Synthesis and Antifungal Activities of Glucosamine Aromatic Derivatives Against Four Phytopathogenic Fungi of Crops.

A series of diversified glucosamine derivatives (3a-3y) was synthesized and their antifungal activity was examined against four kinds of phytopathogens, Fusarium graminearum (F. graminearum), Fusarium moniliforme (F. moniliforme), Curvularia. lunata (C. lunata), and Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani) which cause seriously economic losses worldwide by affecting crops. The compound 3o showed remarkable antifungal activity against F. graminearum with EC50 value of 3.96 µg/mL, compared to the standard drug triadimefon (10.1 µg/mL). 3D-QSAR model with the statistically recommended values (r2=0.915, q2=0.872) showed that positive charge group or bulky group in the benzyl ring was favorable for the antifungal activity. Enzyme activity assays confirmed that 3o had a moderate inhibition of trehalase with inhibition rate of 51.4 % at 5 µg/mL, which is comparable to those of commercial inhibitor validamycin A with inhibition rate of 83.3 %. Molecular docking analysis revealed that 3o also had a hydrogen bond interaction with key amino acid residue compared to validoxylamine.

Clinical efficacy of CO2 fractional laser combined with compound betamethasone in treating vitiligo and its impact on inflammatory factors.

Objective: To analyze the clinical efficacy of CO2 fractional laser combined with compound betamethasone in treating vitiligo and its impact on inflammatory factors. Methods: The clinical treatment effects, levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-17 (IL-17), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-10 (IL-10)], prognosis regarding repigmentation and relapse, psychological health (satisfaction). Results: ① Clinical treatment effects: the total effective rate in Group A was 92.73%, Group B was 74.55%, and Group C was 67.27%, with Group A showing significantly higher effectiveness than Groups B and C (p < 0.05). ② Inflammatory factors: prior to treatment, there was no significant difference in IL-17, IFN-γ, and IL-10 levels among the three groups (p > 0.05); after 3 and 6 months of treatment, the levels of IL-17 and IFN-γ decreased significantly while IL-10 levels increased significantly across all three groups, with Group A showing a more pronounced change compared to Groups B and C (p < 0.05). ③ Prognosis regarding repigmentation and relapse: after 3 and 6 months of treatment, Group A exhibited significantly higher repigmentation rates compared to Groups B and C (p < 0.05); in terms of relapse, Group A had a relapse rate of 5.45%, Group B had 21.82%, and Group C had 23.64%, with Group A showing significantly lower relapse rates compared to Groups B and C (p < 0.05). ④ Quality of life and psychological health: at the end of the 6 month follow-up, the quality of life and psychological health of patients in Group A were significantly higher than those in Groups B and C (p < 0.05). ⑤ Occurrence of adverse reactions: the incidence of adverse reactions was 12.73% in Group A, 10.91% in Group B, and 9.09% in Group C, with no significant difference observed among the three groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The application of CO2 fractional laser combined with compound betamethasone in vitiligo patients demonstrates significant efficacy. Compared to sole treatment with CO2 fractional laser or compound betamethasone injections, this combined approach further improves the levels of inflammatory factors in vitiligo patients, reduces the risk of relapse, enhances skin repigmentation, improves quality of life, psychological well-being, without increasing the risk of related adverse reactions. This combined approach merits clinical promotion and application.

Optimization of Machining Parameters for Milling Zirconia Ceramics by Polycrystalline Diamond Tool.

Zirconia ceramics are widely used in many fields because of their excellent physical and mechanical properties. However, there are some challenges to machine zirconia ceramics with high processing efficiency. In order to optimize parameters for milling zirconia ceramics by polycrystalline diamond tool, finite element method was used to simulate machining process based on Johnson-Cook constitutive model. The effects of spindle speed, feed rate, radial and axial cutting depth on cutting force, tool flank wear and material removal rate were investigated. The results of the simulation experiment were analyzed and optimized by the response surface method. The optimal parameter combination was obtained when the spindle speed, feed rate, radial and axial cutting depth were 8000 r/min, 90.65 mm/min, 0.10 mm and 1.37 mm, respectively. Under these conditions, the cutting force was 234.81 N, the tool flank wear was 33.40 µm when the milling length was 60 mm and the material removal rate was 44.65 mm3/min.

