Microbial associations for bioremediation. What does “microbial consortia” mean?

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Microbial associations for bioremediation. What does "microbial consortia" mean? Via Latest Results for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Abstract Microbial associations arise as useful tools in several biotechnological processes. Among them, bioremediation of contaminated environments usually takes advantage of these microbial associations. Despite being frequently used, these associations are indicated using a variety of expressions, showing a lack of consensus by specialists in the field. The main idea of this work is to analyze the variety of microbial associations referred to as "microbial consortia" (MC) in the context of pollutants biodegradation and bioremediation. To do that, we summarize the origin of the term pointing out the features that an MC is expected to meet, according to the opinion of several authors. An analysis of related bibliography was done seeking criteria to rationalize and classify MC in the context of bioremediation. We identify that the microbe's origin and the level of human intervention are usually considered as a category to classify them as natural microbial consort ia (NMC), artificial microbial consortia (AMC), and synthetic microbial consortia (SMC). In this sense, NMC are those associations composed by microorganisms obtained from a single source while AMC members come from different sources. SMC are a class of AMC in which microbial composition is defined to accomplish a certain specific task. We propose that the effective or potential existence of the interaction among MC members in the source material should be considered as a category in the classification as well, in combination with the origin of the source and level of intervention. Cross-kingdom MC and new developments were also considered. Finally, the existence of grey zones in the limits between each proposed microbial consortia category is addressed. Key points • Microbial consortia for bioremediation can be obtained through different methods. • The use of the term "microbial consortia" is unclear in the specialized literature. • We propose a simplified classification for microbial consortia for bioremediation. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Increased migratory activity and cartilage regeneration by superficial-zone chondrocytes in enzymatically treated cartilage explants

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Increased migratory activity and cartilage regeneration by superficial-zone chondrocytes in enzymatically treated cartilage explants Via Latest Results for BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Abstract Background Limited chondrocyte migration and impaired cartilage-to-cartilage healing is a barrier in cartilage regenerative therapy. Collagenase treatment and delivery of a chemotactic agent may play a positive role in chondrocyte repopulation at the site of cartilage damage. This study evaluated chondrocyte migratory activity after enzymatic treatment in cultured cartilage explant. Differential effects of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) dimeric isoforms on the migratory activity were investigated to define major chemotactic factors for cartilage. Methods Full-thickness cartilage (4-mm3 blocks) were harvested from porcine femoral condyles and subjected to explant culture. After 15 min or 60 min of actinase and collagenase treatments, chondrocyte migration and infiltration into a 0.5-mm cartilage gap was investigated. Cell morphology and lubricin, keratan sulfate, and chondroitin 4 sulfate expression in superficial- and deep-zone chondrocytes were assessed. The chemotactic activities of PDGF-AA, −AB, and -BB were measured in each zone of chondrocytes, using a modified Boyden chamber assay. The protein and mRNA expression and histological localization of PDGF-β were analyzed by western blot analysis, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunohistochemistry, and results in each cartilage zone were compared. Results Superficial-zone chondrocytes had higher migratory activity than deep-zone chondrocytes and actively bridged the cartilage gap, while metachromatic staining by toluidine blue and immunoreactivities of keratan sulfate and chondroitin 4 sulfate were detected around the cells migrating from the superficial zone. These superficial-zone cells with weak immunoreactivity for lubricin tended to enter the cartilage gap and possessed higher migratory activity, while the deep-zone chondrocytes remained in the lacuna and exhibited less migratory activity. Among PDGF isoforms, PDGF-AB maximized the degree of chemotactic activity of superficial zone chondrocytes. Increased expression of PDGF receptor-β was associated with higher migratory activity of the superficial-zone chondrocytes. Conclusions In enzymatically treated cartilage explant culture, chondrocyte migration and infiltration into the cartilage gap was higher in the superficial zone than in the deep zone. Preferential expression of PDGF receptor-β combined with the PDGF-AB dimeric isoform may explain the increased migratory activity of the superficial-zone chondrocytes. Cells migrating from superficial zone may contribute to cartilage regeneration. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The Ali Krogius procedure for treatment of patellofemoral instability should be regarded as obsolete even in skeletally immature patients

