We determined the fecal carriage rate of serotype K1
Klebsiella pneumoniae
in healthy Koreans and studied their genetic relationship with liver abscess isolates. We compared the carriage according to ...the country of residence. The stool specimens were collected through health promotion programs in Korea.
K. pneumoniae
strains were selected and tested for K1 by PCR. Serotype K1 isolates were characterized by multilocus sequence typing and pulsed field gel electrophoresis. A total of 248
K. pneumoniae
isolates were obtained from 1,174 Koreans. Serotype K1 was identified in 57 (4.9%), of which 54 (94.7%) were ST 23 and were closely related to the liver abscess isolates. Participants aged >25 years showed a higher fecal carriage rate than those ≤ 25 (
P
= 0.007). The proportion of serotype K1 out of
K. pneumoniae
isolates in foreigners of Korean ethnicity who had lived in other countries was lower compared with those who had lived in Korea (5.6% vs 24.1%,
P
= 0.024). A substantial proportion of Koreans >25 years carries serotype K1
K. pneumoniae
ST23 strains, which are closely related to liver abscess isolates. Differences in carriage rates by country of residence suggests that environmental factors might play an important role in the carriage of this strain.
Isostructural metal-insulator transition in VO2 Lee, D; Chung, B; Shi, Y ...
Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science),
11/2018, Letnik:
362, Številka:
6418
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Separating structure and electrons in VO2Above 341 kelvin—not far from room temperature—bulk vanadium dioxide (VO2) is a metal. But as soon as the material is cooled below 341 kelvin, VO2 turns into ...an insulator and, at the same time, changes its crystal structure from rutile to monoclinic. Lee et al. studied the peculiar behavior of a heterostructure consisting of a layer of VO2 placed underneath a layer of the same material that has a bit less oxygen. In the VO2 layer, the structural transition occurred at a higher temperature than the metal-insulator transition. In between those two temperatures, VO2 was a metal with a monoclinic structure—a combination that does not occur in the absence of the adjoining oxygen-poor layer.Science, this issue p. 1037The metal-insulator transition in correlated materials is usually coupled to a symmetry-lowering structural phase transition. This coupling not only complicates the understanding of the basic mechanism of this phenomenon but also limits the speed and endurance of prospective electronic devices. We demonstrate an isostructural, purely electronically driven metal-insulator transition in epitaxial heterostructures of an archetypal correlated material, vanadium dioxide. A combination of thin-film synthesis, structural and electrical characterizations, and theoretical modeling reveals that an interface interaction suppresses the electronic correlations without changing the crystal structure in this otherwise correlated insulator. This interaction stabilizes a nonequilibrium metallic phase and leads to an isostructural metal-insulator transition. This discovery will provide insights into phase transitions of correlated materials and may aid the design of device functionalities.
The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis has important clinical implications for cancer therapeutics because of the proposed role of CSCs in chemoresistance. The aim of this study was to investigate ...changes in the CSC populations before and after primary systemic therapy (PST) and their prognostic role in human breast cancer.
Paired samples (before and after PST) of breast cancer tissue were obtained from clinical stage II or III patients (n=92) undergoing PST with the regimen of doxorubicin plus docetaxel (AD) (n=50) or doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide (AC) (n=42) and subsequent breast resection. The proportions of putative CSCs with CD44+/CD24- or aldehyde dehydrogenase 1+ (ALDH1+) phenotypes were determined by immunohistochemistry.
