Magnetic hydrogel particles improve nanopore sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses.

Presented here is a magnetic hydrogel particle enabled workflow for capturing and concentrating SARS-CoV-2 from diagnostic remnant swab samples that significantly improves sequencing results using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION sequencing platform. Our approach utilizes a novel affinity-based magnetic hydrogel particle, circumventing low input sample volumes and allowing for both rapid manual and automated high throughput workflows that are compatible with Nanopore sequencing. This approach enhances standard RNA extraction protocols, providing up to 40 × improvements in viral mapped reads, and improves sequencing coverage by 20-80% from lower titer diagnostic remnant samples. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this approach works for contrived influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus samples, suggesting that it can be used to identify and improve sequencing results of multiple viruses in VTM samples. These methods can be performed manually or on a KingFisher automation platform.

Cyclometalated platinum(ii) complexes of 2,2'-bipyridine N-oxide containing a 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene ligand: structural, computational and electrochemical studies.

The preparation and characterization of new heteronuclear-platinum(ii) complexes containing a 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf) ligand are described. The reaction of the known starting complex [PtMe(κ2N,C-bipyO-H)(SMe2)], A, in which bipyO-H is a cyclometalated rollover 2,2'-bipyridine N-oxide, with the dppf ligand in a 2 : 1 ratio or an equimolar ratio led to the formation of the corresponding binuclear complex [Pt2Me2(κ2N,C-bipyO-H)2(µ-dppf)], 1, or the mononuclear complex [PtMe(κ1C-bipyO-H)(dppf)], 2, respectively. According to the reaction conditions, the dppf ligand in 1 and 2 behaves as either a bridging or chelating ligand. All complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy. The solid-state structure of 2 was determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method and it was shown that the chelating dppf ligand in this complex was arranged in a "synclinal-staggered" conformation. Also, the occurrence of intermolecular C-HCpObipyO-H interactions in the solid-state gave rise to an extended 1-D network. The electronic absorption spectra and the electrochemical behavior of these complexes are discussed. Density functional theory (DFT) was used for geometry optimization of the singlet states in solution and for electronic structure calculations. The analysis of the molecular orbital (MO) compositions in terms of occupied and unoccupied fragment orbitals in 2 was performed.

Monsoon and primary acute angle closure in malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: Acute angle closure (AAC) without prompt treatment may lead to optic neuropathy. Environmental factor such as climate change may precipitate pupillary block, the possible mechanism of AAC. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of northeast monsoon and incidence of AAC in Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on AAC patients admitted to two main tertiary hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia between January 2001 and December 2011. The cumulative number of rainy day, amount of rain, mean cloud cover and 24 hours mean humidity at the estimated day of attack were obtained from the Department of Meteorology, Malaysia. RESULTS: A total 73 cases of AAC were admitted with mean duration of 4.1SD 2.0 days. More than half have previous history of possibility of AAC. There was higher incidence of AAC during the northeast monsoon (October to March). There was also significant correlation of number of rainy day (r=0.718, p<0.001), amount of rain (r=0.587, p<0.001), cloud cover (r=0.637, p<0.001), mean daily global radiation (r=- 0.596, P<0.001), 24 hours mean temperature (r=-0.298, p=0.015) and 24 hours mean humidity (r=0.508, p<0.001) with cumulative number of admission for AAC for 12 calendar months. CONCLUSION: Higher incidence of AAC during northeast monsoon suggested the effect of climate as the potential risk factor. Prompt treatment to arrest pupillary block and reduction of the intraocular pressure is important to prevent potential glaucomatous damage. Public awareness of AAC and accessibility to treatment should be part of preparation to face the effect of northeast monsoon.

Direct short-term cytotoxic effects of BIBR 1532 on acute promyelocytic leukemia cells through induction of p21 coupled with downregulation of c-Myc and hTERT transcription.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by specific t(15;17), distinct morphologic picture, and clinical coagulopathy that contribute to the morbidity and mortality of the disease. This study aims to investigate the effects of antitelomerase compound BIBR1532 on APL cells (NB4). BIBR 1532 exerts a direct short-term growth suppressive effect in a concentration-dependent manner probably through downregulation of c-Myc and hTERT expression. Our results also suggest that induction of p21 and subsequent disturbance of Bax/Bcl-2 balanced ratio as well as decreased telomerase activity may be rational mechanisms for the potent/direct short-term cytotoxicity of high doses of BIBR1532 against NB4 cells.

Perioperative Pain Relief by Thoracic Paravertebral Block for Wide Excision of Chest Wall Mass.

Paravertebral block is an appropriate method for intraoperative and postoperative pain relief in hemithorax operations .Effectiveness of this type of pain management have already been shown in breast surgery .Its effect on controlling chest wall pain is clear and remarkable. In our case despite of wide extension of lesion and penetration of ulcer to the deep part of thorax after excision, the patient had a very comfortable and painless recovery.

Application of rye green manure in wheat rotation system alters soil water content and chemical characteristics under dryland condition in Maragheh.

