from the stromal layer of primary spleen cell cultures. On conventional plastic, WE-spleen6 cells had a spindle-shaped morphology at low cell density but grew to become epithelial-like at confluency. On the commercial extracellular matrix (ECM), Matrigel, the cells remained spindle-shaped and formed lumen-like structures. WE-spleen6 cells had intermediate filament protein, vimentin and the ECM protein, collagen I, but not smooth muscle α-actin (SMA) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) and lacked alkaline phosphatase and phagocytic activities. WE-spleen6 was more susceptible to infection with VHSV IVb than a fibroblast and epithelial cell lines from the walleye caudal fin, WE-cfin11f and WE-cfin11e, respectively. Viral transcripts and proteins appeared earlier in WE-spleen6 cultures as did cytopathic effect (CPE) and significant virus production. The synthetic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (pIC), induced the antiviral protein Mx in both cell lines. Treating WE-spleen6 cultures with pIC prior to infection with VHSV IVb inhibited the early accumulation of viral transcripts and proteins and delayed the appearance of CPE and significant viral production. Of particular note, pIC caused the disappearance of viral P protein 2 days post infection. WE-spleen6 should be useful for investigating the impact of VHSV IVb on hematopoietic organs and the actions of pIC on the rhabdovirus life cycle. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Variability in apoptotic response to poliovirus infection.

PubMed

Romanova, Lyudmila I; Belov, George A; Lidsky, Peter V; Tolskaya, Elena A; Kolesnikova, Marina S; Evstafieva, Alexandra G; Vartapetian, Andrey B; Egger, Denise; Bienz, Kurt; Agol, Vadim I

2005-01-20

In several cell types, poliovirus activates the apoptotic program, implementation of which is suppressed by viral antiapoptotic functions. In such cells, productive infection leads to a necrotic cytopathic effect (CPE), while abortive reproduction, associated with inadequate viral antiapoptotic functions, results in apoptosis. Here, we describe two other types of cell response to poliovirus infection. Murine L20B cells expressing human poliovirus receptor responded to the infection by both CPE and apoptosis concurrently. Interruption of productive infection decreased rather than increased the proportion of apoptotic cells. Productive infection was accompanied by the early efflux of cytochrome c from the mitochondria in a proportion of cells and by activation of DEVD-specific caspases. Inactivation of caspase-9 resulted in a marked, but incomplete, prevention of the apoptotic response of these cells to viral infection. Thus, the poliovirus-triggered apoptotic program in L20B cells was not completely suppressed by the viral antiapoptotic functions. In contrast, human rhabdomyosarcoma RD cells did not develop appreciable apoptosis during productive or abortive infection, exhibiting inefficient efflux of cytochrome c from mitochondria and no marked activation of DEVD-specific caspases. The cells were also refractory to several nonviral apoptosis inducers. Nevertheless, typical caspase-dependent signs of apoptosis in a proportion of RD cells were observed after cessation of viral reproduction. Such "late" apoptosis was also observed in productively infected HeLa cells. In addition, a tiny proportion of all studied cells were TUNEL positive even in the presence of a caspase inhibitor. Degradation of DNA in such cells appeared to be a postmortem phenomenon. Biological relevance of variable host responses to viral infection is discussed.

Adenovirus type 4 respiratory infections with a concurrent outbreak of coxsackievirus A21 among United States Army Basic Trainees, a retrospective viral etiology study using next-generation sequencing.

PubMed

Hang, Jun; Vento, Todd J; Norby, Erica A; Jarman, Richard G; Keiser, Paul B; Kuschner, Robert A; Binn, Leonard N

2017-08-01

Human adenoviruses (HAdV), in particular types 4 and 7, frequently cause acute respiratory disease (ARD) during basic military training. HAdV4 and HAdV7 vaccines reduced the ARD risk in U.S. military. It is important to identify other respiratory pathogens and assess their potential impact on military readiness. In 2002, during a period when the HAdV vaccines were not available, throat swabs were taken from trainees (n = 184) with respiratory infections at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Viral etiology was investigated initially with viral culture and neutralization assay and recently in this study by sequencing the viral isolates. Viral culture and neutralization assays identified 90 HAdV4 isolates and 27 additional cultures that showed viral cytopathic effects (CPE), including some with picornavirus-like CPE. Next-generation sequencing confirmed these results and determined viral genotypes, including 77 HAdV4, 4 HAdV3, 1 HAdV2, 17 coxsackievirus A21 (CAV21), and 1 enterovirus D68. Two samples were positive for both HAdV4 and CAV21. The identified genotypes are phylogenetically close to but distinct from those found during other years or in other military/non-military sites. HAdV4 is the predominant respiratory pathogen in unvaccinated military trainee. HAdV4 has temporal and demographic variability. CAV21 is a significant respiratory pathogen and needs to be evaluated for its current significance in military basic trainees. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparative ultrastructural characterization of African horse sickness virus-infected mammalian and insect cells reveals a novel potential virus release mechanism from insect cells.

PubMed

Venter, E; van der Merwe, C F; Buys, A V; Huismans, H; van Staden, V

2014-03-01

African horse sickness virus (AHSV) is an arbovirus capable of successfully replicating in both its mammalian host and insect vector. Where mammalian cells show a severe cytopathic effect (CPE) following AHSV infection, insect cells display no CPE. These differences in cell death could be linked to the method of viral release, i.e. lytic or non-lytic, that predominates in a specific cell type. Active release of AHSV, or any related orbivirus, has, however, not yet been documented from insect cells. We applied an integrated microscopy approach to compare the nanomechanical and morphological response of mammalian and insect cells to AHSV infection. Atomic force microscopy revealed plasma membrane destabilization, integrity loss and structural deformation of the entire surface of infected mammalian cells. Infected insect cells, in contrast, showed no morphological differences from mock-infected cells other than an increased incidence of circular cavities present on the cell surface. Transmission electron microscopy imaging identified a novel large vesicle-like compartment within infected insect cells, not present in mammalian cells, containing viral proteins and virus particles. Extracellular clusters of aggregated virus particles were visualized adjacent to infected insect cells with intact plasma membranes. We propose that foreign material is accumulated within these vesicles and that their subsequent fusion with the cell membrane releases entrapped viruses, thereby facilitating a non-lytic virus release mechanism different from the budding previously observed in mammalian cells. This insect cell-specific defence mechanism contributes to the lack of cell damage observed in AHSV-infected insect cells.

Data analysis report on ATS-F COMSAT millimeter wave propagation experiment, part 1. [effects of hydrometeors on ground to satellite communication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hyde, G.

1976-01-01

The 13/18 GHz COMSAT Propagation Experiment (CPE) was performed to measure attenuation caused by hydrometeors along slant paths from transmitting terminals on the ground to the ATS-6 satellite. The effectiveness of site diversity in overcoming this impairment was also studied. Problems encountered in assembling a valid data base of rain induced attenuation data for statistical analysis are considered. The procedures used to obtain the various statistics are then outlined. The graphs and tables of statistical data for the 15 dual frequency (13 and 18 GHz) site diversity locations are discussed. Cumulative rain rate statistics for the Fayetteville and Boston sites based on point rainfall data collected are presented along with extrapolations of the attenuation and point rainfall data.

