Antibody depletion was scheduled according to baseline anti-ABO a

Antibody depletion was scheduled according to baseline anti-ABO antibody titer (tube IAT method: median 1:128, range 1:8 to 1:4096). Patient and graft survival for the 37 ABOi recipients was 100% after a median 26 months (interquartile range [IQR] 18-32). Eight rejection episodes (two antibody-mediated and six cellular) in ABOi recipients were successfully treated with biopsy-proven resolution. Latest median eGFR is 50 mL/min x 1.73 m2 (IQR 40-64) for ABOi patients

and 54 mL/min x 1.73 m2 (IQR 44-66) in the ABOc patients (p = 0.25). We conclude that ABOi transplantation can be performed successfully learn more with perioperative antibody removal and conventional immunosuppression. This suggests that access to ABOi transplantation can include a broader range of end-stage kidney disease patients.”
“Background: Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a rare hereditary arrhythmia.

The onset of clinical symptoms usually occurs during childhood, and is typically related to exercise. The aim of our study was to describe the clinical characteristics of seven Czech families with CPVT and the results of mutational analysis of the RyR2 gene in these families. Methods: The subjects and their relatives were investigated at the participating departments. They underwent basic clinical investigation, and history was focused on possible CPVT symptoms, that is, syncopes during exercise. Bicycle ergometry was performed to obtain electrocardiogram recording during adrenergic stimulation. In all the investigated individuals, blood samples were taken for mutation analysis

selleck of the RyR2 gene. Results: To date, seven families have been investigated, comprising 11 adults and 13 children. In seven CPVT patients, the indication for examination was syncope during exercise. Diagnosis HSP990 purchase was confirmed by bicycle ergometry-induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. In one relative, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia was also induced. All eight affected individuals were treated with beta-blockers and in two, a cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted due to recurrent syncopi. Coding variants of the RyR2 gene were found in four probands. Conclusions: This is a systematic description of CPVT families in the Czech Republic. Our data support the importance of exercise testing for the diagnosis of CPVT. In addition, RyR2 gene coding variants were found in 50% of affected individuals. (PACE 2012;15)”
“Gliosarcoma is a rare, malignant, biphasic brain tumor formed by both glioblastoma and sarcomatous components. Various lines of differentiation are described in the latter component, but most commonly fibrosarcomatous and pleomophic sarcoma are present. Osteosarcomatous features are exceedingly rare.

We report a case of gliosarcoma with osteosarcomatous features in a 33-year-old woman.

Histologically, the sarcomatous portion displayed a typical pattern of fibrosarcoma associated with areas of osteoid formation.

Each step of the nephrectomy was also timed and instrument clashi

Each step of the nephrectomy was also timed and instrument clashing was quantified.

Results: Scores for each parameter on the Likert scale were significantly lower for MAGS-LESS nephrectomy. Mean number of internal and external Ferroptosis inhibitor drugs clashes were significantly lower for the MAGS camera (p < 0.001). Mean task times for each procedure were shorter for experts than for novices, but this was not statistically significant. NASA-TLX workload ratings by the surgeon and camera driver showed that MAGS resulted in a significantly lower workload than the conventional laparoscope during LESS nephrectomy (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The use of the MAGS camera during LESS

nephrectomy lowers the task workload for both the surgeon and camera driver when compared to conventional laparoscope use. Subjectively, it appears to also improve surgeons’ impressions of ergonomics and technical challenge. Pending approval for clinical use, further evaluation in the clinical setting is warranted.”
“We present three extremely rare cases of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma

occurring in pregnancy. The patients developed progressive paralysis of the upper and lower limbs and the diagnoses were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Urgent decompression is required to prevent neurological sequelae. The pregnancy may either be continued or delivered depending on the gestational age and severity of the disorder. Pregnancy-induced structural changes of the vascular walls and hemodynamic changes may play a role in the pathogenesis of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma.”
“Cryopreserved find protocol boar sperm is not used extensively for artificial insemination, owing to the poor fertility rates of the sperm after freezing and thawing.