Effect of chitooligosaccharides on human gut microbiota and antiglycation.

Chitooligosaccharides (COS) have garnered great attention in the field of human healthcare. The prebiotic activities and antiglycation of COS were investigated using a combination of in vitro and in vivo studies. COS supplementation dramatically increased the levels of acetic acid, while reducing the concentrations of propionic and butyric acids. It also decreased the total bacterial population; however, it did not affect diversity and richness of the gut microbiota. In addition, COS modulated the gut microbiota composition by increasing Bacteroidetes, decreasing Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, and lowering the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. COS promoted the generation of beneficial Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium genera, while suppressing the pathogenic Klebsiella genus. The antiglycation activity of COS and acetic acid was dose-dependent. Furthermore, COS prevented the decrease of serum Nε-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML) level caused by CML ingestion in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. To improve host health, COS could be potential prebiotics in food products.

[Determination of epichlorohydrin in workplace air by gas chromatograph-electron capture detector].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a method for determining epichlorohydrin in the workplace air by gas chromatograph-electron capture detector (GC-ECD). METHODS: Epichlorohydrin in the workplace air was collected by activated charcoal tubes, desorbed using acetone, and analyzed by GC-ECD. RESULTS: A good linearity was obtained in the range of 1.0-50 µg/mL (r=0.999 7). The detection limit was 0.012 µg/ml, while the recovery rate was 88.1% and relative standard deviation ranged from 1.11% to 3.57%. The samples could be stored for seven days at room temperature. CONCLUSION: This method effectively eliminates the interferences of alkanes on determination of epichlorohydrin and improves the sensitivity by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude, which can solve the problem of detection limit above standard in GBZ/T 160.58-2004.

Predictors and outcomes of unplanned readmission to a different hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To examine patient, hospital and market factors and outcomes associated with readmission to a different hospital compared with the same hospital. DESIGN: A population-based, secondary analysis using multilevel causal modeling. SETTING: Acute care hospitals in California in the USA. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 509 775 patients aged 50 or older who were discharged alive from acute care hospitals (index hospitalizations), and 59 566 who had a rehospitalization within 30 days following their index discharge. INTERVENTION: No intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Thirty-day unplanned readmissions to a different hospital compared with the same hospital and also the costs and health outcomes of the readmissions. RESULTS: Twenty-one percent of patients with a rehospitalization had a different-hospital readmission. Compared with the same-hospital readmission group, the different-hospital readmission group was more likely to be younger, male and have a lower income. The index hospitals of the different-hospital readmission group were more likely to be smaller, for-profit hospitals, which were also more likely to be located in counties with higher competition. The different-hospital readmission group had higher odds for in-hospital death (8.1 vs. 6.7%; P < 0.0001) and greater readmission hospital costs ($15 671.8 vs. $14 286.4; P < 0.001) than the same-hospital readmission group. CONCLUSIONS: Patient, hospital and market characteristics predicted different-hospital readmissions compared with same-hospital readmissions. Mortality and cost outcomes were worse among patients with different-hospital readmissions. Strategies for better care coordination targeting people at risk for different-hospital readmissions are necessary.

[Determination of 24 metal elements and their compounds in air of workplace by ICP-AES].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for determination of the levels of 24 metal elements and their compounds in the air of workplace by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP- AES). METHODS: Sampling filters were digested by microwave, and diluted to 25 ml. Twenty-four elements (Mg, Ni, K, Mo, Zn, Ca, Ba, Pb, Mn, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Sr, Bi, Tl, Sn, Li, Sb, Zr, In, V, Y, and Be) were simultaneously measured by ICP-AES. RESULTS: The detection limits for 24 elements were 0.001∼0.029 mg/L; liner correlation coefficient r values were all equal to or above 0.9994; the relative standard derivations were less than 5%; the recovery rates were 91.2%∼103.9%; the degradation rates in 7 days were less than 9.7%. CONCLUSION: ICP-AES technique is a simple, rapid, accurate, and reliable method, which can be used to measure 24 metal elements and their compounds in the air of workplace.

Mechanisms underlying the varied mammary carcinogenicity of the environmental pollutant 6-nitrochrysene and its metabolites (-)-[R,R]- and (+)-[S,S]-1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydro-6-nitrochrysene in the rat.

