Clinical significance of nutritional risk screening tool for hospitalised children with acute burn injuries: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the nutritional risks among children hospitalised with acute burn injuries and their associated clinical outcomes using three nutritional risk screening (NRS) tools: Screening Tool for Risk of Impaired Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGKIDS ), Pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score (PYMS) and Screening Tool for the Assessment for Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP). METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2015 to November 2016, in a regional burn centre. Patients were screened by two independent observers, using the three NRS tools. RESULTS: A total of 100 children aged 3 months to 16.5 years were included. STRONGKIDS identified 16% of patients as having high risk, with being identified 45% by PYMS and 44% by STAMP. After adjustment for confounding factors in multivariate regression analysis, patients in the high-risk group had significantly longer median (SD) lengths of stay [medium versus high risk: STRONGKIDS , 9.5 (6.6) versus 15.0 (24.2) days; PYMS, 8.5 (4.4) versus 13.0 (16.1) days; STAMP, 9.0 (5.7) versus 11.0 (17.4) days] and greater median (SD) weight loss [medium versus high risk: STRONGKIDS, 0.15 (0.8) versus -0.35 (0.8) kg; STAMP, 0.5 (0.7) versus 0 (0.1) kg] than patients in the medium-risk group (P < 0.05). The strengths of agreement in the nutritional risk classification between the two observers were good (κ for STRONGKIDS = 0.61; PYMS = 0.79; STAMP = 0.75) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The STRONGKIDS , PYMS and STAMP tools could be useful and practical for determining which hospitalised children with acute burn injuries will need additional nutritional intervention.

How can the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scoring system aid management of a solid renal mass?

OBJECTIVES. To investigate use of the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score in relation to the choice of treatment and postoperative complications for renal masses. DESIGN. Case series. SETTING. A tertiary referral hospital in Hong Kong. PATIENTS. Data of patients undergoing nephrectomy were collected retrospectively from a clinical database and analysed. A R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score was allocated to each renal tumour by a blinded qualified radiologist, utilising computerised imaging systems. Patient demographics, choice of surgery (radical vs partial), and approaches (open vs minimally invasive) were analysed with respect to their R.E.N.A.L. score. RESULTS. In all, 74 patients were included during the study period, of which 38 underwent partial nephrectomy and 36 underwent radical nephrectomy. No differences between the groups were found with respect to patient demographics. There were significant differences between the partial and radical nephrectomy groups in terms of their mean nephrometry score (6.9 vs 9.3, P<0.001). The mean nephrometry sum was also significantly different in the open approach versus the minimally invasive approach in patients having partial nephrectomy (7.8 vs 6.0, P=0.001). There was no difference in the postoperative 90-day morbidity and mortality in the partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy groups. CONCLUSIONS. The R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score of a renal mass correlated significantly with our choice of surgery (partial vs radical) and our approach to surgery (open vs minimally invasive surgery), particularly in the partial nephrectomy group. It does not, however, correlate with postoperative complications. The nephrometry score provides a useful tool for objectively describing renal mass characteristics and enhancing better communication for the operative planning directed at renal masses.

Transmission of 40-Gb/s QPSK upstream signal in RSOA-based coherent WDM PON using offset PDM technique.

We demonstrate the 40-Gb/s upstream transmission in the 60-km reach wavelength-division-multiplexed passive optical network (WDM PON) implemented by using directly modulated reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers (RSOAs) and self-homodyne receivers. It is difficult to operate the RSOA at 40 Gb/s due to its limited modulation bandwidth. To overcome this problem and generate 40-Gb/s upstream signal, we utilize the quadrature phase-shift-keying (QPSK) format and the offset polarization-division-multiplexing (PDM) technique. For this purpose, we install two RSOAs at each ONU and provide the seed light for these RSOAs by polarization-multiplexing the outputs of two lasers with a small frequency offset (20 GHz). This frequency offset is used to separate the polarization-multiplexed seed light by using a simple delay-line interferometer (DLI), instead of the polarization-beam splitter and polarization controller, at the ONU. The separated seed light is modulated by each RSOA at 20 Gb/s in the QPSK format, and then combined again by the DLI before sent back to the central office (CO). The results show that this WDM PON can support the transmission of 40-Gb/s channels spaced at 50 GHz over 60 km without using any remote optical amplifiers.