The sperm membrane is damaged as the cells are cooled from body temperature to 5 degrees C (cold shock), as well as during the freezethaw process. Increasing the cholesterol content of boar sperm membranes could SC79 research buy help them survive cryopreservation, similar to sperm from other species that are cold shock sensitive. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) concentration to use for boar sperm cryopreservation, and the influence of CLCs on the cryosurvival of sperm from boars classified as good or poor freezers. Treating boar sperm with 1 mg of CLC/120 x 10(6)sperm slightly improved (p < 0.05) the percentage of viable sperm after freezingthawing. On the other hand, sperm, from both good and poor freezers, responded similarly to CLC treatment. Nevertheless, additional studies will be needed to study the effect of this treatment on other parameters of sperm quality.”
“Background: Prior statin treatment and high admission cholesterol have been associated with favorable outcome after ischemic stroke (IS), a paradox not completely explained.

Methods: An implant-related infection model was created using met

Methods: An implant-related infection model was created using methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus,aureus (MRSA) in forty-eight rats and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in another forty-eight rats. Each group was divided into four subgroups; one subgroup received a bacterium-specific bacteriophage (Sb-1 in the MRSA group and PAT14 in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa group), one received antibiotic for fourteen days (20 mg/kg/day teicoplanin in the MRSA group, and 120 mg/kg/day imipenem + cilastatin and 25 mg/kg/day amikacin in the Pseudomonas group), one received antibiotic and bacteriophage, and one received no treatment. Animals receiving bacteriophage therapy were injected locally with

10(7) bacteriophages in a 0.1-mL selleckchem suspension on three consecutive days. All animals were killed on the fifteenth day HIF inhibitor after initiation of treatment, and the tibia was excised. Results were assessed

with use of microbiology, light microscopy, and electron microscopy.

Results: In the MRSA group, the antibiotic administration significantly decreased the number of colony-forming units per subject in quantitative cultures (control subgroup, 50,586; bacteriophage, 30,788; antibiotic, 17,165; antibiotic + bacteriophage, 5000; p = 0.004 for the comparison of the latter group with the control). Biofilm was absent only in the antibiotic + bacteriophage subgroup. In the Pseudomonas group, the number of colony-forming units per subject in quantitative cultures was significantly lower in each treatment subgroup compared with the control subgroup (control subgroup, 14,749; bacteriophage, 6484 [p = 0.016]; antibiotic, 2619 [p = 0.01]; antibiotic + bacteriophage, 1705 [p < 0.001]).

The value in the antibiotic + bacteriophage subgroup was also significantly lower than the values in the other subgroups (p = 0.006). Biofilm thickness did not differ significantly among the subgroups in the Pseudomonas group.

Conclusions: The addition of bacteriophage treatment to an appropriate antibiotic regimen helped to dissolve the biofilm of both types of bacteria studied. This effect on MRSA was more pronounced than that on Pseudomonas aeruginosa.”
“Background : The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in cytologic findings between conventional AZD6244 chemical structure preparation (CP) and SurePathTM liquid-based preparation (LBP) in thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA). Methods : We analyzed cytological features on a total of 182 thyroid FNAs (83 CP and 99 LBP) that were histologically confirmed as nodular hyperplasia (NH) or papillary carcinoma (PAC). Results : LBP was superior in cellular preservation and cellularity than CP. Interestingly, in LBP, cellularity of NH was similarly high compared to that of PAC. The three-dimensional pattern was more prominent in LBP than in CP. The presence of follicle structures was more frequently found in LBP than in CP in the PAC group. Dispersed single cells in the background were more prominent in LBP than in CP.


“Uremic pruritus remains one of the most frustrating and p


“Uremic pruritus remains one of the most frustrating and potentially disabling

symptoms in patients with end-stage ACY-241 renal disease. It affects up to 90% of patients on dialysis. Several hypotheses have been postulated for the possible underlying etiology, but none is conclusive. Aside from kidney transplantation, which is the only definitive treatment, therapeutic approaches have largely been empirical, and no firm evidence-based treatments are available. The main goal of therapy remains to minimize the severity of pruritus and improve the quality of life especially among those who are not transplantation candidates or are waiting for surgery.”
“Background: The Ponseti technique is well established in the management of clubfoot deformity, and an Achilles tenotomy is frequently performed to facilitate dorsiflexion of the foot. This report describes the ultrasonographic phases of healing of the tendon gap created by the Achilles tenotomy and how the healing varies, if at all, with patient age.