A higher proportion of CD44+/CD24- tumour cells and ALDH1 positivity in pre-chemotherapy tissue was correlated with higher histologic grade, oestrogen receptor (ER) negativity, high Ki-67 proliferation index and basal-like subtype of breast cancer. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 positivity in pre-chemotherapy biopsy was also associated with a higher rate of pathologic complete response following PST. In comparisons of putative CSC populations before and after PST, the proportions of CD44+/CD24- and ALDH1+ tumour cells were significantly increased after PST. The cases with increased CD44+/CD24- tumour cell populations after PST showed high Ki-67 proliferation index in post-chemotherapy specimens and those with increased ALDH1+ tumour cell population after PST were associated with ER negativity and p53 overexpression. Furthermore, cases showing such an increase had significantly shorter disease-free survival time than those with no change or a reduced number of CSCs, and the survival difference was most notable with regard to the changes of ALDH1+ tumour cell population in the patients who received AC regimen.
The present study provides the clinical evidence that the putative CSCs in breast cancer are chemoresistant and are associated with tumour progression, emphasising the need for targeting of CSCs in the breast cancer therapeutics.
Summary
Guidelines for doctors managing osteoporosis in the Asia-Pacific region vary widely. We compared 18 guidelines for similarities and differences in five key areas. We then used a structured ...consensus process to develop clinical standards of care for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis and for improving the quality of care.
Purpose
Minimum clinical standards for assessment and management of osteoporosis are needed in the Asia-Pacific (AP) region to inform clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and to improve osteoporosis care. We present the framework of these clinical standards and describe its development.
Methods
We conducted a structured comparative analysis of existing CPGs in the AP region using a “5IQ” model (identification, investigation, information, intervention, integration, and quality). One-hundred data elements were extracted from each guideline. We then employed a four-round Delphi consensus process to structure the framework, identify key components of guidance, and develop clinical care standards.
Results
Eighteen guidelines were included. The 5IQ analysis demonstrated marked heterogeneity, notably in guidance on risk factors, the use of biochemical markers, self-care information for patients, indications for osteoporosis treatment, use of fracture risk assessment tools, and protocols for monitoring treatment. There was minimal guidance on long-term management plans or on strategies and systems for clinical quality improvement. Twenty-nine APCO members participated in the Delphi process, resulting in consensus on 16 clinical standards, with levels of attainment defined for those on identification and investigation of fragility fractures, vertebral fracture assessment, and inclusion of quality metrics in guidelines.
Conclusion
The 5IQ analysis confirmed previous anecdotal observations of marked heterogeneity of osteoporosis clinical guidelines in the AP region. The Framework provides practical, clear, and feasible recommendations for osteoporosis care and can be adapted for use in other such vastly diverse regions. Implementation of the standards is expected to significantly lessen the global burden of osteoporosis.
Summary
Pentosidine levels were higher in diabetic patients with vertebral fractures. Trabecular bone scores were negatively associated with pentosidine levels in diabetic patients only. Our results ...provide further evidence that AGEs are associated with the pathogenesis of bone fragility in patients with T2DM.
Introduction
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with fracture risk. Pentosidine, an advanced glycation end product (AGE), is associated with prevalent vertebral fractures (VFs) in patients with T2DM. Trabecular bone score (TBS) has been proposed as an index of bone microarchitecture associated with bone quality. This study evaluated the associations of urine pentosidine and TBS in T2DM and non-T2DM groups.
Methods
A total of 112 T2DM patients and 62 non-T2DM subjects were enrolled. TBS was calculated using TBS insight® software (version 2.1). Pentosidine levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography method. We compared the BMD, TBS, and pentosidine levels between those with and without VFs with or without adjustment for age and sex. The association with TBS, lumbar spine BMD, and pentosidine levels were also evaluated in both T2DM and non-T2DM groups.
Results
Pentosidine levels were significantly higher in T2DM patients with VFs. TBSs were significantly lower in patients with T2DM and VFs. In non-diabetic patients, there were no significant differences in TBS and pentosidine levels for those with and without VFs after adjustment for age and sex. Pentosidine levels were negatively associated with TBS only in patients with T2DM. In multivariate stepwise regression analysis, pentosidine levels were significantly associated with TBS in patients with T2DM.