PVC membrane, coated-wire, and carbon-paste ion-selective electrodes for potentiometric determination of galantamine hydrobromide in physiological fluids.

PubMed

Abdel-Haleem, Fatehy M; Saad, Mohamed; Barhoum, Ahmed; Bechelany, Mikhael; Rizk, Mahmoud S

2018-08-01

We report on highly-sensitive ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) for potentiometric determining of galantamine hydrobromide (GB) in physiological fluids. Galantamine hydrobromide (GB) was selected for this study due to its previous medical importance for treating Alzheimer's disease. Three different types of ISEs were investigated: PVC membrane electrode (PVCE), carbon-paste electrode (CPE), and coated-wire electrode (CWE). In the construction of these electrodes, galantaminium-reineckate (GR) ion-pair was used as a sensing species for GB in solutions. The modified carbon-paste electrode (MCPE) was prepared using graphene oxide (MCPE-GO) and sodium tetrakis (trifluoromethyl) phenyl borate (MCPE-STFPB) as ion-exchanger. The potentiometric modified CPEs (MCPE-GO and MCPE-STFPB) show an improved performance in term of Nernstian slope, selectivity, response time, and response stability compared to the unmodified CPE. The prepared electrodes PVCE, CWE, CPE, MCPE-GO and MCPE-STFPB show Nernstian slopes of 59.9, 59.5, 58.1, 58.3 and 57.0 mV/conc. decade, and detection limits of 5.0 × 10 -6 , 6.3 × 10 -6 , 8.0 × 10 -6 , 6.0 × 10 -6 and 8.0 × 10 -6  mol L -1 , respectively. The prepared ISEs also show high selectivity against cations (i.e. Na + , K + , NH 4 + , Ca 2+ , Al 3+ , Fe 3+ ), amino acids (i.e. glycine, L-alanine alanine), and sugars (i.e. fructose, glucose, maltose, lactose). The prepared ISEs are applicable for determining GB in spiked serums, urines, and pharmaceutical preparations, using a standard addition and a direct potentiometric method. The fast response time (<10 s), long lifetime (1-5 weeks), reversibility and stability of the measured signals facilitate the application of these sensors for routine analysis of the real samples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of OXA-48-like-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from river water in Algeria.

PubMed

Tafoukt, Rima; Touati, Abdelaziz; Leangapichart, Thongpan; Bakour, Sofiane; Rolain, Jean-Marc

2017-09-01

The spread of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is a significant problem for healthcare worldwide. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in water environments in Algeria are unknown. The aim of this study was to screen for the presence of CPE isolates in the Soummam River in Bejaia, Algeria. Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae recovered from twelve samples of river water and showing reduced susceptibility to carbapenems were included in this study. The isolates were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and the modified Carba NP test. Carbapenemase and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) determinants were studied by PCR amplification and sequencing. The clonal relatedness between isolates was studied by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) method. A total of 20 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains were included in this study, identified as Escherichia coli (n = 12), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 3), Raoultella ornithinolytica (n = 3), Citrobacter freundii (n = 1) and Citrobacter braakii (n = 1). Carbapenemase genes identified in this study included bla OXA-48 , observed in 17 isolates (9 E. coli, 3 K. pneumoniae, 3 R. ornithinolytica, 1 C. freundii and 1 C. braakii), and bla OXA-244 , a variant of bla OXA-48 , was found in three E. coli isolates. MLST showed that 12 E. coli strains belonged to six different sequence types (ST559, ST38, ST212, ST3541, 1972 and ST2142), and we identified three different STs in K. pneumoniae isolates, including ST133, ST2055, and a new sequence type: ST2192. This study showed the presence of OXA-48-like-producing Enterobacteriaceae in water environments and highlighted the potential role of aquatic environments as reservoirs of clinically relevant antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, with the potential to spread throughout the community. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A sense of belonging and perceived stress among baccalaureate nursing students in clinical placements.

PubMed

Grobecker, Patricia A

2016-01-01

The rigorous efforts students put into baccalaureate nursing programs to become a professional nurse is compounded by their need to have a sense of belonging in their clinical placements. In addition, the students' perceived stress may contribute to their physiological and psychological wellbeing undermining academic achievements and confidence. A sense of belonging and perceived stress have research history in psychological and sociological realms; but not used together in the nursing profession as applied in clinical placements. The Perceived Stress Scale is a psychological instrument used globally; however, the Belongingness Scale-Clinical Placement Experience (BES-CPE) measurement tool has not been used in published research in the United States. A descriptive correlational research design examining the relationship between a sense of belonging and perceived stress among baccalaureate nursing students in clinical placements. Three measurement tools were used for data collection: BES-CPE, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and demographic questionnaire. Students were able to access the online survey through SurveyMonkey®. A national study was conducted using 1296 volunteer nursing students from the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) database. These nursing students were currently enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program, 18years of age and completed at least one clinical experience. The findings from this study revealed a statistically significant low inverse relationship (r=-.277) between a sense of belonging and perceived stress among baccalaureate nursing students in their clinical placements. The findings also supported the use of BES-CPE as a reliable and valid measurement tool for nursing students in clinical placements. The results of this study supported the concept of a sense of belonging as a fundamental human need, having a positive influence and impact on students' learning, motivation and confidence. In contrast, perceived stress has negative consequences on the students' self-concept, learning skills and competence. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

BEC, a Novel Enterotoxin of Clostridium perfringens Found in Human Clinical Isolates from Acute Gastroenteritis Outbreaks

PubMed Central

Yonogi, Shinya; Matsuda, Shigeaki; Kawai, Takao; Yoda, Tomoko; Harada, Tetsuya; Kumeda, Yuko; Gotoh, Kazuyoshi; Hiyoshi, Hirotaka; Nakamura, Shota; Kodama, Toshio

2014-01-01

Clostridium perfringens is a causative agent of food-borne gastroenteritis for which C. perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) has been considered an essential factor. Recently, we experienced two outbreaks of food-borne gastroenteritis in which non-CPE producers of C. perfringens were strongly suspected to be the cause. Here, we report a novel enterotoxin produced by C. perfringens isolates, BEC (binary enterotoxin of C. perfringens). Culture supernatants of the C. perfringens strains showed fluid-accumulating activity in rabbit ileal loop and suckling mouse assays. Purification of the enterotoxic substance in the supernatants and high-throughput sequencing of genomic DNA of the strains revealed BEC, composed of BECa and BECb. BECa and BECb displayed limited amino acid sequence similarity to other binary toxin family members, such as the C. perfringens iota toxin. The becAB genes were located on 54.5-kb pCP13-like plasmids. Recombinant BECb (rBECb) alone had fluid-accumulating activity in the suckling mouse assay. Although rBECa alone did not show enterotoxic activity, rBECa enhanced the enterotoxicity of rBECb when simultaneously administered in suckling mice. The entertoxicity of the mutant in which the becB gene was disrupted was dramatically decreased compared to that of the parental strain. rBECa showed an ADP-ribosylating activity on purified actin. Although we have not directly evaluated whether BECb delivers BECa into cells, rounding of Vero cells occurred only when cells were treated with both rBECa and rBECb. These results suggest that BEC is a novel enterotoxin of C. perfringens distinct from CPE, and that BEC-producing C. perfringens strains can be causative agents of acute gastroenteritis in humans. Additionally, the presence of becAB on nearly identical plasmids in distinct lineages of C. perfringens isolates suggests the involvement of horizontal gene transfer in the acquisition of the toxin genes. PMID:24664508

Isolation and confirmation of viral nervous necrosis (VNN) disease in golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) and leaping mullet (Liza saliens) in the Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea.