The mechanisms that can account for the remarkable mammary carcinogenicity of the environmental pollutant 6-nitrochrysene (6-NC) in the rat remain elusive. In our previous studies, we identified several 6-NC-derived DNA adducts in the rat mammary gland; one major adduct was derived from (±)-trans-1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydro-6-nitrochrysene (1,2-DHD-6-NC). In the present study, we resolved the racemic (±)-1,2-DHD-6-NC into (-)-[R,R]- and (+)-[S,S]-1,2-DHD-6-NC and compared their in vivo mutagenicity and carcinogenicity in the mammary glands of female transgenic (BigBlue F344 × Sprague-Dawley)F1 rats harboring lacI/cII and Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively. Both [R,R]- and [S,S]-isomers exerted similar mutagenicity and carcinogenicity but were less potent than 6-NC. Additional in vivo and in vitro studies were then performed to explore possible mechanisms that can explain the higher potency of 6-NC than 1,2-DHD-6-NC. Using ELISA, we found that neither 6-NC nor 1,2-DHD-6-NC increased the levels of several inflammatory cytokines in plasma obtained from rats 24 h after treatment. In MCF-7 cells, as determined by immunoblotting, the effects of 6-NC and 1,2-DHD-6-NC on protein expression (p53, Akt, p38, JNK, c-myc, bcl-2, PCNA, and ERß) were comparable; however, the expressions of AhR and ERα proteins were decreased by 6-NC but not 1,2-DHD-6-NC. The expression of both receptors was decreased in mammary tissues of rats treated with 6-NC. Our findings suggest that the differential effects of 6-NC and 1,2-DHD-6-NC on AhR and ERα could potentially account for the higher carcinogenicity of 6-NC in the rat mammary gland.

Stable expression of antibiotic-resistant gene ble from Streptoalloteichus hindustanus in the mitochondria of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

The mitochondrial expression of exogenous antibiotic resistance genes has not been demonstrated successfully to date, which has limited the development of antibiotic resistance genes as selectable markers for mitochondrial site-directed transformation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In this work, the plasmid pBSLPNCB was constructed by inserting the gene ble of Streptoalloteichus hindustanus (Sh ble), encoding a small (14-kilodalton) protective protein into the site between TERMINVREP-Left repeats and the cob gene in a fragment of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of C. reinhardtii. The fusion DNA-construct, which contained TERMINVREP-Left, Sh ble, cob, and partial nd4 sequence, were introduced into the mitochondria of the respiratory deficient dum-1 mutant CC-2654 of C. reinhardtii by biolistic particle delivery system. A large number of transformants were obtained after eight weeks in the dark. Subsequent subculture of the transformants on the selection TAP media containing 3 ìg/mL Zeomycin for 12 months resulted in genetically modified transgenic algae MT-Bs. Sequencing and Southern analyses on the mitochondrial genome of the different MT-B lines revealed that Sh ble gene had been integrated into the mitochondrial genome of C. reinhardtii. Both Western blot, using the anti-BLE monoclonal antibody, and Zeomycin tolerance analysis confirmed the presence of BLE protein in the transgenic algal cells. It indicates that the Sh ble gene can be stably expressed in the mitochondria of C. reinhardtii.

Carnosol, a constituent of Zyflamend, inhibits aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated activation of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 transcription and mutagenesis.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated member of the basic helix-loop-helix family of transcription factors, plays a significant role in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-induced carcinogenesis. In the upper aerodigestive tract of humans, tobacco smoke, a source of PAHs, activates the AhR leading to increased expression of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, which encode proteins that convert PAHs to genotoxic metabolites. Inhibitors of Hsp90 ATPase cause a rapid decrease in levels of AhR, an Hsp90 client protein, and thereby block PAH-mediated induction of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. The main objective of this study was to determine whether Zyflamend, a polyherbal preparation, suppressed PAH-mediated induction of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 and inhibited DNA adduct formation and mutagenesis. We also investigated whether carnosol, one of multiple phenolic antioxidants in Zyflamend, had similar inhibitory effects. Treatment of cell lines derived from oral leukoplakia (MSK-Leuk1) and skin (HaCaT) with benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a prototypic PAH, induced CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 transcription, resulting in enhanced levels of message and protein. Both Zyflamend and carnosol suppressed these effects of B[a]P. Notably, both Zyflamend and carnosol inhibited Hsp90 ATPase activity and caused a rapid reduction in AhR levels. The formation of B[a]P-induced DNA adducts and mutagenesis was also inhibited by Zyflamend and carnosol. Collectively, these results show that Zyflamend and carnosol inhibit Hsp90 ATPase leading to reduced levels of AhR, suppression of B[a]P-mediated induction of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, and inhibition of mutagenesis. Carnosol-mediated inhibition of Hsp90 ATPase activity can help explain the chemopreventive activity of herbs such as Rosemary, which contain this phenolic antioxidant.