Methods: A prospective ultrasonographic study of gap healing following a Ponseti-type tenotomy in twenty-seven tendons in twenty patients with idiopathic congenital clubfoot was performed. buy Poziotinib Serial ultrasound examinations (both static and dynamic) were performed at three, six, and twelve weeks after the tenotomy. The casts were removed routinely three weeks after the tenotomy. The end point of healing was defined

as the observation of tendon homogeneity across the gap zone on ultrasound, with the divided tendon ends being indistinct.

Results: Three phases of healing were apparent on ultrasound assessment at three, six, and twelve weeks after

the tenotomy. These sequential phases are similar to those previously Napabucasin supplier described in the healing of tendons with no gap. The transition to normal structure was frequently demonstrated by ultrasonography only at twelve weeks (in thirteen of twenty-one tendons).

Conclusions: Although there is evidence of continuity of the Achilles tendon by three weeks after tenotomy, healing is not complete until at least twelve weeks. The time needed for the tendon to completely heal should be taken into consideration before a revision Achilles tenotomy is planned.”
“Introduction: Serum concentrations of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) influence ionic currents and play an important role in the duration of ventricular action potential. Further, the influence of alkalosis in reducing ionized calcium has been well known for a long time. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of different dialysate electrolytes and bicarbonate concentrations on changes of QTc interval in patients on chronic hemodialysis.

Methods: The study hemodialysis sessions were performed in 22 patients, with different electrolyte and bicarbonate concentrations in dialysate. Tested dialysate concentrations were K of 2 and 3 mmol/L; Ca 1.

In the evaluated study, the LPI GPR55 system in adipose tissue wa

In the evaluated study, the LPI GPR55 system in adipose tissue was examined. GPR55 is expressed in white adipose tissue and its expression is higher in visceral than in subcutaneous fat. GPR55 expression is higher in obese than in lean subjects, and in the obese group is greater in diabetic than in nondiabetic patients. In addition, plasma LPI concentration is increased in obese individuals. In vitro, LPI increases intracellular Ca2+ concentration and stimulates the expression of PPAR-gamma and genes involved in fatty acid synthesis. In contrast to human

selleck chemicals llc adipocytes, LPI has no effect on triglyceride accumulation in rodent adipocytes and adipose tissue GPR55 expression is downregulated in both leptin-deficient mice and rats made obese by a high-fat diet, indicating that the role of GPR55 in adipose tissue is species specific.”
“Above-ground pipelires for in situ oil sands development are potentially significant vectors of habitat fragmentation for large mammals. We evaluated the use of elevated pipeline clearances (distance between the ground and the bottom of the pipeline) and pipeline ZD1839 datasheet crossing structures, I:he two primary methods of mitigating the barrier effect of above-ground pipelines on large mammals, with a particular

emphasis on moose (Alces alces), in northern Alberta, Canada. Winter snow tracking and remote cameras were employed for one year to monitor large mammal interactions with a 5.5 km stretch of pipeline mitigated with five pipeline crossing structures and a 1.6 km control area of unmitigated pipeline. A minimum threshold pipeline clearance of 140 cm was critical in allowing adult moose to cross underneath www.selleckchem.com/products/dmh1.html the pipeline. Pipeline crossing structures facilitated movement across the pipeline and were used more than sections of elevated pipelines by all species.

(C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“After endosymbiosis, organelles lost most of their initial genome. Moreover, expression of the few remaining genes became tightly controlled by the nucleus through trans-acting protein factors that are required for post-transcriptional expression (maturation/stability or translation) of a single (or a few) specific organelle target mRNA(s). Here, we characterize the nucleus-encoded TDA1 factor, which is specifically required for translation of the chloroplast atpA transcript that encodes subunit a of ATP synthase in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The sequence of TDA1 contains eight copies of a degenerate 38-residue motif, that we named octotrico peptide repeat (OPR), which has been previously described in a few other trans-acting factors targeted to the C. reinhardtii chloroplast. Interestingly, a proportion of the untranslated atpA transcripts are sequestered into high-density, non-polysomic, ribonucleoprotein complexes.

Men presented with higher Hcy levels than women in the MS group;

Men presented with higher Hcy levels than women in the MS group; however, age, disease subtype, disease duration, relapse rate, and Expanded Disability Status Scale score/Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score did

not significantly affect Hcy levels in MS patients.