PubMed

Zorriehzahra, M E J; Ghasemi, M; Ghiasi, M; Karsidani, S Haghighi; Bovo, G; Nazari, A; Adel, M; Arizza, V; Dhama, K

2016-07-15

The present study was conducted on 428 moribund mullet fish samples to isolate and identify the causative agent of a mysterious acute mortality which recently occurred in wild mullets in Iranian waters of Caspian Sea, suspected to be due to viral nervous necrosis (VNN) disease. Disease investigation was carried out employing various diagnostic procedures such as virology, bacteriology, parasitology, haematology, histopathology, IFAT, IHC and nested RT-PCR. Brain and eye samples of affected fishes were collected in sterile conditions and then kept at -80°C for cell culture isolation and nested RT-PCR detection of the causative agent. Other tissue samples were also collected and fixed for histopathology, IHC and EM examinations. CPE was observed in cell cultures at 6days after inoculation. Nine samples were found positive with virological assay. Nested RT-PCR, performed on suspected tissues and CPE positive samples, showed that about 21 tissue samples and all the CPE positive samples were positive for VNN virus (VNNV). IFAT was selected as a confirmatory method for detecting the presence of Betanodavirus antigen, cell culture isolation results and nested RT-PCR findings. Moreover, VNNV particles with 25-30nm in diameter were also visualized in the infected brain and retina. In pathogenicity studies, guppy fishes bathed in VNNV-infected tissue culture (10(-4) TCID50) showed clinical signs similar to naturally infected mullet after 15days post infection (dpi), with mortality rates reaching up to 100% at 30dpi. Affected organ samples as examined by cell culture isolation, IFAT, IHC and histopathology, revealed the presence of VNNV in the guppy fishes. In conclusion, it was confirmed that VNNV was the main causative agent for the disease outbreak in mullet fish in the Caspian Sea, and this is such first official report of VNN disease from Iran. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An Irish outbreak of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-1 carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: increasing but unrecognized prevalence.

PubMed

O'Connor, C; Cormican, M; Boo, T W; McGrath, E; Slevin, B; O'Gorman, A; Commane, M; Mahony, S; O'Donovan, E; Powell, J; Monahan, R; Finnegan, C; Kiernan, M G; Coffey, J C; Power, L; O'Connell, N H; Dunne, C P

2016-12-01

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) may cause healthcare-associated infections with high mortality rates. New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) is among the most recently discovered carbapenemases. To report the first outbreak of NDM-1 CPE in Ireland, including microbiological and epidemiological characteristics, and assessing the impact of infection prevention and control measures. This was a retrospective microbiological and epidemiological review. Cases were defined as patients with a CPE-positive culture. Contacts were designated as roommates or ward mates. This outbreak involved 10 patients with a median age of 71 years (range: 45-90), located in three separate but affiliated healthcare facilities. One patient was infected (the index case); the nine others were colonized. Nine NDM-1-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, an NDM-1-producing Escherichia coli and a K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Enterobacter cloacae were detected between week 24, 2014 and week 37, 2014. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated similarity. NDM-1-positive isolates were meropenem resistant with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 12 to 32 μg/mL. All were tigecycline susceptible (MICs ≤1 μg/mL). One isolate was colistin resistant (MIC 4.0 μg/mL; mcr-1 gene not detected). In 2015, four further NDM-1 isolates were detected. The successful management of this outbreak was achieved via the prompt implementation of enhanced infection prevention and control practices to prevent transmission. These patients did not have a history of travel outside of Ireland, but several had frequent hospitalizations in Ireland, raising concerns regarding the possibility of increasing but unrecognized prevalence of NDM-1 and potential decline in value of travel history as a marker of colonization risk. Copyright © 2016 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Carbapenem-Nonsusceptible Enterobacteriaceae in Taiwan

PubMed Central

Wang, Jann-Tay; Wu, Un-In; Lauderdale, Tsai-Ling Yang; Chen, Mei-Chen; Li, Shu-Ying; Hsu, Le-Yin; Chang, Shan-Chwen

2015-01-01

A total of 1135 carbapenem-resistant (nonsusceptible) Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) isolates were recovered between November 2010 and July 2012 (517 from 2010-2011 and 618 from 2012) from 4 hospitals in Taiwan. Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) comprised 5.0% (57 isolates), including 17 KPC-2 (16 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 1 Escherichia coli), 1 NDM-1 (K. oxytoca), 37 IMP-8 (26 Enterobacter cloacae, 4 Citrobacter freundii, 4 Raoultella planticola, 1 K. pneumoniae, 1 E. coli and 1 K. oxytoca), and 2 VIM-1 (1 E. cloacae, 1 E. coli). The KPC-2-positive K. pneumoniae were highly clonal even in isolates from different hospitals, and all were ST11. IMP-8 positive E. cloacae from the same hospitals showed higher similarity in PFGE pattern than those from different hospitals. A total of 518 CRE isolates (45.6%) were positive for bla ESBL, while 704 (62.0%) isolates were bla AmpC-positive, 382 (33.6% overall) of which carried both bla ESBL and bla AmpC. CTX-M (414, 80.0%) was the most common bla ESBL, while DHA (497, 70.6%) and CMY (157, 22.3%) were the most common bla AmpC. Co-carriage of bla ESBL and bla AmpC was detected in 31 (54.4%) and 15 (26.3%) of the 57 CPE, respectively. KPC-2 was the most common carbapenemase detected in K. pneumoniae (2.8%), while IMP-8 was the most common in E. cloacae (9.7%). All KPC-2-positive CRE were resistant to all three tested carbapenems. However, fourteen of the 37 IMP-8-positive CRE were susceptible to both imipenem and meropenem in vitro. Intra- and inter-hospital spread of KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae and IMP-8-producing E. cloacae likely occurred. Although the prevalence of CPE is still low, careful monitoring is urgently needed. Non-susceptibility to ertapenem might need to be considered as one criterion of definition for CRE in areas where IMP type carbapenemase is prevalent. PMID:25794144

Decreased Serologic Response in Vaccinated Military Recruits during 2011 Correspond to Genetic Drift in Concurrent Circulating Pandemic A/H1N1 Viruses

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-13

that gave 75% cytopathic effect (CPE) were utilized in the MN assays. The proportions of LAIV and TIV vaccinees for the range of post- vaccination ...titers were plotted for the vaccine strain H3N2 and 2009 pH1N1 viruses and the circulating 2011 pH1N1 virus (Figure 1). Overall, titers in TIV vaccinees ...seroresponse against H3N2 than the 2009 and 2011 pH1N1 viruses. Post- vaccine seroprotection among LAIV vaccinees for 2009 pH1N1, H3N2, and 2011 pH1N1

Predicting Workplace Transfer of Learning: A Study of Adult Learners Enrolled in a Continuing Professional Education Training Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nafukho, Fredrick Muyia; Alfred, Mary; Chakraborty, Misha; Johnson, Michelle; Cherrstrom, Catherine A.

