ABSTRACT
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most worrisome infectious bacteria due to its intrinsic and acquired resistance against several antibiotics and the recalcitrance of its infections; hence, the development of novel antimicrobials effective against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa is mandatory. In this work, silver nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis using a leaf extract and fungi were tested against a battery of clinical strains from cystic fibrosis, pneumonia and burnt patients, some of them with multidrug resistance. Both nanoparticles showed a potent antibacterial effect, causing severe damage to the cell wall, membrane and DNA, and inducing the production of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, the nanoparticles derived from fungi showed synergistic antibacterial effects with the antibiotics meropenem and levofloxacin for some clinical strains and both kinds of nanoparticles were nontoxic for larvae of the moth Galleria mellonella, encouraging further research for their implementation in the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections.
Subject(s)
Metal Nanoparticles , Pseudomonas Infections , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial , Humans , Levofloxacin/pharmacology , Levofloxacin/therapeutic use , Meropenem/pharmacology , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Pseudomonas Infections/drug therapy , Pseudomonas Infections/microbiology , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Reactive Oxygen Species , Silver/pharmacologyABSTRACT
The present work aims to identify the minimum threshold of serum calcium (SC) values in cows during the first week postpartum and evaluate their relationship with the presentation of endometritis in housed dairy cows. In this prospective longitudinal observational study, 467 cows from 3 farms in Lima-Peru were studied. Blood samples were collected from cows during the first week postpartum. Endometritis was diagnosed on day 35 ± 3 days postpartum by evaluation of vaginal discharge samples. The samples were obtained using the MetricheckTM device (Simcro, New Zealand). Two cut-off points were used to diagnose endometritis: a) endometritis metricheck score ≥ 3, and b) endometritis metricheck score ≥ 2. In the univariate model that considers a SC threshold of 5.25 to 8.75 mg/dL (1.31 to 2.18 mmol/L), a significant relationship (p < 0.05) was found for endometritis metricheck score ≥ 3, while no significant relationship was found (p = 0.12) with endometritis metricheck score ≥ 2. In both cases, the optimal SC threshold for the appearance of endometritis was determined to be a value ≥7.0 mg/dL (≥1.75 mmol/L). In the logistic regression models (parity, calving season, calcium level, and their interaction), only two variables were retained, parity and calcium level (p < 0.10). It was found that the probability of having endometritis metricheck score ≥ 3 was 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1 to 3.1), whereas the probability of having endometritis metricheck score ≥ 2 was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.0 to 2.5) in cows with calcium levels <7.0 mg/dL (<1.75 mmol/L). In conclusion, cows with calcium levels <7.0 mg/dL (<1.75 mmol/L) have a 1.9-fold greater risk of developing endometritis metricheck score ≥ 3 in the first week postpartum.
Subject(s)
Cattle Diseases , Endometritis , Animals , Calcium , Cattle , Cattle Diseases/diagnosis , Endometritis/diagnosis , Endometritis/veterinary , Female , Lactation , Postpartum Period , Pregnancy , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
The validity of cross-cultural comparisons of test scores requires that scores have the same meaning across cultures, which is usually tested by checking the invariance of the measurement model across groups. In the last decade, a large number of studies were conducted to verify the equivalence across cultures of the dimensional Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (DSM-5 Section III). These studies have provided information on configural invariance (i.e., the facets that compose the domains are the same) and metric invariance (i.e., facet-domain relationships are equal across groups), but not on the stricter scalar invariance (i.e., the baseline levels of the facets are the same), which is a prerequisite for meaningfully comparing group means. The present study aims to address this gap. The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) was administered to five samples differing on country and language (Belgium, Catalonia, France, Spain, and Switzerland), with a total of 4,380 participants. Configural and metric invariance were supported, denoting that the model structure was stable across samples. Partial scalar invariance was supported, being minimal the influence of non-invariant facets. This allowed cross-cultural mean comparisons. Results are discussed in light of the sample composition and a possible impact of culture on development of psychopathology.