This study was carried out with or without rye green manure along with 4 nitrogen fertilization treatments (0, 26, 103 and 337 (kg N ha(-1)) in 3 rotation system (green manure-wheat). Results showed that, although treatment effects on dryland wheat grain yield was not significant, but maximum grain yield (2484 kg ha(-1)) was obtained from application of rye green manure along with 26 kg N ha(-1); which is 22% more than check (without rye green manure) treatment. Green manure application with or without nitrogen increased EC (dS m(-1)), but decreased OC, P (av.), Cu (av.), Mn (av.), Zn (av.) and sand in the soil. In contrast to green manure, application of nitrogen along with green manure increased saturation and clay. In the stage of stem appearance, soil moisture content decreased 8% in green-manure application but with nitrogen application the moisture increased 6% compared with check in 0-20 cm depth. It can be concluded that, green manure application is useful along with nitrogen fertilizer application in long term. This treatment could increase soil moisture content, which leads to higher wheat grain yield in dryland areas. In addition, green manure application could change some soil characteristics such as soil TNV%, which decreases availability of some essential nutrients for dryland wheat.

A comparison of abused and non-abused women's definitions of domestic violence and attitudes to acceptance of male dominance.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of women's subjective definitions of wife abuse and of their general attitudes to acceptance of male dominance on the occurrence of domestic violence. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control survey was conducted in the public health center of Babol University of Medical Sciences from November 2002 to October 2003. The Abuse Assessment Screen Form was used to identify partner violence, and the Abuse Definition Form and Abuse Attitude Form were applied to measure how the women defined wife abuse and their attitudes to male dominance. RESULTS: Women with positive attitudes to male dominance had experienced more physical and emotional abuse than those with negative attitudes toward male dominance (p < 0.05). Although living in villages, low level of education, female unemployment, and low family income were important risk factors for domestic violence, the strongest predictor of physical abuse was a positive attitude to male dominance. DISCUSSION: A positive attitude of women to male dominance increases the acceptance and frequency of partner violence. This finding shows the need to raise the educational levels of women and raise their awareness of their rights. This could convert an attitude of male dominance to equality of men and women.

Prevalence and determinants of intimate partner violence in Babol City, Islamic Republic of Iran.

To determine the prevalence and determinants of intimate partner violence, 2400 married women attending public clinics in Babol, Islamic Republic of Iran, were screened for domestic violence. Overall, 15.0% of women had suffered physical abuse from their husbands in the previous year, 42.4% sexual abuse and 81.5% various degrees of psychological abuse. A significant association with intimate partner violence was found for women with low income, age < or = 20 years, unemployed, low education, non-pregnant and non-houseowners. There was no significant relationship between violence and parity or length of marriage. On multivariate regression, the strongest predictor of physical abuse was unemployment of the woman, whereas for psychological and sexual abuse it was rural residence. Empowering women through promoting employment and improving education may reduce the risk of intimate partner violence.

Prevalence and determinants of intimate partner violence in Babol city, Islamic Republic of Iran

To determine the prevalence and determinants of intimate partner violence, 2400 married women attending public clinics in Babol, Islamic Republic of Iran, were screened for domestic violence. Overall, 15.0% of women had suffered physical abuse from their husbands in the previous year, 42.4% sexual abuse and 81.5% various degrees of psychological abuse. A significant association with intimate partner violence was found for women with low income, age </= 20 years, unemployed, low education, non-pregnant and non-houseowners. There was no significant relationship between violence and parity or length of marriage. On multivariate regression, the strongest predictor of physical abuse was unemployment of the woman, whereas for psychological and sexual abuse it was rural residence. Empowering women through promoting employment and improving education may reduce the risk of intimate partner violence

[Value of color duplex ultrasound in diagnosis of insufficiency of perforant veins. A prospective study of 94 patients]. / Wertigkeit der Farb-Duplex-Sonographie in der Diagnose insuffizienter Vv. perforantes. Eine prospektive Untersuchung an 94 Patienten.

Using colour coded duplex sonography in pre-operative diagnosis of insufficient perforant veins we succeeded in accomplishing a close correspondence between diagnostic methods and intraoperative findings. We examined 94 patients suffering from primary varicosis by duplex sonography and found 334 perforant veins in total, i.e. 2.4 per leg, which we marked with special ink. Nearly 50% of the patients had also been examined by phlebography, which was evaluated by the vascular surgeons only. One third of the phlebographies were not satisfactory. The vascular surgeon evaluated the accuracy of perforant veins marked by duplex sonography with 95.8%, whereas the sufficient phlebographies only reached an accuracy of 65%. The insufficient phlebographies showed only 16% of the duplex-sonographically marked perforant veins. The confluence of the insufficient minor saphenous vein with the popliteal vein corresponded in all of the 22 cases with the sonographic findings. The colour coded duplex sonography enables the vascular surgeon to localize the insufficient perforant veins exactly and also provides for minimal tissue damage, which means a relevant decrease of postoperative pain.