2017-01-01

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to predict transfer of learning to workplace among adult learners enrolled in a continuing professional education (CPE) training program, specifically training courses offered through face-to-face, blended and online instruction formats. The study examined the predictive capacity of trainee…

Care and Treatment of Child Victims of Child Pornographic Exploitation (CPE) in Germany

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

von Weiler, Julia; Haardt-Becker, Annette; Schulte, Simone

2010-01-01

The online distribution of abusive images has risen dramatically over recent years and this raises many questions concerning the children within the images, particularly in relation to identification and provision of services. From October 2004 until September 2007, Innocence in Danger e.V. conducted an empirical study concerning the care and…

Multi-Institution Study of Student Demographics and Outcomes in Electrical and Computer Engineering in the USA

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lord, Susan M.; Layton, Richard A.; Ohland, Matthew W.

2015-01-01

Electrical Engineering (EE) and Computer Engineering (CpE) programs have similar curricula, but different demographics and student outcomes. This paper extends earlier longitudinal studies to a larger and more diverse dataset with 90,000 first-time-in-college and 26,000 transfer students who majored in engineering at USA institutions, including…

Web Environment for Programming and Control of a Mobile Robot in a Remote Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

dos Santos Lopes, Maísa Soares; Gomes, Iago Pacheco; Trindade, Roque M. P.; da Silva, Alzira F.; de C. Lima, Antonio C.

2017-01-01

Remote robotics laboratories have been successfully used for engineering education. However, few of them use mobile robots to to teach computer science. This article describes a mobile robot Control and Programming Environment (CPE) and its pedagogical applications. The system comprises a remote laboratory for robotics, an online programming tool,…

Continuing Education for the Emerging Social Work Profession in China: The Experiment in Shenzhen

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lam, Ching Man; Yan, Miu Chung; Liang, Yan

2016-01-01

In-service training as a form of continuing professional education (CPE) is important for social work professionals to maintain their skills and enhance their knowledge for publicly accountable practice. These goals are concerns in Mainland China, which has experienced rapid development in social work since economic reforms started in the early…

Trajectories of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering Students by Race and Gender

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lord, S. M.; Layton, R. A.; Ohland, M. W.

2011-01-01

Electrical engineering (EE) is one of the largest engineering disciplines. Computer engineering (CpE) has a similar curriculum, but different demographics and student outcomes. Using a dataset from universities in the U.S. that includes over 70,000 students who majored in engineering, this paper describes the outcomes for students matriculating in…

Cloud point extraction and determination of trace trichlorfon by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet-detection based on its catalytic effect on benzidine oxidizing.

PubMed

Zhu, Hai-Zhen; Liu, Wei; Mao, Jian-Wei; Yang, Ming-Min

2008-04-28

4-Amino-4'-nitrobiphenyl, which is formed by catalytic effect of trichlorfon on sodium perborate oxidizing benzidine, is extracted with a cloud point extraction method and then detected using a high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). Under the optimum experimental conditions, there was a linear relationship between trichlorfon in the concentration range of 0.01-0.2 mgL(-1) and the peak areas of 4-amino-4'-nitrobiphenyl (r=0.996). Limit of detection was 2.0 microgL(-1), recoveries of spiked water and cabbage samples ranged between 95.4-103 and 85.2-91.2%, respectively. It was proved that the cloud point extraction (CPE) method was simple, cheap, and environment friendly than extraction with organic solvents and had more effective extraction yield.

Identification of Novel Compounds Inhibiting Chikungunya Virus-Induced Cell Death by High Throughput Screening of a Kinase Inhibitor Library

PubMed Central

Gomes, Rafael G. B.; da Silva, Camila T.; Taniguchi, Juliana B.; No, Joo Hwan; Lombardot, Benoit; Schwartz, Olivier; Hansen, Michael A. E.; Freitas-Junior, Lucio H.

2013-01-01

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne arthrogenic alphavirus that causes acute febrile illness in humans accompanied by joint pains and in many cases, persistent arthralgia lasting weeks to years. The re-emergence of CHIKV has resulted in numerous outbreaks in the eastern hemisphere, and threatens to expand in the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, no effective treatment is currently available. The present study reports the use of resazurin in a cell-based high-throughput assay, and an image-based high-content assay to identify and characterize inhibitors of CHIKV-infection in vitro. CHIKV is a highly cytopathic virus that rapidly kills infected cells. Thus, cell viability of HuH-7 cells infected with CHIKV in the presence of compounds was determined by measuring metabolic reduction of resazurin to identify inhibitors of CHIKV-associated cell death. A kinase inhibitor library of 4,000 compounds was screened against CHIKV infection of HuH-7 cells using the resazurin reduction assay, and the cell toxicity was also measured in non-infected cells. Seventy-two compounds showing ≥50% inhibition property against CHIKV at 10 µM were selected as primary hits. Four compounds having a benzofuran core scaffold (CND0335, CND0364, CND0366 and CND0415), one pyrrolopyridine (CND0545) and one thiazol-carboxamide (CND3514) inhibited CHIKV-associated cell death in a dose-dependent manner, with EC50 values between 2.2 µM and 7.1 µM. Based on image analysis, these 6 hit compounds did not inhibit CHIKV replication in the host cell. However, CHIKV-infected cells manifested less prominent apoptotic blebs typical of CHIKV cytopathic effect compared with the control infection. Moreover, treatment with these compounds reduced viral titers in the medium of CHIKV-infected cells by up to 100-fold. In conclusion, this cell-based high-throughput screening assay using resazurin, combined with the image-based high content assay approach identified compounds against CHIKV having a novel antiviral activity - inhibition of virus-induced CPE - likely by targeting kinases involved in apoptosis. PMID:24205414

Staying well after depression: trial design and protocol.

PubMed

Williams, J Mark G; Russell, Ian T; Crane, Catherine; Russell, Daphne; Whitaker, Chris J; Duggan, Danielle S; Barnhofer, Thorsten; Fennell, Melanie J V; Crane, Rebecca; Silverton, Sarah

2010-03-19

Depression is often a chronic relapsing condition, with relapse rates of 50-80% in those who have been depressed before. This is particularly problematic for those who become suicidal when depressed since habitual recurrence of suicidal thoughts increases likelihood of further acute suicidal episodes. Therefore the question how to prevent relapse is of particular urgency in this group. This trial compares Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), a novel form of treatment combining mindfulness meditation and cognitive therapy for depression, with both Cognitive Psycho-Education (CPE), an equally plausible cognitive treatment but without meditation, and treatment as usual (TAU). It will test whether MBCT reduces the risk of relapse in recurrently depressed patients and the incidence of suicidal symptoms in those with a history of suicidality who do relapse. It recruits participants, screens them by telephone for main inclusion and exclusion criteria and, if they are eligible, invites them to a pre-treatment session to assess eligibility in more detail. This trial allocates eligible participants at random between MBCT and TAU, CPE and TAU, and TAU alone in a ratio of 2:2:1, stratified by presence of suicidal ideation or behaviour and current anti-depressant use. We aim to recruit sufficient participants to allow for retention of 300 following attrition. We deliver both active treatments in groups meeting for two hours every week for eight weeks. We shall estimate effects on rates of relapse and suicidal symptoms over 12 months following treatment and assess clinical status immediately after treatment, and three, six, nine and twelve months thereafter. This will be the first trial of MBCT to investigate whether MCBT is effective in preventing relapse to depression when compared with a control psychological treatment of equal plausibility; and to explore the use of MBCT for the most severe recurrent depression--that in people who become suicidal when depressed.