Subject(s)
Cross-Cultural Comparison , Personality Disorders , Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , Humans , Personality Disorders/diagnosis , Personality Inventory , Psychometrics , Reproducibility of ResultsABSTRACT
AIM: To evaluate the influence of the location and design of endodontic access cavities on root canal shaping and filling ability, pulp chamber cleaning and fracture resistance of extracted human mandibular incisors. METHODOLOGY: After pre-selection using periapical radiographs, forty extracted intact human mandibular incisors were scanned in a micro-computed tomographic device. The teeth were matched based on similar anatomical features of the canals and assigned to four experimental groups (n = 10) according to the endodontic access cavity and root canal preparation protocol: traditional/TRUShape (T/TRU); traditional/MTwo (T/MT); minimally invasive/TRUShape (MI/TRU); and minimally invasive/MTwo (MI/MT). The samples were scanned after root canal instrumentation and filling procedures. The parameters evaluated were as follows: volume and area of the root canal, noninstrumented canal areas, canal transportation and centring ratio, accumulated hard tissue debris, voids in root canal fillings and remnants of root canal filling materials in the pulp chamber. After root canal filling and cavity restoration procedures, the samples were submitted to a fracture resistance test. Data were statistically analysed using Shapiro-Wilk, one-way anova and Bonferroni tests with a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There was no difference regarding all parameters evaluated before and after root canal preparation (volume and area of the root canal, noninstrumented canal areas, canal transportation and centring ratio, and accumulated hard tissue debris) amongst the groups (P > 0.05). MI/TRU and MI/MT groups were associated with significantly more voids in root canal fillings when compared to the T/TRU and T/MT groups (P < 0.05). Percentage of root canal filling material remnants in the pulp chamber after cleaning procedures and mean fracture resistance values were not significantly different amongst the four experimental groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The location and design of the endodontic access cavity did not impact on root canal preparation nor resistance to fracture of extracted mandibular incisors, regardless of the instrument used. Minimally invasive access cavities were associated with significantly more voids in root canal fillings.
Subject(s)
Dental Pulp Cavity , Incisor , Dental Pulp Cavity/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Root Canal Preparation , Root Canal Therapy , X-Ray MicrotomographyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Information regarding the possible influence of immunosuppressive drugs on male sexual function and reproductive outcomes is scarce. Men diagnosed with immune-mediated diseases and a wish to become a father represent an important neglected population since they lack vital information to make balanced decisions about their treatment. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE: The aim of this research was to systematically review the literature for the influence of paternal immunosuppressive drug use on many aspects of male sexual health, such as sexual function, fertility, pregnancy outcomes and offspring health outcomes. SEARCH METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in the bibliographic databases: Embase (via Elsevier embase.com), MEDLINE ALL via Ovid, Cochrane Central Register of Trials (via Wiley) and Web of Science Core Collection. Additionally, Google Scholar and the Clinical trial registries of Europe and the USA were searched. The databases were searched from inception until 31 August 2019. The searches combined keywords regarding male sexual function and fertility, pregnancy outcomes and offspring health with a list of immunosuppressive drugs. Studies were included if they were published in English and if they included original data on male human exposure to immunosuppressive drugs. A meta-analysis was not possible to perform due to the heterogeneity of the data. OUTCOMES: A total of 5867 references were identified, amongst which we identified 161 articles fulfilling the eligibility criteria. Amongst these articles, 50 included pregnancy and offspring outcomes and 130 included sexual health outcomes. Except for large Scandinavian cohorts, most of the identified articles included a small number of participants. While a clear negative effect on sperm quality was evident for sulfasalazine and cyclophosphamide, a dubious effect was identified for colchicine, methotrexate and sirolimus. In three articles, exposure to tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors in patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis resulted in improved sperm quality. The information regarding pregnancy and offspring outcomes was scant but no large negative effect associated with paternal immunosuppressive drug exposure was reported. WIDER IMPLICATIONS: Evidence regarding the safety of immunosuppressive drugs in men with a wish to become a father is inconclusive. The lack of standardisation on how to evaluate and report male sexual function, fertility and reproduction as study outcomes in men exposed to immunosuppressive drugs is an important contributor to this result. Future research on this topic is needed and should be preferably done using standardised methods.