Computer-navigated total knee arthroplasty in haemophilic arthropathy.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in end-stage haemophilic arthropathy is complex and challenging due to the altered bony anatomy, arthrofibrosis and muscle contractures. Computer navigation is especially advocated in patients with deformity or altered anatomy to improve alignment and to assist in ligament balancing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of computer-navigated TKA in haemophilic arthropathy. A consecutive series of computer-assisted TKA for the end-stage haemophilic arthropathy between February 2007 and December 2009 were evaluated. A total of 27 TKA were performed in 25 patients. Pre- and postoperative full-length weight-bearing radiographs were assessed for the axial limb alignment. The orientation of the components was measured on anteroposterior radiographs. Clinically, Knee Society score and Short Form-36 were evaluated. The mechanical axis of the leg was within a range of ±3° varus/valgus in 92% of the TKA. The coronal alignment of the femoral and tibial components was within a range of ±3 degrees in 96% of the knees. The clinical outcomes were significantly improved after the operation. There were no complications specific to the computer navigation. Computer-navigated TKA helps in restoring the mechanical axis and improves accuracy of orientation of the components in patients with end-stage haemophilic arthropathy. Potential benefits in long-term outcome require further investigation.

Long-reach 10-Gb/s RSOA-based WDM PON employing QPSK signal and coherent receiver.

We demonstrate a long-reach wavelength-division-multiplexed passive optical network (WDM PON) operating at the symmetric rate of 10.3 Gb/s. For the cost-effectiveness, we realize the upstream transmission by utilizing directly-modulated TO-can packaged reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers (RSOAs) and digital coherent receivers. In addition, to overcome the limited modulation bandwidth of this TO-can packaged RSOA (~2.2 GHz) and operate it at 10.3 Gb/s, we utilize the quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) format and the electronic phase equalization technique. The result shows that we can extend the maximum reach of the 10.3-Gb/s RSOA-based WDM PON to ~80 km without using any remote amplifiers.

Correlation-based OTDR for in-service monitoring of 64-split TDM PON.

We demonstrate that the correlation-based optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) can be used for the in-service monitoring of the 64-split time-division-multiplexed passive optical network (TDM PON). To achieve this objective, we superimpose a pseudo noise (PN) sequence having a modulation depth of ~40% to the downstream signal and utilize it for the correlation detection. However, the use of such a large PN sequence can seriously deteriorate the performance of the downstream receiver. Thus, we apply 8B/10B encoding to the downstream signal, and then filter out the PN sequence at the downstream receiver by using a high-pass filter. As a result, the power penalty caused by the use of a large PN sequence is reduced to an acceptable level (<3 dB), while the dynamic range of this correlation-based OTDR is increased to ~30 dB. We then evaluate the performance of the proposed OTDR in the fiber link similar to the optical distribution network of the 64-split TDM PON. The results show that this OTDR can detect both the reflective and non-reflective events occurred in the feeder fiber as well as the reflective events in the drop fibers even in the 64-split TDM PON.

Some fungal endophytes from vegetable crops and their anti-oomycete activities against tomato late blight.

AIMS: To isolate endophytic fungi from vegetable plants and examine their in vivo anti-oomycete activity against Phytophthora infestans in tomato plants. METHODS AND RESULTS: Endophytic fungi were isolated from surface-sterilized plant tissues and anti-oomycete activity was measured by in vivo assay using tomato seedlings. Endophytic fungi showing potent anti-oomycete activity were identified by morphological characteristics and nuclear ribosomal ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequence analysis. A total of 152 isolates were obtained from 66 healthy tissue samples of cucumber, red pepper, tomato, pumpkin and Chinese cabbage and the fermentation broths of 23 isolates showed potent in vivo anti-oomycete activity against tomato late blight with control values over 90%. The Fusarium oxysporum strain EF119, which was isolated from roots of red pepper, showed the most potent disease control efficacy against tomato late blight. In dual-culture tests, it inhibited the growth of Pythium ultimum, P. infestans and Phytophthora capsici. CONCLUSIONS: Among endophytic fungi isolated from healthy tissues of vegetable plants, F. oxysporum EF119 showed the most potent in vivo anti-oomycete activity against tomato late blight and in vitro anti-oomycete activity against several oomycete pathogens. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Endophytic fungi showing anti-oomycete activity in vitro and in vivo may be used as biocontrol agents particularly of tomato late blight.

Release of ciprofloxacin from chondroitin 6-sulfate-graft-poloxamer hydrogel in vitro for ophthalmic drug delivery.