Impact of Antiretroviral Regimens on CSF Viral Escape in a Prospective Multicohort Study of ART-Experienced HIV-1 Infected Adults in the United States.

PubMed

Mukerji, Shibani S; Misra, Vikas; Lorenz, David R; Uno, Hajime; Morgello, Susan; Franklin, Donald; Ellis, Ronald J; Letendre, Scott; Gabuzda, Dana

2018-04-03

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) viral escape occurs in 4-20% of HIV-infected adults, yet the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on CSF escape is unclear. Prospective study of 1063 participants with baseline plasma viral load (VL) ≤400 copies/ml between 2005-2016. Odds ratio for ART regimens (PI with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor [PI+NRTI] versus other ART) and CSF escape was estimated using mixed-effects models. Drug resistance mutation frequencies were calculated. Baseline mean age was 46, median plasma VL, CD4 nadir, and CD4 count were 50 copies/mL, 88 cells/μL, and 424 cells/μL, respectively; 48% on PI+NRTI, 33% on non-NRTI, and 6% on integrase inhibitors. During median follow-up of 4.4 years, CSF escape occurred in 77 participants (7.2%). PI+NRTI use was an independent predictor of CSF escape (OR 3.1 [95% CI 1.8-5.0]) in adjusted analyses and models restricted to plasma VL ≤50 copies/ml (p<0.001). Regimens containing atazanavir (ATV) were a stronger predictor of CSF viral escape than non-ATV PI+NRTI regimens. Plasma and CSF M184V/I combined with thymidine-analog mutations were more frequent in CSF escape versus no escape (23% vs. 2.3%). Genotypic susceptibility score-adjusted CNS penetration-effectiveness (CPE) values were calculated for CSF escape with M184V/I mutations (n=34). Adjusted CPE values were low (<5) for CSF and plasma in 27 (79%) and 13 (38%), respectively, indicating suboptimal CNS drug availability. PI+NRTI regimens are independent predictors of CSF escape in HIV-infected adults. Reduced CNS ART bioavailability may predispose to CSF escape in patients with M184V/I mutations. Optimizing ART regimens may reduce risk of CSF escape.

Genetic Association Analysis of 30 Genes Related to Obesity in a European American Population

PubMed Central

Li, Peng; Tiwari, Hemant K.; Lin, Wan-Yu; Allison, David B.; Chung, Wendy K.; Leibel, Rudolph L.; Yi, Nengjun; Liu, Nianjun

2013-01-01

Objective Obesity, which is frequently associated with diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, is primarily the result of a net excess of caloric intake over energy expenditure. Human obesity is highly heritable, but the specific genes mediating susceptibility in non-syndromic obesity remain unclear. We tested candidate genes in pathways related to food intake and energy expenditure for association with body mass index (BMI). Methods We re-analyzed 355 common genetic variants of 30 candidate genes in 7 molecular pathways related to obesity in 1,982 unrelated European Americans from the New York Health Project. Data were analyzed by using a Bayesian hierarchical generalized linear model. The BMIs were log-transformed and then adjusted for covariates including age, age2, gender, and diabetes status. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were modeled as additive effects. Results With the stipulated adjustments, nine SNPs in eight genes were significantly associated with BMI: GHRL (rs35683), AGRP (rs5030980), CPE (rs1946816 and rs4481204), GLP1R (rs2268641), HTR2A (rs912127), NPY5R (Y5R1c52), SOCS3 (rs4969170), and STAT3 (rs4796793). We also found a gender-by-SNP interaction (rs1745837 in HTR2A), which indicated that variants in the gene HTR2A had a stronger association with BMI in males. In addition, NPY1R was detected as having a significant gene effect even though none of the SNPs in this gene was significant. Conclusion Variations in genes AGRP, CPE, GHRL, GLP1R, HTR2A, NPY1R, NPY5R, SOCS3, and STAT3 showed modest associations with BMI in European Americans. The pathways in which these genes participate regulate energy intake and thus these associations are mechanistically plausible in this context. PMID:23900445

Genetic association analysis of 30 genes related to obesity in a European American population.

PubMed

Li, P; Tiwari, H K; Lin, W-Y; Allison, D B; Chung, W K; Leibel, R L; Yi, N; Liu, N

2014-05-01

Obesity, which is frequently associated with diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, is primarily the result of a net excess of caloric intake over energy expenditure. Human obesity is highly heritable, but the specific genes mediating susceptibility in non-syndromic obesity remain unclear. We tested candidate genes in pathways related to food intake and energy expenditure for association with body mass index (BMI). We reanalyzed 355 common genetic variants of 30 candidate genes in seven molecular pathways related to obesity in 1982 unrelated European Americans from the New York Cancer Project. Data were analyzed by using a Bayesian hierarchical generalized linear model. The BMIs were log-transformed and then adjusted for covariates, including age, age(2), gender and diabetes status. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were modeled as additive effects. With the stipulated adjustments, nine SNPs in eight genes were significantly associated with BMI: ghrelin (GHRL; rs35683), agouti-related peptide (AGRP; rs5030980), carboxypeptidase E (CPE; rs1946816 and rs4481204), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R; rs2268641), serotonin receptors (HTR2A; rs912127), neuropeptide Y receptor (NPY5R;Y5R1c52), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3; rs4969170) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3; rs4796793). We also found a gender-by-SNP interaction (rs1745837 in HTR2A), which indicated that variants in the gene HTR2A had a stronger association with BMI in males. In addition, NPY1R was detected as having a significant gene effect even though none of the SNPs in this gene was significant. Variations in genes AGRP, CPE, GHRL, GLP1R, HTR2A, NPY1R, NPY5R, SOCS3 and STAT3 showed modest associations with BMI in European Americans. The pathways in which these genes participate regulate energy intake, and thus these associations are mechanistically plausible in this context.

Biological Evaluation of Uridine Derivatives of 2-Deoxy Sugars as Potential Antiviral Compounds against Influenza A Virus

PubMed Central

Krol, Ewelina; Wandzik, Ilona; Szewczyk, Boguslaw

2017-01-01

Influenza virus infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to the limited ability of currently available treatments, there is an urgent need for new anti-influenza drugs with broad spectrum protection. We have previously shown that two 2-deoxy sugar derivatives of uridine (designated IW3 and IW7) targeting the glycan processing steps during maturation of viral glycoproteins show good anti-influenza virus activity and may be a promising alternative approach for the development of new anti-influenza therapy. In this study, a number of IW3 and IW7 analogues with different structural modifications in 2-deoxy sugar or uridine parts were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit influenza A virus infection in vitro. Using the cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay and viral plaque reduction assay in vitro, we showed that compounds 2, 3, and 4 exerted the most inhibitory effect on influenza virus A/ostrich/Denmark/725/96 (H5N2) infection in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for virus growth ranging from 82 to 100 (μM) without significant toxicity for the cells. The most active compound (2) showed activity of 82 μM with a selectivity index value of 5.27 against type A (H5N2) virus. Additionally, compound 2 reduced the formation of HA glycoprotein in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, an analysis of physicochemical properties of studied compounds demonstrated a significant linear correlation between lipophilicity and antiviral activity. Therefore, inhibition of influenza A virus infection by conjugates of uridine and 2-deoxy sugars is a new promising approach for the development of new derivatives with anti-influenza activities. PMID:28777309