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader The Ali Krogius procedure for treatment of patellofemoral instability should be regarded as obsolete even in skeletally immature patients Via Latest Results for BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Abstract Background Several interventions are established for treating patellofemoral instability in adults. Fewer exist for pediatric patients without damaging the epiphysis. The Ali Krogius (AK) method is currently still being used. Most studies are not current and report varying results in small patient population. The aim of this study is to determine the long-term results of the AK method. Methods In this monocentric, retrospective study design, 33 knees in 33 patients who received the AK procedure for recurrent patellar dislocation were assessed. The average age was 20.8 years (range 6–40). The following functional scores were assessed: Kujala Score, Lysholm Score and Tegner Score. Subgroup analysis was done for patients ≤16 years of age. Available preoperative imaging was assessed for known risk factors. Results After an average follow-up of 7.8 years (Range 59–145 months), a total of 8 (24%) knees suffered a redislocation postoperatively. Seven of the eight dislocations occurred in patients ≤ 16 years of age. One knee (3%) was revised due to persistent pain. The median score was 86 points for the Kujala score and 90 for the Lysholm score. The median in the Tegner score was level 6. Clinically, the patellar glide was lateralized in 7 knees (21%) and an apprehension sign was triggered in 8 knees (24%). Conclusions Including the present study, the existing literature indicates a redislocation rate between 24 and 41% following AK. It should thus be regarded as obsolete even though it protects the epiphysis. Surgical interventions such as medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with femoral drilling distal to the epiphysis should be preferred. Trial registration Retrospectively registered: S-302/2016. Level of evidence III View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The time course of different neuromuscular adaptations to short-term downhill running training and their specific relationships with strength gains

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader The time course of different neuromuscular adaptations to short-term downhill running training and their specific relationships with strength gains Via Latest Results for European Journal of Applied Physiology Abstract Purpose Due to its eccentric nature, downhill running (DR) training has been suggested to promote strength gains through neuromuscular adaptations. However, it is unknown whether short-term chronic DR can elicit such adaptations. Methods Twelve untrained, young, healthy adults (5 women, 7 men) took part in 4 weeks' DR, comprising 10 sessions, with running speed equivalent to 60–65% maximal oxygen uptake ( \(\dot{V}\) O2max, assessed at weeks 0 and 4). Isometric and isokinetic knee-extensor maximal voluntary torque (MVT), vastus lateralis (VL) muscle morphology/architecture (anatomical cross-sectional area, ACSA; physiological CSA, PCSA; volume; fascicle length, Lf; pennation angle, PA) and neuromuscular activation (VL EMG) were assessed at weeks 0, 2 and 4. Results MVT increased by 9.7–15.2% after 4 weeks (p < 0.01). VL EMG during isometric MVT increased by 35.6 ± 46.1% after 4 weeks (p < 0.05) and correlated with changes in isometric MVT after 2 weeks (r = 0.86, p = 0.001). VL ACSA (+2.9 ± 2.7% and +7.1 ± 3.5%) and volume (+2.5 ± 2.5% and +6.6 ± 3.2%) increased after 2 and 4 weeks, respectively (p < 0.05). PCSA (+3.8 ± 3.3%), PA (+5.8 ± 3.8%) and Lf (+2.7 ± 2.2%) increased after 4 weeks (p < 0.01). Changes in VL volume (r = 0.67, p = 0.03) and PCSA (r = 0.71, p = 0.01) correlated with changes in concentric MVT from 2 to 4 weeks. \(\dot{V}\) O2max (49.4 ± 6.2 vs. 49.7 ± 6.3 mL·kg−1·min−1) did not change after 4 weeks (p = 0.73). Conclusion Just 4 weeks' moderate-intensity DR promoted neuromuscular adaptations in young, healthy adults, typically observed after high-intensity eccentric resistance training. Neural adaptations appeared to contribute to most of the strength gains at 2 and 4 weeks, while muscle hypertrophy seemed to contribute to MVT changes from 2 to 4 weeks only. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The effects of eccentric hamstring exercise training in young female handball players

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader The effects of eccentric hamstring exercise training in young female handball players Via Latest Results for European Journal of Applied Physiology Abstract Purpose The multidimensional role of hamstring muscle group strength in athletic performance and injury prevention is well documented, and nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is a popular method for the development of hamstring strength. Our aim was to examine the EMG characteristics of the eccentric NHE as well as the effects of long-term eccentric NHE training on muscle strength and vertical jump performance in 10- to 11-year-old female handball players. Methods Players from the same handball team were randomly assigned to an eccentric NHE training (13 players) or a control group (10 players). Both groups continued their regular handball training routine, but the NHE group performed additional eccentric NHE exercises once or twice a week, with progressively increasing volume, over 20 weeks. To test training effects, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, eccentric hamstring impulse, peak torque, and angle of peak torque were evaluated before, during and after the training period. In the pre-exercise test, EMG activity of the medial and lateral hamstring muscle was also assessed during NHE. Results Hamstring activities ranged between 98 and 129%. Lateral hamstring activity was greater than medial only in the right leg during NHE. Eccentric hamstring impulse improved in both legs at 10 weeks in both groups. Then, at 20 weeks, it remained unchanged in the NHE but decreased in controls. A similar adaptation was seen in eccentric hamstring torque, without change in the optimum knee angle. CMJ height improved only in the NHE. Conclusion It is concluded that NHE activates the hamstring musculature effectively, and a favourable mechanical adaptation to long-term NHE exercise in girls can be triggered as early as 11 years of age. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Enhancement of radiation response of breast cancer cells through the incorporation of Bi2S3 nanorods