Subject(s)
Fertility/drug effects , Gonadal Hormones/metabolism , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Paternal Exposure/adverse effects , Pregnancy Outcome/epidemiology , Sexual Behavior/drug effects , Adult , Female , Fertility/physiology , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Infertility, Male/chemically induced , Infertility, Male/epidemiology , Male , Pregnancy , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/chemically induced , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/epidemiology , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/metabolism , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/physiopathology , Risk Factors , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/chemically induced , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/complications , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
The combination of Trichoderma virens Gl006 and B. velezensis Bs006 as a consortium has high potential to control Fusarium wilt (FW) of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. physali (Foph). However, the interactions between these two microorganisms that influence the biocontrol activity as a consortium have not been studied. Here, we studied the interactions between Gl006 and Bs006 that keep their compatibility under in vitro and greenhouse conditions. Antagonism tests between Gl006 and Bs006 inoculated both individually and in consortium against Foph strain Map5 was carried out on several solid media. The effect of supernatant of each selected microorganism on growth, conidia germination, biofilm formation and antagonistic activity on its partner was also studied. Biocontrol activity by different combinations of cells and supernatants from both microorganisms against Fusarium wilt was evaluated under greenhouse conditions. In vitro antagonism of the consortium against Foph showed a differential response among culture media and showed compatibility among BCA under nutritional conditions close to those of the rhizosphere. The supernatant of Bs006 did not affect the antagonistic activity of Gl006 and vice versa. However, the supernatant of Bs006 promoted the biocontrol activity of Gl006 in a synergistic way under greenhouse, reducing the disease severity by 71%. These results prove the compatibility between T. virens Gl006 and B. velezensis Bs006 as a potential tool to control Fusarium wilt of cape gooseberry.
Subject(s)
Bacillus/growth & development , Fusarium/growth & development , Microbial Consortia , Plant Diseases/microbiology , Ribes/microbiology , Trichoderma/growth & developmentABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Information about the possible effect of rheumatic diseases on male sexual function and reproduction (sexual health) is scarce and difficult to summarize. Factors known to impair sexual health, such as inflammation, medication use and hypogonadism can be present in a significant proportion of male patients with rheumatic diseases. OBJECTIVES: The objective of our study was to systematically review the literature for the influence of paternal rheumatic disease on sexual health, such as sexual function, reproductive hormones, male fertility, pregnancy and offspring outcomes. DATA SOURCES: English language articles identified through Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, Google Scholar and the Clinical trial registries of Europe and the USA published until February 2019. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Literature was synthesized in narrative form and in summary tables. Outcomes were categorized as: sexual function, reproductive hormones, fertility and pregnancy and offspring outcomes. Results are presented per category and per disease. RESULTS: 9735 articles were identified with our search strategy. After removal of duplicates, excluding articles by screening titles and abstracts and assessing eligibility by reading 289 fulltext articles, 87 articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria. All included studies enrolled patients diagnosed with a rheumatic disease and had results at least on one of the outcome categories. Sexual function was the most common category, followed by reproductive hormones, fertility and pregnancy and offspring outcomes. Sexual function is impaired in a high proportion of patients with rheumatic diseases. This was statistically significant in most of the studies where a control group was available. Clinically relevant abnormalities in reproductive hormones were mainly identified in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a positive correlation with disease activity were reported. Semen quality in men with rheumatic diseases can be impaired in patients with SLE, SpA, sarcoidosis, BD and MWS. Sperm count and motility were the most common semen quality parameters affected. No negative effect of paternal RA and vasculitis on pregnancy outcomes were reported in 3 studies. No studies reporting the effect of paternal disease on offspring outcomes were identified. LIMITATIONS: Most of the studies included in this review suffer from an inconsistent methodological quality, definitions of outcomes varied in several studies, a wide variety of screening questionnaires and/or diagnostic tools were used and results might only apply to the specific populations that were studied. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review suggests that sexual health is impaired in men with rheumatic diseases. The degree and extent of sexual health impairment vary per disease. More research is needed to fully understand the link between rheumatic diseases and impaired male sexual health. Meanwhile, rheumatologists should be aware of this association and discuss it with their patients. IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS: Sexual health of men with rheumatic diseases can be impaired by the disease itself. Especially in men trying to conceive, information on sexual function, reproductive hormones and sperm quality are needed to identify these problems. Treatment resulting in lower disease activity can improve overall sexual health in man with rheumatic diseases and facilitate their journey to fatherhood. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018099845.