The Role of Free Internet Resources for Library Technical Services and Reference in a Hungarian LIS Continuing Education Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koltay, Tibor

2006-01-01

After providing background to Continuing Professional Education (CPE) of librarians in Hungary, this article outlines the content of a course that seeks to make Hungarian librarians familiar with free Internet resources that are usable for library technical services and reference. One of the most important topics covered in the course is the…

A reexamination of the relationship between electrofishing catch rate and age-0 walleye density in northern Wisconsin lakes

Treesearch

Michael J. Hansen; Steven P. Newman; Clayton J. Edwards

2004-01-01

We quantified the relationship between the population density (number/acre) of age-0 walleyes Sander vitreus (formerly Stizostedion vitreum) and electrofishing catch per effort (CPE; number/mi) in 19 Wisconsin lakes to update a 1982 analysis by Serns, who used linear regression through the origin to develop a model from a small...

Relationships between Health-Related Fitness Knowledge, Perceived Competence, Self- Determination, and Physical Activity Behaviors of High School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haslem, Liz; Wilkinson, Carol; Prusak, Keven A.; Christensen, William F.; Pennington, Todd

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was (a) to test a hypothesized model of motivation within the context of conceptual physical education (CPE), and (b) to explore the strength and directionality of perceived competence for physical activity as a possible mediator for health-related fitness knowledge (HRFK) and physical activity behaviors. High school…

Diagnostic multiplex PCR for toxin genotyping of Clostridium perfringens isolates.

PubMed

Baums, Christoph G; Schotte, Ulrich; Amtsberg, Gunter; Goethe, Ralph

2004-05-20

In this study we provide a protocol for genotyping Clostridium perfringens with a new multiplex PCR. This PCR enables reliable and specific detection of the toxin genes cpa, cpb, etx, iap, cpe and cpb2 from heat lysed bacterial suspensions. The efficiency of the protocol was demonstrated by typing C. perfringens reference strains and isolates from veterinary bacteriological routine diagnostic specimens.

Progressively Fostering Students' Chemical Information Skills in a Three-Year Chemical Engineering Program in France

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gozzi, Christel; Arnoux, Marie-Jose´; Breuzard, Jere´my; Marchal, Claire; Nikitine, Clémence; Renaudat, Alice; Toulgoat, Fabien

2016-01-01

Literature searches are essential for scientists. Thus, courses on how to do a good literature search have been integrated in studies at CPE Lyon for many years. Recently, we modified our pedagogical approach in order to initiate students progressively in the search for chemical information. In addition, this new teaching organization is now based…

Adventures in Evaluation: Reviewing a CD-ROM Based Adventure Game Designed for Young People Recovering from Psychosis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shrimpton, Bradley; Hurworth, Rosalind

2005-01-01

Recently the Centre for Program Evaluation (CPE) at the University of Melbourne was approached by a mental health agency to undertake the unique and challenging task of evaluating a prototype CD-ROM based adventure game designed for young people recovering from psychosis. This unusual and inventive game, titled Pogo's Pledge, used…

Modulation format identification aided hitless flexible coherent transceiver.

PubMed

Xiang, Meng; Zhuge, Qunbi; Qiu, Meng; Zhou, Xingyu; Zhang, Fangyuan; Tang, Ming; Liu, Deming; Fu, Songnian; Plant, David V

2016-07-11

We propose a hitless flexible coherent transceiver enabled by a novel modulation format identification (MFI) scheme for dynamic agile optical networks. The modulation format transparent digital signal processing (DSP) is realized by a block-wise decision-directed least-mean-square (DD-LMS) equalizer for channel tracking, and a pilot symbol aided superscalar phase locked loop (PLL) for carrier phase estimation (CPE). For the MFI, the modulation format information is encoded onto the pilot symbols initially used for CPE. Therefore, the proposed MFI method does not require extra overhead. Moreover, it can identify arbitrary modulation formats including multi-dimensional formats, and it enables tracking of the format change for short data blocks. The performance of the proposed hitless flexible coherent transceiver is successfully evaluated with five modulation formats including QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, Hybrid QPSK/8QAM and set-partitioning (SP)-512-QAM. We show that the proposed MFI method induces a negligible performance penalty. Moreover, we experimentally demonstrate that such a hitless transceiver can adapt to fast block-by-block modulation format switching. Finally, the performance improvement of the proposed MFI method is experimentally verified with respect to other commonly used MFI methods.

Evaluation of the degradation of acetaminophen by the filamentous fungus Scedosporium dehoogii using carbon-based modified electrodes.

PubMed

Mbokou, Serge Foukmeniok; Pontié, Maxime; Razafimandimby, Bienvenue; Bouchara, Jean-Philippe; Njanja, Evangéline; Tonle Kenfack, Ignas

2016-08-01

The nonpathogenic filamentous fungus Scedosporium dehoogii was used for the first time to study the electrochemical biodegradation of acetaminophen (APAP). A carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME) modified by nickel tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (p-NiTSPc) and a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with coffee husks (CH) were prepared to follow the kinetics of APAP biodegradation. The electrochemical response of APAP at both electrodes was studied by cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry. p-NiTSPc-CFME was suitable to measure high concentrations of APAP, whereas CH-CPE gave rise to high current densities but was subject to the passivation phenomenon. p-NiTSPc-CFME was then successfully applied as a sensor to describe the kinetics of APAP biodegradation: this was found to be of first order with a kinetics constant of 0.11 day(-1) (at 25 °C) and a half-life of 6.30 days. APAP biodegradation by the fungus did not lead to the formation of p-aminophenol (PAP) and hydroquinone (HQ) that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR). Graphical Abstract The kinetics of APAP biodegradation, followed by a poly-nickel tetrasulfonated phtalocyanine modified carbon fiber microelectrode.

Study of sleeping in a chemical protective ensemble in a warfare environment. Final report 26 Aug 81-2 Dec 82

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cacioppo, G.M.; Annis, J.F.

1982-12-01

Experiments were performed to evaluate the quality of sleep experienced by individuals wearing different chemical protective ensembles (CPE). A series of seven experiments were conducted in which two test subjects slept overnight in an environmentally controlled room while wearing either pajamas (control ensemble) or one of three different CPEs. The three CPEs tested were: the standard West German ground crew ensemble, an ensemble comprised of a combination of equipment of which the Canadian chemical protective coverall was the principal item of clothing, and the U.S. Army standard ground crew ensemble Body temperatures, sleep records, and other physiological measurements were monitoredmore » overnight and form the basis of the objective evaluation. Subjective data were collected by an experiment monitor who kept the test participants under constant observation. Additionally, the participants were required to complete a standard debriefing questionnaire form each post-experiment morning. Because of the limited scope of the experiment, statistical analysis was not appropriate. However, both the objective and subjective data reflected consistent trends and allow confidence in the assessment that current U.S. and NATO CPE combinations provide for adequate sleep quality.« less

Determination of ultra-trace aluminum in human albumin by cloud point extraction and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

Sun, Mei; Wu, Qianghua

2010-04-15

A cloud point extraction (CPE) method for the preconcentration of ultra-trace aluminum in human albumin prior to its determination by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) had been developed in this paper. The CPE method was based on the complex of Al(III) with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) and Triton X-114 was used as non-ionic surfactant. The main factors affecting cloud point extraction efficiency, such as pH of solution, concentration and kind of complexing agent, concentration of non-ionic surfactant, equilibration temperature and time, were investigated in detail. An enrichment factor of 34.8 was obtained for the preconcentration of Al(III) with 10 mL solution. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limit of Al(III) was 0.06 ng mL(-1). The relative standard deviation (n=7) of sample was 3.6%, values of recovery of aluminum were changed from 92.3% to 94.7% for three samples. This method is simple, accurate, sensitive and can be applied to the determination of ultra-trace aluminum in human albumin. 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microcontact Peeling: A Cell Micropatterning Technique for Circumventing Direct Adsorption of Proteins to Hydrophobic PDMS.