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Enhancement of radiation response of breast cancer cells through the incorporation of Bi2S3 nanorods Via Latest Results for Journal of Nanoparticle Research Abstract The aim of this work was to develop nanomaterials that can be used as sensitizers in radiotherapy treatment. The synthesis of bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) particles with nanometer size by the hot injection method was studied as well as their behavior when coated with a biocompatible agent. The hot injection method allowed us to synthesize Bi2S3 nanorods measuring in average 4.2 ± 1.4 nm in width and 27.5 ± 16.3 nm in length. Moreover, to improve their biocompatibility, these nanorods were coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone with the purpose of studying the behavior of nanorods in the bloodstream. The results indicated that the suspensions were more stable when the media had protein components which may facilitate the blood circulation of the particles. The toxicity of the nanorods and their radiosensitization potential were evaluated and determined in breast cancer cells (MCF7). These results show that the synthesized nanorods did not evidence cytotoxicity up to a concentration of 2500 μg/mL, over 72 h of incubation. On the other hand, the sensitivity of MCF7 cells with and without nanorods in the culture medium, afterward irradiating them with a dose of 2 Gy 60Co gamma radiation source, showed a 38% increase in cell death when compared to cells that were only irradiated. Our results show that Bi2S3 nanorods are very promising as anticancer agents improving the efficiency of radiotherapy. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Gastric duplication cyst: a challenging EUS differential diagnosis between subepithelial gastric lesion and exophytic pancreatic cystic neoplasm—a case report and a literature review

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Gastric duplication cyst: a challenging EUS differential diagnosis between subepithelial gastric lesion and exophytic pancreatic cystic neoplasm—a case report and a literature review Via Latest Results for Clinical Journal of Gastroenterology Abstract Gastric duplication cysts are rare congenital malformation with a potential neoplastic progression and they may represent a challenge in differential diagnosis with exophytic pancreatic cyst neoplasm. We describe a case of a 38-year old man, complaining of recurrent epigastric pain due to a large abdominal mass, referred to our Hospital for EUS evaluation. Differential diagnosis was between gastric duplication cyst and exophytic pancreatic cyst because of FNA pointed out amylase 1280 UI/L and CEA 593.33 ng/mL. Despite antibiotic prophylaxis, an overinfection of the lesion occurred after the FNA, likely due to the technical failure to drain the cyst completely. Afterwards, the patient was referred to surgery and the pathologist confirmed the diagnosis of gastric duplication cyst. In this setting, EUS procedure has gained a leading play, complementary to traditional imaging tests, although its role has been not yet standardized in the reported literature. Here , we describe and discuss our demanding case, and we propose an algorithm to simplify and standardize the diagnostic workup. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Real-time eye state recognition using dual convolutional neural network ensemble

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Real-time eye state recognition using dual convolutional neural network ensemble Via Latest Results for Journal of Real-Time Image Processing Abstract Automatic recognition of the eye states is essential for diverse computer vision applications related to drowsiness detection, facial emotion recognition (FER), human–computer interaction (HCI), etc. Existing solutions for eye state detection are either parameter intensive or suffer from a low recognition rate. This paper presents the design and implementation of a vision-based system for real-time eye state recognition on a resource-constrained embedded platform to tackle these issues. The designed system uses an ensemble of two lightweight convolutional neural networks (CNN), each trained to extract relevant information from the eye patches. We adopted transfer-learning-based fine-tuning to overcome the over-fitting issues when training the CNNs on small sample eye state datasets. Once trained, these CNNs are integrated and jointly fine-tuned to achieve enhanced performance. Experimental results manifest the effectiveness of the proposed eye state recognizer that is robust and computationally efficient. On the ZJU dataset, the proposed DCNNE model delivered the state-of-the-art recognition accuracy of 97.99% and surpassed the prior best recognition accuracy of 97.20% by 0.79%. The designed model also achieved competitive results on the CEW and MRL datasets. Finally, the designed CNNs are optimized and ported on two different embedded platforms for real-world applications with real-time performance. The complete system runs at 62 frames per second (FPS) on an Nvidia Xavier device and 11 FPS on a low-cost Intel NCS2 embedded platform using a frame size of 640 \(\times\) 480 pixels resolution. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The role of DHCR24 in the pathogenesis of AD: re-cognition of the relationship between cholesterol and AD pathogenesis