The system was designed to use Poloxamer as a vehicle for ophthalmic drug delivery using in situ gel formation property. To enhance the wound healing and cell adhesion as well as transparency of Poloxamer hydrogel, chondroitin 6-sulfate (C6S) was introduced into Poloxamer. For this purpose, mono amine-terminated Poloxamer (MATP), which was end-capped with ethylene amine group only in one side of terminal hydroxyl groups of Poloxamer, was synthesized. Subsequently, C6S-graft-Poloxamer copolymer (C6S-g-Poloxamer) was prepared by reaction between the amine groups of MATP and carboxyl groups of C6S in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carboimide (EDC). The coupling of MATP with C6S was clarified by 1H-NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. The gelation temperature of graft copolymers was determined by measuring the temperature at which immobility of the meniscus in each solution was first noted. Release behavior of ciprofloxacin from C6S-g-Poloxamer hydrogel in vitro was investigated as a function of C6S content in the graft copolymer by a spectrophotometric assay at 287 nm using an UV spectrophotometer. Differences in the adhesion and morphology of human lens cell between Poloxamer- and C6S-g-Poloxamer-coated surfaces were also investigated. The gelation temperatures of C6S-g-Poloxamer copolymers were lowered with increasing of the concentration of the copolymer and decreasing of C6S content. The release of ciprofloxacin from the graft copolymer was sustained compared with Poloxamer itself and decreased with increasing the content of C6S in the copolymer due to the in situ gel formation of the copolymer and viscous properties of C6S. Human lens cells (B3) adhered to C6S-g-Poloxamer-coated surface were observed as transformed shapes after 2 days. The bioadhesive and thermally gelling of these graft copolymers will be expected to be an excellent drug carrier for the prolonged delivery to surface of the eye.

Release of ciprofloxacin from poloxamer-graft-hyaluronic acid hydrogels in vitro.

Recently, in situ gel formation has extensively been studied to enhance ocular bioavailability and duration of the drug activity. In this study, we report grafting of poloxamer onto the hyaluronic acid for application of tissue engineering oriented ophthalmic drug delivery system. Graft copolymers were prepared by coupling mono amine-terminated poloxamer (MATP) with hyaluronic acid (HA) backbone using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxylsuccinimide (NHS) as coupling agents. The coupling of MATP with HA was clarified by 1H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. The gelation temperature of graft copolymers was dependent on the content of HA and the concentration of poloxamer. From drug release studies in vitro, ciprofloxacin was sustainedly released from the poloxamer-g-hyaluronic acid hydrogel due to the in situ gel formation of the copolymer and viscous properties of HA.

A bleaching herbicidal activity of methoxyhygromycin (MHM) produced by an actinomycete strain Streptomyces sp. 8E-12.

AIMS: To screen bioherbicidal isolates and evaluate herbicidal activity of methoxyhygromycin (MHM) produced by Streptomyces sp. 8E-12. METHODS AND RESULTS: Streptomyces sp. 8E-12 with herbicidal activity was selected through seed germination bioassay. An active metabolite, MHM was isolated from culture broth by carbon absorption, butanol extraction, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and G-10 chromatography, and preparative HPLC. The metabolite was identified by electrospray ionization mass spectra (ESI-MS) and 1H- and 13C-NMR spectral data analyses. In vivo herbicidal activity was examined against weeds and crops grown on pots. CONCLUSIONS: Streptomyces sp. 8E-12 produced a selective herbicidal metabolite which was identified as MHM. The metabolite showed stronger in vivo activity against monocotyledonous plants than dicotyledonous plants, and caused a bleaching (albino symptom) on some weeds including Digitaria sanguinalis and Echinochloa crus-galli. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results showed that Streptomyces sp. 8E-12 produced a bioherbicidal metabolite, MHM and can be developed as a biocontrol agent (BCA) for weed control.

Receptor-mediated delivery of all trans-retinoic acid to hepatocyte using poly(L-lactic acid) nanoparticles coated with galactose-carrying polystyrene.

All trans-retinoic acid (RA)-loaded poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles coated with galactose-carrying polymer, as hepatocyte-specific targeting material using galactose ligands as recognition signals to asialoglycoprotein receptors were prepared by the diafiltration method. Effects of released RA from its loaded nanoparticles on morphology and DNA synthesis of hepatocytes were studied. Receptor-mediated endocytosis of the nanoparticles was checked by fluorescence and confocal laser microscopy. It was found that the shapes of most hepatocytes attached onto polystyrene dish precoated with collagen solution were flat and spreading at low concentration of RA for the RA-loaded nanoparticles, whereas their shapes were round at even low concentration of RA when RA was mixed with the nanoparticles. From the fluorescence and confocal laser microscopic studies, it was suggested that the nanoparticles coated with galactose-carrying polymers were internalized by the hepatocytes through the receptor-mediated mechanism. The RA-loaded nanoparticles were more potent stimulators of hepatocyte DNA synthesis than the free RA system in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) owing to the controlled release of RA from the RA-loaded nanoparticles.

Protein release microparticles based on the blend of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) and oligo-ethylene glycol grafted poly(L-lactide).

Bovine serum albumin (BSA), a model protein drug, was encapsulated with a microparticle based on the blend of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(L-lactide)-g-oligo(ethylene glycol) (PLLA-g-oligoEG). Effects of PLLA-g-oligoEG in the blend on degradation, characteristic properties, and release behavior of the microparticle were studied. Drug loading efficiency increased with increase in the graft frequency of oligoEG in the graft copolymer in the blend. The release of BSA was found to be more efficient for microparticles based on the blend than on the PLGA, which is due to the faster protein diffusion through the swollen phase of the hydrogel-like structure. The microparticles based on the blend showed a slower degradation and a lower pH shift compared to that of PLGA.