Tissue-specific mutagenesis by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine as the basis for urothelial carcinogenesis.

Bladder cancer is one of the few cancers that have been linked to carcinogens in the environment and tobacco smoke. Of the carcinogens tested in mouse chemical carcinogenesis models, N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN) is one that reproducibly causes high-grade, invasive cancers in the urinary bladder, but not in any other tissues. However, the basis for such a high-level tissue-specificity has not been explored. Using mutagenesis in lacI (Big Blue™) mice, we show here that BBN is a potent mutagen and it causes high-level of mutagenesis specifically in the epithelial cells (urothelial) of the urinary bladder. After a 2-6-week treatment of 0.05% BBN in the drinking water, mutagenesis in urothelial cells of male and female mice was about two orders of magnitude greater than the spontaneous mutation background. In contrast, mutagenesis in smooth muscle cells of the urinary bladder was about five times lower than in urothelial tissue. No appreciable increase in mutagenesis was observed in kidney, ureter, liver or forestomach. In lacI (Big Blue™) rats, BBN mutagenesis was also elevated in urothelial cells, albeit not nearly as profoundly as in mice. This provides a potential explanation as to why rats are less prone than mice to the formation of aggressive form of bladder cancer induced by BBN. Our results suggest that the propensity to BBN-triggered mutagenesis of urothelial cells underlies its heightened susceptibility to this carcinogen and that mutagenesis induced by BBN represents a novel model for initiation of bladder carcinogenesis.

Mutagenesis and carcinogenesis induced by dibenzo[a,l]pyrene in the mouse oral cavity: a potential new model for oral cancer.

Cancer of the oral cavity is a serious disease, affecting about 30,000 individuals in US annually. There are several animal models of oral cancer, but each has certain disadvantages. As a new model, we investigated whether topical application of the tobacco smoke carcinogen, dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DB[a,l]P) is mutagenic and carcinogenic in the oral cavity of the B6C3F1 lacI and B6C3F1 mouse, respectively. B6C3F1 lacI mice received DB[a,l]P (0, 3, 6, 12 nmol) 3× per week. B6C3F1 mice received the same doses and also 24 nmol. At 38 weeks mutagenesis was measured in oral tissues in lacI mice. For the high dose group, the mutant fraction (MF) in upper mucosa and tongue increased about twofold relative to that in vehicle-alone. The increases were statistically significant. The mutational profile in the DB[a,l]P-induced mutants was compared with that induced by benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in oral tissue. BaP is mutagenic in many tissues when administered by gavage. The mutational profile for DB[a,l]P was more similar to that reported for p53 mutations in head and neck cancers than was that of BaP. At 47 weeks, oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) were found in 31% of the high-dose B6C3F1 group. Elevations of p53 and COX-2 protein were observed in tumor and dysplastic tissue. As DB[a,l]P induces mutations and tumors in the oral cavity, and has a mutational profile in oral tissue similar to that found in p53 in human OSCC, the treatment protocol described here may represent a new and relevant model for cancer of the oral cavity.

