Retinoic acid related orphan receptor α is a genetic modifier that rescues retinal degeneration in a mouse model of Stargardt disease and Dry AMD.

Degeneration of the macula is associated with several overlapping diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Stargardt Disease (STGD). Mutations in ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily A Member 4 (ABCA4) are associated with late-onset dry AMD and early-onset STGD. Additionally, both forms of macular degeneration exhibit deposition of subretinal material and photoreceptor degeneration. Retinoic acid related orphan receptor α (RORA) regulates the AMD inflammation pathway that includes ABCA4, CD59, C3 and C5. In this translational study, we examined the efficacy of RORA at attenuating retinal degeneration and improving the inflammatory response in Abca4 knockout (Abca4-/-) mice. AAV5-hRORA-treated mice showed reduced deposits, restored CD59 expression and attenuated amyloid precursor protein (APP) expression compared with untreated eyes. This molecular rescue correlated with statistically significant improvement in photoreceptor function. This is the first study evaluating the impact of RORA modifier gene therapy on rescuing retinal degeneration. Our studies demonstrate efficacy of RORA in improving STGD and dry AMD-like disease.

GaAs quantum dots in a GaP nanowire photodetector.

We report the structural, optical and electrical properties of GaAs quantum dots (QDs) embedded along GaP nanowires. The GaP nanowires contained p-i-n junctions with 15 consecutively grown GaAs QDs within the intrinsic region. The nanowires were grown by molecular beam epitaxy using the self-assisted vapor-liquid-solid process. The crystal structure of the NWs alternated between twinned ZB and WZ as the composition along the NW alternated between the GaP barriers and the GaAs QDs, respectively, leading to a polytypic structure with a periodic modulation of the NW sidewall facets. Photodetector devices containing QDs showed absorption beyond the bandgap of GaP in comparison to nanowires without QDs. Voltage-dependent measurements suggested a field emission process of carriers from the QDs.

Simultaneous immunochemical detection of four banned antibiotic growth promoters in raw and cooked poultry tissue.

Spiramycin, tylosin, bacitracin and virginiamycin are among a group of antibiotic growth promoters that have been banned in the European Union since the 1999 Council. This was due to concerns over the development of resistant bacteria emerging between humans and animals with the threat of antibiotics no longer being able to be used effectively to treat human infections. A sensitive and fast immunochemical method is presented for the determination of these four antibiotic growth promoters simultaneously in poultry tissue. The method employs methanol extraction followed by sample clean-up by solid-phase extraction (SPE) with determination by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA). The limit of detection (LOD) was less than 1 ng g(-1) and the detection capability (CCß) was 3 ng g(-1) or less for all four antibiotic growth promoters. Validation was completed with both raw and cooked chicken, therefore either matrix could be used for the monitoring of these banned drugs. In a feeding trial no residues of either bacitracin or virginiamycin were found in medicated birds even without a withdrawal period. In the case of tylosin and spiramycin much higher residues level were detected immunochemically than was the case by mass spectrometry.

The effect of repeated ethylene oxide sterilization on the mechanical strength of synthetic absorbable sutures.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of repeated ethylene oxide sterilization using a standard clinical protocol on sutures, a type of medical device labeled for single use and reported to be reprocessed for use after being opened but not used. Four types of commonly used synthetic absorbable sutures were subjected to 1 and 2 ethylene oxide resterilization cycles. Knot tensile strength was determined for new sutures and for sutures that had been subjected to 1 and 2 ethylene oxide resterilization cycles. As has been found with other types of single-use devices, no general conclusions can be made for absorbable sutures. The strengths of different types of sutures increased, decreased, or stayed the same after repeated sterilization. In addition, the inner packages of some sutures were not intact after reprocessing, possibly exposing the sutures to increased humidity, which can produce degradation leading to loss of strength both immediately and after additional shelf aging and degraded performance after clinical use.

Multi-centre research surveillance project to reduce infections/phlebitis associated with peripheral vascular catheters.

A surveillance project was undertaken on 37 surgical wards by infection control nurses with the aim of reducing phlebitis/infections associated with peripheral vascular catheters, and to identify risk factors. Data on 2934 catheters in situ longer than 24h was collected in two separate surveillance periods and results were fed back after each surveillance period. Four significant risk factors were identified; what the catheters were used for, the duration the catheters were in situ, the surveillance period (the first surveillance period had a higher phlebitis rate than the second) and whether an infusion pump was used. Logistic regression analysis showed that each of these had a significant effect after adjusting for the effects of the other three factors.

Control of an outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus infection in immunocompromised adults.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is increasingly recognized as an important pathogen in immunocompromised adults, particularly those receiving bone marrow transplants, and, given the ease with which it spreads, represents a significant nosocomial problem. We describe an outbreak of RSV infection involving eight patients on a haematology/oncology ward which was controlled by early screening of patients and staff. Positive patients were cohort nursed on a separate ward and basic infection control measures including use of gowns and gloves were enforced. Children under age 12 were denied ward access. All patients with lower respiratory tract infection, and bone marrow transplant recipients with upper respiratory symptoms, were treated with nebulized ribavirin. There were no deaths. We conclude that awareness of the risk of RSV infection in immunocompromised patients coupled with rapid diagnosis and treatment, screening of symptomatic patients and staff, cohort nursing of cases and basic infection control procedures can prevent spread of RSV infection and reduce morbidity.

An outbreak of Serratia marcescens in two neonatal intensive care units.

Outbreaks of infection in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) due to Serratia marcescens are well recognized. In some outbreaks no point source has been found, whereas in others cross-infection has been associated with contaminated ventilator equipment, disinfectants, hands and breast pumps. We report an outbreak due to S. marcescens that involved two geographically distinct NICUs. The outbreak occurred over a six week period; 17 babies were colonized, 12 at Glasgow Royal Maternity Hospital (GRMH) and five at the Queen Mothers Hospital (QMH). At GRMH three babies developed septicaemia, of whom two died. The outbreak isolates were of the same serotype and phage type and were indistinguishable on the basis of restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. During the outbreak, two babies shown consistently to be negative on screening, were transferred between the two units. In addition, two members of medical staff attended both units. In QMH no means of cross infection was identified. However, in GRMH the outbreak strain of S. marcescens was isolated from a laryngoscope blade and a sample of expressed breast milk.

Patient problems and evaluation of patient discharge education after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGS) patients who have a routine postoperative course are now being discharged as early as the fourth postoperative day. This descriptive and comparative study explored the postoperative problems experienced by CABGS patients after discharge from hospital and evaluated the patient discharge education program. No correlations were found between the length of hospital stay and the following factors: number and type of problems/concerns; whether patients felt ready to leave hospital on the discharge day; whether patients felt they were coping after discharge, and the number of and reasons for readmission to hospital after discharge. Continual review of the patient education program is recommended and further research into the discharge needs of rural patients is required.