Subject(s)
Infertility, Male/etiology , Rheumatic Diseases/complications , Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/etiology , Sexual Health , Adult , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different storage media on viability and proliferation capacity of periodontal ligament cells. METHODS: Plates with periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) cells were incubated in skimmed and whole milk, recently prepared Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), Save-A-Tooth system's, coconut water, propylene glycol with 20% propolis, egg white, tap water (negative control) at 5 °C and 20 °C, for 24 h. In one of the plates of each temperature, cell viability was determined by MTT assay. In the remaining plates, the wells were filled and incubated with Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) at 37 °C for 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. The proliferation capacity of PDFL cells was also evaluated by MTT assay. Data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, Scheffé and Mann-Whitney tests (α = 5%). RESULTS: At 5 °C, milk maintained more viable cells than other storage media immediately after exposure (0 h) and allowed greater proliferation capacity. At 20 °C, milk and HBSS had similar and allowed similar proliferation ability at 24 and 48 h. From 72 h onwards, capacity to maintain cell viability the proliferation rate of cells incubated in HBSS was superior than milk. At both temperature and experiments, Save-A-Tooth system was similar to tap water. CONCLUSION: Milk and HBSS were more effective in maintaining cellular viability and proliferation capacity than any other storage media. At 5 °C, the most viable alternative was milk. At 20 °C, HBSS had better results.
Subject(s)
Organ Preservation Solutions , Tooth Avulsion , Animals , Cell Proliferation , Cell Survival , Cells, Cultured , Culture Media , Humans , Isotonic Solutions , Milk , Periodontal LigamentABSTRACT
In this study, we investigate the effects of deposition parameters (i.e. gas flow rates, bias voltages, and nozzle-to-substrate separation) on the microstructure of <100 nm thick gold deposits made with a room-temperature, atmospheric-pressure, ion-drag microsputterer. Without resorting to the use of vacuum or substrate heating, optimization of the printing process yields dense, continuous deposits (96.5% coverage) with low electrical resistivity (45 µΩ cm). Using statistical analysis, we developed a simple model that provides insight into the dynamics of such a printing method; based on this model, we identify electrostatic effects as the most important factor that influences the deposition process.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Transfection of cementum protein 1 (CEMP1) into human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) notably increases cell metabolism and results in overexpression of molecules related to biomineralization at transcriptional and protein levels. Therefore, HGF-CEMP1 cells are considered as putative cementoblasts. This represents a significant advance in periodontal research because cementum neoformation is a key event in periodontal regeneration. In addition, it is well known that important changes in cell metabolism and protein expression are related to nucleolar structure and the function of this organelle, which is implicated in ribosome biogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of transfecting CEMP1 gene in human HGF on the ultrastructure of the nucleolus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cells were processed using the conventional technique for transmission electron microscopy, fixed with glutaraldehyde, postfixed with osmium tetraoxide, and embedded in epoxy resin. Semi-thin sections were stained with Toluidine blue and observed by light microscopy. Thin sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. For ribonucleoprotein detection, the staining method based on the regressive effect of EDTA was used. In addition, the osmium ammine technique was used for specific staining of DNA. RESULTS: The results obtained in this study suggest that transfection of CEMP1 into HGFs does not produce changes in the general nucleolar ultrastructure because the different components of the organelle are present as fibrillary centers, and dense fibrillar and granular components compared with the control. CONCLUSION: The transfection of CEMP1 into HGFs allows these cells to perform cementoblast-like functions without alteration of the ultrastructure of the nucleolus, evaluated by the presence of the different compartments of this organelle involved in ribosomal biogenesis.