Conclusions
TBS and pentosidine could be used as a method to assess bone quality to identify T2DM patients at risk of VFs. Our results also provide further evidence that AGEs are associated with the pathogenesis of bone fragility in patients with T2DM.
Summary
Current bibliometric analyses of the evolving trends in research scope category across different time periods using the H‐classics method in implantology are considerably limited. The purpose ...of this study was to identify the classic articles in implantology to analyse bibliometric characteristics and associated factors in implantology for the past four decades. H‐Classics in implantology were identified within four time periods between 1977 and 2016, based on the h‐index from the Scopus® database. For each article, the principal bibliometric parameters of authorship, geographic origin, country origin, and institute origin, collaboration, centralisation, article type, scope of study and other associated factors were analysed in four time periods. A significant increase in mean numbers of authors per H‐Classics was found across time. Both Europe and North America were the most productive region/country and steadily dominated this field in each time period. Collaborations of author, internationally and inter‐institutionally had significantly increased across time. A significant decentralisation in authorships, institutes and journals was noted in past four decades. The journal of Clinical Oral Implant Researches has raised its importance for almost 30 years (1987‐2016). Research on Complications, peri‐implant infection/pathology/therapy had been increasing in production throughout each period. This is the first study to evaluate research trends in implantology in the past 40 years using the H‐classics method, which through analysing via principle bibliometric characteristics reflected a historical perspective on evolutionary mainstream in the field. Prominence of research regarding complications may forecast innovative advancements in future.
To evaluate the effectiveness of whole-genome array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) in prenatal diagnosis in Hong Kong.
Array CGH was performed on 220 samples recruited prospectively as the ...first-tier test study. In addition 150 prenatal samples with abnormal fetal ultrasound findings found to have normal karyotypes were analyzed as a 'further-test' study using NimbleGen CGX-135K oligonucleotide arrays.
Array CGH findings were concordant with conventional cytogenetic results with the exception of one case of triploidy. It was found in the first-tier test study that aCGH detected 20% (44/220) clinically significant copy number variants (CNV), of which 21 were common aneuploidies and 23 had other chromosomal imbalances. There were 3.2% (7/220) samples with CNVs detected by aCGH but not by conventional cytogenetics. In the 'further-test' study, the additional diagnostic yield of detecting chromosome imbalance was 6% (9/150). The overall detection for CNVs of unclear clinical significance was 2.7% (10/370) with 0.9% found to be de novo. Eleven loci of common CNVs were found in the local population.
Whole-genome aCGH offered a higher resolution diagnostic capacity than conventional karyotyping for prenatal diagnosis either as a first-tier test or as a 'further-test' for pregnancies with fetal ultrasound anomalies. We propose replacing conventional cytogenetics with aCGH for all pregnancies undergoing invasive diagnostic procedures after excluding common aneuploidies and triploidies by quantitative fluorescent PCR. Conventional cytogenetics can be reserved for visualization of clinically significant CNVs.
Aims
Aggressive meningioma remains incurable with neither chemo‐ nor targeted therapies proven effective, largely due to unidentified genetic alterations and/or aberrant oncogenic pathways driving ...the disease progression. In this study, we examined the expression and function of Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) transcription factor during meningioma progression.
Methods
Human meningioma samples (n = 101) were collected, followed by Western blotting, quantitative PCR, immunohistochemical and progression‐free survival (PFS) analyses. For in vitro assays, FOXM1 was overexpressed or knocked‐down in benign (SF4433 and SF4068) or malignant (SF3061 and IOMM‐Lee) human meningioma cell lines respectively. For in vivo studies, siomycin A (a FOXM1 inhibitor)‐pretreated or control IOMM‐Lee cells were implanted subcutaneously in nude mice.