Conclusion: The preliminary data suggest that Hcy levels were not elevated in our sample of Greek MS patients, which does not support previous findings of a significant correlation between elevated serum Hcy levels and MS. Further studies to establish a possible association between MS and Hcy levels in the context of different ethnic groups with different habits are needed. Copyright (C) 2013 Elsevier Taiwan LLC APR-246 and the Chinese Medical Association. All rights reserved.”
“Slow coronary flow (SCF) phenomenon is a coronary microvascular disorder characterized

by the delayed passage of contrast in the absence of obstructive epicardial coronary disease, and is an important clinical entity because it may be the cause of precordial pain when the body is at rest and/or during exercise. Although clinical and pathological features of SCF have been previously described, its etiopathogenesis remains unclear. The present study aims to investigate the risk factors of slow coronary flow, in order to provide the foundation for further exploration of potential mechanisms of SCF. A total of 47 consecutive patients with documented PND-1186 Angiogenesis inhibitor slow coronary flow, and 33 patients with normal coronary flow-as defined by TIMI frame count (TFC)-were recruited for this study. Clinical

information was collected, and biochemical indicators including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and a marker of systemic inflammation were Blebbistatin purchase detected. Logistic regression analysis was performed for statistical analysis. SCF patients had a higher level of serum uric acid (323.2 +/- 79.3 vs. 282.8 +/- 82.4 mu mol/l, p = 0.03), 2-h postprandial blood glucose (8.6 +/- 2.7 vs. 7.5 +/- 1.8 mmol/l, p = 0.04), platelet count (165.9 +/- 51.6 x 10(3) vs. 127.0 +/- 32.0 x 10(3) cells/mu l, p = 0.0003) and hs-CRP (3.4 +/- 0.8 vs. 2.0 +/- 0.9 mg/l, p < 0.0001) than those of patients in the control group. No marked differences in other variables were observed between the two groups. Logistic regression showed serum uric acid level (chi(2) = 3.84, beta = 0.007, p = 0.049), 2-h postprandial blood glucose (chi(2) = 5.02, beta = 0.277, p = 0.025) and blood platelet count (chi(2) = 12.16, beta = 0.026, p = 0.001) were independent predictors of SCF. When hs-CRP was included in the multivariate model, hs-CRP (chi(2) = 21.19, beta = 1.90, p < 0.0001) was the only independent predictor of SCF. These findings suggested that an elevation of serum uric acid level, 2-h postprandial blood glucose, and blood platelet count might be the causes of SCF, and inflammation was likely to be implicated in the causal pathway leading to SCF.

Methods: Computed tomographic (CT) scans from all

Methods: Computed tomographic (CT) scans from all CX-6258 price patients with a diagnosis of a mandible fracture in the University of Michigan trauma registry and with a hospital admission

were collected from the years 2004 to 2011. Automated, high-throughput CT analysis was used to reconstruct the anatomy and quantify morphomic values (temporalis volume, area and thickness, and zygomatic thickness) in these patients using MATLAB v13.0 (MathWorks Inc, Natick, MA, USA). Subsequently, a subset of 16 individuals with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 14 or 15 was analyzed to control for brain injury. Clinical data were obtained, and the association between morphomic measurements and clinical outcomes was evaluated using Pearson correlation for unadjusted analysis and multiple regression for adjusted analysis.

Results: The mean age of patients in the study was 47.1 years. Unadjusted analysis using Pearson correlation revealed that decreases in zygomatic bone thickness correlated strongly with increases in hospital, intensive care unit, and ventilator days (P G 0.0001, P = 0.0003, and P = 0.0017, respectively). Furthermore, we found that decreases in temporalis mean thickness correlated with increases in

hospital and ventilator days (P = 0.0264 and P = 0.0306, respectively). Similarly, decreases in temporalis local mean thickness are significantly correlated with increases in hospital and ventilator days (P = 0.0232 and P = 0.0472, respectively).