Subject(s)
Fibroblasts/drug effects , Fibroblasts/ultrastructure , Gingiva/cytology , Proteins/pharmacology , Transfection , Humans , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission , Staining and LabelingSubject(s)
Cinnamomum/chemistry , Ferric Compounds/chemistry , Green Chemistry Technology/methods , Hyperthermia, Induced , Magnetics , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Polyphenols/chemistry , Vanilla/chemistry , Animals , Cell Line , Mice , Nanoparticles/ultrastructure , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared , X-Ray DiffractionABSTRACT
This study reports the first MEMS multiplexed coaxial electrospray sources in the literature. Coaxial electrospraying is a microencapsulation technology based on electrohydrodynamic jetting of two immiscible liquids, which allows precise control with low size variation of the geometry of the core-shell particles it generates, which is of great importance in numerous biomedical and engineering applications, e.g., drug delivery and self-healing composites. By implementing monolithic planar arrays of miniaturized coaxial electrospray emitters that work uniformly in parallel, the throughput of the compound microdroplet source is greatly increased, making the microencapsulation technology compatible with low-cost commercial applications. Miniaturized core-shell particle generators with up to 25 coaxial electrospray emitters (25 emitters cm-2) were fabricated via stereolithography, which is an additive manufacturing process that can create complex microfluidic devices at a small fraction of the cost per device and fabrication time associated with silicon-based counterparts. The characterization of devices with the same emitter structure but different array sizes demonstrates uniform array operation. Moreover, the data demonstrate that the per-emitter current is approximately proportional to the square root of the flow rate of the driving liquid, and it is independent of the flow rate of the driven liquid, as predicted by the theory. The core/shell diameters and the size distribution of the generated compound microparticles can be modulated by controlling the flow rates fed to the emitters.
ABSTRACT
El mantenimiento correctivo está orientado a corregir los defectos observados en los equipamientos o instalaciones, localizando las averías y reparándolas. Los costos de reparación de un equipo suelen ser mucho mayores en la etapa correctiva que en la etapa preventiva, y la literatura existente está orientada más hacia la prevención que hacia la corrección. Sin embargo, es inevitable que en una institución hospitalaria, como en cualquier otra, se presenten frecuentemente problemas en los equipos que no pudieron ser previstos o evitados mediante el mantenimiento preventivo o correctivo. Por esta razón, se hace necesario contar con protocolos para el mantenimiento correctivo que contengan criterios y procesos claramente definidos para mejorar la eficiencia y la eficacia en la solución de los problemas y que permitan la máxima disponibilidad en la prestación de los servicios. En este trabajo se presenta, como caso de estudio, el desarrollo e implementación de un Manual para la Gestión del Mantenimiento Correctivo en una de las clínicas de más alto nivel en la ciudad de Cali: La Fundación Valle del Lili.
The corrective maintenance is aimed at correcting the shortcomings in the equipment or facilities, locating faults and repairing them. Repair costs of equipment are usually much higher in the corrective stage than in the preventive stage, and the existing literature is oriented more towards prevention than correction. However, it is inevitable that in a hospital, as elsewhere, problems are often present on computers that could not be foreseen or avoided through preventive or corrective maintenance. For this reason corrective maintenance protocols containing clearly defined criteria and processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness in solving problems and ensuring maximum availability in the provision of services, are needed. This paper presents a case study, development and implementation of a Management Manual for corrective maintenance of the highest level clinics in the city of Cali: The Fundación Valle del Lili.
A Manutenção corretiva visa corrigir as deficiências do equipamento ou instalações, localizando falhas e reparálas. Os Custos de reparação de equipamento são geralmente muito maior na fase corretiva que na fase preventiva, e a literatura existente é mais orientada para a prevenção que para a correção. No entanto, é inevitável que em um hospital, como em outros lugares, muitas vezes se apresentam problemas nos equipamentos que não podiam ser previstos ou evitados através da manutenção preventiva ou corretiva. Por esta razão, é necessário ter protocolos de manutenção corretiva que contenham critérios e processos claramente definidos para melhorar a eficiência e eficácia na resolução de problemas e para assegurar a máxima disponibilidade na prestação de serviços. Este trabalho se apresenta como um caso de estudo, o desenvolvimento e a implementação de um Manual de Gestão para manutenção corretiva das clínicas de maior nível na cidade de Cali: a Fundação Valle del Lili.