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader The role of DHCR24 in the pathogenesis of AD: re-cognition of the relationship between cholesterol and AD pathogenesis Via Latest Results for Acta Neuropathologica Communications Abstract Previous studies show that 3β-hydroxysterol-Δ24 reductase (DHCR24) has a remarked decline in the brain of AD patients. In brain cholesterol synthetic metabolism, DHCR24 is known as the heavily key synthetase in cholesterol synthesis. Moreover, mutations of DHCR24 gene result in inhibition of the enzymatic activity of DHCR24, causing brain cholesterol deficiency and desmosterol accumulation. Furthermore, in vitro studies also demonstrated that DHCR24 knockdown lead to the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, and the decrease of plasma membrane cholesterol and intracellular cholesterol level. Obviously, DHCR24 could play a crucial role in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis via the control of cholesterol synthesis. Over the past two decades, accumulating data suggests that DHCR24 activity is downregulated by major risk factors for AD, suggesting a potential link between DHCR24 downregulation and AD pathogenesis. Thus, the brain cholesterol loss seems to be indu ced by the major risk factors for AD, suggesting a possible causative link between brain cholesterol loss and AD. According to previous data and our study, we further found that the reduced cholesterol level in plasma membrane and intracellular compartments by the deficiency of DHCR24 activity obviously was involved in β-amyloid generation, tau hyperphosphorylation, apoptosis. Importantly, increasing evidences reveal that the brain cholesterol loss and lipid raft disorganization are obviously linked to neuropathological impairments which are associated with AD pathogenesis. Therefore, based on previous data and research on DHCR24, we suppose that the brain cholesterol deficiency/loss might be involved in the pathogenesis of AD. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Colocalization of Coronary Plaque with Wall Shear Stress in Myocardial Bridge Patients

xlomafota.13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Colocalization of Coronary Plaque with Wall Shear Stress in Myocardial Bridge Patients Via Latest Results for Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology Abstract Purpose Patients with myocardial bridges (MBs) have a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis. Wall shear stress (WSS) has previously been correlated with plaque in coronary artery disease patients, but such correlations have not been investigated in symptomatic MB patients. The aim of this paper was to use a multi-scale computational fluid dynamics (CFD) framework to simulate hemodynamics in MB patient, and investigate the co-localization of WSS and plaque. Methods We identified N = 10 patients from a previously reported cohort of 50 symptomatic MB patients, all of whom had plaque in the proximal vessel. Dynamic 3D models were reconstructed from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and catheter angiograms. CFD simulations were performed to compute WSS proximal to, within and distal to the MB. Plaque was quantified from IVUS images in 2 mm segments and registered to CFD model. Plaque area was compared to absolute and patient-normalized WSS. Results WSS was lower in the proximal segment compared to the bridge segment (6.1 ± 2.9 vs. 16.0 ± 7.1 dynes/cm2, p value < 0.01). Plaque area and plaque burden measured from IVUS peaked at 1–3 cm proximal to the MB entrance, coinciding with the first diagonal branch. Normalized WSS showed a statistically significant moderate correlation with plaque area (r = 0.41, p < 0.01). Conclusion WSS may be obtained non-invasively in MB patients and provides a surrogate marker of plaque area. Using CFD, it may be possible to non-invasively assess the extent of plaque area, and identify patients who could benefit from frequent monitoring or medical management. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Laser‐Assisted Sialolithotripsy: A Correlation of Objective and Subjective Outcomes

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Laser‐Assisted Sialolithotripsy: A Correlation of Objective and Subjective Outcomes Via The Laryngoscope Objective To analyze the long-term symptomatic results of laser-assisted sialolithotripsy (LAS) in cases of obstructive sialolithiasis and correlate with objective criteria using diagnostic sialendoscopy (DS) as a method of examination. Methods This is a retrospective study comprising 50 consecutive patients who underwent holmium-YAG LAS and completed follow-up of at least 6 months. Symptom scoring and endoscopic scoring were done at 6 weeks and 6 months intervals for further study purposes. Results At the end of 6 weeks post-LAS, 70% patients were asymptomatic (A-sym) and only 30% had residual symptoms (Sym). However, obstructed duct (OB-duct) was observed on endoscopic scoring in 88% due to stenosis, residual stones, or both stenosis and residual stones. The obstructed ducts were treated in outpatient clinic and followed up over time, leading to 98% of patients being in A-sym group at the end of study period of 6 months. At the end of study, 82% of patients had clear duct (CL-duct). Conclusion Holmium LAS is a viable option for the management of intermediate-sized stones. LAS if used judiciously, and in properly selected cases, has high rate of stone fragmentation and symptom resolution. A vigilant postoperative protocol taking into account residual mealtime symptoms and altered salivary characteristics combined with early DS can help identify and treat patients with residual stone fragments and ductal stenosis. Level of Evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 2022 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.