Conclusions: Decreased thicknesses BVD-523 cost of the zygomatic bone and temporalis muscle are significantly correlated with higher hospital, ventilator, I-BET-762 purchase and intensive care unit days in patients with mandibular fracture receiving reconstructive operations. This morphomic methodology provides an accurate, quantitative means to evaluate craniofacial trauma patient frailty, injury, and outcomes using routinely obtained CT scans. In

the future, we plan to apply this approach to determine preoperative risk stratification and assist in surgical planning.”
“Cor triatriatum sinister is a rare congenital heart defect related to incomplete common pulmonary vein resorption into the primitive heart. This lesion usually presents with pulmonary venous obstruction and can occur in association with left-sided obstructive lesions such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). In the context of HLHS, the presence of cor triatriatum sinister carries additional surgical and prognostic implications. Fetal diagnosis can enable appropriate counseling of the family and guide optimal peri-and postnatal management. The reported case represents the first prenatal description of cor triatriatum sinister in association with HLHS.”
“Time resolved three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography generates four-dimensional (3D+time) data sets that bring new possibilities in clinical practice.

[doi:10 1063/1 3537924]“
“Sucrose transporters (SUTs) are kn

[doi:10.1063/1.3537924]“
“Sucrose transporters (SUTs) are known to play critical roles in the uptake of sucrose from the apoplast in various

steps of sugar translocation. Because developing pollen is symplastically isolated from anther tissues, it is hypothesized that SUTs are active in the uptake of apoplastic sucrose into pollen. To investigate SNS-032 this possibility, a comprehensive expression analysis was performed for members of the SUT gene family in the developing pollen of rice (Oryza sativa L.) using real-time RT-PCR combined with a laser microdissection technique. Among the five SUT genes, OsSUT1 and OsSUT3 were found to be preferentially expressed and had temporal expression patterns that were distinct from each other. Expression of OsSUT1 in pollen was confirmed by a promoter-GUS fusion assay. The physiological function of OsSUT1 in pollen was further investigated

using retrotransposon insertion mutant lines. While the homozygote of disrupted OsSUT1 (SUT1-/-) could not be obtained, heterozygote plants (SUT1+/-) showed normal grain filling. Their progeny segregated into SUT1+/- and SUT1+/+ with the ratio of 1:1, suggesting that the pollen disrupted for OsSUT1 is dysfunctional. This hypothesis was reinforced in vivo by a backcross of SUT1+/- plants with wild-type plants and also by in vitro pollen germination on the artificial media. However, starch accumulation during pollen development was not affected by disruption of OsSUT1, suggesting that the sugar(s) required for starch biosynthesis is supplied by other sugar transporters.”
“Clinicians might minimize the prevalence of behavioral disorders among mentally retarded people. Decreased attention, hyperactivity, Selleckchem BI2536 and impulsivity are frequently reported in children with Down syndrome, yet the exact prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has not been clearly estimated in this population. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of ADHD in children

with Down syndrome and to emphasize the possible relationship between ADHD symptoms and the level of mental GSK923295 molecular weight retardation and common medical comorbidity. In this study, the prevalence of ADHD among Down syndrome children was very high, reaching 43.9%. No significant correlation was found between ADHD symptoms and the level of mental retardation, but significant correlation was found with ophthalmologic problems. We conclude that children with Down syndrome are at increased risk for ADHD. When evaluating children with Down syndrome for attention deficits, psychiatric comorbidity as well as medical problems should be carefully taken into consideration.”
“Portulacaceae is one of 19 families of terrestrial plants in which species having C-4 photosynthesis have been found. Representative species from major clades of the genus Portulaca were studied to characterize the forms of photosynthesis structurally and biochemically. The species P. amilis, P. grandiflora, P. molokiniensis, P. oleracea, P.

Results There was no statistically significance difference in cor

Results There was no statistically significance difference in corneal thickness between gender, eye, and the eight directions (P=0.804, 0.05, 0.05). There was a statistical difference between the thickness in areas a, b, and c (P<0.05). The corneal thickness increased gradually from the center to the periphery of the 6mm measured. The center corneal