ABSTRACT
The following article from International Endodontic Journal, 'Micro-computed tomography evaluation of apical transportation and centring ability of Reciproc and WaveOne systems in severely curved root canals' by D. A. de Meireles, T. C. C. A. de Brito, A. A. F. Marques, A. D. B. Garrido, L. F. R. Garcia & E. C. Sponchiado Jr, published online on 5 February 2015 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, Prof. Paul Dummer, and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to the use of techniques for crucial measurements in canal shaping and a lack of clarity regarding the measuring methodology. The use of inadequate measuring methodologies makes the findings of the paper invalid.
ABSTRACT
Impulsive-disinhibited personality (IDP) is a behavioral trait mainly characterized by seeking immediate gratification at the expense of more enduring or long-term gains. This trait has a major role in the development of several disinhibitory behaviors and syndromes, including psychopathy, attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder, cluster-B personality disorders, criminality and alcoholism. Available data consistently support a strong heritable component, accounting for 30-60% of the observed variance in personality traits. A genome-wide analysis of copy-number variants was designed to identify novel genetic pathways associated with the IDP trait, using a series of 261 male participants with maximized opposite IDP scores. Quantitative trait locus analysis of candidate copy-number variants (CNVs) was conducted across the entire IDP continuum. Functional effects of associated variants were evaluated in zebrafish embryos. A common CNV mapping to the immune-related gene SIRPB1 was significantly associated with IDP scores in a dose-dependent manner (ß=-0.172, P<0.017). Expression quantitative trait locus analysis of the critical region revealed higher SIRPB1 mRNA levels associated with the haplotype containing the deleted allele (P<0.0007). Epigenetic marks highlighted the presence of two potential insulators within the deleted region, confirmed by functional assays in zebrafish embryos, which suggests that SIRPB1 expression rates are affected by the presence/absence of the insulator regions. Upregulation of SIRPB1 has been described in prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia, providing a link between SIRPB1 and diseases involving disinhibition and failure to control impulsivity. We propose SIRPB1 as a novel candidate gene to account for phenotypic differences observed in the IDP trait.
Subject(s)
DNA Copy Number Variations , Impulsive Behavior , Inhibition, Psychological , Quantitative Trait Loci , Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics , Adult , Animals , Case-Control Studies , Criminals , Haplotypes , Humans , Insulator Elements , Male , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism , ZebrafishABSTRACT
Submerged electric arc discharge in liquids has shown to be a promising method for synthesizing a wide variety of nanomaterials. However, it requires an accurate current stability control to ensure the desired purity and structure of the products. The discharge stability control through light emission has been previously studied, but still requires further investigation to clarify the influence of some parameters. The present work has studied the solution's transmittance variation over time, the correlation between the arc light emission and the arc current, and the feasibility of controlling the arc current by using a specific wavelength of the arc light spectrum. Several limitations of the optoelectronic control were found at low currents (I < 50 A).
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The molecular basis of genetic predisposition to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in adults remains largely elusive. A chronic granulomatous inflammatory reaction is one of the main characteristics of the immune response to TB; however, a similar reaction is observed in other diseases, such as Crohn's disease. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of genetic polymorphisms previously associated with Crohn's disease and PTB in a Colombian population of PTB patients and controls. DESIGN: A case-control study was performed among 500 newly diagnosed PTB patients and 320 healthy control subjects. Thirty-one single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in a previous meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies of Crohn's disease were used for genotyping using MassARRAY technology. RESULTS: In this study, we identified an association with borderline significance (P = 0.0009433 and P = 0.029 after multiple testing by Bonferroni's correction) of SNP rs10995271 with PTB. SNP rs10995271 is in linkage disequilibrium with SNPs belonging to the zinc finger protein (ZNF365) gene. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that human PTB shares a genetic basis with Crohn's disease, and that SNPs in the ZNF365 gene would have a role in the occurrence of chronic granulomatous inflammatory reaction in TB as well as Crohn's disease.