PubMed

Yokoyama, Sho; Matsui, Tsubasa S; Deguchi, Shinji

2017-06-19

Microcontact printing (μCPr) is one of the most popular techniques used for cell micropatterning. In conventional μCPr, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp with microfeatures is used to adsorb extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins onto the featured surface and transfer them onto particular areas of a cell culture substrate. However, some types of functional proteins other than ECM have been reported to denature upon direct adsorption to hydrophobic PDMS. Here we describe a detailed protocol of an alternative technique--microcontact peeling (μCPe)--that allows for cell micropatterning while circumventing the step of adsorbing proteins to bare PDMS. This technique employs microfeatured materials with a relatively high surface energy such as copper, instead of using a microfeatured PDMS stamp, to peel off a cell-adhesive layer present on the surface of substrates. Consequently, cell-nonadhesive substrates are exposed at the specific surface that undergoes the physical contact with the microfeatured material. Thus, although μCPe and μCPr are apparently similar, the former does not comprise a process of transferring biomolecules through hydrophobic PDMS. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Determination of Ultra-trace Rhodium in Water Samples by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry after Cloud Point Extraction Using 2-(5-Iodo-2-Pyridylazo)-5-Dimethylaminoaniline as a Chelating Agent.

PubMed

Han, Quan; Huo, Yanyan; Wu, Jiangyan; He, Yaping; Yang, Xiaohui; Yang, Longhu

2017-03-24

A highly sensitive method based on cloud point extraction (CPE) separation/preconcentration and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) detection has been developed for the determination of ultra-trace amounts of rhodium in water samples. A new reagent, 2-(5-iodo-2-pyridylazo)-5-dimethylaminoaniline (5-I-PADMA), was used as the chelating agent and the nonionic surfactant TritonX-114 was chosen as extractant. In a HAc-NaAc buffer solution at pH 5.5, Rh(III) reacts with 5-I-PADMA to form a stable chelate by heating in a boiling water bath for 10 min. Subsequently, the chelate is extracted into the surfactant phase and separated from bulk water. The factors affecting CPE were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration graph was linear in the range of 0.1-6.0 ng/mL, the detection limit was 0.023 ng/mL for rhodium and relative standard deviation was 3.67% ( c = 1.0 ng/mL, n = 11)．The method has been applied to the determination of trace rhodium in water samples with satisfactory results.

[Genetic polymorphism and forensic application of 30 InDel loci of Han population in Beijing].

PubMed

Bai, Ru-Feng; Jiang, Li-Zhe; Zhang, Zhong; Shi, Mei-Sen

2013-12-01

To study the genetic diversities of 30 insertion-deletion (InDel) polymorphisms loci of Han population in Beijing, and to evaluate their forensic application, 210 unrelated healthy individuals of Han population in Beijing were investigated to determine the distributions of allele frequencies by using Investigator DIP system. The PCR products were detected with ABI 3130 XL Genetic Analyzer. Forensic parameters were calculated with relevant statistical analysis software. As a result, after the Bonferroni correction at a 95% significance level, there were no significant departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium or significant linkage disequilibrium between the loci. The power of discrimination (DP) varies between 0.2690 (HLD118) and 0.6330 (HLD45), and the combined discrimination power (TDP) for the 30 InDel loci is 0.999999999985. The combined power of exclusion was 0.98771049 in trio cases (CPE(trio)) and 0.94579456 in duo cases (CPE(duo)). The parentage testing of 32 cases revealed no mutations happened to 30 InDel loci. Multiplex detection of the 30 InDel loci revealed a highly polymorphic genetic distribution in Beijing Han population, which represents a complementary tool in human identification studies, especially in challenging DNA cases.

Non-destructive evaluation of polyolefin thermal aging using infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fifield, Leonard S.; Shin, Yongsoon; Simmons, Kevin L.

2017-04-01

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is an information-rich method that reveals chemical bonding near the surface of polymer composites. FTIR can be used to verify composite composition, identify chemical contaminants and expose composite moisture content. Polymer matrix changes due to thermal exposure including loss of additives, chain scission, oxidation and changes in crystallinity may also be determined using FTIR spectra. Portable handheld instruments using non-contact reflectance or surface contact attenuated total reflectance (ATR) may be used for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of thermal aging in polymer and composite materials of in-service components. We report the use of ATR FTIR to track oxidative thermal aging in ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) materials used in medium voltage nuclear power plant electrical cable insulation and jacketing. Mechanical property changes of the EPR and CPE materials with thermal degradation for correlation with FTIR data are tracked using indenter modulus (IM) testing. IM is often used as a local NDE metric of cable jacket health. The FTIR-determined carbonyl index was found to increase with IM and may be a valuable NDE metric with advantages over IM for assessing cable remaining useful life.

Determination of xanthohumol in beer based on cloud point extraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Chen, Ligang; Zhao, Qi; Jin, Haiyan; Zhang, Xiaopan; Xu, Yang; Yu, Aimin; Zhang, Hanqi; Ding, Lan

2010-04-15

A method based on coupling of cloud point extraction (CPE) with high performance liquid chromatography separation and ultraviolet detection was developed for determination of xanthohumol in beer. The nonionic surfactant Triton X-114 was chosen as the extraction medium. The parameters affecting the CPE were evaluated and optimized. The highest extraction yield of xanthohumol was obtained with 2.5% of Triton X-114 (v/v) at pH 5.0, 15% of sodium chloride (w/v), 70 degrees C of equilibrium temperature and 10 min of equilibrium time. Under these conditions, the limit of detection of xanthohumol is 0.003 mg L(-1). The intra- and inter-day precisions expressed as relative standard deviations are 4.6% and 6.3%, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied for determination of xanthohumol in various beer samples. The contents of xanthohumol in these samples are in the range of 0.052-0.628 mg L(-1), and the recoveries ranging from 90.7% to 101.9% were obtained. The developed method was demonstrated to be efficient, green, rapid and inexpensive for extraction and determination of xanthohumol in beer. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimization of cloud point extraction and solid phase extraction methods for speciation of arsenic in natural water using multivariate technique.