Results
FOXM1 expression was increased in higher grades of meningioma and correlated with the mitotic index in the tumour tissue. Moreover, FOXM1 was increased in recurrent meningioma compared with the matched primary lesions. The patients who had higher FOXM1 expression had shorter PFS. In the subsequent in vitro assays, knockdown of FOXM1 in malignant meningioma cell lines resulted in decreased tumour cell proliferation, angiogenesis and invasion, potentially via regulation of β‐catenin, cyclin D1, p21, interleukin‐8, vascular endothelial growth factor‐A, PLAU, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition‐related genes, whereas overexpression of FOXM1 in benign meningioma cell lines had the opposite effects. Last, suppression of FOXM1 using a pharmacological inhibitor, siomycin A, decreased tumour growth in an in vivo mouse model.
Conclusions
Our data demonstrate that FOXM1 is a key transcription factor regulating oncogenic signalling pathways in meningioma progression, and a promising therapeutic target for aggressive meningioma.
The present baseline research infers that the salts present in the sea may contain microplastics (MPs), as the seawater is contaminated due to a number of anthropogenic activities. Herein, 25 types ...of sea salt samples were collected from salt pans located in the Tuticorin coastal region. The MPs present in the samples were separated and identified by various methods such as handpicking, visual classification, and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FT-IR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The MPs that measured less than 100 μm formed the major part of the salts, accounting to 60% of the MPs among the total pollutants. The MPs that were found in abundance in the sea salts were polypropylene, followed by polyethylene, nylon, and cellulose. This study was conducted in salt pan areas and demarcated the percentage of MPs present in sea salts. Table salt, which is a prime edible commodity, was found to be contaminated with MPs through polluted seawater, which poses a threat to public health.
Display omitted
•The present attempt was carried out to Preliminary study on Microplastics pollution in commercial marine sea salt along Tuticorin Coast, Gulf of Mannar, SE coast of India.•Various types of microplastics was identified, including nylon (NY) cellulose (CL), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and some microplastics or nonplastic particles, were also unidentified.•A microplastic was measuring less than 100 μm represented the major part of the particles, computing for 60% of the total microplastics.•The possible anthropogenic sources of the microplastics in the salt pans are from city people dumped plastic waste via buckle channel.
Aims/hypothesis
Many of the effects of resveratrol are consistent with the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), silent information regulator T1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome ...proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α), which play key roles in the regulation of lipid and glucose homeostasis, and in the control of oxidative stress. We investigated whether resveratrol has protective effects on the kidney in type 2 diabetes.
Methods
Four groups of male C57BLKS/J
db
/
m
and
db
/
db
mice were used in this study. Resveratrol was administered via gavage to diabetic and non-diabetic mice, starting at 8 weeks of age, for 12 weeks.
Results
The
db
/
db
mice treated with resveratrol had decreased albuminuria. Resveratrol ameliorated glomerular matrix expansion and inflammation. Resveratrol also lowered the NEFA and triacylglycerol content of the kidney, and this action was related to increases in the phosphorylation of AMPK and the activation of SIRT1–PGC-1α signalling and of the key downstream effectors, the PPARα–oestrogen-related receptor (ERR)-1α–sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1). Furthermore, resveratrol decreased the activity of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)–Akt phosphorylation and class O forkhead box (FOXO)3a phosphorylation, which resulted in a decrease in B cell leukaemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL-2)-associated X protein (BAX) and increases in BCL-2, superoxide dismutase (SOD)1 and SOD2 production. Consequently, resveratrol reversed the increase in renal apoptotic cells and oxidative stress, as reflected by renal 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), urinary 8-OH-dG and isoprostane concentrations. Resveratrol prevented high-glucose-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in cultured mesangial cells through the phosphorylation of AMPK and activation of SIRT1–PGC-1α signalling and the downstream effectors, PPARα–ERR-1α–SREBP1.
Conclusions/interpretation
The results suggest that resveratrol prevents diabetic nephropathy in
db
/
db
mice by the phosphorylation of AMPK and activation of SIRT1–PGC-1α signalling, which appear to prevent lipotoxicity-related apoptosis and oxidative stress in the kidney.
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