Activity against plant pathogenic fungi of phomalactone isolated from Nigrospora sphaerica.

Phomalactone, 5,6-dihydro-5-hydroxy-6-prop-2-enyl-2H-pyran-2-one, produced by the fungus Nigrospora sphaerica, was tested in vitro against nine plant pathogenic fungi, and specifically inhibited the mycelial growth of Phytophthora infestans, with an MIC value of 2.5 mg litre-1. Its inhibitory activities against sporangium and zoospore germination of P infestans were similar to those against Phytophthora capsici. In vivo, at 100 and 500 mg litre-1, it reduced the development of tomato late blight caused by P infestans.

A new method for assessing foliar uptake of fungicides using Congo Red as a tracer.

In order to develop a new method for measuring foliar uptake of fungicides, Congo Red was selected as a tracer, and optimum procedures were established for washing, extracting and analyzing it and fungicides from leaf surfaces. Congo Red, a water-soluble dye, was not absorbed into cucumber or rice leaf, even in the presence of various surfactants, and was completely washable from leaf surfaces by aqueous acetonitrile solutions. Congo Red and fungicides in washings were quantified to calculate the amount of foliar uptake of the latter, by comparing the ratio to Congo Red. The optimum concentration of Congo Red in a formulation should be established in order to minimize its influence on fungicide uptake. Although Congo Red has proved to be useful with a conventional droplet application method, it will give more realistic and practical results with the spraying method used in the present study.

2-fluoroabscisic acid analogues: their synthesis and biological activities.

Fluorine was introduced into the 2-position of the side chain of abscisic acid (ABA) analogues by Wittig reaction of alpha-ionone derivatives with ethyl triethylphosphono-2-fluoroacetate. The effects of the fluorinated analogues were evaluated on inhibition of cress seed germination and inhibition of gibberellin-inducible alpha-amylase induction in embryoless barley half-seeds. (2E, 4E)-2-Fluoro-5-(1'-hydroxy-2',6', 6'-trimethyl-2'-cyclohexen-1'-yl)-3-methyl-2,4-pentadienoic acid (5b) showed potent inhibitory activity at the same level as ABA in the cress seed germination test, and 5b also inhibited gibberellin-inducible alpha-amylase induction at 4 x 10(-)(6), 3 times the concentration of ABA (1 x 10(-)(6)) for 50% inhibition of alpha-amylase production. 5b also showed dehydrin induction activity. These results indicate that fluorinated ABA analogues mimic ABA action and can be a lead for a plant growth regulator which regulates plant growth or protects plants from environmental stresses.

KR025, a new cytotoxic compound from Myxococcus fulvus.

A new bithiazole, KR-025 (1), was isolated from Myxococcus fulvus. Its structure was elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. In addition to 1, the strain produced relatively large quantities of a second, closely related antibiotic, myxothiazol. These compounds demonstrated potent cytotoxicity against human tumor cells.

Pyricuol, a New Phytotoxin from Magnaporthe grisea.

A new pyriculol-related phytotoxin, designated as pyricuol (1), was isolated from a liquid culture of Magnaporthe grisea, the causal fungus of rice blast disease, together with two known metabolites, pyriculol (2) and dihydropyriculol. Its structure was determined on the basis of physicochemical and spectroscopic data to be 2-(3-hydroxymethyl-1,4-hexadienyl)-6-hydroxybenzaldehyde.

Asimilobin and cis- and trans-murisolinones, novel bioactive Annonaceous acetogenins from the seeds of Asimina triloba.

Three new bioactive Annonaceous acetogenins, asimilobin [1], cis-murisolinone [2], and trans-murisolinone [3], have been isolated from an ethanolic extract of the seeds of Asimina triloba by directing the fractionation with brine shrimp lethality. The structure were elucidated based on spectroscopic and chemical methods, In addition, cis- and trans-bullatacinone, which are known compounds, were obtained. Asimilobin [1] has adjacent bis-THF rings, located at C-10 to C-17 and having only one flanking hydroxyl group at C-18. Compounds 1-3 showed cytotoxicity values comparable with adriamycin against six human solid tumor cell lines.

Spectrophotometric determination of polar and non-polar lipids in oleaginous yeast.

A spectrophotometric method of determining extractable lipids was compared with a gravimetric method to estimate intracellular polar and non-polar lipids in the oleaginous yeast, Candida curvata. The methods correlated well but the spectrophotometric method was simpler, required less sample, and its accuracy was not affected by non-lipid components.