PubMed

Baig, Jameel A; Kazi, Tasneem G; Shah, Abdul Q; Arain, Mohammad B; Afridi, Hassan I; Kandhro, Ghulam A; Khan, Sumaira

2009-09-28

The simple and rapid pre-concentration techniques viz. cloud point extraction (CPE) and solid phase extraction (SPE) were applied for the determination of As(3+) and total inorganic arsenic (iAs) in surface and ground water samples. The As(3+) was formed complex with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC) and extracted by surfactant-rich phases in the non-ionic surfactant Triton X-114, after centrifugation the surfactant-rich phase was diluted with 0.1 mol L(-1) HNO(3) in methanol. While total iAs in water samples was adsorbed on titanium dioxide (TiO(2)); after centrifugation, the solid phase was prepared to be slurry for determination. The extracted As species were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The multivariate strategy was applied to estimate the optimum values of experimental factors for the recovery of As(3+) and total iAs by CPE and SPE. The standard addition method was used to validate the optimized methods. The obtained result showed sufficient recoveries for As(3+) and iAs (>98.0%). The concentration factor in both cases was found to be 40.

Non-Destructive Evaluation of Polyolefin Thermal Aging Using Infrared Spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fifield, Leonard S.; Shin, Yongsoon; Simmons, Kevin L.

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is an information-rich method that reveals chemical bonding near the surface of polymer composites. FTIR can be used to verify composite composition, identify chemical contaminants and expose composite moisture content. Polymer matrix changes due to thermal exposure including loss of additives, chain scission, oxidation and changes in crystallinity may also be determined using FTIR spectra. Portable handheld instruments using non-contact reflectance or surface contact attenuated total reflectance (ATR) may be used for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of thermal aging in polymer and composite materials of in-service components. We report the use of ATR FTIR to trackmore » oxidative thermal aging in ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) materials used in medium voltage nuclear power plant electrical cable insulation and jacketing. Mechanical property changes of the EPR and CPE materials with thermal degradation for correlation with FTIR data are tracked using indenter modulus (IM) testing. IM is often used as a local NDE metric of cable jacket health. The FTIR-determined carbonyl index was found to increase with IM and may be a valuable NDE metric with advantages over IM for assessing cable remaining useful life.« less

Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Rice Bran Oils Produced from Colored Rice Using Different Extraction Methods.

PubMed

Mingyai, Sukanya; Kettawan, Aikkarach; Srikaeo, Khongsak; Singanusong, Riantong

2017-06-01

This study investigated the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of rice bran oil (RBO) produced from the bran of three rice varities; Khao Dawk Mali 105 (white rice), Red Jasmine rice (red rice) and Hom-nin rice (black rice) using three extraction methods including cold-press extraction (CPE), solvent extraction (SE) and supercritical CO 2 extraction (SC-CO 2 ). Yields, color, acid value (AV), free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide value (PV), iodine value (IV), total phenolic compound (TPC), γ-oryzanol, α-tocopherol and fatty acid profile were analyzed. It was found that the yields obtained from SE, SC-CO 2 and CPE extractions were 17.35-20.19%, 14.76-18.16% and 3.22-6.22%, respectively. The RBO from the bran of red and black rice samples exhibited high antioxidant activities. They also contained higher amount of γ-oryzanol and α-tocopherol than those of white rice sample. In terms of extraction methods, SC-CO 2 provided better qualities of RBO as evidenced by their physicochemical and antioxidant properties. This study found that RBO produced from the bran of black rice samples using SC-CO 2 extraction method showed the best physicochemical and antioxidant properties.

Conductivity and Thermal Studies on Plasticized Nano-Composite Solid Polymer Electrolyte, Peo: Ec: LiTf: Al2O3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pitawala, H. M. J. C.; Dissanayake, M. A. K. L.; Seneviratne, V. A.

2006-06-01

Poly (ethylene oxide)-(PEO)-based composite polymer electrolytes are of great interest for solid-state-electrochemical devices. This paper presents the results of a preliminary study on electrical conductivity and thermal behavior (DSC) of composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) containing PEO: LiCF3SO3 complexed with plasticizer (EC) and incorporating nano-sized particles of the ceramic filler Al2O3. Ionic conductivity enhancement in these electrolytes has been obtained by optimizing the combined effect of the plasticizer and the ceramic filler. Nano-composite, plasticized polymer electrolyte films (400-600μm) were prepared by common solvent casting method. It was revealed that the presence of the Al2O3 filler in PEO: LiTf polymer electrolyte significantly enhanced the ionic conductivity in the temperature range of interest, giving the maximum conductivity for (PEO)9LiTf+15 wt.% Al2O3 CPE [σRT (max)=2×10-5 S cm-1]. It was also observed that the addition of plasticizer (EC) to this electrolyte up to a concentration of 50 wt. % EC, showed a further conductivity enhancement [σRT (max) = 1.5×10-4 S cm-1]. It is suggested that the conductivity is enhanced mainly by two mechanisms. The plasticizer (EC) would directly contribute by reducing the crystallinity and increasing the amorphous phase content of the polymer electrolytes. The ceramic filler (Al2O3) would contribute to conductivity enhancement by creating additional sites to migrating ionic species through transient bonding with O/OH groups in the filler surface. The decrease of Tg values of plasticized CPE systems seen in the DSC thermograms points towards the improved segmental flexibility of polymer chains, increasing the mobility of conducting ions.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Structural Proteins Are the Primary Viral Determinants of Non-Viraemic Transmission between Ticks whereas Non-Structural Proteins Affect Cytotoxicity.

PubMed

Khasnatinov, Maxim A; Tuplin, Andrew; Gritsun, Dmitri J; Slovak, Mirko; Kazimirova, Maria; Lickova, Martina; Havlikova, Sabina; Klempa, Boris; Labuda, Milan; Gould, Ernest A; Gritsun, Tamara S

2016-01-01

Over 50 million humans live in areas of potential exposure to tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). The disease exhibits an estimated 16,000 cases recorded annually over 30 European and Asian countries. Conventionally, TBEV transmission to Ixodes spp. ticks occurs whilst feeding on viraemic animals. However, an alternative mechanism of non-viraemic transmission (NVT) between infected and uninfected ticks co-feeding on the same transmission-competent host, has also been demonstrated. Here, using laboratory-bred I. ricinus ticks, we demonstrate low and high efficiency NVT for TBEV strains Vasilchenko (Vs) and Hypr, respectively. These virus strains share high sequence similarity but are classified as two TBEV subtypes. The Vs strain is a Siberian subtype, naturally associated with I. persulcatus ticks whilst the Hypr strain is a European subtype, transmitted by I. ricinus ticks. In mammalian cell culture (porcine kidney cell line PS), Vs and Hypr induce low and high cytopathic effects (cpe), respectively. Using reverse genetics, we engineered a range of viable Vs/Hypr chimaeric strains, with substituted genes. No significant differences in replication rate were detected between wild-type and chimaeric viruses in cell culture. However, the chimaeric strain Vs[Hypr str] (Hypr structural and Vs non-structural genomic regions) demonstrated high efficiency NVT in I. ricinus whereas the counterpart Hypr[Vs str] was not transmitted by NVT, indicating that the virion structural proteins largely determine TBEV NVT transmission efficiency between ticks. In contrast, in cell culture, the extent of cpe was largely determined by the non-structural region of the TBEV genome. Chimaeras with Hypr non-structural genes were more cytotoxic for PS cells when compared with Vs genome-based chimaeras.