Potentially preventable hospitalizations among older adults with diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: To examine prevalence of and factors associated with different types of potentially preventable hospitalizations (PPHs) among older adults with diabetes. STUDY DESIGN: Population-based secondary analysis. METHODS: We analyzed the California State Inpatient Databases, 2005 to 2006. PPHs for 3 acute and 5 chronic ambulatory care­sensitive conditions relevant for older adults were defined by applying the Prevention Quality Indicator algorithm developed by the Agency for Health Research and Quality. Prevalence and costs of PPHs for acute conditions (acute PPHs) and chronic conditions(chronic PPHs) were examined. Associations of sociodemographic and health-related factors as well as hospitalization history with both types of PPH were estimated. RESULTS: One-fifth of 555,538 hospitalizations of adults 65 years and older with diabetes were PPHs. Of these, 43.7% were acute PPHs and 56.3%were chronic PPHs. The total hospital cost associated with these PPHs was more than$1.1 billion. Having Medi-Cal as the primary payer and hospitalization through the emergency department were positively associated with both types of PPH. Acute PPH rates were lower, but chronic PPH rates were higher, among blacks, patients with multiple chronic conditions, and those with previous admission(s) in the same year. CONCLUSIONS: PPHs for common medical conditions are costly and prevalent among older patients with diabetes, suggesting a need for more comprehensive primary care, beyond glycemic control. The groups at risk for acute and chronic PPHs may differ, which suggests that more targeted and tailored approaches are necessary to reduce the rates of each type of PPH.

Concentration dependent effects of tobacco particulates from different types of cigarettes on expression of drug metabolizing proteins, and benzo(a)pyrene metabolism in primary normal human oral epithelial cells.

The ability of tobacco smoke (TS) to modulate phase I and II enzymes and affect metabolism of tobacco carcinogens is likely an important factor in its carcinogenicity. For the first time several types of TS particulates (TSP) were compared in different primary cultured human oral epithelial cells (NOE) for their abilities to affect metabolism of the tobacco carcinogen, (BaP) to genotoxic products, and expression of drug metabolizing enzymes. TSP from, reference filtered (2RF4), mentholated (MS), reference unfiltered, (IR3), ultra low tar (UL), and cigarettes that primarily heat tobacco (ECL) were tested. Cells pretreated with TSP concentrations of 0.2-10 µg/ml generally showed increased rates of BaP metabolism; those treated with TSP concentrations above 10 µg/ml showed decreased rates. Effects of TSPs were similar when expressed on a weight basis. Weights of TSP/cigarette varied in the order: MS≈IR3>2RF4>ECL>UL. All TSPs induced the phase I proteins, cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and 1B1 (CYP1B1), phase II proteins, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO1), and microsomal glutathione S-transferase 1 (MGST1), and additionally, hydroxysteroid (17-beta) dehydrogenase 2 (HSD17B2), as assessed by qRT-PCR. The pattern of gene induction at probable physiological levels favored activation over detoxification.

Successful expression of heterologous egfp gene in the mitochondria of a photosynthetic eukaryote Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

The efficient expression of exogenous gene in mitochondria of photosynthetic organism has been an insurmountable problem. In this study, the pBsLPNCG was constructed by inserting the egfp gene into a site between TERMINVREP-Left repeats and the cob gene in a fragment of mitochondrial DNA of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CC-124 and introduced into the mitochondria of respiratory deficient dum-1 mutation of C. reinhardtii CC-2654. Sequencing and DNA Southern analyses revealed that egfp gene had been integrated into the mitochondrial genome of transgenic algae as expected and no other copy of egfp existed in their nucleic genome. Both the fluorescence detection and Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of eGFP protein in the transgenic algae; it indicated that the egfp gene was successfully expressed in the mitochondria of C. reinhardtii.

Effects of potential dietary inhibitors of endogenous DNA damage on mutagenesis and lipid peroxidation in lacZ mice.

The effects of a nine month administration of dietary: (1) 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T), (2) N-acetylcysteine (NAC), (3) antioxidant vitamin mix, (vitamin C+E), (4) free radical scavenger, amifostine, and (5) calorie restriction, (CR), on mutagenesis and lipid peroxidation in lung, kidney, spleen and liver of lacZ transgenic mice were examined. These agents/diets were chosen because they might inhibit certain proposed mechanisms of endogenous damage to DNA. The agents were added to a high fat, reduced antioxidant AIN-76 diet, to better approximate a Western style diet than the conventional AIN-76 diet. As the lacZ gene is not expressed, mutations in that gene are neutral, and simply accumulate over time. The mutant fractions in control mice increased about 50-100%. Most of the agents inhibited to various extents the age-related increase in mutagenesis in lung, kidney, and/or spleen, but no inhibition was observed in liver. There was no significant effect of age on lipid peroxidation levels in controls, possibly reflecting steady state turnover of lipid peroxidation products. Almost all of the treatments except D3T inhibited lipid peroxidation in most organs to different degrees. The vitamin C+E mix was the most effective at inhibiting lipid peroxidation, but a single most effective inhibitor of mutagenesis could not be discerned. Some associations were observed between the reduction in lipid peroxidation and the inhibition of mutagenesis. The results are consistent with a partial role for oxidative stress in the age-related increase in mutagenesis. These observations may have implications for chemoprevention of carcinogenesis.