thickness was 387 +/- 19.8m for OD and 384 +/- 20.2m for OS. The corneal thicknesses of the www.selleckchem.com/products/Imatinib-Mesylate.html thinnest point of the right eyes (OD) and the left eyes (OS) were 376 +/- 20.2 and 370 +/- 16.8m, respectively. There was positive correlation between the thinnest point and area a in both the right eyes (r=0.892, P<0.001) and the left eyes (r=0.832, P<0.001). Conclusions This is the first documentation of the rabbit corneal thickness in vivo using the spectral-domain AS-OCT. Pigmented rabbit corneas were almost 150m thinner than human corneal values. Gender and eye were not associated with any statistical differences in central corneal Doramapimod ic50 thickness in this study.”
“Disturbances of hippocampal plasticity, including impaired dendritic branching and reductions

of neurogenesis, are provoked by stressful insults and may occur in depression. Although corticoids likely contribute to stressor-induced reductions of neurogenesis, other signaling messengers, including pro-inflammatory cytokines might also be involved. Accordingly, the present investigation assessed whether three proinflammatory cytokines, namely interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) (associated with depression) influenced cellular proliferation within the hippocampus. In Ricolinostat nmr this regard, systemic administration of TNF-alpha reduced 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling within the hippocampus, whereas IL-1 beta and IL-6 had

no such effect. However, repeated but not a single intra-hippocampal infusion of IL-6 and IL-1 beta actually increased cellular proliferation and IL-6 infusion also enhanced microglial staining within the hippocampus. Yet, no changes in doublecortin expression were apparent, suggesting that the cytokine did not influence the birth of cells destined to become neurons. Essentially, the route of administration and chronicity of cytokine administration had a marked influence upon the nature of hippocampal alterations provoked, suggesting that cytokines may differentially regulate hippocampal plasticity in neuropsychiatric conditions.”
“Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate radiation exposure during aortic endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) on a mobile C-arm using a low dose and pulse mode.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database on patients undergoing EVAR. Indirect dose measurements of dose area product (DAP, mGy m(2)) calculated by the C-arm (OEC 9900MD), fluoroscopic time (FT), type of procedure, contrast media volume and body mass index were analysed.

This randomized trial examined the effects of warfarin in the pre

This randomized trial examined the effects of warfarin in the prevention of these complications in high-risk patients.

Method: Between February 2004 and September 2007, we studied 101 adults who underwent a first cardiac device implantation, and who had a left ventricular ejection fraction <= 0.40, or a temporary pacing system ipsilateral to the permanent implant, or both. After device implantation, the patients were randomly assigned to warfarin to a target international normalized ratio of 2.0-3.5, or to placebo. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed regularly up to 6 months postimplant. Venous

lesions were detected at 6 months by digital subtraction venography.

Results: Venous obstructions of various degrees were observed in 46 of the 92 patients (50.0%) who underwent venography. The frequency of venous obstructions was

60.4% in the placebo, versus 38.6% in the warfarin group Galardin (P = 0.018), corresponding to an absolute risk reduction of 22% (relative risk = 0.63; 95% confidence interval = 0.013-0.42).

Conclusions: Warfarin prophylaxis lowered the frequency of venous lesions after transvenous devices implantation in high-risk patients. (PACE 2009; 32:S247-S251)”
“SETTING: The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University and the Chest Hospital of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi, China.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance and feasibility of the microscopic MK-2206 order observation drug susceptibility (MODS) assay for the simultaneous detection of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) in a high-burden, resource-limited setting.

METHODS: A total of 208 archived clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were used to compare MODS with the conventional proportion method for the rapid detection of resistance mTOR inhibitor to rifampicin (RMP) and isoniazid (INH), as well as to the second-line drugs ofloxacin (OFX) and kanamycin (KM).

RESULTS: Sensitivity was respectively 94.5%, 91%, 96.2% and 91.5% for RMP, INH, OFX and KM, and specificity was respectively 97.5%, 96%, 100% and 98.7%. Results for MODS were obtained in a median time of 7 days (range 5-17).

CONCLUSION:

The MODS assay offers a simple, rapid, economical and feasible method for the detection of M. tuberculosis resistance to first- and second-line drugs in resource-limited settings.”
“The dehydriding reaction of alpha-AlH3 induced by high-energy electron irradiation was observed in situ by transmission electron microscopy and associated electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). An alpha-AlH3 crystal decomposed into fine aluminum particles while retaining its initial external shape because of a thin rigid surface layer that covered the entire particle. EELS revealed that the thin surface layer was amorphous aluminum oxide, which stabilizes alpha-AlH3 particles at ambient temperature. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.