Novel regulator MphX represses activation of phenol hydroxylase genes caused by a XylR/DmpR-type regulator MphR in Acinetobacter calcoaceticus.

Acinetobacter calcoaceticus PHEA-2 utilizes phenol as its sole carbon and energy source and has a multi-component phenol hydroxylase-encoding gene operon (mphKLMNOP) for phenol degradation. Two additional genes, mphR and mphX, were found upstream and downstream of mphKLMNOP, respectively. The mphR gene encodes a XylR/DmpR-type regulator-like protein and is transcribed in the opposite direction to mphKLMNOP. The mphX gene is transcribed in the same direction as mphKLMNOP and encodes a protein with 293 amino acid residues showing weak identity with some unknown proteins encoded in the meta-cleavage pathway gene clusters for aromatic compound degradation. Disruption of mphR by homologous recombination resulted in the loss of phenol degradation while disruption of mphX caused significantly faster phenol degradation than in the wild type strain. Transcriptional assays for mphK, mphR, and mphX revealed that mphR activated mphKLMNOP transcription in the presence of phenol, but mphX partially repressed this activation. Gel mobility-shift assay demonstrated a direct interaction of MphR with the mphK promoter region. These results indicate the involvement of a novel repressor protein MphX in transcriptional regulation of phenol hydroxylase genes caused by a XylR/DmpR-type regulator MphR.

Scheduled and unscheduled hospital readmissions among patients with diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: To describe rates of scheduled and unscheduled readmissions among midlife and older patients with diabetes and to examine associated socioeconomic and clinical factors. STUDY DESIGN: Population-based data set study. METHODS: Using the 2006 California State Inpatient Dataset, we identified 124,967 patients 50 years or older with diabetes who were discharged from acute care hospitals between April and September 2006 and examined readmissions in the 3 months following their index hospitalizations. RESULTS: About 26.3% of patients were readmitted within the 3-month period following their index hospitalizations, 87.2% of which were unscheduled readmissions. Patients with unscheduled readmissions were more likely to have a higher comorbidity burden, be members of racial/ethnic minority groups with public insurance, and live in lower-income neighborhoods. Having a history of hospitalization in the 3 months preceding the index hospitalization was also a strong predictor of unscheduled readmissions. Almost one-fifth of unscheduled readmissions (constituting approximately 27,500 inpatient days and costing almost $72.7 million) were potentially preventable based on definitions of Prevention Quality Indicators by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Scheduled readmissions were less likely to occur among patients 80 years or older, the uninsured, and those with an unscheduled index hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: The predictors of scheduled and unscheduled readmissions are different. Transition care to prevent unscheduled readmissions in acutely ill patients with diabetes may help reduce rates, improving care. Further studies are needed on potential disparities in scheduled readmissions.

irrE, an exogenous gene from Deinococcus radiodurans, improves the growth of and ethanol production by a Zymomonas mobilis strain under ethanol and acid stress.

During ethanol fermentation, bacterial strains may encounter various stresses, such as ethanol and acid shock, which adversely affect cell viability and the production of ethanol. Therefore, ethanologenic strains that tolerate abiotic stresses are highly desirable. Bacteria of the genus Deinococcus are extremely resistant to ionizing radiation, ultraviolet light, and desiccation, and therefore constitute an important pool of extreme resistance genes. The irrE gene encodes a general switch responsible for the extreme radioresistance of D. radiodurans. Here, we present evidence that IrrE acting as a global regulator confers high stress tolerance to a Zymomonas mobilis strain. Expression of the gene protected Z. mobilis cells against ethanol, acid, osmotic, and thermal shock. It also markedly improved cell viability, the expression levels and enzyme activities of pyruvate decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase, and the production of ethanol under both ethanol and acid stress. These data suggest that irrE is a potentially promising gene for improving the abiotic stress tolerance of ethanologenic bacterial strains.